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Benaim G, Paniz-Mondolfi A. Unmasking the Mechanism behind Miltefosine: Revealing the Disruption of Intracellular Ca 2+ Homeostasis as a Rational Therapeutic Target in Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:406. [PMID: 38672424 PMCID: PMC11047903 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Originally developed as a chemotherapeutic agent, miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine) is an inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine synthesis with proven antiparasitic effects. It is the only oral drug approved for the treatment of Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease). Although its precise mechanisms are not yet fully understood, miltefosine exhibits broad-spectrum anti-parasitic effects primarily by disrupting the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis of the parasites while sparing the human hosts. In addition to its inhibitory effects on phosphatidylcholine synthesis and cytochrome c oxidase, miltefosine has been found to affect the unique giant mitochondria and the acidocalcisomes of parasites. Both of these crucial organelles are involved in Ca2+ regulation. Furthermore, miltefosine has the ability to activate a specific parasite Ca2+ channel that responds to sphingosine, which is different to its L-type VGCC human ortholog. Here, we aimed to provide an overview of recent advancements of the anti-parasitic mechanisms of miltefosine. We also explored its multiple molecular targets and investigated how its pleiotropic effects translate into a rational therapeutic approach for patients afflicted by Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis. Notably, miltefosine's therapeutic effect extends beyond its impact on the parasite to also positively affect the host's immune system. These findings enhance our understanding on its multi-targeted mechanism of action. Overall, this review sheds light on the intricate molecular actions of miltefosine, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic option against these debilitating parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Benaim
- Unidad de Señalización Celular y Bioquímica de Parásitos, Instituto de Estudios Avanzados (IDEA), Caracas 1080, Venezuela
- Laboratorio de Biofísica, Instituto de Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Division of Microbiology, New York, NY 10029, USA;
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Xisto MIDDS, Rollin-Pinheiro R, Rochetti VP, de Castro-Almeida Y, Borba-Santos LP, dos Santos-Freitas GMP, Cypriano J, Abreu FDÁ, Rozental S, Barreto-Bergter E. Miltefosine: A Repurposing Drug against Mucorales Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1166. [PMID: 38132767 PMCID: PMC10744482 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucorales are a group of non-septated filamentous fungi widely distributed in nature, frequently associated with human infections, and are intrinsically resistant to many antifungal drugs. For these reasons, there is an urgent need to improve the clinical management of mucormycosis. Miltefosine, which is a phospholipid analogue of alkylphosphocholine, has been considered a promising repurposing drug to be used to treat fungal infections. In the present study, miltefosine displayed antifungal activity against a variety of Mucorales species, and it was also active against biofilms formed by these fungi. Treatment with miltefosine revealed modifications of cell wall components, neutral lipids, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell morphology, and the induction of oxidative stress. Treated Mucorales cells also presented an increased susceptibility to SDS. Purified ergosterol and glucosylceramide added to the culture medium increased miltefosine MIC, suggesting its interaction with fungal lipids. These data contribute to elucidating the effect of a promising drug repurposed to act against some relevant fungal pathogens that significantly impact public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Ingrid Dutra da Silva Xisto
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
| | - Rodrigo Rollin-Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
| | - Victor Pereira Rochetti
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
| | - Yuri de Castro-Almeida
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
| | - Luana Pereira Borba-Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Programa de Biologia Celular e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.P.B.-S.); (S.R.)
| | - Giulia Maria Pires dos Santos-Freitas
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
| | - Jefferson Cypriano
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Magnetotaxia & Unidade de Microscopia Multiusuário, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.C.); (F.d.Á.A.)
| | - Fernanda de Ávila Abreu
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Magnetotaxia & Unidade de Microscopia Multiusuário, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.C.); (F.d.Á.A.)
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Programa de Biologia Celular e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.P.B.-S.); (S.R.)
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
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A new immunochemotherapy schedule for visceral leishmaniasis in a hamster model. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2849-2860. [PMID: 35997843 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07628-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment with a recombinant cysteine proteinase from Leishmania, rldccys1, associated with allopurinol or miltefosine on Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi-infected hamsters. Golden Syrian hamsters infected with L. (L.) infantum chagasi were treated with either miltefosine (46 mg/kg) or allopurinol (460 mg/kg) alone by oral route or associated with rldccys1 (150 µg/hamster) by subcutaneous route for 30 days. Infected hamsters were also treated with miltefosine (46 mg/kg) plus rldccys1 (150 µg/hamster) for 30 days (phase 1) followed by two additional doses of rldccys1 (250 µg/hamster) (phase 2). After the end of treatment, the animals were analyzed for parasite load, body weight, serum levels of immunoglobulins, cytokine expression, and drug toxicity. The data showed a significant decrease of parasite load in infected hamsters treated with allopurinol or miltefosine alone or associated with rldccys1, as well as in those treated with rldccys1 alone. Significantly lower levels of serum IgG were detected in hamsters treated with allopurinol plus rldccys1. The treatment with miltefosine associated with rldccys1 prevented relapse observed in animals treated with miltefosine alone. A significant loss of body weight was detected only in some hamsters treated with miltefosine for 1 month and deprived of this treatment for 15 days. There were no significant differences in transcript expression of IFN-γ and IL-10 in any of treated groups. Neither hepatotoxicity nor nephrotoxicity was observed among controls and treated groups. These findings open perspectives to further explore this immunochemotherapeutic schedule as an alternative for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.
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Screening of Chemical Libraries for New Antifungal Drugs against Aspergillus fumigatus Reveals Sphingolipids Are Involved in the Mechanism of Action of Miltefosine. mBio 2021; 12:e0145821. [PMID: 34372704 PMCID: PMC8406317 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01458-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an important fungal pathogen and the main etiological agent of aspergillosis, a disease characterized by a noninvasive process that can evolve to a more severe clinical manifestation, called invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), in immunocompromised patients. The antifungal arsenal to threat aspergillosis is very restricted. Azoles are the main therapeutic approach to control IPA, but the emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates has significantly increased over recent decades. Therefore, new strategies are necessary to combat aspergillosis, and drug repurposing has emerged as an efficient and alternative approach for identifying new antifungal drugs. Here, we used a screening approach to analyze A. fumigatus in vitro susceptibility to 1,127 compounds. A. fumigatus was susceptible to 10 compounds, including miltefosine, a drug that displayed fungicidal activity against A. fumigatus. By screening an A. fumigatus transcription factor null library, we identified a single mutant, which has the smiA (sensitive to miltefosine) gene deleted, conferring a phenotype of susceptibility to miltefosine. The transcriptional profiling (RNA-seq) of the wild-type and ΔsmiA strains and chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to next-generation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) of an SmiA-tagged strain exposed to miltefosine revealed genes of the sphingolipid pathway that are directly or indirectly regulated by SmiA. Sphingolipid analysis demonstrated that the mutant has overall decreased levels of sphingolipids when growing in the presence of miltefosine. The identification of SmiA represents the first genetic element described and characterized that plays a direct role in miltefosine response in fungi. IMPORTANCE The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes a group of diseases named aspergillosis, and their development occurs after the inhalation of conidia dispersed in the environment. Very few classes of antifungal drugs are available for aspergillosis treatment, e.g., azoles, but the emergence of global resistance to azoles in A. fumigatus clinical isolates has increased over recent decades. Repositioning or repurposing drugs already available on the market is an interesting and faster opportunity for the identification of novel antifungal agents. By using a repurposing strategy, we identified 10 different compounds that impact A. fumigatus survival. One of these compounds, miltefosine, demonstrated fungicidal activity against A. fumigatus. The mechanism of action of miltefosine is unknown, and, aiming to get more insights about it, we identified a transcription factor, SmiA (sensitive to miltefosine), important for miltefosine resistance. Our results suggest that miltefosine displays antifungal activity against A. fumigatus, interfering in sphingolipid biosynthesis.
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Rollin-Pinheiro R, Almeida YDC, Rochetti VP, Xisto MIDDS, Borba-Santos LP, Rozental S, Barreto-Bergter E. Miltefosine Against Scedosporium and Lomentospora Species: Antifungal Activity and Its Effects on Fungal Cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:698662. [PMID: 34368017 PMCID: PMC8343104 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.698662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Scedosporium and Lomentospora species are filamentous fungi responsible for a wide range of infections in humans and are frequently associated with cystic fibrosis and immunocompromising conditions. Because they are usually resistant to many antifungal drugs available in clinical settings, studies of alternative targets in fungal cells and therapeutic approaches are necessary. In the present work, we evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of miltefosine against Scedosporium and Lomentospora species and how this phospholipid analogue affects the fungal cell. Miltefosine inhibited different Scedosporium and Lomentospora species at 2–4 µg/ml and reduced biofilm formation. The loss of membrane integrity in Scedosporium aurantiacum caused by miltefosine was demonstrated by leakage of intracellular components and lipid raft disorganisation. The exogenous addition of glucosylceramide decreased the inhibitory activity of miltefosine. Reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial activity were also affected by miltefosine, as well as the susceptibility to fluconazole, caspofungin and myoricin. The data obtained in the present study contribute to clarify the dynamics of the interaction between miltefosine and Scedosporium and Lomentospora cells, highlighting its potential use as new antifungal drug in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Rollin-Pinheiro
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yuri de Castro Almeida
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor Pereira Rochetti
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Ingrid Dutra da Silva Xisto
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luana Pereira Borba-Santos
- Programa de Biologia Celular e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Programa de Biologia Celular e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Agwunobi DO, Pei T, Wang K, Yu Z, Liu J. Effects of the essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus on mortality and morphology of the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 81:37-50. [PMID: 32246382 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00485-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis is one of the most prevalent tick species across eastern Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and has been implicated as a vector of several pathogenic agents. This study evaluated the in vitro acaricidal efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) essential oil on unfed H. longicornis using the adult and nymph immersion test, and the larval packet test. Six concentrations with three replications each of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg/mL (adults and nymphs) were used, and 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/mL (larvae), with control group (50% ethanol). The adult and nymph mortality rates were 98 and 100% at 50 mg/mL, and 95 and 100% at 60 mg/mL, respectively, whereas the larval mortality rate was 94 and 96% at 40 and 80 mg/mL, respectively. Mortality of adult, nymph and larva increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. The LC50 for adult, nymph, and larva, were 29.21 (95% confidence interval 25.90-32.58), 28.18 (23.78-32.25), and 28.06 (25.57-30.90) mg/mL, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy revealed a disjointed sensilla base from the sockets, cuticular cracks, blocked aeropyles, and shrinking of the midgut. These results showed that C. citratus essential oil could be a good eco-friendly alternative control strategy against ectoparasites like ticks due to its high acaricidal efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond O Agwunobi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Tingwei Pei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Kuang Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Gil Z, Martinez-Sotillo N, Pinto-Martinez A, Mejias F, Martinez JC, Galindo I, Oldfield E, Benaim G. SQ109 inhibits proliferation of Leishmania donovani by disruption of intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis, collapsing the mitochondrial electrochemical potential (ΔΨ m) and affecting acidocalcisomes. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:649-657. [PMID: 31897791 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06560-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania donovani is the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis. Annually, 500 million new cases of infection are reported mainly in poor communities, decreasing the interest of the pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the repositioning of new drugs is an ideal strategy to fight against these parasites. SQ109, a compound in phase IIb/III of clinical trials to treat resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has a potent effect against Trypanosoma cruzi, responsible for Chagas' disease, and on Leishmania mexicana, the causative agent of cutaneous and muco-cutaneous leishmaniasis. In the latter, the toxic dose against intramacrophagic amastigotes is very low (IC50 ~ 11 nM). The proposed mechanism of action on L. mexicana involves the disruption of the parasite intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis through the collapse of the mitochondrial electrochemical potential (ΔΨm). In the present work, we show a potent effect of SQ109 on L. donovani, the parasite responsible for visceral leishmaniasis, the more severe and uniquely lethal form of these infections, obtaining a toxic effect on amastigotes inside macrophages even lower to that obtained in L. mexicana (IC50 of 7.17 ± 0.09 nM) and with a selectivity index > 800, even higher than in L. mexicana. We also demonstrated for first time that SQ109, besides collapsing ΔΨm of the parasite, induced a very rapid damage to the parasite acidocalcisomes, essential organelles involved in the bioenergetics and many other important functions, including Ca2+ homeostasis. Both effects of the drug on these organelles generated a dramatic increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, causing parasite death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zain Gil
- Instituto de Estudios Avanzados, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | | | - Fabiola Mejias
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - Ivan Galindo
- Instituto de Estudios Avanzados, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Eric Oldfield
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Gustavo Benaim
- Instituto de Estudios Avanzados, Caracas, Venezuela. .,Instituto de Biologia Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
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Barrias E, Reignault LC, Calogeropoulou T, de Souza W. In vitro activities of adamantylidene-substituted alkylphosphocholine TCAN26 against Trypanosoma cruzi: Antiproliferative and ultrastructural effects. Exp Parasitol 2019; 206:107730. [PMID: 31494215 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipids are the main component of membranes and are responsible for cell integrity. Alkylphospholipid analogues (APs) were first designed as antitumoral agents and were later tested against different cell types. Trypanosoma cruzi, the Chagas disease etiological agent, is sensitive to APs (edelfosine, miltefosine and ilmofosine) in vitro. We investigated the effect of synthetic ring substituted AP against epimastigotes, amastigotes and trypomastigotes. TCAN26, could inhibit the in vitro growth of epimastigotes and amastigotes with the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) in the nanomolar range. Trypomastigotes lysis was also induced with 24-h treatment and a LC50 of 2.3 μM. Ultrastructural analysis by electron microscopy demonstrated that TCAN26 mainly affected the parasite's membranes leading to mitochondrial and Golgi cisternae swelling, membrane blebs, and autophagic figures in the different parasite developmental stages. While the Golgi of the parasites was significantly affected, the Golgi complex of the host cells remained normal suggesting a specific mechanism of action. In summary, our results suggest that TCAN 26 is a potent and selective inhibitor of T. cruzi growth probably due to disturbances of phospholipid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emile Barrias
- Laboratório de Microscopia Aplicada a Ciencias da Vida, Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada a Ciências da Vida, Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia -INMETRO, Xerém, Avenida Nossa Senhora das Graças, 50/ 27, 25250- 020, Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lissa Catherine Reignault
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Bloco K, 21944-970, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, CCS, UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas 373, CCS, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Theodora Calogeropoulou
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635, Athens, Greece
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Bloco K, 21944-970, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, CCS, UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas 373, CCS, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil.
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9
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Batista WR, Fernandes FC, Neves MHCB, Nascimento TS, Lopes RSC, Lopes CC, Ziegler GP, Soler-Figueroa BM, Sparks D, Fontaine DN, Carney KJ, Quiñones-Oquendo LE, Ruiz GM. Synthetic lipids as a biocide candidate for disinfection of ballast water. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 137:702-710. [PMID: 30503487 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to propose the use of specific synthetic lipid as an active substance (biocide) in the control of harmful aquatic microorganisms, such as pathogens and non-indigenous species, transported in ships' ballast water. The biocide candidate, without metal or halogen components, was produced from a sub-product of the edible oil industry, the lecithin. Laboratory assays were conducted with phytoplankton, zooplankton, and marine bacteria to evaluate the efficiency of the biocide. The study also considers specific biocide's characteristics related to environmental risks, such as chemical composition, persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Results showed that, in the first 24 h of treatment, the biocide effectively reduced the concentration of the planktonic micro-organisms to very low levels. Additionally, a preliminary risk evaluation pointed that biocide candidate has a low residual toxicity, also a low potential for persistence and bioaccumulation in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Batista
- Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Marinha do Brasil, Rua Kioto 253, Praia dos Anjos, Arraial do Cabo, RJ 28930-000, Brazil.
| | - Flavio C Fernandes
- Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Marinha do Brasil, Rua Kioto 253, Praia dos Anjos, Arraial do Cabo, RJ 28930-000, Brazil
| | - Maria H C B Neves
- Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Marinha do Brasil, Rua Kioto 253, Praia dos Anjos, Arraial do Cabo, RJ 28930-000, Brazil
| | - Thiana S Nascimento
- Laboratório de Síntese e Análise de Produtos Estratégicos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos, 149, Bloco A, s.508, Cidade Universitária, RJ 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Rosangela S C Lopes
- Laboratório de Síntese e Análise de Produtos Estratégicos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos, 149, Bloco A, s.508, Cidade Universitária, RJ 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Claudio C Lopes
- Laboratório de Síntese e Análise de Produtos Estratégicos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos, 149, Bloco A, s.508, Cidade Universitária, RJ 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Gregory P Ziegler
- Wye Research and Education Center, University of Maryland, 124 Wye Narrows Drive, Queenstown, MD 21658-0169, USA
| | - Brenda M Soler-Figueroa
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028, USA
| | - Darrick Sparks
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028, USA
| | - Diana N Fontaine
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028, USA
| | - Katharine J Carney
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028, USA
| | - Luz E Quiñones-Oquendo
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028, USA
| | - Gregory M Ruiz
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028, USA
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Mechanism of Action of Miltefosine on Leishmania donovani Involves the Impairment of Acidocalcisome Function and the Activation of the Sphingosine-Dependent Plasma Membrane Ca 2+ Channel. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 62:AAC.01614-17. [PMID: 29061745 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01614-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania donovani is the causing agent of visceral leishmaniasis, a common infection that affects millions of people from the most underdeveloped countries. Miltefosine is the only oral drug to treat infections caused by L. donovani Nevertheless, its mechanism of action is not well understood. While miltefosine inhibits the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and also affects the parasite mitochondrion, inhibiting the cytochrome c oxidase, it is to be expected that this potent drug also produces its effect through other targets. In this context, it has been reported that the disruption of the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis represents an important object for the action of drugs in trypanosomatids. Recently, we have described a plasma membrane Ca2+ channel in Leishmania mexicana, which is similar to the L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC) present in humans. Remarkably, the parasite Ca2+ channel is activated by sphingosine, while the L-type VGCC is not affected by this sphingolipid. In the present work we demonstrated that, similarly to sphingosine, miltefosine is able to activate the plasma membrane Ca2+ channel from L. donovani Interestingly, nifedipine, the classical antagonist of the human channel, was not able to fully block the parasite plasma membrane Ca2+ channel, indicating that the mechanism of interaction is not identical to that of sphingosine. In this work we also show that miltefosine is able to strongly affect the acidocalcisomes from L. donovani, inducing the rapid alkalinization of these important organelles. In conclusion, we demonstrate two new mechanisms of action of miltefosine in L. donovani, both related to disruption of parasite Ca2+ homeostasis.
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Miltefosine inhibits Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida spp. biofilms and impairs the dispersion of infectious cells. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2016; 48:512-520. [PMID: 27667564 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2016.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Candida spp. can adhere to and form biofilms over different surfaces, becoming less susceptible to antifungal treatment. Resistance of biofilms to antifungal agents is multifactorial and the extracellular matrix (ECM) appears to play an important role. Among the few available antifungals for treatment of candidaemia, only the lipid formulations of amphotericin B (AmB) and the echinocandins are effective against biofilms. Our group has previously demonstrated that miltefosine has an important effect against Candida albicans biofilms. Thus, the aim of this work was to expand the analyses of the in vitro antibiofilm activity of miltefosine to non-albicans Candida spp. Miltefosine had significant antifungal activity against planktonic cells and the development of biofilms of C. albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata. The activity profile in biofilms was superior to fluconazole and was similar to that of AmB and caspofungin. Biofilm-derived cells with their ECM extracted became as susceptible to miltefosine as planktonic cells, confirming the importance of the ECM in the biofilm resistant behaviour. Miltefosine also inhibited biofilm dispersion of cells at the same concentration needed to inhibit planktonic cell growth. The data obtained in this work reinforce the potent inhibitory activity of miltefosine on biofilms of the four most pathogenic Candida spp. and encourage further studies for the utilisation of this drug and/or structural analogues on biofilm-related infections.
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12
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Turner KG, Vacchina P, Robles-Murguia M, Wadsworth M, McDowell MA, Morales MA. Fitness and Phenotypic Characterization of Miltefosine-Resistant Leishmania major. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003948. [PMID: 26230675 PMCID: PMC4521777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatid parasites of the genus Leishmania are the causative agents of leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease with several clinical manifestations. Leishmania major is the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), which is largely characterized by ulcerative lesions appearing on the skin. Current treatments of leishmaniasis include pentavalent antimonials and amphotericin B, however, the toxic side effects of these drugs and difficulty with distribution makes these options less than ideal. Miltefosine (MIL) is the first oral treatment available for leishmaniasis. Originally developed for cancer chemotherapy, the mechanism of action of MIL in Leishmania spp. is largely unknown. While treatment with MIL has proven effective, higher tolerance to the drug has been observed, and resistance is easily developed in an in vitro environment. Utilizing stepwise selection we generated MIL-resistant cultures of L. major and characterized the fitness of MIL-resistant L. major. Resistant parasites proliferate at a comparable rate to the wild-type (WT) and exhibit similar apoptotic responses. As expected, MIL-resistant parasites demonstrate decreased susceptibility to MIL, which reduces after the drug is withdrawn from culture. Our data demonstrate metacyclogenesis is elevated in MIL-resistant L. major, albeit these parasites display attenuated in vitro and in vivo virulence and standard survival rates in the natural sandfly vector, indicating that development of experimental resistance to miltefosine does not lead to an increased competitive fitness in L. major.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimbra G. Turner
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Paola Vacchina
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Maricela Robles-Murguia
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Mariha Wadsworth
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Miguel A. Morales
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Eissa MM, Barakat AMA, Amer EI, Younis LK. Could miltefosine be used as a therapy for toxoplasmosis? Exp Parasitol 2015; 157:12-22. [PMID: 26112396 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic protozoal disease affecting more than a billion people worldwide. The shortfalls of the current treatment options necessitate the development of non-toxic and well-tolerated, efficient alternatives especially against the cyst form. The current study was undertaken to investigate, for the first time, the potential potency of miltefosine against Toxoplasma gondii infection in acute and chronic experimental toxoplasmosis. Results showed that there is no evidence of anti-parasitic activity of miltefosine against T. gondii tachyzoites in acute experimental toxoplasmosis. However, anti-parasitic activity of miltefosine against T. gondii cyst stage in chronic experimental toxoplasmosis could not be excluded as demonstrated by significant reduction in brain cyst burden. Moreover, considerable morphological changes in the cysts were revealed by light and electron microscopy study and also by amelioration of pathological changes in the brain. Future studies should focus on enhancement of anti-toxoplasma activity of miltefosine against chronic toxoplasmosis using formulation based nanotechnology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study highlighting efficacy of miltefosine against chronic toxoplasmosis, thus, increasing the list of diseases that can be targeted by this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Eglal I Amer
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Layla K Younis
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Bibis SS, Dahlstrom K, Zhu T, Zufferey R. Characterization of Leishmania major phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferases LmjPEM1 and LmjPEM2 and their inhibition by choline analogs. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 196:90-9. [PMID: 25176160 PMCID: PMC4252796 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most abundant phospholipid in the membranes of the human parasite Leishmania. It is synthesized via two metabolic routes, the de novo pathway that starts with the uptake of choline, and the threefold methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine. Choline was shown to be dispensable for Leishmania; thus, the methylation pathway likely represents the primary route for PC production. Here, we have identified and characterized two phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferases, LmjPEM1 and LmjPEM2. Both enzymes are expressed in promastigotes as well as in the vertebrate form amastigotes, suggesting that these methyltransferases are important for the development of the parasite throughout its life cycle. These enzymes are maximally expressed during the log phase of growth which correlates with the demand of PC synthesis during cell multiplication. Immunofluorescence studies combined with cell fractionation have shown that both methyltransferases are localized at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Heterologous expression in yeast has demonstrated that LmjPEM1 and LmjPEM2 complement the choline auxotrophy phenotype of a yeast double null mutant lacking phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase activity. LmjPEM1 catalyzes the first, and to a lesser extent, the second methylation reaction. In contrast, LmjPEM2 has the capacity to add the second and third methyl group onto phosphatidylethanolamine to yield (lyso)PC; it can also add the first methyl group, albeit with very low efficiency. Finally, we have demonstrated using inhibition studies with choline analogs that miltefosine and octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide are potent inhibitors of this metabolic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stergios S Bibis
- Department of Biological Sciences, St John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439, USA
| | - Kelly Dahlstrom
- Department of Biochemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Tongtong Zhu
- Department of Biological Sciences, St John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439, USA
| | - Rachel Zufferey
- Department of Biological Sciences, St John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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A novel alkyl phosphocholine-dinitroaniline hybrid molecule exhibits biological activity in vitro against Leishmania amazonensis. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:153-65. [PMID: 23845259 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic protozoa of the Leishmania genus cause leishmaniasis, an important complex of tropical diseases that affect about 12 million people around the world. The drugs used to treat leishmaniasis are pentavalent antimonials, miltefosine, amphotericin B and pentamidine. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of a novel alkyl phosphocholine-dinitroaniline hybrid molecule, TC95, against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. Antiproliferative assays indicated that TC95 is a potent inhibitor of promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes with IC50 values of 2.6 and 1.2 μM, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy with anti-α-tubulin antibody revealed changes in the cytoskeleton, whilst scanning electron microscopy showed alterations in the shape, plasma membrane, length of the flagellum, and cell cycle. Flow cytometry confirmed the cell cycle arrest mainly in G1 phase, however a significant population appeared in sub G0/G1 and super-G2. The alterations in the plasma membrane integrity were confirmed by fluorometric analysis using Sytox Blue. Transmission electron microscopy also revealed an accumulation of lipid bodies, confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and fluorometric analysis using Nile Red. Important lesions were also observed in organelles such as mitochondrion, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. In summary, our study suggests that TC95, an alkyl phosphocholine-trifluralin hybrid molecule, is a promising novel compound against L. amazonensis.
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16
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Pniewska E, Pawliczak R. The involvement of phospholipases A2 in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mediators Inflamm 2013; 2013:793505. [PMID: 24089590 PMCID: PMC3780701 DOI: 10.1155/2013/793505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Revised: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased morbidity, mortality, and ineffective treatment associated with the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have generated much research interest. The key role is played by phospholipases from the A2 superfamily: enzymes which are involved in inflammation through participation in pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators production and have an impact on many immunocompetent cells. The 30 members of the A2 superfamily are divided into 7 groups. Their role in asthma and COPD has been studied in vitro and in vivo (animal models, cell cultures, and patients). This paper contains complete and updated information about the involvement of particular enzymes in the etiology and course of asthma and COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Pniewska
- Department of Immunopathology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Postgraduate Training, Medical University of Lodz, 7/9 Zeligowskiego Street, Building 2, Room 122, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Rafal Pawliczak
- Department of Immunopathology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Postgraduate Training, Medical University of Lodz, 7/9 Zeligowskiego Street, Building 2, Room 122, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
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Vila TVM, Ishida K, de Souza W, Prousis K, Calogeropoulou T, Rozental S. Effect of alkylphospholipids on Candida albicans biofilm formation and maturation. J Antimicrob Chemother 2012; 68:113-25. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dks353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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18
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de Freitas-Junior PRG, Catta-Preta CMC, Andrade IDS, Cavalcanti DP, de Souza W, Einicker-Lamas M, Motta MCM. Effects of miltefosine on the proliferation, ultrastructure, and phospholipid composition of Angomonas deanei, a trypanosomatid protozoan that harbors a symbiotic bacterium. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2012; 333:129-37. [PMID: 22651853 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2012.02607.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Revised: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Some trypanosomatids, such as Angomonas deanei formerly named as Crithidia deanei, present an obligatory intracellular bacterium, which maintains a mutualistic relationship with the host. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the major phospholipid in eukaryotes and an essential component of cell membranes playing structural, biochemical, and physiological roles. However, in prokaryotes, PC is present only in those species closely associated with eukaryotes, either in symbiotic or pathogenic interactions. In trypanosomatids, the endosymbiont envelope is composed by a reduced cell wall and by two membrane units that lack sterols and present cardiolipin (CL) and PC as the major phospholipids. In this study, we tested the effects of miltefosine in A. deanei proliferation, as well as, on the ultrastrucuture and phospholipid composition considering that this drug inhibits the CTP-phosphocholine cytidyltransferase (CCT), a key enzyme in the PC biosynthesis. Besides the low effect of miltefosine in cellular proliferation, treated protozoa presented ultrastructural alterations such as plasma membrane shedding and blebbing, mitochondrial swelling, and convolutions of the endosymbiont envelope. The use of (32) Pi as a tracer revealed that the production of PC, CL, and phosphatidylethanolamine decreased while phosphatidylinositol production remained stable. Mitochondrion and symbiont fractions obtained from protozoa treated with miltefosine also presented a decrease in phospholipid production, reinforcing the idea that an intensive metabolic exchange occurs between the host trypanosomatid and structures of symbiotic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo R G de Freitas-Junior
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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19
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Zuo X, Djordjevic JT, Bijosono Oei J, Desmarini D, Schibeci SD, Jolliffe KA, Sorrell TC. Miltefosine induces apoptosis-like cell death in yeast via Cox9p in cytochrome c oxidase. Mol Pharmacol 2011; 80:476-85. [PMID: 21610197 DOI: 10.1124/mol.111.072322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Miltefosine has antifungal properties and potential for development as a therapeutic for invasive fungal infections. However, its mode of action in fungi is poorly understood. We demonstrate that miltefosine is rapidly incorporated into yeast, where it penetrates the mitochondrial inner membrane, disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential and leading to an apoptosis-like cell death. COX9, which encodes subunit VIIa of the cytochrome c oxidase (COX) complex in the electron transport chain of the mitochondrial membrane, was identified as a potential target of miltefosine from a genomic library screen of the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. When overexpressed in S. cerevisiae, COX9, but not COX7 or COX8, led to a miltefosine-resistant phenotype. The effect of miltefosine on COX activity was assessed in cells expressing different levels of COX9. Miltefosine inhibited COX activity in a dose-dependent manner in Cox9p-positive cells. This inhibition most likely contributed to the miltefosine-induced apoptosis-like cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Zuo
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Millennium Institute and Sydney Emerging Infections and Biosecurity Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
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20
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Belaunzarán ML, Lammel EM, de Isola ELD. Phospholipases a in trypanosomatids. Enzyme Res 2011; 2011:392082. [PMID: 21603263 PMCID: PMC3092542 DOI: 10.4061/2011/392082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipases are a complex and important group of enzymes widespread in nature, that play crucial roles in diverse biochemical processes and are classified as A1, A2, C, and D. Phospholipases A1 and A2 activities have been linked to pathogenesis in various microorganisms, and particularly in pathogenic protozoa they have been implicated in cell invasion. Kinetoplastids are a group of flagellated protozoa, including extra- and intracellular parasites that cause severe disease in humans and animals. In the present paper, we will mainly focus on the three most important kinetoplastid human pathogens, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania spp., giving a perspective of the research done up to now regarding biochemical, biological, and molecular characteristics of Phospholipases A1 and A2 and their contribution to pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Laura Belaunzarán
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, piso 13, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Entamoeba histolytica: Differential gene expression during programmed cell death and identification of early pro- and anti-apoptotic signals. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:497-505. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Revised: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Smirlis D, Duszenko M, Ruiz AJ, Scoulica E, Bastien P, Fasel N, Soteriadou K. Targeting essential pathways in trypanosomatids gives insights into protozoan mechanisms of cell death. Parasit Vectors 2010; 3:107. [PMID: 21083891 PMCID: PMC3136144 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a normal component of the development and health of multicellular organisms. However, apoptosis is now considered a prerogative of unicellular organisms, including the trypanosomatids of the genera Trypanosoma spp. and Leishmania spp., causative agents of some of the most important neglected human diseases. Trypanosomatids show typical hallmarks of apoptosis, although they lack some of the key molecules contributing to this process in metazoans, like caspase genes, Bcl-2 family genes and the TNF-related family of receptors. Despite the lack of these molecules, trypanosomatids appear to have the basic machinery to commit suicide. The components of the apoptotic execution machinery of these parasites are slowly coming into light, by targeting essential processes and pathways with different apoptogenic agents and inhibitors. This review will be confined to the events known to drive trypanosomatid parasites to apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina Smirlis
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Bas, Sofias Ave,, 11521 Athens, Greece.
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RICHMOND GREGORYS, GIBELLINI FEDERICA, YOUNG SIMONA, MAJOR LOUISE, DENTON HELEN, LILLEY ALISON, SMITH TERRYK. Lipidomic analysis of bloodstream and procyclic form Trypanosoma brucei. Parasitology 2010; 137:1357-92. [PMID: 20602846 PMCID: PMC3744936 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182010000715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The biological membranes of Trypanosoma brucei contain a complex array of phospholipids that are synthesized de novo from precursors obtained either directly from the host, or as catabolised endocytosed lipids. This paper describes the use of nanoflow electrospray tandem mass spectrometry and high resolution mass spectrometry in both positive and negative ion modes, allowing the identification of approximately 500 individual molecular phospholipids species from total lipid extracts of cultured bloodstream and procyclic form T. brucei. Various molecular species of all of the major subclasses of glycerophospholipids were identified including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol as well as phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol and cardolipin, and the sphingolipids sphingomyelin, inositol phosphoceramide and ethanolamine phosphoceramide. The lipidomic data obtained in this study will aid future biochemical phenotyping of either genetically or chemically manipulated commonly used bloodstream and procyclic strains of Trypanosoma brucei. Hopefully this will allow a greater understanding of the bizarre world of lipids in this important human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - FEDERICA GIBELLINI
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
| | - SIMON A. YOUNG
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
| | - LOUISE MAJOR
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
| | - HELEN DENTON
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
| | - ALISON LILLEY
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
| | - TERRY K. SMITH
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, The North Haugh, The University, St. Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, U.K
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Gibellini F, Hunter WN, Smith TK. The ethanolamine branch of the Kennedy pathway is essential in the bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei. Mol Microbiol 2009; 73:826-43. [PMID: 19555461 PMCID: PMC2784872 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2009.06764.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylethanolamine (GPEtn), a major phospholipid component of trypanosome membranes, is synthesized de novo from ethanolamine through the Kennedy pathway. Here the composition of the GPEtn molecular species in the bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei is determined, along with new insights into phospholipid metabolism, by in vitro and in vivo characterization of a key enzyme of the Kennedy pathway, the cytosolic ethanolamine-phosphate cytidylyltransferase (TbECT). Gene knockout indicates that TbECT is essential for growth and survival, thus highlighting the importance of the Kennedy pathway for the pathogenic stage of the African trypanosome. Phosphatiylserine decarboxylation, a potential salvage pathway, does not appear to be active in cultured bloodstream form T. brucei, and it is not upregulated even when the Kennedy pathway is disrupted. In vivo metabolic labelling and phospholipid composition analysis by ESI-MS/MS of the knockout cells confirmed a significant decrease in GPEtn species, as well as changes in the relative abundance of other phospholipid species. Reduction in GPEtn levels had a profound influence on the morphology of the mutants and it compromised mitochondrial structure and function, as well as glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor biosynthesis. TbECT is therefore genetically validated as a potential drug target against the African trypanosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Gibellini
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
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In vitro susceptibilities of Leishmania donovani promastigote and amastigote stages to antileishmanial reference drugs: practical relevance of stage-specific differences. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2009; 53:3855-9. [PMID: 19546361 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00548-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vitro susceptibilities of the reference strain Leishmania donovani MHOM/ET/67/L82 to sodium stibogluconate, amphotericin B, miltefosine, and the experimental compound PX-6518 were determined for extracellular log-phase promastigotes, established axenic amastigotes, fresh spleen-derived amastigotes, and intracellular amastigotes in primary mouse peritoneal macrophages. Susceptibility to amphotericin B did not differ across the various axenic models (50% inhibitory concentrations [IC50], 0.6 to 0.7 microM), and amphotericin B showed slightly higher potency against intracellular amastigotes (IC50, 0.1 to 0.4 microM). A similar trend was observed for miltefosine, with comparable efficacies against the extracellular (IC50, 0.4 to 3.8 microM) and intracellular (IC50, 0.9 to 4.3 microM) stages. Sodium stibogluconate, used either as Pentostam or as a crystalline substance, was inactive against all axenic stages (IC50, >64 microg SbV/ml) but showed good efficacy against intracellular amastigotes (IC50, 22 to 28 microg SbV/ml); the crystalline substance was about two to three times more potent (IC50, 9 to 11 microg SbV/ml). The activity profile of PX-6518 was comparable to that of sodium stibogluconate, but at a much higher potency (IC50, 0.1 microg/ml). In conclusion, the differential susceptibility determines which in vitro models are appropriate for either drug screening or resistance monitoring of clinical field isolates. Despite the more complex and labor-intensive protocol, the current results support the intracellular amastigote model as the gold standard for in vitro Leishmania drug discovery research and for evaluation of the resistance of field strains, since it also includes host cell-mediated effects. Axenic systems can be recommended only for compounds for which no cellular mechanisms are involved, for example, amphotericin B and miltefosine.
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Particularities of mitochondrial structure in parasitic protists (Apicomplexa and Kinetoplastida). Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2009; 41:2069-80. [PMID: 19379828 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2009.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2008] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Without mitochondria, eukaryotic cells would depend entirely on anaerobic glycolysis for ATP generation. This also holds true for protists, both free-living and parasitic. Parasitic protists include agents of human and animal diseases that have a huge impact on world populations. In the phylum Apicomplexa, several species of Plasmodium cause malaria, whereas Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolite parasite found on all continents. Flagellates of the order Kinetoplastida include the genera Leishmania and Trypanosoma causative agents of human leishmaniasis and (depending on the species) African trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease. Although clearly distinct in many aspects, the members of these two groups bear a single and usually well developed mitochondrion. The single mitochondrion of Apicomplexa has a dense matrix and many cristae with a circular profile. The organelle is even more peculiar in the order Kinetoplastida, exhibiting a condensed network of DNA at a specific position, always close to the flagellar basal body. This arrangement is known as Kinetoplast and the name of the order derived from it. Kinetoplastids also bear glycosomes, peroxisomes that concentrate enzymes of the glycolytic cycle. Mitochondrial volume and activity is maximum when glycosomal is low and vice versa. In both Apicomplexa and trypanosomatids, mitochondria show particularities that are absent in other eukaryotic organisms. These peculiar features make them an attractive target for therapeutic drugs for the diseases they cause.
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Different cell death pathways induced by drugs in Trypanosoma cruzi: An ultrastructural study. Micron 2009; 40:157-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2008] [Accepted: 08/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Saraiva VB, Wengert M, Gomes-Quintana E, Heise N, Caruso-Neves C. Na+-ATPase and protein kinase C are targets to 1-O-hexadecylphosphocoline (miltefosine) in Trypanosoma cruzi. Arch Biochem Biophys 2009; 481:65-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2008.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2008] [Revised: 10/15/2008] [Accepted: 10/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Synthesis of BODIPY-labeled alkylphosphocholines with leishmanicidal activity, as fluorescent analogues of miltefosine. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2008; 18:6336-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.10.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2008] [Revised: 10/20/2008] [Accepted: 10/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Biochemical characterization of the initial steps of the Kennedy pathway in Trypanosoma brucei: the ethanolamine and choline kinases. Biochem J 2008; 415:135-44. [PMID: 18489261 PMCID: PMC2552378 DOI: 10.1042/bj20080435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ethanolamine and choline are major components of the trypanosome membrane phospholipids, in the form of GPEtn (glycerophosphoethanolamine) and GPCho (glycerophosphocholine). Ethanolamine is also found as an integral component of the GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) anchor that is required for membrane attachment of cell-surface proteins, most notably the variant-surface glycoproteins. The de novo synthesis of GPEtn and GPCho starts with the generation of phosphoethanolamine and phosphocholine by ethanolamine and choline kinases via the Kennedy pathway. Database mining revealed two putative C/EKs (choline/ethanolamine kinases) in the Trypanosoma brucei genome, which were cloned, overexpressed, purified and characterized. TbEK1 (T. brucei ethanolamine kinase 1) was shown to be catalytically active as an ethanolamine-specific kinase, i.e. it had no choline kinase activity. The Km values for ethanolamine and ATP were found to be 18.4±0.9 and 219±29 μM respectively. TbC/EK2 (T. brucei choline/ethanolamine kinase 2), on the other hand, was found to be able to phosphorylate both ethanolamine and choline, even though choline was the preferred substrate, with a Km 80 times lower than that of ethanolamine. The Km values for choline, ethanolamine and ATP were 31.4±2.6 μM, 2.56±0.31 mM and 20.6±1.96 μM respectively. Further substrate specificity analysis revealed that both TbEK1 and TbC/EK2 were able to tolerate various modifications at the amino group, with the exception of a quaternary amine for TbEK1 (choline) and a primary amine for TbC/EK2 (ethanolamine). Both enzymes recognized analogues with substituents on C-2, but substitutions on C-1 and elongations of the carbon chain were not well tolerated.
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Azzouz S, Maache M, Sánchez-Moreno M, Petavy AF, Osuna A. Effect of alkyl-lysophospholipids on some aspects of the metabolism of Leishmania donovani. J Parasitol 2008; 93:1202-7. [PMID: 18163358 DOI: 10.1645/ge-1086r1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkyl-lysophospholipids (ALPs), developed initially to be antitumor agents, have proved highly effective in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, a disease caused by the species making up the protozoan complex Leishmania donovani. Although their effectiveness is known, the mode of action against this parasite is not completely understood. In the present work, we have studied the effect of 3 derivatives, edelfosine, miltefosine, and ilmofosine. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ('H-NMR), we have examined the excreted catabolites from glucose metabolism in the promastigote forms treated with these compounds. The ALPs at concentrations of 19 and 38 microM inhibit the excretion of acetate, succinate, and pyruvate. The effect of edelfosine, miltefosine, and ilmofosine on the activity of the enzymes hexokinase, glycerolkinase 3-PD, phosphoglucose isomerase, superoxide dismutase, and phospholipase C were also examined. Glycerolkinase 3-PD and phosphoglucose isomerase are generally insensitive to the compounds, whereas hexokinase and superoxide dismutase are inhibited by miltefosine and ilmofosine. The ALPs exhibited an activated effect against the phospholipase C activity. Alkyl-lysophospholipids were shown to have a significant effect on several enzymes in important biochemical pathways indispensable for the survival of L. donovani promasigotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Azzouz
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Sciences Campus Fuentenueva CP, Granada, Spain
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Granthon AC, Braga MV, Rodrigues JCF, Cammerer S, Lorente SO, Gilbert IH, Urbina JA, de Souza W. Alterations on the growth and ultrastructure of Leishmania chagasi induced by squalene synthase inhibitors. Vet Parasitol 2007; 146:25-34. [PMID: 17367936 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2006] [Revised: 12/13/2006] [Accepted: 12/24/2006] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an important disease in widely dispersed regions of the world. In South America, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is mainly caused by Leishmania chagasi. The morbidity associated with the infection is high, and death may occur in some untreated patients. Treatment has been based upon pentavalent antimonial drugs for more than half a century and problems, including development of resistance to antimonials and lack of efficacy against VL/HIV co-infections, have emphasized the need for new drugs. Squalene synthase (SQS) is an essential enzyme for the biosynthesis of protozoal sterol molecules. In this work, nineteen synthetic quinuclidines, potentially inhibitors of SQS, were tested against promastigote forms of L. chagasi and the IC50 values of the compounds were determined. The most active compounds had IC50 values of around 30 nM and induced complete growth arrest and cell lysis at sub-micromolar concentrations. We analyzed the morphological structure of the parasites treated with these compounds by transmission electron microscopy of thin sections. Treated parasites showed significant ultrastructural changes, which varied from discrete alterations to total destruction of the cells, depending on the drug concentration and the time of incubation. One important change observed was a typical swelling of the unique and highly branched mitochondrion, where the inner membrane lost its organization. There was an increase in the number of autophagosomal structures. Changes in the organization of the nuclear chromatin and alterations in the flagellar pocket and flagellar membrane were also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Granthon
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Bloco G-subsolo, Ilha do Fundão, CEP 21949-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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