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Nicolau ST, Tres DP, Ayala TS, Menolli RA. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Experimental Chagas Disease: An Unsolved Question. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13057. [PMID: 39008292 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13057] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi with an acute, detectable blood parasites phase and a chronic phase, in which the parasitemia is not observable, but cardiac and gastrointestinal consequences are possible. Mice are the principal host used in experimental Chagas disease but reproduce the human infection depending on the animal and parasite strain, besides dose and route of administration. Lipidic mediators are tremendously involved in the pathogenesis of T. cruzi infection, meaning the prostaglandins and thromboxane, which participate in the immunosuppression characteristic of the acute phase. Thus, the eicosanoids inhibition caused by the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alters the dynamic of the disease in the experimental models, both in vitro and in vivo, which can explain the participation of the different mediators in infection. However, marked differences are founded in the various NSAIDs existing because of the varied routes blocked by the drugs. So, knowing the results in the experimental models of Chagas disease with or without the NSAIDs helps comprehend the pathogenesis of this infection, which still needs a better understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scheila Thaís Nicolau
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Center of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Western Parana State University, Cascavel, Brazil
| | - Daniela Patrícia Tres
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Center of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Western Parana State University, Cascavel, Brazil
| | - Thaís Soprani Ayala
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Center of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Western Parana State University, Cascavel, Brazil
| | - Rafael Andrade Menolli
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Center of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Western Parana State University, Cascavel, Brazil
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Li T, Zhang X, Wang H, Li J, Wang H, Zhang X. Development, Physical-Chemical Characterization, and Molecular Docking Simulations of Ursolic Acid-Sodium Alginate Complexes. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:14311-14319. [PMID: 34797663 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c02787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to fabricate ursolic acid (UA)-sodium alginate (SA) complexes to improve the dissolution rate and antioxidant abilities. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine) assay and the pyrogallol auto-oxidation method. For the optimal composition ratio of UA:SA (1:5, w/w), the cumulative release of UA was about 101.22 ± 1.50% for 180 min. Powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed that the crystallinity of UA was significantly reduced by forming complexes with SA. By Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and molecular docking simulations, it was observed that the hydroxyl group in UA formed hydrogen bonding with the carbonyl group in SA. The DPPH scavenger activities of the complexes were also increased compared with free UA. The results indicated that SA could serve as a promising carrier for lipophilic functional food ingredients due to improved solubility and antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xindi Zhang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hongyue Wang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jinghan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 308 SE Harvard St, Minneapolis, 55455 Minnesota, United States
| | - Hanxun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiangrong Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
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Jayasuriya R, Dhamodharan U, Ali D, Ganesan K, Xu B, Ramkumar KM. Targeting Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway by bioactive natural agents: Possible therapeutic strategy to combat liver disease. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 92:153755. [PMID: 34583226 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), a stress-activated transcription factor, has been documented to induce a defense mechanism against oxidative stress damage, and growing evidence considers this signaling pathway a key pharmacological target for the treatment of liver diseases. PURPOSE The present review highlights the role of phytochemical compounds in activating Nrf2 and mitigate toxicant-induced stress on liver injury. METHODS A comprehensive search of published articles was carried out to focus on original publications related to Nrf2 activators against liver disease using various literature databases, including the scientific Databases of Science Direct, Web of Science, Pubmed, Google, EMBASE, and Scientific Information (SID). RESULTS Nrf2 activators exhibited promising effects in resisting a variety of liver diseases induced by different toxicants in preclinical experiments and in vitro studies by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as an antioxidant defense mechanism. We found that the phytochemical compounds, such as curcumin, naringenin, sulforaphane, diallyl disulfide, mangiferin, oleanolic acid, umbelliferone, daphnetin, quercetin, isorhamnetin-3-O-galactoside, hesperidin, diammonium glycyrrhizinate, corilagin, shikonin, farrerol, and chenpi, had the potential to improve the Nrf2-ARE signaling thereby combat hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSION Nrf2 activators may offer a novel potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. More extensive studies are essential to identify the underlying mechanisms and establish future therapeutic potentials of these signaling modulators. Further clinical trials are warranted to determine the safety and effectiveness of Nrf2 activators for hepatopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravichandran Jayasuriya
- SRM Research Institute and Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | | | - Daoud Ali
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Kumar Ganesan
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Baojun Xu
- Food Science and Technology Program, BNU-HKBU United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China.
| | - Kunka Mohanram Ramkumar
- SRM Research Institute and Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
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Catteau L, Schioppa L, Beaufay C, Girardi C, Hérent MF, Frédérich M, Quetin-Leclercq J. Antiprotozoal activities of Triterpenic Acids and Ester Derivatives Isolated from the Leaves of Vitellaria paradoxa. PLANTA MEDICA 2021; 87:860-867. [PMID: 33285591 DOI: 10.1055/a-1286-1879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Leaves of Vitellaria paradoxa, also called "Shea butter tree", are used in traditional medicine to treat various symptoms including malaria fever, dysentery, or skin infections. Composition of the dichloromethane extract of V. paradoxa leaves possessing antiparasitic activities was investigated. Five pentacyclic triterpenic acids together with 6 ester derivatives were isolated and identified by standards comparison, MS and 1H-NMR analysis. Corosolic, maslinic, and tormentic coumaroyl esters and their corresponding triterpenic acids were isolated from this plant for the first time. The antiparasitic activities of the 11 isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro on Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, and Leishmania mexicana mexicana and their selectivity determined by cytotoxicity evaluation on WI38 cells. None of the isolated compounds showed good antiplasmodial activity. The antitrypanosomal activity of individual compounds was in general higher than their antileishmanial one. One isolated triterpenic ester mixture in equilibrium, 3-O-p-E/Z-coumaroyltormentic acids, showed an attractive promising antitrypanosomal activity (IC50 = 0.7 µM) with low cytotoxicity (IC50= 44.5 µM) compared to the corresponding acid. Acute toxicity test on this ester did not show any toxicity at the maximal cumulative dose of 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally on mice. In vivo efficacy evaluation of this compound, at 50 mg/kg by intraperitoneal route on a T. b. brucei-infected mice model, showed a significant parasitemia reduction on day 4 post-infection together with 33.3% survival improvement. Further bioavailability and PK studies are needed along with mode of action investigations to further assess the potential of this molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Catteau
- Louvain Drug Research Institute-Pharmacognosy (LDRI-GNOS), Université catholique de Louvain Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura Schioppa
- Louvain Drug Research Institute-Pharmacognosy (LDRI-GNOS), Université catholique de Louvain Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claire Beaufay
- Louvain Drug Research Institute-Pharmacognosy (LDRI-GNOS), Université catholique de Louvain Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cynthia Girardi
- Louvain Drug Research Institute-Pharmacognosy (LDRI-GNOS), Université catholique de Louvain Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-France Hérent
- Louvain Drug Research Institute-Pharmacognosy (LDRI-GNOS), Université catholique de Louvain Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel Frédérich
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, CIRM, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Joëlle Quetin-Leclercq
- Louvain Drug Research Institute-Pharmacognosy (LDRI-GNOS), Université catholique de Louvain Brussels, Belgium
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Ebert SM, Al-Zougbi A, Bodine SC, Adams CM. Skeletal Muscle Atrophy: Discovery of Mechanisms and Potential Therapies. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 34:232-239. [PMID: 31165685 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00003.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy proceeds through a complex molecular signaling network that is just beginning to be understood. Here, we discuss examples of recently identified molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy and how they highlight an immense need and opportunity for focused biochemical investigations and further unbiased discovery work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Ebert
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,Emmyon, Inc., Coralville, Iowa
| | - Asma Al-Zougbi
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Sue C Bodine
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,Emmyon, Inc., Coralville, Iowa
| | - Christopher M Adams
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa.,Emmyon, Inc., Coralville, Iowa.,Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa
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Pironi AM, de Araújo PR, Fernandes MA, Salgado HRN, Chorilli M. Characteristics, Biological Properties and Analytical Methods of Ursolic Acid: A Review. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2018; 48:86-93. [PMID: 29039968 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2017.1390425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid (UA) is a naturally occurring triterpenoid which is a promising candidate for the development of new therapeutic approaches and for the prevention and treatment of several diseases owing to its pharmacological importance. However, its low solubility in aqueous medium affects its therapeutic application. Several strategies have been used to overcome this obstacle. In this study, the incorporation of UA in to different drug delivery systems was found to be highly efficient. In addition, important investigations were performed about methods for qualitative and quantitative analyses of UA in various raw materials, including plants, biological fluids, and drug delivery systems, were investigated. Most recently high performance liquid chromatography coupled with various detectors, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis were used for this purpose. Thus, this review was performed to evaluate the biological effects of UA demonstrated thus far as well as the currently used, delivery systems and analytical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Maria Pironi
- a Departament of Drugs and Medicines , São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Araraquara , São Paulo , Brasil
| | - Patricia Rocha de Araújo
- a Departament of Drugs and Medicines , São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Araraquara , São Paulo , Brasil
| | - Mariza Aires Fernandes
- a Departament of Drugs and Medicines , São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Araraquara , São Paulo , Brasil
| | - Hérida Regina Nunes Salgado
- a Departament of Drugs and Medicines , São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Araraquara , São Paulo , Brasil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- a Departament of Drugs and Medicines , São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Araraquara , São Paulo , Brasil
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Some triterpenic compounds in extracts of Cecropia and Bauhinia species for different sampling years. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjp.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Abriata JP, Eloy JO, Riul TB, Campos PM, Baruffi MD, Marchetti JM. Poly-epsilon-caprolactone nanoparticles enhance ursolic acid in vivo efficacy against Trypanosoma cruzi infection. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 77:1196-1203. [PMID: 28531996 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.03.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite affecting millions of people worldwide, Chagas disease is still neglected by the academia and industry and the therapeutic option available, benznidazole, presents limited efficacy and side effects. Within this context, ursolic acid may serve as an option for treatment, however has low bioavailability, which can be enhanced through the encapsulation in polymeric nanoparticles. Therefore, herein we developed ursolic acid-loaded nanoparticles with poly-ε-caprolactone by the nanoprecipitation method and characterized them for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, morphology by scanning electron microscopy and thermal behavior by differential scanning calorimetry. Results indicated that an appropriate ratio of organic phase/aqueous phase and polymer/drug is necessary to produce smaller particles, with low polydispersity, negative zeta potential and high drug encapsulation efficiency. In vitro studies indicated the safety of the formulation against fibroblast culture and its efficacy in killing T. cruzi. Very importantly, the in vivo study revealed that the ursolic acid-loaded nanoparticle is as potent as the benznidazole group to control parasitemia, which could be attributed to improved bioavailability of the encapsulated drug. Finally, the toxicity evaluation showed that while benznidazole group caused liver toxicity, the nanoparticles were safe, indicating that this formulation is promising for future evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Palma Abriata
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Josimar O Eloy
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thalita Bachelli Riul
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Dias Baruffi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Cargnin ST, Gnoatto SB. Ursolic acid from apple pomace and traditional plants: A valuable triterpenoid with functional properties. Food Chem 2017; 220:477-489. [PMID: 27855928 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Apple juice production generates a large amount of residue comprising mainly peels, seeds, and pulp, known as apple pomace. In the global context, Brazil ranks 11th in apple production and thousands of tons of apple pomace are produced every year. This by-product is little explored, since it is a rich and heterogeneous mixture, containing interesting phytochemical groups. Among them, ursolic acid (UA) has attracted attention because of its therapeutic potential. UA is a pentacyclic triterpene found too in several traditional plants, and has shown several functional properties such as antibacterial, antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory and antitumor. Therefore, this review attempts to shed some light on the economical viability of apple and apple pomace as sources of bioactive compounds, highlighting the UA extraction, and its main functional properties published in the last 5years (2010-2015).
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Tasca Cargnin
- Phytochemistry and Organic Synthesis Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Simone Baggio Gnoatto
- Phytochemistry and Organic Synthesis Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Antônio E, Antunes ODR, de Araújo IS, Khalil NM, Mainardes RM. Poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles loaded with ursolic acid: Characterization and in vitro evaluation of radical scavenging activity and cytotoxicity. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 71:156-166. [PMID: 27987693 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.09.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles containing ursolic acid (UA) by an emulsification-solvent evaporation technique and evaluate the radical scavenging activity over hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and cytotoxicity over erythrocytes and tumor cells. Nanoparticles were successfully obtained and presented mean size of 246nm with spherical or slightly oval morphology, negative zeta potential and 96% of UA encapsulation efficiency. Analyses of FTIR, XRD and DSC-DTG suggest interaction/complexation of UA with PLA matrix and drug amorphization promoted by nanoencapsulation process. Stability study showed that room temperature was the best condition for nanoparticles storage. The in vitro release study showed UA was released from the polymeric matrix over two constants (α, β), suggesting a second order kinetics. After 120h of assay, 60% of UA were released by diffusion. In the HOCl scavenging activity, after 72h of assay UA-loaded nanoparticles presented the same efficacy of free drug. In cytotoxicity test over red blood cells, UA-loaded nanoparticles showed less toxicity on cells than free drug. The cytotoxicity assay over melanoma cells line (B16-F10) showed after 72h that nanoparticles were able to reduce the cell viability in 70%. PLA nanoparticles showed be potential carriers for UA maintaining the antioxidant and antitumor activity of the UA and decreasing its cytotoxicity over normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilli Antônio
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sá 03, 85040-080 Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
| | - Osmar Dos Reis Antunes
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sá 03, 85040-080 Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
| | - Isis Souza de Araújo
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sá 03, 85040-080 Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
| | - Najeh Maissar Khalil
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sá 03, 85040-080 Guarapuava, PR, Brazil
| | - Rubiana Mara Mainardes
- Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sá 03, 85040-080 Guarapuava, PR, Brazil.
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A systematic review of pentacyclic triterpenes and their derivatives as chemotherapeutic agents against tropical parasitic diseases. Parasitology 2016; 143:1219-31. [PMID: 27240847 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016000718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic infections are among the leading global public health problems with very high economic and mortality burdens. Unfortunately, the available treatment drugs are beset with side effects and continuous parasite drug resistance is being reported. However, new findings reveal more promising compounds especially of plant origin. Among the promising leads are the pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) made up of the oleanane, ursane, taraxastane, lupane and hopane types. This paper reviews the literature published from 1985 to date on the in vitro and in vivo anti-parasitic potency of this class of phytochemicals. Of the 191 natural and synthetic PT reported, 85 have shown high anti-parasitic activity against various species belonging to the genera of Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, as well as various genera of Nematoda. Moreover, structural modification especially at carbon 3 (C3) and C27 of the parent backbone of PT has led to improved anti-parasitic activity in some cases and loss of activity in others. The potential of this group of compounds as future alternatives in the treatment of parasitic diseases is discussed. It is hoped that the information presented herein will contribute to the full exploration of this promising group of compounds as possible drugs for parasitic diseases.
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Qian Z, Wang X, Song Z, Zhang H, Zhou S, Zhao J, Wang H. A phase I trial to evaluate the multiple-dose safety and antitumor activity of ursolic acid liposomes in subjects with advanced solid tumors. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:809714. [PMID: 25866811 PMCID: PMC4383362 DOI: 10.1155/2015/809714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ursolic acid liposome (UAL), a new antitumor drug, has potential therapeutic value. However, limited clinical data exists regarding multiple-dose safety, antitumor activity, and the recommended dose (RD) of UAL for subjects with advanced solid tumors. All subjects were intravenously administered UAL for 14 consecutive days of a 21-day treatment cycle. Twenty-one subjects were enrolled in 1 of 3 sequential cohorts (56, 74, and 98 mg/m(2)) to evaluate multiple-dose tolerability and efficacy. Eight additional subjects were treated with UAL (74 mg/m(2)) to evaluate multiple-dose pharmacokinetics. No ≥grade 3 adverse events (NCI-CTC) were observed. Sixty percent subjects achieved stable disease after 2 treatment cycles. Multiple-dose pharmacokinetic analysis suggested UAL does not accumulate in the body. This trial demonstrates that UAL was tolerable, had manageable toxicity, and could potentially improve patient remission rates. A large phase II study is recommended to confirm these results (i.e., RD of 98 mg/m(2)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzi Qian
- Department of Lymphoma, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tiyuanbei, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xianhuo Wang
- Department of Lymphoma, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tiyuanbei, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Zheng Song
- Department of Lymphoma, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tiyuanbei, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Huilai Zhang
- Department of Lymphoma, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tiyuanbei, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Shiyong Zhou
- Department of Lymphoma, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tiyuanbei, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Lymphoma, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tiyuanbei, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Huaqing Wang
- Department of Lymphoma, Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tiyuanbei, Huanhuxi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300060, China
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Eloy JO, Saraiva J, Albuquerque SD, Marchetti JM. Preparation, characterization and evaluation of the in vivo trypanocidal activity of ursolic acid-loaded solid dispersion with poloxamer 407 and sodium caprate. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-82502015000100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid is a promising candidate for treatment of Chagas disease; however it has low aqueous solubility and intestinal absorption, which are both limiting factors for bioavailability. Among the strategies to enhance the solubility and dissolution of lipophilic drugs, solid dispersions are growing in popularity. In this study, we employed a mixture of the surfactants poloxamer 407 with sodium caprate to produce a solid dispersion containing ursolic acid aimed at enhancing both drug dissolution and in vivo trypanocidal activity. Compared to the physical mixture, the solid dispersion presented higher bulk density and smaller particle size. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy results showed hydrogen bonding intermolecular interactions between drug and poloxamer 407. X-ray diffractometry experiments revealed the conversion of the drug from its crystalline form to a more soluble amorphous structure. Consequently, the solubility of ursolic acid in the solid dispersion was increased and the drug dissolved in a fast and complete manner. Taken together with the oral absorption-enhancing property of sodium caprate, these results explained the increase of the in vivo trypanocidal activity of ursolic acid in solid dispersion, which also proved to be safe by cytotoxicity evaluation using the LLC-MK2 cell line.
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Jesus JA, Lago JHG, Laurenti MD, Yamamoto ES, Passero LFD. Antimicrobial activity of oleanolic and ursolic acids: an update. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:620472. [PMID: 25793002 PMCID: PMC4352472 DOI: 10.1155/2015/620472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Triterpenoids are the most representative group of phytochemicals, as they comprise more than 20,000 recognized molecules. These compounds are biosynthesized in plants via squalene cyclization, a C30 hydrocarbon that is considered to be the precursor of all steroids. Due to their low hydrophilicity, triterpenes were considered to be inactive for a long period of time; however, evidence regarding their wide range of pharmacological activities is emerging, and elegant studies have highlighted these activities. Several triterpenic skeletons have been described, including some that have presented with pentacyclic features, such as oleanolic and ursolic acids. These compounds have displayed incontestable biological activity, such as antibacterial, antiviral, and antiprotozoal effects, which were not included in a single review until now. Thus, the present review investigates the potential use of these triterpenes against human pathogens, including their mechanisms of action, via in vivo studies, and the future perspectives about the use of compounds for human or even animal health are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica A. Jesus
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Avenue Dr. Arnaldo 455, 06780-210 Cerqueira César, SP, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Professor Artur Riedel 275, 09972-270 Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G. Lago
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Professor Artur Riedel 275, 09972-270 Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia D. Laurenti
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Avenue Dr. Arnaldo 455, 06780-210 Cerqueira César, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo S. Yamamoto
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Avenue Dr. Arnaldo 455, 06780-210 Cerqueira César, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe D. Passero
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Avenue Dr. Arnaldo 455, 06780-210 Cerqueira César, SP, Brazil
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Eloy JO, Marchetti JM. Solid dispersions containing ursolic acid in Poloxamer 407 and PEG 6000: A comparative study of fusion and solvent methods. POWDER TECHNOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2013.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Li S, Meng F, Liao X, Wang Y, Sun Z, Guo F, Li X, Meng M, Li Y, Sun C. Therapeutic role of ursolic acid on ameliorating hepatic steatosis and improving metabolic disorders in high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86724. [PMID: 24489777 PMCID: PMC3906058 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent liver diseases around the world, and is closely associated with obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. Ursolic acid (UA), an ubiquitous triterpenoid with multifold biological roles, is distributed in various plants. This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanisms of UA against hepatic steatosis in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rat model. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Obese NAFLD model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats by 8-week HFD feeding. Therapeutic role of UA was evaluated using 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5% UA-supplemented diet for another 6 weeks. The results from both morphologic and histological detections indicated that UA significantly reversed HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and liver injury. Besides, hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α was markedly up-regulated at both mRNA and protein levels by UA. Knocking down PPAR-α significantly inhibited the anti-steatosis role of UA in vitro. HFD-induced adverse changes in the key genes, which participated in hepatic lipid metabolism, were also alleviated by UA treatment. Furthermore, UA significantly ameliorated HFD-induced metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results demonstrated that UA effectively ameliorated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis through a PPAR-α involved pathway, via improving key enzymes in the controlling of lipids metabolism. The metabolic disorders were accordingly improved with the decrease of hepatic steatosis. Thereby, UA could be a promising candidate for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songtao Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, P. R. China
| | - Fanyu Meng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, P. R. China
| | - Xilu Liao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, P. R. China
| | - Yemei Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, P. R. China
| | - Zongxiang Sun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, P. R. China
| | - Fuchuan Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, P. R. China
| | - Man Meng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, P. R. China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, P. R. China
| | - Changhao Sun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, P. R. China
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Yamamoto ES, Campos BLS, Laurenti MD, Lago JHG, Grecco SDS, Corbett CEP, Passero LFD. Treatment with triterpenic fraction purified from Baccharis uncinella leaves inhibits Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis spreading and improves Th1 immune response in infected mice. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:333-9. [PMID: 24173812 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3659-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The current medications used to treat leishmaniasis have many side effects for patients; in addition, some cases of the disease are refractory to treatment. Therefore, the search for new leishmanicidal compounds is indispensable. Recently, it was demonstrated that oleanolic- and ursolic-containing fraction from Baccharis uncinella leaves eliminated the promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and L. (Viannia) braziliensis without causing toxic effects for J774 macrophages. Thus, the aim of the present work was to characterize the therapeutic effect of the triterpenic fraction in L. (L.) amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice. Oleanolic- and ursolic acid-containing fraction was extracted from B. uncinella leaves using organic solvents and chromatographic procedures. L. (L.) amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice were treated intraperitoneally with triterpenic fraction during five consecutive days with 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg of triterpenic fraction, or with 10.0 mg/kg of amphotericin B drug. Groups of mice treated with the triterpenic fraction, presented with decreased lesion size and low parasitism of the skin-both of which were associated with high amounts of interleukin-12 and interferon gamma. The curative effect of this fraction was similar to amphotericin B-treated mice; however, the final dose, required to eliminate amastigotes, was lesser than amphotericin B. Moreover, triterpenic fraction did not cause microscopic alterations in liver, spleen, heart, lung, and kidney of experimental groups. This work suggests that this fraction possesses compounds that are characterized by leishmanicidal and immunomodulatory activities. From this perspective, the triterpenic fraction can be explored as a new therapeutic agent for use against American Tegumentar Leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Seiji Yamamoto
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infeciosas, Departamento de Patologia da Faculdade de Medicina, da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, Cerqueira César, 01246-000, São Paulo, Brazil
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da Silva Ferreira D, Esperandim VR, Toldo MPA, Kuehn CC, do Prado Júnior JC, Cunha WR, e Silva MLA, de Albuquerque S. In vivo activity of ursolic and oleanolic acids during the acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Exp Parasitol 2013; 134:455-9. [PMID: 23648663 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Reduction in the parasitemic levels of the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi in mice treated with oral or intraperitoneal ursolic (UA) and oleanolic (OA) acids was evaluated during the acute phase of Chagas' disease. Oral administration of UA and OA (50mg/kg/day) provided the most significant reduction in the parasitemic peak, while intraperitoneal administration of UA and OA did not significantly affect the biological activity of the Y strain of T. cruzi. Interleukin levels in mice treated by the intraperitoneal route were compared to untreated chagasic mice. Reduced γ-IFN levels and enhanced IL-10 concentrations potentially explain the exacerbated parasitemia. Our data suggests an immunosuppressive effect for UA and OA, which could interfere with host control of parasitemia. Optimal results were achieved with oral administration. This observation may be explained by the low intestinal absorption of UA and OA, could cause a reduced immune response and promote parasite control. Taken together, these data demonstrate that triterpenes could be interesting compounds to develop therapeutically for the treatment of Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele da Silva Ferreira
- Universidade de Franca - Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas da Universidade de Franca, Av. Dr. Armando Salles Oliveira, 201, 14404-600 Franca, SP, Brazil.
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de Oliveira Eloy J, Saraiva J, de Albuquerque S, Marchetti JM. Solid dispersion of ursolic acid in Gelucire 50/13: a strategy to enhance drug release and trypanocidal activity. AAPS PharmSciTech 2012; 13:1436-45. [PMID: 23070562 PMCID: PMC3513474 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-012-9868-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid dispersions (SDs) are an approach to increasing the water solubility and bioavailability of lipophilic drugs such as ursolic acid (UA), a triterpenoid with trypanocidal activity. In this work, Gelucire 50/13, a surfactant compound with permeability-enhancing properties, and silicon dioxide, a drying adjuvant, were employed to produce SDs with UA. SDs and physical mixtures (PMs) in different drug/carrier ratios were characterized and compared using differential scanning calorimetry, hot stage microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size, water solubility values, and dissolution profiles. Moreover, LLC-MK2 fibroblast cytotoxicity and trypanocidal activity evaluation were performed to determine the potential of SD as a strategy to improve UA efficacy against Chagas disease. The results demonstrated the conversion of UA from the crystalline to the amorphous state through XRD. FTIR experiments provided evidence of intermolecular interactions among the drug and carriers through carbonyl peak broadening in the SDs. These findings helped explain the enhancement of water solubility from 75.98 μg/mL in PMs to 293.43 μg/mL in SDs and the faster drug release into aqueous media compared with pure UA or PMs, which was maintained after 6 months at room temperature. Importantly, improved SD dissolution was accompanied by higher UA activity against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi, but not against mammalian fibroblasts, enhancing the potential of UA for Chagas disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josimar de Oliveira Eloy
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Avenida do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Juliana Saraiva
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Avenida do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Sergio de Albuquerque
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Avenida do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Juliana Maldonado Marchetti
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Avenida do Café s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo Brazil
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Experimental chemotherapy and approaches to drug discovery for Trypanosoma cruzi infection. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2011; 75:89-119. [PMID: 21820553 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385863-4.00005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In the 100 years since the discovery of Chagas disease, only two drugs have been developed and introduced into clinical practice, and these drugs were introduced over 40 years ago. The tools of drug discovery have improved dramatically in the interim; however, this has not translated into new drugs for Chagas disease. This has been largely because the main practitioners of drug discovery are pharmaceutical companies who are not financially motivated to invest in Chagas disease and other "orphan" diseases. As a result, it has largely been up to academic groups to bring drug candidates through the discovery pipeline and to clinical trials. The difficulty with drug discovery in academia has been the challenge of bringing together the diverse expertise in biology, chemistry, and pharmacology in concerted efforts towards a common goal of developing therapeutics. Funding is often inadequate, but lack of coordination amongst academic investigators with different expertise has also contributed to the slow progress. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of approaches that can be accomplished in academic settings for preclinical drug discovery for Chagas disease. The chapter addresses methods of drug screening against Trypanosoma cruzi cultures and in animal models and includes general topics on compound selection, testing for drug-like properties (including oral bioavailability), investigating the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of compounds, and finally providing parameters to help with triaging compounds.
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Bero J, Hannaert V, Chataigné G, Hérent MF, Quetin-Leclercq J. In vitro antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity of plants used in Benin in traditional medicine and bio-guided fractionation of the most active extract. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 137:998-1002. [PMID: 21782916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity of crude extracts of 10 plant species traditionally used in Benin to treat parasitic infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS For each species, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous extracts were tested. Their antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities were evaluated in vitro on Trypanosoma brucei brucei (strain 427) (Tbb) and on promastigotes of Leishmania mexicana mexicana (MHOM/BZ/84/BEL46) (Lmm). RESULTS The best growth inhibition was observed with the dichloromethane extracts of aerial parts of Acanthospermum hispidum DC. (Asteraceae) (IC(50)=14.5 μg/ml on Tbb and 11.1 μg/ml on Lmm), twigs of Keetia leucantha (K. Krause) Bridson (syn. Plectronia leucantha Krause) (IC(50)=5.8 μg/ml on Tbb), aerial parts of Byrsocarpus coccineus Schumach. & Thonn (syn. Rourea coccinea (Schumach. & Thonn.) Hook.f.) (IC(50)=14.7 μg/ml on Tbb) and aerial parts of Carpolobia lutea G.Don. (IC(50)=18.3 μg/ml on Tbb). All these extracts had a low cytotoxicity. It is not the case for the methanolic and water extracts of roots of Anchomanes difformis (Blume) Engl. (IC(50)=14.7 and 13.8 μg/ml on Tbb) which were toxic at the same concentration range on WI38, human cells. A bio-guided fractionation of the most active extract of Keetia leucantha allowed to identify oleanolic acid and ursolic acid as responsible for the observed activities. CONCLUSION Our study gives some justification for antiparasitic activity of some investigated plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Bero
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Pharmacognosy Research Group, Avenue E. Mounier, 72, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The need for better drugs to treat patients with Chagas disease remains urgent. This review summarizes the advancements in drug development over the past 2 years. RECENT FINDINGS Drug development efforts are almost exclusively occurring as preclinical research, although phase II studies for the antifungal drug, posaconazole, and a prodrug of ravuconazole are being planned. Several recent laboratory investigations demonstrate anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of novel small molecules in animal models. These include nonpeptidic cruzain inhibitors, novel inhibitors of the sterol 14α-demethylase enzyme, new compounds (arylimidamides) related to pentamidine, derivatives of nifurtimox, compounds using ruthenium complexes, and several natural products. The recent implementation of a high-throughput screen of more than 300 000 compounds against intracellular T. cruzi amastigotes done at the Broad Institute is an important development, yielding approximately 300 selective inhibitors, many of which may serve as leads for medicinal chemistry efforts. SUMMARY Progress is slow, but recent advancements in both drug development and advocacy for research on neglected diseases are encouraging. Efforts to define a target product profile and to harmonize methodologies for testing drugs for Chagas disease are described herein.
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Moneriz C, Marín-García P, García-Granados A, Bautista JM, Diez A, Puyet A. Parasitostatic effect of maslinic acid. I. Growth arrest of Plasmodium falciparum intraerythrocytic stages. Malar J 2011; 10:82. [PMID: 21477369 PMCID: PMC3087696 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-10-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natural products have played an important role as leads for the development of new drugs against malaria. Recent studies have shown that maslinic acid (MA), a natural triterpene obtained from olive pomace, which displays multiple biological and antimicrobial activities, also exerts inhibitory effects on the development of some Apicomplexan, including Eimeria, Toxoplasma and Neospora. To ascertain if MA displays anti-malarial activity, the main objective of this study was to asses the effect of MA on Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in vitro. Methods Synchronized P. falciparum-infected erythrocyte cultures were incubated under different conditions with MA, and compared to chloroquine and atovaquone treated cultures. The effects on parasite growth were determined by monitoring the parasitaemia and the accumulation of the different infective stages visualized in thin blood smears. Results MA inhibits the growth of P. falciparum Dd2 and 3D7 strains in infected erythrocytes in, dose-dependent manner, leading to the accumulation of immature forms at IC50 concentrations, while higher doses produced non-viable parasite cells. MA-treated infected-erythrocyte cultures were compared to those treated with chloroquine or atovaquone, showing significant differences in the pattern of accumulation of parasitic stages. Transient MA treatment at different parasite stages showed that the compound targeted intra-erythrocytic processes from early-ring to schizont stage. These results indicate that MA has a parasitostatic effect, which does not inactivate permanently P. falciparum, as the removal of the compound allowed the infection to continue Conclusions MA displays anti-malarial activity at multiple intraerythrocytic stages of the parasite and, depending on the dose and incubation time, behaves as a plasmodial parasitostatic compound. This novel parasitostatic effect appears to be unrelated to previous mechanisms proposed for current anti-malarial drugs, and may be relevant to uncover new prospective plasmodial targets and opens novel possibilities of therapies associated to host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Moneriz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular IV, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Facultad de Veterinaria, E28040 Madrid, Spain
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