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Fonseca-López D, Lozano JD, Macías MA, Muñoz-Castro Á, MacLeod-Carey D, Nagles E, Hurtado J. Biological Activity of Complexes Involving Nitro-Containing Ligands and Crystallographic-Theoretical Description of 3,5-DNB Complexes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6536. [PMID: 38928242 PMCID: PMC11203423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance in infectious diseases developed by bacteria and fungi is an important issue since it is necessary to further develop novel compounds with biological activity that counteract this problem. In addition, new pharmaceutical compounds with lower secondary effects to treat cancer are needed. Coordination compounds appear to be accessible and promising alternatives aiming to overcome these problems. In this review, we summarize the recent literature on coordination compounds based on nitrobenzoic acid (NBA) as a ligand, its derivatives, and other nitro-containing ligands, which are widely employed owing to their versatility. Additionally, an analysis of crystallographic data is presented, unraveling the coordination preferences and the most effective crystallization methods to grow crystals of good quality. This underscores the significance of elucidating crystalline structures and utilizing computational calculations to deepen the comprehension of the electronic properties of coordination complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fonseca-López
- Grupo de Investigación en Química Inorgánica, Catálisis y Bioinorgánica, Departamento de Química, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia;
| | - Johan D. Lozano
- Crystallography and Chemistry of Materials, Departamento de Química, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (J.D.L.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Mario A. Macías
- Crystallography and Chemistry of Materials, Departamento de Química, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia; (J.D.L.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Álvaro Muñoz-Castro
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Bellavista 7, Santiago 8420524, Chile;
| | - Desmond MacLeod-Carey
- Inorganic Chemistry and Molecular Materials Laboratory, Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, El Llano Subercaseaux 2801, Santiago 8910124, Chile;
| | - Edgar Nagles
- Facultad de Química e Ing. Química, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
| | - John Hurtado
- Grupo de Investigación en Química Inorgánica, Catálisis y Bioinorgánica, Departamento de Química, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Colombia;
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Torchelsen FKVDS, Mazzeti AL, Mosqueira VCF. Drugs in preclinical and early clinical development for the treatment of Chagas´s disease: the current status. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:575-590. [PMID: 38686546 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2349289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chagas disease is spreading faster than expected in different countries, and little progress has been reported in the discovery of new drugs to combat Trypanosoma cruzi infection in humans. Recent clinical trials have ended with small hope. The pathophysiology of this neglected disease and the genetic diversity of parasites are exceptionally complex. The only two drugs available to treat patients are far from being safe, and their efficacy in the chronic phase is still unsatisfactory. AREAS COVERED This review offers a comprehensive examination and critical review of data reported in the last 10 years, and it is focused on findings of clinical trials and data acquired in vivo in preclinical studies. EXPERT OPINION The in vivo investigations classically in mice and dog models are also challenging and time-consuming to attest cure for infection. Poorly standardized protocols, availability of diagnosis methods and disease progression markers, the use of different T. cruzi strains with variable benznidazole sensitivities, and animals in different acute and chronic phases of infection contribute to it. More synchronized efforts between research groups in this field are required to put in evidence new promising substances, drug combinations, repurposing strategies, and new pharmaceutical formulations to impact the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Karoline Vieira da Silva Torchelsen
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Lia Mazzeti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Health, Academic Unit of Passos, University of Minas Gerais State, Passos, Brazil
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Rahman SU, Weng TN, Qadeer A, Nawaz S, Ullah H, Chen CC. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their potential therapeutic role in protozoan infections. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339470. [PMID: 38633251 PMCID: PMC11022163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Protozoa exert a serious global threat of growing concern to human, and animal, and there is a need for the advancement of novel therapeutic strategies to effectively treat or mitigate the impact of associated diseases. Omega polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-PUFAs), including Omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6), are constituents derived from various natural sources, have gained significant attention for their therapeutic role in parasitic infections and a variety of essential structural and regulatory functions in animals and humans. Both ω-3 and ω-6 decrease the growth and survival rate of parasites through metabolized anti-inflammatory mediators, such as lipoxins, resolvins, and protectins, and have both in vivo and in vitro protective effects against various protozoan infections. The ω-PUFAs have been shown to modulate the host immune response by a commonly known mechanism such as (inhibition of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolic process, production of anti-inflammatory mediators, modification of intracellular lipids, and activation of the nuclear receptor), and promotion of a shift towards a more effective immune defense against parasitic invaders by regulation the inflammation like prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxane, are involved in controlling the inflammatory reaction. The immune modulation may involve reducing inflammation, enhancing phagocytosis, and suppressing parasitic virulence factors. The unique properties of ω-PUFAs could prevent protozoan infections, representing an important area of study. This review explores the clinical impact of ω-PUFAs against some protozoan infections, elucidating possible mechanisms of action and supportive therapy for preventing various parasitic infections in humans and animals, such as toxoplasmosis, malaria, coccidiosis, and chagas disease. ω-PUFAs show promise as a therapeutic approach for parasitic infections due to their direct anti-parasitic effects and their ability to modulate the host immune response. Additionally, we discuss current treatment options and suggest perspectives for future studies. This could potentially provide an alternative or supplementary treatment option for these complex global health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Ur Rahman
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Tzu-Nin Weng
- Department of Stomatology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Abdul Qadeer
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Saqib Nawaz
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanif Ullah
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- West China Hospital, School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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4
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Abouelwafa E, Zaki A, M Sabry O, Caprioli G, Abdel-Sattar E. Dolomiaea costus: an untapped mine of sesquiterpene lactones with wide magnificent biological activities. Nat Prod Res 2023; 37:4069-4079. [PMID: 36625545 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2164577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Dolomiaea costus (Falc.) Kasana & A.K. Pandey Family Asteraceae, formerly known as Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch contains a rich treasury of diverse bioactive compounds such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, sterols, cardenolides, flavonoids, coumarins, lignans, phenylpropanoids and alkaloids. The sesquiterpene lactones, costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone in D. costus, possess unique promising in vitro and in vivo biological activities for the prevention and cure of diverse ailments like Parkinson's disease, oxidative stress, hyperpigmentation, ulcerative colitis, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colon cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, allergy, type 2 diabetes, hepatotoxicity, bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, thrombosis and various microbial infections. Costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone are potential drug candidates that could lead to the development of new medications for a variety of difficult-to-treat diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebraheem Abouelwafa
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal Zaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Animal Health Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Omar M Sabry
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Giovanni Caprioli
- Pharmacy Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Essam Abdel-Sattar
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Benevides L, Sacramento LA, Pioto F, Barretto GD, Carregaro V, Silva JS. Blimp-1 signaling pathways in T lymphocytes is essential to control the Trypanosoma cruzi infection-induced inflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268196. [PMID: 37908369 PMCID: PMC10614018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In many infectious diseases, the pathogen-induced inflammatory response could result in protective immunity that should be regulated to prevent tissue damage and death. In fact, in Trypanosoma cruzi infection, the innate immune and the inflammatory response should be perfectly controlled to avoid significant lesions and death. Here, we investigate the role of Blimp-1 expression in T cells in resistance to T. cruzi infection. Therefore, using mice with Blimp-1 deficiency in T cells (CKO) we determined its role in the controlling parasites growth and lesions during the acute phase of infection. Infection of mice with Blimp-1 ablation in T cells resulted failure the cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and in marked Th1-mediated inflammation, high IFN-γ and TNF production, and activation of inflammatory monocyte. Interestingly, despite high nitric-oxide synthase activation (NOS-2), parasitemia and mortality in CKO mice were increased compared with infected WT mice. Furthermore, infected-CKO mice exhibited hepatic lesions characteristic of steatosis, with significant AST and ALT activity. Mechanistically, Blimp-1 signaling in T cells induces cytotoxic CD8+ T cell activation and restricts parasite replication. In contrast, Blimp-1 represses the Th1 response, leading to a decreased monocyte activation, less NOS-2 activation, and, consequently preventing hepatic damage and dysfunction. These data demonstrate that T. cruzi-induced disease is multifactorial and that the increased IFN-γ, NO production, and dysfunction of CD8+ T cells contribute to host death. These findings have important implications for the design of potential vaccines against Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Benevides
- Fiocruz-Bi-Institutional Translational Medicine Plataform, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lais A. Sacramento
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Franciele Pioto
- Fiocruz-Bi-Institutional Translational Medicine Plataform, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Vanessa Carregaro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - João S. Silva
- Fiocruz-Bi-Institutional Translational Medicine Plataform, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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6
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Gomes DC, Medeiros TS, Alves Pereira EL, da Silva JFO, de Freitas Oliveira JW, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF, de Sousa da Silva M, da Silva-Júnior AA. From Benznidazole to New Drugs: Nanotechnology Contribution in Chagas Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13778. [PMID: 37762080 PMCID: PMC10530915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Benznidazole and nifurtimox are the two approved drugs for their treatment, but both drugs present side effects and efficacy problems, especially in the chronic phase of this disease. Therefore, new molecules have been tested with promising results aiming for strategic targeting action against T. cruzi. Several studies involve in vitro screening, but a considerable number of in vivo studies describe drug bioavailability increment, drug stability, toxicity assessment, and mainly the efficacy of new drugs and formulations. In this context, new drug delivery systems, such as nanotechnology systems, have been developed for these purposes. Some nanocarriers are able to interact with the immune system of the vertebrate host, modulating the immune response to the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. In this overview of nanotechnology-based delivery strategies for established and new antichagasic agents, different strategies, and limitations of a wide class of nanocarriers are explored, as new perspectives in the treatment and monitoring of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Cavalcante Gomes
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Thayse Silva Medeiros
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Eron Lincoln Alves Pereira
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - João Felipe Oliveira da Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Johny W. de Freitas Oliveira
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Centre of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (J.W.d.F.O.); (M.d.S.d.S.)
| | - Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
| | - Marcelo de Sousa da Silva
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Centre of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (J.W.d.F.O.); (M.d.S.d.S.)
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte-UFRN, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (D.C.G.); (T.S.M.); (E.L.A.P.); (J.F.O.d.S.); (M.d.F.F.-P.)
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7
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Gallardo M, Arancibia R, Jiménez C, Wilkinson S, Toro PM, Roussel P, Henry N. Ferrocene-based nitroheterocyclic sulfonylhydrazones: design, synthesis, characterization and trypanocidal properties. J Biol Inorg Chem 2023; 28:549-558. [PMID: 37462740 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-023-02010-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
A series of new ferrocenyl nitroheterocyclic sulfonylhydrazones (1a-4a and 1b-2b) were prepared by the reaction between formyl (R = H) or acetyl (R = CH3) nitroheterocyclic precursors [4/5-NO2(C5H2XCOR), where X = O, S)] and ferrocenyl tosyl hydrazine [(η5-C5H5)Fe(η5-C5H4SO2-NH-NH2)]. All compounds were characterized by conventional spectroscopic techniques. In the solid state, the molecular structures of compounds 1a, 2b, and 3a were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compounds showed an E-configuration around the C=N moiety. Evaluation of trypanocidal activity, measured in vitro against the Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei strains, indicated that all organometallic tosyl hydrazones displayed activity against both parasite species with a higher level of potency toward T. brucei than T. cruzi. Moreover, the biological evaluation showed that the 5-nitroheterocyclic derivatives were more efficient trypanocidal agents than their 4-nitroheterocyclic counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Gallardo
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Arancibia
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Claudio Jiménez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Shane Wilkinson
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Patricia M Toro
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Instituto de Ciencias Químicas Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
| | - Pascal Roussel
- Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois,, Lille, France
| | - Natacha Henry
- Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois,, Lille, France
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Nunes EAC, da Silva MC, Cardoso MH, Preza SLE, de Oliveira LS, Frihling BEF, Charneau SO, Grellier P, Franco OL, Migliolo L. Anti-Protozoan Activities of Polar Fish-Derived Polyalanine Synthetic Peptides. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:434. [PMID: 37623715 PMCID: PMC10456387 DOI: 10.3390/md21080434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, sleeping sickness and malaria are infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasites that kill millions of people worldwide. Here, we performed in vitro assays of Pa-MAP, Pa-MAP1.9, and Pa-MAP2 synthetic polyalanine peptides derived from the polar fish Pleuronectes americanus toward Trypanosoma cruzi, T. brucei gambiense and Plasmodium falciparum activities. We demonstrated that the peptides Pa-MAP1.9 and Pa-MAP2 were effective to inhibit T. brucei growth. In addition, structural analyses using molecular dynamics (MD) studies showed that Pa-MAP2 penetrates deeper into the membrane and interacts more with phospholipids than Pa-MAP1.9, corroborating the previous in vitro results showing that Pa-MAP1.9 acts within the cell, while Pa-MAP2 acts via membrane lysis. In conclusion, polyalanine Pa-MAP1.9 and Pa-MAP2 presented activity against bloodstream forms of T. b. gambiense, thus encouraging further studies on the application of these peptides as a treatment for sleeping sickness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Cláudia da Silva
- S-Inova Biotech, Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 14040-900, Brazil
- Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio 57020-600, Brazil
| | - Marlon Henrique Cardoso
- S-Inova Biotech, Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil
- Center for Proteomics and Biochemical Analysis, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasilia 71966-700, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Silva de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia 73345-010, Brazil
- UMR 7245 Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-Organismes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
- Graduate Program in Molecular Pathology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 73345-010, Brazil
| | | | - Sébastien Olivier Charneau
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia 73345-010, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Molecular Pathology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 73345-010, Brazil
| | - Philippe Grellier
- UMR 7245 Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-Organismes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- S-Inova Biotech, Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil
- Center for Proteomics and Biochemical Analysis, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasilia 71966-700, Brazil
| | - Ludovico Migliolo
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande 79117-900, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
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9
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da Conceição JM, da Silva Santos AC, Brayner FA, Alves LC, Pinto AF, Brondani GL, de Oliveira Filho GB, Bedor DCG, da Silva JWV, Sales Junior PA, de Andrade Cavalcante MK, da Silva ED, Pereira VRA, Leite ACL. Structural design, synthesis, and anti-Trypanosomatidae profile of new Pyridyl-thiazolidinones. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 254:115310. [PMID: 37062170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
The present work reports the synthesis of a novel series of pyridine-thiazolidinones with anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and leishmanicidal activities (compounds 10-27), derived from 2 or 4-pyridine thiosemicarbazones (1-9). The in vitro assays were performed with Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes and amastigotes, as well as with Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes. The cytotoxicity profile was evaluated using the cell line RAW 264.7. From the 18 pyridine-thiazolidinones, 5 were able to inhibit trypomastigotes. Overall, all compounds inhibited amastigotes, highlighting compounds 15 (0.60 μM), 18 (0.64 μM), 17 (0.81 μM), and 27 (0.89 μM). Compounds 15 and 18 were able to induce parasite cell death through necrosis induction. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed that T. cruzi trypomastigotes treated with compounds 15 and 18 induced morphological changes such as shortening, retraction and curvature of the parasite body and leakage of internal content. Regarding the antiparasitic evaluation against Leishmania amazonensis, only compound 27 had a higher selectivity compared to Miltefosine against the amastigote form (IC50 = 5.70 μM). Our results showed that compound 27 presented an antiparasitic activity for both Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania amazonensis. After in silico evaluation, it was suggested that the new pyridine-thiazolidinones had an appropriate drug-likeness profile. Our results pointed out a new chemical frame with an anti-Trypanosomatidae profile. The pyridine-thiazolidinones presented here for the first time could be used as a starting point for the development of new antiparasitic agents.
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10
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de Souza CC, de Azevedo-França JA, Barrias E, Cavalcante SCF, Vieira EG, Ferreira AMDC, de Souza W, Navarro M. Silver and copper-benznidazole derivatives as potential antiparasitic metallodrugs: Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 239:112047. [PMID: 36428157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.112047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Currently the only drug available to treat Chagas disease in Brazil is benznidazole (BZN). Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover and develop new anti- Trypanosoma cruzi candidates. In our continuous effort to enhance clinical antiparasitic drugs using synergistic strategy, BZN was coordinated to silver and copper ions to enhance its effectiveness to treat that illness. In this work, the syntheses of four novel metal-BZN complexes, [Ag(BZN)2]NO3·H2O (1), [CuCl2(BZN)(H2O)]·1/2CH3CN (2), [Ag(PPh3)2(BZN)2]NO3·H2O (3), and [Cu(PPh3)2(BNZ)2]NO3·2H2O (4), and their characterization using multiple analytical and spectroscopic techniques such as Infrared (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H, 13C, 31P), UV-Visible (UV-Vis), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), conductivity and elemental analysis are described. IC50 (Half-maximal inhibitory concentration) values of Ag-BZN compounds are about five to ten times lower than benznidazole itself in both proliferation stages of the parasite (epimastigotes and amastigotes). The cytotoxicity of both compounds in human cells (fibroblasts and hepatocytes) are comparable to BZN, indicating that Ag-BZN complexes can be more selective than BZN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassiano Cunha de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Bioinorgânica e Catálise, Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - José Aleixo de Azevedo-França
- Laboratório de Química Bioinorgânica e Catálise, Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Emile Barrias
- Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia, INMETRO, Xerém, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Guimarães Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioinorgânica, Catálise e Farmacologia, Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Da Costa Ferreira
- Laboratório de Bioinorgânica, Catálise e Farmacologia, Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia (INBEB) and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maribel Navarro
- Laboratório de Química Bioinorgânica e Catálise, Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.
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11
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de Oliveira Rezende Júnior C, Martinez PDG, Ferreira RAA, Koovits PJ, Miranda Soares B, Ferreira LLG, Michelan-Duarte S, Chelucci RC, Andricopulo AD, Matheeussen A, Van Pelt N, Caljon G, Maes L, Campbell S, Kratz JM, Mowbray CE, Dias LC. Hit-to-lead optimization of a 2-aminobenzimidazole series as new candidates for chagas disease. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114925. [PMID: 36459758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Because current treatments present several limitations, including long duration, variable efficacy and serious side effects, there is an urgent need to explore new antitrypanosomal drugs. The present study describes the hit-to-lead optimization of a 2-aminobenzimidazole hit 1 identified through in vitro phenotypic screening of a chemical library against intracellular Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes, which focused on optimizing potency, selectivity, microsomal stability and lipophilicity. Multiparametric Structure-Activity Relationships were investigated using a set of 277 derivatives. Although the physicochemical and biological properties of the initial hits were improved, a combination of low kinetic solubility and in vitro cytotoxicity against mammalian cells prevented progression of the best compounds to an efficacy study using a mouse model of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul John Koovits
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-861, Brazil
| | - Bruna Miranda Soares
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-861, Brazil
| | - Leonardo L G Ferreira
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, SP, 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Simone Michelan-Duarte
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, SP, 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Rafael Consolin Chelucci
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, SP, 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Adriano D Andricopulo
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, SP, 13563-120, Brazil
| | - An Matheeussen
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Natascha Van Pelt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Simon Campbell
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jadel M Kratz
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charles E Mowbray
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Luiz Carlos Dias
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, 13083-861, Brazil.
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12
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Jaime LD, Aracely LM, Paulina OM, Dumonteil E, Barnabé C, Waleckx E, Hernández-Giles RG, Ramos-Ligonio A. Molecular Characterization of Four Mexican Isolates of Trypanosoma cruzi and Their Profile Susceptibility to Nifurtimox. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1584-1593. [PMID: 36029434 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to molecularly characterize Mexican isolates of T. cruzi obtained from infected triatomine bugs (the vectors of T. cruzi) and to evaluate their susceptibility to Nifurtimox (NFX). METHODS Three isolates obtained from Triatoma dimidiata (collected in the State of Veracruz) and one isolate obtained from Triatoma bassolsae (collected in the State of Puebla) were molecularly characterized and the expression of genes associated with natural resistance to NFX was analyzed by qPCR. RESULTS Molecular characterization by PCR showed that isolates Zn3, Zn5, and SRB1 belong to the DTU TcI, while isolate Sum3 belongs to TcIV. The latter was also confirmed by sequencing of mitochondrial genes. Isolate Zn5 was the most sensitive to treatment with NFX (IC50, 6.8 μM), isolates SRB1 and Zn3 were partially resistant (IC50, 12.8 μM and 12.7 μM) and isolate Sum3 showed a high degree of resistance to NFX (IC50, 21.4 µM). We also found an association between decreased NTR1 or OYE gene expression with NFX resistance. CONCLUSION Our results also evidenced a high variability in the susceptibility to NFX of these T. cruzi isolates Central and Southeastern Mexico, suggesting the presence of naturally resistant isolates circulating in the country. These results have important implications for defining treatment policies for patients with Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- López-Domínguez Jaime
- LADISER de Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Edificio D, Prolongación de Oriente 6 #1009, Colonia Rafael Alvarado, C.P. 94340, 86039, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.,Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - López-Monteon Aracely
- LADISER de Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Edificio D, Prolongación de Oriente 6 #1009, Colonia Rafael Alvarado, C.P. 94340, 86039, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.,Asociacion Chagas con Ciencia y Conocimiento A.C., Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Ochoa-Martínez Paulina
- LADISER de Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Edificio D, Prolongación de Oriente 6 #1009, Colonia Rafael Alvarado, C.P. 94340, 86039, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.,Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Christian Barnabé
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR INTERTRYP IRD, CIRAD, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Etienne Waleckx
- Asociacion Chagas con Ciencia y Conocimiento A.C., Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR INTERTRYP IRD, CIRAD, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Rubén Gustavo Hernández-Giles
- LADISER de Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Edificio D, Prolongación de Oriente 6 #1009, Colonia Rafael Alvarado, C.P. 94340, 86039, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.,Maestría en Ciencias en Procesos Biológicos, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Angel Ramos-Ligonio
- LADISER de Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Edificio D, Prolongación de Oriente 6 #1009, Colonia Rafael Alvarado, C.P. 94340, 86039, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico. .,Asociacion Chagas con Ciencia y Conocimiento A.C., Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico.
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13
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Almeida-Silva J, Menezes DS, Fernandes JMP, Almeida MC, Vasco-Dos-Santos DR, Saraiva RM, Viçosa AL, Perez SAC, Andrade SG, Suarez-Fontes AM, Vannier-Santos MA. The repositioned drugs disulfiram/diethyldithiocarbamate combined to benznidazole: Searching for Chagas disease selective therapy, preventing toxicity and drug resistance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:926699. [PMID: 35967878 PMCID: PMC9372510 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.926699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) affects at least 6 million people in 21 South American countries besides several thousand in other nations all over the world. It is estimated that at least 14,000 people die every year of CD. Since vaccines are not available, chemotherapy remains of pivotal relevance. About 30% of the treated patients cannot complete the therapy because of severe adverse reactions. Thus, the search for novel drugs is required. Here we tested the benznidazole (BZ) combination with the repositioned drug disulfiram (DSF) and its derivative diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC) upon Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and in vivo. DETC-BZ combination was synergistic diminishing epimastigote proliferation and enhancing selective indexes up to over 10-fold. DETC was effective upon amastigotes of the BZ- partially resistant Y and the BZ-resistant Colombiana strains. The combination reduced proliferation even using low concentrations (e.g., 2.5 µM). Scanning electron microscopy revealed membrane discontinuities and cell body volume reduction. Transmission electron microscopy revealed remarkable enlargement of endoplasmic reticulum cisternae besides, dilated mitochondria with decreased electron density and disorganized kinetoplast DNA. At advanced stages, the cytoplasm vacuolation apparently impaired compartmentation. The fluorescent probe H2-DCFDA indicates the increased production of reactive oxygen species associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation in parasites incubated with DETC. The biochemical measurement indicates the downmodulation of thiol expression. DETC inhibited superoxide dismutase activity on parasites was more pronounced than in infected mice. In order to approach the DETC effects on intracellular infection, peritoneal macrophages were infected with Colombiana trypomastigotes. DETC addition diminished parasite numbers and the DETC-BZ combination was effective, despite the low concentrations used. In the murine infection, the combination significantly enhanced animal survival, decreasing parasitemia over BZ. Histopathology revealed that low doses of BZ-treated animals presented myocardial amastigote, not observed in combination-treated animals. The picrosirius collagen staining showed reduced myocardial fibrosis. Aminotransferase de aspartate, Aminotransferase de alanine, Creatine kinase, and urea plasma levels demonstrated that the combination was non-toxic. As DSF and DETC can reduce the toxicity of other drugs and resistance phenotypes, such a combination may be safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Almeida-Silva
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Diego Silva Menezes
- Parasite Biology Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Juan Mateus Pereira Fernandes
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Márcio Cerqueira Almeida
- Parasite Biology Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Deyvison Rhuan Vasco-Dos-Santos
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Roberto Magalhães Saraiva
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Chagas Disease, Evandro Chagas Infectious Disease Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Lifsitch Viçosa
- Experimental Pharmacotechnics Laboratory, Department of Galenic Innovation, Institute of Drug Technology - Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandra Aurora Chavez Perez
- Project Management Technical Assistance, Institute of Drug Technology - Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sônia Gumes Andrade
- Experimental Chagas Disease Laboratory, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Ana Márcia Suarez-Fontes
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos André Vannier-Santos
- Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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14
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Ros-Lucas A, Martinez-Peinado N, Bastida J, Gascón J, Alonso-Padilla J. The Use of AlphaFold for In Silico Exploration of Drug Targets in the Parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:944748. [PMID: 35909956 PMCID: PMC9329570 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.944748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a devastating neglected disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which affects millions of people worldwide. The two anti-parasitic drugs available, nifurtimox and benznidazole, have a good efficacy against the acute stage of the infection. But this is short, usually asymptomatic and often goes undiagnosed. Access to treatment is mostly achieved during the chronic stage, when the cardiac and/or digestive life-threatening symptoms manifest. Then, the efficacy of both drugs is diminished, and their long administration regimens involve frequently associated adverse effects that compromise treatment compliance. Therefore, the discovery of safer and more effective drugs is an urgent need. Despite its advantages over lately used phenotypic screening, target-based identification of new anti-parasitic molecules has been hampered by incomplete annotation and lack of structures of the parasite protein space. Presently, the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database is home to 19,036 protein models from T. cruzi, which could hold the key to not only describe new therapeutic approaches, but also shed light on molecular mechanisms of action for known compounds. In this proof-of-concept study, we screened the AlphaFold T. cruzi set of predicted protein models to find prospective targets for a pre-selected list of compounds with known anti-trypanosomal activity using docking-based inverse virtual screening. The best receptors (targets) for the most promising ligands were analyzed in detail to address molecular interactions and potential drugs’ mode of action. The results provide insight into the mechanisms of action of the compounds and their targets, and pave the way for new strategies to finding novel compounds or optimize already existing ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Ros-Lucas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Albert Ros-Lucas, ; Nieves Martinez-Peinado, ; Julio Alonso-Padilla,
| | - Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Albert Ros-Lucas, ; Nieves Martinez-Peinado, ; Julio Alonso-Padilla,
| | - Jaume Bastida
- Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l´Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gascón
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII—CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII—CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Albert Ros-Lucas, ; Nieves Martinez-Peinado, ; Julio Alonso-Padilla,
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15
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Gulin JEN, Bisio MMC, Rocco D, Altcheh J, Solana ME, García-Bournissen F. Miltefosine and Benznidazole Combination Improve Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:855119. [PMID: 35865815 PMCID: PMC9294734 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.855119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing and combination therapy have been proposed as cost-effective strategies to improve Chagas disease treatment. Miltefosine (MLT), a synthetic alkylphospholipid initially developed for breast cancer and repositioned for leishmaniasis, is a promising candidate against Trypanosoma cruzi infection. This study evaluates the efficacy of MLT as a monodrug and combined with benznidazole (BZ) in both in vitro and in vivo models of infection with T. cruzi (VD strain, DTU TcVI). MLT exhibited in vitro activity on amastigotes and trypomastigotes with values of IC50 = 0.51 µM (0.48 µM; 0,55 µM) and LC50 = 31.17 µM (29.56 µM; 32.87 µM), respectively. Drug interaction was studied with the fixed-ration method. The sum of the fractional inhibitory concentrations (ΣFICs) resulted in ∑FIC= 0.45 for trypomastigotes and ∑FIC= 0.71 for amastigotes, suggesting in vitro synergistic and additive effects, respectively. No cytotoxic effects on host cells were observed. MLT efficacy was also evaluated in a murine model of acute infection alone or combined with BZ. Treatment was well tolerated with few adverse effects, and all treated animals displayed significantly lower mean peak parasitemia and mortality than infected non-treated controls (p<0.05). The in vivo studies showed that MLT led to a dose-dependent parasitostatic effect as monotherapy which could be improved by combining with BZ, preventing parasitemia rebound after a stringent immunosuppression protocol. These results support MLT activity in clinically relevant stages from T. cruzi, and it is the first report of positive interaction with BZ, providing further support for evaluating combined schemes using MLT and exploring synthetic alkylphospholipids as drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Ernesto Nicolás Gulin
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) – CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Margarita María Catalina Bisio
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología (INP) ‘Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben’-Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) ‘Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán’, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Rocco
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jaime Altcheh
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Elisa Solana
- Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Facundo García-Bournissen
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Division of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Facundo García-Bournissen,
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16
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Sánchez Alberti A, Beer MF, Cerny N, Bivona AE, Fabian L, Morales C, Moglioni A, Malchiodi EL, Donadel OJ, Sülsen VP. In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies of Cumanin Diacetate as a Potential Drug against Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:968-978. [PMID: 35036760 PMCID: PMC8757452 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The sesquiterpene lactones cumanin, helenalin, and hymenin and their semisynthetic derivatives were evaluated against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated on murine splenocytes. Cumanin diacetate was one of the most active and selective compounds [IC50 = 3.20 ± 0.52 μg/mL, selectivity index (SI) = 26.0]. This sesquiterpene lactone was selected for its evaluation on trypomastigote and amastigote forms of the parasite. The diacetylated derivative of cumanin showed moderate activity on trypomastigotes (IC50 = 32.4 ± 5.8 μg/mL). However, this compound was able to efficiently inhibit parasite replication with an IC50 value of 2.2 ± 0.05 μg/mL against the amastigote forms. Cumanin diacetate showed selectivity against the intracellular forms of Trypanosoma cruzi with an SI value of 52.7. This cumanin analogue was also active on an in vivo model of Chagas disease, leading to a reduction in the parasitemia levels in comparison with nontreated animals. Histopathological analysis of skeletal muscular tissues from treated mice showed only focal interstitial lymphocyte inflammatory infiltrates with slight myocyte necrosis; in contrast, nontreated animals showed severe lymphocyte inflammatory infiltrates with necrosis of the myocytes. A molecular docking study of cumanin and its derivatives on trypanothione reductase from T. cruzi (TcTR) was performed. The results of ΔG docking achieved let the identification of diacetylated and O-alkylated derivatives of cumanin as good inhibitors of TcTR. Cumanin diacetate could be considered a potential candidate for further studies for the development of new therapies against Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Sánchez Alberti
- Instituto
de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155. Piso 13, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra
de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 4°P, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María F. Beer
- Facultad
de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Instituto de Investigaciones
en Tecnología Química (INTEQUI-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Área de Química
Orgánica, Almirante
Brown 1445, CP D5700HGC San Luis, Argentina
- Instituto
de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 2°P, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natacha Cerny
- Instituto
de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155. Piso 13, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto
de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 4°P, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Augusto E. Bivona
- Cátedra
de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 4°P, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto
de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 4°P, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas Fabian
- Instituto
de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 2°P, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Celina Morales
- Facultad
de Medicina, Departamento de Patología, Instituto de Fisiopatología
Cardiovascular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1113, Argentina
| | - Albertina Moglioni
- Instituto
de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 2°P, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emilio L. Malchiodi
- Instituto
de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155. Piso 13, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra
de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 4°P, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto
de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 4°P, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Osvaldo J. Donadel
- Facultad
de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Instituto de Investigaciones
en Tecnología Química (INTEQUI-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Área de Química
Orgánica, Almirante
Brown 1445, CP D5700HGC San Luis, Argentina
| | - Valeria P. Sülsen
- Instituto
de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 2°P, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra
de Farmacognosia, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956 2°P, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina
- . Tel: 54-11-5287-4286. Fax: 54-11-4508-3642
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Schioppa L, Fall F, Ortiz S, Poupaert JH, Quetin-Leclercq J. A Validated HPLC-PDA-HRMS Method to Investigate the Biological Stability and Metabolism of Antiparasitic Triterpenic Esters. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237154. [PMID: 34885738 PMCID: PMC8659078 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) are commonly found in medicinal plants with well-known antiparasitic effects. Previous research on C-3 and C-27 triterpenic esters showed effective and selective in vitro antiparasitic activities and in vivo effectiveness by parenteral routes. The aim of this study was to determine triterpenic esters' stability in different biological-like media and the main microsomal degradation products. An HPLC-PDA method was developed and validated to simultaneously analyze and quantify bioactive triterpenic esters in methanol (LOQ: 2.5 and 1.25-100 µg/mL) and plasma (LOQ: 5-125 µg/mL). Overall, both triterpenic esters showed a stable profile in aqueous and buffered solutions as well as in entire plasma, suggesting gaining access to the ester function is difficult for plasma enzymes. Conversely, after 1 h, 30% esters degradation in acidic media was observed with potential different hydrolysis mechanisms. C-3 (15 and 150 µM) and C-27 esters (150 µM) showed a relatively low hepatic microsomal metabolism (<23%) after 1 h, which was significantly higher in the lowest concentration of C-27 esters (15 µM) (>40% degradation). Metabolic HPLC-PDA-HRMS studies suggested hydrolysis, hydroxylation, dehydration, O-methylation, hydroxylation and/or the reduction of hydrolyzed derivatives, depending on the concentration and the position of the ester link. Further permeability and absorption studies are required to better define triterpenic esters pharmacokinetic and specific formulations designed to increase their oral bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schioppa
- Pharmacognosy Laboratory, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue E. Mounier, B1 72.03, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium; (F.F.); (S.O.); (J.Q.-L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Fanta Fall
- Pharmacognosy Laboratory, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue E. Mounier, B1 72.03, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium; (F.F.); (S.O.); (J.Q.-L.)
| | - Sergio Ortiz
- Pharmacognosy Laboratory, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue E. Mounier, B1 72.03, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium; (F.F.); (S.O.); (J.Q.-L.)
| | - Jacques H. Poupaert
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group (CMFA), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue E. Mounier, B1 72.04, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Joelle Quetin-Leclercq
- Pharmacognosy Laboratory, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue E. Mounier, B1 72.03, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium; (F.F.); (S.O.); (J.Q.-L.)
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18
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Inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase by furazolidone nanoemulsion to decrease cisplatin resistance in lung cancer cells. Ther Deliv 2021; 12:611-625. [PMID: 34286601 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2020-0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The overexpression of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) in cancer cells contributes to therapeutic resistance. Furazolidone (FUR) is a strong ALDH inhibitor. Methods: FUR nanoemulsion (NE) was formulated and tested for ALDH inhibitory activity in comparison with free FUR. The cytotoxic potential of cisplatin was evaluated in combination with free FUR and FUR NE. Results: The optimized FUR NE showed droplet size of 167.9 ± 3.1 nm and drug content of 84.2 ± 2.3%. FUR NE inhibited 99.75 ± 2.1% of ALDH activity while 25.0 ± 4.6% was inhibited by free FUR. FUR NE increased the sensitivity to cisplatin in A549 cells by more than tenfold by its ALDH inhibitory effects. Conclusion: This finding can be a promising approach to improve cancer survival in ALDH-positive drug-resistant cancers.
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Abstract
Infections caused by protozoans remain a public health issue, especially in tropical countries. Serious adverse events, lack of efficacy at the different stages of the infection and routes of administration that have a negative impact on treatment adherence are some of the problems with currently available therapy against these diseases. Here we describe an epigenetic target, sirtuin 2 and its related proteins, that is promising given the results in phenotypic assays and in vivo models against Sir2 of Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania donovani, Leishmania infantum, Schistosoma mansoni, Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi parasites. The results we present highlight how this target can be extensively explored and how its inhibitors might be employed in the clinic.
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20
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Choudhury SD. Nano-Medicines a Hope for Chagas Disease! Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:655435. [PMID: 34141721 PMCID: PMC8204082 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.655435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, is a vector-mediated tropical disease whose causative agent is a parasitic protozoan named Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a very severe health issue in South America and Mexico infecting millions of people every year. Protozoan T. cruzi gets transmitted to human through Triatominae, a subfamily of the Reduviidae, and do not have any effective treatment or preventative available. The lack of economic gains from this tropical parasitic infection, has always been the reason behind its negligence by researchers and drug manufacturers for many decades. Hence there is an enormous requirement for more efficient and novel strategies to reduce the fatality associated with these diseases. Even, available diagnosis protocols are outdated and inefficient and there is an urgent need for rapid high throughput diagnostics as well as management protocol. The current advancement of nanotechnology in the field of healthcare has generated hope for better management of many tropical diseases including Chagas disease. Nanoparticulate systems for drug delivery like poloxamer coated nanosuspension of benzimidazole have shown promising results in reducing toxicity, elevating efficacy and bioavailability of the active compound against the pathogen, by prolonging release, thereby increasing the therapeutic index. Moreover, nanoparticle-based drug delivery has shown promising results in inducing the host’s immune response against the pathogen with very few side effects. Besides, advances in diagnostic assays, such as nanosensors, aided in the accurate detection of the parasite. In this review, we provide an insight into the life cycle stages of the pathogen in both vertebrate host and the insect vector, along with an overview of the current therapy for Chagas disease and its limitations; nano carrier-based delivery systems for antichagasic agents, we also address the advancement of nano vaccines and nano-diagnostic techniques, for treatment of Chagas disease, majorly focusing on the novel perspectives in combating the disease.
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21
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Florentino PTV, Mendes D, Vitorino FNL, Martins DJ, Cunha JPC, Mortara RA, Menck CFM. DNA damage and oxidative stress in human cells infected by Trypanosoma cruzi. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009502. [PMID: 33826673 PMCID: PMC8087042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas' disease. Infected cells with T. cruzi activate several responses that promote unbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may cause DNA damage that activate cellular responses including DNA repair processes. In this work, HeLa cells and AC16 human cardiomyocyte cell line were infected with T. cruzi to investigate host cell responses at genome level during parasites intracellular life cycle. In fact, alkaline sensitive sites and oxidized DNA bases were detected in the host cell genetic material particularly in early stages of infection. These DNA lesions were accompanied by phosphorylation of the histone H2Ax, inducing γH2Ax, a marker of genotoxic stress. Moreover, Poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase-1 (PARP1) and 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1) are recruited to host cell nuclei, indicating activation of the DNA repair process. In infected cells, chromatin-associated proteins are carbonylated, as a possible consequence of oxidative stress and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is induced early after infection, suggesting that the host cell antioxidant defenses are activated. However, at late stages of infection, NRF2 is downregulated. Interestingly, host cells treated with glutathione precursor, N-acetyl cysteine, NRF2 activator (Sulforaphane), and also Benznidonazol (BNZ) reduce parasite burst significantly, and DNA damage. These data indicate that the balance of oxidative stress and DNA damage induction in host cells may play a role during the process of infection itself, and interference in these processes may hamper T. cruzi infection, revealing potential target pathways for the therapy support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar T. V. Florentino
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Davi Mendes
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Davi J. Martins
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia P. C. Cunha
- Special Laboratory of Cell Cycle, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato A. Mortara
- Department of Microbiology, Imunology & Parasitology, Escola Paulista de Medicina Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos F. M. Menck
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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22
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Rial MS, Seremeta KP, Esteva MI, Búa J, Salomon CJ, Fichera LE. In vitro studies and preclinical evaluation of benznidazole microparticles in the acute Trypanosoma cruzi murine model. Parasitology 2021; 148:566-575. [PMID: 33298212 PMCID: PMC10950374 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020002310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a serious parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Unfortunately, the current chemotherapeutic tools are not enough to combat the infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trypanocidal activity of benznidazole-loaded microparticles during the acute phase of Chagas infection in an experimental murine model. Microparticles were prepared by spray-drying using copolymers derived from esters of acrylic and methacrylic acids as carriers. Dissolution efficiency of the formulations was up to 3.80-fold greater than that of raw benznidazole. Stability assay showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the loading capacity of microparticles for 3 years. Cell cultures showed no visible morphological changes or destabilization of the cell membrane nor haemolysis was observed in defibrinated human blood after microparticles treatment. Mice with acute lethal infection survived 100% after 30 days of treatment with benznidazole microparticles (50 mg kg-1 day-1). Furthermore, no detectable parasite load measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and lower levels of T. cruzi-specific antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were found in those mice. A significant decrease in the inflammation of heart tissue after treatment with these microparticles was observed, in comparison with the inflammatory damage observed in both infected mice treated with raw benznidazole and untreated infected mice. Therefore, these polymeric formulations are an attractive approach to treat Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela S. Rial
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr M. Fatala Chaben, ANLIS CG Malbrán, Ministerio de Salud, Av. Paseo Colón 568, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Katia P. Seremeta
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional del Chaco Austral, Cte. Fernández 755, 3700, Pcia. Roque Sáenz Peña, Chaco, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica I. Esteva
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr M. Fatala Chaben, ANLIS CG Malbrán, Ministerio de Salud, Av. Paseo Colón 568, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jacqueline Búa
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr M. Fatala Chaben, ANLIS CG Malbrán, Ministerio de Salud, Av. Paseo Colón 568, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio J. Salomon
- Instituto de Química Rosario, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IQUIR-CONICET), Suipacha 531, 2000, Rosario, Argentina
- Área Técnica Farmacéutica, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Laura E. Fichera
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr M. Fatala Chaben, ANLIS CG Malbrán, Ministerio de Salud, Av. Paseo Colón 568, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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23
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Mazzeti AL, Capelari-Oliveira P, Bahia MT, Mosqueira VCF. Review on Experimental Treatment Strategies Against Trypanosoma cruzi. J Exp Pharmacol 2021; 13:409-432. [PMID: 33833592 PMCID: PMC8020333 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s267378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Currently, only nitroheterocyclic nifurtimox (NFX) and benznidazole (BNZ) are available for the treatment of Chagas disease, with limitations such as variable efficacy, long treatment regimens and toxicity. Different strategies have been used to discover new active molecules for the treatment of Chagas disease. Target-based and phenotypic screening led to thousands of compounds with anti-T. cruzi activity, notably the nitroheterocyclic compounds, fexinidazole and its metabolites. In addition, drug repurposing, drug combinations, re-dosing regimens and the development of new formulations have been evaluated. The CYP51 antifungal azoles, as posaconazole, ravuconazole and its prodrug fosravuconazole presented promising results in experimental Chagas disease. Drug combinations of nitroheterocyclic and azoles were able to induce cure in murine infection. New treatment schemes using BNZ showed efficacy in the experimental chronic stage, including against dormant forms of T. cruzi. And finally, sesquiterpene lactone formulated in nanocarriers displayed outstanding efficacy against different strains of T. cruzi, susceptible or resistant to BNZ, the reference drug. These pre-clinical results are encouraging and provide interesting evidence to improve the treatment of patients with Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lia Mazzeti
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Galênico e Nanotecnologia, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil.,Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Escola de Medicina & Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Patricia Capelari-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Galênico e Nanotecnologia, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Maria Terezinha Bahia
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Escola de Medicina & Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Carla Furtado Mosqueira
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Galênico e Nanotecnologia, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
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Salgado F, Moncada-Basualto M, Pozo-Martinez J, Liempi A, Kemmerling U, Maya JD, Jaque P, Borges F, Uriarte E, Matos MJ, Olea-Azar C. Chemical and biological analysis of 4-acyloxy-3-nitrocoumarins as trypanocidal agents. ARAB J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2020.102975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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Bhutani P, Joshi G, Raja N, Bachhav N, Rajanna PK, Bhutani H, Paul AT, Kumar R. U.S. FDA Approved Drugs from 2015-June 2020: A Perspective. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2339-2381. [PMID: 33617716 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, we report compilation and analysis of 245 drugs, including small and macromolecules approved by the U.S. FDA from 2015 until June 2020. Nearly 29% of the drugs were approved for the treatment of various types of cancers. Other major therapeutic areas of focus were infectious diseases (14%); neurological conditions (12%); and genetic, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders (7-8% each). Itemization of the approved drugs according to the year of approval, sponsor, target, chemical class, major drug-metabolizing enzyme(s), route of administration/elimination, and drug-drug interaction liability (perpetrator or/and victim) is presented and discussed. An effort has been made to analyze the pharmacophores to identify the structural (e.g., aromatic, heterocycle, and aliphatic), elemental (e.g., boron, sulfur, fluorine, phosphorus, and deuterium), and functional group (e.g., nitro drugs) diversity among the approved drugs. Further, descriptor-based chemical space analysis of FDA approved drugs and several strategies utilized for optimizing metabolism leading to their discoveries have been emphasized. Finally, an analysis of drug-likeness for the approved drugs is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadeep Bhutani
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Biocon Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Centre, Syngene International Limited, Bangalore 560099, India.,Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Gaurav Joshi
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151001, India
| | - Nivethitha Raja
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Biocon Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Centre, Syngene International Limited, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Namrata Bachhav
- 1015 E Cozza Drive # 12, Spokane Washington 99208, United States
| | - Prabhakar K Rajanna
- Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Biocon Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Centre, Syngene International Limited, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Hemant Bhutani
- Pharmaceutical Development, Biocon Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Centre, Bristol-Myers Squibb India Private Limited, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Atish T Paul
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Raj Kumar
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151001, India
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Altcheh J, Castro L, Dib JC, Grossmann U, Huang E, Moscatelli G, Pinto Rocha JJ, Ramírez TE. Prospective, historically controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new paediatric formulation of nifurtimox in children aged 0 to 17 years with Chagas disease one year after treatment (CHICO). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0008912. [PMID: 33412557 PMCID: PMC7790535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nifurtimox is a recommended treatment for Chagas disease, but data from treated children are limited. We investigated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of nifurtimox administered as divisible, dispersible 30 mg and 120 mg tablets in children with Chagas disease. In this blinded, controlled study conducted January 2016-July 2018, 330 patients aged <18 years from 25 medical centres across three South American countries were randomised 2:1 to nifurtimox 10-20 mg/kg/day (aged <12 years) or 8-10 mg/kg/day (aged ≥12 years) for 60 days (n = 219), or for 30 days plus placebo for 30 days (n = 111) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02625974). The primary outcome was anti-Trypanosoma cruzi serological response (negative seroconversion or seroreduction ≥20% in mean optical density from baseline determined by two conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) at 12 months in the 60-day treatment group versus historical placebo controls. Nifurtimox for 60 days achieved negative seroconversion (n = 10) and seroreduction (n = 62) in 72 patients (serological response 32.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 26.4%, 39.3%, of all treated patients), confirming superiority relative to the upper 95% CI of 16% for controls. In patients aged <8 months, 10/12 treated for 60 days (83.3%) and 5/7 treated for 30 days (71.4%) achieved negative seroconversion. Overall serological response was lower for 30-day than for 60-day nifurtimox (between-treatment difference 14.0% [95% CI 3.7%, 24.2%]). The frequency of T. cruzi-positive quantitative polymerase chain reactions decreased substantially from baseline levels (60-day regimen 53.4% versus 1.4%; 30-day regimen 51.4% versus 4.5%). Study drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), which were observed in 62 patients (28.3%) treated for 60 days and 29 patients (26.1%) treated for 30 days, were generally mild or moderate and resolved without sequelae; 4.2% of all TEAEs led to nifurtimox discontinuation. Age- and weight-adjusted nifurtimox for 60 days achieved a serological response at 12 months post-treatment that was superior to historical placebo, was well tolerated and had a favourable safety profile in children with Chagas disease. Although, at 1 year serological follow-up, efficacy of the shorter nifurtimox treatment was not comparable to the 60-day treatment regimen for the overall study population, further long-term follow-up of the patients will provide important information about the progress of serological conversion in children treated with nifurtimox, as well as the potential efficacy difference between the two regimens over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Altcheh
- Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez and Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigacion en Patologias Pediatricas (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Castro
- Centro de Atencion e Investigacion Medica S.A. (CAIMED–Yopal), Yopal, Colombia
| | - Juan C. Dib
- Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Ulrike Grossmann
- Bayer AG, Research and Development Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erya Huang
- Bayer US LLC, Whippany, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Guillermo Moscatelli
- Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez and Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigacion en Patologias Pediatricas (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jimy José Pinto Rocha
- Fundación CEADES–Plataforma de Atención Integral a los Pacientes con Enfermedades de Chagas, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Teresa Estela Ramírez
- Centro de Enfermedad de Chagas y Patologias Regionales, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
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27
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Comparison of chemical and biological properties of organometallic complexes containing 4- and 5-nitrothienyl groups. Polyhedron 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.poly.2020.114872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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28
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Muraca G, Berti IR, Sbaraglini ML, Fávaro WJ, Durán N, Castro GR, Talevi A. Trypanosomatid-Caused Conditions: State of the Art of Therapeutics and Potential Applications of Lipid-Based Nanocarriers. Front Chem 2020; 8:601151. [PMID: 33324615 PMCID: PMC7726426 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.601151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatid-caused conditions (African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis) are neglected tropical infectious diseases that mainly affect socioeconomically vulnerable populations. The available therapeutics display substantial limitations, among them limited efficacy, safety issues, drug resistance, and, in some cases, inconvenient routes of administration, which made the scenarios with insufficient health infrastructure settings inconvenient. Pharmaceutical nanocarriers may provide solutions to some of these obstacles, improving the efficacy-safety balance and tolerability to therapeutic interventions. Here, we overview the state of the art of therapeutics for trypanosomatid-caused diseases (including approved drugs and drugs undergoing clinical trials) and the literature on nanolipid pharmaceutical carriers encapsulating approved and non-approved drugs for these diseases. Numerous studies have focused on the obtention and preclinical assessment of lipid nanocarriers, particularly those addressing the two currently most challenging trypanosomatid-caused diseases, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis. In general, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that delivering the drugs using such type of nanocarriers could improve the efficacy-safety balance, diminishing cytotoxicity and organ toxicity, especially in leishmaniasis. This constitutes a very relevant outcome, as it opens the possibility to extended treatment regimens and improved compliance. Despite these advances, last-generation nanosystems, such as targeted nanocarriers and hybrid systems, have still not been extensively explored in the field of trypanosomatid-caused conditions and represent promising opportunities for future developments. The potential use of nanotechnology in extended, well-tolerated drug regimens is particularly interesting in the light of recent descriptions of quiescent/dormant stages of Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi, which have been linked to therapeutic failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Muraca
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica (ANMAT), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Rivero Berti
- Laboratorio de Nanobiomateriales, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales (CINDEFI), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) -CONICET (CCT La Plata), La Plata, Argentina
| | - María L. Sbaraglini
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Wagner J. Fávaro
- Laboratory of Urogenital Carcinogenesis and Immunotherapy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Nelson Durán
- Laboratory of Urogenital Carcinogenesis and Immunotherapy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Nanomedicine Research Unit (Nanomed), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Guillermo R. Castro
- Laboratorio de Nanobiomateriales, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales (CINDEFI), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) -CONICET (CCT La Plata), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Alan Talevi
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
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Lechuga GC, Napoleão-Pêgo P, Bottino CCG, Pinho RT, Provance-Jr DW, De-Simone SG. Trypanosoma cruzi Presenilin-Like Transmembrane Aspartyl Protease: Characterization and Cellular Localization. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10111564. [PMID: 33212923 PMCID: PMC7698364 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing detection of infections of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, in non-endemic regions beyond Latin America has risen to be a major public health issue. With an impact in the millions of people, current treatments rely on antiquated drugs that produce severe side effects and are considered nearly ineffective for the chronic phase. The minimal progress in the development of new drugs highlights the need for advances in basic research on crucial biochemical pathways in T. cruzi to identify new targets. Here, we report on the T. cruzi presenilin-like transmembrane aspartyl enzyme, a protease of the aspartic class in a unique phylogenetic subgroup with T. vivax separate from protozoans. Computational analyses suggest it contains nine transmembrane domains and an active site with the characteristic PALP motif of the A22 family. Multiple linear B-cell epitopes were identified by SPOT-synthesis analysis with Chagasic patient sera. Two were chosen to generate rabbit antisera, whose signal was primarily localized to the flagellar pocket, intracellular vesicles, and endoplasmic reticulum in parasites by whole-cell immunofluorescence. The results suggest that the parasitic presenilin-like enzyme could have a role in the secretory pathway and serve as a target for the generation of new therapeutics specific to the T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme C. Lechuga
- Center for Technological Development in Health/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Population (INCT-IDPN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (G.C.L.); (P.N.-P.); (C.C.G.B.); (D.W.P.-J.)
- Cellular Ultrastructure Laboratory, FIOCRUZ, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Paloma Napoleão-Pêgo
- Center for Technological Development in Health/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Population (INCT-IDPN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (G.C.L.); (P.N.-P.); (C.C.G.B.); (D.W.P.-J.)
| | - Carolina C. G. Bottino
- Center for Technological Development in Health/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Population (INCT-IDPN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (G.C.L.); (P.N.-P.); (C.C.G.B.); (D.W.P.-J.)
| | - Rosa T. Pinho
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, FIOCRUZ, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - David W. Provance-Jr
- Center for Technological Development in Health/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Population (INCT-IDPN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (G.C.L.); (P.N.-P.); (C.C.G.B.); (D.W.P.-J.)
- Interdisciplinary Medical Research Laboratory, FIOCRUZ, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Salvatore G. De-Simone
- Center for Technological Development in Health/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Population (INCT-IDPN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (G.C.L.); (P.N.-P.); (C.C.G.B.); (D.W.P.-J.)
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24220-008, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-3865-8183
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Losada Galván I, Alonso-Padilla J, Cortés-Serra N, Alonso-Vega C, Gascón J, Pinazo MJ. Benznidazole for the treatment of Chagas disease. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:547-556. [PMID: 33043726 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1834849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chagas disease affects 6-7 million people, mainly in the Americas, and benznidazole is one of the two therapeutic options available. Trypanocide treatment aims to eliminate the parasite from the body to prevent the establishment or progression of visceral damage, mainly cardiac and/or digestive. Remarkably, it helps interrupt vertical transmission when administered to women of childbearing age. AREAS COVERED We discuss the basic and scarce data regarding chemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic structure. We also collect the most important data from previous phase II and III studies, as well as studies currently underway and upcoming. We reflect on the main indications for treatment and its challenges, such as the profile of adverse effects in adults, the pharmaceutical formulations, the search for reliable biomarkers, as well as regulatory aspects and access barriers. Alternative strategies such as shorter regimens, lower doses, and fixed doses are currently being evaluated to improve access and the safety profile of this treatment. EXPERT OPINION Benznidazole is likely to continue to be the drug of choice for Chagas disease in the coming years. However, it would probably be with a different treatment scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Joaquim Gascón
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat De Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Chasák J, Šlachtová V, Urban M, Brulíková L. Squaric acid analogues in medicinal chemistry. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112872. [PMID: 33035923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we summarize the published data on squaric acid analogues with a special focus on their use in medicinal chemistry and as potential drugs. Squaric acid is an interesting small molecule with an almost perfectly square shape, and its analogues have a variety of biological activities that are enabled by the presence of significant H-bond donors and acceptors. Unfortunately, most of these compounds also exhibit reactive functionalities, and this deters the majority of medicinal chemists and pharmacologists from trying to use them in drug development. However, this group of compounds is experiencing a renaissance, and large numbers of them are being tested for antiprotozoal, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. The most useful of these compounds exhibited IC50 values in the nanomolar range, which makes them promising drug candidates. In addition to these activities, their interactions with living systems were intensively explored, revealing that squaric acid analogues inhibit various enzymes and often serve as receptor antagonists and that the squaric acid moiety may be used as a non-classical isosteric replacement for other functional groups such as carboxylate. In summary, this review is focused on squaric acid and its analogues and their use in medicinal chemistry and should serve as a guide for other researchers in the field to demonstrate the potential of these compounds based on previous research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Chasák
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University Olomouc, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Šlachtová
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University Olomouc, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Urban
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, Hněvotínská 5, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Brulíková
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University Olomouc, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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Azeredo CM, Saraiva MF, de Oliveira MR, Barbosa G, de Almeida MV, de Souza MVN, Soares MJ. The terpenic diamine GIB24 inhibits the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes and intracellular amastigotes, with proteomic analysis of drug-resistant epimastigotes. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 330:109165. [PMID: 32771326 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The effect of N-geranyl-ethane-1,2-diamine dihydochloride (GIB24), a synthetic diamine, was assayed against different developmental forms of the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (strain Dm28c). The compound was effective against culture epimastigote forms (IC50/24h = 5.64 μM; SI = 16.4) and intracellular amastigotes (IC50/24h = 12.89 μM; SI = 7.18), as detected by the MTT methodology and by cell counting, respectively. Incubation of epimastigotes for 6h with 6 μM GIB24 (IC50/24h value) resulted in significant dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, prior to permeabilization of the plasma membrane. Rounded epimastigotes with cell size reduction were observed by scanning electron microscopy. These morpho-physiological changes induced by GIB24 suggest an incidental death process. Treatment of infected Vero cells did not prevent the intracellular amastigotes from completing the intracellular cycle. However, there was a decrease in the number of released parasites, increasing the ratio amastigotes/trypomastigotes. Proteomic analysis of 15 μM GIB24 resistant epimastigotes indicated that the compound acts mainly on mitochondrial components involved in the Krebs cycle and in maintaining the oxidative homeostasis of the parasites. Our data suggest that GIB24 is active against the main morphological forms of T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Maria Azeredo
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Carlos Chagas Institute/Fiocruz-PR, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gisele Barbosa
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maurilio José Soares
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Carlos Chagas Institute/Fiocruz-PR, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Cucurbit[7]uril as a possible nanocarrier for the antichagasic benznidazole: a computational approach. J INCL PHENOM MACRO 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10847-020-01014-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Dorababu A. Pharmacology Profile of Recently Developed Multi‐Functional Azoles; SAR‐Based Predictive Structural Modification. ChemistrySelect 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202000294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Atukuri Dorababu
- Department of Studies in ChemistrySRMPP Govt. First Grade College Huvinahadagali 583219, Karnataka India
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Fredo Naciuk F, do Nascimento Faria J, Gonçalves Eufrásio A, Torres Cordeiro A, Bruder M. Development of Selective Steroid Inhibitors for the Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase from Trypanosoma cruzi. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1250-1256. [PMID: 32551008 PMCID: PMC7294730 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection affecting millions of people across Latin America, imposing a dramatic socioeconomic burden. Despite the availability of drugs, nifurtimox and benznidazole, lack of efficacy and incidence of side-effects prompt the identification of novel, efficient, and affordable drug candidates. To address this issue, one strategy could be probing the susceptibility of Trypanosoma parasites toward NADP-dependent enzyme inhibitors. Recently, steroids of the androstane group have been described as highly potent but nonselective inhibitors of parasitic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). In order to promote selectivity, we have synthesized and evaluated 26 steroid derivatives of epiandrosterone in enzymatic assays, whereby 17 compounds were shown to display moderate to high selectivity for T. cruzi over the human G6PDH. In addition, three compounds were effective in killing intracellular T. cruzi forms infecting rat cardiomyocytes. Altogether, this study provides new SAR data around G6PDH and further supports this target for treating Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amanda Gonçalves Eufrásio
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas-SP 13083-100, Brazil
| | - Artur Torres Cordeiro
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas-SP 13083-100, Brazil
| | - Marjorie Bruder
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas-SP 13083-100, Brazil
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36
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Chagas disease: Historic perspective. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165689. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Talevi A, Carrillo C, Comini M. The Thiol-polyamine Metabolism of Trypanosoma cruzi: Molecular Targets and Drug Repurposing Strategies. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:6614-6635. [PMID: 30259812 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180926151059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chagas´ disease continues to be a challenging and neglected public health problem in many American countries. The etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, develops intracellularly in the mammalian host, which hinders treatment efficacy. Progress in the knowledge of parasite biology and host-pathogen interaction has not been paralleled by the development of novel, safe and effective therapeutic options. It is then urgent to seek for novel therapeutic candidates and to implement drug discovery strategies that may accelerate the discovery process. The most appealing targets for pharmacological intervention are those essential for the pathogen and, whenever possible, absent or significantly different from the host homolog. The thiol-polyamine metabolism of T. cruzi offers interesting candidates for a rational design of selective drugs. In this respect, here we critically review the state of the art of the thiolpolyamine metabolism of T. cruzi and the pharmacological potential of its components. On the other hand, drug repurposing emerged as a valid strategy to identify new biological activities for drugs in clinical use, while significantly shortening the long time and high cost associated with de novo drug discovery approaches. Thus, we also discuss the different drug repurposing strategies available with a special emphasis in their applications to the identification of drug candidates targeting essential components of the thiol-polyamine metabolism of T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Talevi
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Carolina Carrillo
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein (ICT Milstein) - CONICET. Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Comini
- Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
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Villalta F, Rachakonda G. Advances in preclinical approaches to Chagas disease drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:1161-1174. [PMID: 31411084 PMCID: PMC6779130 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1652593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Chagas disease affects 8-10 million people worldwide, mainly in Latin America. The current therapy for Chagas disease is limited to nifurtimox and benznidazole, which are effective in treating only the acute phase of the disease but with severe side effects. Therefore, there is an unmet need for new drugs and for the exploration of innovative approaches which may lead to the discovery of new effective and safe drugs for its treatment. Areas covered: The authors report and discuss recent approaches including structure-based design that have led to the discovery of new promising small molecule candidates for Chagas disease which affect prime targets that intervene in the sterol pathway of T. cruzi. Other trypanosome targets, phenotypic screening, the use of artificial intelligence and the challenges with Chagas disease drug discovery are also discussed. Expert opinion: The application of recent scientific innovations to the field of Chagas disease have led to the discovery of new promising drug candidates for Chagas disease. Phenotypic screening brought new hits and opportunities for drug discovery. Artificial intelligence also has the potential to accelerate drug discovery in Chagas disease and further research into this is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Villalta
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College , Nashville , TN , USA
| | - Girish Rachakonda
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College , Nashville , TN , USA
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Vermelho AB, Rodrigues GC, Supuran CT. Why hasn't there been more progress in new Chagas disease drug discovery? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:145-158. [PMID: 31670987 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1681394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. In terms of novel drug discovery, there has been no progress since the 1960s with the same two drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox, still in use. The complex life cycle, genetic diversity of T. cruzi strains, different sensitivities to the available drugs, as well as little interest from pharmaceutical companies and inadequate methodologies for translating in vitro and in vivo findings to the discovery of new drugs have all contributed to the lack of progress.Areas covered: In this perspective, the authors give discussion to the relevant points connected to the lack of developments in CD drug discovery and provide their expert perspectives.Expert opinion: There are few drugs currently in the preclinical pipeline for the treatment of CD. Only three classes of compounds have been shown to achieve high cure rates in mouse models of infection: nitroimidazoles (fexinidazole), oxaborole DNDi-6148 and proteasome inhibitors (GNF6702). New biomarkers for Chagas' disease are urgently needed for the diagnosis and detection of cure/treatment efficacy. Efforts from academia and pharmaceutical companies are in progress and more intense interaction to accelerate the process of new drugs development is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alane Beatriz Vermelho
- BIOINOVAR - Biotechnology Laboratories: Biocatalysis, Bioproducts and Bioenergy, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes,Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giseli Capaci Rodrigues
- Postgraduate Program in Teaching of Sciences, University of Grande Rio, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy
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Meza-Menchaca T, Ramos-Ligonio A, López-Monteon A, Vidal Limón A, Kaluzhskiy LA, V Shkel T, V Strushkevich N, Jiménez-García LF, Agredano Moreno LT, Gallegos-García V, Suárez-Medellín J, Trigos Á. Insights into Ergosterol Peroxide's Trypanocidal Activity. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E484. [PMID: 31547423 PMCID: PMC6770379 DOI: 10.3390/biom9090484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease, is a significant health threat in many countries and affects millions of people. Given the magnitude of this disease, a broader understanding of trypanocidal mechanisms is needed to prevent and treat infection. Natural endoperoxides, such as ergosterol peroxide, have been shown to be toxic to parasites without causing harm to human cells or tissues. Although prior studies have demonstrated the trypanocidal activity of ergosterol peroxide, the cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unknown. The results of this study indicate that a free-radical reaction occurs in T. cruzi following ergosterol peroxide exposure, leading to cell death. Using a combination of biochemical, microscopic and in silico experimental approaches, we have identified, for the first time, the cellular and molecular cytotoxic mechanism of an ergosterol peroxide obtained from Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq) P. Kumm. f. sp. Florida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuluz Meza-Menchaca
- Laboratorio de Genómica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Veracruzana, Médicos y Odontólogos S/N, Col. Unidad del Bosque, Xalapa C.P. 91010, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Angel Ramos-Ligonio
- LADISER, Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba 94340, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Aracely López-Monteon
- LADISER, Inmunología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba 94340, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Abraham Vidal Limón
- Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carr. Tijuana-Ensenada, Col. Pedregal Playitas, Ensenada C.P. 22860, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - Leonid A Kaluzhskiy
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 building 8, Pogodinskaya Street, 119121 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Tatjana V Shkel
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry NASB, Kuprevich Street, 220141 Minsk, Belarus.
| | | | - Luis Felipe Jiménez-García
- Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, México D.F. 04510, Mexico.
| | - Lourdes Teresa Agredano Moreno
- Laboratorio de Nano-Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, México D.F. 04510, Mexico.
| | - Verónica Gallegos-García
- Facultad de Enfermería y Nutrición, UASLP, Av. Niño Artillero 130, Zona Universitaria Poniente, San Luis Potosí C.P. 78240, Mexico.
| | - Jorge Suárez-Medellín
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Mexico.
| | - Ángel Trigos
- Centro de Investigación de Micología Aplicada, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91010, Veracruz, Mexico.
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de Carvalho LP, de Melo EJT. Autophagic elimination of Trypanosoma cruzi in the presence of metals. J Microbiol 2019; 57:918-926. [PMID: 31463789 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-019-9018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is an obligate intracellular parasite transmitted to vertebrate hosts by blood-sucking insects. Molecules present in parasites and mammalian cells allow the recognition and parasite internalization. Metallic ions play an essential role in the establishment and maintenance of host-parasite interaction. However, little is known about how parasites handle with essential and nonessential metal quotas. This study aimed to investigate the influence of metal ions on the biological processes of T. cruzi infected cells. Infected cells were incubated with ZnCl2, CdCl2, and HgCl2 for 12 h and labeled with different specific dyes to investigate the cellular events related to intracellular parasite death and elimination. Infected host cells and parasite's mitochondria underwent functional and structural disorders, in addition to parasite's DNA condensation and pH decrease on host cells, which led to parasite death. Further investigations suggested that lysosomes were involved in pH decrease and the double membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum formed vacuoles surrounding damaged parasites, which indicate the occurrence of autophagy for parasite elimination. In conclusion, low concentrations of nonessential and essential metals cause a series of damage to Trypanosoma cruzi organelles, leading to its loss of viability, death, and elimination, with no removal of the host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís Pessanha de Carvalho
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, State University of North Fluminense - Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edésio José Tenório de Melo
- Laboratory of Tissue and Cell Biology, State University of North Fluminense - Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Rodríguez-Hernández KD, Martínez I, Agredano-Moreno LT, Jiménez-García LF, Reyes-Chilpa R, Espinoza B. Coumarins isolated from Calophyllum brasiliense produce ultrastructural alterations and affect in vitro infectivity of Trypanosoma cruzi. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 61:152827. [PMID: 31039535 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current drugs for Chagas Disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi have limited therapeutic potential and are associated with serious side effects. Natural products can aid to develop new chemotherapeutic agents. Several natural coumarins, especially Mammea A/BA, have shown significant activity against T. cruzi and low toxicity on human lymphocytes, but its effectivity on a wide range of strains need to be tested, as well as to deepen in their mode of action and safety. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE To discern the effects and explore the action mechanisms of mammea A/BA and a mixture of mammea coumarins isolated from Calophyllum brasiliense on Mexican strains of T. cruzi belonging to different genotypes and compare its effectivity with the drug benznidazole. STUDY DESIGN We evaluated the trypanocidal activity in vitro of mammea A/BA (93.6%), and a mixture of coumarins, mammea A/BA + A/BB + A/BD (86:10:1%) on Mexican T. cruzi strains belonging to different genotypes Ninoa, Querétaro (TcI) and Ver6 (TcVI). MATERIAL AND METHODS Mammea A/BA and the mixture of coumarins, were isolated from Calophyllum brasiliense, identified by proton NMR and purity determined by HPLC. The in vitro trypanocidal activity was evaluated on mobility, growth recovery, morphology and infectivity of T. cruzi. The cytotoxicity on mammalian cells was compared with benznidazole. The ultrastructure of the treated epimastigotes was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS Mammea A/BA and the mixture of coumarins showed high trypanocidal activity, affecting the mobility, growth recovery, morphology, ultrastructure of epimastigotes, and drastically reduce trypomastigotes infectivity on Vero cells. These substances were four times more potent than benznidazole and showed low cytotoxicity and high selectivity index. The TEM showed severe alterations on the plasmatic membrane, nuclear envelope, as well as, mitochondrial swelling, that leads to the death of parasites. CONCLUSION Mammea A/BA (93.6%) and a mixture of mammea A/BA + A/BB and A/BD (86: 10: 1%) isolated from the tropical tree C. brasiliense showed higher trypanocidal activity than the current drug benznidazole on three Mexican strains of T. cruzi. These compounds induced severe physiological and morphological alterations. These results suggest their possible use in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Daniela Rodríguez-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 México Distrito Federal, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Martínez
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 México Distrito Federal, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Teresa Agredano-Moreno
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 México Distrito Federal, Mexico
| | - Luis Felipe Jiménez-García
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 México Distrito Federal, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Reyes-Chilpa
- Departamento de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 México Distrito Federal, Mexico.
| | - Bertha Espinoza
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 México Distrito Federal, Mexico.
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Anti-Trypanosoma activity of bioactive metabolites from Photorhabdus luminescens and Xenorhabdus nematophila. Exp Parasitol 2019; 204:107724. [PMID: 31279930 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Only two drugs are currently available for the treatment of Chagas disease and their effectiveness are unsatisfactory. Photorhabdus luminescens and Xenorhabdus nematophila, two enteric bacteria highly pathogenic to a broad range of insects, have been studied as potential source for bioactive metabolites against protozoa causing neglected tropical diseases. Therefore, we tested the in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of secreted metabolites from these bacteria. The conditioned medium of X. nematophila and P. luminescens showed significant parasiticidal activity in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50XN = 0.34 mg/mL, IC50PL = 1.0 mg/mL). The parasiticidal compound was identified as a small molecule stable to heating and pH changes ranging from 2 to 12. Moreover, anti-Trypanosoma molecules secreted by both bacteria stimulate the trypanocidal activity of macrophages by a mechanism independent of nitric oxide. Summarizing, our studies reveal that P. luminescens and X. nematophila are potential sources of putative novel drugs against Chagas disease.
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Gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and tryparedoxin 1 exert high control on the antioxidant system in Trypanosoma cruzi contributing to drug resistance and infectivity. Redox Biol 2019; 26:101231. [PMID: 31203195 PMCID: PMC6581782 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanothione (T(SH)2) is the main antioxidant metabolite for peroxide reduction in Trypanosoma cruzi; therefore, its metabolism has attracted attention for therapeutic intervention against Chagas disease. To validate drug targets within the T(SH)2 metabolism, the strategies and methods of Metabolic Control Analysis and kinetic modeling of the metabolic pathway were used here, to identify the steps that mainly control the pathway fluxes and which could be appropriate sites for therapeutic intervention. For that purpose, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γECS), trypanothione synthetase (TryS), trypanothione reductase (TryR) and the tryparedoxin cytosolic isoform 1 (TXN1) were separately overexpressed to different levels in T. cruzi epimastigotes and their degrees of control on the pathway flux as well as their effect on drug resistance and infectivity determined. Both experimental in vivo as well as in silico analyses indicated that γECS and TryS control T(SH)2 synthesis by 60–74% and 15–31%, respectively. γECS overexpression prompted up to a 3.5-fold increase in T(SH)2 concentration, whereas TryS overexpression did not render an increase in T(SH)2 levels as a consequence of high T(SH)2 degradation. The peroxide reduction flux was controlled for 64–73% by TXN1, 17–20% by TXNPx and 11–16% by TryR. TXN1 and TryR overexpression increased H2O2 resistance, whereas TXN1 overexpression increased resistance to the benznidazole plus buthionine sulfoximine combination. γECS overexpression led to an increase in infectivity capacity whereas that of TXN increased trypomastigote bursting. The present data suggested that inhibition of high controlling enzymes such as γECS and TXN1 in the T(SH)2 antioxidant pathway may compromise the parasite's viability and infectivity. The trypanothione synthesis flux is primarily but not exclusively controlled by γECS. Tryparedoxin exerts high control on the peroxide reduction flux. Kinetic metabolic modeling may reliably predict the in vivo pathway behavior. TXN1 overexpression provides benznidazole resistance. γECS and TXN contribute to parasite infectivity.
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Téllez J, Romero I, Romanha AJ, Steindel M. Drug transporter and oxidative stress gene expression in human macrophages infected with benznidazole-sensitive and naturally benznidazole-resistant Trypanosoma cruzi parasites treated with benznidazole. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:262. [PMID: 31126349 PMCID: PMC6534881 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3485-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Current therapeutic management is limited to treatment with nitroheterocyclic drugs, such as nifurtimox (NFX) and benznidazole (BZ). Thus, the identification of affordable and readily available drugs to treat resistant parasites is urgently required worldwide. To analyse the effects of BZ on human macrophage gene expression, a quantitative PCR (qPCR) array analysis was performed using drug transporter and oxidative stress pathway genes to compare the gene expression profiles of human differentiated THP-1 macrophage (THP-1 MΦ) cells infected or not with benznidazole-sensitive (CL Brener) and naturally benznidazole-resistant (Colombiana) T. cruzi parasites followed by treatment with BZ. Results The gene expression analysis indicated that the expression levels of 62 genes were either up- or downregulated at least 3-fold in the host upon infection with CL Brener and BZ treatment, of which 46 were upregulated and 16 were downregulated. Moreover, the expression level of 32 genes was altered in THP-1 MФ cells infected with Colombiana and treated with BZ, of which 29 were upregulated and 3 were downregulated. Our results revealed that depending on the specific condition, human THP-1 MΦ cells infected with T. cruzi strains with sensitive or resistant phenotypes and treated with BZ expressed high mRNA levels of AQP1, AQP9 and ABCB1 (MDR1) compared to those of the control cells. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the proteins encoded by AQP1, AQP9 and ABCB1 may be implicated in benznidazole detoxification. Therefore, studies on gene expression are required to better understand the host response to pathogens and drug treatment integrated with functional and metabolic data to identify potentially novel targets for the treatment of this important and neglected tropical disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3485-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jair Téllez
- Laboratorio de Protozoologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil. .,Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia.
| | - Ibeth Romero
- Laboratorio de Protozoologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.,Programa de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Alvaro José Romanha
- Laboratorio de Protozoologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Mario Steindel
- Laboratorio de Protozoologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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Momper JD, Hanan NJ, Rossi SS, Mirochnick MH, Cafferata ML, Lavenia A, Flores I, Gibbons L, Ciganda A, Sosa Estani S, Capparelli EV, Buekens P. Determination of Benznidazole in Human Dried Blood Spots by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry to Monitor Adherence to Trypanosoma cruzi Infection Treatment in Infants and Children. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 101:116-122. [PMID: 31115303 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Medication adherence is critical to the effectiveness of benznidazole (BZ) therapy for the treatment of Chagas disease. Assessing BZ adherence using traditional plasma sampling methods presents numerous challenges in resource-limited settings. Dried blood spot (DBS) sampling of BZ can be used to overcome logistical barriers and provides a less invasive method for assessing BZ levels. A BZ DBS assay using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed and applied to a clinical study of infants and children being treated with BZ for Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Argentina. The assay was validated over a concentration range of 9.8-5,000 ng/mL. Inter-assay and intra-assay measures ranged from -2.9% to 2.7% and 0.5% to 8.3% for accuracy and from 3.5% to 12% and 1.6% to 13.6% for precision, respectively. The mean recovery of BZ was greater than 91%. Partitioning ratios for DBSs/plasma ranged from 0.95 to 1.02. A cohort of 10 infants and six children with T. cruzi infection being treated with BZ had median BZ concentrations of 1.2 (IQR 0.29, 2.14) µg/mL with seven of 65 (11%) samples above the BZ treatment goal of 3 μg/mL for adults. The reported DBS assay is a simple and accurate method for the quantitative measurement of BZ that can be applied to facilitate urgently needed clinical studies of BZ for the treatment of Chagas disease and assess BZ adherence in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan J Hanan
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Steven S Rossi
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | | | - Antonia Lavenia
- Ministerio de Salud Pública de la Provincia de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Isolina Flores
- Ministerio de Salud Pública de la Provincia de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Luz Gibbons
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alvaro Ciganda
- Unidad de Investigación Clínica Montevideo (UNICEM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sergio Sosa Estani
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben," Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Administracion Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbran" (ANLIS), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Pierre Buekens
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Efstathiou A, Meira CS, Gaboriaud-Kolar N, Bastos TM, Rocha VPC, Vougogiannopoulou K, Skaltsounis AL, Smirlis D, Soares MBP. Indirubin derivatives are potent and selective anti-Trypanosoma cruzi agents. Virulence 2019; 9:1658-1668. [PMID: 30387370 PMCID: PMC7000199 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1532242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatment for combatting Chagas disease, a life-threatening illness caused by the kinetoplastid protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is inadequate, and thus the discovery of new antiparasitic compounds is of prime importance. Previous studies identified the indirubins, a class of ATP kinase inhibitors, as potent growth inhibitors of the related kinetoplastid Leishmania. Herein, we evaluated the inhibitory activity of a series of 69 indirubin analogues screened against T. cruzi trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. Seven indirubins were identified as potent T. cruzi inhibitors (low μΜ, nM range). Cell death analysis of specific compounds [3'oxime-6-bromoindirubin(6-BIO) analogues 10, 11 and 17, bearing a bulky extension on the oxime moiety and one 7 substituted analogue 32], as evaluated by electron microscopy and flow cytometry, showed a different mode of action between compound 32 compared to the three 6-BIO oxime- substituted indirubins, suggesting that indirubins may kill the parasite by different mechanisms dependent on their substitution. Moreover, the efficacy of four compounds that show the most potent anti-parasitic effect in both trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes (10, 11, 17, 32), was evaluated in a mouse model of T. cruzi infection. Compound 11 (3ʹpiperazine-6-BIO) displayed the best in vivo efficacy (1/6 mortality, 94.5% blood parasitaemia reduction, 12 dpi) at a dose five times reduced over the reference drug benznidazole (20 mg/kg vs100 mg/kg). We propose 3ʹpiperazine-6-BIO as a potential lead for the development of new treatments of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Efstathiou
- a Molecular Parasitology Lab, Dpt of Microbiology , Hellenic Pasteur Institute , Athens , Greece
| | - Cássio Santana Meira
- b Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Immunopharmacology , Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) , Salvador , BA , Brazil.,c Center of Biotechnology and Cell Therapy , Hospital São Rafael , Salvador , BA , Brazil
| | - Nicolas Gaboriaud-Kolar
- d Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Lab, Dpt of Pharmacy, Panepistimiopolis Zografou , University of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | - Tanira Matutino Bastos
- b Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Immunopharmacology , Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) , Salvador , BA , Brazil.,c Center of Biotechnology and Cell Therapy , Hospital São Rafael , Salvador , BA , Brazil
| | - Vinícius Pinto Costa Rocha
- b Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Immunopharmacology , Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) , Salvador , BA , Brazil.,c Center of Biotechnology and Cell Therapy , Hospital São Rafael , Salvador , BA , Brazil
| | - Konstantina Vougogiannopoulou
- d Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Lab, Dpt of Pharmacy, Panepistimiopolis Zografou , University of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | - Alexios-Leandros Skaltsounis
- d Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Lab, Dpt of Pharmacy, Panepistimiopolis Zografou , University of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | - Despina Smirlis
- a Molecular Parasitology Lab, Dpt of Microbiology , Hellenic Pasteur Institute , Athens , Greece
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- b Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Immunopharmacology , Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) , Salvador , BA , Brazil.,c Center of Biotechnology and Cell Therapy , Hospital São Rafael , Salvador , BA , Brazil
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Gomes KS, da Costa-Silva TA, Oliveira IH, Aguilar AM, Oliveira-Silva D, Uemi M, Silva WA, Melo LR, Andrade CKZ, Tempone AG, Baldim JL, Lago JHG. Structure-activity relationship study of antitrypanosomal chalcone derivatives using multivariate analysis. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:1459-1462. [PMID: 31000155 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease represents one of several neglected diseases with a reduced number of chemotherapeutical drugs including the highly toxic compounds benznidazole and nifurtimox. In this sense, natural products represent an import scaffold for the discovery of new biologically active compounds, in which chalcones are promising representatives due to their antitrypanosomal potential. In this work, a series of 36 chalcone derivatives were synthesized and tested against trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. In addition, a detailed investigation on their molecular features was performed. The obtained results suggest that certain molecular features are fundamental for an efficient antitrypanosomal potential of chalcones, such as allylic groups, α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system, and aromatic hydroxyl groups. These results were obtained based on the interpretation of machine-learning and multivariate statistical methods, which revealed the essential characteristics of chalcone prototypes against trypomastigotes of T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaio S Gomes
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Thais A da Costa-Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Igor H Oliveira
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Andrea M Aguilar
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Diogo Oliveira-Silva
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Miriam Uemi
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Wender A Silva
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Lennine R Melo
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | | | - Andre G Tempone
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP 01246-000, Brazil
| | - João L Baldim
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP 09210-580, Brazil.
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP 09210-580, Brazil.
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Chemical Constituents of Anacardium occidentale as Inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi Sirtuins. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24071299. [PMID: 30987092 PMCID: PMC6479711 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Benznidazole and nifurtimox, the only drugs available for the treatment of Chagas disease, have limited efficacy and have been associated with severe adverse side effects. Thus, there is an urgent need to find new biotargets for the identification of novel bioactive compounds against the parasite and with low toxicity. Silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) enzymes, or sirtuins, have emerged as attractive targets for the development of novel antitrypanosomatid agents. In the present work, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of natural compounds isolated from cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale, L. Anacardiaceae) against the target enzymes TcSir2rp1 and TcSir2rp3 as well as the parasite. Two derivates of cardol (1, 2), cardanol (3, 4), and anacardic acid (5, 6) were investigated. The two anacardic acids (5, 6) inhibited both TcSir2rp1 and TcSir2rp3, while the cardol compound (2) inhibited only TcSir2rp1. The most potent sirtuin inhibitor active against the parasite was the cardol compound (2), with an EC50 value of 12.25 µM, similar to that of benznidazole. Additionally, compounds (1, 4), which were inactive against the sirtuin targets, presented anti-T. cruzi effects. In conclusion, our results showed the potential of Anacardium occidentale compounds for the development of potential sirtuin inhibitors and anti-Trypanosoma cruzi agents.
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Sandjo LP, Zingue S, Dos Santos Nascimento MV, de Moraes MH, Vicente G, Amoah SK, Dalmarco EM, Frode TS, Creczynski-Pasa TB, Steindel M. Cytotoxicity, antiprotozoal, and anti-inflammatory activities of eight curry powders and comparison of their UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS chemical profiles. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2019; 99:2987-2997. [PMID: 30478925 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.9512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Curry powder is a blend of spices that is extensively consumed worldwide and mainly in Central Asia. Its preparation is strictly related to each locality and, because of the health benefits of its constituents, eight commercial forms of this condiment were biologically and chemically investigated. This study aimed to compare their chemical profile as well as their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antiparasitic activities. RESULTS Curry samples 1 and 7 inhibited leukocyte influx and myeloperoxidase activity, while only 7 was active on protein exudate and NOx species. 2, 6, and 8 displayed trypanocidal effect against Trypanosoma cruzi amastigote, whereas 6 showed antileishmanial activity on Leishmania amazonensis amastigote. 2, 6, and 8 also inhibited the growth of THP-1 cells used as the parasite's host. Among the cytotoxic samples (4 and 6), curry sample 6 induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Nevertheless, 4 and 6 were unselectively cytotoxic to non-tumoral and tumoral cells. The anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, and antiparasitic assays were respectively performed by carrageenan-induced pleurisy test, Alamar blue assay, and intracellular parasite-host cell model. Ultra-performance liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization mass spectrometric data from the spices revealed both similar and different metabolites in their composition. CONCLUSION The results obtained indicate that different formulations can contribute different health benefits as a result of their chemical composition. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis P Sandjo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Stephane Zingue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Department of Live and Earth Sciences, Higher Teachers' Training College, University of Maroua, Maroua, Cameroon
| | | | - Milene H de Moraes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Geison Vicente
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Centre of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Solomon Ks Amoah
- Metrology Department, Instituto SENAI de Tecnologia em Alimentos e Bebidas, Chapeco, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M Dalmarco
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Centre of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Tania S Frode
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Centre of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Tânia B Creczynski-Pasa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Mario Steindel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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