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Villamizar-Monsalve MA, López-Abán J, Vicente B, Peláez R, Muro A. Current drug strategies for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:409-420. [PMID: 38511392 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2333372] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Schistosomiasis, one of the current Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affects over 230 million people globally, with nearly 700 million at risk in more than 74 countries. Praziquantel (PZQ) has served as the primary treatment for the past four decades; however, its effectiveness is limited as it solely eliminates adult worms. In regions where infections are frequent, PZQ exhibits only temporary efficacy and has restricted potential to disrupt the prolonged transmission of the disease. AREAS COVERED A comprehensive exploration using the PubMed database was conducted to review current pharmacotherapy approaches for schistosomiasis. This review also encompasses recent research findings related to potential novel therapeutics and the repurposing of existing drugs. EXPERT OPINION Current schistosoma treatment strategies, primarily relying on PZQ, face challenges like temporary effectiveness and limited impact on disease transmission. Drug repurposing, due to economic constraints, is decisive for NTDs. Despite PZQ's efficacy, its failure to prevent reinfection highlights the need for complementary strategies, especially in regions with persistent environmental foci. Integrating therapies against diverse schistosome stages boosts efficacy and impedes resistance. Uncovering novel agents is essential to address resistance concerns in tackling this neglected tropical disease. Integrated strategies present a comprehensive approach to navigate the complex challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Alejandra Villamizar-Monsalve
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julio López-Abán
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Belén Vicente
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rafael Peláez
- Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
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Anyubaga SB, Shallangwa GA, Uzairu A, Abechi SE. Chemo-informatics applications in the design of novel 7-keto-sempervirol derivatives as SmCB1 inhibitors with potential for treatment of Schistosomiasis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23115. [PMID: 38173516 PMCID: PMC10761359 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The quest for a sound treatment on the vulnerable population suffering and dying as a result of the blood flukes, S. mansoni is on the increase because both Praziquantel and Oxamniquine widely used for the treatment of Schistosomiasis for over 51 years suffer resistance and recurrence. Here-in, chemo-informatics techniques such as QSAR modeling, pharmacokinetic, docking alongside MD simulation were harnessed in designing novel 7-keto- sempevirolsempevirol derivatives that are more competent against S. mansoni. Upon QSAR screening, compound 15, which appears to be in the model's acceptability space, emerges the best with a high predicted activity. 5 new analogues with improved activity against Schistosomiasis better than the standard drug PZQ were designed from compound 15 (template 15*) on an account of the descriptors significance from the model with robust and validated parameters. Also their pharmacokinetic profiles indicates that the designed compounds have the characteristics of a good drug. Furthermore, docking evaluation fulfilled ranges from -113.121 to -100.79 kcal/mol (moldock score), with compound U1 being the best (least moldock score of -113.121 compared to PZQ and 15* (template) having a moldock score value of (-87.21 and -83.37 kcal/mol). 100-ns MD Simulation on the U1-docked complex was run using Desmond 2019-4 package. The nature and steadiness of U1 compound within the enzyme active site was further confirmed by RMSD, RMSF, RoG and H-bond assessment. Hence, we recommend compound U1 targeting the SmCB1 enzyme (6YI7) for Schistosomiasis treatment and for further medicinal evaluation and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adamu Uzairu
- Department of Chemistry Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B. 1044, Zaria, Nigeria
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Kaethner M, Rennar G, Gallinger T, Kämpfer T, Hemphill A, Mäder P, Luque-Gómez A, Schlitzer M, Lundström-Stadelmann B. In Vitro Activities of Dithiocarbamate Derivatives against Echinococcus multilocularis Metacestode Vesicles. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:517. [PMID: 38133449 PMCID: PMC10747736 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8120517] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The metacestode stage of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis causes the severe zoonotic disease alveolar echinococcosis. New treatment options are urgently needed. Disulfiram and dithiocarbamates were previously shown to exhibit activity against the trematode Schistosoma mansoni. As both parasites belong to the platyhelminths, here we investigated whether these compounds were also active against E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles in vitro. We used an in vitro drug-screening cascade for the identification of novel compounds against E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles with disulfiram and 51 dithiocarbamates. Five compounds showed activity against E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles after five days of drug incubation in a damage marker release assay. Structure-activity relationship analyses revealed that a S-2-hydroxy-5-nitro benzyl moiety was necessary for anti-echinococcal activity, as derivatives without this group had no effect on E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles. The five active compounds were further tested for potential cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. For two compounds with low toxicity (Schl-32.315 and Schl-33.652), IC50 values in metacestode vesicles and IC50 values in germinal layer cells were calculated. The compounds were not highly active on isolated GL cells with IC50 values of 27.0 ± 4.2 µM for Schl-32.315 and 24.7 ± 11.5 µM for Schl-33.652, respectively. Against metacestode vesicles, Schl-32.315 was not very active either with an IC50 value of 41.6 ± 3.2 µM, while Schl-33.652 showed a low IC50 of 4.3 ± 1 µM and should be further investigated in the future for its activity against alveolar echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Kaethner
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.K.); (T.K.); (A.H.)
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Georg Rennar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany (M.S.)
| | - Tom Gallinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany (M.S.)
| | - Tobias Kämpfer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.K.); (T.K.); (A.H.)
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.K.); (T.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Patrick Mäder
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany (M.S.)
| | - Ana Luque-Gómez
- Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza-CSIC, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Martin Schlitzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany (M.S.)
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.K.); (T.K.); (A.H.)
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Wei M, Cong Y, Lei J, Du R, Yang M, Lu X, Jiang Y, Cao R, Meng X, Jiang Z, Song L. The role of ROS-pyroptosis in PM 2.5 induced air-blood barrier destruction. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 386:110782. [PMID: 37884181 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110782] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has attracted increasing attention due to its health-threatening effects. Although numerous studies have investigated the impact of PM2.5 on lung injuries, the specific mechanisms underlying the damage to the air-blood barrier after exposure to PM2.5 remain unclear. In this study, we established an in vitro co-culture system using lung epithelial cells and capillary endothelial cells. Our findings indicated that the tight junction (TJ) proteins were up-regulated in the co-cultured system compared to the monolayer-cultured cells, suggesting the establishment of a more closely connected in vitro system. Following exposure to PM2.5, we observed damage to the air-blood barrier in vitro. Concurrently, PM2.5 exposure induced significant oxidative stress and activated the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis pathway. When oxidative stress was inhibited, we observed a decrease in pyroptosis and an increase in TJ protein levels. Additionally, disulfiram reversed the adverse effects of PM2.5, effectively suppressing pyroptosis and ameliorating air-blood barrier dysfunction. Our results indicate that the oxidative stress-pyroptosis pathway plays a critical role in the disruption of the air-blood barrier induced by PM2.5 exposure. Disulfiram may represent a promising therapeutic option for mitigating PM2.5-related lung damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wei
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116044, PR China; Linfen Meternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Linfen, Shanxi Province, 041000, PR China
| | - Ying Cong
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116044, PR China
| | - Jinrong Lei
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116044, PR China
| | - Rui Du
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116044, PR China
| | - Mengxin Yang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116023, PR China
| | - Xinjun Lu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116000, PR China
| | - Yizhu Jiang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116023, PR China
| | - Ran Cao
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116023, PR China
| | - Xianzong Meng
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Zhenfu Jiang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116023, PR China
| | - Laiyu Song
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, 116044, PR China.
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Kaul L, Abdo AI, Coenye T, Swift S, Zannettino A, Süss R, Richter K. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of diethyldithiocarbamate with copper ions and its liposomal formulation for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. Biofilm 2023; 5:100130. [PMID: 37274173 PMCID: PMC10238467 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) biofilms. Biofilms are aggregates of bacteria embedded in a self-produced matrix that offers protection against antibiotics and promotes the spread of antibiotic-resistance in bacteria. Consequently, antibiotic treatment frequently fails, resulting in the need for alternative therapies. The present study describes the in vitro efficacy of the Cu(DDC)2 complex (2:1 M ratio of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC-) and Cu2+) with additional Cu2+ against S. aureus and S. epidermidis biofilms in models mimicking SSIs and in vitro antibacterial activity of a liposomal Cu(DDC)2 + Cu2+ formulation. The in vitro activity on S. aureus and S. epidermidis biofilms grown on two hernia mesh materials and in a wound model was determined by colony forming unit (CFU) counting. Cu2+-liposomes and Cu(DDC)2-liposomes were prepared, and their antibacterial activity was assessed in vitro using the alamarBlue assay and CFU counting and in vivo using a Galleria mellonella infection model. The combination of 35 μM DDC- and 128 μM Cu2+ inhibited S. aureus and S. epidermidis biofilms on meshes and in a wound infection model. Cu(DDC)2-liposomes + free Cu2+ displayed similar antibiofilm activity to free Cu(DDC)2 + Cu2+, and significantly increased the survival of S. epidermidis-infected larvae. Whilst Cu(DDC)2 + Cu2+ showed substantial antibiofilm activity in vitro against clinically relevant biofilms, its application in mammalian in vivo models is limited by solubility. The liposomal Cu(DDC)2 + Cu2+ formulation showed antibiofilm activity in vitro and antibacterial activity and low toxicity in G. mellonella, making it a suitable water-soluble formulation for future application on infected wounds in animal trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurine Kaul
- Richter Lab, Department of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, University of Adelaide, 37 Woodville Road, Adelaide, SA, 5011, Australia
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstr. 5, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 4 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Adrian I. Abdo
- Richter Lab, Department of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, University of Adelaide, 37 Woodville Road, Adelaide, SA, 5011, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 4 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Simon Swift
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Andrew Zannettino
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 4 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Regine Süss
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstr. 5, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Richter
- Richter Lab, Department of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, University of Adelaide, 37 Woodville Road, Adelaide, SA, 5011, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, 4 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Ambrosini F, Riccardi N, Occhineri S, Matucci T, Paraboschi I, Calarco A, Berrettini A, Tiseo G, Canetti D, Van Der Merwe A, Terrone C, Mantica G. Uncommon Haemorrhagic Cystitis of Infectious Origin: A Narrative Review for Urologists. Res Rep Urol 2023; 15:365-373. [PMID: 37564174 PMCID: PMC10411501 DOI: 10.2147/rru.s412278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Haemorrhagic cystitis may be due to different etiologies with infectious diseases representing an insidious cause to diagnose. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview of less common but difficult-to-diagnose causes of infectious haemorrhagic cystitis of bacterial, mycobacterial, and parasitic origin, Moreover, we highlight possible diagnostic tools and currently available treatment options in order to give an updated tool for urologists to use in daily practice. Patients and Methods The search engine PubMed was used to select peer-reviewed articles published from 1/Jan/2010 to 31/Aug/2022. Results Bacteria, fungal, TB and schistosomiasis are uncommon causes of haemorrhagic cystitis burdened by high morbidity, especially if not promptly diagnosed. Conclusion Because haemorrhagic cystitis ranges in severity from mild dysuria associated with pelvic discomfort to severe life-threatening haemorrhage, punctual diagnosis, and immediate treatment are essential to avoid further complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ambrosini
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Integrated Sciences (DISC), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Niccolò Riccardi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- StopTB Italia Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Occhineri
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- StopTB Italia Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Matucci
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- StopTB Italia Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Paraboschi
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alfredo Berrettini
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giusy Tiseo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diana Canetti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - André Van Der Merwe
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 26697 Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carlo Terrone
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Integrated Sciences (DISC), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Mantica
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Integrated Sciences (DISC), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Zhu P, Wu K, Zhang C, Batool SS, Li A, Yu Z, Huang J. Advances in new target molecules against schistosomiasis: A comprehensive discussion of physiological structure and nutrient intake. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011498. [PMID: 37498810 PMCID: PMC10374103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a severe parasitic disease, is primarily caused by Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum, or Schistosoma haematobium. Currently, praziquantel is the only recommended drug for human schistosome infection. However, the lack of efficacy of praziquantel against juvenile worms and concerns about the emergence of drug resistance are driving forces behind the research for an alternative medication. Schistosomes are obligatory parasites that survive on nutrients obtained from their host. The ability of nutrient uptake depends on their physiological structure. In short, the formation and maintenance of the structure and nutrient supply are mutually reinforcing and interdependent. In this review, we focus on the structural features of the tegument, esophagus, and intestine of schistosomes and their roles in nutrient acquisition. Moreover, we introduce the significance and modes of glucose, lipids, proteins, and amino acids intake in schistosomes. We linked the schistosome structure and nutrient supply, introduced the currently emerging targets, and analyzed the current bottlenecks in the research and development of drugs and vaccines, in the hope of providing new strategies for the prevention and control of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kaijuan Wu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaobin Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Syeda Sundas Batool
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Anqiao Li
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Yu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Disulfiram: Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030524. [PMID: 36978391 PMCID: PMC10044060 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Since disulfiram’s discovery in the 1940s and its FDA approval for alcohol use disorder, other indications have been investigated. This review describes potential clinical applications, associated risks, and challenges. Methods: For this narrative review, a PubMed search was conducted for articles addressing in vivo studies of disulfiram with an emphasis on drug repurposing for the treatment of human diseases. The key search terms were “disulfiram” and “Antabuse”. Animal studies and in vitro studies highlighting important mechanisms and safety issues were also included. Results: In total, 196 sources addressing our research focus spanning 1948–2022 were selected for inclusion. In addition to alcohol use disorder, emerging data support a potential role for disulfiram in the treatment of other addictions (e.g., cocaine), infections (e.g., bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Borrelia burgdorferi, viruses, parasites), inflammatory conditions, neurological diseases, and cancers. The side effects range from minor to life-threatening, with lower doses conveying less risk. Caution in human use is needed due to the considerable inter-subject variability in disulfiram pharmacokinetics. Conclusions: While disulfiram has promise as a “repurposed” agent in human disease, its risk profile is of concern. Animal studies and well-controlled clinical trials are needed to assess its safety and efficacy for non-alcohol-related indications.
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Gallinger TL, Obermann W, Lange-Grünweller K, Schmidt N, Haeberlein S, Grünweller A, Grevelding CG, Schlitzer M. From dithiocarbamates to branched dithiocarbazates: Compounds with potent antischistosomal activity. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2200491. [PMID: 36482264 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis or bilharzia is caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma and represents a considerable health and economic burden in tropical and subtropical regions. The treatment of this infectious disease relies on one single drug: praziquantel (PZQ). Therefore, new and potent antischistosomal compounds need to be developed. In our previous work, starting with the drug disulfiram, we developed dithiocarbamates with in vitro antischistosomal activities in the low micromolar range. Based on these results, we report in this study on the synthesis and biological testing of the structurally related dithiocarbazates against Schistosoma mansoni, one of the major species of schistosomes. In total, three series of dithiocarbazate derivatives were examined, and we found that the antischistosomal activity of N-unbranched dithiocarbazates increased by further N-substitution. Comparable tetra-substituted dithiocarbazates were rarely described in the literature, thus a synthesis route was established. Due to the elaborate synthesis, the branched dithiocarbazates (containing an N-aminopiperazine) were simplified, but the resulting branched dithiocarbamates (containing a 4-aminopiperidine) were considerably less active. Taken together, dithiocarbazate-containing compounds with an in vitro antischistosomal activity of 5 µM were obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom L Gallinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Obermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Nina Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Simone Haeberlein
- BFS, Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Arnold Grünweller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Martin Schlitzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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