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Delvoss CMM, Inoue AH, da Silva RV, Fragoso SP, Eger I. Improving in vitro screening compounds anti-Trypanosoma cruzi by GFP-expressing parasites. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2024; 119:e230223. [PMID: 38716979 PMCID: PMC11075634 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760230223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional microscopic counting is a widely utilised method for evaluating the trypanocidal effects of drugs on intracellular amastigotes. This is a low-cost approach, but it is time-consuming and reliant on the expertise of the microscopist. So, there is a pressing need for developing technologies to enhance the efficiency of low-cost anti-Trypanosoma cruzi drug screening. OBJECTIVES In our laboratory, we aimed to expedite the screening of anti-T. cruzi drugs by implementing a fluorescent method that correlates emitted fluorescence from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing T. cruzi (Tc-GFP) with cellular viability. METHODS Epimastigotes (Y strain) were transfected with the pROCKGFPNeo plasmid, resulting in robust and sustained GFP expression across epimastigotes, trypomastigotes, and intracellular amastigotes. Tc-GFP epimastigotes and intracellular amastigotes were exposed to a serial dilution of benznidazole (Bz). Cell viability was assessed through a combination of microscopic counting, MTT, and fluorimetry. FINDINGS The fluorescence data indicated an underestimation of the activity of Bz against epimastigotes (IC50 75 µM x 14 µM). Conversely, for intracellular GFP-amastigotes, both fluorimetry and microscopy yielded identical IC50 values. Factors influencing the fluorimetry approach are discussed. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our proposed fluorometric assessment is effective and can serve as a viable substitute for the time-consuming microscopic counting of intracellular amastigotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleyson Mathias Morais Delvoss
- Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Protozoologia, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brasil
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Apicomplexa, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Alexandre Haruo Inoue
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Apicomplexa, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Rosiane Valeriano da Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Apicomplexa, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Stênio Perdigão Fragoso
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistêmica de Tripanossomatídeos, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Iriane Eger
- Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Protozoologia, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brasil
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Kann S, Concha G, Frickmann H, Hagen RM, Warnke P, Molitor E, Hoerauf A, Backhaus J. Chagas Disease: Comparison of Therapy with Nifurtimox and Benznidazole in Indigenous Communities in Colombia. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2565. [PMID: 38731093 PMCID: PMC11084551 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: For indigenous people in Colombia, high infection rates with Chagas disease (CD) are known. Methods: In 2018 and 2020, nine villages were screened for CD. CD-positive patients could enter a drug observed treatment. While, in 2018, Benznidazole (BNZ) was provided as the first-line drug by the government, nifurtimox (NFX) was administered in 2020. Results: Of 121 individuals treated with BNZ, 79 (65%) suffered from at least one adverse event (AE). Of 115 treated with NFX, at least one AE occurred in 96 (84%) patients. In 69% of BNZ cases, the side effects did not last longer than one day; this applied to 31% of NFX cases. Excluding extreme outlier values, average duration of AEs differed highly significantly: BNZ (M = 0.7, SD = 1.4) and NFX (M = 1.7, SD = 1.5, p < 0.001). Using an intensity scale, AEs were highly significantly more severe for NFX (M = 2.1, SD = 0.58) compared to BZN (M = 1.1, SD = 0.38), p < 0.001. When analyzing the duration in relation to the intensity, the burden of AEs caused by NFX was significantly more pronounced. Dropouts (n = 2) due to AEs were in the NFX-group only. Conclusions: Side effects caused by BNZ were significantly fewer, as well as milder, shorter in duration, and more easily treatable, compared to NFX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Kann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, 56070 Koblenz, Germany;
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (E.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Gustavo Concha
- Organization Wiwa Yugumaiun Bunkauanarrua Tayrona (OWYBT), Department Health Advocacy, Valledupar 2000001, Colombia;
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Ralf Matthias Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, 56070 Koblenz, Germany;
| | - Philipp Warnke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Ernst Molitor
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (E.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (E.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Joy Backhaus
- Statistical Consulting, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany;
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Daghero H, Pagotto R, Quiroga C, Medeiros A, Comini MA, Bollati-Fogolín M. Murine colon organoids as a novel model to study Trypanosoma cruzi infection and interactions with the intestinal epithelium. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1082524. [PMID: 36968103 PMCID: PMC10033869 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1082524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a life-threatening illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). With around seven million people infected worldwide and over 50,000 deaths per year, CD is a major public health issue in Latin America. The main route of transmission to humans is through a triatomine bug (vector-borne), but congenital and oral transmission have also been reported. The acute phase of CD presents mild symptoms but may develop into a long-lasting chronic illness, characterized by severely impaired cardiac, digestive, and neurological functions. The intestinal tissue appears to have a key role during oral transmission and chronic infection of CD. In this immune-privileged reservoir, dormant/quiescent parasites have been suggested to contribute to disease persistence, infection relapse, and treatment failure. However, the interaction between the intestinal epithelium and T. cruzi has not been examined in depth, in part, due to the lack of in vitro models that approximate to the biological and structural complexity of this tissue. Therefore, to understand the role played by the intestinal tissue during transmission and chronic infection, physiological models resembling the organ complexity are needed. Here we addressed this issue by establishing and characterizing adult stem cell-derived colonoid infection models that are clinically relevant for CD. 3D and 2D systems of murine intestinal organoids infected with T. cruzi Dm28c (a highly virulent strain associated with oral outbreaks) were analyzed at different time points by confocal microscopy. T. cruzi was able to invade and replicate in intestinal epithelial primary cells grown as intact organoids (3D) and monolayers (2D). The permissiveness to pathogen infection differed markedly between organoids and cell lines (primate and intestinal human cell lines). So far, this represents the first evidence of the potential that these cellular systems offer for the study of host-pathogen interactions and the discovery of effective anti-chagasic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellen Daghero
- Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romina Pagotto
- Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cristina Quiroga
- Redox Biology of Trypanosomes Lab, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrea Medeiros
- Redox Biology of Trypanosomes Lab, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcelo A Comini
- Redox Biology of Trypanosomes Lab, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
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5-Nitroindazole-based compounds: further studies for activity optimization as anti-Trypanosoma cruzi agents. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106607. [PMID: 35907502 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106607] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a new series of eleven 5-nitroindazole derivatives (10-20) and a related 6-nitroquinazoline (21) was synthesized and tested in vitro against different forms of the kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease. Among these compounds, derivatives 11-14 and 17 showed trypanocidal profiles on epimastigotes (IC50 = 1.00-8.75 µM) considerably better than that of the reference drug benznidazole, BZ (IC50 = 25.22 µM). Furthermore, the lack of cytotoxicity observed for compounds 11, 12, 14, 17 and 18 over L929 fibroblasts, led to a notable selectivity (SI) on the extracellular replicative form of the parasite: SIEPI > 12.41 to > 256 µM. Since these five derivatives overpassed the cut-off value established by BZ (SIEPI ≥ 10), they were moved to a more specific assay against the intracellular and replicative form of T. cruzi, i.e, amastigotes. These molecules were not as active as BZ (IC50 = 0.57 µM) against this parasite form; however, all of them showed remarkable IC50 values lower than 7 µM. Special mention deserve compounds 12 and 17, whose SIAMA were > 246.15 and > 188.23, respectively. The results compiled in the present work, point to a positive impact over the trypanocidal activity of the electron withdrawing substituents introduced at position 2 of the N-2 benzyl moiety of these compounds, especially fluorine, i.e., derivatives 12 and 17. These outcomes, supported by the in silico prediction of good oral bioavailability and suitable risk profile, reinforce the 5-nitroindazole scaffold as an adequate template for preparing potential antichagasic agents.
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Pengsart W, Kulkeaw K. An Optical and Chemiluminescence Assay for Assessing the Cytotoxicity of Balamuthia mandrillaris against Human Neurospheroids. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9070330. [PMID: 35877381 PMCID: PMC9312303 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9070330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A spheroid is a cell aggregate in a three-dimensional context; thereby, it recapitulates the cellular architecture in human tissue. However, the utility of spheroids as an assay for host–parasite interactions remains unexplored. This study demonstrates the potential use of neurospheroids for assessing the cytotoxicity of the life-threatening pathogenic amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris. The neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells formed a spheroid in a hanging drop of culture medium. Cellular damage caused by B. mandrillaris trophozoites on human neuronal spheroids was observed using microscopic imaging and ATP detection. B. mandrillaris trophozoites rapidly caused a decrease in ATP production in the spheroid, leading to loss of neurospheroid integrity. Moreover, 3D confocal microscopy imaging revealed interactions between the trophozoites and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells in the outer layer of the neurospheroid. In conclusion, the neurospheroid allows the assessment of host cell damage in a simple and quantitative manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Worakamol Pengsart
- Graduate Study School, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom 73170, Thailand;
| | - Kasem Kulkeaw
- Siriraj Integrative Center for Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-800-517-673
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Rubio-Hernández M, Alcolea V, Pérez-Silanes S. Potential of sulfur-selenium isosteric replacement as a strategy for the development of new anti-chagasic drugs. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106547. [PMID: 35667455 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Current treatment for Chagas disease is based on only two drugs: benznidazole and nifurtimox. Compounds containing sulfur (S) in their structure have shown promising results in vitro and in vivo against Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite causing Chagas disease. Notably, some reports show that the isosteric replacement of S by selenium (Se) could be an interesting strategy for the development of new compounds for the treatment of Chagas disease. To date, the activity against T. cruzi of three Se- containing groups has been compared with their S counterparts: selenosemicarbazones, selenoquinones, and selenocyanates. More studies are needed to confirm the positive results of Se compounds. Therefore, we have investigated S compounds described in the literature tested against T. cruzi. We focused on those tested in vivo that allowed isosteric replacement to propose their Se counterparts as promising compounds for the future development of new drugs against Chagas disease.
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Profiro de Oliveira JH, Arruda IES, Izak Ribeiro de Araújo J, Chaves LL, de La Rocca Soares MF, Soares-Sobrinho JL. Why do few drug delivery systems to combat neglected tropical diseases reach the market? An analysis from the technology's stages. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 32:89-114. [PMID: 34424127 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1970746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many drugs used to combat schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis (SCL) have clinical limitations such as: high toxicity to the liver, kidneys and spleen; reproductive, gastrointestinal, and heart disorders; teratogenicity. In this sense, drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been described in the literature as a viable option for overcoming the limitations of these drugs. An analysis of the level of development (TRL) of patents can help in determine the steps that must be taken for promising technologies to reach the market. AREAS COVERED This study aimed to analyze the stage of development of DDSs for the treatment of SCL described in patents. In addition, we try to understand the main reasons why many DDSs do not reach the market. In this study, we examined DDSs for drugs indicated by WHO and treatment of SCL, by performing a search for patents. EXPERT OPINION In this present work we provide arguments that support the hypothesis that there is a lack of integration between academia and industry to finance and continue research, especially the development of clinical studies. We cite the translational research consortia as the potential alternative for developing DDSs to combat NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luise Lopes Chaves
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Recife-Pernambuco
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Gulin JEN, Rocco DM, Alonso V, Cribb P, Altcheh J, García-Bournissen F. Optimization and biological validation of an in vitro assay using the transfected Dm28c/pLacZ Trypanosoma cruzi strain. Biol Methods Protoc 2021; 6:bpab004. [PMID: 34386588 PMCID: PMC8355463 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpab004] [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: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop safer and more effective drugs for Chagas disease, as the current treatment relies on benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox (NFX). Using the Trypanosoma cruzi Dm28c strain genetically engineered to express the Escherichia coli β-galactosidase gene, lacZ, we have adapted and validated an easy, quick and reliable in vitro assay suitable for high-throughput screening for candidate compounds with anti-T. cruzi activity. In vitro studies were conducted to determine trypomastigotes sensitivity to BZ and NFX from Dm28c/pLacZ strain by comparing the conventional labour-intensive microscopy counting method with the colourimetric assay. Drug concentrations producing the lysis of 50% of trypomastigotes (lytic concentration 50%) were 41.36 and 17.99 µM for BZ and NFX, respectively, when measured by microscopy and 44.74 and 38.94 µM, for the colourimetric method, respectively. The optimal conditions for the amastigote development inhibitory assay were established considering the parasite–host relationship (i.e. multiplicity of infection) and interaction time, the time for colourimetric readout and the incubation time with the β-galactosidase substrate. The drug concentrations resulting in 50% amastigote development inhibition obtained with the colourimetric assay were 2.31 µM for BZ and 0.97 µM for NFX, similar to the reported values for the Dm28c wild strain (2.80 and 1.5 µM, respectively). In summary, a colourimetric assay using the Dm28c/pLacZ strain of T. cruzi has been set up, obtaining biologically meaningful sensibility values with the reference compounds on both trypomastigotes and amastigotes forms. This development could be applied to high-throughput screening programmes aiming to identify compounds with anti-T. cruzi in vitro activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Ernesto Nicolás Gulin
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Gallo 1330 (C1425EFD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños "Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez", Gallo 1330 (C1425EFD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) Facultad de Medicina-CONICET, Paraguay 2155 (C1121ABG), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Marisa Rocco
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Gallo 1330 (C1425EFD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños "Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez", Gallo 1330 (C1425EFD), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Victoria Alonso
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Suipacha 531 (2000), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Pamela Cribb
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Suipacha 531 (2000), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Jaime Altcheh
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Gallo 1330 (C1425EFD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños "Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez", Gallo 1330 (C1425EFD), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Facundo García-Bournissen
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Gallo 1330 (C1425EFD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños "Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez", Gallo 1330 (C1425EFD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Division of Paediatric Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 800 Commissioners Rd. E., Rm. B1-437, London, Canada
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Pance A. The Stem Cell Revolution Revealing Protozoan Parasites' Secrets and Paving the Way towards Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:105. [PMID: 33572549 PMCID: PMC7911700 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan infections are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and some of the most important neglected diseases in the world. Despite relentless efforts devoted to vaccine and drug development, adequate tools to treat and prevent most of these diseases are still lacking. One of the greatest hurdles is the lack of understanding of host-parasite interactions. This gap in our knowledge comes from the fact that these parasites have complex life cycles, during which they infect a variety of specific cell types that are difficult to access or model in vitro. Even in those cases when host cells are readily available, these are generally terminally differentiated and difficult or impossible to manipulate genetically, which prevents assessing the role of human factors in these diseases. The advent of stem cell technology has opened exciting new possibilities to advance our knowledge in this field. The capacity to culture Embryonic Stem Cells, derive Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from people and the development of protocols for differentiation into an ever-increasing variety of cell types and organoids, together with advances in genome editing, represent a huge resource to finally crack the mysteries protozoan parasites hold and unveil novel targets for prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Pance
- The Wellcome Sanger Institute, Genome Campus, Hinxton Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
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Optimization of 1,4-Naphthoquinone Hit Compound: A Computational, Phenotypic, and In Vivo Screening against Trypanosoma cruzi. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26020423. [PMID: 33467422 PMCID: PMC7829778 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) still represents a serious public health problem in Latin America, even after more than 100 years of its discovery. Clinical treatments (nifurtimox and benznidazole) are considered inadequate, especially because of undesirable side effects and low efficacy in the chronic stages of the disease, highlighting the urgency for discovering new effective and safe drugs. A small library of compounds (1a–i and 2a–j) was designed based on the structural optimization of a Hit compound derived from 1,4-naphthoquinones (C2) previously identified. The biological activity, structure-activity relationship (SAR), and the in silico physicochemical profiles of the naphthoquinone derivatives were analyzed. Most modifications resulted in increased trypanocidal activity but some substitutions also increased toxicity. The data reinforce the importance of the chlorine atom in the thiophenol benzene ring for trypanocidal activity, highlighting 1g, which exhibit a drug-likeness profile, as a promising compound against Trypanosoma cruzi. SAR analysis also revealed 1g as cliff generator in the structure-activity similarity map (SAS maps). However, compounds C2 and 1g were unable to reduce parasite load, and did not prevent mouse mortality in T. cruzi acute infection. Phenotypic screening and computational analysis have provided relevant information to advance the optimization and design of new 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives with a better pharmacological profile.
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Martinez-Peinado N, Martori C, Cortes-Serra N, Sherman J, Rodriguez A, Gascon J, Alberola J, Pinazo MJ, Rodriguez-Cortes A, Alonso-Padilla J. Anti- Trypanosoma cruzi Activity of Metabolism Modifier Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020688. [PMID: 33445756 PMCID: PMC7828178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and affects over 6 million people worldwide. Development of new drugs to treat this disease remains a priority since those currently available have variable efficacy and frequent adverse effects, especially during the long regimens required for treating the chronic stage of the disease. T. cruzi modulates the host cell-metabolism to accommodate the cell cytosol into a favorable growth environment and acquire nutrients for its multiplication. In this study we evaluated the specific anti-T. cruzi activity of nine bio-energetic modulator compounds. Notably, we identified that 17-DMAG, which targets the ATP-binding site of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), has a very high (sub-micromolar range) selective inhibition of the parasite growth. This inhibitory effect was also highly potent (IC50 = 0.27 μmol L-1) against the amastigote intracellular replicative stage of the parasite. Moreover, molecular docking results suggest that 17-DMAG may bind T. cruzi Hsp90 homologue Hsp83 with good affinity. Evaluation in a mouse model of chronic T. cruzi infection did not show parasite growth inhibition, highlighting the difficulties encountered when going from in vitro assays onto preclinical drug developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.); (M.-J.P.)
| | - Clara Martori
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (C.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Nuria Cortes-Serra
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.); (M.-J.P.)
| | - Julian Sherman
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA; (J.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Ana Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA; (J.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.); (M.-J.P.)
| | - Jordi Alberola
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (C.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Maria-Jesus Pinazo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.); (M.-J.P.)
| | - Alheli Rodriguez-Cortes
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, Veterinary Faculty, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (C.M.); (J.A.)
- Correspondence: (A.R.-C.); (J.A.-P.); Tel.: +34-935812062 (A.R.-C.); +34-932275400 (J.A.-P.)
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.); (M.-J.P.)
- Correspondence: (A.R.-C.); (J.A.-P.); Tel.: +34-935812062 (A.R.-C.); +34-932275400 (J.A.-P.)
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12
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Arias-Del-Angel JA, Manning-Cela RG, Santillán M. Dynamics of Mammalian Cell Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:559660. [PMID: 33133034 PMCID: PMC7561671 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.559660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In a recent work we demonstrated that Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes change their motility patterns in the presence of mammalian cells, that the extent of the changes depends on the cell line, and that this extent is positively correlated with the efficiency with which parasites invade the different cell lines. These results open the question of what cellular characteristics are relevant for parasite identification and invasion. In the present work, we tackled such question. We performed infection-kinetics experiments on various cell lines, and developed a mathematical model to simulate the experimental outcomes. An analysis of the cell-parasite mechanisms included in the model, together with the parameter values that allowed it to replicate the experimental results, suggests that a process related to the cell replication rate may strongly influence the parasite invasion efficiency, and the infection dynamics in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Arias-Del-Angel
- Unidad Monterrey, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Rebeca G Manning-Cela
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Moisés Santillán
- Unidad Monterrey, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Monterrey, Mexico
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13
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Rocha ACFS, Morais GO, da Silva MM, Kovatch PY, Ferreira DS, Esperandim VR, Pagotti MC, Magalhães LG, Heleno VCG. In vitro anti-trypanosomal potential of kaurane and pimarane semi-synthetic derivatives. Nat Prod Res 2020; 36:875-884. [PMID: 33096959 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1837824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As part of the search for anti-trypanosomal agents, this work presents the production of sixteen derivatives. All of them were obtained from two natural diterpenes, one with kaurane skeleton (ent-kaurenoic acid) and other with a pimarane skeleton (ent-pimaradienoic acid). Then, the eighteen compounds were assayed against epimastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi, with the derivatives showing increase of activity in relation to their precursors. Moreover, the most active derivative presented an IC50 <12.5 µM (estimated 0.8 µM), lower than Benznidazole (IC50 = 9.8 µM), used as control. The esterification of acid diterpenes showed to be an interesting way in the search for anti-trypanosomal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina F S Rocha
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo O Morais
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela M da Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Y Kovatch
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniele S Ferreira
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Viviane R Esperandim
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Pagotti
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Lizandra G Magalhães
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, SP, Brazil
| | - Vladimir C G Heleno
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade de Franca, Franca, SP, Brazil
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14
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Chatelain E, Scandale I. Animal models of Chagas disease and their translational value to drug development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1381-1402. [PMID: 32812830 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1806233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION American trypanosomiasis, better known as Chagas disease, is a global public health issue. Current treatments targeting the causative parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, are limited to two old nitroheterocyclic compounds; new, safer drugs are needed. New tools to identify compounds suitable for parasitological cure in humans have emerged through efforts in drug discovery. AREAS COVERED Animal disease models are an integral part of the drug discovery process. There are numerous experimental models of Chagas disease described and in use; rather than going through each of these and their specific features, the authors focus on developments in recent years, in particular the imaging technologies that have dramatically changed the Chagas R&D landscape, and provide a critical view on their value and limitations for moving compounds forward into further development. EXPERT OPINION The application of new technological advances to the field of drug development for Chagas disease has led to the implementation of new and robust/standardized in vivo models that contributed to a better understanding of host/parasite interactions. These new models should also build confidence in their translational value for moving compounds forward into clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chatelain
- R&D Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) , Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- R&D Department, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) , Geneva, Switzerland
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15
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Breyner NM, Hecht M, Nitz N, Rose E, Carvalho JL. In vitro models for investigation of the host-parasite interface - possible applications in acute Chagas disease. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105262. [PMID: 31706861 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is the main parasitic disease in the Western Hemisphere, with an increasing number of cases, especially in non-endemic regions. The disease is characterized by cardiomegaly and mega viscera, nevertheless, the clinical outcome is hard to predict, underscoring the need for further research into the pathophysiology of CD. Even though most basic and translational research involving CD is performed using in vivo models, in vitro models arise as an ethical, rapidly evolving, and physiologically relevant alternative for CD research. In the present review, we discuss the past and recent in vitro models available to study the host-parasite interface in cardiac and intestinal CD, critically analyzing the possibilities and limitations of state-of-the-art alternatives for the CD host-parasite investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Martins Breyner
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - Mariana Hecht
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nadjar Nitz
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ester Rose
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Juliana Lott Carvalho
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program, Catholic University of Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
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16
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Hybrids of Cinchona Alkaloids and Bile Acids as Antiparasitic Agents Against Trypanosoma cruzi. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24173168. [PMID: 31480402 PMCID: PMC6749325 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24173168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current chemotherapy of Chagas disease needs to be urgently improved. With this aim, a series of 16 hybrids of Cinchona alkaloids and bile acids were prepared by functionalization at position C-2 of the quinoline nucleus by a radical attack of a norcholane substituent via a Barton-Zard decarboxylation reaction. The antitrypanosomal activity of the hybrids was tested on different stages and strains of T. cruzi. In particular, eight out of 16 hybrids presented an IC50 ≤1 μg/mL against trypomastigotes of the CL Brener strain and/or a selectivity index higher than 10. These promising hybrids yielded similar results when tested on trypomastigotes from the RA strain of T. cruzi (discrete typing unit-DTU-VI). Surprisingly, trypomastigotes of the Y strain (DTU II) were more resistant to benznidazole and to most of the hybrids than those of the CL Brener and RA strains. However, the peracetylated and non-acetylated forms of the cinchonine/chenodeoxycholic bile acid conjugate 4f and 5f were the most trypanocidal hybrids against Y strain trypomastigotes, with IC50 values of 0.5 and 0.65 μg/mL, respectively. More importantly, promising results were observed in invasion assays using the Y strain, where hybrids 5f and 4f induced a significant reduction in intracellular amastigotes and on the release of trypomastigotes from infected cells.
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17
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Turner DN, Just J, Dasari R, Smith JA, Bissember AC, Kornienko A, Rogelj S. Activity of natural and synthetic polygodial derivatives against Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes, trypomastigotes and epimastigotes. Nat Prod Res 2019; 35:792-795. [PMID: 31032640 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1597350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Our laboratories have been investigating biological effects of a sesquiterpenoid polygodial and its natural and synthetic analogues. Herein, we report the evaluation of these compounds against the three forms of Trypanosoma cruzi, amastigotes, trypomastigotes and epimastigotes. Although polygodial was found to be poorly active, its natural congener epipolygodial and synthetic Wittig-derived analogues showed low micromolar potency against all three forms of the parasite. Synthetic α,β-unsaturated phosphonate 9 compared favorably with clinically approved drugs benznidazole and nifurtimox, and was effective against trypomastigotes, toward which benznidazole showed no activity.[Formula: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeremy Just
- School of Natural Sciences - Chemistry, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ramesh Dasari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Jason A Smith
- School of Natural Sciences - Chemistry, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Alex C Bissember
- School of Natural Sciences - Chemistry, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Alexander Kornienko
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Snezna Rogelj
- Department of Biology, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, New Mexico, USA
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18
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A New Generation of Minor-Groove-Binding-Heterocyclic Diamidines That Recognize G·C Base Pairs in an AT Sequence Context. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24050946. [PMID: 30866557 PMCID: PMC6429135 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24050946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the preparation of new compounds with good solution and cell uptake properties that can selectively recognize mixed A·T and G·C bp sequences of DNA. Our underlying aim is to show that these new compounds provide important new biotechnology reagents as well as a new class of therapeutic candidates with better properties and development potential than other currently available agents. In this review, entirely different ways to recognize mixed sequences of DNA by modifying AT selective heterocyclic cations are described. To selectively recognize a G·C base pair an H-bond acceptor must be incorporated with AT recognizing groups as with netropsin. We have used pyridine, azabenzimidazole and thiophene-N-methylbenzimidazole GC recognition units in modules crafted with both rational design and empirical optimization. These modules can selectively and strongly recognize a single G·C base pair in an AT sequence context. In some cases, a relatively simple change in substituents can convert a heterocyclic module from AT to GC recognition selectivity. Synthesis and DNA interaction results for initial example lead modules are described for single G·C base pair recognition compounds. The review concludes with a description of the initial efforts to prepare larger compounds to recognize sequences of DNA with more than one G·C base pairs. The challenges and initial successes are described along with future directions.
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