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Timm BL, da Gama ANS, Batista MM, Batista DDGJ, Boykin DW, De Koning HP, Correia Soeiro MDN. Arylimidamides Have Potential for Chemoprophylaxis against Blood-Transmitted Chagas Disease. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050701. [PMID: 37242371 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050701] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) affects over 6 million people worldwide and can be transmitted iatrogenically. Crystal violet (CV) was previously used for pathogen reduction but has harmful side-effects. In the present study, three arylimidamides (AIAs) and CV were used to sterilize mice blood samples experimentally contaminated with bloodstream trypomastigotes (BT) of Trypanosoma cruzi, at non hemolytic doses. All AIAs were not toxic to mouse blood cells until the highest tested concentration (96 µM). The previous treatment of BT with the AIAs impaired the infection establishment of cardiac cell cultures. In vivo assays showed that pre-incubation of mouse blood samples with the AIAs and CV (96 µM) significantly suppressed the parasitemia peak, but only the AIA DB1831 gave ≥90% animal survival, while vehicle treated samples reached 0%. Our findings support further studies regarding the potential use of AIAs for blood bank purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lisboa Timm
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil
| | | | - Marcos Meuser Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Denise da Gama Jaén Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil
| | - David W Boykin
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Harry P De Koning
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G43 2DX, UK
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2
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Gonçalves GEG, Oliveira S, de Souza Gomes K, Costa-Silva TA, Tempone AG, Lago JHG, Caseli L. Effect of partial O-methylation in dehydrodieugenol on its antitrypanosomal activity - correlation with the toxicity using cell membrane models. Biophys Chem 2023; 296:106975. [PMID: 36842251 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.106975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Biseugenol (1), a neolignan with antiprotozoal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, was partially methylated, and the compound obtained - methyl biseugenol (2) - had its activity evaluated against the extracellular (trypomastigotes) and intracellular (amastigotes) forms of T. cruzi. It was observed that both compounds 1 and 2 exhibited similar effects against trypomastigotes (IC50 of 11.7 and 16.2 μM, respectively), whereas compound 2 displayed higher activity against amastigotes (IC50 = 8.2 μM) in comparison with biseugenol (IC50 = 15.4 μM). Additionally, reduced toxicity against NCTC cells for compound 2 was observed (CC50 > 200 μM), differently from compound 1 with CC50 = 58.0 μM. Aiming to understand better the molecular mechanism of the biological action of compound 2, the prodrug was incorporated into cellular membrane models constituted of Langmuir monolayers of the lipids dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE), dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine (DPPS), and dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG). The lipid-drug interaction was inferred through tensiometry, surface potential, infrared spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), and Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). The prodrug expanded DPPC and DPPG monolayers and condensed DPPE ones, as well as presented characteristic behaviors regarding the chemical structure of the lipid considering expansion-compression curves, surface potential-area isotherms, and stability of previously compressed monolayers to relevant-biological surface pressures. PM-IRRAS indicated a molecular disorder for DPPC and DPPS alkyl chains in the presence of the drug. BAM revealed the presence of domains in the DPPG and DPPE monolayers, which was probably induced by the prodrug. These data suggest, in general, that the lipid composition modulates the interaction of compound 2, whose results are expected to correlate to its trypanocidal activity, which involves the plasma membrane of T. cruzi as the primary target, i.e., the first barrier that the compound should encounter to interact with the microorganism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel Oliveira
- Federal University of ABC, Center of Natural and Human Sciences, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Kaio de Souza Gomes
- Federal University of ABC, Center of Natural and Human Sciences, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Luciano Caseli
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil.
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3
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Llanos MA, Alberca LN, Ruiz MD, Sbaraglini ML, Miranda C, Pino-Martinez A, Fraccaroli L, Carrillo C, Alba Soto CD, Gavernet L, Talevi A. A combined ligand and target-based virtual screening strategy to repurpose drugs as putrescine uptake inhibitors with trypanocidal activity. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2023; 37:75-90. [PMID: 36494599 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-022-00491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, affecting nearly 7 million people only in the Americas. Polyamines are essential compounds for parasite growth, survival, and differentiation. However, because trypanosomatids are auxotrophic for polyamines, they must be obtained from the host by specific transporters. In this investigation, an ensemble of QSAR classifiers able to identify polyamine analogs with trypanocidal activity was developed. Then, a multi-template homology model of the dimeric polyamine transporter of T. cruzi, TcPAT12, was created with Rosetta, and then refined by enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations. Using representative snapshots extracted from the trajectory, a docking model able to discriminate between active and inactive compounds was developed and validated. Both models were applied in a parallel virtual screening campaign to repurpose known drugs as anti-trypanosomal compounds inhibiting polyamine transport in T. cruzi. Montelukast, Quinestrol, Danazol, and Dutasteride were selected for in vitro testing, and all of them inhibited putrescine uptake in biochemical assays, confirming the predictive ability of the computational models. Furthermore, all the confirmed hits proved to inhibit epimastigote proliferation, and Quinestrol and Danazol were able to inhibit, in the low micromolar range, the viability of trypomastigotes and the intracellular growth of amastigotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A Llanos
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas and Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Bioactivos (LIDeB), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas N Alberca
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas and Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Bioactivos (LIDeB), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María D Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica en Trypanosoma cruzi y otros agentes infecciosos, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICT) Milstein - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María L Sbaraglini
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas and Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Bioactivos (LIDeB), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristian Miranda
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Pino-Martinez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Fraccaroli
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica en Trypanosoma cruzi y otros agentes infecciosos, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICT) Milstein - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Carrillo
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica en Trypanosoma cruzi y otros agentes infecciosos, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICT) Milstein - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Catalina D Alba Soto
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Gavernet
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas and Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Bioactivos (LIDeB), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Alan Talevi
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas and Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Bioactivos (LIDeB), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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4
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In vitro interaction of polyethylene glycol-block-poly(D,L-lactide) nanocapsule devices with host cardiomyoblasts and Trypanosoma cruzi-infective forms. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2861-2874. [PMID: 35972545 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07618-0] [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: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important public health problem in Latin America. Nanoencapsulation of anti-T. cruzi drugs has significantly improved their efficacy and reduced cardiotoxicity. Thus, we investigated the in vitro interaction of polyethylene glycol-block-poly(D,L-lactide) nanocapsules (PEG-PLA) with trypomastigotes and with intracellular amastigotes of the Y strain in cardiomyoblasts, which are the infective forms of T. cruzi, using fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Fluorescently labeled nanocapsules (NCs) were internalized by non-infected H9c2 cells toward the perinuclear region. The NCs did not induce significant cytotoxicity in the H9c2 cells, even at the highest concentrations and interacted equally with infected and non-infected cells. In infected cardiomyocytes, NCs were distributed in the cytoplasm and located near intracellular amastigote forms. PEG-PLA NCs and trypomastigote form interactions also occurred. Altogether, this study contributes to the development of engineered polymeric nanocarriers as a platform to encapsulate drugs and to improve their uptake by different intra- and extracellular forms of T. cruzi, paving the way to find new therapeutic strategies to fight the causative agent of Chagas disease.
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5
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Zuma AA, Dos Santos Barrias E, de Souza W. Basic Biology of Trypanosoma cruzi. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1671-1732. [PMID: 33272165 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826999201203213527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present review addresses basic aspects of the biology of the pathogenic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi and some comparative information of Trypanosoma brucei. Like eukaryotic cells, their cellular organization is similar to that of mammalian hosts. However, these parasites present structural particularities. That is why the following topics are emphasized in this paper: developmental stages of the life cycle in the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts; the cytoskeleton of the protozoa, especially the sub-pellicular microtubules; the flagellum and its attachment to the protozoan body through specialized junctions; the kinetoplast-mitochondrion complex, including its structural organization and DNA replication; glycosome and its role in the metabolism of the cell; acidocalcisome, describing its morphology, biochemistry, and functional role; cytostome and the endocytic pathway; the organization of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex; the nucleus, describing its structural organization during interphase and division; and the process of interaction of the parasite with host cells. The unique characteristics of these structures also make them interesting chemotherapeutic targets. Therefore, further understanding of cell biology aspects contributes to the development of drugs for chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline A Zuma
- Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emile Dos Santos Barrias
- Laboratorio de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciencias da Vida, Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciencias da Vida - Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (Inmetro), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratorio de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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6
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Cardoso Santos C, Meuser Batista M, Inam Ullah A, Rama Krishna Reddy T, Soeiro MDNC. Drug screening using shape-based virtual screening and in vitro experimental models of cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Parasitology 2021; 148:98-104. [PMID: 33023678 PMCID: PMC11010133 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most disregarded tropical neglected disease with the occurrence of self-limiting ulcers and triggering mucosal damage and stigmatizing scars, leading to huge public health problems and social negative impacts. Pentavalent antimonials are the first-line drug for CL treatment for over 70 years and present several drawbacks in terms of safety and efficacy. Thus, there is an urgent need to search for non-invasive, non-toxic and potent drug candidates for CL. In this sense, we have implemented a shape-based virtual screening approach and identified a set of 32 hit compounds. In vitro phenotypic screenings were conducted using these hit compounds to check their potential leishmanicidal effect towards Leishmania amazonensis (L. amazonensis). Two (Cp1 and Cp2) out of the 32 compounds revealed promising antiparasitic activities, exhibiting considerable potency against intracellular amastigotes present in peritoneal macrophages (IC50 values of 9.35 and 7.25 μm, respectively). Also, a sterile cidality profile was reached at 20 μm after 48 h of incubation, besides a reasonable selectivity (≈8), quite similarly to pentamidine, a diamidine still in use clinically for leishmaniasis. Cp1 with an oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridine scaffold and Cp2 with benzimidazole scaffold could be developed by lead optimization studies to enhance their leishmanicidal potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Cardoso Santos
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (LBC), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/FIOCRUZ), CEP21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos Meuser Batista
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (LBC), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/FIOCRUZ), CEP21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Asma Inam Ullah
- The Medicines Research Group, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, College of Applied Health and Communities, University of East London, Stratford Campus, Water Lane, London, UK
| | - Tummala Rama Krishna Reddy
- The Medicines Research Group, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, College of Applied Health and Communities, University of East London, Stratford Campus, Water Lane, London, UK
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7
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Efficacy of netropsin dihydrochloride against the viability, cytopathogenicity and hemolytic activity of Trichomonas vaginalis clinical isolates. J Infect Chemother 2019; 25:955-964. [PMID: 31189504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2019.05.015] [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: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a common sexually transmitted infection, affecting the urogenital tract. Trichomoniasis is customarily treated with metronidazole (MTZ). MTZ is known to cause undesirable side effects and there is several reports on MTZ resistant T. vaginalis. Thus, the present study aimed to in-vitro evaluate the activity of DNA minor groove binder drug ''Netropsin dihydrochloride'' against metronidazole-sensitive T. vaginalis isolates (G and U isolates) and resistant T. vaginalis isolate (ATCC50138) (R isolate). Netropsin was tested at concentrations ranging from 3.5 to 200 μg/ml. It showed effectiveness against all isolates with MLC of 12.5 μg/ml for G and U isolates and of 25 μg/ml for R isolate. Cytotoxicity assay of isolates exposed to the respective MLC of netropsin for 42 h showed a highly significant reduction in the death percentage of MCDK cell line as compared to the effect elicited by drug free controls. The hemolytic activity was evaluated by hemolytic assay and by monitoring the interaction of T. vaginalis isolates with human erythrocytes by inverted microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The hemolytic assay showed (0%) hemolysis of RBCs incubated with T. vaginalis isolates treated with the corresponding MLC of netropsin for 24 h. Scanning electron microscopy revealed cytoskeletal deformities of netropsin treated isolates. Taken together, these observations suggest that netropsin is a promising therapy for T. vaginalis infection affecting its viability, virulence, cytopathogenic and hemolytic activity with a mechanism of action that might overcome T. vaginalis resistance to metronidazole.
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8
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Feitosa LM, da Silva ER, Hoelz LVB, Souza DL, Come JAASS, Cardoso-Santos C, Batista MM, Soeiro MDNC, Boechat N, Pinheiro LCS. New pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives as Leishmania amazonensis arginase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3061-3069. [PMID: 31176565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Arginase performs the first enzymatic step in polyamine biosynthesis in Leishmania and represents a promising target for drug development. Polyamines in Leishmania are involved in trypanothione synthesis, which neutralize the oxidative burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) that are produced by host macrophages to kill the parasite. In an attempt to synthesize arginase inhibitors, six 1-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives with different substituents at the 4-position of the phenyl group were synthesized. All compounds were initially tested at 100 µM concentration against Leishmania amazonensis ARG (LaARG), showing inhibitory activity ranging from 36 to 74%. Two compounds, 1 (R=H) and 6 (R=CF3), showed arginase inhibition >70% and IC50 values of 12 µM and 47 µM, respectively. Thus, the kinetics of LaARG inhibition were analyzed for compounds 1 and 6 and revealed that these compounds inhibit the enzyme by an uncompetitive mechanism, showing Kis values, and dissociation constants for ternary complex enzyme-substrate-inhibitor, of 8.5 ± 0.9 µM and 29 ± 5 µM, respectively. Additionally, the molecular docking studies proposed that these two uncompetitive inhibitors interact with different LaARG binding sites, where compound 1 forms more H-bond interactions with the enzyme than compound 6. These compounds showed low activity against L. amazonensis free amastigotes obtained from mice lesions when assayed with as much as 30 µM. The maximum growth inhibition reached was between 20 and 30% after 48 h of incubation. These results suggest that this system can be promising for the design of potential antileishmanial compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia M Feitosa
- Departamento de Sintese de Farmacos, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos, Farmanguinhos - FIOCRUZ, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil; Programa de Pos-graduacao em Quimica, PGQu Instituto de Quimica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Edson R da Silva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.
| | - Lucas V B Hoelz
- Departamento de Sintese de Farmacos, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos, Farmanguinhos - FIOCRUZ, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil
| | - Danielle L Souza
- Departamento de Sintese de Farmacos, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos, Farmanguinhos - FIOCRUZ, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil
| | - Julio A A S S Come
- Programa de Pos-graduacao em Biociencia Animal, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenahria de alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Cardoso-Santos
- Laboratorio de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, IOC - FIOCRUZ, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos M Batista
- Laboratorio de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, IOC - FIOCRUZ, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria de Nazare C Soeiro
- Laboratorio de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, IOC - FIOCRUZ, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nubia Boechat
- Departamento de Sintese de Farmacos, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos, Farmanguinhos - FIOCRUZ, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil.
| | - Luiz C S Pinheiro
- Departamento de Sintese de Farmacos, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos, Farmanguinhos - FIOCRUZ, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Sizenando Nabuco 100, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil
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9
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Hulpia F, Van Hecke K, França da Silva C, da Gama Jaen Batista D, Maes L, Caljon G, de Nazaré C Soeiro M, Van Calenbergh S. Discovery of Novel 7-Aryl 7-Deazapurine 3'-Deoxy-ribofuranosyl Nucleosides with Potent Activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. J Med Chem 2018; 61:9287-9300. [PMID: 30234983 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is the leading cause of cardiac-related mortality in Latin American countries where it is endemic. Trypanosoma cruzi, the disease-causing pathogen, is unable to synthesize purines de novo, necessitating salvage of preformed host purines. Therefore, purine and purine-nucleoside analogues might constitute an attractive source for identifying antitrypanosomal hits. In this study, structural elements of two purine-nucleoside analogues (i.e., cordycepin and a recently discovered 7-substituted 7-deazaadenosine) led to the identification of novel nucleoside analogues with potent in vitro activity. The structure-activity relationships of substituents at C-7 were investigated, ultimately leading to the selection of compound 5, with a C-7 para-chlorophenyl group, for in vivo evaluation. This derivative showed complete suppression of T. cruzi Y-strain blood parasitemia when orally administered twice daily for 5 days at 25 mg/kg and was able to protect infected mice from parasite-induced mortality. However, sterile cure by immunosuppression could not be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans) , Ghent University , Ottergemsesteenweg 460 , Gent B-9000 , Belgium
| | - Kristof Van Hecke
- XStruct, Department of Chemistry , Ghent University , Krijgslaan 281 S3 , Gent B-9000 , Belgium
| | - Cristiane França da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) , Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Avenida Brasil, 4365 , Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro , RJ 21040-900 , Brazil
| | - Denise da Gama Jaen Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) , Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Avenida Brasil, 4365 , Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro , RJ 21040-900 , Brazil
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene , University of Antwerp , Universiteitsplein 1 (S7) , Wilrijk B-2610 , Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene , University of Antwerp , Universiteitsplein 1 (S7) , Wilrijk B-2610 , Belgium
| | - Maria de Nazaré C Soeiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) , Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Avenida Brasil, 4365 , Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro , RJ 21040-900 , Brazil
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans) , Ghent University , Ottergemsesteenweg 460 , Gent B-9000 , Belgium
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10
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Fonseca-Berzal C, Ibáñez-Escribano A, Vela N, Cumella J, Nogal-Ruiz JJ, Escario JA, da Silva PB, Batista MM, Soeiro MDNC, Sifontes-Rodríguez S, Meneses-Marcel A, Gómez-Barrio A, Arán VJ. Antichagasic, Leishmanicidal, and Trichomonacidal Activity of 2-Benzyl-5-nitroindazole-Derived Amines. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:1246-1259. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fonseca-Berzal
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia; Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Alexandra Ibáñez-Escribano
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia; Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Nerea Vela
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM); Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); c/ Juan de la Cierva 3 28006 Madrid Spain
| | - José Cumella
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM); Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); c/ Juan de la Cierva 3 28006 Madrid Spain
| | - Juan José Nogal-Ruiz
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia; Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - José Antonio Escario
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia; Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Patrícia Bernardino da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular; Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz; Av. Brasil 4365 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Marcos Meuser Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular; Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz; Av. Brasil 4365 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Maria de Nazaré C. Soeiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular; Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz; Av. Brasil 4365 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Sergio Sifontes-Rodríguez
- Centro de Bioactivos Químicos; Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas; Carretera a Camajuaní, km 5 1/2 54830 Santa Clara, Villa Clara Cuba
| | - Alfredo Meneses-Marcel
- Centro de Bioactivos Químicos; Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas; Carretera a Camajuaní, km 5 1/2 54830 Santa Clara, Villa Clara Cuba
| | - Alicia Gómez-Barrio
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia; Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); Plaza de Ramón y Cajal s/n 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Vicente J. Arán
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM); Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); c/ Juan de la Cierva 3 28006 Madrid Spain
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11
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Sales Junior PA, Molina I, Fonseca Murta SM, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Salvador F, Corrêa-Oliveira R, Carneiro CM. Experimental and Clinical Treatment of Chagas Disease: A Review. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1289-1303. [PMID: 29016289 PMCID: PMC5817734 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that infects a broad range of triatomines and mammalian species, including man. It afflicts 8 million people in Latin America, and its incidence is increasing in nonendemic countries owing to rising international immigration and nonvectorial transmission routes such as blood donation. Since the 1960s, the only drugs available for the clinical treatment of this infection have been benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox (NFX). Treatment with these trypanocidal drugs is recommended in both the acute and chronic phases of CD. These drugs have low cure rates mainly during the chronic phase, in addition both drugs present side effects that may result in the interruption of the treatment. Thus, more efficient and better-tolerated new drugs or pharmaceutical formulations containing BZ or NFX are urgently needed. Here, we review the drugs currently used for CD chemotherapy, ongoing clinical assays, and most-promising new experimental drugs. In addition, the mechanism of action of the commercially available drugs, NFX and BZ, the biodistribution of the latter, and the potential for novel formulations of BZ based on nanotechnology are discussed. Taken together, the literature emphasizes the urgent need for new therapies for acute and chronic CD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Israel Molina
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Corrêa-Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Martins Carneiro
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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12
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da Silva CF, Batista DDGJ, de Araújo JS, Cunha-Junior EF, Stephens CE, Banerjee M, Farahat AA, Akay S, Fisher MK, Boykin DW, Soeiro MDNC. Phenotypic evaluation and in silico ADMET properties of novel arylimidamides in acute mouse models of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2017; 11:1095-1105. [PMID: 28435221 PMCID: PMC5388221 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s120618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Arylimidamides (AIAs), previously termed as reversed amidines, present a broad spectrum of activity against intracellular microorganisms. In the present study, three novel AIAs were evaluated in a mouse model of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, which is the causative agent of Chagas disease. The bis-AIAs DB1957, DB1959 and DB1890 were chosen based on a previous screening of their scaffolds that revealed a very promising trypanocidal effect at nanomolar range against both the bloodstream trypomastigotes (BTs) and the intracellular forms of the parasite. This study focused on both mesylate salts DB1957 and DB1959 besides the hydrochloride salt DB1890. Our current data validate the high activity of these bis-AIA scaffolds that exhibited EC50 (drug concentration that reduces 50% of the number of the treated parasites) values ranging from 14 to 78 nM and 190 to 1,090 nM against bloodstream and intracellular forms, respectively, also presenting reasonable selectivity indexes and no mutagenicity profile predicted by in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET). Acute toxicity studies using murine models revealed that these AIAs presented only mild toxic effects such as reversible abdominal contractions and ruffled fur. Efficacy assays performed with Swiss mice infected with the Y strain revealed that the administration of DB1957 for 5 consecutive days, with the first dose given at parasitemia onset, reduced the number of BTs at the peak, ranging between 21 and 31% of decrease. DB1957 was able to provide 100% of animal survival, while untreated animals showed 70% of mortality rates. DB1959 and DB1890B did not reduce circulating parasitism but yielded >80% of survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chad E Stephens
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta University, Augusta
| | - Moloy Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abdelbasset A Farahat
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Senol Akay
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mary K Fisher
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta University, Augusta
| | - David W Boykin
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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13
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Grecco SS, Costa-Silva TA, Jerz G, de Sousa FS, Alves Conserva GA, Mesquita JT, Galuppo MK, Tempone AG, Neves BJ, Andrade CH, Cunha RLOR, Uemi M, Sartorelli P, Lago JHG. Antitrypanosomal activity and evaluation of the mechanism of action of dehydrodieugenol isolated from Nectandra leucantha (Lauraceae) and its methylated derivative against Trypanosoma cruzi. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 24:62-67. [PMID: 28160863 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2016.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From a previous screening of Brazilian biodiversity for antiprotozoal activity, the hexane extract from leaves of Nectandra leucantha (Nees & Mart.) (Lauraceae) demonstrated activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. Chromatographic separation of this extract afforded bioactive dehydrodieugenol (1). Furthermore, methylated derivative 2 (dehydrodieugenol dimethyl ether) was prepared and also tested against T. cruzi. PURPOSE To examine the therapeutical potential of compounds 1 and 2 against T. cruzi as well as to elucidate the mechanism of action of bioactive compound 1 against T. cruzi. METHODS/STUDY DESIGN Crude hexane extract from leaves was subjected to chromatographic steps to afford bioactive compound 1. In order to analyze the effect of additional methyl group in the antiparasitic activity of 1, derivative 2 was prepared (both are no pan-assay interference compounds - PAINS). These compounds were evaluated in vitro against T. cruzi (trypomastigote and amastigote forms) and analyzed for the potential effect in host cells through the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. Finally, the plasma membrane effect of the most potent compound 1 was investigated in T. cruzi trypomastigotes. RESULTS Compounds 1 and 2 displayed activity against amastigotes of T. cruzi. Although both compounds promoted activity against intracellular amastigotes, the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species of host cells were unaltered, suggesting an antiparasitic activity other than host cell activation. Considering 1 the most effective compound against T. cruzi, the interference in the plasma membrane of the trypomastigotes was investigated using the fluorescent probe SYTOX® Green. After a short-term incubation, the fluidity and integrity of the plasma membrane was completely altered, suggesting it as a primary target for compound 1 in T. cruzi. CONCLUSION Compounds 1 and 2 selectively eliminated the intracellular parasites without host cell activation and could be important scaffolds for the search of new hit compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone S Grecco
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, São Paulo 09210-180, Brazil; Institute of Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
| | - Thais A Costa-Silva
- Center of Parasitology and Mycology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
| | - Gerold Jerz
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
| | - Fernanda S de Sousa
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Geanne A Alves Conserva
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, São Paulo 09210-180, Brazil; Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Juliana T Mesquita
- Center of Parasitology and Mycology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
| | - Mariana K Galuppo
- Center of Parasitology and Mycology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
| | - Andre G Tempone
- Center of Parasitology and Mycology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
| | - Bruno J Neves
- LabMol, Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Carolina H Andrade
- LabMol, Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, Goiás 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo L O R Cunha
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, São Paulo 09210-180, Brazil
| | - Miriam Uemi
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Patricia Sartorelli
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo 09972-270, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, São Paulo 09210-180, Brazil.
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14
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In Vitro and In Vivo Trypanosomicidal Action of Novel Arylimidamides against Trypanosoma cruzi. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:2425-34. [PMID: 26856830 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01667-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arylimidamides (AIAs) have been shown to have considerable biological activity against intracellular pathogens, includingTrypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. In the present study, the activities of 12 novel bis-AIAs and 2 mono-AIAs against different strains ofT. cruziin vitroandin vivowere analyzed. The most active wasm-terphenyl bis-AIA (35DAP073), which had a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 0.5 μM for trypomastigotes (Y strain), which made it 26-fold more effective than benznidazole (Bz; 13 μM). It was also active against the Colombiana strain (EC50= 3.8 μM). Analysis of the activity against intracellular forms of the Tulahuen strain showed that this bis-AIA (EC50= 0.04 μM) was about 100-fold more active than Bz (2 μM). The trypanocidal effect was dissociated from the ability to trigger intracellular lipid bodies within host cells, detected by oil red labeling. Both an active compound (35DAP073) and an inactive compound (26SMB060) displayed similar activation profiles. Due to their high selectivity indexes, two AIAs (35DAP073 and 35DAP081) were moved toin vivostudies, but because of the results of acute toxicity assays, 35DAP081 was excluded from the subsequent tests. The findings obtained with 35DAP073 treatment of infections caused by the Y strain revealed that 2 days of therapy induced a dose-dependent action, leading to 96 to 46% reductions in the level of parasitemia. However, the administration of 10 daily doses in animals infected with the Colombiana strain resulted in toxicity, preventing longer periods of treatment. The activity of the combination of 0.5 mg/kg of body weight/day 35DAP073 with 100 mg/kg/day Bz for 10 consecutive days was then assayed. Treatment with the combination resulted in the suppression of parasitemia, the elimination of neurological toxic effects, and survival of 100% of the animals. Quantitative PCR showed a considerable reduction in the parasite load (60%) compared to that achieved with Bz or the amidine alone. Our results support further investigations of this class with the aim of developing novel alternatives for the treatment of Chagas disease.
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15
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Fonseca-Berzal C, Ibáñez-Escribano A, Reviriego F, Cumella J, Morales P, Jagerovic N, Nogal-Ruiz JJ, Escario JA, da Silva PB, Soeiro MDNC, Gómez-Barrio A, Arán VJ. Antichagasic and trichomonacidal activity of 1-substituted 2-benzyl-5-nitroindazolin-3-ones and 3-alkoxy-2-benzyl-5-nitro-2H-indazoles. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 115:295-310. [PMID: 27017556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.03.036] [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: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Two series of new 5-nitroindazole derivatives, 1-substituted 2-benzylindazolin-3-ones (6-29, series A) and 3-alkoxy-2-benzyl-2H-indazoles (30-37, series B), containing differently functionalized chains at position 1 and 3, respectively, have been synthesized starting from 2-benzyl-5-nitroindazolin-3-one 5, and evaluated against the protozoan parasites Trypanosoma cruzi and Trichomonas vaginalis, etiological agents of Chagas disease and trichomonosis, respectively. Many indazolinones of series A were efficient against different morphological forms of T. cruzi CL Brener strain (compounds 6, 7, 9, 10 and 19-21: IC50 = 1.58-4.19 μM for epimastigotes; compounds 6, 19-21 and 24: IC50 = 0.22-0.54 μM for amastigotes) being as potent as the reference drug benznidazole. SAR analysis suggests that electron-donating groups at position 1 of indazolinone ring are associated with an improved antichagasic activity. Moreover, compounds of series A displayed low unspecific toxicities against an in vitro model of mammalian cells (fibroblasts), which were reflected in high values of the selectivity indexes (SI). Compound 20 was also very efficient against amastigotes from Tulahuen and Y strains of T. cruzi (IC50 = 0.81 and 0.60 μM, respectively), showing low toxicity towards cardiac cells (LC50 > 100 μM). In what concerns compounds of series B, some of them displayed moderate activity against trophozoites of a metronidazole-sensitive isolate of T. vaginalis (35 and 36: IC50 = 9.82 and 7.25 μM, respectively), with low unspecific toxicity towards Vero cells. Compound 36 was also active against a metronidazole-resistant isolate (IC50 = 9.11 μM) and can thus be considered a good prototype for the development of drugs directed to T. vaginalis resistant to 5-nitroimidazoles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fonseca-Berzal
- Moncloa Campus of International Excellence (UCM-UPM & CSIC), Spain; Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandra Ibáñez-Escribano
- Moncloa Campus of International Excellence (UCM-UPM & CSIC), Spain; Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe Reviriego
- Moncloa Campus of International Excellence (UCM-UPM & CSIC), Spain; Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), c/Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Cumella
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), c/Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Morales
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), c/Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nadine Jagerovic
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), c/Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José Nogal-Ruiz
- Moncloa Campus of International Excellence (UCM-UPM & CSIC), Spain; Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio Escario
- Moncloa Campus of International Excellence (UCM-UPM & CSIC), Spain; Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Bernardino da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria de Nazaré C Soeiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alicia Gómez-Barrio
- Moncloa Campus of International Excellence (UCM-UPM & CSIC), Spain; Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Vicente J Arán
- Moncloa Campus of International Excellence (UCM-UPM & CSIC), Spain; Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), c/Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Alberca LN, Sbaraglini ML, Balcazar D, Fraccaroli L, Carrillo C, Medeiros A, Benitez D, Comini M, Talevi A. Discovery of novel polyamine analogs with anti-protozoal activity by computer guided drug repositioning. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2016; 30:305-21. [PMID: 26891837 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-016-9903-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi that affects about 6 million people in Latin America. Despite its sanitary importance, there are currently only two drugs available for treatment: benznidazole and nifurtimox, both exhibiting serious adverse effects and limited efficacy in the chronic stage of the disease. Polyamines are ubiquitous to all living organisms where they participate in multiple basic functions such as biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, proliferation and cell differentiation. T. cruzi is auxotroph for polyamines, which are taken up from the extracellular medium by efficient transporters and, to a large extent, incorporated into trypanothione (bis-glutathionylspermidine), the major redox cosubstrate of trypanosomatids. From a 268-compound database containing polyamine analogs with and without inhibitory effect on T. cruzi we have inferred classificatory models that were later applied in a virtual screening campaign to identify anti-trypanosomal compounds among drugs already used for other therapeutic indications (i.e. computer-guided drug repositioning) compiled in the DrugBank and Sweetlead databases. Five of the candidates identified with this strategy were evaluated in cellular models from different pathogenic trypanosomatids (T. cruzi wt, T. cruzi PAT12, T. brucei and Leishmania infantum), and in vitro models of aminoacid/polyamine transport assays and trypanothione synthetase inhibition assay. Triclabendazole, sertaconazole and paroxetine displayed inhibitory effects on the proliferation of T. cruzi (epimastigotes) and the uptake of putrescine by the parasite. They also interfered with the uptake of others aminoacids and the proliferation of infective T. brucei and L. infantum (promastigotes). Trypanothione synthetase was ruled out as molecular target for the anti-parasitic activity of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas N Alberca
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds Research and Development (LIDeB), Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Biological Science, Exact Sciences College, National University of La Plata (UNLP), Argentina, 47 & 115, B1900AJI, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María L Sbaraglini
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds Research and Development (LIDeB), Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Biological Science, Exact Sciences College, National University of La Plata (UNLP), Argentina, 47 & 115, B1900AJI, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darío Balcazar
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein (ICT Milstein), Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Fraccaroli
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein (ICT Milstein), Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Carrillo
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein (ICT Milstein), Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Medeiros
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Diego Benitez
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcelo Comini
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alan Talevi
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds Research and Development (LIDeB), Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Biological Science, Exact Sciences College, National University of La Plata (UNLP), Argentina, 47 & 115, B1900AJI, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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17
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Exploring the potential activity spectrum of two 5-nitroindazolinone prototypes on different Trypanosoma cruzi strains. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/pao.2015.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYIn the present study, the potential activity of two 5-nitroindazole derivatives previously proposed as suitable antichagasic prototypes was further evaluated on diverseTrypanosoma cruzistrains belonging to two discrete typing units (DTUs) frequently associated with human infection (i.e. DTUs TcII and TcVI). The trypanocidal profile that both 2-benzyl-1-propyl (22) and 2-benzyl-1-butyl (24) derivatives achieved on Tulahuen amastigotes (IC50 = 3·56 ± 0·99 and 6·31 ± 1·04 µm, respectively) correlates with that of formerly obtained on CL Brener, corroborating an outstanding activity on DTU TcVI parasites. Moreover, a sequential screening on extracellular and intracellular stages ofT. cruziY (DTU TcII) demonstrated also the effectiveness of 22 and 24 over this strain on a similar range of activity (IC50epimastigotes = 3·55 ± 0·47 and 7·92 ± 1·63 µm, IC50amastigotes = 2·80 ± 0·46 and 9·02 ± 5·26 µm, respectively). These results, supported by a lack of toxicity registered over either L929 fibroblasts or primary cultures of cardiomyocytes, confirm that 5-nitroindazolinones 22 and 24 display great selectivity on both drug-sensitive (CL and Tulahuen) and drug-moderately resistant (Y)T. cruzistrains, and therefore, represent an important outcome in the research of Chagas disease chemotherapy.
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18
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In vitro and in vivo biological effects of novel arylimidamide derivatives against Trypanosoma cruzi. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:3720-6. [PMID: 24752263 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02353-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a serious public health problem in several Latin American countries. The available chemotherapies for CD have limited efficacy and exhibit undesirable side effects. Aromatic diamidines and arylimidamides (AIAs) have shown broad-spectrum activity against intracellular parasites, including T. cruzi. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the biological activity of eight novel AIAs (16DAP002, 16SAB079, 18SAB075, 23SMB022, 23SMB026, 23SMB054, 26SMB070, and 27SMB009) against experimental models of T. cruzi infection in vitro and in vivo. Our data show that none of the compounds induced a loss of cellular viability up to 32 μM. Two AIAs, 18SAB075 and 16DAP002, exhibited good in vitro activity against different parasite strains (Y and Tulahuen) and against the two relevant forms of the parasite for mammalian hosts. Due to the excellent selective indexes of 18SAB075, this AIA was moved to in vivo tests for acute toxicity and parasite efficacy; nontoxic doses (no-observed-adverse-effect level [NOAEL], 50 mg/kg) were employed in the tests for parasite efficacy. In experimental models of acute T. cruzi infection, 18SAB075 reduced parasitemia levels only up to 50% and led to 40% protection against mortality (at 5 mg/kg of body weight), being less effective than the reference drug, benznidazole.
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Abstract
Chagas' disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and constitutes a serious public health problem for Latin America. Its unsatisfactory chemotherapy stimulates the search for novel antiparasitic compounds. Amidines and related compounds exhibit well-known activity towards different microbes including T. cruzi. In this vein, our present aim was to evaluate the biological effect of 10 novel structurally related amidines in vitro against bloodstream and intracellular forms of the parasite as well as their potential toxicity on cardiac cell cultures. Our results show that although active against the extracellular forms, with some of them like DB2247 being 6-fold more effective than benznidazole and displaying very low toxicity (>96 μm), none presented superior trypanocidal effect against intracellular forms as compared with the reference drug. These results may be due to differences in susceptibility profiles related to distinct uptake/extrusion mechanisms and cellular targets between bloodstream and amastigote forms. The present study adds to the knowledge base for the future design of novel amidines that may provide promising activity against T. cruzi.
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20
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In vitro and in vivo studies of the biological activity of novel arylimidamides against Trypanosoma cruzi. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:4191-5. [PMID: 24590476 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01403-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fifteen novel arylimidamides (AIAs) (6 bis-amidino and 9 mono-amidino analogues) were assayed against Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and in vivo. All the bis-AIAs were more effective than the mono-AIAs, and two analogues, DB1967 and DB1989, were further evaluated in vivo. Although both of them reduced parasitemia, protection against mortality was not achieved. Our results show that the number of amidino-terminal units affects the efficacy of arylimidamides against T. cruzi.
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Chai Y, Munde M, Kumar A, Mickelson L, Lin S, Campbell NH, Banerjee M, Akay S, Liu Z, Farahat AA, Nhili R, Depauw S, David-Cordonnier MH, Neidle S, Wilson WD, Boykin DW. Structure-dependent binding of arylimidamides to the DNA minor groove. Chembiochem 2013; 15:68-79. [PMID: 24323836 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201300622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Heterocyclic diamidines are strong DNA minor-groove binders and have excellent antiparasitic activity. To extend the biological activity of these compounds, a series of arylimidamides (AIAs) analogues, which have better uptake properties in Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruizi than diamidines, was prepared. The binding of the AIAs to DNA was investigated by Tm , fluorescence displacement titration, circular dichroism, DNase I footprinting, biosensor surface plasmon resonance, X-ray crystallography and molecular modeling. These compounds form 1:1 complexes with AT sequences in the DNA minor groove, and the binding strength varies with substituent size, charge and polarity. These substituent-dependent structure and properties provide a SAR that can be used to estimate K values for binding to DNA in this series. The structural results and molecular modeling studies provide an explanation for the differences in binding affinities for AIAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chai
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, 50 Decatur St. SE., Atlanta, GA 30303 (USA)
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Activities of psilostachyin A and cynaropicrin against Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and in vivo. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:5307-14. [PMID: 23939901 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00595-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro and in vivo activities against Trypanosoma cruzi were evaluated for two sesquiterpene lactones: psilostachyin A and cynaropicrin. Cynaropicrin had previously been shown to potently inhibit African trypanosomes in vivo, and psilostachyin A had been reported to show in vivo effects against T. cruzi, albeit in another test design. In vitro data showed that cynaropicrin was more effective than psilostachyin A. Ultrastructural alterations induced by cynaropicrin included shedding events, detachment of large portions of the plasma membrane, and vesicular bodies and large vacuoles containing membranous structures, suggestive of parasite autophagy. Acute toxicity studies showed that one of two mice died at a cynaropicrin dose of 400 mg/kg of body weight given intraperitoneally (i.p.). Although no major plasma biochemical alterations could be detected, histopathology demonstrated that the liver was the most affected organ in cynaropicrin-treated animals. Although cynaropicrin was as effective as benznidazole against trypomastigotes in vitro, the treatment (once or twice a day) of T. cruzi-infected mice (up to 50 mg/kg/day cynaropicrin) did not suppress parasitemia or protect against mortality induced by the Y and Colombiana strains. Psilostachyin A (0.5 to 50 mg/kg/day given once a day) was not effective in the acute model of T. cruzi infection (Y strain), reaching 100% animal mortality. Our data demonstrate that although it is very promising against African trypanosomes, cynaropicrin does not show efficacy compared to benznidazole in acute mouse models of T. cruzi infection.
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In vitro and in vivo studies of the antiparasitic activity of sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) inhibitor VNI against drug-resistant strains of Trypanosoma cruzi. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:4151-63. [PMID: 23774435 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00070-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide, and yet, as it has historically been known as a disease of the poor, it remains highly neglected. Two currently available drugs exhibit severe toxicity and low effectiveness, especially in the chronic phase, while new drug discovery has been halted for years as a result of a lack of interest from pharmaceutical companies. Although attempts to repurpose the antifungal drugs posaconazole and ravuconazole (inhibitors of fungal sterol 14α-demethylase [CYP51]) are finally in progress, development of cheaper and more efficient, preferably Trypanosoma cruzi-specific, chemotherapies would be highly advantageous. We have recently reported that the experimental T. cruzi CYP51 inhibitor VNI cures with 100% survival and 100% parasitological clearance both acute and chronic murine infections with the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi. In this work, we further explored the potential of VNI by assaying nitro-derivative-resistant T. cruzi strains, Y and Colombiana, in highly stringent protocols of acute infection. The data show high antiparasitic efficacy of VNI and its derivative (VNI/VNF) against both forms of T. cruzi that are relevant for mammalian host infection (bloodstream and amastigotes), with the in vivo potency, at 25 mg/kg twice a day (b.i.d.), similar to that of benznidazole (100 mg/kg/day). Transmission electron microscopy and reverse mutation tests were performed to explore cellular ultrastructural and mutagenic aspects of VNI, respectively. No mutagenic potential could be seen by the Ames test at up to 3.5 μM, and the main ultrastructural damage induced by VNI in T. cruzi was related to Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum organization, with membrane blebs presenting an autophagic phenotype. Thus, these preliminary studies confirm VNI as a very promising trypanocidal drug candidate for Chagas disease therapy.
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Novel amidines and analogues as promising agents against intracellular parasites: a systematic review. Parasitology 2013; 140:929-51. [PMID: 23561006 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182013000292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic protozoa comprise diverse aetiological agents responsible for important diseases in humans and animals including sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, toxoplasmosis and others. They are major causes of mortality and morbidity in tropical and subtropical countries, and are also responsible for important economic losses. However, up to now, for most of these parasitic diseases, effective vaccines are lacking and the approved chemotherapeutic compounds present high toxicity, increasing resistance, limited efficacy and require long periods of treatment. Many of these parasitic illnesses predominantly affect low-income populations of developing countries for which new pharmaceutical alternatives are urgently needed. Thus, very low research funding is available. Amidine-containing compounds such as pentamidine are DNA minor groove binders with a broad spectrum of activities against human and veterinary pathogens. Due to their promising microbicidal activity but their rather poor bioavailability and high toxicity, many analogues and derivatives, including pro-drugs, have been synthesized and screened in vitro and in vivo in order to improve their selectivity and pharmacological properties. This review summarizes the knowledge on amidines and analogues with respect to their synthesis, pharmacological profile, mechanistic and biological effects upon a range of intracellular protozoan parasites. The bulk of these data may contribute to the future design and structure optimization of new aromatic dicationic compounds as novel antiparasitic drug candidates.
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Evaluation of arylimidamides DB1955 and DB1960 as candidates against visceral leishmaniasis and Chagas' disease: in vivo efficacy, acute toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology studies. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:3690-9. [PMID: 22508306 DOI: 10.1128/aac.06404-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Arylimidamides (AIAs) have shown outstanding in vitro potency against intracellular kinetoplastid parasites, and the AIA 2,5-bis[2-(2-propoxy)-4-(2-pyridylimino)aminophenyl]furan dihydrochloride (DB766) displayed good in vivo efficacy in rodent models of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and Chagas' disease. In an attempt to further increase the solubility and in vivo antikinetoplastid potential of DB766, the mesylate salt of this compound and that of the closely related AIA 2,5-bis[2-(2-cyclopentyloxy)-4-(2-pyridylimino)aminophenyl]furan hydrochloride (DB1852) were prepared. These two mesylate salts, designated DB1960 and DB1955, respectively, exhibited dose-dependent activity in the murine model of VL, with DB1960 inhibiting liver parasitemia by 51% at an oral dose of 100 mg/kg/day × 5 and DB1955 reducing liver parasitemia by 57% when given by the same dosing regimen. In a murine Trypanosoma cruzi infection model, DB1960 decreased the peak parasitemia levels that occurred at 8 days postinfection by 46% when given orally at 100 mg/kg/day × 5, while DB1955 had no effect on peak parasitemia levels when administered by the same dosing regimen. Distribution studies revealed that these compounds accumulated to micromolar levels in the liver, spleen, and kidneys but to a lesser extent in the heart, brain, and plasma. A 5-day repeat-dose toxicology study with DB1960 and DB1955 was also conducted with female BALB/c mice, with the compounds administered orally at 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg/day. In the high-dose groups, DB1960 caused changes in serum chemistry, with statistically significant increases in serum blood urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels, and a 21% decrease in body weight was observed in this group. These changes were consistent with microscopic findings in the livers and kidneys of the treated animals. The incidences of observed clinical signs (hunched posture, tachypnea, tremors, and ruffled fur) were more frequent in DB1960-treated groups than in those treated with DB1955. However, histopathological examination of tissue samples indicated that both compounds had adverse effects at all dose levels.
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Schorer M, Debache K, Barna F, Monney T, Müller J, Boykin DW, Stephens CE, Hemphill A. Di-cationic arylimidamides act against Neospora caninum tachyzoites by interference in membrane structure and nucleolar integrity and are active against challenge infection in mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2012; 2:109-20. [PMID: 24533272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is considered to be the main cause of bovine abortion in Europe and the USA, leading to considerable financial impact. Losses are caused directly by abortions or indirectly through breeding of calves with impaired viability. Due to the lack of effective chemotherapy against bovine neosporosis, there is a need to develop new anti-protozoal compounds, which would either eliminate the parasite or avoid its transmission. In order to identify compounds of interest, the in vitro activities of 41 di-cationic pentamidine derivatives were studied employing a transgenic N. caninum clone expressing beta-galactosidase as a reporter gene. The arylimidamide DB745, previously shown to be highly active against Leishmania donovani in vitro and in vivo, appeared as the most promising compound, with an IC50 of 80 nM in 3-day growth assays and severely affecting both host cell invasion as well as intracellular proliferation. TEM of intracellular tachyzoites identified distinct alterations related to the nucleolus and the nuclear and cellular membrane. Long-term growth assays showed that DB745 acted parasiticidal upon the Nc-Liv isolate, but not against the Nc-1 isolate of N. caninum. In vivo studies in N. caninum (Nc-1 isolate) infected mice showed that daily intraperitoneal application of DB745 for a period of 14 days resulted in a decreased number of clinically affected animals, and lower cerebral parasite burdens in DB745-treated mice compared to non-treated mice. These results illustrate the potential of dicationic arylimidamides for the treatment of N. caninum infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Schorer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karim Debache
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Barna
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Monney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - David W Boykin
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 4098, Atlanta, GA 30302-4098, USA
| | - Chad E Stephens
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta State University, Augusta, GA 30904-2200, USA
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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da Silva CF, Batista DDGJ, Oliveira GM, de Souza EM, Hammer ER, da Silva PB, Daliry A, Araujo JS, Britto C, Rodrigues ACM, Liu Z, Farahat AA, Kumar A, Boykin DW, de Nazaré Correia Soeiro M. In vitro and in vivo investigation of the efficacy of arylimidamide DB1831 and its mesylated salt form--DB1965--against Trypanosoma cruzi infection. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30356. [PMID: 22291940 PMCID: PMC3264605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by infection with the intracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. At present, nifurtimox and benznidazole, both compounds developed empirically over four decades ago, represent the chemotherapeutic arsenal for treating this highly neglected disease. However, both drugs present variable efficacy depending on the geographical area and the occurrence of natural resistance, and are poorly effective against the later chronic stage. As a part of a search for new therapeutic opportunities to treat chagasic patients, pre-clinical studies were performed to characterize the activity of a novel arylimidamide (AIA--DB1831 (hydrochloride salt) and DB1965 (mesylate salt)) against T. cruzi. These AIAs displayed a high trypanocidal effect in vitro against both relevant forms in mammalian hosts, exhibiting a high selectivity index and a very high efficacy (IC(50) value/48 h of 5-40 nM) against intracellular parasites. DB1965 shows high activity in vivo in acute experimental models (mouse) of T. cruzi, showing a similar effect to benznidazole (Bz) when compared under a scheme of 10 daily consecutive doses with 12.5 mg/kg. Although no parasitological cure was observed after treating with 20 daily consecutive doses, a combined dosage of DB1965 (5 mg/kg) with Bz (50 mg/kg) resulted in parasitaemia clearance and 100% animal survival. In summary, our present data confirmed that aryimidamides represent promising new chemical entities against T. cruzi in therapeutic schemes using the AIA alone or in combination with other drugs, like benznidazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane França da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Melo Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elen Mello de Souza
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Erica Ripoll Hammer
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Anissa Daliry
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Julianna Siciliano Araujo
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Constança Britto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Mondaine Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Zongying Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Abdelbasset A. Farahat
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David W. Boykin
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Zhu Y, He J, Shi Q, Yang B, Tang M. Binding properties and conformational dynamics of reversible amidines with DNA from a theoretical view. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2011.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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29
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Grecco SDS, Reimão JQ, Tempone AG, Sartorelli P, Cunha RLOR, Romoff P, Ferreira MJP, Fávero OA, Lago JHG. In vitro antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of flavanones from Baccharis retusa DC. (Asteraceae). Exp Parasitol 2011; 130:141-5. [PMID: 22143090 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis and Chagas' are parasitic protozoan diseases that affect the poorest population in the world, causing a high mortality and morbidity. As a result of highly toxic and long-term treatments, novel, safe and more efficacious drugs are essential. In this work, the CH(2)Cl(2) phase from MeOH extract from the leaves of Baccharis retusa DC. (Asteraceae) was fractioned to afford two flavonoids: naringenin (1) and sakuranetin (2). These compounds were in vitro tested against Leishmania spp. promastigotes and amastigotes and Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes and amastigotes. Compound 2 presented activity against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis, Leishmania (V.) braziliensis, Leishmania (L.) major, and Leishmania (L.) chagasi with IC(50) values in the range between 43 and 52 μg/mL and against T. cruzi trypomastigotes (IC(50)=20.17 μg/mL). Despite of the chemical similarity, compound 1 did not show antiparasitic activity. Additionally, compound 2 was subjected to a methylation procedure to give sakuranetin-4'-methyl ether (3), which resulted in an inactive compound against both Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi. The obtained results indicated that the presence of one hydroxyl group at C-4' associated to one methoxyl group at C-7 is important to the antiparasitic activity. Further drug design studies aiming derivatives could be a promising tool for the development of new therapeutic agents for Leishmaniasis and Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone dos S Grecco
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
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The adaptive potential of a survival artist: characterization of the in vitro interactions of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites with di-cationic compounds in human fibroblast cell cultures. Parasitology 2011; 139:208-20. [PMID: 22011664 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182011001776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The impact of di-cationic pentamidine-analogues against Toxoplama gondii (Rh- and Me49-background) was investigated. The 72 h-growth assays showed that the arylimidamide DB750 inhibited the proliferation of tachyzoites of T. gondii Rh and T. gondii Me49 with an IC(50) of 0·11 and 0·13 μM, respectively. Pre-incubation of fibroblast monolayers with 1 μM DB750 for 12 h and subsequent culture in the absence of the drug also resulted in a pronounced inhibiton of parasite proliferation. However, upon 5-6 days of drug exposure, T. gondii tachyzoites adapted to the compound and resumed proliferation up to a concentration of 1·2 μM. Out of a set of 32 di-cationic compounds screened for in vitro activity against T. gondii, the arylimidamide DB745, exhibiting an IC(50) of 0·03 μM and favourable selective toxicity was chosen for further studies. DB745 also inhibited the proliferation of DB750-adapted T. gondii (IC(50)=0·07 μM). In contrast to DB750, DB745 also had a profound negative impact on extracellular non-adapted T. gondii tachyzoites, but not on DB750-adapted T. gondii. Adaptation of T. gondii to DB745 (up to a concentration of 0·46 μM) was much more difficult to achieve and feasible only over a period of 110 days. In cultures infected with DB750-adapted T. gondii seemingly intact parasites could occasionally be detected by TEM. This illustrates the astonishing capacity of T. gondii tachyzoites to adapt to environmental changes, at least under in vitro conditions, and suggests that DB745 could be an interesting drug candidate for further assessments in appropriate in vivo models.
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Menezes C, Costa GC, Gollob KJ, Dutra WO. Clinical aspects of Chagas disease and implications for novel therapies. Drug Dev Res 2011; 72:471-479. [PMID: 22267887 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.20454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and the human host dates back 9000 years, as demonstrated by molecular analysis of material obtained from Andean mummies indicating the presence of the parasite's kinetoplast DNA in populations from Chile and Peru. This long-established interaction, which persists today, demonstrates that T. cruzi has established a very well adapted relationship with the human host. From a host-parasite relationship point-of-view this is desirable, however, such a high degree of adaptation is perhaps the foundation for many of the unknowns that surround this disease. Unveiling of the immunological mechanisms that underlie the establishment of pathology, identification of parasite-associated factors that determine strain-differential tissue tropism, discovery of host genetic elements that influence the development of different clinical forms of the disease, and understanding environmental factors that may influence the host-parasite interactions, are some of the key questions remaining to be answered. The response to these questions will aid in addressing some of the current challenges in Chagas disease: fulfilling the need for efficient diagnosis, developing effective prophylactic measures, discovering effective therapeutics, and finding methods to control disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Menezes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Exact and Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the in vitro biological efficacy and selectivity of 7 novel AIAs upon bloodstream trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. The biological activity of these aromatic compounds was assayed for 48 and 24 h against intracellular parasites and bloodstream forms of T. cruzi (Y strain), respectively. Additional assays were also performed to determine their potential use in blood banks by treating the bloodstream parasites with the compounds diluted in mouse blood for 24 h at 4°C. Toxicity against mammalian cells was evaluated using primary cultures of cardiac cells incubated for 24 and 48 h with the AIAs and then cellular death rates were determined by MTT colorimetric assays. Our data demonstrated the outstanding trypanocidal effect of AIAs against T. cruzi, especially DB1853, DB1862, DB1867 and DB1868, giving IC50 values ranging between 16 and 70 nanomolar against both parasite forms. All AIAs presented superior efficacy to benznidazole and some, such as DB1868, also demonstrated promising activity as a candidate agent for blood prophylaxis. The excellent anti-trypanosomal efficacy of these novel AIAs against T. cruzi stimulates further in vivo studies and justifies the screening of new analogues with the goal of establishing a useful alternative therapy for Chagas disease.
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The trypanocidal activity of amidine compounds does not correlate with their binding affinity to Trypanosoma cruzi kinetoplast DNA. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 55:4765-73. [PMID: 21807972 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00229-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to limited efficacy and considerable toxicity, the therapy for Chagas' disease is far from being ideal, and thus new compounds are desirable. Diamidines and related compounds such as arylimidamides have promising trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. To better understand the mechanism of action of these heterocyclic cations, we investigated the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) binding properties and trypanocidal efficacy against T. cruzi of 13 compounds. Four diamidines (DB75, DB569, DB1345, and DB829), eight arylimidamides (DB766, DB749, DB889, DB709, DB613, DB1831, DB1852, and DB2002), and one guanylhydrazone (DB1080) were assayed in thermal denaturation (T(m)) and circular dichroism (CD) studies using whole purified T. cruzi kDNA and a conserved synthetic parasite sequence. The overall CD spectra using the whole kDNA were similar to those found for the conserved sequence and were indicative of minor groove binding. Our findings showed that some of the compounds that exhibited the highest trypanocidal activities (e.g., DB766) caused low or no change in the T(m) measurements. However, while some active compounds, such as DB766, induced profound alterations of kDNA topology, others, like DB1831, although effective, did not result in altered T(m) and CD measurements. Our data suggest that the strong affinity of amidines with kDNA per se is not sufficient to generate and trigger their trypanocidal activity. Cell uptake differences and possibly distinct cellular targets need to be considered in the final evaluation of the mechanisms of action of these compounds.
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Batista DDGJ, Batista MM, de Oliveira GM, Britto CC, Rodrigues ACM, Stephens CE, Boykin DW, Soeiro MDNC. Combined treatment of heterocyclic analogues and benznidazole upon Trypanosoma cruzi in vivo. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22155. [PMID: 21814568 PMCID: PMC3144210 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in Latin America but no vaccines or safe chemotherapeutic agents are available. Combined therapy is envisioned as an ideal approach since it may enhance efficacy by acting upon different cellular targets, may reduce toxicity and minimize the risk of drug resistance. Therefore, we investigated the activity of benznidazole (Bz) in combination with the diamidine prodrug DB289 and in combination with the arylimidamide DB766 upon T. cruzi infection in vivo. The oral treatment of T.cruzi-infected mice with DB289 and Benznidazole (Bz) alone reduced the number of circulating parasites compared with untreated mice by about 70% and 90%, respectively. However, the combination of these two compounds decreased the parasitemia by 99% and protected against animal mortality by 100%, but without providing a parasitological cure. When Bz (p.o) was combined with DB766 (via ip route), at least a 99.5% decrease in parasitemia levels was observed. DB766+Bz also provided 100% protection against mice mortality while Bz alone provided about 87% protection. This combined therapy also reduced the tissular lesions induced by T. cruzi infection: Bz alone reduced GPT and CK plasma levels by about 12% and 78% compared to untreated mice group, the combination of Bz with DB766 resulted in a reduction of GPT and CK plasma levels of 56% and 91%. Cure assessment through hemocultive and PCR approaches showed that Bz did not provide a parasitological cure, however, DB766 alone or associated with Bz cured ≥13% of surviving animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcos Meuser Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Melo de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Constança Carvalho Britto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Chad E. Stephens
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Augusta State University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David W. Boykin
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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de Castro SL, Batista DGJ, Batista MM, Batista W, Daliry A, de Souza EM, Menna-Barreto RFS, Oliveira GM, Salomão K, Silva CF, Silva PB, Soeiro MDNC. Experimental Chemotherapy for Chagas Disease: A Morphological, Biochemical, and Proteomic Overview of Potential Trypanosoma cruzi Targets of Amidines Derivatives and Naphthoquinones. Mol Biol Int 2011; 2011:306928. [PMID: 22091400 PMCID: PMC3195292 DOI: 10.4061/2011/306928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Revised: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, affects approximately eight million individuals in Latin America and is emerging in nonendemic areas due to the globalisation of immigration and nonvectorial transmission routes. Although CD represents an important public health problem, resulting in high morbidity and considerable mortality rates, few investments have been allocated towards developing novel anti-T. cruzi agents. The available therapy for CD is based on two nitro derivatives (benznidazole (Bz) and nifurtimox (Nf)) developed more than four decades ago. Both are far from ideal due to substantial secondary side effects, limited efficacy against different parasite isolates, long-term therapy, and their well-known poor activity in the late chronic phase. These drawbacks justify the urgent need to identify better drugs to treat chagasic patients. Although several classes of natural and synthetic compounds have been reported to act in vitro and in vivo on T. cruzi, since the introduction of Bz and Nf, only a few drugs, such as allopurinol and a few sterol inhibitors, have moved to clinical trials. This reflects, at least in part, the absence of well-established universal protocols to screen and compare drug activity. In addition, a large number of in vitro studies have been conducted using only epimastigotes and trypomastigotes instead of evaluating compounds' activities against intracellular amastigotes, which are the reproductive forms in the vertebrate host and are thus an important determinant in the selection and identification of effective compounds for further in vivo analysis. In addition, due to pharmacokinetics and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics, several compounds that were promising in vitro have not been as effective as Nf or Bz in animal models of T. cruzi infection. In the last two decades, our team has collaborated with different medicinal chemistry groups to develop preclinical studies for CD and investigate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy, toxicity, selectivity, and parasite targets of different classes of natural and synthetic compounds. Some of these results will be briefly presented, focusing primarily on diamidines and related compounds and naphthoquinone derivatives that showed the most promising efficacy against T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange L. de Castro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Denise G. J. Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos M. Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Wanderson Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Anissa Daliry
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elen M. de Souza
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rubem F. S. Menna-Barreto
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel M. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Kelly Salomão
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cristiane F. Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patricia B. Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria de Nazaré C. Soeiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Soeiro MDNC, de Castro SL. Screening of Potential anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Candidates: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. THE OPEN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY JOURNAL 2011; 5:21-30. [PMID: 21629508 PMCID: PMC3103897 DOI: 10.2174/1874104501105010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 05/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the intracellular protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a parasitic illness endemic in Latin America. In the centennial after CD discovery by Carlos Chagas (1909), although it still represents an important public health problem in these affected areas, the existing chemotherapy, based on benznidazole and nifurtimox (both introduced more than four decades ago), is far from being considered ideal due to substantial toxicity, variable effect on different parasite stocks and well-known poor activity on the chronic phase. CD is considered one of the major "neglected" diseases of the world, as commercial incentives are very limited to guarantee investments for developing and discovering novel drugs. In this context, our group has been pursuing, over the last years, the efficacy, selectivity, toxicity, cellular targets and mechanisms of action of new potential anti-T. cruzi candidates screened from an in-house compound library of different research groups in the area of medicinal chemistry. A brief review regarding these studies will be discussed, mainly related to the effect on T. cruzi of (i) diamidines and related compounds, (ii) natural naphthoquinone derivatives, and (iii) megazol derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Solange Lisboa de Castro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
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da Silva CF, da Silva PB, Batista MM, Daliry A, Tidwell RR, Soeiro MDNC. The biological in vitro effect and selectivity of aromatic dicationic compounds on Trypanosoma cruzi. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2010; 105:239-45. [PMID: 20512235 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762010000300001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2009] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a parasite that causes Chagas disease, which affects millions of individuals in endemic areas of Latin America. One hundred years after the discovery of Chagas disease, it is still considered a neglected illness because the available drugs are unsatisfactory. Aromatic compounds represent an important class of DNA minor groove-binding ligands that exhibit potent antimicrobial activity. This study focused on the in vitro activity of 10 aromatic dicationic compounds against bloodstream trypomastigotes and intracellular forms of T. cruzi. Our data demonstrated that these compounds display trypanocidal effects against both forms of the parasite and that seven out of the 10 compounds presented higher anti-parasitic activity against intracellular parasites compared with the bloodstream forms. Additional assays to determine the potential toxicity to mammalian cells showed that the majority of the dicationic compounds did not considerably decrease cellular viability. Fluorescent microscopy analysis demonstrated that although all compounds were localised to a greater extent within the kinetoplast than the nucleus, no correlation could be found between compound activity and kDNA accumulation. The present results stimulate further investigations of this class of compounds for the rational design of new chemotherapeutic agents for Chagas disease.
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Arylimidamide DB766, a potential chemotherapeutic candidate for Chagas' disease treatment. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010; 54:2940-52. [PMID: 20457822 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01617-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas' disease, a neglected tropical illness for which current therapy is unsatisfactory, is caused by the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The goal of this work is to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of the arylimidamide (AIA) DB766 against T. cruzi. This arylimidamide exhibits strong trypanocidal activity and excellent selectivity for bloodstream trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes (Y strain), giving IC(50)s (drug concentrations that reduce 50% of the number of the treated parasites) of 60 and 25 nM, respectively. DB766 also exerts striking effects upon different parasite stocks, including those naturally resistant to benznidazole, and displays higher activity in vitro than the reference drugs. By fluorescent and transmission electron microscopy analyses, we found that this AIA localizes in DNA-enriched compartments and induces considerable damage to the mitochondria. DB766 effectively reduces the parasite load in the blood and cardiac tissue and presents efficacy similar to that of benznidazole in mouse models of T. cruzi infection employing the Y and Colombian strains, using oral and intraperitoneal doses of up to 100 mg/kg/day that were given after the establishment of parasite infection. This AIA ameliorates electrocardiographic alterations, reduces hepatic and heart lesions induced by the infection, and provides 90 to 100% protection against mortality, which is similar to that provided by benznidazole. Our data clearly show the trypanocidal efficacy of DB766, suggesting that this AIA may represent a new lead compound candidate to Chagas' disease treatment.
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Soeiro MDNC, Dantas AP, Daliry A, Silva CFD, Batista DGJ, de Souza EM, Oliveira GM, Salomão K, Batista MM, Pacheco MGO, Silva PBD, Santa-Rita RM, Barreto RFSM, Boykin DW, Castro SLD. Experimental chemotherapy for Chagas disease: 15 years of research contributions from in vivo and in vitro studies. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2010; 104 Suppl 1:301-10. [PMID: 19753489 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000900040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, which is caused by the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected illness with 12-14 million reported cases in endemic geographic regions of Latin America. While the disease still represents an important public health problem in these affected areas, the available therapy, which was introduced more than four decades ago, is far from ideal due to its substantial toxicity, its limited effects on different parasite stocks, and its poor activity during the chronic phase of the disease. For the past 15 years, our group, in collaboration with research groups focused on medicinal chemistry, has been working on experimental chemotherapies for Chagas disease, investigating the biological activity, toxicity, selectivity and cellular targets of different classes of compounds on T. cruzi. In this report, we present an overview of these in vitro and in vivo studies, focusing on the most promising classes of compounds with the aim of contributing to the current knowledge of the treatment of Chagas disease and aiding in the development of a new arsenal of candidates with anti-T. cruzi efficacy.
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Grecco SS, Reimão JQ, Tempone AG, Sartorelli P, Romoff P, Ferreira MJP, Fávero OA, Lago JHG. Isolation of an antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal flavanone from the leaves of Baccharis retusa DC. (Asteraceae). Parasitol Res 2010; 106:1245-8. [PMID: 20165875 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1771-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In the course of selection of new bioactive compounds from Brazilian flora, the crude MeOH extract from the leaves of Baccharis retusa DC. (Asteraceae) showed potential against Leishmania sp. and Trypanosoma cruzi. Chromatographic fractionation of the dichloromethane phase from MeOH extract yielded great amounts of the bioactive derivative, which was characterized as 5,6,7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavanone. The structure of this compound was established on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis, mainly nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone S Grecco
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Campus Diadema, 09972-270, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
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Biological, ultrastructural effect and subcellular localization of aromatic diamidines in Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitology 2009; 137:251-9. [PMID: 19765349 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182009991223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
No vaccines or safe chemotherapy are available for Chagas disease. Pentamidine and related di-cations are DNA minor groove-binders with broad-spectrum anti-protozoal activity. Therefore our aim was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of di-cationic compounds - DB1645, DB1582, DB1651, DB1646, DB1670 and DB1627 - against bloodstream trypomastigotes (BT) and intracellular forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Cellular targets of these compounds in treated parasites were also analysed by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). DB1645, DB1582 and DB1651 were the most active against BT showing IC50 values ranging between 0.15 and 6.9 microm. All compounds displayed low toxicity towards mammalian cells and DB1645, DB1582 and DB1651 were also the most effective against intracellular parasites, with IC50 values ranging between 7.3 and 13.3 microm. All compounds localized in parasite nuclei and kDNA (with greater intensity in the latter structure), and DB1582 and DB1651 also concentrated in non-DNA-containing cytoplasmic organelles possibly acidocalcisomes. TEM revealed alterations in mitochondria and kinetoplasts, as well as important disorganization of microtubules. Our data provide further information regarding the activity of this class of compounds upon T. cruzi which should aid future design and synthesis of agents that could be used for Chagas disease therapy.
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Trypanosoma cruzi: Activity of heterocyclic cationic molecules in vitro. Exp Parasitol 2009; 123:73-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2008] [Revised: 05/14/2009] [Accepted: 06/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Mezencev R, Galizzi M, Kutschy P, Docampo R. Trypanosoma cruzi: antiproliferative effect of indole phytoalexins on intracellular amastigotes in vitro. Exp Parasitol 2009; 122:66-9. [PMID: 19545522 PMCID: PMC2784243 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2008] [Revised: 01/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) continues to be a significant public health problem, and the therapeutic potential of current antichagasic agents (nifurtimox and benznidazole) is rather limited. Here we report on the antitrypanosomal effect of 1-methoxyspirobrassinol and other indole phytoalexins--secondary metabolites produced by Cruciferous plants. These compounds, that previously demonstrated antimicrobial and anticancer properties, displayed significant antiproliferative effects on intracellular amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi and may be prospective candidates for antichagasic drug design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Mezencev
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Biology, Cherry Emerson Building, 310 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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Soeiro MNC, de Castro SL. Trypanosoma cruzitargets for new chemotherapeutic approaches. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2008; 13:105-21. [DOI: 10.1517/14728220802623881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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In vitro and in vivo studies of the trypanocidal activity of a diarylthiophene diamidine against Trypanosoma cruzi. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2008; 52:3307-14. [PMID: 18625779 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00038-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatic diamidines are DNA minor groove-binding ligands that display excellent antimicrobial activity against fungi, bacteria, and protozoa. Due to the currently unsatisfactory chemotherapy for Chagas' disease and in view of our previous reports regarding the effect of diamidines and analogues against both in vitro and in vivo Trypanosoma cruzi infection, this study evaluated the effects of a diarylthiophene diamidine (DB1362) against both amastigotes and bloodstream trypomastigotes of T. cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas' disease. The data show the potent in vitro activity of DB1362 against both parasite forms that are relevant for mammalian infection at doses which do not exhibit cytotoxicity. Ultrastructural analysis and flow cytometry studies show striking alterations in the nuclei and mitochondria of the bloodstream parasites. In vivo studies were performed at two different drug concentrations (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) using a 2-day or a 10-day regimen. The best results were obtained when acutely infected mice were treated with two doses at the lower concentration, resulting in 100% survival, compared to the infected and untreated mice. Although it did not display higher efficacy than benznidazole, DB1362 reduced both cardiac parasitism and inflammation, and in addition, it protected against the cardiac alterations (determined by measurements) common in T. cruzi infection. These results support further investigation of diamidines and related compounds as potential agents against Chagas' disease.
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Soeiro MDNC, Souza EMD, Boykin DW. Antiparasitic activity of aromatic diamidines and their patented literature. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2007. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.17.8.927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Silva CF, Meuser MB, De Souza EM, Meirelles MNL, Stephens CE, Som P, Boykin DW, Soeiro MNC. Cellular effects of reversed amidines on Trypanosoma cruzi. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2007; 51:3803-9. [PMID: 17698624 PMCID: PMC2151434 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00047-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatic diamidines represent a class of DNA minor groove-binding ligands that exhibit high levels of antiparasitic activity. Since the chemotherapy for Chagas' disease is still an unsolved problem and previous reports on diamidines and related analogues show that they have high levels of activity against Trypanosoma cruzi infection both in vitro and in vivo, our present aim was to evaluate the cellular effects in vitro of three reversed amidines (DB889, DB702, and DB786) and one diguanidine (DB711) against both amastigotes and bloodstream trypomastigotes of T. cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas' disease. Our data show that the reversed amidines have higher levels of activity than the diguanidine, with the order of trypanocidal activities being as follows: DB889 > DB702 > DB786 > DB711. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the reversed amidines induced many alterations in the nuclear morphology, swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi structures, and consistent damage in the mitochondria and kinetoplasts of the parasites. Interestingly, in trypomastigotes treated with the reversed amidine DB889, multiple axoneme structures (flagellar microtubules) were noted. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that the treated parasites presented an important loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, as revealed by a decrease in rhodamine 123 fluorescence. Our results show that the reversed amidines have promising activities against the relevant mammalian forms of T. cruzi and display high trypanocidal effects at very low doses. This is especially the case for DB889, which merits further in vivo evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C F Silva
- Laboratory de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil 4365, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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