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Almeida Júnior ASD, Freitas Viana Leal MM, Marques DSC, Silva ALD, Souza Bezerra RD, Siqueira de Souza YF, Mendonça Silveira ME, Santos FA, Alves LC, de Lima Aires A, Cruz Filho IJD, do Carmo Alves de Lima M. Therapeutic potential of hydantoin and thiohydantoin compounds against Schistosoma mansoni: An integrated in vitro, DNA, ultrastructural, and ADMET in silico approach. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2024; 260:111646. [PMID: 38950658 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2024.111646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The study aimed to conduct in vitro biological assessments of hydantoin and thiohydantoin compounds against mature Schistosoma mansoni worms, evaluate their cytotoxic effects and predict their pharmacokinetic parameters using computational methods. The compounds showed low in vitro cytotoxicity and were not considered hemolytic. Antiparasitic activity against adult S. mansoni worms was tested with all compounds at concentrations ranging from 200 to 6.25 μM. Compounds SC01, SC02, and SC03 exhibited low activity. Compounds SC04, SC05, SC06 and SC07 caused 100 % mortality within 24 h of incubation at a concentration of 100 and 200 μM. Thiohydantoin SC04 exhibited the highest activity, resulting in 100 % mortality after 24 h of incubation at a concentration of 50 μM and IC50 of 28 µM. In the ultrastructural analysis (SEM), the compound SC04 (200 µM) induced integumentary changes, formation of integumentary blisters, and destruction of tubercles and spicules. Therefore, the SC04 compound shows promise as an antiparasitic against S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antônio Sérgio de Almeida Júnior
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
| | - Mayse Manuele Freitas Viana Leal
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
| | - Diego Santa Clara Marques
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil.
| | - Anekécia Lauro da Silva
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Vale do Rio São Francisco (UNIVASF), Avenida da Amizade, s/n, Sal Torrado, Paulo Afonso, BA 48605-780, Brazil
| | - Rafael de Souza Bezerra
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Vale do Rio São Francisco (UNIVASF), Avenida da Amizade, s/n, Sal Torrado, Paulo Afonso, BA 48605-780, Brazil
| | - Yandra Flaviana Siqueira de Souza
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Vale do Rio São Francisco (UNIVASF), Avenida da Amizade, s/n, Sal Torrado, Paulo Afonso, BA 48605-780, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduardade Mendonça Silveira
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
| | - Fábio Ab Santos
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute. Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM-FIOCRUZ), Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Alves
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute. Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM-FIOCRUZ), Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50670-420, Brazil
| | - André de Lima Aires
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
| | - Iranildo José da Cruz Filho
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
| | - Maria do Carmo Alves de Lima
- Department of Antibiotics, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50740-600, Brazil
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Anwar FS, Abdel-Malek AR, Salem SH, Farouk M, Ali MF, Abdelrady YA, Sayed AM. In vitro and In silico assessment of antischistosomal activities of ethanolic extract of Cornulacamonacantha. Exp Parasitol 2023; 254:108631. [PMID: 37820894 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108631] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the second most prevailing parasitic disease worldwide. Although praziquantel is considered an effective drug in the treatment against schistosomiasis to some extent, there is an emerging drug resistance that widely recorded. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective and safe anti-schistosomal drugs. In this study, Cornulaca monacantha (C. monacantha), a sub-saharan plant, was extracted using aqueous ethanol and characterized by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Major constituents of the extract are belonging to flavonoids, tannins and phenolic glycosides. Worms' viability and surface morphology of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) adult worms treated with the extract were assessed using in vitro viability assay, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and histological examination. The extract (80-350 μg/ml) reduced viability percentage of worms by 40-60% and caused degeneration of both oral and ventral suckers, tegumental, sub-tegumental and muscular damage. Molecular docking approach was utilized to assess the binding affinities of the extracted compounds with S. mansoni alpha-carbonic anhydrase (SmCA), an essential tegument protein. Pharmacokinetic analysis using SwissADME showed that 7 compounds have high drug similarity. This study confirms the in vitro schistomicidal activity of C. monacantha extract against S. mansoni adult worms and suggests potential SmCA inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- FatmaA S Anwar
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, 71516, Egypt
| | | | - Shimaa H Salem
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, 71516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Farouk
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, New Valley University, 72511, Egypt
| | - Marwa F Ali
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Yousef A Abdelrady
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt; University of Hamburg, Institute of Pharmacy, 20146, Germany
| | - Ahmed M Sayed
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, 71516, Egypt.
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Silva DVSPD, Nascimento PHDB, Rocha JVRD, Marques DSC, Brayner FA, Alves LC, Araújo HDAD, Cruz Filho IJD, Albuquerque MCPDA, Lima MDCAD, Aires ADL. In vitro activity, ultrastructural analysis and in silico pharmacokinetic properties (ADMET) of thiazole compounds against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Acta Trop 2023; 245:106965. [PMID: 37295486 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106965] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present work aimed to carry out in vitro biological assays of thiazole compounds against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni, as well as the in silico determination of pharmacokinetic parameters to predict the oral bioavailability of these compounds. In addition to presenting moderate to low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells, thiazole compounds are not considered hemolytic. All compounds were initially tested at concentrations ranging from 200 to 6.25 μM against adult worms of S. mansoni parasites. The results showed the best activity of PBT2 and PBT5 at a concentration of 200 μM, which caused 100% mortality after 3 h of incubation. While at 6 h of exposure, 100% mortality was observed at the concentration of 100 µM. Subsequent studies with these same compounds allowed classifying PBT5, PBT2, PBT6 and PBT3 compounds, which were considered active and PBT1 and PBT4 compounds, which were considered inactive. In the ultrastructural analysis the compounds PBT2 and PBT5 (200 µM) promoted integumentary changes with exposure of the muscles, formation of integumentary blisters, integuments with abnormal morphology and destruction of tubercles and spicules. Therefore, the compounds PBT2 and PBT5 are promising antiparasitics against S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Henrique do Bomfim Nascimento
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - João Victor Ritinto da Rocha
- Centro de Ciências Médicas - Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Diego Santa Clara Marques
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Fábio André Brayner
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Instituto Keizo Asami - iLIKA, UFPE, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife-PE, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Alves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Instituto Keizo Asami - iLIKA, UFPE, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife-PE, Brazil
| | - Hallysson Douglas Andrade de Araújo
- Instituto Keizo Asami - iLIKA, UFPE, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife-PE, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica. Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Iranildo José da Cruz Filho
- Centro de Biociências, Programa de Pós-graduação em Morfotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil; Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Maria do Carmo Alves de Lima
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - André de Lima Aires
- Centro de Biociências, Programa de Pós-graduação em Morfotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil; Centro de Ciências Médicas - Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Instituto Keizo Asami - iLIKA, UFPE, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, CEP 50670-901, Recife-PE, Brazil.
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Silva HAMF, Aires AL, Soares CLR, Siqueira WN, Lima MV, Martins MCB, Albuquerque MCPA, Silva TG, Brayner FA, Alves LC, Melo AMMA, Silva NH. Schistosomicidal effect of divaricatic acid from Canoparmelia texana (Lichen): In vitro evaluation and ultrastructural analysis against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Acta Trop 2021; 222:106044. [PMID: 34273313 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106044] [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: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study we evaluated the in vitro effect of divaricatic acid against coupled worms of Schistosoma mansoni. The schistosomicidal effect was evaluated through the bioassay of motility and mortality, cellular viability of the worms and ultrastructural analysis through Scanning Electron Microscopy. To evaluate the cytotoxicity of divaricatic acid, a cell viability assay was performed with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Divaricatic acid proved effect against S. mansoni after 3 hours of exposure. At the end of 24 h the concentrations of 100 - 200 μM presented lethality to the worms. Motility changes were observed at sublethal concentrations. The IC50 obtained by the cell viability assay for S. mansoni was 100.6 μM (96.24 - 105.2 μM). Extensive damage to the worm's tegument was observed such as peeling, erosion, bubbles, edema, damage and loss of tubercles and spines, fissures and tissue ruptures. No cytotoxicity was observed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This report provides data showing the schistosomicidal effect of divaricatic acid on S. mansoni, causing death, motile changes and ultrastructural damage to worms. In addition, divaricatic acid was shown to be non-toxic to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells at concentrations effective on S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hianna A M F Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociência, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Artur de Sá, s/n, Cidade Universitária. CEP 54740-520, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - André L Aires
- Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50740-600, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Caroline L R Soares
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Centro de Biociência, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Artur de Sá, s/n, Cidade Universitária. CEP 54740-520, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Williams N Siqueira
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociência, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Artur de Sá, s/n, Cidade Universitária. CEP 54740-520, Recife, PE, Brazil; Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Maíra V Lima
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociência, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Artur de Sá, s/n, Cidade Universitária. CEP 54740-520, Recife, PE, Brazil; Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mônica C B Martins
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mônica C P A Albuquerque
- Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50740-600, Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Teresinha G Silva
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Centro de Biociência, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Artur de Sá, s/n, Cidade Universitária. CEP 54740-520, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Fábio A Brayner
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Luiz C Alves
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Ana M M A Melo
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociência, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Artur de Sá, s/n, Cidade Universitária. CEP 54740-520, Recife, PE, Brazil; Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Nicácio H Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária. CEP 50.670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Abdel-Azeem HH, Osman GY, El Garhy MF, Al Benasy KS. Efficacy of Miltefosine and Artemether on Infected Biomphalaria Alexandrina Snails with Schistosoma Mansoni: Immunological and Histological Studies. Helminthologia 2020; 57:335-343. [PMID: 33364902 PMCID: PMC7734665 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2020-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomphalaria alexandrina snails have received much attention due to their great medical importance as vectors for transmitting Schistosoma mansoni infection to humans. The main objective of the present work was to assess the efficacy of miltefosin a synthetic molluscicidal drug and artemether a natural molluscicidal drug. The correlation between immunological and histological observations from light and electron microscopy of the hemocytes of B. alexandrina post treatment with both drugs was also evaluated. LC50 and LC90 values were represented by 13.80 ppm and 24.40 ppm for miltefosine and 16.88 ppm and 27.97 ppm for artemether, respectively. The results showed that the treatment of S. mansoni-infected snails and normal snails with sublethal dose of miltefosine (LC25=8.20 ppm) and artemether (LC25=11.04 ppm) induced morphological abnormalities and a significant reduction in hemocytes count.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G. Y. Osman
- Department of Zoology, Menoufia University, Shebeen El-koom, Egypt
| | | | - K. S. Al Benasy
- Department of Zoology, Menoufia University, Shebeen El-koom, Egypt
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, MajmaahSaudi Arabia
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Eissa MM, El-Azzouni MZ, El-Khordagui LK, Abdel Bary A, El-Moslemany RM, Abdel Salam SA. Single oral fixed-dose praziquantel-miltefosine nanocombination for effective control of experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:474. [PMID: 32933556 PMCID: PMC7493353 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04346-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The control of schistosomiasis has been centered to date on a single drug, praziquantel, with shortcomings including treatment failure, reinfection, and emergence of drug resistance. Drug repurposing, combination therapy or nanotechnology were explored to improve antischistosomal treatment. The aim of the present study was to utilize a novel combination of the three strategies to improve the therapeutic profile of praziquantel. This was based on a fixed-dose nanocombination of praziquantel and miltefosine, an antischistosomal repurposing candidate, co-loaded at reduced doses into lipid nanocapsules, for single dose oral therapy. Methods Two nanocombinations were prepared to provide 250 mg praziquantel-20 mg miltefosine/kg (higher fixed-dose) or 125 mg praziquantel-10 mg miltefosine/kg (lower fixed-dose), respectively. Their antischistosomal efficacy in comparison with a non-treated control and their praziquantel or miltefosine singly loaded counterparts was assessed in murine schistosomiasis mansoni. A single oral dose of either formulation was administered on the initial day of infection, and on days 21 and 42 post-infection. Scanning electron microscopic, parasitological, and histopathological studies were used for assessment. Preclinical data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukeyʼs post-hoc test for pairwise comparisons. Results Lipid nanocapsules (~ 58 nm) showed high entrapment efficiency of both drugs (> 97%). Compared to singly loaded praziquantel-lipid nanocapsules, the higher nanocombination dose showed a significant increase in antischistosomal efficacy in terms of statistically significant decrease in mean worm burden, particularly against invasive and juvenile worms, and amelioration of hepatic granulomas (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, scanning electron microscopy examination showed extensive dorsal tegumental damage with noticeable deposition of nanostructures. Conclusions The therapeutic profile of praziquantel could be improved by a novel multiple approach integrating drug repurposing, combination therapy and nanotechnology. Multistage activity and amelioration of liver pathology could be achieved by a new praziquantel-miltefosine fixed-dose nanocombination providing 250 mg praziquantel-20 mg miltefosine/kg. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a fixed-dose nano-based combinatorial therapy for schistosomiasis mansoni. Further studies are needed to document the nanocombination safety and explore its prophylactic activity and potential to hinder the onset of resistance to the drug components.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mervat Z El-Azzouni
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Labiba K El-Khordagui
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Amany Abdel Bary
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Riham M El-Moslemany
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sara A Abdel Salam
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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7
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Coutinho Carneiro V, de Abreu da Silva IC, Amaral MS, Pereira ASA, Silveira GO, Pires DDS, Verjovski-Almeida S, Dekker FJ, Rotili D, Mai A, Lopes-Torres EJ, Robaa D, Sippl W, Pierce RJ, Borrello MT, Ganesan A, Lancelot J, Thiengo S, Fernandez MA, Vicentino ARR, Mourão MM, Coelho FS, Fantappié MR. Pharmacological inhibition of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) induces global transcriptional deregulation and ultrastructural alterations that impair viability in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008332. [PMID: 32609727 PMCID: PMC7329083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment and control of schistosomiasis still rely on only one effective drug, praziquantel (PZQ) and, due to mass treatment, the increasing risk of selecting for schistosome strains that are resistant to PZQ has alerted investigators to the urgent need to develop novel therapeutic strategies. The histone-modifying enzymes (HMEs) represent promising targets for the development of epigenetic drugs against Schistosoma mansoni. In the present study, we targeted the S. mansoni lysine-specific demethylase 1 (SmLSD1), a transcriptional corepressor, using a novel and selective synthetic inhibitor, MC3935, which was used to treat schistosomula and adult worms in vitro. By using cell viability assays and optical and electron microscopy, we showed that treatment with MC3935 affected parasite motility, egg-laying, tegument, and cellular organelle structures, culminating in the death of schistosomula and adult worms. In silico molecular modeling and docking analysis suggested that MC3935 binds to the catalytic pocket of SmLSD1. Western blot analysis revealed that MC3935 inhibited SmLSD1 demethylation activity of H3K4me1/2. Knockdown of SmLSD1 by RNAi recapitulated MC3935 phenotypes in adult worms. RNA-Seq analysis of MC3935-treated parasites revealed significant differences in gene expression related to critical biological processes. Collectively, our findings show that SmLSD1 is a promising drug target for the treatment of schistosomiasis and strongly support the further development and in vivo testing of selective schistosome LSD1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Coutinho Carneiro
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabel Caetano de Abreu da Silva
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana S. A. Pereira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Gilbert Oliveira Silveira
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Frank J. Dekker
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan, AV Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eduardo José Lopes-Torres
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Romero Lascasas Porto, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dina Robaa
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Raymond J. Pierce
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019—UMR 9017—CIIL—Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - M. Teresa Borrello
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - A. Ganesan
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Lancelot
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019—UMR 9017—CIIL—Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Silvana Thiengo
- Laboratório de Malacologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Monica Ammon Fernandez
- Laboratório de Malacologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Amanda Roberta Revoredo Vicentino
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marina Moraes Mourão
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Sales Coelho
- Grupo de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Rosado Fantappié
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Barbatic acid from Cladia aggregata (lichen): Cytotoxicity and in vitro schistosomicidal evaluation and ultrastructural analysis against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 65:104771. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.104771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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do Patrocinio AB, Cabral FJ, Bitencourt ALB, Brigato OM, Magalhães LG, de Lima Paula LA, Franco L, Guerra-Sá and R, Rodrigues V. Inhibition of 19S proteasome deubiquitinating activity in Schistosoma mansoni affects viability, oviposition, and structural changes. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2159-2176. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06686-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Pereira ASA, Silveira GO, Amaral MS, Almeida SMV, Oliveira JF, Lima MCA, Verjovski-Almeida S. In vitro activity of aryl-thiazole derivatives against Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula and adult worms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225425. [PMID: 31765429 PMCID: PMC6876889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is caused by a trematode of the genus Schistosoma and affects over 200 million people worldwide. The only drug recommended by the World Health Organization for treatment and control of schistosomiasis is praziquantel. Development of new drugs is therefore of great importance. Thiazoles are regarded as privileged structures with a broad spectrum of activities and are potential sources of new drug prototypes, since they can act through interactions with DNA and inhibition of DNA synthesis. In this context, we report the synthesis of a series of thiazole derivatives and their in vitro schistosomicidal activity by testing eight molecules (NJ03-08; NJ11-12) containing thiazole structures. Parameters such as motility and mortality, egg laying, pairing and parasite viability by ATP quantification, which were influenced by these compounds, were evaluated during the assays. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized for evaluation of morphological changes in the tegument. Schistosomula and adult worms were treated in vitro with different concentrations (6.25 to 50 μM) of the thiazoles for up to 5 and 3 days, respectively. After in vitro treatment for five days with 6.25 μM NJ05 or NJ07 separately, we observed a decrease of 30% in schistosomula viability, whilst treatment with NJ05+NJ07 lead to a reduction of 75% in viability measured by ATP quantitation and propidium iodide labeling. Adult worms’ treatment with 50 μM NJ05, NJ07 or NJ05 + NJ07 showed decreased motility to 30–50% compared with controls. Compound NJ05 was more effective than NJ07, and adult worm viability after three days was reduced to 25% in parasites treated with 50 μM NJ05, compared with a viability reduction to 40% with 50 μM NJ07. SEM analysis showed severe alterations in adult worms with formation of bulges and blisters throughout the dorsal region of parasites treated with NJ05 or NJ07. Oviposition was extremely affected by treatment with the NJ series compounds; at concentrations of 25 μM and 50 μM, oviposition reached almost zero with NJ05, NJ07 or NJ05 + NJ07 already at day one. Tested genes involved in egg biosynthesis were all confirmed by qPCR as downregulated in females treated with 25 μM NJ05 for 2 days, with a significant reduction in expression of p14, Tyrosinase 2, p48 and fs800. NJ05, NJ07 or NJ05+NJ07 treatment of HEK293 (human embryonic cell line) and HES (human epithelial cell line) showed EC50 in the range of 18.42 to 145.20 μM. Overall, our results demonstrate that those molecules are suitable targets for further development into new drugs for schistosomiasis treatment, although progress is needed to lessen the cytotoxic effects on human cells. According to the present study, thiazole derivatives have schistosomicidal activities and may be part of a possible new arsenal of compounds against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana S. A. Pereira
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Gilbert O. Silveira
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Sinara M. V. Almeida
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Antibióticos, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
- Universidade de Pernambuco, Campus Garanhuns, Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Jamerson F. Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Antibióticos, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Maria C. A. Lima
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Antibióticos, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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11
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Maccesi M, Aguiar PHN, Pasche V, Padilla M, Suzuki BM, Montefusco S, Abagyan R, Keiser J, Mourão MM, Caffrey CR. Multi-center screening of the Pathogen Box collection for schistosomiasis drug discovery. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:493. [PMID: 31640761 PMCID: PMC6805474 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3747-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past five years, as a public service to encourage and accelerate drug discovery for diseases of poverty, the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) has released box sets of 400 compounds named the Malaria, Pathogen and Stasis Boxes. Here, we screened the Pathogen Box against the post-infective larvae (schistosomula) of Schistosoma mansoni using assays particular to the three contributing institutions, namely, the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in the USA, the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) in Switzerland, and the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) in Brazil. With the same set of compounds, the goal was to determine the degree of inter-assay variability and identify a core set of active compounds common to all three assays. New drugs for schistosomiasis would be welcome given that current treatment and control strategies rely on chemotherapy with just one drug, praziquantel. METHODS Both the UCSD and Swiss TPH assays utilize daily observational scoring methodologies over 72 h, whereas the FIOCRUZ assay employs XTT (2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide) at 72 h to measure viability as a function of NAD+/NADH redox state. Raw and transformed data arising from each assay were assembled for comparative analysis. RESULTS For the UCSD and Swiss TPH assays, there was strong concordance of at least 87% in identifying active and inactive compounds on one or more of the three days. When all three assays were compared at 72 h, concordance remained a robust 74%. Further, robust Pearson's correlations (0.48-0.68) were measured between the assays. Of those actives at 72 h, the UCSD, Swiss TPH and FIOCRUZ assays identified 86, 103 and 66 compounds, respectively, of which 35 were common. Assay idiosyncrasies included the identification of unique compounds, the differential ability to identify known antischistosomal compounds and the concept that compounds of interest might include those that increase metabolic activity above baseline. CONCLUSIONS The inter-assay data generated were in good agreement, including with previously reported data. A common set of antischistosomal molecules for further exploration has been identified .
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maccesi
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Pedro H N Aguiar
- Laboratório de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, René Rachou Institute, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Valérian Pasche
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, P.O. Box, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melody Padilla
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Brian M Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sandro Montefusco
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - Ruben Abagyan
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, 4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, P.O. Box, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Marina M Mourão
- Laboratório de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, René Rachou Institute, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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de Almeida Júnior ASA, de Oliveira JF, da Silva AL, da Rocha RET, Junior NCP, Gouveia ALA, da Silva RMF, de Azevedo Albuquerque MCP, Brayner FA, Alves LC, do Carmo Alves de Lima M. In vitro activity, ultrastructural studies and in silico pharmacokinetic properties of indol-3-yl-thiosemicarbazones derivatives and analogues against juvenile and adult worms of S. mansoni. Eur J Pharm Sci 2019; 138:104985. [PMID: 31283945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.104985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The present work aimed to carry out in vitro biological assays of indol-3-yl derivatives thiosemicarbazones (2a-e) and 4-thiazolidinones (3a-d) against juvenile and adult worms of S. mansoni, as well as the in silico determination of pharmacokinetic parameters for the prediction of the oral bioavailability of these derivatives. All compounds were initially screened at a concentration of 200 μM against S. mansoni adult worms and the results evidenced the good activity of compounds 2b, 2d and 3b, which caused 100% mortality after 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. Subsequent studies with these same compounds revealed that compound 2b was able to reduce the viability of the parasites by 85% and 83% at concentrations of 200 and 100 μM, respectively. In relation to the juvenile worms, all compounds (2b, 2d and 3b) were able to cause mortality, but compound 2b demonstrated better activity causing 100% mortality in 48 h. Additionally, it was possible to observe reduction in the viability of juvenile worms of 85%, 81% and 64% at concentrations of 200, 100 and 50 μM, respectively. Several ultrastructural damages were observed when adult and juvenile S. mansoni worms were exposed to compound 2b (200 μM) that was characterized by extensive destruction by the integument, which may justify the mortality rate of cultured parasites. In the DNA interaction assay, fragmentation of the genetic material of adult worms when treated with compound 2b (200 μM) was evidenced, indicating the apoptosis process as mechanism of parasite death. Regarding pharmacokinetic properties, all derivatives are according to the required parameters, predicting good oral bioavailability for the studied compounds. The results presented in this study reveal the good activity of compound 2b in both adult and juvenile worms of S. mansoni, pointing this compound as promising in the development of further studies on schistosomicidal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antônio Sérgio Alves de Almeida Júnior
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Departamento de Antibióticos, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil; Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IAM-FIOCRUZ), 50670-420 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Anekécia Lauro da Silva
- Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Departamento de Medicina, 48607-190 Paulo Afonso, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fábio André Brayner
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IAM-FIOCRUZ), 50670-420 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos Alves
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IAM-FIOCRUZ), 50670-420 Recife, PE, Brazil
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13
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Usnic acid potassium salt from Cladonia substellata (Lichen): Synthesis, cytotoxicity and in vitro anthelmintic activity and ultrastructural analysis against adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Acta Trop 2019; 192:1-10. [PMID: 30571934 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We report for the first time the in vitro effect of Potassium Salt, derived from Usnic Acid (PS-UA), isolated from the lichen Cladonia substellata Vanio, on couples of Schistosoma mansoni. As schistosomicide parameters, we evaluated mortality, motility, cell viability of the worms and tegument changes by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Exposure to a concentration of 100 μM caused 75% mortality after 3 h. After 6 h, changes in motility in concentrations of 50 and 25 μM are evidenced. After 12 h and 24h, the concentrations of 50 and 100 μM caused 6.25% and 87.5% and 50% and 100% mortality, respectively. PS-UA reduced the cell viability of the worms by 27.36% and 52.82% at concentrations 50 and 100 μM, respectively. Through SEM we observed progressive dose-and time-dependent, alterations such as swelling, blisters, dorsoventral contraction, erosion until disintegration of the tubercles in the tegument of male and female. PS-UA did not alter the viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and showed high selectivity indices (IC50 > 200 μM). Our results indicate that PS-UA represents a possible candidate for a new anthelmintic drug in the control of schistosomiasis.
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14
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis affects millions globally. There is no vaccine, and treatment depends entirely on praziquantel (PZQ). Field isolates exhibit reduced susceptibility to PZQ, and resistance has been experimentally induced, suggesting that reliance on a single treatment is particularly dangerous. The present study investigated the value of cinnarizine and griseofulvin against Schistosoma mansoni through their in vitro effects on adult worms and oviposition as well as in vivo evaluation in early and late infection, compared to PZQ, in a preliminary experimental model. In vitro, both cinnarizine and griseofulvin showed uncoupling, sluggish worm movement and complete absence of ova at 100 μg/ml. In early infection, cinnarizine showed a significant reduction in the number of porto-mesenteric couples compared to the griseofulvin and control groups, a finding similar to PZQ. Remarkably, cinnarizine significantly exceeded PZQ and griseofulvin in reducing the total worm burden. In late infection, cinnarizine and griseofulvin showed results similar to PZQ by significantly reducing the numbers of hepatic and porto-mesenteric couples and total worm burden compared to controls. Cinnarizine performed better than griseofulvin by reducing hepatic and intestinal ovum counts, and it led to complete disappearance of the first two immature stages. The current work suggests the possibility of using cinnarizine and griseofulvin, mainly in late S. mansoni infection, especially cinnarizine, which showed similar results to PZQ and surpassed it in early infection. Further studies are required to elucidate their exact mechanisms of action and particularly their synergistic effect with PZQ.
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15
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Pereira VRD, Junior IJA, da Silveira LS, Geraldo RB, de F Pinto P, Teixeira FS, Salvadori MC, Silva MP, Alves LA, Capriles PVSZ, das C Almeida A, Coimbra ES, Pinto PLS, Couri MRC, de Moraes J, Da Silva Filho AA. In Vitro and in Vivo Antischistosomal Activities of Chalcones. Chem Biodivers 2018; 15:e1800398. [PMID: 30276965 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201800398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo schistosomicidal activities of chalcones against Schistosoma mansoni worms. In vitro assays revealed that chalcones 1 and 3 were the most active compounds, without affecting significantly mammalian cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies revealed reduction on the numbers of tubercles and morphological alterations in the tegument of S. mansoni worms after in vitro incubation with chalcones 1 and 3. In a mouse model of schistosomiasis, the oral treatment (400 mg/kg) with chalcone 1 or 3 significantly caused a total worm burden reduction in mice. Chalcone 1 showed significant inhibition of the S. mansoni ATP diphosphohydrolase activity, which was corroborated by molecular docking studies. The results suggested that chalcones could be explored as lead compounds with antischistosomal properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius R D Pereira
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Ismael J Alves Junior
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Lígia S da Silveira
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Reinaldo B Geraldo
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Priscila de F Pinto
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Maria C Salvadori
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos P Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Lara A Alves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Modelagem Computacional, Departamento de Ciência da Computação, ICE, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Priscila V S Z Capriles
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Modelagem Computacional, Departamento de Ciência da Computação, ICE, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Ayla das C Almeida
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Elaine S Coimbra
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Pedro L S Pinto
- Núcleo de Enteroparasitas, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mara R C Couri
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Ademar A Da Silva Filho
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
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16
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de Oliveira SA, de Oliveira Barbosa M, Filho CALM, Oliveira AR, de Sousa FA, de Farias Santiago E, de Oliveira Filho GB, de Moraes Gomes PAT, da Conceição JM, Brayner FA, Alves LC, Leite ACL. Phthalimido-thiazole as privileged scaffold: activity against immature and adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2105-2115. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5897-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Sant’Anna V, Railbolt M, Oliveira-Menezes A, Calogeropoulou T, Pinheiro J, de Souza W. Ultraestructural study of effects of alkylphospholipid analogs against nematodes. Exp Parasitol 2018; 187:49-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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18
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Mariz Gomes da Silva LM, de Oliveira JF, Silva WL, da Silva AL, de Almeida Junior ASA, Barbosa dos Santos VH, Alves LC, Brayner dos Santos FA, Costa VMA, Aires ADL, de Lima MDCA, Albuquerque MCPDA. New 1,3-benzodioxole derivatives: Synthesis, evaluation of in vitro schistosomicidal activity and ultrastructural analysis. Chem Biol Interact 2018; 283:20-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Abstract
Praziquantel has remained the drug of choice for schistosomiasis chemotherapy for almost 40 years. The pressing need to develop a new antischistosomal drug may necessitate exploring and filtering chemotherapeutic history to search for the most promising ones. In this context, this review attempts to summarize all progress made in schistosomiasis chemotherapy from the early 20th century (mid-1910s) to 2016. We gathered almost 100 compounds providing information on therapeutic action, specifically covering at least first in vivo studies in animal model and in vitro. Pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles of antischistosomal agents were also described. Preclinical studies indicate a handful of promising future candidates.
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Abstract
In the last 2 decades, renewed attention to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has spurred the development of antiparasitic agents, especially in light of emerging drug resistance. The need for new drugs has required in vitro screening methods using parasite culture. Furthermore, clinical laboratories sought to correlate in vitro susceptibility methods with treatment outcomes, most notably with malaria. Parasites with their various life cycles present greater complexity than bacteria, for which standardized susceptibility methods exist. This review catalogs the state-of-the-art methodologies used to evaluate the effects of drugs on key human parasites from the point of view of drug discovery as well as the need for laboratory methods that correlate with clinical outcomes.
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Treatment of Schistosoma mansoni with miltefosine in vitro enhances serological recognition of defined worm surface antigens. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005853. [PMID: 28841653 PMCID: PMC5589257 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Miltefosine, an anti-cancer drug that has been successfully repositioned for treatment of Leishmania infections, has recently also shown promising effects against Schistosoma spp targeting all life cycle stages of the parasite. The current study examined the effect of treating Schistosoma mansoni adult worms with miltefosine on exposure of worm surface antigens in vitro. Methodology/Principal findings In an indirect immunofluorescence assay, rabbit anti-S.mansoni adult worm homogenate and anti-S. mansoni infection antisera gave strong immunofluorescence of the S. mansoni adult worm surface after treatment with miltefosine, the latter antiserum having previously been shown to synergistically enhance the schistosomicidal activity of praziquantel. Rabbit antibodies that recognised surface antigens exposed on miltefosine-treated worms were recovered by elution off the worm surface in low pH buffer and were used in a western immunoblotting assay to identify antigenic targets in a homogenate extract of adult worms (SmWH). Four proteins reacting with the antibodies in immunoblots were purified and proteomic analysis (MS/MS) combined with specific immunoblotting indicated they were the S. mansoni proteins: fructose-1,6 bisphosphate aldolase (SmFBPA), Sm22.6, alkaline phosphatase and malate dehydrogenase. These antibodies were also found to bind to the surface of 3-hour schistosomula and induce immune agglutination of the parasites, suggesting they may have a role in immune protection. Conclusion/Significance This study reveals a novel mode of action of miltefosine as an anti-schistosome agent. The immune-dependent hypothesis we investigated has previously been lent credence with praziquantel (PZQ), whereby treatment unmasks parasite surface antigens not normally exposed to the host during infection. Antigens involved in this molecular mechanism could have potential as intervention targets and antibodies against these antigens may act to increase the drug’s anti-parasite efficacy and be involved in the development of resistance to re-infection. Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) is a serious public health problem caused by a parasite of genus Schistosoma. There is an increasing concern about development of parasite resistance to the only drug available for treatment, praziquantel (PZQ). Miltefosine, a repurposed anti-cancer drug for treatment of Leishmania infection, was shown to have activity against Schistosoma in animal models at all the parasite’s life cycle stages. In this work, we examined the potential that miltefosine could act to expose parasite surface antigens that are normally hidden during natural infection as a way to avoid lethal effects of host immunity. We used two immunobinding techniques, immunofluorescence and western immunoblotting, and a protein identification technique, namely mass spectrometry, to identify proteins exposed on the worm surface following incubation with miltefosine. Four S. mansoni proteins were shown to be exposed by miltefosine treatment: fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (SmFBPA), Sm22.6, alkaline phosphatase and malate dehydrogenase. Antibodies specific for these antigens recognised and bound to the surface of early-stage schistosome larvae and antibodies specific for SmFBPA induced clumping of the larvae, suggesting a potential role in early parasite killing and protection against infection. These antibodies may be utilised to increase miltefosine’s anti-parasite efficacy and may be involved in resistance to re-infection.
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Matos-Rocha TJ, Cavalcanti MGDS, Barbosa-Filho JM, Lúcio ASSC, Veras DL, Marques MOM, Alves LC, Brayner FA. Ultrastructural study of morphological changes in Schistosoma mansoni after in vitro exposure to the monoterpene rotundifolone. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017; 50:86-91. [DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0285-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dyana Leal Veras
- Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Carlos Alves
- Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Fábio André Brayner
- Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil
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In vivo study of schistosomicidal action of 1-benzyl-4-[(4-fluoro-phenyl)-hydrazono]-5-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 83:502-507. [PMID: 27434866 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Praziquantel has been the drug most widely used therapy against different forms of schistosomiasis around the world. However, this treatment has shown ineffective in humans and in experimental models of Schistosoma mansoni. New therapeutic alternatives have been tested, including the imidazolidine derivative LPSF/PT-09, which has shown high therapeutic potential in vitro. In this work, we tested the schistosomal activity of this derivative in doses of 250mg/kg and 200mg/kg in mice experimentally infected with a high parasite load of S. mansoni. Parasitological evaluations related to the number of S. mansoni worms and their oviposition were performed during the acute phase of the disease and have demonstrated moderate effectiveness of 30-54,4%. However, LPSF/PT-09 did not influence oviposition of the parasites or the embryonic development of the eggs. The results obtained in this model showed that the imidazolidine derivative LPSF/PT-09 presented significant antischistosomal activity in vivo, posing as a potential candidate for this class of drugs. However, a better understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the imidazolidine derivative LPSF/PT-09 is needed.
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Legarda-Ceballos AL, Rojas-Caraballo J, López-Abán J, Ruano AL, Yepes E, Gajate C, Mollinedo F, Muro A. The alkylphospholipid edelfosine shows activity against Strongyloides venezuelensis and induces apoptosis-like cell death. Acta Trop 2016; 162:180-187. [PMID: 27394030 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical areas. Ivermectin is the drug of choice for the treatment. However, the concerns about relying treatment on a single drug make identification of new molecules a priority. Alkylphospholipid analogues, including edelfosine, are a group of synthetic compounds that have shown activity against some parasites. The objective was to assess the in vitro and in vivo activity of edelfosine, miltefosine, perifosine against Strongyloides venezuelensis. Moreover, apoptosis-like mechanism in larvae after treatment was studied. Edelfosine displayed the highest activity and the best selectivity index (LD50=49.6 ± 5.4μM, SI=1.1) compared to miltefosine or perifosine. Third stage larvae after culture with edelfosine were not able to develop an infection in mice. Treatment of mice with edelfosine showed reduction of 47% in parasitic females allocated in the gut. Moreover, DNA fragmentation was observed by TUNEL staining in larvae treated with edelfosine. These results suggest that edelfosine could be an effective drug against strongyloidiasis, probably through induction of apoptosis-like cell death.
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El-Moslemany RM, Eissa MM, Ramadan AA, El-Khordagui LK, El-Azzouni MZ. Miltefosine lipid nanocapsules: Intersection of drug repurposing and nanotechnology for single dose oral treatment of pre-patent schistosomiasis mansoni. Acta Trop 2016; 159:142-8. [PMID: 27039667 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A dual drug repurposing/nanotechnological approach was used to develop an alternative oral treatment for schistosomiasis mansoni using miltefosine (MFS), an anticancer alkylphosphocholine, and lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) as oral nanovectors. We demonstrated earlier that MFS possesses significant activity against different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni in the mouse model using 5 successive 20mg/kg/day oral doses. Moreover, an effective single dose (20mg/kg) oral treatment against the adult stage of S. mansoni in mice was developed using LNCs, particularly modified with CTAB, a positive charge imparting agent (MFS-LNC-CTAB(+)), or oleic acid as membrane permeabilizer (MFS-LNC-OA). Efficacy enhancement involved, at least in part, targeting of the worm tegument with MFS-LNCs as a new therapeutic entity. As the tegument surface charge and composition may differ in pre-patent stages of the parasite, it was of importance in the present study to assess the efficacy of a single oral dose of the two MFS-LNC formulations against invasive and immature stages for potential advantage relative to praziquantel. Results indicated potent schistosomicidal effects against both invasive and immature stages of S. mansoni in infected mice, efficacy being both formulation and developmental stage dependent. This was indicated by the significant reduction in the total worm burden of the invasive stage by 91.6% and 76.8% and the immature stage by 82.7% and 96.7% for MFS-LNC-CTAB+ and MFS-LNC-OA, respectively. Histopathological findings indicated amelioration of hepatic pathology with regression of the granulomatous inflammatory reaction and reduction in granulomas number and size, verifying marked improvement in architecture of hepatic lobules. From a clinical perspective, MFS-LNCs offer potential as an alternative single oral dose nanomedicine with a wide therapeutic profile for the mass chemotherapy of schistosomiasis mansoni.
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Skinner-Adams TS, Sumanadasa SD, Fisher GM, Davis RA, Doolan DL, Andrews KT. Defining the targets of antiparasitic compounds. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:725-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Pinto-Almeida A, Mendes T, de Oliveira RN, Corrêa SDAP, Allegretti SM, Belo S, Tomás A, Anibal FDF, Carrilho E, Afonso A. Morphological Characteristics of Schistosoma mansoni PZQ-Resistant and -Susceptible Strains Are Different in Presence of Praziquantel. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:594. [PMID: 27199925 PMCID: PMC4844704 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most common human parasitic diseases whose socioeconomic impact is only surpassed by malaria. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug commercially available for the treatment of all schistosome species causing disease in humans. However, there has been stronger evidences of PZQ-resistance on Schistosoma mansoni and thus it is very important to study the phenotypic characteristics associated with it. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological alterations in S. mansoni PZQ-resistant adult worms and eggs, by comparing a PZQ- resistant strain obtained under PZQ drug pressure with a PZQ-susceptible strain. For this, scanning electronic microscopy was used to assess tegumental responsiveness of both strains under PZQ exposure, and optical microscopy allowed the monitoring of worms and eggs in the presence of the drug. Those assays showed that PZQ-susceptible worms exposed to the drug had more severe tegumental damages than the resistant one, which had only minor alterations. Moreover, contrary to what occurred in the susceptible strain, resistant worms were viable after PZQ exposure and gradually regaining full motility after removal of the drug. Eggs from resistant strain parasites are considerably smaller than those from susceptible strain. Our results suggest that there might be a difference in the tegument composition of the resistant strain and that worms are less responsive to PZQ. Changes observed in egg morphology might imply alterations in the biology of schistosomes associated to PZQ-resistance, which could impact on transmission and pathology of the disease. Moreover, we propose a hypothetical scenario where there is a different egg tropism of the S. mansoni resistant strain. This study is the first comparing two strains that only differ in their resistance characteristics, which makes it a relevant step in the search for resistance determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Pinto-Almeida
- Graduate Program in Areas of Basic and Applied Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal; Medical Parasitology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de LisboaLisbon, Portugal; Bioanalytical, Microfabrication, and Separations Group, Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São PauloSão Carlos, Brazil
| | - Tiago Mendes
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de LisboaLisbon, Portugal; Departamento De Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de CampinasCampinas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Silmara Marques Allegretti
- Departamento De Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas Campinas, Brazil
| | - Silvana Belo
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Tomás
- Graduate Program in Areas of Basic and Applied Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernanda de Freitas Anibal
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Morphology and Pathology, Universidade Federal de São Carlos São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Emanuel Carrilho
- Bioanalytical, Microfabrication, and Separations Group, Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Ana Afonso
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de LisboaLisbon, Portugal; Bioanalytical, Microfabrication, and Separations Group, Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São PauloSão Carlos, Brazil; Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Morphology and Pathology, Universidade Federal de São CarlosSão Carlos, Brazil
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Matos-Rocha TJ, Cavalcanti MGDS, Veras DL, Feitosa APS, Gonçalves GGA, Portela-Junior NC, Lúcio ASSC, Silva ALD, Padilha RJR, Marques MOM, Barbosa-Filho JM, Alves LC, Brayner FA. ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN Schistosoma mansoni MALE WORMS AFTER in vitro INCUBATION WITH THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF Mentha x villosa Huds. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 58:4. [PMID: 26910448 PMCID: PMC4793945 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201658004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The essential oil Mentha x villosa (MVEO) has a wide range of actions, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal and schistosomicidal actions. The present study aimed to investigate the ultrastructural changes of MVEO on the tegument of adult Schistosoma mansoni. MATERIALS AND METHODS Different concentrations of MVEO were tested on S. mansoni adult worms in vitro. Ultrastructural changes on the tegument of these adult worms were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS The MVEO caused the death of all worms at 500 μg mL(-1) after 24 h. After 24h of 500 μg mL(-1) MVEO treatment, bubble lesions were observed over the entire body of worms and they presented loss of tubercles in some regions of the ventral portion. In the evaluation by TEM, S. mansoni adult worms treated with MVEO, 500 μg mL(-1), presented changes in the tegument and vacuoles in the syncytial matrix region. Glycogen granules close to the muscle fibers were visible. CONCLUSION The ability of MVEO to cause extensive ultrastructural damage to S. mansoni adult worms correlates with its schistosomicidal effects and confirms earlier findings with S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dyana Leal Veras
- Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Márcia Ortiz Mayo Marques
- Centro de Recursos Genéticos Vegetais, Biologia Molecular e Fitoquímica, Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Luiz Carlos Alves
- Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Fábio André Brayner
- Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
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Eissa MM, El-Moslemany RM, Ramadan AA, Amer EI, El-Azzouni MZ, El-Khordagui LK. Miltefosine Lipid Nanocapsules for Single Dose Oral Treatment of Schistosomiasis Mansoni: A Preclinical Study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141788. [PMID: 26574746 PMCID: PMC4648507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Miltefosine (MFS) is an alkylphosphocholine used for the local treatment of cutaneous metastases of breast cancer and oral therapy of visceral leishmaniasis. Recently, the drug was reported in in vitro and preclinical studies to exert significant activity against different developmental stages of schistosomiasis mansoni, a widespread chronic neglected tropical disease (NTD). This justified MFS repurposing as a potential antischistosomal drug. However, five consecutive daily 20 mg/kg doses were needed for the treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni in mice. The present study aims at enhancing MFS efficacy to allow for a single 20mg/kg oral dose therapy using a nanotechnological approach based on lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) as oral nanovectors. MFS was incorporated in LNCs both as membrane-active structural alkylphospholipid component and active antischistosomal agent. MFS-LNC formulations showed high entrapment efficiency (EE%), good colloidal properties, sustained release pattern and physical stability. Further, LNCs generally decreased MFS-induced erythrocyte hemolytic activity used as surrogate indicator of membrane activity. While MFS-free LNCs exerted no antischistosomal effect, statistically significant enhancement was observed with all MFS-LNC formulations. A maximum effect was achieved with MFS-LNCs incorporating CTAB as positive charge imparting agent or oleic acid as membrane permeabilizer. Reduction of worm load, ameliorated liver pathology and extensive damage of the worm tegument provided evidence for formulation-related efficacy enhancement. Non-compartmental analysis of pharmacokinetic data obtained in rats indicated independence of antischistosomal activity on systemic drug exposure, suggesting possible gut uptake of the stable LNCs and targeting of the fluke tegument which was verified by SEM. The study findings put forward MFS-LNCs as unique oral nanovectors combining the bioactivity of MFS and biopharmaceutical advantages of LNCs, allowing targeting via the oral route. From a clinical point of view, data suggest MFS-LNCs as a potential single dose oral nanomedicine for enhanced therapy of schistosomiasis mansoni and possibly other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha M. Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Riham M. El-Moslemany
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Alyaa A. Ramadan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eglal I. Amer
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mervat Z. El-Azzouni
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Labiba K. El-Khordagui
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- * E-mail:
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Yepes E, Varela-M RE, López-Abán J, Rojas-Caraballo J, Muro A, Mollinedo F. Inhibition of Granulomatous Inflammation and Prophylactic Treatment of Schistosomiasis with a Combination of Edelfosine and Praziquantel. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003893. [PMID: 26191954 PMCID: PMC4507859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is the third most devastating tropical disease worldwide caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. This parasitic disease is due to immunologic reactions to Schistosoma eggs trapped in tissues. Egg-released antigens stimulate tissue-destructive inflammatory and granulomatous reactions, involving different immune cell populations, including T cells and granulocytes. Granulomas lead to collagen fibers deposition and fibrosis, resulting in organ damage. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for treating all species of schistosomes. However, PZQ kills only adult Schistosoma worms, not immature stages. The inability of PZQ to abort early infection or prevent re-infection, and the lack of prophylactic effect prompt the need for novel drugs and strategies for the prevention of schistosomiasis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we have found that the alkylphospholipid analog edelfosine kills schistosomula, and displays anti-inflammatory activity. The combined treatment of PZQ and edelfosine during a few days before and after cercariae infection in a schistosomiasis mouse model, simulating a prophylactic treatment, led to seven major effects: a) killing of Schistosoma parasites at early and late development stages; b) reduction of hepatomegaly; c) granuloma size reduction; d) down-regulation of Th1, Th2 and Th17 responses at late post-infection times, thus inhibiting granuloma formation; e) upregulation of IL-10 at early post-infection times, thus potentiating anti-inflammatory actions; f) down-regulation of IL-10 at late post-infection times, thus favoring resistance to re-infection; g) reduction in the number of blood granulocytes in late post-infection times as compared to infected untreated animals. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, these data suggest that the combined treatment of PZQ and edelfosine promotes a high decrease in granuloma formation, as well as in the cellular immune response that underlies granuloma development, with changes in the cytokine patterns, and may provide a promising and effective strategy for a prophylactic treatment of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Yepes
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rubén E. Varela-M
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julio López-Abán
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jose Rojas-Caraballo
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Faustino Mollinedo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Yepes E, Varela-M RE, López-Abán J, Dakir ELH, Mollinedo F, Muro A. In vitro and in vivo anti-schistosomal activity of the alkylphospholipid analog edelfosine. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109431. [PMID: 25302497 PMCID: PMC4193788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. Five species of Schistosoma are known to infect humans, out of which S. haematobium is the most prevalent, causing the chronic parasitic disease schistosomiasis that still represents a major problem of public health in many regions of the world and especially in tropical areas, leading to serious manifestations and mortality in developing countries. Since the 1970s, praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis, but concerns about relying on a single drug to treat millions of people, and the potential appearance of drug resistance, make identification of alternative schistosomiasis chemotherapies a high priority. Alkylphospholipid analogs (APLs), together with their prototypic molecule edelfosine (EDLF), are a family of synthetic antineoplastic compounds that show additional pharmacological actions, including antiparasitic activities against several protozoan parasites. Methodology/Principal Findings We found APLs ranked edelfosine> perifosine> erucylphosphocholine> miltefosine for their in vitro schistosomicidal activity against adult S. mansoni worms. Edelfosine accumulated mainly in the worm tegument, and led to tegumental alterations, membrane permeabilization, motility impairment, blockade of male-female pairing as well as induction of apoptosis-like processes in cells in the close vicinity to the tegument. Edelfosine oral treatment also showed in vivo schistosomicidal activity and decreased significantly the egg burden in the liver, a key event in schistosomiasis. Conclusions/Significance Our data show that edelfosine is the most potent APL in killing S. mansoni adult worms in vitro. Edelfosine schistosomicidal activity seems to depend on its action on the tegumental structure, leading to tegumental damage, membrane permeabilization and apoptosis-like cell death. Oral administration of edelfosine diminished worm and egg burdens in S. mansoni-infected CD1 mice. Here we report that edelfosine showed promising antischistosomal properties in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Yepes
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rubén E. Varela-M
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julio López-Abán
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - E. L. Habib Dakir
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Faustino Mollinedo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- IBSAL-CIETUS (Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca-Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Aires ADL, Ximenes ECPA, Silva RAR, Barbosa VX, Góes AJDS, Peixoto CA, Souza VMO, Albuquerque MCPDA. Ultrastructural analysis of β-lapachone-induced surface membrane damage in male adult Schistosoma mansoni BH strain worms. Exp Parasitol 2014; 142:83-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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de Paula RG, Ornelas AMDM, Morais ER, Borges WDC, Natale M, Magalhães LG, Rodrigues V. Biochemical characterization and role of the proteasome in the oxidative stress response of adult Schistosoma mansoni worms. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2887-97. [PMID: 24870249 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3950-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The trematode Schistosoma mansoni, an important parasite of humans, is the principle agent of the disease schistosomiasis. In the human host, one of the most important stress factors of this parasite is the oxidative stress generated by both the metabolism of the worm and the immune system of the host. The proteasomal system is responsible for protein homeostasis during oxidative stress. The 26S proteasome is a multicatalytic protease formed by two compartments, a 20S core and regulatory particle 19S, and controls the degradation of intracellular proteins, hence regulating many cellular processes. In the present report, we describe the biochemical characterization and role of the 20S proteasome in the response of adult S. mansoni worms exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Characterization of the response to the oxidative stress included the evaluation of viability, egg production, mortality, tegument integrity, and both expression and activity of proteasome. We observed decreases in viability, egg production as well as 100% mortality at the higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide tested. The main changes observed in the tegument of adult worms were peeling as well as the appearance of bubbles and a decrease of spines on the tubercles. Furthermore, there were increases in 26S activity to the same extent as 20S proteasome activity, although there was increase of 20S proteasome content, suggesting that degradation of protein oxidized in adult worms is due to the 20S proteasome. It was demonstrated that adult S. mansoni worms are sensitive to oxidative stress, and that a variety of processes in this parasite are altered under this condition. The work contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms employed by S. mansoni to survive under oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Graciano de Paula
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil,
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Miltefosine increases lipid and protein dynamics in Leishmania amazonensis membranes at concentrations similar to those needed for cytotoxicity activity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:3021-8. [PMID: 24614380 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01332-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Miltefosine (MT) is a membrane-active alkylphospholipid licensed for the topical treatment of breast cancer skin metastases and the oral treatment of leishmaniasis, although its mechanism of action remains unclear. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of a spin-labeled lipid and a thiol-specific spin label in the plasma membrane of Leishmania promastigotes showed that MT causes dramatic increases in membrane dynamics. Although these alterations can be detected using a spin-labeled lipid, our experimental results indicated that MT interacts predominantly with the protein component of the membrane. Cell lysis was also detected by analyzing the supernatants of centrifuged samples for the presence of spin-labeled membrane fragments and cytoplasmic proteins. Using a method for the rapid incorporation of MT into the membrane, these effects were measured immediately after treatment under the same range of MT concentrations that cause cell growth inhibition. Cytotoxicity, estimated via microscopic counting of living and dead cells, indicated ∼70% cell death at the concentration of MT at which EPR spectroscopy detected a significant change in membrane dynamics. After this initial impact on the number of viable parasites, the processes of cell death and growth continued during the first 4 h of incubation. The EPR spectra of spin-labeled membrane-bound proteins were consistent with more expanded and solvent-exposed protein conformations, suggesting a detergent-like action. Thus, MT may form micelle-like structures around polypeptide chains, and proteins with a higher hydrophobicity may induce the penetration of hydrophilic groups of MT into the membrane, causing its rupture.
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Phytol, a diterpene alcohol from chlorophyll, as a drug against neglected tropical disease Schistosomiasis mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2617. [PMID: 24392173 PMCID: PMC3879229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a major endemic disease that affects hundreds of millions worldwide. Since the treatment and control of this parasitic disease rely on a single drug, praziquantel, it is imperative that new effective drugs are developed. Here, we report that phytol, a diterpene alcohol from chlorophyll widely used as a food additive and in medicinal fields, possesses promising antischistosomal properties in vitro and in a mouse model of schistosomiasis mansoni. METHODS AND FINDINGS In vitro, phytol reduced the motor activity of worms, caused their death and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed extensive tegumental alterations in a concentration-dependent manner (50 to 100 µg/mL). Additionally, phytol at sublethal doses (25 µg/mL) reduced the number of Schistosoma mansoni eggs. In vivo, a single dose of phytol (40 mg/kg) administered orally to mice infected with adult S. mansoni resulted in total and female worm burden reductions of 51.2% and 70.3%, respectively. Moreover, phytol reduced the number of eggs in faeces (76.6%) and the frequency of immature eggs (oogram pattern) was significantly reduced. The oogram also showed increases in the proportion of dead eggs. Confocal microcopy studies revealed tegumental damage in adult S. mansoni recovered from mice, especially in female worms. CONCLUSIONS The significant reduction in parasite burden by this chlorophyll molecule validates phytol as a promising drug and offers the potential of a new direction for chemotherapy of human schistosomiasis. Phytol is a common food additive and nonmutagenic, with satisfactory safety. Thus, phytol has potential as a safe and cost-effective addition to antischistosomal therapy.
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Rocha DAS, de Andrade Rosa I, de Souza W, Benchimol M. Evaluation of the effect of miltefosine on Trichomonas vaginalis. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:1041-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3738-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Evaluation of the anti-Schistosoma mansoni activity of thiosemicarbazones and thiazoles. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 58:352-63. [PMID: 24165185 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01900-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronic and debilitating disease caused by a trematode of the genus Schistosoma and affects over 207 million people. Chemotherapy is the only immediate recourse for minimizing the prevalence of this disease and involves predominately the administration of a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Although PZQ has proven efficacy, there is a recognized need to develop new drugs as schistosomicides since studies have shown that repeated use of this drug in areas of endemicity may cause a temporary reduction in susceptibility in isolates of Schistosoma mansoni. Hydrazones, thiosemicarbazones, phthalimides, and thiazoles are thus regarded as privileged structures used for a broad spectrum of activities and are potential candidates for sources of new drug prototypes. The present study determined the in vitro schistosomicidal activity of 10 molecules containing these structures. During the assays, parameters such motility and mortality, oviposition, morphological changes in the tegument, cytotoxicity, and immunomodulatory activity caused by these compounds were evaluated. The results showed that compounds formed of thiazole and phthalimide led to higher mortality of worms, with a significant decline in motility, inhibition of pairing and oviposition, and a mortality rate of 100% starting from 144 h of exposure. These compounds also stimulated the production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), thereby demonstrating the presence of immunomodulatory activity. The phthalyl thiazole LpQM-45 caused significant ultrastructural alterations, with destruction of the tegument in both male and female worms. According to the present study, phthalyl thiazole compounds possess antischistosomal activities and should form the basis for future experimental and clinical trials.
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Dorlo TPC, Balasegaram M, Beijnen JH, de Vries PJ. Miltefosine: a review of its pharmacology and therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of leishmaniasis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2012; 67:2576-97. [PMID: 22833634 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dks275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 511] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Miltefosine is an alkylphosphocholine drug with demonstrated activity against various parasite species and cancer cells as well as some pathogenic bacteria and fungi. For 10 years it has been licensed in India for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a fatal neglected parasitic disease. It is the first and still the only oral drug that can be used to treat VL and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). The standard 28 day miltefosine monotherapy regimen is well tolerated, except for mild gastrointestinal side effects, although its teratogenic potential severely hampers its general use in the clinic and roll-out in national elimination programmes. The pharmacokinetics of miltefosine are mainly characterized by its long residence time in the body, resulting in extensive drug accumulation during treatment and long elimination half-lives. At the moment, different combination therapy strategies encompassing miltefosine are being tested in multiple controlled clinical trials in various geographical areas of endemicity, both in South Asia and East Africa. We here review the most salient pre-clinical and clinical pharmacological aspects of miltefosine, its mechanism of action against Leishmania parasites and other pathogens, and provide a systematic overview of the efficacy and safety data from all clinical trials of miltefosine, either alone or in combination, in the treatment of VL and CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P C Dorlo
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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