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Neurobehavioral and biochemical responses to artemisinin-based drug and aflatoxin B 1 co-exposure in rats. Mycotoxin Res 2023; 39:67-80. [PMID: 36701108 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-023-00474-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Populations in malaria endemic areas are frequently exposed to mycotoxin-contaminated diets. The possible toxicological outcome of co-exposure to dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and artemisinin-based combination therapy warrants investigation to ascertain amplification or attenuation of cellular injury. Here, we investigated the neurobehavioral and biochemical responses associated with co-exposure to anti-malarial drug coartem, an artemether-lumefantrine combination (5 mg/kg body weight, twice a day and 3 days per week) and AFB1 (35 and 70 µg/kg body weight) in rats. Motor deficits, locomotor incompetence, and anxiogenic-like behavior induced by low AFB1 dose were significantly (p < 0.05) assuaged by coartem but failed to rescue these behavioral abnormalities in high AFB1-dosed group. Coartem administration did not alter exploratory deficits typified by reduced track plot densities and greater heat map intensity in high AFB1-dosed animals. Furthermore, the reduction in cerebral and cerebellar acetylcholinesterase activity, anti-oxidant enzyme activities, and glutathione and thiol levels were markedly assuaged by coartem administration in low AFB1 group but not in high AFB1-dosed animals. The significant attenuation of cerebral and cerebellar oxidative stress indices namely reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, xanthine oxidase activity, and lipid peroxidation by coartem administration was evident in low AFB1 group but not high AFB1 dose. Although coartem administration abated nitric oxide level, activities of myeloperoxidase, caspase-9, and caspase-3 in animals exposed to both doses of AFB1, these indices were significantly higher than the control. Coartem administration ameliorated histopathological and mophometrical changes due to low AFB1 exposure but not in high AFB1 exposure. In conclusion, contrary to AFB1 alone, behavioral and biochemical responses were not altered in animals singly exposed to coartem. Co-exposure to coartem and AFB1 elicited no additional risk but partially lessened neurotoxicity associated with AFB1 exposure.
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Clark RL. Teratogen update: Malaria in pregnancy and the use of antimalarial drugs in the first trimester. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:1403-1449. [PMID: 33079495 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1798] [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: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a particular problem in pregnancy because of enhanced sensitivity, the possibility of placental malaria, and adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. Artemisinin-containing combination therapies (ACTs) are the most effective antimalarials known. WHO recommends 7-day quinine therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the first trimester despite the superior tolerability and efficacy of 3-day ACT regimens because artemisinins caused embryolethality and/or cardiovascular malformations at relatively low doses in rats, rabbits, and monkeys. The developmental toxicity of artesunate, artemether, and DHA were similar in rats but artesunate was embryotoxic at lower doses in rabbits (5 mg/kg/day) than artemether (no effect level = 25 mg/kg/day). In clinical studies in Africa, treatment with artemether-lumefantrine in the first trimester was observed to be highly efficacious and the miscarriage rate (≤3.1%) was similar to no antimalarial treatment (2.6%). When data from the first-trimester use of largely artesunate-based therapies in Thailand were pooled together, there was no difference in miscarriage rate compared to quinine. However, individually, artesunate-mefloquine was associated with a higher miscarriage rate (15/71 = 21%) compared to other artemisinin-based therapies including 7-day artesunate + clindamycin (2/50 = 4%) and quinine (92/842 = 11%). Thus, appropriate statistical comparisons of individual ACT groups are needed prior to assuming that they all have the same risk for developmental toxicity. Current limitations in the assessment of the safety of ACTs in the first trimester are a lack of exposures early in gestation (gestational weeks 6-7), limited postnatal evaluation for cardiovascular malformations, and the pooling of all ACTs for the assessment of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Clark
- Artemis Pharmaceutical Research, Saint Augustine, Florida, USA
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3
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González R, Pons-Duran C, Bardají A, Leke RGF, Clark R, Menendez C. Systematic review of artemisinin embryotoxicity in animals: Implications for malaria control in human pregnancy. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 402:115127. [PMID: 32622917 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115127] [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: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women are one of the most susceptible and vulnerable groups to malaria, the most important parasitic disease worldwide. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in all population groups including pregnant women. However, due to the embryotoxicity observed in animal studies, ACTs have long been contraindicated during the first trimester in pregnant women. Despite the safety concerns raised in pre-clinical studies, recent findings on ACTs's use in pregnant women appear to be reassuring regarding safety and have prompted a revision of malaria treatment guidelines for first trimester of pregnancy. To contribute to the risk-benefit assessment of ACTs, we conducted a systematic literature review of animal studies published between 2007 and 2019, which evaluated the embryotoxic effects of artemisinin and its derivatives among pregnant mammals. Eighteen experimental studies fitted the inclusion criteria. These studies confirmed and further characterized the severe embryolethal and embryotoxic dose-dependent effects of artemisinin and its derivatives when administered during the organogenesis period in rats, rabbits and monkeys. Timing of administration and dosage of the drug were found to be key factors in the appearance of embryo damage. Overall, the translation of the findings of artemisinin derivatives use in animal studies to pregnant women remains disturbing. Thus, a policy change in the use of ACTs during the first trimester in pregnant women for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria does not seem pertinent and if implemented, it should be accompanied by solid pharmacovigilance systems, which are challenging to establish in malaria endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel González
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Clara Pons-Duran
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Azucena Bardají
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Rose G F Leke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Haematology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Robert Clark
- Artemis Pharmaceutical Research, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Clara Menendez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique
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4
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Enechi OC, Amah CC, Okagu IU, Ononiwu CP, Azidiegwu VC, Ugwuoke EO, Onoh AP, Ndukwe EE. Methanol extracts of Fagara zanthoxyloides leaves possess antimalarial effects and normalizes haematological and biochemical status of Plasmodium berghei-passaged mice. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2019. [PMID: 31500475 PMCID: PMC6746293 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2019.1656753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Context: The resistance of Plasmodium species to many available antimalarials calls for a continuous search for newer antimalarial agents. One possible source of new antimalarials is from natural sources such as Fagara zanthoxyloides Lam (Rutaceae), a medicinal plant used traditionally for treating malaria in South-Eastern Nigeria, Uganda and Asia. Objectives: To investigate the application of methanol extracts of F. zanthoxyloides in combating malaria infection and its associated disorders. Materials and methods: Methanol extracts of F. zanthoxyloides leaves (MEFZ) were evaluated for in vivo antimalarial activity. MEFZ at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/d were administered orally for 4 consecutive days (days 0-4) to P. berghei-infected mice. The possible ameliorative effects of MEFZ on malaria-associated organ malfunctions were also assessed. Results: At 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w., respectively, MEFZ produced 82.37% and 68.39%, 84.84%, and 90.75%, 95.95% and 92.67% chemosuppression and inhibition of P. berghei, respectively, comparable to 98.67% and 97.29% by combisunate, a standard antimalarial. The IC50 of MEFZ was estimated to be 235.23 mg/kg b.w. Similarly, treatment of parasitized mice with MEFZ significantly restored the malaria-modified haematological and biochemical status of the parasitized-MEFZ-treated mice compared with parasitized-untreated mice. MEFZ was tolerable up to 5000 mg/kg b.w dose; hence, the LD50 is above 5000 mg/kg b.w. Discussion and conclusions: The results of this curative assay demonstrated that MEFZ has antimalarial effects and normalized haematological and biochemical aberrations generated by malaria. The isolation of the antimalarial principles in MEFZ is warranted; they could be lead molecules for the development of new antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Innocent Uzochukwu Okagu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
- CONTACT Innocent Uzochukwu Okagu Medical Parasitology, Toxicology and Drug Discovery Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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Dellicour S, Sevene E, McGready R, Tinto H, Mosha D, Manyando C, Rulisa S, Desai M, Ouma P, Oneko M, Vala A, Rupérez M, Macete E, Menéndez C, Nakanabo-Diallo S, Kazienga A, Valéa I, Calip G, Augusto O, Genton B, Njunju EM, Moore KA, d’Alessandro U, Nosten F, ter Kuile F, Stergachis A. First-trimester artemisinin derivatives and quinine treatments and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Africa and Asia: A meta-analysis of observational studies. PLoS Med 2017; 14:e1002290. [PMID: 28463996 PMCID: PMC5412992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal embryotoxicity data, and the scarcity of safety data in human pregnancies, have prevented artemisinin derivatives from being recommended for malaria treatment in the first trimester except in lifesaving circumstances. We conducted a meta-analysis of prospective observational studies comparing the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and major congenital anomaly (primary outcomes) among first-trimester pregnancies treated with artemisinin derivatives versus quinine or no antimalarial treatment. METHODS AND FINDINGS Electronic databases including Medline, Embase, and Malaria in Pregnancy Library were searched, and investigators contacted. Five studies involving 30,618 pregnancies were included; four from sub-Saharan Africa (n = 6,666 pregnancies, six sites) and one from Thailand (n = 23,952). Antimalarial exposures were ascertained by self-report or active detection and confirmed by prescriptions, clinic cards, and outpatient registers. Cox proportional hazards models, accounting for time under observation and gestational age at enrollment, were used to calculate hazard ratios. Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis was used to combine the African studies, and the results were then combined with those from Thailand using aggregated data meta-analysis with a random effects model. There was no difference in the risk of miscarriage associated with the use of artemisinins anytime during the first trimester (n = 37/671) compared with quinine (n = 96/945; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.73 [95% CI 0.44, 1.21], I2 = 0%, p = 0.228), in the risk of stillbirth (artemisinins, n = 10/654; quinine, n = 11/615; aHR = 0.29 [95% CI 0.08-1.02], p = 0.053), or in the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth combined (pregnancy loss) (aHR = 0.58 [95% CI 0.36-1.02], p = 0.099). The corresponding risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, and pregnancy loss in a sensitivity analysis restricted to artemisinin exposures during the embryo sensitive period (6-12 wk gestation) were as follows: aHR = 1.04 (95% CI 0.54-2.01), I2 = 0%, p = 0.910; aHR = 0.73 (95% CI 0.26-2.06), p = 0.551; and aHR = 0.98 (95% CI 0.52-2.04), p = 0.603. The prevalence of major congenital anomalies was similar for first-trimester artemisinin (1.5% [95% CI 0.6%-3.5%]) and quinine exposures (1.2% [95% CI 0.6%-2.4%]). Key limitations of the study include the inability to control for confounding by indication in the African studies, the paucity of data on potential confounders, the limited statistical power to detect differences in congenital anomalies, and the lack of assessment of cardiovascular defects in newborns. CONCLUSIONS Compared to quinine, artemisinin treatment in the first trimester was not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. While the data are limited, they indicate no difference in the prevalence of major congenital anomalies between treatment groups. The benefits of 3-d artemisinin combination therapy regimens to treat malaria in early pregnancy are likely to outweigh the adverse outcomes of partially treated malaria, which can occur with oral quinine because of the known poor adherence to 7-d regimens. REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42015032371.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Dellicour
- Malaria Epidemiology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (SD); (AS)
| | - Esperança Sevene
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Stephen Rulisa
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Meghna Desai
- Malaria Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Peter Ouma
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Martina Oneko
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Anifa Vala
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Maria Rupérez
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
- Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eusébio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Clara Menéndez
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
- Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Seydou Nakanabo-Diallo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Adama Kazienga
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Innocent Valéa
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Gregory Calip
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Orvalho Augusto
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Blaise Genton
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric M. Njunju
- School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Kerryn A. Moore
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Umberto d’Alessandro
- Medical Research Council, Fajara, The Gambia
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Feiko ter Kuile
- Malaria Epidemiology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Stergachis
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SD); (AS)
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Tayyab Ansari M, Arshad MS, Hussain A, Ahmad Z. Improvement of solubility, dissolution and stability profile of artemether solid dispersions and self emulsified solid dispersions by solvent evaporation method. Pharm Dev Technol 2016; 23:1007-1015. [PMID: 27885872 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2016.1265554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the water solubility of artemether; a poorly soluble drug used for the treatment of malaria. Different solid dispersions (SDs) of artemether were prepared using artemether and polyethylene glycol 6000 at ratio 12:88 (Group 1), self-emulsified solid dispersions (SESDs) containing artemether, polyethylene glycol 6000, cremophor-A-25, olive oil, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and transcutol in the ratio 12:75:5:4:2:2, respectively (Group 2). SESDs were also prepared by substituting cremophor-A-25 in Group 2 with poloxamer 188 (noted as Group 3). Each of these preparations was formulated using physical mixing and the solvent evaporation method. Aqueous solubility of artemether improved 11-, 95- and 102-fold, while dissolution (in simulated gastric fluid) increased 3-, 13- and 14-fold, for formulation groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. X-ray diffraction patterns of SDs indicated a decrease in peak intensities at 10° implying reduced artemether crystallinity. Scanning electron micrographs invariably revealed embedment of artemether by various excipients and a glassy appearance for solvent evaporated mixtures for all three formulation Groups. Our findings indicate improved hydrophilic interactions for drug particles yield greater solubility and dissolution in the following order for artemether formulating methods: solvent evaporation mixtures > physical mixtures > pure artemether.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Altaf Hussain
- a Department of Pharmacy , Bahauddin Zakariya University , Multan , Pakistan
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7
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Shah SMH, Ullah F, Khan S, Shah SMM, de Matas M, Hussain Z, Minhas MU, AbdEl-Salam NM, Assi KH, Isreb M. Smart nanocrystals of artemether: fabrication, characterization, and comparative in vitro and in vivo antimalarial evaluation. Drug Des Devel Ther 2016; 10:3837-3850. [PMID: 27920499 PMCID: PMC5125812 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s114962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemether (ARTM) is a very effective antimalarial drug with poor solubility and consequently low bioavailability. Smart nanocrystals of ARTM with particle size of 161±1.5 nm and polydispersity index of 0.172±0.01 were produced in <1 hour using a wet milling technology, Dena® DM-100. The crystallinity of the processed ARTM was confirmed using differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. The saturation solubility of the ARTM nanocrystals was substantially increased to 900 µg/mL compared to the raw ARTM in water (145.0±2.3 µg/mL) and stabilizer solution (300.0±2.0 µg/mL). The physical stability studies conducted for 90 days demonstrated that nanocrystals stored at 2°C-8°C and 25°C were very stable compared to the samples stored at 40°C. The nanocrystals were also shown to be stable when processed at acidic pH (2.0). The solubility and dissolution rate of ARTM nanocrystals were significantly increased (P<0.05) compared to those of its bulk powder form. The results of in vitro studies showed significant antimalarial effect (P<0.05) against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. The IC50 (median lethal oral dose) value of ARTM nanocrystals was 28- and 54-fold lower than the IC50 value of unprocessed drug and 13- and 21-fold lower than the IC50 value of the marketed tablets, respectively. In addition, ARTM nanocrystals at the same dose (2 mg/kg) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher reduction in percent parasitemia (89%) against P. vivax compared to the unprocessed (27%), marketed tablets (45%), and microsuspension (60%). The acute toxicity study demonstrated that the LD50 value of ARTM nanocrystals is between 1,500 mg/kg and 2,000 mg/kg when given orally. This study demonstrated that the wet milling technology (Dena® DM-100) can produce smart nanocrystals of ARTM with enhanced antimalarial activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farhat Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan
| | - Shahzeb Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan; Institute of Life Sciences Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire
| | | | - Marcel de Matas
- SEDA Pharmaceutical Development Services, The BioHub at Alderley Park, Cheshire, UK
| | - Zahid Hussain
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Usman Minhas
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Alternative Medicine, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | | | - Khaled Hafez Assi
- Institute of Life Sciences Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire
| | - Mohammad Isreb
- Institute of Life Sciences Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire
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8
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Gomes C, Boareto AC, Dalsenter PR. Clinical and non-clinical safety of artemisinin derivatives in pregnancy. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 65:194-203. [PMID: 27506918 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy is a clinically wasting infectious disease, where drug therapy has to be promptly initiated. Currently, the treatment of this infection depends on the use of artemisinin derivatives. The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of these drugs in the first trimester of pregnancy due to non-clinical findings that have shown embryolethality and teratogenic effects. Nevertheless, until now, this toxicity has not been proved in humans. Artemisinin derivatives mechanisms of embryotoxicity are related to depletion of circulating embryonic primitive erythroblasts. Species differences in this sensitive period for toxicity and the presence of malaria infection, which could reduce drug distribution to the fetus, are significant to the risk assessment of artemisinin derivatives treatment to pregnant women. In this review we aimed to assess the results of non-clinical and clinical studies with artemisinin derivatives, their mechanisms of embryotoxicity and discuss the safety of their use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Ana Cláudia Boareto
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
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Jain SA, Awale M, Pathak S, Vanage G, Patravale VB, Sharma S. Teratogenicity of Artemether–Clindamycin Nanostructured Lipid Carriers in Rats. Int J Toxicol 2016; 35:420-8. [DOI: 10.1177/1091581816652605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, artemisinin-based combination therapy is considered the best option in the treatment of malaria. However, toxicity of artemisinins limits their use in pregnancy. In the absence of sufficient toxicity data, the World Health Organization recommends that artemisinins are not to be used in the first trimester of pregnancy and can be used only in second and third trimesters, when other treatments are not available. We have recently observed that drugs loaded in nanolipid carriers are selectively taken up in Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes with a concomitant reduction in the dose required to cure animals. Thus, 20% of the therapeutic dose of artemether–clindamycin (ARM-CP) loaded in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs; mean particle size 55 ± 10 nm) resulted in complete parasite clearance and 100% survival of infected mice. Here, we investigate the teratogenicity of this formulation in rodents (dosing on alternate days from 6th day to 18th day of gestation; 12-15 animals/group). The teratogenicity of drug-free NLCs and artesunate–clindamycin (ARS-CP) solution was also evaluated. We found that the therapeutic dose of ARS-CP caused fetal resorptions (87.5% resorptions in 8 litters), suggesting its unsuitability for use in pregnancy. Artesunate–clindamycin NLCs at therapeutic doses also resulted in ∼90% fetal resorptions in 10 litters examined. However, postimplantation losses or fetal malformations were not observed at the dose of ARM-CP NLCs that was required for complete parasite clearance in preclinical trials (ie, 20% of the therapeutic dose). Our data suggest that the NLCs loaded with 20% of the therapeutic dose of ARM-CP may have potential in treating malaria during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soniya A. Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Madhavi Awale
- National Centre for Preclinical Reproductive and Genetic Toxicology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sulabha Pathak
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Geeta Vanage
- National Centre for Preclinical Reproductive and Genetic Toxicology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vandana B. Patravale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shobhona Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Abstract
Severe malaria in pregnancy is a large contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. Intravenous quinine has traditionally been the treatment drug of choice for severe malaria in pregnancy. However, recent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) indicate that intravenous artesunate is more efficacious for treating severe malaria, resulting in changes to the World Health Organization (WHO) treatment guidelines. Artemisinins, including artesunate, are embryo-lethal in animal studies and there is limited experience with their use in the first trimester. This review summarizes the current literature supporting 2010 WHO treatment guidelines for severe malaria in pregnancy and the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and adverse event data for currently used antimalarials available for severe malaria in pregnancy. We identified ten studies on the treatment of severe malaria in pregnancy that reported clinical outcomes. In two studies comparing intravenous quinine with intravenous artesunate, intravenous artesunate was more efficacious and safe for use in pregnant women. No studies detected an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital anomalies associated with first trimester exposure to artesunate. Although the WHO recommends using either quinine or artesunate for the treatment of severe malaria in first trimester pregnancies, our findings suggest that artesunate should be the preferred treatment option for severe malaria in all trimesters.
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11
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Preparation and Characterization of Solid Dispersions of Artemether by Freeze-Dried Method. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:109563. [PMID: 26097842 PMCID: PMC4449868 DOI: 10.1155/2015/109563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Solid dispersions of artemether and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) were prepared in ratio 12 : 88 (group-1). Self-emulsified solid dispersions of artemether were prepared by using polyethylene glycol 6000, Cremophor-A25, olive oil, Transcutol, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in ratio 12 : 75 : 5 : 4 : 2 : 2, respectively (group-2). In third group, only Cremophor-A25 was replaced with Poloxamer 188 compared to group-2. The solid dispersions and self-emulsified solid dispersions were prepared by physical and freeze dried methods, respectively. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy, and solubility, dissolution, and stability studies. X-ray diffraction pattern revealed artemether complete crystalline, whereas physical mixture and freeze-dried mixture of all three groups showed reduced peak intensities. In attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra, C–H stretching vibrations of artemether were masked in all prepared samples, while C–H stretching vibrations were representative of polyethylene glycol 6000, Cremophor-A25, and Poloxamer 188. Differential scanning calorimetry showed decreased melting endotherm and increased enthalpy change (ΔH) in both physical mixture and freeze-dried mixtures of all groups. Scanning electron microscopy of freeze-dried mixtures of all samples showed glassy appearance, size reduction, and embedment, while their physical mixture showed size reduction and embedment of artemether by excipients. In group-1, solubility was improved up to 15 times, whereas group-2 showed up to 121 times increase but, in group-3, when Poloxamer 188 was used instead of Cremophor-A25, solubility of freeze-dried mixtures was increased up to 135 times. In fasted state simulated gastric fluid at pH 1.6, the dissolution of physical mixture was increased up to 12 times and freeze-dried mixtures up to 15 times. The stability of artemether was substantially enhanced in freeze-dried mixtures by using polyethylene glycol 6000, Cremophor-A25, and Poloxamer 188 of self-emulsified solid dispersions of artemether in Hank's balanced salt solution at pH 7.4.
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Farombi EO, Abolaji AO, Adedara IA, Maduako I, Omodanisi I. Artemisinin induces hormonal imbalance and oxidative damage in the erythrocytes and uterus but not in the ovary of rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2014; 34:83-92. [PMID: 24876631 DOI: 10.1177/0960327114532385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin is an antimalarial drug previously reported to induce neurotoxicity and embryotoxicity in animal models. This study investigated the erythrocytes and reproductive toxicity potentials of artemisinin in female rats. Animals were randomly divided into four study groups of eight rats each. The control group (group I) received corn oil, the vehicle, while groups II-IV were orally exposed to 7, 35 and 70 mg kg(-1) day(-1) of artemisinin, respectively, by gastric intubation for 7 consecutive days. Subsequently, we evaluated the impact of artemisinin on the endocrine environment and selected markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant status of the erythrocytes, ovary and uterus. Artemisinin significantly increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in erythrocytes and uterus of rats compared with control group (p < 0.05). However, artemisinin did not alter ovarian MDA, H2O2, glutathione levels and catalase activity, while ovarian and uterine histological assessment revealed absence of visible lesions. Moreover, artemisinin significantly decreased follicle-stimulating hormone and increased progesterone levels compared with control (p < 0.05). Thus, these data suggest that in the absence of malarial parasite infection, artemisinin induced hormonal imbalance and oxidative damage in the erythrocytes and uterus but spared the ovary of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O Farombi
- Drug Metabolism and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - A O Abolaji
- Drug Metabolism and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - I A Adedara
- Drug Metabolism and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - I Maduako
- Drug Metabolism and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - I Omodanisi
- Drug Metabolism and Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Abolaji AO, Eteng MU, Ebong PE, Brisibe EA, Dar A, Kabir N, Choudhary MI. A safety assessment of the antimalarial herb Artemisia annua during pregnancy in Wistar rats. Phytother Res 2012; 27:647-54. [PMID: 22736625 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Artemisia annua is a Chinese antimalarial herb that has been used for more than 2000 years. The maternal and foetal safety of the ethanolic leaf extract of therapeutically active Artemisia annua (EAA), with previously determined artemisinin yield of 1.098% was evaluated in Wistar rats. Twenty pregnant rats, divided into four study groups of saline treated (control), and test groups administered orally with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weights of EAA, respectively, from gestation days (GD) 8 to 19. Following overnight fast, animals were sacrificed on GD 20, and maternal blood was collected to evaluate biochemical and haematological markers. Foetuses were carefully removed, weighed, and observed for any possible malformation. Biochemical and haematological studies revealed that EAA did not result in maternal hepatotoxicity, haematotoxicity, and hyperlipidemia. While litter size significantly decreased (p < 0.05) at 100 mg/kg EAA, maternal estrogen levels decreased in all the EAA-treated groups. Non-viable (21%) and malformed (31%) foetuses were observed at the 300 mg/kg dose of EAA, which implies that although consumption of the leaf extract may not predispose users to hepatotoxicity, haematotoxicity, and hyperlipidemia, it should be taken with caution during pregnancy due to possible risk of embryotoxicity at concentrations higher than the therapeutic dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos O Abolaji
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
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Stover KR, King ST, Robinson J. Artemether-lumefantrine: an option for malaria. Ann Pharmacother 2012; 46:567-77. [PMID: 22496476 DOI: 10.1345/aph.1q539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. DATA SOURCES English-language articles indexed in PubMed (1947-November 2011) were identified, using the search terms artemether-lumefantrine, artemether-lumefantrine AND malaria, Coartem, and Coartem AND malaria. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Available English-language articles were reviewed. In addition, the malaria treatment regimens recommended by region as provided by the World Health Organization and the treatment guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS Artemether-lumefantrine is an artemisinin-derived combination antimalarial approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2009 for the treatment of P. falciparum malaria. The dual mechanisms of action of artemether-lumefantrine provide rapid and sustained parasite clearance. In the reviewed studies, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-corrected 28-day cure rates of artemether-lumefantrine were noninferior to the most common comparators, including chloroquine, dapsone, and other artemisinin derivatives (86-100% vs 51-100%, respectively). PCR-corrected day-42 cure rates were 92-99.3% for artemether-lumefantrine versus 62-100% for the comparator groups. The major adverse effects (gastrointestinal and central nervous system) were mild to moderate in severity and did not require a change in therapy. Although adherence to artemether-lumefantrine has been described as a potential problem due to the complicated dosing schedule, studies have described clinical cure rates similar to those of other antimalarials. CONCLUSIONS Artemether-lumefantrine is a safe and effective treatment for children and adults with P. falciparum malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla R Stover
- School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Jackson, MS, USA.
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Efferth T, Kaina B. Toxicity of the antimalarial artemisinin and its dervatives. Crit Rev Toxicol 2010; 40:405-21. [DOI: 10.3109/10408441003610571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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