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Król G, Fortunka K, Majchrzak M, Piktel E, Paprocka P, Mańkowska A, Lesiak A, Karasiński M, Strzelecka A, Durnaś B, Bucki R. Metallic Nanoparticles and Core-Shell Nanosystems in the Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prevention of Parasitic Diseases. Pathogens 2023; 12:838. [PMID: 37375528 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The usage of nanotechnology in the fight against parasitic diseases is in the early stages of development, but it brings hopes that this new field will provide a solution to target the early stages of parasitosis, compensate for the lack of vaccines for most parasitic diseases, and also provide new treatment options for diseases in which parasites show increased resistance to current drugs. The huge physicochemical diversity of nanomaterials developed so far, mainly for antibacterial and anti-cancer therapies, requires additional studies to determine their antiparasitic potential. When designing metallic nanoparticles (MeNPs) and specific nanosystems, such as complexes of MeNPs, with the shell of attached drugs, several physicochemical properties need to be considered. The most important are: size, shape, surface charge, type of surfactants that control their dispersion, and shell molecules that should assure specific molecular interaction with targeted molecules of parasites' cells. Therefore, it can be expected that the development of antiparasitic drugs using strategies provided by nanotechnology and the use of nanomaterials for diagnostic purposes will soon provide new and effective methods of antiparasitic therapy and effective diagnostic tools that will improve the prevention and reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Król
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Kamila Fortunka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Michał Majchrzak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Independent Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2B, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Paulina Paprocka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Angelika Mańkowska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Agata Lesiak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Maciej Karasiński
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Strzelecka
- Department of Public Health , Institute of Health Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Bonita Durnaś
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, IX Wieków Kielc 19A, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
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In vitro activity of N-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline-2-amines against tachyzoites and bradyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 50:116467. [PMID: 34666274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondiiis an apicomplexan parasite, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, a common disease in the world. Toxoplasmosis could be severe, especially in immunocompromised patients. The current therapy is limited, where pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine are the best choices despite being associated with side effects and ineffective against the bradyzoites, the parasitic form present during the chronic phase of the infection. Thus, new therapies against both tachyzoites and bradyzoites from T. gondii are urgent. Herein, we present the anti-T. gondii effect of 1,10-phenanthroline and its N-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline-2-amine derivatives. The chemical modification of 1,10-phenanthroline tonew derivatives improved the anti-T. gondiiactivity 3.4 fold. The most active derivative presented ED50in the nanomolar range, the smallest value found was for Ph8, 0.1 µM for 96 h of treatment. The host cell viability was maintained after the treatment with the compounds, which were found to be highly selective presenting large selectivity indexes. Treatment with derivatives for 96 h was able to eliminate the T. gondii infection irreversibly. The ultrastructural alterations caused after the treatment with the most effective derivative (Ph8) included signs of cell death, specifically revealed by the Tunel assay for detection of DNA fragmentation. The Phen derivatives were also able to control the growth of the in vitro-derived bradyzoite forms of T. gondii EGS strain, causing its lysis and death. These findings promote the 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives as potential lead compounds for the development of a treatment for acute and chronic phases of toxoplasmosis.
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Repurposing auranofin for treatment of Experimental Cerebral Toxoplasmosis. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:827-836. [PMID: 33555553 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00337-z] [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: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSES Evaluate the effect of auranofin on the early and late stages of chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii avirulent ME49 strain. METHODS Swiss albino mice were orally inoculated with 10 cysts of Toxoplasma gondii, and orally treated with auranofin or septazole in daily doses of 20 mg/kg or 100 mg /kg, respectively, for 30 days. Treatment began either on the same day of infection and mice were sacrificed at the 60th day postinfection or the treatment started after 60 days of infection and mice were sacrificed at the 90th day postinfection. RESULTS Auranofin significantly reduced the brain cyst burden and inflammatory reaction at both stages of infection compared to the infected non-treated control. More remarkably, auranofin significant reduced the brain cyst burden in the late stage, while septazole failed. Hydrogen peroxide level was significantly increased in the brain homogenate of mice treated with auranofin only at the early stage of infection. Ultrastructral studies revealed that the anti-Toxoplasma effect of auranofin is achieved by changing the membrane permeability and inducing apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Thus, auranofin could be an alternative for the standard treatment regimen of toxoplasmosis and these results are considered another achievement for the drug against parasitic infection. Being a FDA-approved drug, it can be rapidly evaluated in clinical trials.
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Hamed EFA, Mostafa NE, Fawzy EM, Ibrahim MN, Attia R, Salama MA. The delayed death-causing nature of Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extracts and their mixture within experimental chronic toxoplasmosis: Therapeutic and prophylactic implications. Acta Trop 2021; 221:105992. [PMID: 34089696 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The restricted effect, significant toxicity, and emerging resistance of anti-toxoplasmosis synthetic agents impose the search for alternatives. The current research aimed to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Rosmarinus officinalis extracts and their mixtures against chronic murine toxoplasmosis and to clarify the phenomenon of delayed death. METHODS This research included two experimental designs, the first to test the preventive and curative efficacy of the extracts and the second to assess delayed death in mice infected with the ME49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii. The essential oils of the plant were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS Treatment with a mixture of rosemary extracts displayed reduction rates of 81% for T. gondii cyst burden and 23% for cyst viability. The reinfected group with the pretreated cysts reported 93.4% reduction in cyst burden and 95.4% in cyst viability. Moreover, 90% reduction of the infectivity rate was obtained. The therapeutic efficacy of this mixture was superior to its valuable prophylactic effect. Histopathological examination of liver and brain tissue exhibited marked improvement. Both extracts possess free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities evidenced by high expression of iNOS stain. Our results were signified by low BAG-1 gene expression and massive mutilation of T. gondii cyst in the targeted group using scanning electron microscopy. Analysis of R. officinalis revealed the presence of isobornylformate as a novel ingredient. CONCLUSIONS R. officinalis displays a therapeutic rather than prophylactic potential, indicating the emergence of an effective safe alternative therapy.
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Moreira Souza AC, Grabe-Guimarães A, Cruz JDS, Santos-Miranda A, Farah C, Teixeira Oliveira L, Lucas A, Aimond F, Sicard P, Mosqueira VCF, Richard S. Mechanisms of artemether toxicity on single cardiomyocytes and protective effect of nanoencapsulation. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:4448-4463. [PMID: 32608017 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The artemisinin derivative, artemether, has antimalarial activity with potential neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects. Artemether in nanocapsules (NC-ATM) is more efficient than free artemether for reducing parasitaemia and increasing survival of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. NCs also prevent prolongation of the QT interval of the ECG. Here, we assessed cellular cardiotoxicity of artemether and how this toxicity was prevented by nanoencapsulation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mice were treated with NC-ATM orally (120 mg·kg-1 twice daily) for 4 days. Other mice received free artemether, blank NCs, and vehicle for comparison. We measured single-cell contraction, intracellular Ca2+ transient using fluorescent Indo-1AM Ca2+ dye, and electrical activity using the patch-clamp technique in freshly isolated left ventricular myocytes. The acute effect of free artemether was also tested on cardiomyocytes of untreated animals. KEY RESULTS Artemether prolonged action potentials (AP) upon acute exposure (at 0.1, 1, and 10 μM) of cardiomyocytes from untreated mice or after in vivo treatment. This prolongation was unrelated to blockade of K+ currents, increased Ca2+ currents or promotion of a sustained Na+ current. AP lengthening was abolished by the NCX inhibitor SEA-0400. Artemether promoted irregular Ca2+ transients during pacing and spontaneous Ca2+ events during resting periods. NC-ATM prevented all effects. Blank NCs had no effects compared with vehicle. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Artemether induced NCX-dependent AP lengthening (explaining QTc prolongation) and disrupted Ca2+ handling, both effects increasing pro-arrhythmogenic risks. NCs prevented these adverse effects, providing a safe alternative to the use of artemether alone, especially to treat malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Moreira Souza
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program (CiPharma), Pharmacy School, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrea Grabe-Guimarães
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program (CiPharma), Pharmacy School, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jader Dos Santos Cruz
- Department of Immunology and Biochemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Artur Santos-Miranda
- Department of Immunology and Biochemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Charlotte Farah
- Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Liliam Teixeira Oliveira
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program (CiPharma), Pharmacy School, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandre Lucas
- Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), Inserm/Université Paul Sabatier UMR1048, Toulouse, France
| | - Franck Aimond
- Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Sicard
- Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Vanessa Carla Furtado Mosqueira
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program (CiPharma), Pharmacy School, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sylvain Richard
- Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
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Chorlton SD. Adjunctive bradyzoite-directed therapy for reducing complications of congenital toxoplasmosis. Med Hypotheses 2019; 133:109376. [PMID: 31472369 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by in utero infection of the fetus with the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Upon infection, the parasite forms life-long cysts in fetal brain and eyes which are resistant to the currently accepted therapy of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. These cysts commonly reactivate later in life causing chorioretinitis and visual impairment, and rarely cause neurological complications. I hypothesize that adjunctive, bradyzoite-directed therapies have the potential to alleviate a significant burden of disease by reducing cyst burden in neonatal brain and eyes. Atovaquone is perhaps the most promising drug for further evaluation given its low side-effect profile, established safety, and efficacy in animal models reducing cyst burden. Very limited observational data in humans suggests atovaquone may prevent Toxoplasma-associated chorioretinitis recurrence. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate it and other potential drugs as adjunctive treatment in congenital toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Chorlton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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El-Kowrany SI, El Ghaffar AESA, Shoheib ZS, Mady RF, Gamea GAM. Evaluation of nitazoxanide as a novel drug for the treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Acta Trop 2019; 195:145-154. [PMID: 30986380 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a widespread, neglected disease with significant morbidity and mortality. In search of an effective treatment, nitazoxanide (NTZ) was evaluated in the treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in experimental mice. For this purpose, mice were infected with 20 cysts (acute infection model) or 10 cysts (chronic infection model) of Toxoplasma gondii (ME 49 strain). Treated mice received NTZ (at doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg), starting from the third day (acute model) or the fifth week (chronic model) post-infection, which continued for 14 consecutive days. The effects of NTZ were evaluated in comparison to the pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine combination. Evaluation included mortality rates, brain cyst count, inflammatory scoring and immunological studies. The latter included estimation of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In the acute infection model, NTZ at 100 and 150 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of brain cysts by 78 and 87% compared to the infected untreated controls and reduced the mortality rate to 24 and 20%, respectively, compared with 44% in the infected untreated control. In the chronic infection model, cyst reduction reached 32 and 38% for 100 and 150 mg/kg NTZ treatments, respectively. NTZ was significantly able to reduce inflammation caused by acute and chronic T. gondii infection with slight necrosis and few infiltrating mononuclear cells. Additionally, the immunological analysis revealed that NTZ significantly increased the production of serum IFN-γ and enhanced iNOS production in brain tissue, suggesting an immunomodulatory role for the drug. Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that NTZ is a potential drug for the treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Montazeri M, Mehrzadi S, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Shahdin S, Daryani A. Activities of anti-Toxoplasma drugs and compounds against tissue cysts in the last three decades (1987 to 2017), a systematic review. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3045-3057. [PMID: 30088074 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6027-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is no approved therapy that can eradicate Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts, which are responsible for chronic infection. This systematic review was performed to assess drugs or compounds that can be used as anti-T. gondii tissue cysts in vitro and in vivo. English electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for articles published up to 2017. A total of 55 papers published from 1987 to 2017 were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. Among the drugs, atovaquone and azithromycin were found effective after long-term inoculation into mice; however, clinical cases of resistance to these drugs have been reported. Also, FR235222, QUI-11, tanshinone IIA, and hydroxyzine were shown to be effective against Toxoplasma cysts, but their effectiveness in vivo remains unknown. Additionally, compound 32, endochin-like quinolones, miltefosine, and guanabenz can be used as effective antiparasitic with the unique ability to reduce brain tissue cysts in chronically infected mice. Importantly, these antimicrobial agents are significant criteria for drug candidates. Future studies should focus on the biology and drug susceptibility of the cyst form of T. gondii in chronic toxoplasmosis patients to find more effective strategies that have sterilizing activity for eliminating T. gondii tissue cysts from the host, preventing disease relapse and potentially shortening the required duration of drug administration. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbobeh Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic AZAD University, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, PC 48168-95475, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Shahdin
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, PC 48168-95475, Iran.
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Azami SJ, Amani A, Keshavarz H, Najafi-Taher R, Mohebali M, Faramarzi MA, Mahmoudi M, Shojaee S. Nanoemulsion of atovaquone as a promising approach for treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 117:138-146. [PMID: 29452213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2018.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of toxoplasmosis is necessary in congenital form and immunocompromised patients. Atovaquone is a powerful suppressor of protozoan parasites with a broad-spectrum activity, but an extremely low water solubility and bioavailability. In this study, nanoemulsion of this drug was prepared with grape seed oil using spontaneous emulsification method to increase bioavailability and efficacy of atovaquone for treatment of toxoplasmosis. In vitro activity of atovaquone nanoemulsion against T. gondii, RH and Tehran strains, was assessed in HeLa cell culture. For in vivo assessment, BALB/c mice were infected with RH and Tehran strains and then treated with nanoemulsion of atovaquone, compared to that treated with free atovaquone. Concentration of atovaquone nanoemulsion showed in vitro anti-parasitic effects in both strains of T. gondii. Furthermore, oral administration of atovaquone nanoemulsion increased oral bioavailability, tissue distribution and mice survival time and reduced parasitemia and number and size of the brain cysts. Decrease of cyst numbers was verified by down regulation of BAG1 using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) assay. Effective therapeutic activity of atovaquone at a reduced dose is the major achievement of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Amani
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roqya Najafi-Taher
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Faramarzi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Mahmoudi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Assolini JP, Concato VM, Gonçalves MD, Carloto ACM, Conchon-Costa I, Pavanelli WR, Melanda FN, Costa IN. Nanomedicine advances in toxoplasmosis: diagnostic, treatment, and vaccine applications. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1603-1615. [PMID: 28477099 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5458-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii that affects about one third of the world's population. The diagnosis of this disease is carried out by parasite isolation and host antibodies detection. However, the diagnosis presents problems in regard to test sensitivity and specificity. Currently, the most effective T. gondii treatment is a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, although both drugs are toxic to the host. In addition to the problems that compromise the effective diagnosis and treatment of toxoplasmosis, there are no reports or indications of any vaccine capable of fully protecting against this infection. Nanomaterials, smaller than 1000 nm, are currently being investigated as an alternative tool in the management of T. gondii infection. This article reviews how recent nanotechnology advances indicate the utility of nanomaterials in toxoplasmosis diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Paulo Assolini
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Virginia Márcia Concato
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Manoela Daiele Gonçalves
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Francine Nesello Melanda
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Idessania Nazareth Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. .,Departamento de Ciências Patológicas - Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina-UEL, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR, 86051-990, Brazil.
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Curtis C, Zhang M, Liao R, Wood T, Nance E. Systems-level thinking for nanoparticle-mediated therapeutic delivery to neurological diseases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 9. [PMID: 27562224 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurological diseases account for 13% of the global burden of disease. As a result, treating these diseases costs $750 billion a year. Nanotechnology, which consists of small (~1-100 nm) but highly tailorable platforms, can provide significant opportunities for improving therapeutic delivery to the brain. Nanoparticles can increase drug solubility, overcome the blood-brain and brain penetration barriers, and provide timed release of a drug at a site of interest. Many researchers have successfully used nanotechnology to overcome individual barriers to therapeutic delivery to the brain, yet no platform has translated into a standard of care for any neurological disease. The challenge in translating nanotechnology platforms into clinical use for patients with neurological disease necessitates a new approach to: (1) collect information from the fields associated with understanding and treating brain diseases and (2) apply that information using scalable technologies in a clinically-relevant way. This approach requires systems-level thinking to integrate an understanding of biological barriers to therapeutic intervention in the brain with the engineering of nanoparticle material properties to overcome those barriers. To demonstrate how a systems perspective can tackle the challenge of treating neurological diseases using nanotechnology, this review will first present physiological barriers to drug delivery in the brain and common neurological disease hallmarks that influence these barriers. We will then analyze the design of nanotechnology platforms in preclinical in vivo efficacy studies for treatment of neurological disease, and map concepts for the interaction of nanoparticle physicochemical properties and pathophysiological hallmarks in the brain. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1422. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1422 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Curtis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mengying Zhang
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rick Liao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas Wood
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elizabeth Nance
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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El-Zawawy LA, El-Said D, Mossallam SF, Ramadan HS, Younis SS. Preventive prospective of triclosan and triclosan-liposomal nanoparticles against experimental infection with a cystogenic ME49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii. Acta Trop 2015; 141:103-11. [PMID: 25305510 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The preventative effect of triclosan (TS) and TS liposomal nanoparticles was studied on the early establishment of chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Swiss albino mice were orally infected with 10 cysts of avirulent ME49 strain of T. gondii, and 2 weeks later they were orally treated with dual daily doses of 200mg/kg and 120 mg/kg TS and TS liposomes for 30 days; respectively. Effect of TS and TS liposomes was parasitologically and ultrastructurally evaluated, versus infected non-treated control. Their safety was biochemically assessed. Parasitologically, both TS and TS liposomes induced significant reduction in mice mortality, brain parasite burden and infectivity of cysts obtained from the brains of treated mice. Ultrastructurally, scanning electron microscopy of cysts obtained from infected mice treated with either TS or TS liposomes showed surface irregularities, protrusions and depressions. Transmission electron microscopy revealed disintegration of the cyst wall and vacuolation of the bradyzoites with disintegration of plasma membranes of both cysts and bradyzoites whether treated with TS or TS liposomes. Biochemical study reflected the safety of the TS and TS liposomes. Therefore, TS proved an effective, promising and safe preventive drug against early establishment of chronic toxoplasmosis. Loading TS on liposomes marginally enhanced its efficacy against T. gondii cysts yet allowed its use in a lower dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lobna A El-Zawawy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Doaa El-Said
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Shereen F Mossallam
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Heba S Ramadan
- Medical Bio-Physics Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Salwa S Younis
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
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Borhade V, Pathak S, Sharma S, Patravale V. Formulation and characterization of atovaquone nanosuspension for improved oral delivery in the treatment of malaria. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2014; 9:649-66. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.13.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The objective of the present study was to develop an atovaquone (ATQ) nanosuspension and evaluate its ability to improve the pharmacokinetic and therapeutic efficacy on oral administration. Materials & methods: The ATQ nanosuspension was prepared by a combination of microprecipitation and high-pressure homogenization. It was freeze dried and characterized for various physiochemical properties. In vivo pharmacokinetics was performed in rats whereas antimalarial efficacy was assessed in mice using a 4-day suppressive test. Results: The ATQ nanosuspension stabilized with Solutol® HS 15 (BASF India Ltd, Mumbai, India) and Capryol™ 90 (Gattefosse, Mumbai, India) exhibited a z-average diameter of 371.50 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.19. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated no substantial changes in the crystalline state of ATQ nanocrystals. The aqueous solubility and in vitro dissolution rate were significantly increased by reducing the particle size. An in vivo pharmacokinetics study of the nanosuspension compared with a drug suspension and Malarone® (GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, UK) exhibited an approximately 4.6–3.2-fold improvement in area under plasma concentration. A significant increase in Cmax and decrease in time to reach peak plasma concentration after administration was also observed. ATQ in nanosized form, even at one-quarter lower doses, exhibited greater reduction in parasitemia and prolonged survival compared with its reference formulations. Conclusion: Results of this pilot study highlight the potential of nanosuspension as an efficient and commercially viable strategy for improving delivery of ATQ for malaria treatment. Original submitted 1 August 2011; Revised submitted 2 February 2013
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Borhade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N.P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sulabha Pathak
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shobhona Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vandana Patravale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N.P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, Maharashtra, India
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Pissinate K, dos Santos Martins-Duarte É, Schaffazick SR, de Oliveira CP, Vommaro RC, Guterres SS, Pohlmann AR, de Souza W. Pyrimethamine-loaded lipid-core nanocapsules to improve drug efficacy for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:555-64. [PMID: 24292545 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3715-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We propose an innovative product based on the nanoencapsulation of pyrimethamine (PYR), aiming an improvement of drug efficacy for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. The in vitro cytotoxicity effect of encapsulated PYR and PYR-colloidal suspension was concomitantly evaluated against LLC-MK2 lineage and mouse peritoneal macrophage showing that the cells had similar tolerance for both PYR encapsulated or in the aqueous suspension. CF1 mice acutely infected with tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain treated with different doses (5.0-10 mg/kg/day) of PYR-nanocapsules had survival rate higher than the animals treated with the same doses of non-encapsulated PYR. Thus, encapsulation of PYR improved the efficacy of this drug against an acute model of toxoplasmosis in mice and can be considered an alternative for reducing the dose of PYR, which, in turn, could also reduce the side effects associated to the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenia Pissinate
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
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15
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Robert-Gangneux F, Dardé ML. Epidemiology of and diagnostic strategies for toxoplasmosis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2012; 25:264-96. [PMID: 22491772 PMCID: PMC3346298 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.05013-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 983] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii was discovered a little over 100 years ago, but knowledge of its biological life cycle and its medical importance has grown in the last 40 years. This obligate intracellular parasite was identified early as a pathogen responsible for congenital infection, but its clinical expression and the importance of reactivations of infections in immunocompromised patients were recognized later, in the era of organ transplantation and HIV infection. Recent knowledge of host cell-parasite interactions and of parasite virulence has brought new insights into the comprehension of the pathophysiology of infection. In this review, we focus on epidemiological and diagnostic aspects, putting them in perspective with current knowledge of parasite genotypes. In particular, we provide critical information on diagnostic methods according to the patient's background and discuss the implementation of screening tools for congenital toxoplasmosis according to health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Robert-Gangneux
- Service de Parasitologie, Faculté de Médecine et Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.
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16
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Cyclodextrin/poly(anhydride) nanoparticles as drug carriers for the oral delivery of atovaquone. Biomed Microdevices 2011; 13:1015-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-011-9571-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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17
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Haas SE, Bettoni CC, de Oliveira LK, Guterres SS, Dalla Costa T. Nanoencapsulation increases quinine antimalarial efficacy against Plasmodium berghei in vivo. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2009; 34:156-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2009.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2008] [Revised: 02/12/2009] [Accepted: 02/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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18
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Shubar HM, Dunay IR, Lachenmaier S, Dathe M, Bushrab FN, Mauludin R, Müller RH, Fitzner R, Borner K, Liesenfeld O. The role of apolipoprotein E in uptake of atovaquone into the brain in murine acute and reactivated toxoplasmosis. J Drug Target 2009; 17:257-67. [DOI: 10.1080/10611860902718680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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19
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LITERATURE ALERTS. J Microencapsul 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/026520499288997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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20
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Delie F, Blanco-Príeto MJ. Polymeric particulates to improve oral bioavailability of peptide drugs. Molecules 2005; 10:65-80. [PMID: 18007277 PMCID: PMC6147556 DOI: 10.3390/10010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2004] [Accepted: 07/07/2004] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral administration remains the most convenient way of delivering drugs. Recent advances in biotechnology have produced highly potent new molecules such as peptides, proteins and nucleic acids. Due to their sensitivity to chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis as well as a poor cellular uptake, their oral bioavailability remains very low. Despite sophisticated new delivery systems, the development of a satisfactory oral formulation remains a challenge. Among the possible strategies to improve the absorption of drugs, micro- and nanoparticles represent an exciting approach to enhance the uptake and transport of orally administered molecules. Increasing attention has been paid to their potential use as carriers for peptide drugs for oral administration. This article reviews the most common manufacturing methods for polymeric particles and the physiology of particle absorption from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In a second part, the use of polymeric particulate systems to improve the oral absorption of insulin is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Delie
- School of Pharmacy, 30, Quai E. Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland, Phone: (+41) 22 379 6573, Fax: (+41) 22 379 6567, E-mail:
| | - María José Blanco-Príeto
- Centro Galénico, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Universidad de Navarra; Ap. 177, 31080 – Pamplona, Spain, Phone: (+34) 948 42 56 00, Fax: (+34) 948 42 56 49
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; e-mail:
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Cauchetier E, Paul M, Rivollet D, Fessi H, Astier A, Deniau M. Therapeutic evaluation of free and nanocapsule-encapsulated atovaquone in the treatment of murine visceral leishmaniasis. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2003; 97:259-68. [PMID: 12803857 DOI: 10.1179/000349803235001840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The activities of free atovaquone (ATV) and of poly(D,L-lactide) nanocapsules loaded with the drug, in the treatment of mice with visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum, were compared. Each mouse was infected intravenously with 2x10(7) promastigotes, on day 0. On days 15, 17 and 19, most of the infected mice were treated either with free ATV, in a dimethylsulphoxide/cremophor/water mixture, or with the ATV-loaded nanocapsules (at, respectively, 0.2-1.6 and 0.125-1.0 mg ATV/kg, on each treatment day). The rest of the mice were left untreated, as controls. All the mice were killed on day 21 and dissected so that their livers and spleens could be weighed. The liver parasite burdens, evaluated using the Stauber method, indicated that the ATV-loaded nanocapsules were significantly more effective than the free drug. In nanocapsules, for example, a total dose of 3.0 mg ATV/kg reduced liver burdens by 71.3%, whereas treatment with a higher total dose of the free drug (4.8 mg/kg) only cut the number of liver parasites by 34.4%. The dose-response data indicated that livers would have been cleared of parasites if the nanocapsule preparation had been given as three doses each equivalent to 3 mg ATV/kg, whereas the maximum suppression possible with the free drug would have been about 61%, whatever the dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cauchetier
- Laboratoire de Pharmacotechnie, Service Pharmacie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94010 Créteil, France.
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22
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Schöler N, Krause K, Kayser O, Müller RH, Borner K, Hahn H, Liesenfeld O. Atovaquone nanosuspensions show excellent therapeutic effect in a new murine model of reactivated toxoplasmosis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2001; 45:1771-9. [PMID: 11353624 PMCID: PMC90544 DOI: 10.1128/aac.45.6.1771-1779.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunocompromised patients are at risk of developing toxoplasma encephalitis (TE). Standard therapy regimens (including sulfadiazine plus pyrimethamine) are hampered by severe side effects. While atovaquone has potent in vitro activity against Toxoplasma gondii, it is poorly absorbed after oral administration and shows poor therapeutic efficacy against TE. To overcome the low absorption of atovaquone, we prepared atovaquone nanosuspensions (ANSs) for intravenous (i.v.) administration. At concentrations higher than 1.0 microg/ml, ANS did not exert cytotoxicity and was as effective as free atovaquone (i.e., atovaquone suspended in medium) against T. gondii in freshly isolated peritoneal macrophages. In a new murine model of TE that closely mimics reactivated toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised hosts, using mice with a targeted mutation in the gene encoding the interferon consensus sequence binding protein, i.v.-administered ANS doses of 10.0 mg/kg of body weight protected the animals against development of TE and death. Atovaquone was detectable in the sera, brains, livers, and lungs of mice by high-performance liquid chromatography. Development of TE and mortality in mice treated with 1.0- or 0.1-mg/kg i.v. doses of ANS did not differ from that in mice treated orally with 100 mg of atovaquone/kg. In conclusion, i.v. ANSs may prove to be an effective treatment alternative for patients with TE.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Schöler
- Institute for Infection Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology of Infection, Benjamin Franklin Medical Center, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
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23
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Cauchetier E, Paul M, Rivollet D, Fessi H, Astier A, Deniau M. Therapeutic evaluation of free and liposome-encapsulated atovaquone in the treatment of murine leishmaniasis. Int J Parasitol 2000; 30:777-83. [PMID: 10856513 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(00)00053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The use of drug delivery systems may reduce the toxicity and improve the activity of anti-leishmanial compounds. The activity of atovaquone (ATV)-loaded liposomes was compared by determination of median effective doses (ED(25) and ED(50)), with that of free ATV in a murine model of visceral leishmaniasis induced by Leishmania infantum. On day 0, mice were infected intravenously with 4.10(7) promastigotes and treated via the tail vein on days 15, 17 and 19 by free drug in a DMSO/cremophor/water solution (0.2 to 1.6 mg/kg body weight) or by liposomal drug (0.04 to 0.32 mg/kg body weight). Mice were killed and livers and spleens were removed and weighed on day 21 p.i. and liver parasite burdens evaluated using the Stauber method. Effective doses were determined using the Hill representation relating the percentage of parasite suppression to the dose. Liposomal ATV was significantly more effective than the free drug in reducing liver parasites (61.6% of parasite suppression at a dose of 0.32 mg/kg vs 34.9% at a dose of 1.6mg/kg). Liposomal ATV was 23 times more active than the free drug (ED(25) value=0. 02+/-0.01 mg/kg vs 0.46+/-0.15 mg/kg for free drug). It was not possible to obtain the ED(50) for free ATV because the dose-response curve reached a plateau around 33% of parasite suppression. Conversely, the ED(50) for liposomal ATV was 0.17+/-0.05 mg/kg. 100% efficacy of bound ATV could be obtained with a concentration of 1. 77+/-0.35 mg/kg. A significant decrease in spleen weights was also observed reflecting a leishmanicidal activity of ATV. These results suggest that liposome loaded ATV is more efficacious than the free drug against Leishmania infantum in this murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cauchetier
- Laboratoire de Pharmacotechnie, Service Pharmacie, C.H.U. H. Mondor, AP-HP, 94010, Créteil, France.
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