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Davie T, Serrat X, Imhof L, Snider J, Štagljar I, Keiser J, Hirano H, Watanabe N, Osada H, Fraser AG. Identification of a family of species-selective complex I inhibitors as potential anthelmintics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3367. [PMID: 38719808 PMCID: PMC11079024 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47331-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are major pathogens infecting over a billion people. There are few classes of anthelmintics and there is an urgent need for new drugs. Many STHs use an unusual form of anaerobic metabolism to survive the hypoxic conditions of the host gut. This requires rhodoquinone (RQ), a quinone electron carrier. RQ is not made or used by vertebrate hosts making it an excellent therapeutic target. Here we screen 480 structural families of natural products to find compounds that kill Caenorhabditis elegans specifically when they require RQ-dependent metabolism. We identify several classes of compounds including a family of species-selective inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory complex I. These identified complex I inhibitors have a benzimidazole core and we determine key structural requirements for activity by screening 1,280 related compounds. Finally, we show several of these compounds kill adult STHs. We suggest these species-selective complex I inhibitors are potential anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Davie
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xènia Serrat
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lea Imhof
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4000, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jamie Snider
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Igor Štagljar
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences, Meštrovićevo Šetalište 45, HR-21000, Split, Croatia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4000, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hiroyuki Hirano
- Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Nobumoto Watanabe
- Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Osada
- Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
- Institute of Microbial Chemistry (BIKAKEN), 3-14-23 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141-0021, Japan
| | - Andrew G Fraser
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E1, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Schärer A, Biendl S, Keiser J. Trichuris muris egg-hatching assay for anthelminthic drug discovery and characterization. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 23:63-70. [PMID: 37856948 PMCID: PMC10590722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Trichuriasis is a neglected tropical disease widely distributed among tropical and sub-tropical areas and associated with poverty and lack of access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. Existing drugs have limited efficacy and face a constant risk of developing resistance, necessitating the search for alternative treatments. However, drug discovery efforts are sparse and little research has been performed on anthelminthic effects on embryonated eggs, the infectious life stage of Trichuris spp. We examined bacterial species dependent egg hatching of the murine model parasite Trichuris muris and identified Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter hormaechei effective as hatching inducers, resulting in hatching yields of 50-70%. Streptococcus salivarius, reported to be associated with reduced drug efficacy of ivermectin-albendazole coadministration in Trichuris trichiura infected patients, did not promote egg hatching in vitro. We optimized hatching conditions using E. coli grown in luria broth or brain-heart infusion media to reach consistently high hatching yields to provide a sensitive, robust and simple egg-hatching assay. Oxantel pamoate demonstrated the strongest potency in preventing hatching, with an EC50 value of 2-4 μM after 24 h, while pyrantel pamoate, levamisole and tribendimidine exhibited only moderate to weak inhibitory effects. Conversely, all tested benzimidazoles and macrolide anthelminthics as well as emodepside failed to prevent hatching (EC50 > 100 μM). Our study demonstrates that egg-hatching assays complement larval and adult stage drug sensitivity assays, to expand knowledge about effects of current anthelminthics on Trichuris spp. Further, the developed T. muris egg-hatching assay provides a simple and cheap screening tool that could potentially lead to the discovery of novel anthelminthic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Schärer
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Biendl
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland.
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Easland E, Biendl S, Keiser J. Development of a hookworm egg hatching assay to determine the ovicidal effects of anthelminthics. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:157. [PMID: 37143169 PMCID: PMC10161531 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05771-8] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few anthelminthics are currently available, manifesting the urgent need for new treatment options. In vitro profiling of current anthelminthics against larval and adult stage helminths displayed varying effects on closely related worm species and between life stages of the same species. Conversely, limited research has been performed on the egg stage of human hookworms, and the effects of investigational compounds on the egg stage are not routinely assessed. METHODS We profiled the development and hatching of Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus eggs isolated from rodent faeces in liquid media with various nutrient levels, osmolar concentrations, and acidities in dependence on incubation temperature and light exposure. Incubation conditions were optimised to allow the study of drug effect on immature and embryonated eggs. We analysed concentration-effect relationships of commercially available anthelminthics over 72 h. RESULTS Rapid embryonation and hatching were observed at room temperature with and without light exposure without nutrient supplementation in a wide range of acidities. Hookworms hatched optimally at room temperature in PBS achieving > 75% hatching over 34 h. Developmental delays were seen when eggs were stored at 4 °C with no effect on viability. Similar delays were also seen with increased osmolar concentrations resulting in decreased viability. Benzimidazole anthelminthics effectively reduced the viability and prevented hatching of hookworm eggs, with albendazole and thiabendazole eliciting particularly potent effects at EC50 values below 1 µM. Macrolide anthelminthics as well as emodepside, oxantel pamoate, and pyrantel pamoate were inactive while monepantel, levamisole, and tribendimidine displayed varied potencies among the hookworm species. CONCLUSION The presented egg-hatching assay will complement ongoing anthelminthic drug discovery and allow a full characterisation of drug activity against all life stages. In the development and application of the egg-hatching assay, good accordance was observed between the three hookworm species evaluated. Marketed anthelminthics show differences of drug action compared to larval and adult stages highlighting the importance of profiling drug activity against all life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Easland
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Biendl
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.
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Dube M, Raphane B, Sethebe B, Seputhe N, Tiroyakgosi T, Imming P, Häberli C, Keiser J, Arnold N, Andrae-Marobela K. Medicinal Plant Preparations Administered by Botswana Traditional Health Practitioners for Treatment of Worm Infections Show Anthelmintic Activities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2945. [PMID: 36365400 PMCID: PMC9658373 DOI: 10.3390/plants11212945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths are some of the priority neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) targeted for elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO). They are prevalent in Botswana and although Botswana has begun mass drug administration with the hope of eliminating soil-transmitted helminths as a public health problem, the prevalence of schistosomiasis does not meet the threshold required to warrant large-scale interventions. Although Botswana has a modern healthcare system, many people in Botswana rely on traditional medicine to treat worm infections and schistosomiasis. In this study, ten plant species used by traditional health practitioners against worm infections were collected and tested against Ancylostoma ceylanicum (zoonotic hookworm), Heligmosomoides polygyrus (roundworm of rodents), Necator americanus (New World hookworm), Schistosoma mansoni (blood fluke) [adult and newly transformed schistosomula (NTS)], Strongyloides ratti (threadworm) and Trichuris muris (nematode parasite of mice) in vitro. Extracts of two plants, Laphangium luteoalbum and Commiphora pyaracanthoides, displayed promising anthelmintic activity against NTS and adult S. mansoni, respectively. L. luteoalbum displayed 85.4% activity at 1 μg/mL against NTS, while C. pyracanthoides displayed 78.5% activity against adult S. mansoni at 10 μg/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mthandazo Dube
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Boingotlo Raphane
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 0022, Botswana
| | - Bongani Sethebe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 0022, Botswana
| | | | | | - Peter Imming
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Arnold
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kerstin Andrae-Marobela
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 0022, Botswana
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Taki AC, Wang T, Nguyen NN, Ang CS, Leeming MG, Nie S, Byrne JJ, Young ND, Zheng Y, Ma G, Korhonen PK, Koehler AV, Williamson NA, Hofmann A, Chang BCH, Häberli C, Keiser J, Jabbar A, Sleebs BE, Gasser RB. Thermal proteome profiling reveals Haemonchus orphan protein HCO_011565 as a target of the nematocidal small molecule UMW-868. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1014804. [PMID: 36313370 PMCID: PMC9616048 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1014804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic roundworms (nematodes) cause destructive diseases, and immense suffering in humans and other animals around the world. The control of these parasites relies heavily on anthelmintic therapy, but treatment failures and resistance to these drugs are widespread. As efforts to develop vaccines against parasitic nematodes have been largely unsuccessful, there is an increased focus on discovering new anthelmintic entities to combat drug resistant worms. Here, we employed thermal proteome profiling (TPP) to explore hit pharmacology and to support optimisation of a hit compound (UMW-868), identified in a high-throughput whole-worm, phenotypic screen. Using advanced structural prediction and docking tools, we inferred an entirely novel, parasite-specific target (HCO_011565) of this anthelmintic small molecule in the highly pathogenic, blood-feeding barber’s pole worm, and in other socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes. The “hit-to-target” workflow constructed here provides a unique prospect of accelerating the simultaneous discovery of novel anthelmintics and associated parasite-specific targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya C. Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nghi N. Nguyen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael G. Leeming
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph J. Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Neil D. Young
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Yuanting Zheng
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pasi K. Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anson V. Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Williamson
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bill C. H. Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Brad E. Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brad E. Sleebs, ; Robin B. Gasser,
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brad E. Sleebs, ; Robin B. Gasser,
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Roquini DB, Silva GL, Ferreira LLG, Andricopulo AD, Wilairatana P, De Moraes J. Susceptibility of Angiostrongylus cantonensis Larvae to Anthelmintic Drugs. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:901459. [PMID: 35800438 PMCID: PMC9255552 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.901459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human helminthiasis affects approximately one in five people in the world and disproportionally affects the poorest and most deprived communities. Human angiostrongyliasis, caused by nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is a neglected emerging disease with escalating importance worldwide. Chemotherapy is the main control method for helminthiasis, but the therapeutic arsenal is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the antiparasitic and molecular properties of the major available anthelmintic drugs against A. cantonensis in vitro. The first-stage larvae (L1), isolated from feces of an A. cantonensis-infected rat, were exposed to a set of 12 anthelmintic drugs in vitro. The larvae were monitored, and the concentration- and time-dependent viability alterations were determined. From 12 anthelmintic drugs, six (ivermectin, salamectin, moxidectin, pyrantel pamoate, albendazole and levamisole) were identified to affect the viability of A. cantonensis. The macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin, salamectin, moxidectin) and the imidazothiazole levamisole, were the most effective drugs, with IC50 ranging from 2.2 to 2.9 µM and a rapid onset of action. Albendazole, the most widely used anthelmintic in humans, had a slower onset of action, but an IC50 of 11.3 µM was achieved within 24 h. Molecular properties studies suggest that a less lipophilic character and low molecular weight could be favorable for the biological activity of the non-macrocyclic molecules. Collectively, our study revealed that macrocyclic lactones, levamisole, pyrantel pamoate, and albendazole are important anthelmintic agents against A. cantonensis. The results of this in vitro study also suggest that A. cantonensis L1 may be a particularly sensitive and useful model for anthelmintic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Roquini
- Center for Neglected Diseases Research, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | - Gabriel L. Silva
- Center for Neglected Diseases Research, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | - Leonardo L. G. Ferreira
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Center for Research and Innovation in Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Physics Institute of Sao Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Adriano D. Andricopulo
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Center for Research and Innovation in Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Physics Institute of Sao Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Polrat Wilairatana, ; Josué De Moraes,
| | - Josué De Moraes
- Center for Neglected Diseases Research, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Polrat Wilairatana, ; Josué De Moraes,
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Dube M, Llanes D, Saoud M, Rennert R, Imming P, Häberli C, Keiser J, Arnold N. Albatrellus confluens (Alb. & Schwein.) Kotl. & Pouz.: Natural Fungal Compounds and Synthetic Derivatives with In Vitro Anthelmintic Activities and Antiproliferative Effects against Two Human Cancer Cell Lines. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27092950. [PMID: 35566312 PMCID: PMC9100200 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases affect the world's poorest populations with soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis being among the most prevalent ones. Mass drug administration is currently the most important control measure, but the use of the few available drugs is giving rise to increased resistance of the parasites to the drugs. Different approaches are needed to come up with new therapeutic agents against these helminths. Fungi are a source of secondary metabolites, but most fungi remain largely uninvestigated as anthelmintics. In this report, the anthelmintic activity of Albatrellus confluens against Caenorhabditis elegans was investigated using bio-assay guided isolation. Grifolin (1) and neogrifolin (2) were identified as responsible for the anthelmintic activity. Derivatives 4-6 were synthesized to investigate the effect of varying the prenyl chain length on anthelmintic activity. The isolated compounds 1 and 2 and synthetic derivatives 4-6, as well as their educts 7-10, were tested against Schistosoma mansoni (adult and newly transformed schistosomula), Strongyloides ratti, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Necator americanus, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Prenyl-2-orcinol (4) and geranylgeranyl-2-orcinol (6) showed promising activity against newly transformed schistosomula. The compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 were also screened for antiproliferative or cytotoxic activity against two human cancer lines, viz. prostate adenocarcinoma cells (PC-3) and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29). Compound 6 was determined to be the most effective against both cell lines with IC50 values of 16.1 µM in PC-3 prostate cells and 33.7 µM in HT-29 colorectal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mthandazo Dube
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.D.); (D.L.); (M.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Dayma Llanes
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.D.); (D.L.); (M.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Mohamad Saoud
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.D.); (D.L.); (M.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Robert Rennert
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.D.); (D.L.); (M.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Peter Imming
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.H.); (J.K.)
- University of Basel, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (C.H.); (J.K.)
- University of Basel, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Arnold
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.D.); (D.L.); (M.S.); (R.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-345-5582-1310
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Keiser J, Häberli C. Assessment of FDA-approved drugs against Strongyloides ratti in vitro and in vivo to identify potentially active drugs against strongyloidiasis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:615. [PMID: 34949209 PMCID: PMC8705154 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05117-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections with Strongyloides stercoralis belong to the most neglected helminth diseases, and research and development (R&D) efforts on novel drugs are inadequate. METHODS A commercially available library containing 1600 FDA-approved drugs was tested in vitro against Strongyloides ratti larvae (L3) at 100 µM. Hits (activity > 70%) were then evaluated against S. ratti adult worms at 10 µM. Morantel, prasterone, and levamisole were tested in the S. ratti rat model using dosages of 1-100 mg/kg. RESULTS Seventy-one of the 1600 compounds tested against S. ratti L3 revealed activity above 70%. Of 64 compounds which progressed into the adult screen, seven compounds achieved death of all worms (benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, Gentian violet, methylbenzethonium chloride, morantel citrate, ivermectin, coumaphos), and another eight compounds had activity > 70%. Excluding topical and toxic compounds, three drugs progressed into in vivo studies. Prasterone lacked activity in vivo, while treatment with 100 mg/kg morantel and levamisole cured all rats. The highest in vivo activity was observed with levamisole, yielding a median effective dose (ED50) of 1.1 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS Using a drug repurposing approach, our study identified levamisole as a potential backup drug for strongyloidiasis. Levamisole should be evaluated in exploratory clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
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Dube M, Saoud M, Rennert R, Fotso GW, Andrae-Marobela K, Imming P, Häberli C, Keiser J, Arnold N. Anthelmintic Activity and Cytotoxic Effects of Compounds Isolated from the Fruits of Ozoroa insignis Del. (Anacardiaceae). Biomolecules 2021; 11:1893. [PMID: 34944537 PMCID: PMC8699734 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ozoroa insignis Del. is an ethnobotanical plant widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including schistosomiasis, tapeworm, and hookworm infections. From the so far not investigated fruits of Ozoroa insignis, the anthelmintic principles could be isolated through bioassay-guided isolation using Caenorhabditis elegans and identified by NMR spectroscopic analysis and mass spectrometric studies. Isolated 6-[8(Z)-pentadecenyl] anacardic (1), 6-[10(Z)-heptadecenyl] anacardic acid (2), and 3-[7(Z)-pentadecenyl] phenol (3) were evaluated against the 5 parasitic organisms Schistosoma mansoni (adult and newly transformed schistosomula), Strongyloides ratti, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Necator americanus, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum, which mainly infect humans and other mammals. Compounds 1-3 showed good activity against Schistosoma mansoni, with compound 1 showing the best activity against newly transformed schistosomula with 50% activity at 1µM. The isolated compounds were also evaluated for their cytotoxic properties against PC-3 (human prostate adenocarcinoma) and HT-29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma) cell lines, whereby compounds 2 and 3 showed antiproliferative activity in both cancer cell lines, while compound 1 exhibited antiproliferative activity only on PC-3 cells. With an IC50 value of 43.2 µM, compound 3 was found to be the most active of the 3 investigated compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mthandazo Dube
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.D.); (M.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Mohamad Saoud
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.D.); (M.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Robert Rennert
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.D.); (M.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Ghislain Wabo Fotso
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé P.O. Box 812, Cameroon;
| | - Kerstin Andrae-Marobela
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 0022, Botswana;
| | - Peter Imming
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; (C.H.); (J.K.)
- University of Basel, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; (C.H.); (J.K.)
- University of Basel, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Arnold
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (M.D.); (M.S.); (R.R.)
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Population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model of oxfendazole in healthy adults in a multiple ascending dose and food effect study and target attainment analysis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 66:e0143221. [PMID: 34606333 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01432-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxfendazole is a potent veterinary antiparasitic drug undergoing development for human use to treat multiple parasitic infections. Results from two recently completed Phase I clinical trials conducted in healthy adults showed that the pharmacokinetics of oxfendazole is nonlinear, affected by food, and, after the administration of repeated doses, appeared to mildly affect hemoglobin concentrations. To facilitate oxfendazole dose optimization for its use in patient populations, the relationship among oxfendazole dose, pharmacokinetics and hemoglobin concentration was quantitatively characterized using population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling. In fasting subjects, oxfendazole pharmacokinetics was well described by a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination. The change in oxfendazole pharmacokinetics when administered following a fatty meal was captured by an absorption model with one transit compartment and increased bioavailability. The effect of oxfendazole exposure on hemoglobin concentration in healthy adults was characterized by a lifespan indirect response model in which oxfendazole has positive but minor inhibitory effect on red blood cell synthesis. Further simulation indicated that oxfendazole has a low risk of posing a safety concern regarding hemoglobin concentration, even at a high oxfendazole dose of 60 mg/kg once daily. The final model was further used to perform comprehensive target attainment simulations for whipworm infection and filariasis at various dose regimens and target attainment criteria. The results of our modeling work, when adopted appropriately, have the potential to greatly facilitate oxfendazole dose regimen optimization in patient populations with different types of parasitic infections.
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11
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Palmeirim MS, Specht S, Scandale I, Gander-Meisterernst I, Chabicovsky M, Keiser J. Preclinical and Clinical Characteristics of the Trichuricidal Drug Oxantel Pamoate and Clinical Development Plans: A Review. Drugs 2021; 81:907-921. [PMID: 33929716 PMCID: PMC8144136 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01505-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura) infect about one-fifth of the world's population. The currently available drugs are all highly efficacious against A. lumbricoides. However, they are only moderately efficacious against hookworm and poorly efficacious against T. trichiura. Oxantel, a tetrahydropyrimidine derivative discovered in the 1970s, has recently been brought back to our attention given its high efficacy against T. trichiura infections (estimated 76% cure rate and 85% egg reduction rate at a 20 mg/kg dose). This review summarizes the current knowledge on oxantel pamoate and its use against T. trichiura infections in humans. Oxantel pamoate acts locally in the human gastrointestinal tract and binds to the parasite's nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), leading to a spastic paralysis of the worm and subsequent expulsion. The drug is metabolically stable, shows low permeability and low systemic bioavailability after oral use. Oxantel pamoate was found to be safe in humans, with only a few mild adverse events reported. Several clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of this drug against T. trichiura and suggest that oxantel pamoate is more efficacious against T. trichiura than the currently recommended drugs, which makes it a strong asset to the depleted drug armamentarium and could help delay or even prevent the development of resistance to existing drugs. We highlight existing data to support the use of oxantel pamoate against T. trichiura infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta S Palmeirim
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Specht
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, 15 Chemin Louis-Dunant, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, 15 Chemin Louis-Dunant, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Monika Chabicovsky
- MC Toxicology Consulting GmbH, Siebensterngasse 31/8, 1070, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.
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