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Faghihi H, Mozafari MR, Bumrungpert A, Parsaei H, Taheri SV, Mardani P, Dehkharghani FM, Pudza MY, Alavi M. Prospects and Challenges of Synergistic Effect of Fluorescent Carbon Dots, Liposomes and Nanoliposomes for Theragnostic Applications. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023:103614. [PMID: 37201772 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103614] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The future of molecular-level therapy, efficient medical diagnosis, and drug delivery relies on the effective theragnostic function which can be achieved by the synergistic effect of fluorescent carbon dots (FCDs) liposomes (L) and nanoliposomes. FCDs act as the excipient navigation agent while liposomes play the role of the problem-solving agent, thus the term "theragnostic" would describe the effect of LFCDs properly. Liposomes and FCDs share some excellent at-tributes such as being nontoxic and biodegradable and they can represent a potent delivery system for pharmaceutical compounds. They enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drugs via stabilizing the encapsulated material by circumventing barriers to cellular and tissue uptake. These agents facilitate long-term drug biodistribution to the intended locations of action while eliminating systemic side effects. This manuscript reviews recent progress with liposomes, nanoliposomes (collectively known as lipid vesicles) and fluorescent carbon dots, by exploring their key characteristics, applications, characterization, performance, and challenges. An extensive and intensive understanding of the synergistic interaction between liposomes and FCDs sets out a new research pathway to an efficient and theragnostic / theranostic drug delivery and targeting diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Faghihi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 15459-13487, Iran.
| | - M R Mozafari
- Australasian Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative (ANNI), Monash University LPO, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Akkarach Bumrungpert
- Research Center of Nutraceuticals and Natural Products for Health & Anti-Aging, College of Integrative Medicine, Dhurakij Pundit University, Bangkok 10210, Thailand.
| | - Houman Parsaei
- Student Research Committee and Department of Anatomy, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Seyed Vahid Taheri
- Student Research Committee and Department of Anatomy, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Parisa Mardani
- Australasian Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative (ANNI), Monash University LPO, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Farnaz Mahdavi Dehkharghani
- Australasian Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative (ANNI), Monash University LPO, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Musa Yahaya Pudza
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Mehran Alavi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, 6617715175, Iran.
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Chaves JB, Portugal Tavares de Moraes B, Regina Ferrarini S, Noé da Fonseca F, Silva AR, Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque CF. Potential of nanoformulations in malaria treatment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:999300. [PMID: 36386185 PMCID: PMC9645116 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.999300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is caused by the protozoan Plasmodium sp and affects millions of people worldwide. Its clinical form ranges from asymptomatic to potentially fatal and severe. Current treatments include single drugs such as chloroquine, lumefantrine, primaquine, or in combination with artemisinin or its derivatives. Resistance to antimalarial drugs has increased; therefore, there is an urgent need to diversify therapeutic approaches. The disease cycle is influenced by biological, social, and anthropological factors. This longevity and complexity contributes to the records of drug resistance, where further studies and proposals for new therapeutic formulations are needed for successful treatment of malaria. Nanotechnology is promising for drug development. Preclinical formulations with antimalarial agents have shown positive results, but only a few have progressed to clinical phase. Therefore, studies focusing on the development and evaluation of antimalarial formulations should be encouraged because of their enormous therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina Braga Chaves
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro—UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bianca Portugal Tavares de Moraes
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro—UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stela Regina Ferrarini
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Laboratory, Federal University of Mato Grosso of Sinop Campus—UFMT, Cuiabá, Brazil
| | - Francisco Noé da Fonseca
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Parque Estação Biológica—PqEB, EMBRAPA, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Adriana Ribeiro Silva
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, FIOCRUZ—UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cassiano Felippe Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro—UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, FIOCRUZ—UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Cassiano Felippe Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque,
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Rodrigues-Jesus MJ, Teixeira de Pinho Favaro M, Venceslau-Carvalho AA, de Castro-Amarante MF, da Silva Almeida B, de Oliveira Silva M, Andreata-Santos R, Gomes Barbosa C, Brito SCM, Freitas-Junior LH, Boscardin SB, de Souza Ferreira LC. Nano-multilamellar lipid vesicles promote the induction of SARS-CoV-2 immune responses by a protein-based vaccine formulation. NANOMEDICINE: NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2022; 45:102595. [PMID: 36031045 PMCID: PMC9420030 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2022.102595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The development of safe and effective vaccine formulations against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents a hallmark in the history of vaccines. Here we report a COVID-19 subunit vaccine based on a SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) incorporated into nano-multilamellar vesicles (NMV) associated with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA). The results based on immunization of C57BL/6 mice demonstrated that recombinant antigen incorporation into NMVs improved antibody and T-cell responses without inducing toxic effects under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Administration of RBD-NMV-MPLA formulations modulated antigen avidity and IgG subclass responses, whereas MPLA incorporation improved the activation of CD4+/CD8+ T-cell responses. In addition, immunization with the complete vaccine formulation reduced the number of doses required to achieve enhanced serum virus-neutralizing antibody titers. Overall, this study highlights NMV/MPLA technology, displaying the performance improvement of subunit vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, as well as other infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Josiane Rodrigues-Jesus
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Marianna Teixeira de Pinho Favaro
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Scientific Platform Pasteur/USP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aléxia Adrianne Venceslau-Carvalho
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Scientific Platform Pasteur/USP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda de Castro-Amarante
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Scientific Platform Pasteur/USP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca da Silva Almeida
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting for Dendritic Cells, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariângela de Oliveira Silva
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Scientific Platform Pasteur/USP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Antigen Targeting for Dendritic Cells, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robert Andreata-Santos
- Retrovirology Laboratory, Immunology and Microbiology Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Gomes Barbosa
- Phenotypic Screening Platform of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samantha Carvalho Maia Brito
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucio H Freitas-Junior
- Phenotypic Screening Platform of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Beatriz Boscardin
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting for Dendritic Cells, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luís Carlos de Souza Ferreira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Scientific Platform Pasteur/USP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Study of β-lactam-based drug interaction with albumin protein using optical, sensing, and docking methods. J Biol Phys 2022; 48:177-194. [DOI: 10.1007/s10867-021-09599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Prata IO, Cubillos EFG, Krüger A, Barbosa D, Martins J, Setubal JC, Wunderlich G. Plasmodium falciparum Acetyl-CoA Synthetase Is Essential for Parasite Intraerythrocytic Development and Chromatin Modification. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:3224-3240. [PMID: 34766750 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum possesses a unique Acetyl-CoA Synthetase (PfACS), which provides acetyl moieties for different metabolic and regulatory cellular pathways. We characterized PfACS and studied its role focusing on epigenetic modifications using the var gene family as reporter genes. For this, mutant lines to modulate plasmodial ACS expression by degron-mediated protein degradation and ribozyme-induced transcript decay were created. Additionally, an inhibitor of the human Acetyl-CoA Synthetase 2 was tested for its effectiveness in interfering with PfACS. The knockdown of PfACS or its inhibition resulted in impaired parasite growth. Decreased levels of PfACS also led to differential histone acetylation patterns, altered variant gene expression, and concomitantly decreased cytoadherence of infected red blood cells containing knocked-down parasites. Further, ChIP analysis revealed the presence of PfACS in many loci in ring stage parasites, underscoring its involvement in the regulation of chromatin. Due to its central function in the plasmodial metabolism and significant differences to human ACS, PfACS is an interesting target for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Oliveira Prata
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Eliana Fernanda Galindo Cubillos
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Arne Krüger
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Deibs Barbosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Joaquim Martins
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Setubal
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-000 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
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Nano-multilamellar lipid vesicles loaded with a recombinant form of the chikungunya virus E2 protein improve the induction of virus-neutralizing antibodies. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 37:102445. [PMID: 34303841 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is responsible for a self-limited illness that can evolve into long-lasting painful joint inflammation. In this study, we report a novel experimental CHIKV vaccine formulation of lipid nanoparticles loaded with a recombinant protein derived from the E2 structural protein. This antigen fragment, designated ∆E2.1, maintained the antigenicity of the native viral protein and was specifically recognized by antibodies induced in CHIKV-infected patients. The antigen has been formulated into nanoparticles consisting of nano-multilamellar vesicles (NMVs) combined with the adjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA). The vaccine formulation demonstrated a depot effect, leading to controlled antigen release, and induced strong antibody responses significantly higher than in mice immunized with the purified protein combined with the adjuvant. More relevantly, E2-specific antibodies raised in mice immunized with ∆E2.1-loaded NMV-MPLA neutralized CHIKV under in vitro conditions. Taken together, the results demonstrated that the new nanoparticle-based vaccine formulation represents a promising approach for the development of effective anti-CHIKV vaccines.
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Rashidzadeh H, Tabatabaei Rezaei SJ, Adyani SM, Abazari M, Rahamooz Haghighi S, Abdollahi H, Ramazani A. Recent advances in targeting malaria with nanotechnology-based drug carriers. Pharm Dev Technol 2021; 26:807-823. [PMID: 34190000 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2021.1948568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Malaria, as one of the most common human infectious diseases, remains the greatest global health concern, since approximately 3.5 billion people around the world, especially those in subtropical areas, are at the risk of being infected by malaria. Due to the emergence and spread of drug resistance to the current antimalarials, malaria-related mortality and incidence rates have recently increased. To overcome the aforementioned obstacles, nano-vehicles based on biodegradable, natural, and non-toxic polymers have been developed. Accordingly, these systems are considered as a potential drug vehicle, which due to their unique properties such as the excellent safety profile, good biocompatibility, tunable structure, diversity, and the presence of functional groups within the polymer structure, could facilitate covalent attachment of targeting moieties and antimalarials to the polymeric nano-vehicles. In this review, we highlighted some recent developments of liposomes as unique nanoscale drug delivery vehicles and several polymeric nanovehicles, including hydrogels, dendrimers, self-assembled micelles, and polymer-drug conjugates for the effective delivery of antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Rashidzadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Laboratory of Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.,Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Tabatabaei Rezaei
- Laboratory of Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyed Masih Adyani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Morteza Abazari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Rahamooz Haghighi
- Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Hossien Abdollahi
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Ramazani
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Yang KC, Lin JC, Tsai HH, Hsu CY, Shih V, Hu CMJ. Nanotechnology advances in pathogen- and host-targeted antiviral delivery: multipronged therapeutic intervention for pandemic control. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:1420-1437. [PMID: 33748879 PMCID: PMC7982277 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00965-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic's high mortality rate and severe socioeconomic impact serve as a reminder of the urgent need for effective countermeasures against viral pandemic threats. In particular, effective antiviral therapeutics capable of stopping infections in its tracks is critical to reducing infection fatality rate and healthcare burden. With the field of drug delivery witnessing tremendous advancement in the last two decades owing to a panoply of nanotechnology advances, the present review summarizes and expounds on the research and development of therapeutic nanoformulations against various infectious viral pathogens, including HIV, influenza, and coronaviruses. Specifically, nanotechnology advances towards improving pathogen- and host-targeted antiviral drug delivery are reviewed, and the prospect of achieving effective viral eradication, broad-spectrum antiviral effect, and resisting viral mutations are discussed. As several COVID-19 antiviral clinical trials are met with lackluster treatment efficacy, nanocarrier strategies aimed at improving drug pharmacokinetics, biodistributions, and synergism are expected to not only contribute to the current disease treatment efforts but also expand the antiviral arsenal against other emerging viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Chieh Yang
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115201, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Chen Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115201, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Han Tsai
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115201, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yao Hsu
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115201, Taiwan
| | - Vicky Shih
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115201, Taiwan
| | - Che-Ming Jack Hu
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan. .,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115201, Taiwan. .,Center of Applied Nanomedicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 704017, Taiwan.
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Nanomedicine Reformulation of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine. Molecules 2020; 26:molecules26010175. [PMID: 33396545 PMCID: PMC7794963 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010175] [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: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The chloroquine family of antimalarials has a long history of use, spanning many decades. Despite this extensive clinical experience, novel applications, including use in autoimmune disorders, infectious disease, and cancer, have only recently been identified. While short term use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine is safe at traditional therapeutic doses in patients without predisposing conditions, administration of higher doses and for longer durations are associated with toxicity, including retinotoxicity. Additional liabilities of these medications include pharmacokinetic profiles that require extended dosing to achieve therapeutic tissue concentrations. To improve chloroquine therapy, researchers have turned toward nanomedicine reformulation of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to increase exposure of target tissues relative to off-target tissues, thereby improving the therapeutic index. This review highlights these reformulation efforts to date, identifying issues in experimental designs leading to ambiguity regarding the nanoformulation improvements and lack of thorough pharmacokinetics and safety evaluation. Gaps in our current understanding of these formulations, as well as recommendations for future formulation efforts, are presented.
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EJEROMEDOGHENE O, ODERİNDE O, EGEJURU G, ADEWUYİ S. Chitosan-drug encapsulation as a potential candidate for COVID-19 drug delivery systems: A review. JOURNAL OF THE TURKISH CHEMICAL SOCIETY, SECTION A: CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.18596/jotcsa.773780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Glycyrrhizin: An alternative drug for the treatment of COVID-19 infection and the associated respiratory syndrome? Pharmacol Ther 2020; 214:107618. [PMID: 32592716 PMCID: PMC7311916 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Safe and efficient drugs to combat the current COVID-19 pandemic are urgently needed. In this context, we have analyzed the anti-coronavirus potential of the natural product glycyrrhizic acid (GLR), a drug used to treat liver diseases (including viral hepatitis) and specific cutaneous inflammation (such as atopic dermatitis) in some countries. The properties of GLR and its primary active metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid are presented and discussed. GLR has shown activities against different viruses, including SARS-associated Human and animal coronaviruses. GLR is a non-hemolytic saponin and a potent immuno-active anti-inflammatory agent which displays both cytoplasmic and membrane effects. At the membrane level, GLR induces cholesterol-dependent disorganization of lipid rafts which are important for the entry of coronavirus into cells. At the intracellular and circulating levels, GLR can trap the high mobility group box 1 protein and thus blocks the alarmin functions of HMGB1. We used molecular docking to characterize further and discuss both the cholesterol- and HMG box-binding functions of GLR. The membrane and cytoplasmic effects of GLR, coupled with its long-established medical use as a relatively safe drug, make GLR a good candidate to be tested against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, alone and in combination with other drugs. The rational supporting combinations with (hydroxy)chloroquine and tenofovir (two drugs active against SARS-CoV-2) is also discussed. Based on this analysis, we conclude that GLR should be further considered and rapidly evaluated for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
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Deda DK, Iglesias BA, Alves E, Araki K, Garcia CRS. Porphyrin Derivative Nanoformulations for Therapy and Antiparasitic Agents. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25092080. [PMID: 32365664 PMCID: PMC7249045 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25092080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Porphyrins and analogous macrocycles exhibit interesting photochemical, catalytic, and luminescence properties demonstrating high potential in the treatment of several diseases. Among them can be highlighted the possibility of application in photodynamic therapy and antimicrobial/antiparasitic PDT, for example, of malaria parasite. However, the low efficiency generally associated with their low solubility in water and bioavailability have precluded biomedical applications. Nanotechnology can provide efficient strategies to enhance bioavailability and incorporate targeted delivery properties to conventional pharmaceuticals, enhancing the effectiveness and reducing the toxicity, thus improving the adhesion to the treatment. In this way, those limitations can be overcome by using two main strategies: (1) Incorporation of hydrophilic substituents into the macrocycle ring while controlling the interaction with biological systems and (2) by including them in nanocarriers and delivery nanosystems. This review will focus on antiparasitic drugs based on porphyrin derivatives developed according to these two strategies, considering their vast and increasing applications befitting the multiple roles of these compounds in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiana K. Deda
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, Butanta, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil; (D.K.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Bernardo A. Iglesias
- Bioinorganic and Porphyrinoid Materials Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil;
| | - Eduardo Alves
- Department of Life Science, Imperial College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Koiti Araki
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, Butanta, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil; (D.K.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Celia R. S. Garcia
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-2648-0954
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