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Ramos LG, de Souza KR, Júnior PAS, Câmara CC, Castelo-Branco FS, Boechat N, Carvalho SA. Tackling the challenges of human Chagas disease: A comprehensive review of treatment strategies in the chronic phase and emerging therapeutic approaches. Acta Trop 2024; 256:107264. [PMID: 38806090 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107264] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), affects approximately 7 million people worldwide and is endemic in Latin America, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Since the 1960s, only two drugs have been commercially available for treating this illness: nifurtimox (NFX) and benznidazole (BZN). Although these drugs are effective in the acute phase (AP) of the disease, in which parasitemia is usually high, their cure rates in the chronic phase (CP) are low and often associated with several side effects. The CP is characterized by a subpatent parasitaemia and absence of clinical symptoms in the great majority of infected individuals. However, at least 30 % of the individuals will develop potentially lethal symptomatic forms, including cardiac and digestive manifestations. For such reason, in the CP the treatment is usually symptomatic and typically focuses on managing complications such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or digestive problems. Therefore, the need for new drugs or therapeutic approaches using BZN or NFX is extremely urgent. This review presents the main clinical trials, especially in the CP, which involve BZN and NFX in different treatment regimens. Additionally, other therapies using combinations of these drugs with other substances such as allopurinol, itraconazole, ravuconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole and amiodarone are also reported. The importance of early diagnosis, especially in pediatric patients, is also discussed, emphasizing the need to identify the disease in its early stages to improve the chances of successful treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís Gomes Ramos
- Laboratorio de Sintese de Farmacos -LASFAR, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos - Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil; Laboratório de Físico-Química de Materiais, Seção de Engenharia Química, Instituto Militar de Engenharia, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil
| | - Kátia Regina de Souza
- Laboratório de Físico-Química de Materiais, Seção de Engenharia Química, Instituto Militar de Engenharia, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil
| | - Policarpo Ademar Sales Júnior
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto Ageu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, PE 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Camila Capelini Câmara
- Laboratorio de Sintese de Farmacos -LASFAR, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos - Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil; Laboratório de Físico-Química de Materiais, Seção de Engenharia Química, Instituto Militar de Engenharia, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-270, Brazil
| | - Frederico S Castelo-Branco
- Laboratorio de Sintese de Farmacos -LASFAR, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos - Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil
| | - Nubia Boechat
- Laboratorio de Sintese de Farmacos -LASFAR, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos - Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil
| | - Samir Aquino Carvalho
- Laboratorio de Sintese de Farmacos -LASFAR, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos - Farmanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21041-250, Brazil.
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Grams RJ, Santos WL, Scorei IR, Abad-García A, Rosenblum CA, Bita A, Cerecetto H, Viñas C, Soriano-Ursúa MA. The Rise of Boron-Containing Compounds: Advancements in Synthesis, Medicinal Chemistry, and Emerging Pharmacology. Chem Rev 2024; 124:2441-2511. [PMID: 38382032 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Boron-containing compounds (BCC) have emerged as important pharmacophores. To date, five BCC drugs (including boronic acids and boroles) have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of cancer, infections, and atopic dermatitis, while some natural BCC are included in dietary supplements. Boron's Lewis acidity facilitates a mechanism of action via formation of reversible covalent bonds within the active site of target proteins. Boron has also been employed in the development of fluorophores, such as BODIPY for imaging, and in carboranes that are potential neutron capture therapy agents as well as novel agents in diagnostics and therapy. The utility of natural and synthetic BCC has become multifaceted, and the breadth of their applications continues to expand. This review covers the many uses and targets of boron in medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Justin Grams
- Department of Chemistry and Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, 900 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Webster L Santos
- Department of Chemistry and Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, 900 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | | | - Antonio Abad-García
- Academia de Fisiología y Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carol Ann Rosenblum
- Department of Chemistry and Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, 900 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Andrei Bita
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Hugo Cerecetto
- Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Mataojo 2055, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Clara Viñas
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Marvin A Soriano-Ursúa
- Academia de Fisiología y Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, 11340 Mexico City, Mexico
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Berhe H, Kumar Cinthakunta Sridhar M, Zerihun M, Qvit N. The Potential Use of Peptides in the Fight against Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:227. [PMID: 38399281 PMCID: PMC10892537 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020227] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are both neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people around the world. Leishmaniasis is currently the second most widespread vector-borne parasitic disease after malaria. The World Health Organization records approximately 0.7-1 million newly diagnosed leishmaniasis cases each year, resulting in approximately 20,000-30,000 deaths. Also, 25 million people worldwide are at risk of Chagas disease and an estimated 6 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, miltefosine, paromomycin, and pentamidine are currently used to treat leishmaniasis. Also, nifurtimox and benznidazole are two drugs currently used to treat Chagas disease. These drugs are associated with toxicity problems such as nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, in addition to resistance problems. As a result, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents has emerged as a top priority and a promising alternative. Overall, there is a need for new and effective treatments for Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, as the current drugs have significant limitations. Peptide-based drugs are attractive due to their high selectiveness, effectiveness, low toxicity, and ease of production. This paper reviews the potential use of peptides in the treatment of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Several studies have demonstrated that peptides are effective against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, suggesting their use in drug therapy for these diseases. Overall, peptides have the potential to be effective therapeutic agents against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, but more research is needed to fully investigate their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nir Qvit
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (H.B.); (M.K.C.S.); (M.Z.)
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Hideko Tatakihara VL, Malvezi AD, Pereira RS, Lucchetti BFC, Dos Santos LF, Cecchini R, Yamauchi LM, Yamada-Ogatta SF, Miranda KM, Verri WA, Martins-Pinge MC, Pinge-Filho P. The Therapeutic Potential of Angeli's Salt in Mitigating Acute Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Mice. Pathogens 2023; 12:1063. [PMID: 37624023 PMCID: PMC10458646 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081063] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected tropical disease prevalent in Latin America. Infected patients are treated to eliminate the parasite, reduce the cardiomyopathy risk, and interrupt the disease transmission cycle. The World Health Organization recognizes benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox as effective drugs for CD treatment. In the chronic phase, both drugs have low cure rates and serious side effects. T. cruzi infection causes intense tissue inflammation that controls parasite proliferation and CD evolution. Compounds that liberate nitric oxide (NO) (NO donors) have been used as anti-T. cruzi therapeutics. Currently, there is no evidence that nitroxyl (HNO) affects T. cruzi infection outcomes. This study investigated the effects of the HNO donor Angeli's salt (AS) on C57BL/6 mice infected with T. cruzi (Y strain, 5 × 103 trypomastigotes, intraperitoneally). AS reduced the number of parasites in the bloodstream and heart nests and increased the protective antioxidant capacity of erythrocytes in infected animals, reducing disease severity. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that AS treatment reduced parasite uptake and trypomastigote release by macrophages. Taken together, these findings from the murine model and in vitro testing suggest that AS could be a promising therapy for CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Lúcia Hideko Tatakihara
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Experimental, Departamento de Imunologia, Parasitologia e Patologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Paraná, Brazil (L.F.D.S.)
| | - Aparecida Donizette Malvezi
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Experimental, Departamento de Imunologia, Parasitologia e Patologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Paraná, Brazil (L.F.D.S.)
| | - Rito Santo Pereira
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Experimental, Departamento de Imunologia, Parasitologia e Patologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Paraná, Brazil (L.F.D.S.)
| | - Bruno Fernando Cruz Lucchetti
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Fisiopatologia Cardiovascular, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Paraná, Brazil
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Universitário do Vale do Araguaia, Barra do Garças 78603-209, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Lucas Felipe Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Experimental, Departamento de Imunologia, Parasitologia e Patologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Paraná, Brazil (L.F.D.S.)
| | - Rubens Cecchini
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia e Radicais Livres, Departamento de Imunologia, Parasitologia e Patologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Lucy Megumi Yamauchi
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Sueli Fumie Yamada-Ogatta
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Katrina M. Miranda
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Waldiceu A. Verri
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Dor, Inflamação, Neuropatia e Câncer, Departamento de Imunologia, Parasitologia e Patologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marli Cardoso Martins-Pinge
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Universitário do Vale do Araguaia, Barra do Garças 78603-209, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Phileno Pinge-Filho
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Experimental, Departamento de Imunologia, Parasitologia e Patologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, Paraná, Brazil (L.F.D.S.)
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Gabaldón-Figueira JC, Martinez-Peinado N, Escabia E, Ros-Lucas A, Chatelain E, Scandale I, Gascon J, Pinazo MJ, Alonso-Padilla J. State-of-the-Art in the Drug Discovery Pathway for Chagas Disease: A Framework for Drug Development and Target Validation. Res Rep Trop Med 2023; 14:1-19. [PMID: 37337597 PMCID: PMC10277022 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s415273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is the most important protozoan infection in the Americas, and constitutes a significant public health concern throughout the world. Development of new medications against its etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, has been traditionally slow and difficult, lagging in comparison with diseases caused by other kinetoplastid parasites. Among the factors that explain this are the incompletely understood mechanisms of pathogenesis of T. cruzi infection and its complex set of interactions with the host in the chronic stage of the disease. These demand the performance of a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays as part of any drug development effort. In this review, we discuss recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the parasite's life cycle and their implications in the search for new chemotherapeutics. For this, we present a framework to guide drug discovery efforts against Chagas disease, considering state-of-the-art preclinical models and recently developed tools for the identification and validation of molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Escabia
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Ros-Lucas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Pinazo
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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García-Estrada C, Pérez-Pertejo Y, Domínguez-Asenjo B, Holanda VN, Murugesan S, Martínez-Valladares M, Balaña-Fouce R, Reguera RM. Further Investigations of Nitroheterocyclic Compounds as Potential Antikinetoplastid Drug Candidates. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040637. [PMID: 37189384 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the lack of specific vaccines, management of the trypanosomatid-caused neglected tropical diseases (sleeping sickness, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis) relies exclusively on pharmacological treatments. Current drugs against them are scarce, old and exhibit disadvantages, such as adverse effects, parenteral administration, chemical instability and high costs which are often unaffordable for endemic low-income countries. Discoveries of new pharmacological entities for the treatment of these diseases are scarce, since most of the big pharmaceutical companies find this market unattractive. In order to fill the pipeline of compounds and replace existing ones, highly translatable drug screening platforms have been developed in the last two decades. Thousands of molecules have been tested, including nitroheterocyclic compounds, such as benznidazole and nifurtimox, which had already provided potent and effective effects against Chagas disease. More recently, fexinidazole has been added as a new drug against African trypanosomiasis. Despite the success of nitroheterocycles, they had been discarded from drug discovery campaigns due to their mutagenic potential, but now they represent a promising source of inspiration for oral drugs that can replace those currently on the market. The examples provided by the trypanocidal activity of fexinidazole and the promising efficacy of the derivative DNDi-0690 against leishmaniasis seem to open a new window of opportunity for these compounds that were discovered in the 1960s. In this review, we show the current uses of nitroheterocycles and the novel derived molecules that are being synthesized against these neglected diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos García-Estrada
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Yolanda Pérez-Pertejo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Bárbara Domínguez-Asenjo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Vanderlan Nogueira Holanda
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Sankaranarayanan Murugesan
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani 333031, India
| | - María Martínez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (IGM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de León, Carretera León-Vega de Infanzones, Vega de Infanzones, 24346 León, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rosa M. Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
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Melfi F, Carradori S, Campestre C, Haloci E, Ammazzalorso A, Grande R, D'Agostino I. Emerging compounds and therapeutic strategies to treat infections from Trypanosoma brucei: an overhaul of the last 5-years patents. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:247-263. [PMID: 36933190 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2193328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human African Trypanosomiasis is a neglected disease caused by infection from parasites belonging to the Trypanosoma brucei species. Only six drugs are currently available and employed depending on the stage of the infection: pentamidine, suramin, melarsoprol, eflornithine, nifurtimox, and fexinidazole. Joint research projects were launched in an attempt to find new therapeutic options for this severe and often lethal disease. AREAS COVERED After a brief description of the recent literature on the parasite and the disease, we searched for patents dealing with the proposal of new anti-trypanosomiasis agents and, following the PRISMA guidelines, we filtered the results to those published from 2018onwards returning suitable entries, which represent the contemporary landscape of compounds/strategies against Trypanosoma brucei. In addition, some relevant publications from the overall scientific literature were also discussed. EXPERT OPINION This review comprehensively covers and analyzes the most recent advances not only in the discovery of new inhibitors and their structure-activity relationships but also in the assessment of innovative biological targets opening new scenarios in the MedChem field. Lastly, also new vaccines and formulations recently patented were described. However, natural and synthetic compounds were analyzed in terms of inhibitory activity and selective toxicity against human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Melfi
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristina Campestre
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Entela Haloci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | | | - Rossella Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Agostino
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Lameiro RF, Montanari CA. Investigating the Lack of Translation from Cruzain Inhibition to Trypanosoma cruzi Activity with Machine Learning and Chemical Space Analyses. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202200434. [PMID: 36692246 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200434] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi. Cruzain, its main cysteine protease, is commonly targeted in drug discovery efforts to find new treatments for this disease. Even though the essentiality of this enzyme for the parasite has been established, many cruzain inhibitors fail as trypanocidal agents. This lack of translation from biochemical to biological assays can involve several factors, including suboptimal physicochemical properties. In this work, we aim to rationalize this phenomenon through chemical space analyses of calculated molecular descriptors. These include statistical tests, visualization of projections, scaffold analysis, and creation of machine learning models coupled with interpretability methods. Our results demonstrate a significant difference between the chemical spaces of cruzain and T. cruzi inhibitors, with compounds with more hydrogen bond donors and rotatable bonds being more likely to be good cruzain inhibitors, but less likely to be active on T. cruzi. In addition, cruzain inhibitors seem to occupy specific regions of the chemical space that cannot be easily correlated with T. cruzi activity, which means that using predictive modeling to determine whether cruzain inhibitors will be trypanocidal is not a straightforward task. We believe that the conclusions from this work might be of interest for future projects that aim to develop novel trypanocidal compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael F Lameiro
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Trabalhador São-Carlense Avenue 400, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Montanari
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Trabalhador São-Carlense Avenue 400, São Carlos, Brazil
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Mengarda AC, Iles B, Longo JPF, de Moraes J. Recent approaches in nanocarrier-based therapies for neglected tropical diseases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 15:e1852. [PMID: 36161523 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain major public health problems in developing countries. Reducing the burden of NTDs requires sustained collaborative drug discovery efforts to achieve the goals of the new NTDs roadmap launched by the World Health Organization. Oral drugs are the most convenient choice and usually the safest and least expensive. However, the oral use of some drugs for NTDs treatment has many drawbacks, including toxicity, adverse reactions, drug resistance, drug low solubility, and bioavailability. Since there is an imperative need for novel and more effective drugs to treat the various NTDs, in recent years, several compound-loaded nanoparticles have been prepared with the objective of evaluating their application as an oral drug delivery system for the treatment of NTDs. This review focuses on the various types of nanoparticle drug delivery systems that have been recently used against the major NTDs caused by parasites such as leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and schistosomiasis. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Mengarda
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Iles
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - João Paulo F Longo
- Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
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Caroli AP, Mansoldo FRP, Cardoso VS, Lage CLS, Carmo FL, Supuran CT, Beatriz Vermelho A. Are patents important indicators of innovation for Chagas disease treatment? Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:193-209. [PMID: 36786067 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2176219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chagas disease is a neglected, endemic disease in 21 countries, spreading to non-endemic countries too. Like other neglected diseases affecting primarily low- and middle-income countries, low investment and the absence of new chemical entities from the industry occurred. Increased knowledge about the parasite, drug targets, and vector control has been observed, but this was not translated into new drugs. The partnerships of pharmaceutical companies with academies and consolidated networks to increment the new drugs and treatment research in Chagas disease are shown. The current review analyzes in detail the patents dealing with compounds candidates for new drugs and treatment. The patent search was performed using Orbit Intelligence® software in the 2001-2021 period. AREAS COVERED The author focused specifically on patents for the treatment, the new candidates disclosed in the patents, and the barriers to innovation. EXPERT OPINION Patents in Chagas disease have been increasing in the last years, although they do not bring new compounds to an effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pestana Caroli
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, BIOINOVAR - Biocatalysis, Bioproducts and Bioenergy, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Felipe R P Mansoldo
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, BIOINOVAR - Biocatalysis, Bioproducts and Bioenergy, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Veronica S Cardoso
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, BIOINOVAR - Biocatalysis, Bioproducts and Bioenergy, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Celso Luiz Salgueiro Lage
- National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI), Graduate and Research Division, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil
| | - Flavia L Carmo
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, LEMM - Molecular Microbial Ecology Laboratory
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Department Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy
| | - Alane Beatriz Vermelho
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, BIOINOVAR - Biocatalysis, Bioproducts and Bioenergy, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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11
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Barnadas-Carceller B, Martinez-Peinado N, Gómez LC, Ros-Lucas A, Gabaldón-Figueira JC, Diaz-Mochon JJ, Gascon J, Molina IJ, Pineda de las Infantas y Villatoro MJ, Alonso-Padilla J. Identification of compounds with activity against Trypanosoma cruzi within a collection of synthetic nucleoside analogs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 12:1067461. [PMID: 36710960 PMCID: PMC9880260 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1067461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, and it is the most important neglected tropical disease in the Americas. Two drugs are available to treat the infection, but their efficacy in the chronic stage of the disease, when most cases are diagnosed, is reduced. Their tolerability is also hindered by common adverse effects, making the development of safer and efficacious alternatives a pressing need. T. cruzi is unable to synthesize purines de novo, relying on a purine salvage pathway to acquire these from its host, making it an attractive target for the development of new drugs. Methods We evaluated the anti-parasitic activity of 23 purine analogs with different substitutions in the complementary chains of their purine rings. We sequentially screened the compounds' capacity to inhibit parasite growth, their toxicity in Vero and HepG2 cells, and their specific capacity to inhibit the development of amastigotes. We then used in-silico docking to identify their likely targets. Results Eight compounds showed specific anti-parasitic activity, with IC50 values ranging from 2.42 to 8.16 μM. Adenine phosphoribosyl transferase, and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase, are their most likely targets. Discussion Our results illustrate the potential role of the purine salvage pathway as a target route for the development of alternative treatments against T. cruzi infection, highlithing the apparent importance of specific substitutions, like the presence of benzene groups in the C8 position of the purine ring, consistently associated with a high and specific anti-parasitic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Barnadas-Carceller
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Córdoba Gómez
- Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of “Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment”, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Albert Ros-Lucas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan J. Diaz-Mochon
- Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of “Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment”, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain,GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain,Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio J. Molina
- Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María José Pineda de las Infantas y Villatoro
- Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry and Excellence Research Unit of “Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment”, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain,*Correspondence: Julio Alonso-Padilla, ; María José Pineda de las Infantas y Villatoro,
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Julio Alonso-Padilla, ; María José Pineda de las Infantas y Villatoro,
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12
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Bonardi A, Parkkila S, Supuran CT. Inhibition studies of the protozoan α-carbonic anhydrase from Trypanosoma cruzi with phenols. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:2417-2422. [PMID: 36065959 PMCID: PMC9467564 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2119965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The α-class carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) from the protozoan pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi, TcCA, was investigated earlier for its inhibition with anions, sulphonamides, thiols and hydroxamates, well-known classes of CA inhibitors (CAIs). Here we present the first inhibition study of this enzyme with phenols, which possess a diverse CA inhibition mechanism compared to the previously investigated compounds, which are all zinc binders. Indeed, phenols are known to anchor to the zinc coordinated water molecule within the enzyme active site. In a series of 22 diversely substituted phenols, the best inhibitors were simple phenol, pyrocatechol, salicylic acid, 3,5-difluorophenol, 3,4-dihydroxy-benzoic acid, 3,6- dihydroxy-benzoic acid, caffeic acid and its des-hydroxy analog, with KIs of 1.8 - 7.3 µM. The least effective TcCA inhibitor was 3-chloro-4-amino-phenol (KI of 47.9 µM). Although it is not yet clear whether TcCA can be considered as an anti-Chagas disease drug target, as no animal model for investigating the antiprotozoan effects is available so far, finding effective in vitro inhibitors may be a first relevant step towards new antiprotozoal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bonardi
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Seppo Parkkila
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Ltd, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
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13
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Candia-Puma MA, Machaca-Luque LY, Roque-Pumahuanca BM, Galdino AS, Giunchetti RC, Coelho EAF, Chávez-Fumagalli MA. Accuracy of Diagnostic Tests for the Detection of Chagas Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2752. [PMID: 36359595 PMCID: PMC9689806 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The present systematic review and meta-analysis about the accuracy of diagnostic tests aim to describe the findings of literature over the last thirty years for the diagnosis of Chagas disease (CD). This work aimed to determine the accuracy of diagnostic techniques for CD in the disease's acute and chronic phases. The PubMed database was searched for studies published between 1990 and 2021 on CD diagnostics. Fifty-six published studies that met the criteria were analyzed and included in the meta-analysis, evaluating diagnostic accuracy through sensitivity and specificity. For Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Fluorescent Antibody Technique (IFAT), Hemagglutination Test (HmT), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) diagnosis methods, the sensitivity had a median of 99.0%, 78.0%, 75.0%, 76.0%, and 94.0%, respectively; while specificity presented a median of 99.0%, 99.0%, 99.0%, 98.0%, and 98.0%, respectively. This meta-analysis showed that ELISA and qPCR techniques had a higher performance compared to other methods of diagnosing CD in the chronic and acute phases, respectively. It was concluded utilizing the Area Under the Curve restricted to the false positive rates (AUCFPR), that the ELISA diagnostic test presents the highest performance in diagnosing acute and chronic CD, compared to serological and molecular tests. Future studies focusing on new CD diagnostics approaches should be targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayron Antonio Candia-Puma
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
- Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Bioquímicas y Biotecnológicas, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
| | - Laura Yesenia Machaca-Luque
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
- Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Bioquímicas y Biotecnológicas, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
| | - Brychs Milagros Roque-Pumahuanca
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
- Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Bioquímicas y Biotecnológicas, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
| | - Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, Universidade Federal São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, INCT-DT, Salvador 40015-970, BA, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
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Beatriz Vermelho A, Rodrigues GC, Nocentini A, Mansoldo FRP, Supuran CT. Discovery of novel drugs for Chagas disease: is carbonic anhydrase a target for antiprotozoal drugs? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1147-1158. [PMID: 36039500 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2117295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Carbonic anhydrase (CA) arose significant interest as a potential new target for Chagas disease since its discovery in Trypanosoma cruzi in 2013. Benznidazole and Nifurtimox have been used for Chagas disease treatment for 60 years despite all efforts done for obtaining more efficient treatments, acting in the acute and chronic phases of illness, with fewer side effects and resistance induction. AREAS COVERED We discuss the positive and negative aspects of T. cruzi CA (TcCA) studies as a target for developing new drugs. The current research discoveries and the classes of TcCA inhibitors are reviewed. The sulfonamides and their derivatives are the main inhibitor classes, but hydroxamates and the thiols, were investigated too. These compounds inhibited the growth of the evolutive forms of the parasite. A comparative analysis was done with CAs from other Trypanosomatids and protozoans. EXPERT OPINION The search for new targets and drugs is a significant challenge worldwide, and TcCA is a potential candidate for developing new drugs. Several studied inhibitors were active against Trypanosoma cruzi, but their penetration and toxicity problems emerged. New approaches are in progress to obtain inhibitors with desired properties, allowing further steps such as tests using an adequate animal model and subsequent developments for the preclinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alane Beatriz Vermelho
- BIOINOVAR - Biotechnology Laboratories: Biocatalysis, Bioproducts, and Bioenergy, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Goes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giseli Capaci Rodrigues
- UNIGRANRIO - Universidade do Grande Rio Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino das Ciências, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alessio Nocentini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child's Health, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Felipe R P Mansoldo
- BIOINOVAR - Biotechnology Laboratories: Biocatalysis, Bioproducts, and Bioenergy, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Goes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child's Health, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Vaccine Design against Chagas Disease Focused on the Use of Nucleic Acids. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040587. [PMID: 35455336 PMCID: PMC9028413 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic to Central and South America. However, it has spread around the world and affects several million people. Treatment with currently available drugs cause several side effects and require long treatment times to eliminate the parasite, however, this does not improve the chronic effects of the disease such as cardiomyopathy. A therapeutic vaccine for Chagas disease may be able to prevent the disease and improve the chronic effects such as cardiomyopathy. This vaccine would be beneficial for both infected people and those which are at risk in endemic and non-endemic areas. In this article, we will review the surface antigens of T. cruzi, in order to choose those that are most antigenic and least variable, to design effective vaccines against the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Also, we discuss aspects of the design of nucleic acid-based vaccines, which have been developed and proven to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The role of co-adjuvants and delivery carriers is also discussed. We present an example of a chimeric trivalent vaccine, based on experimental work, which can be used to design a vaccine against Chagas disease.
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16
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Qureshi IA, Saini M, Are S. Pyridoxal Kinase of Disease-causing Human Parasites: Structural and
Functional Insights to Understand its Role in Drug Discovery. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2022; 23:271-289. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203723666220519155025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Human parasites cause several diseased conditions with high morbidity and mortality in a
large section of the population residing in various geographical areas. Nearly three billion people suffer
from either one or many parasitic infections globally, with almost one million deaths annually. In spite
of extensive research and advancement in the medical field, no effective vaccine is available against
prominent human parasitic diseases that necessitate identification of novel targets for designing specific
inhibitors. Vitamin B6 is an important ubiquitous co-enzyme that participates in several biological processes
and plays an important role in scavenging ROS (reactive oxygen species) along with providing
resistance to oxidative stress. Moreover, the absence of the de novo vitamin B6 biosynthetic pathway in
human parasites makes this pathway indispensable for the survival of these pathogens. Pyridoxal kinase
(PdxK) is a crucial enzyme for vitamin B6 salvage pathway and participates in the process of vitamers
B6 phosphorylation. Since the parasites are dependent on pyridoxal kinase for their survival and infectivity
to the respective hosts, it is considered a promising candidate for drug discovery. The detailed
structural analysis of PdxK from disease-causing parasites has provided insights into the catalytic
mechanism of this enzyme as well as significant differences from their human counterpart. Simultaneously,
structure-based studies have identified small lead molecules that can be exploited for drug discovery
against protozoan parasites. The present review provides structural and functional highlights of
pyridoxal kinase for its implication in developing novel and potent therapeutics to combat fatal parasitic
diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insaf Ahmed Qureshi
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao
Road, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Mayank Saini
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao
Road, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Sayanna Are
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. C.R. Rao
Road, Hyderabad 500046, India
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Baek KH, Phan TN, Malwal SR, Lee H, Li ZH, Moreno SNJ, Oldfield E, No JH. In Vivo Efficacy of SQ109 against Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma spp. and Toxoplasma gondii and In Vitro Activity of SQ109 Metabolites. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030670. [PMID: 35327472 PMCID: PMC8944987 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030670] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SQ109 is an anti-tubercular drug candidate that has completed Phase IIb/III clinical trials for tuberculosis and has also been shown to exhibit potent in vitro efficacy against protozoan parasites including Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi spp. However, its in vivo efficacy against protozoa has not been reported. Here, we evaluated the activity of SQ109 in mouse models of Leishmania, Trypanosoma spp. as well as Toxoplasma infection. In the T. cruzi mouse model, 80% of SQ109-treated mice survived at 40 days post-infection. Even though SQ109 did not cure all mice, these results are of interest since they provide a basis for future testing of combination therapies with the azole posaconazole, which acts synergistically with SQ109 in vitro. We also found that SQ109 inhibited the growth of Toxoplasma gondii in vitro with an IC50 of 1.82 µM and there was an 80% survival in mice treated with SQ109, whereas all untreated animals died 10 days post-infection. Results with Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania donovani infected mice were not promising with only moderate efficacy. Since SQ109 is known to be extensively metabolized in animals, we investigated the activity in vitro of SQ109 metabolites. Among 16 metabolites, six mono-oxygenated forms were found active across the tested protozoan parasites, and there was a ~6× average decrease in activity of the metabolites as compared to SQ109 which is smaller than the ~25× found with mycobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Hwa Baek
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea; (K.-H.B.); (T.-N.P.); (H.L.)
| | - Trong-Nhat Phan
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea; (K.-H.B.); (T.-N.P.); (H.L.)
| | - Satish R. Malwal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (S.R.M.); (E.O.)
| | - Hyeryon Lee
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea; (K.-H.B.); (T.-N.P.); (H.L.)
| | - Zhu-Hong Li
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (Z.-H.L.); (S.N.J.M.)
| | - Silvia N. J. Moreno
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (Z.-H.L.); (S.N.J.M.)
| | - Eric Oldfield
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (S.R.M.); (E.O.)
| | - Joo Hwan No
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si 13488, Korea; (K.-H.B.); (T.-N.P.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Valdez MB, Bernal Giménez DM, Fernández LR, Musikant AD, Ferri G, Saenz D, Di Venosa G, Casas A, Avigliano E, Edreira MM, Palermo JA. New antiparasitic derivatives of the furoquinoline alkaloids kokusaginine and flindersiamine. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202100784. [PMID: 35001527 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100784] [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: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In this work is reported the synthesis of 16 new compounds obtained from kokusaginine and flindersiamine, the main alkaloids isolated from the bark of Balfourodendron riedelianum . The activity of the compounds against axenic cultures of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigtotes and trypomastigotes, as well as intracellular amastigotes, is described, together with their cytotoxic activity against three different human cell lines. The synthetic strategy for the preparation of the new compounds was based on the reactivity at the position C-4 of the furoquinoline core towards nucleophiles. The new derivatives were synthesized by a Buchwald-Hartwig reaction, in most cases under green, solvent free conditions. Compounds 1c and 1e displayed better in-vitro activity against trypomastigotes than benznidazole and nifurtimox (positive controls) with IC 50 < 4 µM. In addition, both compounds were not cytotoxic activity against the three human cell lines K562 (erytroleukimia), LM2 (breast cancer) and HaCat (keratinocyte). Interestingly, when evaluated against intracellular amastigotes, compound 1c was able to significantly reduce the number of this parasite form, compared to the negative control.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Valdez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UMYMFOR- Departamento de Química Orgánica, ARGENTINA
| | - Diana María Bernal Giménez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IQUIBICEN, Departamento de Química Biológica, ARGENTINA
| | - Lucía Raquel Fernández
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UMYMFOR, Departamento de Química Orgánica, ARGENTINA
| | - Alejandro Daniel Musikant
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IQUIBICEN, Departamento de Química Biológica, ARGENTINA
| | - Gabriel Ferri
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IQUIBICEN, Departamento de Química Biológica, ARGENTINA
| | - Daniel Saenz
- CIPYP: Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Porfirinas y Porfirias, CIPYP, ARGENTINA
| | - Gabriela Di Venosa
- CIPYP: Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Porfirinas y Porfirias, CiPYP, ARGENTINA
| | - Adriana Casas
- CIPYP: Centro de Investigaciones Sobre Porfirinas y Porfirias, CIPYP, ARGENTINA
| | - Esteban Avigliano
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, INPA, ARGENTINA
| | - Martin Miguel Edreira
- Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IQUIBICEN, Departamento de Química Biológica, ARGENTINA
| | - Jorge A Palermo
- UMYMFOR-Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Química Orgánica, Ciudad Universiaria, Pabellón 2, 1428, Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA
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The Oxidative Stress and Chronic Inflammatory Process in Chagas Disease: Role of Exosomes and Contributing Genetic Factors. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2021:4993452. [PMID: 34976301 PMCID: PMC8718323 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4993452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the flagellated protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi that affects several million people mainly in Latin American countries. Chagas disease has two phases, which are acute and chronic, both separated by an indeterminate time period in which the infected individual is relatively asymptomatic. The acute phase extends for 40-60 days with atypical and mild symptoms; however, about 30% of the infected patients will develop a symptomatic chronic phase, which is characterized by either cardiac, digestive, neurological, or endocrine problems. Cardiomyopathy is the most important and severe result of Chagas disease, which leads to left ventricular systolic dysfunction, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Most deaths are due to heart failure (70%) and sudden death (30%) resulting from cardiomyopathy. During the chronic phase, T. cruzi-infected macrophages respond with the production of proinflammatory cytokines and production of superoxide and nitric oxide by the NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzymes, respectively. During the chronic phase, myocardial changes are produced as a result of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and cell death. The cellular inflammatory response is mainly the result of activation of the NF-κB-dependent pathway, which activates gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, leading to progressive tissue damage. The persisting production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the result of mitochondrial dysfunction in the cardiomyocytes. In this review, we will discuss inflammation and oxidative damage which is produced in the heart during the chronic phase of Chagas disease and recent evidence on the role of macrophages and the production of proinflammatory cytokines during the acute phase and the origin of macrophages/monocytes during the chronic phase of Chagas disease. We will also discuss the contributing factors and mechanisms leading to the chronic inflammation of the cardiac tissue during the chronic phase of the disease as well as the innate and adaptive host immune response. The contribution of genetic factors to the progression of the chronic inflammatory cardiomyopathy of chronic Chagas disease is also discussed. The secreted extracellular vesicles (exosomes) produced for both T. cruzi and infected host cells can play key roles in the host immune response, and those roles are described. Lastly, we describe potential treatments to attenuate the chronic inflammation of the cardiac tissue, designed to improve heart function in chagasic patients.
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Cunha ABD, Cunha DM. Revisiting the History of Chagas Disease: "Live to tell". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.36660/ijcs.20200199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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21
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García-Huertas P, Cardona-Castro N. Advances in the treatment of Chagas disease: Promising new drugs, plants and targets. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:112020. [PMID: 34392087 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is treated with only two drugs; benznidazole and nifurtimox. These drugs have some disadvantages, including their efficacy only in the acute or early infection phases, adverse effects during their use, and the resistance that the parasite has developed to their activity. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new, safe and effective therapeutic alternatives to treat Chagas disease, though governments and the pharmaceutical industry have shown a lack of interest in contributing to this solution. Institutions and research groups on the other hand have worked on some strategies that can help to address the problem. Some of these include the modification of conventional drug dosages, drug repurposing, and combined therapy. Plants and derived compounds with antiparasitic effects have also been studied, taking advantage of traditional medicinal knowledge. Others have studied the parasite to identify essential genes that can be used as therapeutic targets to design new, targeted drugs. Some of these studies have generated promising results, but few reach clinical phase studies. Institutions and research groups should be encouraged to unify efforts and cover all aspects of drug development according to resources and knowledge availability. In the end, this exchange of knowledge would lead to the development of new therapeutic alternatives to treat Chagas disease and benefit the populations it affects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nora Cardona-Castro
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical, Universidad CES, Sabaneta, Colombia.
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22
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Supuran CT. Multitargeting approaches involving carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: hybrid drugs against a variety of disorders. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:1702-1714. [PMID: 34325588 PMCID: PMC8330743 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1945049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) are enzymes involved in a multitude of diseases, and their inhibitors are in clinical use as drugs for the management of glaucoma, epilepsy, obesity, and tumours. In the last decade, multitargeting approaches have been proposed by hybridisation of CA inhibitors (CAIs) of sulphonamide, coumarin, and sulphocoumarin types with NO donors, CO donors, prostaglandin analogs, β-adrenergic blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and a variety of anticancer agents (cytotoxic drugs, kinase/telomerase inhibitors, P-gp and thioredoxin inhibitors). Many of the obtained hybrids showed enhanced efficacy compared to the parent drugs, making multitargeting an effective and innovative approach for various pharmacological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu T Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
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23
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Angeli A, Urbański LJ, Hytönen VP, Parkkila S, Supuran CT. Activation of the β-carbonic anhydrase from the protozoan pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis with amines and amino acids. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:758-763. [PMID: 33715570 PMCID: PMC7952076 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1897802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the first activation study of the β-class carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) encoded in the genome of the protozoan pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis, TvaCA1. Among 24 amino acid and amine activators investigated, derivatives incorporating a second carboxylic moiety, such as L-Asp, L- and D-Glu, were devoid of activating effects up to concentrations of 50 µM within the assay system, whereas the corresponding compounds with a CONH2 moiety, i.e. L-Gln and L-Asn showed modest activating effects, with activation constants in the range of 26.9 − 32.5 µM. Moderate activation was observed with L- and D-DOPA, histamine, dopamine, serotonin, (2-Aminoethyl)pyridine/piperazine and morpholine (KA‘s ranging between 8.3 and 14.5 µM), while the best activators were L-and D-Trp, L-and D-Tyr and 4-amino-Phe, which showed KA‘s ranging between 3.0 and 5.1 µM. Understanding in detail the activation mechanism of β-CAs may be relevant for the design of enzyme activity modulators with potential clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angeli
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Linda J Urbański
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Vesa P Hytönen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Ltd, Tampere, Finland
| | - Seppo Parkkila
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Ltd, Tampere, Finland
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
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Maldonado E, Rojas DA, Urbina F, Solari A. The Use of Antioxidants as Potential Co-Adjuvants to Treat Chronic Chagas Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071022. [PMID: 34202043 PMCID: PMC8300663 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the flagellated protozoa Trypanosome cruzi. This illness affects to almost 8–12 million people worldwide, however, is endemic to Latin American countries. It is mainly vectorially transmitted by insects of the Triatominae family, although other transmission routes also exist. T. cruzi-infected cardiomyocytes at the chronic stage of the disease display severe mitochondrial dysfunction and high ROS production, leading to chronic myocardial inflammation and heart failure. Under cellular stress, cells usually can launch mitochondrial biogenesis in order to restore energy loss. Key players to begin mitochondrial biogenesis are the PGC-1 (PPARγ coactivator 1) family of transcriptional coactivators, which are activated in response to several stimuli, either by deacetylation or dephosphorylation, and in turn can serve as coactivators for the NRF (nuclear respiratory factor) family of transcription factors. The NRF family of transcriptional activators, namely NRF1 and NRF2, can activate gene expression of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) components, mitochondrial transcriptional factor (Tfam) and nuclear encoded mitochondrial proteins, leading to mitochondrial biogenesis. On the other hand, NRF2 can activate gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in response to antioxidants, oxidants, electrophile compounds, pharmaceutical and dietary compounds in a mechanism dependent on KEAP1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1). Since a definitive cure to treat Chagas disease has not been found yet; the use of antioxidants a co-adjuvant therapy has been proposed in an effort to improve mitochondrial functions, biogenesis, and the antioxidant defenses response. Those antioxidants could activate different pathways to begin mitochondrial biogenesis and/or cytoprotective antioxidant defenses. In this review we discuss the main mechanisms of mitochondrial biogenesis and the NRF2-KEAP1 activation pathway. We also reviewed the antioxidants used as co-adjuvant therapy to treat experimental Chagas disease and their action mechanisms and finish with the discussion of antioxidant therapy used in Chagas disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edio Maldonado
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile;
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Diego A. Rojas
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICB), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Fabiola Urbina
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile;
| | - Aldo Solari
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile;
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (A.S.)
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25
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Núñez MJ, Martínez ML, López-Arencibia A, Bethencourt-Estrella CJ, San Nicolás-Hernández D, Jiménez IA, Lorenzo-Morales J, Piñero JE, Bazzocchi IL. In Vitro Susceptibility of Kinetoplastids to Celastroloids from Maytenus chiapensis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e02236-20. [PMID: 33753334 PMCID: PMC8316137 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02236-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis and Chagas are among the most significant neglected tropical diseases. Due to several drawbacks with the current chemotherapy, developing new antikinetoplastid drugs has become an urgent issue. In the present work, a bioassay-guided investigation of the root bark of Maytenus chiapensis on Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi led to the identification of two D:A-friedo-nor-oleanane triterpenoids (celastroloids), 20β-hydroxy-tingenone (celastroloid 5) and 3-O-methyl-6-oxo-tingenol (celastroloid 8), as promising antikinetoplastid leads. They displayed higher potency on L. amazonensis promastigotes (50% inhibitory concentrations [IC50s], 0.44 and 1.12 μM, respectively), intracellular amastigotes (IC50s, 0.83 and 1.91 μM, respectively), and T. cruzi epimastigote stage (IC50s, 2.61 and 3.41 μM, respectively) than reference drugs miltefosine and benznidazole. This potency was coupled with an excellent selectivity index on murine macrophages. Mechanism of action studies, including mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and ATP-level analysis, revealed that celastroloids could induce apoptotic cell death in L. amazonensis triggered by the mitochondria. In addition, the structure-activity relationship is discussed. These findings strongly underline the potential of celastroloids as lead compounds to develop novel antikinetoplastid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin J Núñez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Morena L Martínez
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química y Farmacia, Universidad de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carlos J Bethencourt-Estrella
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Desirée San Nicolás-Hernández
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ignacio A Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Isabel L Bazzocchi
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
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Abstract
Coumarins constitute a relatively new class of inhibitors of the zinc enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1), possessing a unique inhibition mechanism, acting as "prodrug inhibitors." They undergo the hydrolysis of the lactone ring mediated by the esterase activity of CA. The formed 2-hydroxy-cinnamic acids thereafter bind within a very particular part of the enzyme active site, at its entrance, where a high variability of amino acid residues among the different mammalian CA isoforms is present, and where other inhibitors classes were not seen bound earlier. This explains why coumarins are among the most isoform-selective CA inhibitors known to date among the many chemotypes endowed with such biological activity. As coumarins are widespread secondary metabolites in some bacteria, plants, fungi, and ascidians, many such compounds from various natural sources have been investigated for their CA inhibitory properties and for possible biomedical applications, mainly as anticancer agents targeting hypoxic tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu T Supuran
- Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, Neurofarba Department, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
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27
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Petreni A, De Luca V, Scaloni A, Nocentini A, Capasso C, Supuran CT. Anion inhibition studies of the Zn(II)-bound ι-carbonic anhydrase from the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia territorii. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:372-376. [PMID: 33390061 PMCID: PMC7782983 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1867122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia territorii, a Gram-negative bacterium, encodes for the ι-class carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) BteCAι, which was recently characterised. It acts as a good catalyst for the hydration of CO2 to bicarbonate and protons, with a kcat value of 3.0 × 105 s-1 and kcat/KM value of 3.9 × 107 M-1 s-1. No inhibition data on this new class of enzymes are available to date. We report here an anion and small molecules inhibition study of BteCAι, which we prove to be a zinc(II)- and not manganese(II)-containing enzyme, as reported for diatom ι-CAs. The best inhibitors were sulphamic acid, stannate, phenylarsonic acid, phenylboronic acid and sulfamide (KI values of 6.2-94 µM), whereas diethyldithiocarbamate, tellurate, selenate, bicarbonate and cyanate were submillimolar inhibitors (KI values of 0.71-0.94 mM). The halides (except iodide), thiocyanate, nitrite, nitrate, carbonate, bisulphite, sulphate, hydrogensulfide, peroxydisulfate, selenocyanate, fluorosulfonate and trithiocarbonate showed KI values in the range of 3.1-9.3 mM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Petreni
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Polo Scientifico, Firenze, Italy
| | - Viviana De Luca
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, CNR, Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, Napoli, Italy.,Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Scaloni
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessio Nocentini
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Polo Scientifico, Firenze, Italy
| | - Clemente Capasso
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, CNR, Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Polo Scientifico, Firenze, Italy
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Urbański LJ, Angeli A, Hytönen VP, Di Fiore A, De Simone G, Parkkila S, Supuran CT. Inhibition of the β-carbonic anhydrase from the protozoan pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis with sulphonamides. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 36:329-334. [PMID: 33356653 PMCID: PMC7782162 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1863958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulphonamides and their isosteres are classical inhibitors of the carbonic anhydrase (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) metalloenzymes. The protozoan pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis encodes two such enzymes belonging to the β-class, TvaCA1 and TvaCA2. Here we report the first sulphonamide inhibition study of TvaCA1, with a series of simple aromatic/heterocyclic primary sulphonamides as well as with clinically approved/investigational drugs for a range of pathologies (diuretics, antiglaucoma, antiepileptic, antiobesity, and antitumor drugs). TvaCA1 was effectively inhibited by acetazolamide and ethoxzolamide, with KIs of 391 and 283 nM, respectively, whereas many other simple or clinically used sulphonamides were micromolar inhibitors or did not efficiently inhibit the enzyme. Finding more effective TvaCA1 inhibitors may constitute an innovative approach for fighting trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, caused by T. vaginalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda J Urbański
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Andrea Angeli
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Vesa P Hytönen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Ltd, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anna Di Fiore
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging of the National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina De Simone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging of the National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Seppo Parkkila
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Ltd, Tampere, Finland
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
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29
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Supuran CT. Experimental Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hypoxic Tumors. J Exp Pharmacol 2020; 12:603-617. [PMID: 33364855 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s265620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms IX and XII are overexpressed in many hypoxic tumors as a consequence of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) activation cascade, being present in limited amounts in normal tissues. These enzymes together with many others are involved in the pH regulation and metabolism of hypoxic cancer cells, and were validated as antitumor targets recently. A multitude of targeting strategies against these enzymes have been proposed and are reviewed in this article. The small molecule inhibitors, small molecule drug conjugates (SMDCs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADACs) or cytokine-drug conjugates but not the monoclonal antibodies against CA IX/XII will be discussed. Relevant synthetic chemistry efforts, coupled with a multitude of preclinical studies, demonstrated that CA IX/XII inhibition leads to the inhibition of growth of primary tumors and metastases and depletes cancer stem cell populations, all factors highly relevant in clinical settings. One small molecule inhibitor, sulfonamide SLC-0111, is the most advanced candidate, having completed Phase I and being now in Phase Ib/II clinical trials for the treatment of advanced hypoxic solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Florence 50019, Italy
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Manganyi MC, Ateba CN. Untapped Potentials of Endophytic Fungi: A Review of Novel Bioactive Compounds with Biological Applications. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121934. [PMID: 33291214 PMCID: PMC7762190 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last century, endophytic fungi have gained tremendous attention due to their ability to produce novel bioactive compounds exhibiting varied biological properties and are, therefore, utilized for medicinal, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications. Endophytic fungi reside within the plant tissues without showing any disease symptoms, thus supporting the physiological and ecological attributes of the host plant. Ground breaking lead compounds, such as paclitaxel and penicillin, produced by endophytic fungi have paved the way for exploring novel bioactive compounds for commercial usage. Despite this, limited research has been conducted in this valuable and unique niche area. These bioactive compounds belong to various structural groups, including alkaloids, peptides, steroids, terpenoids, phenols, quinones, phenols, and flavonoids. The current review focuses on the significance of endophytic fungi in producing novel bioactive compounds possessing a variety of biological properties that include antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, immunosuppressant, and anticancer functions. Taking into consideration the portal of this publication, special emphasis is placed on the antimicrobial and antiviral activities of metabolites produced by endophytes against human pathogens. It also highlights the importance of utilization of these compounds as potential treatment agents for serious life-threatening infectious diseases. This is supported by the fact that several findings have indicated that these bioactive compounds may significantly contribute towards the fight against resistant human and plant pathogens, thus motivating the need enhance the search for new, more efficacious and cost-effective antimicrobial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madira Coutlyne Manganyi
- Department of Microbiology, North West University Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-18-389-2134
| | - Collins Njie Ateba
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng 2735, South Africa;
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31
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Mansoldo FRP, Carta F, Angeli A, Cardoso VDS, Supuran CT, Vermelho AB. Chagas Disease: Perspectives on the Past and Present and Challenges in Drug Discovery. Molecules 2020; 25:E5483. [PMID: 33238613 PMCID: PMC7700143 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease still has no effective treatment option for all of its phases despite being discovered more than 100 years ago. The development of commercial drugs has been stagnating since the 1960s, a fact that sheds light on the question of how drug discovery research has progressed and taken advantage of technological advances. Could it be that technological advances have not yet been sufficient to resolve this issue or is there a lack of protocol, validation and standardization of the data generated by different research teams? This work presents an overview of commercial drugs and those that have been evaluated in studies and clinical trials so far. A brief review is made of recent target-based and phenotypic studies based on the search for molecules with anti-Trypanosoma cruzi action. It also discusses how proteochemometric (PCM) modeling and microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) can help in the case of the lack of a 3D protein structure; more specifically, Trypanosoma cruzi carbonic anhydrase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Raposo Passos Mansoldo
- BIOINOVAR-Biocatalysis, Bioproducts and Bioenergy, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (F.R.P.M.); (V.d.S.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Carta
- Neurofarba Department, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy; (F.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Andrea Angeli
- Neurofarba Department, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy; (F.C.); (A.A.)
- Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers Department, “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Veronica da Silva Cardoso
- BIOINOVAR-Biocatalysis, Bioproducts and Bioenergy, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (F.R.P.M.); (V.d.S.C.)
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy; (F.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Alane Beatriz Vermelho
- BIOINOVAR-Biocatalysis, Bioproducts and Bioenergy, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (F.R.P.M.); (V.d.S.C.)
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Martín-Escolano J, Medina-Carmona E, Martín-Escolano R. Chagas Disease: Current View of an Ancient and Global Chemotherapy Challenge. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:2830-2843. [PMID: 33034192 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease and a global public health issue. In terms of treatment, no progress has been made since the 1960s, when benznidazole and nifurtimox, two obsolete drugs still prescribed, were used to treat this disease. Hence, currently, there are no effective treatments available to tackle Chagas disease. Over the past 20 years, there has been an increasing interest in the disease. However, parasite genetic diversity, drug resistance, tropism, and complex life cycle, along with the limited understanding of the disease and inadequate methodologies and strategies, have resulted in the absence of new insights in drugs development and disappointing outcomes in clinical trials so far. In summary, new drugs are urgently needed. This Review considers the relevant aspects related to the lack of drugs for Chagas disease, resumes the advances in tools for drug discovery, and discusses the main features to be taken into account to develop new effective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martín-Escolano
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios De Granada/University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios De Granada/University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Urbański LJ, Angeli A, Hytönen VP, Di Fiore A, Parkkila S, De Simone G, Supuran CT. Inhibition of the newly discovered β‑carbonic anhydrase from the protozoan pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis with inorganic anions and small molecules. J Inorg Biochem 2020; 213:111274. [PMID: 33068968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.111274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The protozoan pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis encodes two carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) belonging to the β-class. One of these enzymes, T. vaginalis carbonic anhydrase 1 (TvaCA1), was recently cloned and characterized by our group, and its X-ray crystal structure reported. No inhibitors of this enzyme were reported up until now. Here we investigated the inhibition of TvaCA1 with inorganic anions and small molecules and observed that thiocyanate, cyanide, selenite, selenocyanate and divanadate are sub-millimolar inhibitors, whereas sulfamide, sulfate, phenylboronic acid and phenylarsonic acid are micromolar inhibitors. Finding effective TvaCA1 inhibitors may be useful for developing new antiprotozoan drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda J Urbański
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Andrea Angeli
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via U. Schiff 6, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy
| | - Vesa P Hytönen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland; Fimlab Ltd., Arvo Ylpön katu 4, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Anna Di Fiore
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging of the National Research Council, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Seppo Parkkila
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland; Fimlab Ltd., Arvo Ylpön katu 4, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Giuseppina De Simone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging of the National Research Council, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy.
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Sezione di Chimica Farmaceutica e Nutraceutica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via U. Schiff 6, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), Italy.
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Thompson AM, O'Connor PD, Marshall AJ, Francisco AF, Kelly JM, Riley J, Read KD, Perez CJ, Cornwall S, Thompson RCA, Keenan M, White KL, Charman SA, Zulfiqar B, Sykes ML, Avery VM, Chatelain E, Denny WA. Re-evaluating pretomanid analogues for Chagas disease: Hit-to-lead studies reveal both in vitro and in vivo trypanocidal efficacy. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112849. [PMID: 33007723 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic screening of a 900 compound library of antitubercular nitroimidazole derivatives related to pretomanid against the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (the causative agent for Chagas disease) identified several structurally diverse hits with an unknown mode of action. Following initial profiling, a first proof-of-concept in vivo study was undertaken, in which once daily oral dosing of a 7-substituted 2-nitroimidazooxazine analogue suppressed blood parasitemia to low or undetectable levels, although sterile cure was not achieved. Limited hit expansion studies alongside counter-screening of new compounds targeted at visceral leishmaniasis laid the foundation for a more in-depth assessment of the best leads, focusing on both drug-like attributes (solubility, metabolic stability and safety) and maximal killing of the parasite in a shorter timeframe. Comparative appraisal of one preferred lead (58) in a chronic infection mouse model, monitored by highly sensitive bioluminescence imaging, provided the first definitive evidence of (partial) curative efficacy with this promising nitroimidazooxazine class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Thompson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Patrick D O'Connor
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Andrew J Marshall
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Amanda F Francisco
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - John M Kelly
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Riley
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin D Read
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine J Perez
- Department of Parasitology & Veterinary Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Scott Cornwall
- Department of Parasitology & Veterinary Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- Department of Parasitology & Veterinary Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Martine Keenan
- Epichem Pty Ltd, Suite 5, 3 Brodie-Hall Drive, Technology Park, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Karen L White
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Susan A Charman
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Bilal Zulfiqar
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young Road, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Melissa L Sykes
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young Road, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Vicky M Avery
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Don Young Road, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, 15 Chemin Louis Dunant, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - William A Denny
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
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Fonseca BDP, Albuquerque PC, Zicker F. Neglected tropical diseases in Brazil: lack of correlation between disease burden, research funding and output. Trop Med Int Health 2020; 25:1373-1384. [PMID: 32860446 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the correlation between the burden of seven priority neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) included in the Brazilian National Agenda of Priorities in Health Research - tuberculosis, Chagas disease, leprosy, malaria, leishmaniasis, dengue and schistosomiasis - and their respective research funding and output. METHODS This retrospective review obtained data on disease burden from the Global Burden of Disease Study and funding data from open access sources. Publications were retrieved from Scopus and SciELO, and characterised according to the type of research conducted. Correlation between funding, research output and burden was assessed by comparing the 'expected' and 'observed' values for funding and publications relative to the proportional burden for each disease. RESULTS There was an emphasis in basic biomedical research (average 30% of publications) and a shortage of health policy and systems (average 7%) and social sciences research (average 3%). Research output and funding were poorly correlated with disease burden. Tuberculosis, Chagas disease and schistosomiasis accounted for more than 75% of total NTD-related DALYs, but accounted for only 34% of publications. Leprosy, leishmaniasis and malaria, together, received 49% of NTD-related funding despite being responsible for only 9% of DALYs. CONCLUSIONS The analysis evidenced a lack of correlation between disease burden, research output and government funding for priority NTDs in Brazil. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring health needs, research investments and outputs to inform policy and optimise the uptake of evidence for action, particularly in developing countries, where resources are scarce and the research capacity is limited. The results contribute to health policy by highlighting the need for improving coordination of scientific activities and public health needs for effective impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna de Paula Fonseca
- Center for Technological Development in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Priscila Costa Albuquerque
- Center for Technological Development in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio Zicker
- Center for Technological Development in Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Cárdenas-Guerra RE, Moreno-Gutierrez DS, Vargas-Dorantes ODJ, Espinoza B, Hernandez-Garcia A. Delivery of Antisense DNA into Pathogenic Parasite Trypanosoma cruzi Using Virus-Like Protein-Based Nanoparticles. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 30:392-401. [PMID: 32907491 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease, is one of the most lacerating parasites in terms of health and social impacts. New approaches for its study and treatment are urgently needed since in more than 50 years only two drugs have been approved. Genetic approaches based on antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) are promising; however, to harness their full potential the development of effective carriers is paramount. Here, we report the use of an engineered virus-like protein C-BK12 to transfect AONs into T. cruzi. Using gel electrophoresis, Dynamic Light Scattering, and atomic force microscopy, we found that C-BK12 binds AONs and forms 10-25 nm nanoparticles (NPs), which are very stable when incubated in biological media, only releasing up to 25% of AON. Fluorescence microscopy and qPCR revealed that the NPs successfully delivered AONs into epimastigotes and reduced the expression of a target gene down to 68%. Importantly, the protein did not show cytotoxicity. The combination of high stability and capability to transfect and knock down gene expression without causing cell damage and death makes the protein C-BK12 a promising starting point for the further development of safe and effective carriers to deliver AONs into T. cruzi for biological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa E Cárdenas-Guerra
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis, Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - David S Moreno-Gutierrez
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Engineering and Bionanotechnology, Departamento de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Oscar de J Vargas-Dorantes
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Engineering and Bionanotechnology, Departamento de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Bertha Espinoza
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis, Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Armando Hernandez-Garcia
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Engineering and Bionanotechnology, Departamento de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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Abstract
Bibliometric methods were used to analyse the major research trends, themes and topics over the last 30 years in the parasitology discipline. The tools used were SciMAT, VOSviewer and SWIFT-Review in conjunction with the parasitology literature contained in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and Dimensions databases. The analyses show that the major research themes are dynamic and continually changing with time, although some themes identified based on keywords such as malaria, nematode, epidemiology and phylogeny are consistently referenced over time. We note the major impact of countries like Brazil has had on the literature of parasitology research. The increase in recent times of research productivity on 'antiparasitics' is discussed, as well as the change in emphasis on different antiparasitic drugs and insecticides over time. In summary, innovation in parasitology is global, extensive, multidisciplinary, constantly evolving and closely aligned with the availability of technology.
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Matsumoto K, Yasuno Y, Yasuda K, Hayashi T, Goto SG, Shinada T. Structure Determination of Juvenile Hormone from Chagas Disease Vectors, Rhodnius prolixusand Triatoma infestans. CHEM LETT 2020. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.200126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Yoko Yasuno
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Kohei Yasuda
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hayashi
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Shin G. Goto
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shinada
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
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Supuran CT. Exploring the multiple binding modes of inhibitors to carbonic anhydrases for novel drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:671-686. [PMID: 32208982 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1743676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The spacious active site cavity of the metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) shows a great versatility for a variety of binding modes for modulators of activity, inhibitors, and activators, some of which are clinically used drugs. AREAS COVERED There are at least four well-documented CA inhibition mechanisms and the same number of binding modes for CA inhibitors (CAIs), one of which superposes with the binding of activators (CAAs). They include (i) coordination to the catalytic metal ion; (ii) anchoring to the water molecule coordinated to the metal ion; (iii) occlusion of the active site entrance; and (iv) binding outside the active site. A large number of chemical classes of CAIs show these binding modes explored in detail by kinetic, crystallographic, and other techniques. The tail approach was applied to all of them and allowed many classes of highly isoform-selective inhibitors. This is the subject of our review. EXPERT OPINION All active site regions of CAs accommodate inhibitors to bind, which is reflected in very different inhibition profiles for such compounds and the possibility to design drugs with effective action and new applications, such as for the management of hypoxic tumors, neuropathic pain, cerebral ischemia, arthritis, and degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu T Supuran
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence, Italy
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