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Ramos-Milaré ÁCFH, Sydor BG, Brustolin AÁ, Lera-Nonose DSSL, Oyama J, Silva EL, Caetano W, Campanholi KSS, Demarchi IG, Silveira TGV, Lonardoni MVC. In vitro effects of lapachol and β-lapachone against Leishmania amazonensis. Braz J Med Biol Res 2023; 56:e12693. [PMID: 37255095 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2023e12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and special attention should be given to treatment because the available drugs have limitations, which can lead to low therapeutic adherence and parasitic resistance. This study evaluated the activity of the bioactive naphthoquinones, lapachol and β-lapachone, against Leishmania amazonensis. The cell alterations were evaluated in vitro on promastigote and amastigote forms. The lethal dose (LD50) at 24, 48, and 72 h on the promastigote's forms using lapachol was 75.60, 72.82, and 58.85 μg/mL and for β-lapachone was 0.65, 1.24, and 0.71 μg/mL, respectively. The naphthoquinones significantly inhibited the survival rate of L. amazonensis amastigotes at 83.11, 57.59, and 34.95% for lapachol (82.28, 41.14, and 20.57 µg/mL), and 78.49, 83.25, and 80.22% for β-lapachone (3.26, 1.63, and 0.815 µg/mL). The compounds on the promastigote's forms led to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, induced changes in the integrity of the membrane, caused damage to cells suggestive of the apoptotic process, and showed inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 production. The results showed that these naphthoquinones are promising candidates for research on new drugs with anti-Leishmania activity derived from natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Á C F H Ramos-Milaré
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - B G Sydor
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - A Á Brustolin
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - D S S L Lera-Nonose
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - J Oyama
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Fisiopatologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - E L Silva
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - W Caetano
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - K S S Campanholi
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - I G Demarchi
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - T G V Silveira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - M V C Lonardoni
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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A standardized intraperitoneal Glucantime™ for experimental treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania amazonensis in BALB/c mice. Exp Parasitol 2022; 236-237:108259. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Schwake C, Hyon M, Chishti AH. Signal peptide peptidase: A potential therapeutic target for parasitic and viral infections. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:261-273. [PMID: 35235480 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2047932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Signal peptide peptidase (SPP) is a GxGD-type intramembrane-cleaving aspartyl protease responsible for clearing accumulating signal peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum. SPP is conserved among all kingdoms and is essential for maintaining cell homeostasis. Inhibition of SPP with selective inhibitors and the structurally similar HIV protease inhibitors results in signal peptide accumulation and subsequent cell death. Identification of SPP homologues in major human parasitic infections has opened a new therapeutic opportunity. Moreover, the essentiality of mammalian SPP-mediated viral protein processing during infection is emerging. AREAS COVERED This review introduces the discovery and biological function of human SPP enzymes and identify parasitic homologues as pharmacological targets of both SPP and HIV protease inhibitors. Later, the role of mammalian SPP during viral infection and how disruption of host SPP can be employed as a novel antiviral therapy are examined and discussed. EXPERT OPINION Parasitic and viral infections cause severe health and economic burden, exacerbated by the lack of new therapeutics in the pipeline. SPP has been shown to be essential for malaria parasite growth and encouraging evidence in other parasites demonstrates broad essentiality of these proteases as therapeutic targets. As drug resistant parasite and viruses emerge, SPP inhibition will provide a new generation of compounds to counter the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Schwake
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Hyon
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Athar H Chishti
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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In vitro activity of cinnamaldehyde on Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Exp Parasitol 2022; 236-237:108244. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Najm M, Hadighi R, Heidari-Kharaji M, Alipour M, Hajizadeh M, Rafiei-Sefiddashti R, Heidari A, Badirzadeh A. Anti-Leishmanial Activity of Artemisia persica, A. spicigera, and A. fragrance against Leishmania major. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 16:464-473. [PMID: 34630592 PMCID: PMC8476732 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i3.7100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), is a widespread infectious disease with high mortality and morbidity. Various medications are used for treating the disease, but several side effects and drug resistance have been reported. Herbal medicines are unlimited sources for discovering new medications to treat infectious diseases. We aimed to determine the leishmanicidal activity of three species of Iranian Artemisia herbal plant extracts in in-vitro. Methods: In-vitro anti-leishmanial activity of ethanolic extracts on both promastigotes and amastigotes was determined by using MTT method. IC50, CC50, EC50 and SI were calculated. The study was done in 2019-2020 in Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Results: All of the three Artemisia species significantly reduced the number of parasite promastigotes. Among them, A. persica had the highest leishmanicidal activity against parasite promastigotes. Cytotoxicity assay elucidated that the Artemisia had no toxicity to the host cells, and killed the L. major amastigotes very efficiently. By increasing the dose of extracts, the parasite number in both phases (promastigotes and amastigotes) was reduced significantly. Conclusion: These results indicated satisfactory anti-leishmanial activity of Artemisia extracts against ZCL in-vitro. Accordingly, Artemisia ethanolic extracts might be considered as a strong, effective and safe herbal compound for clearing the L. major with less toxicity to the host macrophages cells. Hence, it may be recognized as an excellent herbal therapy for treating the ZCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Najm
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramtin Hadighi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Heidari-Kharaji
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie (CAFSB), Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maryam Alipour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Hajizadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raheleh Rafiei-Sefiddashti
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aliehsan Heidari
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Alireza Badirzadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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In vitro effectivity of three approved drugs and their synergistic interaction against Leishmania infantum. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 40:89-101. [PMID: 32463611 PMCID: PMC7449103 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.4891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Leishmaniasis remains one of the neglected tropical diseases. Repurposing existing drugs has proven to be successful for treating neglected tropical diseases while combination therapy is a strategic alternative for the treatment of infectious diseases. Auranofin, lopinavir/ritonavir, and sorafenib are FDA approved drugs used in the treatment of diverse diseases by acting on different essential biological enzymes. Objective: To evaluate the effects of monotherapy and combined therapies with the three drugs against Leishmania infantum. Materials and methods: We compared the leishmanicidal effects of the three drugs on promastigotes in vitro as regards the parasite count, the drug concentration providing a half-maximal response, and the ultrastructural changes of the parasite. We determined the fractional inhibitory concentration index of combined drugs in two ways, as well as the activity of the three drugs together to establish their synergetic effect. Results: The monotherapy with the three drugs was effective with auranofin showing the best leishmanicidal effect (EC50=1.5 µM), whereas sorafinib reduced parasite growth at EC50=2.5 µM. The scanning electron microscopy of promastigotes from all treated media showed distortion in the shape with loss of flagella and bleb formation. Acidocalcinosis was evident by transmission electron microscopy with all treatments suggesting apoptosis. Treatment with lopinavir/ritonavir showed signs of autophagy. The two-way combination of the drugs led to additive interactions while the combination of the three drugs showed synergistic action. Conclusion: Each drug when used as monotherapy against Leishmania spp. was effective, but the combination therapy was more effective than the individual drugs due to the additive or synergistic effects.
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Oyama J, Lera-Nonose DSSL, Ramos-Milaré ÁCFH, Padilha Ferreira FB, de Freitas CF, Caetano W, Hioka N, Silveira TGV, Lonardoni MVC. Potential of Pluronics ® P-123 and F-127 as nanocarriers of anti-Leishmania chemotherapy. Acta Trop 2019; 192:11-21. [PMID: 30659806 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease and drugs approved for its treatment often lead to abandonment, failure of therapy and even death. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been shown to be a promising, non-invasive and selective for a target region without requiring high-cost technology. Usually, it is employed a photosensitizing agent (PS) incorporated into nanoparticles (NP). Pluronics® P-123 and F-127 micelles are very interesting aqueous NP promoting efficient and selective delivery and less adverse effects. This study aimed to detect the activity of Pluronics® P-123 and F-127 themselves since there is a scarcity of data on these NP activities without drugs incorporation. This study evaluated, in vitro, the activity of Pluronics® against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis and also their cytotoxicities. Additionally, the determination of the mitochondria membrane potential in promastigotes, internalization of these Pluronics® in the parasite membrane and macrophages and its stability in the culture medium was evaluated. Results showed that Pluronics® did not cause significant damage to human red cells and promastigotes. The P-123 and F-127 inhibited the survival rate of L. amazonensis amastigotes, and also presented loss of mitochondrial membrane potential on promastigotes. The Pluronics® showed low cytotoxic activity on J774A.1 macrophages, while only P-123 showed moderate cytotoxicity for BALB/c macrophages. The stability of P-123 and F-127 in culture medium was maintained for ten days. In conclusion, the NP studied can be used for incorporating potent leishmanicidal chemotherapy, due to their selectivity towards macrophages, being a promising system for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Rebello KM, Andrade-Neto VV, Zuma AA, Motta MCM, Gomes CRB, de Souza MVN, Atella GC, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS, Torres-Santos EC, d'Avila-Levy CM. Lopinavir, an HIV-1 peptidase inhibitor, induces alteration on the lipid metabolism of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes. Parasitology 2018; 145:1304-1310. [PMID: 29806577 PMCID: PMC6137378 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018000823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The anti-leishmania effects of HIV peptidase inhibitors (PIs) have been widely reported; however, the biochemical target and mode of action are still a matter of controversy in Leishmania parasites. Considering the possibility that HIV-PIs induce lipid accumulation in Leishmania amazonensis, we analysed the effects of lopinavir on the lipid metabolism of L. amazonensis promastigotes. To this end, parasites were treated with lopinavir at different concentrations and analysed by fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorimetry, using a fluorescent lipophilic marker. Then, the cellular ultrastructure of treated and control parasites was analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the lipid composition was investigated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Finally, the sterol content was assayed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). TEM analysis revealed an increased number of lipid inclusions in lopinavir-treated cells, which was accompanied by an increase in the lipophilic content, in a dose-dependent manner. TLC and GC-MS analysis revealed a marked increase of cholesterol-esters and cholesterol. In conclusion, lopinavir-induced lipid accumulation and affected lipid composition in L. amazonensis in a concentration-response manner. These data contribute to a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of action of this HIV-PI in L. amazonensis promastigotes. The concerted action of lopinavir on this and other cellular processes, such as the direct inhibition of an aspartyl peptidase, may be responsible for the arrested development of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M Rebello
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Valter V Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Aline A Zuma
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina M Motta
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer,Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, UFRJ,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
| | | | - Claudia M d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ),Rio de Janeiro,Brazil
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9
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Alvarenga DLR, Silva AHDS, Fiuza JA, Gaze ST, de Oliveira JG, Oliveira RC, Calzavara-Silva CE, Pascoal-Xavier MA, Alves ÉAR. HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors modify the percentage of activated leukocytes, as well as serum levels of IL-17A and NO during experimental leishmaniasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 60:179-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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10
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Silva-Freitas ML, Cota GF, Machado-de-Assis TS, Giacoia-Gripp C, Rabello A, Da-Cruz AM, Santos-Oliveira JR. Immune Activation and Bacterial Translocation: A Link between Impaired Immune Recovery and Frequent Visceral Leishmaniasis Relapses in HIV-Infected Patients. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167512. [PMID: 27907136 PMCID: PMC5132299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of chronic immune activation due to leishmaniasis or even due to microbial translocation is associated with immunosenescence and may contribute to frequent relapses. Our aim was to investigate whether patients with HIV-associated visceral leishmaniasis (VL/HIV) who experience a single episode of VL have different immunological behaviors in comparison to those who experience frequent relapses. VL/HIV patients were allocated to non-relapsing (NR, n = 6) and relapsing (R, n = 11) groups and were followed from the active phase of VL up to 12 months post-treatment (mpt). The patients were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and secondary prophylaxis after VL therapy. During active VL, the two groups were similar in all immunological parameters, including the parasite load. At 6 and 12 mpt, the NR group showed a significant gain of CD4+ T cells, a reduction of lymphocyte activation, and lower soluble CD14 and anti-Leishmania IgG3 levels compared to the R group. The viral load remained low, without correlation with the activation. The two groups showed elevated but similar percentages of senescent T cells. These findings suggest a decreased ability of the R group to downmodulate immune activation compared to the NR group. Such functional impairment of the effector response may be a useful indicator for predicting clinical prognosis and recommending starting or stopping secondary prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luciana Silva-Freitas
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas – Instituto Oswaldo Cruz – FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Fernandes Cota
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clinicas e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias – Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou – FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Hospital Eduardo de Menezes – Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais-FHEMIG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Talia S. Machado-de-Assis
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clinicas e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias – Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou – FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Hospital Eduardo de Menezes – Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais-FHEMIG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carmem Giacoia-Gripp
- Laboratório de AIDS e Imunologia – Instituto Oswaldo Cruz – FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Rabello
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clinicas e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias – Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou – FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alda M. Da-Cruz
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas – Instituto Oswaldo Cruz – FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joanna R. Santos-Oliveira
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas – Instituto Oswaldo Cruz – FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Núcleo de Ciências Biomédicas Aplicadas, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia – IFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Costa S, Machado M, Cavadas C, do Céu Sousa M. Antileishmanial activity of antiretroviral drugs combined with miltefosine. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3881-7. [PMID: 27249967 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5153-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Co-infection of Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has hindered treatment efficacy. In this study, we aim to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of two protease inhibitors (darunavir and atazanavir) and four reverse transcriptase inhibitors (tenofovir, efavirenz, neviraprine, and delavirdine mesylate) on Leishmania infantum. The activity of different antiretrovirals combinations and of antiretroviral with miltefosine, a drug used on leishmaniasis treatment, was also evaluated. Only two non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) were active on L. infantum. Efavirenz showed the best antileishmanial activity on promastigotes cells with IC50 value of 26.1 μM followed by delavirdine mesylate with an IC50 value of 136.2 μM. Neviraprine, tenofovir, atazanavir, and darunavir were not active at the concentrations tested (IC50 > 200 μM). The efavirenz also showed high antileishmanial activity on intramacrophage amastigotes with IC50 of 12.59 μM. The interaction of efavirenz with miltefosine improved antileishmanial activity on promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes (IC50 values of 11. 8 μM and 8.89 μM, respectively). These results suggest that combined-therapy including efavirenz and miltefosine could be alternative options for treating Leishmaniasis and Leishmania/HIV co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Costa
- Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, and Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC -Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marisa Machado
- CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Gandra, PRD, Portugal.,CIBIO-UP, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, InBIO, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Cavadas
- CNC -Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde - Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria do Céu Sousa
- CNC -Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde - Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
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12
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Cardoso BM, de Mello TFP, Lopes SN, Demarchi IG, Lera DSL, Pedroso RB, Cortez DA, Gazim ZC, Aristides SMA, Silveira TGV, Lonardoni MVC. Antileishmanial activity of the essential oil from Tetradenia riparia obtained in different seasons. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:1024-34. [PMID: 26602873 PMCID: PMC4708023 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The herbaceous shrub Tetradenia riparia has been traditionally used
to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. Recently, a study showed that
T. riparia essential oil (TrEO) obtained in summer has
antileishmanial effects, although these results could be influenced by seasonal
variation. This study evaluated the activity of the TrEO obtained in different
seasons against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, in vitro and in
vivo. The compounds in the TrEO were analysed by gas chromatography-mass
spectrometry; terpenoids were present and oxygenated sesquiterpenes were the majority
compounds (55.28%). The cytotoxicity and nitric oxide (NO) production were also
tested after TrEO treatment. The TrEO from all seasons showed a 50% growth inhibitory
concentration for promastigotes of about 15 ng/mL; at 30 ng/mL and 3 ng/mL, the TrEO
reduced intracellular amastigote infection, independently of season. The TrEO from
plants harvested in summer had the highest 50% cytotoxic concentration, 1,476 ng/mL
for J774.A1 macrophages, and in spring (90.94 ng/mL) for murine macrophages. NO
production did not change in samples of the TrEO from different seasons. The
antileishmanial effect in vivo consisted of a reduction of the parasite load in the
spleen. These results suggest that the TrEO has potential effects on L. (L.)
amazonensis, consonant with its traditional use to treat parasitic
diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Muller Cardoso
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | | | - Sara Negrão Lopes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - Izabel Galhardo Demarchi
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | | | - Raíssa Bocchi Pedroso
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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Demarchi IG, Thomazella MV, de Souza Terron M, Lopes L, Gazim ZC, Cortez DAG, Donatti L, Aristides SMA, Silveira TGV, Lonardoni MVC. Antileishmanial activity of essential oil and 6,7-dehydroroyleanone isolated from Tetradenia riparia. Exp Parasitol 2015; 157:128-37. [PMID: 26116864 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Tetradenia riparia plant is used as a traditional medicine in Africa for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases as like parasitic. Therapy for leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis specie often fails, and the conventional drugs are toxic, expensive, require a long period of treatment, and adverse effects are common. The alternative therapies using natural products are inexpensive and have few or any adverse reaction. These reasons are sufficient to investigate the new natural therapeutic for leishmaniasis. We evaluated the potential of the essential oil (TrEO) and 6,7-dehydroroyleanone (TrROY) isolated from T. riparia on L. (L.) amazonensis promastigote and amastigote forms, cytotoxicity on human erythrocytes and murine macrophages, nitric production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. TrEO was the most effective to promote the Leishmania promastigote death. After 72 h incubation, the lethal dose of TrEO and TrROY that promoted 50% Leishmania death (LD50) were 0.8 μg/mL and 3 μg/mL, respectively. TrEO and TrROY were not cytotoxic to human erythrocytes, but TrROY was toxic to murine macrophages resulting in a low selectivity index. The transmission electronic microscopy showed that TrEO (0.03 μg/mL) was able to modify the promastigote ultrastructures suggesting autophagy as chromatin condensation, blebbing, membranous profiles and nuclear fragmentation. Infected-macrophages treated with TrEO (0.03 μg/mL) or TrROY (10 μg/mL) had an infection index decreased in 65 and 48%. TrEO did not induce iNOS mRNA expression or nitrite production in macrophages infected with Leishmania. TrROY and mainly TrEO promoted the Leishmania death, and TrROY showed loss toxicity to erythrocytes cells. Other compounds derived from T. riparia and the essential oil could be explored to develop a new alternative treatment for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariana de Souza Terron
- Laboratório de Imunologia Clínica da Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Lilian Lopes
- Laboratório de Imunologia Clínica da Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Zilda Cristiani Gazim
- Laboratório de Química de Produtos Naturais da Universidade Paranaense, Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Lucélia Donatti
- Laboratório de Biologia Adaptativa, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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Sifontes-Rodríguez S, Monzote-Fidalgo L, Castañedo-Cancio N, Montalvo-Álvarez AM, López-Hernández Y, Diogo NM, Infante-Bourzac JF, Pérez-Martín O, Meneses-Marcel A, García-Trevijano JAE, Cabrera-Pérez MÁ. The efficacy of 2-nitrovinylfuran derivatives against Leishmania in vitro and in vivo. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:166-73. [PMID: 25946239 PMCID: PMC4489446 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760140324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of some forms of leishmaniasis, the
available drugs are still far from ideal due to inefficacy, parasite resistance,
toxicity and cost. The wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity of 2-nitrovinylfuran
compounds has been described, as has their activity against Trichomonas vaginalis and
other protozoa. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the antileishmanial
activities of six 2-nitrovinylfurans in vitro and in a murine model of leishmaniasis.
Minimum parasiticide concentration (MPC) and 50% inhibitory concentration
(IC50) values for these compounds against the promastigotes of
Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis were
determined, as were the efficacies of two selected compounds in an experimental model
of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by L. amazonensis in BALB/c mice. All of the
compounds were active against the promastigotes of the three Leishmania species
tested. IC50 and MPC values were in the ranges of 0.8-4.7 µM and 1.7-32
µM, respectively. The compounds 2-bromo-5-(2-bromo-2-nitrovinyl)-furan (furvina) and
2-bromo-5-(2-methyl-2-nitrovinyl)-furan (UC245) also reduced lesion growth in vivo at
a magnitude comparable to or higher than that achieved by amphotericin B treatment.
The results demonstrate the potential of this class of compounds as antileishmanial
agents and support the clinical testing of Dermofural(r) (a
furvina-containing antifungal ointment) for the treatment of CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Sifontes-Rodríguez
- Centro de Bioactivos Químicos, Universidad Central Martha Abreu de Las Villas, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba
| | | | - Nilo Castañedo-Cancio
- Centro de Bioactivos Químicos, Universidad Central Martha Abreu de Las Villas, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba
| | | | - Yamilé López-Hernández
- Centro de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, México
| | - Niurka Mollineda Diogo
- Centro de Bioactivos Químicos, Universidad Central Martha Abreu de Las Villas, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba
| | | | | | - Alfredo Meneses-Marcel
- Centro de Bioactivos Químicos, Universidad Central Martha Abreu de Las Villas, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba
| | | | - Miguel Ángel Cabrera-Pérez
- Centro de Bioactivos Químicos, Universidad Central Martha Abreu de Las Villas, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba
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Alves ÉAR, de Miranda MG, Borges TK, Magalhães KG, Muniz-Junqueira MI. Anti-HIV drugs, lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir, modulate innate immune response triggered by Leishmania in macrophages: the role of NF-κB and PPAR-γ. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 24:314-324. [PMID: 25545854 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of HIV protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/RTV) and atazanavir (ATV) on macrophage functions during their first interaction with Leishmania. Macrophages from BALB/c mice treated for 10days with LPV/RTV and ATV, infected or not in vitro with L. (L.) amazonensis, were used to investigate the effects of these drugs on infection index, leishmanicidal capacity, cytokine production and PPAR-γ and RelB expression. LPV/RTV and ATV treatments significantly increased the infection index and the percentage of Leishmania-infected macrophages compared to untreated infected macrophages. There was no correlated increase in the production of NO and H2O2 leishmanicidal molecules. Promastigotes derived from Leishmania-infected macrophages from LPV/RTV and ATV-treated BALB/c mice had an in vitro growth 45.1% and 56.4% higher in groups treated with LPV/RTV and ATV than with PBS in culture. ATV treatment reduced IL-12p70 and IL-10 secretion in Leishmania-infected macrophages, but had no effect on IL-23 and TNF production. LPV reduced IL-10 and had no effect on IL-12p70, TNF and IL-23 secretion. ATV treatment decreased PPAR-γ expression in Leishmania-infected macrophages compared to untreated infected macrophages. In addition, LPV/RTV, but not ATV, reduced RelB cytoplasm-to-nucleus translocation in Leishmania-infected macrophages. Results showed that LPV/RTV and ATV HIV protease inhibitors were able to modulate innate defense mechanisms against Leishmania via different intracellular pathways. Although HIV protease inhibitors are highly efficient to control the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, these drugs might also influence the course of leishmaniasis in HIV-Leishmania-co-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érica Alessandra Rocha Alves
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Area of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, René Rachou Research Center, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Marthina Gomes de Miranda
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Area of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
| | - Tatiana Karla Borges
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Area of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
| | - Kelly Grace Magalhães
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
| | - Maria Imaculada Muniz-Junqueira
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Area of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
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Vasconcelos MFD, Cunha-Júnior EFD, Andrade-Neto VVD, Siqueira LM, d'Avila-Levy CM, Moreth M, Cunico W, Souza MVND, Gomes CRB, Torres-Santos EC. Oral effectiveness of PMIC4, a novel hydroxyethylpiperazine analogue, in Leishmania amazonensis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:210-3. [PMID: 25516829 PMCID: PMC4266774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pentavalent antimonials have saved the lives of thousands of Leishmania-infected patients more than seventy years but, unfortunately, they are highly toxic and require parenteral delivery. Therefore, the search for safer and orally delivered alternative is a need. This paper describes the antileishmanial properties of PMIC4, a novel hydroxyethylpiperazine analogue. PMIC4 showed potent activity against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, with IC50 of 1.8 μM and selectivity index higher than 100-fold, calculated in relation to the toxicity on the host cell. Following laboratory animal welfare policies, we analyzed the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties and calculated the Lipinski's rule of five of PMIC4 before proceeding to in vivo tests. PMIC4 satisfied Lipinski's rule of five and presented high probability of human intestinal absorption, suggesting a good chance of druglikeness and oral bioavailability. For in vivo studies, PMIC4 was administered via intralesional injection (3.4 mg/kg/day, three times a week) or orally (34.0 mg/kg/day, five times a week) to L. amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice throughout the 98 day experiments. At the end of the treatment period, serum markers of toxicity were measured. When administered orally, PMIC4 controlled the lesions in L. amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice without altering serological markers of toxicity. These results demonstrate that PMIC4 is a promising molecular scaffold, orally effective against experimental leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Larissa Moreira Siqueira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Masini d'Avila-Levy
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcele Moreth
- Departamento de Síntese de Fármacos, Farmanguinhos, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Cunico
- Laboratório de Química Aplicada à Bioativos, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
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Why strategies to control Leishmania spp. multiplication based on the use of proteinase inhibitors should consider multiple targets and not only a single enzyme. J Mol Model 2014; 20:2465. [PMID: 25296889 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-014-2465-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The use of proteinases as targets to develop novel chemotherapies against Leishmania spp. infections is a very promising strategy. Based on a previous study by Goyal et al. [J Mol Model (2014) 20:2099], we discuss herein the idea that only a combined treatment with distinct proteinase inhibitors would be an effective antileishmanial therapy.
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Santos LO, Garcia-Gomes AS, Catanho M, Sodre CL, Santos ALS, Branquinha MH, d'Avila-Levy CM. Aspartic peptidases of human pathogenic trypanosomatids: perspectives and trends for chemotherapy. Curr Med Chem 2014; 20:3116-33. [PMID: 23298141 PMCID: PMC3837538 DOI: 10.2174/0929867311320250007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aspartic peptidases are proteolytic enzymes present in many organisms like vertebrates, plants, fungi, protozoa and in some retroviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These enzymes are involved in important metabolic processes in microorganisms/virus and play major roles in infectious diseases. Although few studies have been performed in order to identify and characterize aspartic peptidase in trypanosomatids, which include the etiologic agents of leishmaniasis, Chagas’ disease and sleeping sickness, some beneficial properties of aspartic peptidase inhibitors have been described on fundamental biological events of these pathogenic agents. In this context, aspartic peptidase inhibitors (PIs) used in the current chemotherapy against HIV (e.g., amprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir) were able to inhibit the aspartic peptidase activity produced by different species of Leishmania. Moreover, the treatment of Leishmania promastigotes with HIV PIs induced several perturbations on the parasite homeostasis, including loss of the motility and arrest of proliferation/growth. The HIV PIs also induced an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species and the appearance of irreversible morphological alterations, triggering parasite death pathways such as programed cell death (apoptosis) and uncontrolled autophagy. The blockage of physiological parasite events as well as the induction of death pathways culminated in its incapacity to adhere, survive and escape of phagocytic cells. Collectively, these results support the data showing that parasites treated with HIV PIs have a significant reduction in the ability to cause in vivo infection. Similarly, the treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi cells with pepstatin A showed a significant inhibition on both aspartic peptidase activity and growth as well as promoted several and irreversible morphological changes. These studies indicate that aspartic peptidases can be promising targets in trypanosomatid cells and aspartic proteolytic inhibitors can be benefic chemotherapeutic agents against these human pathogenic microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- L O Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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19
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HIV-1 protease inhibitors for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in HIV-co-infected individuals. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2013; 13:251-9. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(12)70348-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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20
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Santos LO, Vitório BS, Branquinha MH, Pedroso e Silva CM, Santos ALS, d'Avila-Levy CM. Nelfinavir is effective in inhibiting the multiplication and aspartic peptidase activity of Leishmania species, including strains obtained from HIV-positive patients. J Antimicrob Chemother 2012; 68:348-53. [PMID: 23109184 PMCID: PMC3543121 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dks410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives There is a general lack of effective and non-toxic chemotherapeutic agents for leishmaniasis and there is as yet no study about the effect of HIV peptidase inhibitors (HIV PIs) on Leishmania/HIV-coinfected patients. In the present work, we performed a comparative analysis of the spectrum of action of HIV PIs on different Leishmania spp., including strains obtained from HIV-positive patients receiving or not receiving antiretroviral treatment. Methods The effects of nelfinavir and saquinavir on Leishmania proliferation were assessed by means of a colorimetric assay (MTT). Subsequently, the effect of nelfinavir on aspartic peptidase activity from Leishmania spp. was assessed by following the degradation of the fluorogenic substrate MCA-G-K-P-I-L-F-F-R-L-K-DNP-Arg-NH2. Results Nelfinavir was capable of significantly reducing the multiplication of many Leishmania reference strains and isolates obtained from HIV-positive patients receiving or not receiving antiretroviral treatment. Leishmania major growth was inhibited by ∼50%, while all other flagellates were strongly inhibited (at least 94%), except for a Leishmania chagasi strain obtained from an HIV-positive patient under treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Culture of this isolate in the presence of nelfinavir induced a considerable reduction in the aspartic peptidase activity. In addition, nelfinavir was also capable of inhibiting the aspartic peptidase activity of all Leishmania strains tested. Conclusions The present data contribute to the study of the effect of HIV PIs on Leishmania infection and add new insights into the possibility of exploiting aspartic peptidases as promising targets in order to generate novel medications to treat leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia O Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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