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Gray S, Fort C, Wheeler RJ. Intraflagellar transport speed is sensitive to genetic and mechanical perturbations to flagellar beating. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202401154. [PMID: 38829962 PMCID: PMC11148470 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202401154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Two sets of motor proteins underpin motile cilia/flagella function. The axoneme-associated inner and outer dynein arms drive sliding of adjacent axoneme microtubule doublets to periodically bend the flagellum for beating, while intraflagellar transport (IFT) kinesins and dyneins carry IFT trains bidirectionally along the axoneme. Despite assembling motile cilia and flagella, IFT train speeds have only previously been quantified in immobilized flagella-mechanical immobilization or genetic paralysis. This has limited investigation of the interaction between IFT and flagellar beating. Here, in uniflagellate Leishmania parasites, we use high-frequency, dual-color fluorescence microscopy to visualize IFT train movement in beating flagella. We discovered that adhesion of flagella to a microscope slide is detrimental, reducing IFT train speed and increasing train stalling. In flagella free to move, IFT train speed is not strongly dependent on flagella beat type; however, permanent disruption of flagella beating by deletion of genes necessary for formation or regulation of beating showed an inverse correlation of beat frequency and IFT train speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Gray
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cecile Fort
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard John Wheeler
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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2
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Marques MCS, Yoshida NC, Torres-Santos EC, Garcez FR, Garcez WS. Bioassay-guided isolation of leishmanicidal cucurbitacins from Momordica charantia. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1390715. [PMID: 39055497 PMCID: PMC11269121 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1390715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical parasitic disease, is regarded as a major public health problem worldwide. The first-line drugs for leishmaniasis suffer from limitations related to toxicity and the development of resistance in certain parasitic strains. Therefore, the discovery of alternative treatments for leishmaniasis is imperative, and natural products represent a valuable source of potential therapeutic agents. Methods The present study aimed at finding new potential antileishmanial agents from the aerial parts of the medicinal plant Momordica charantia. This study was based on bioassay-guided fractionation of the M. charantia extract against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. The cytotoxicity of the extract, fractions, and isolated compounds were evaluated against peritoneal murine macrophages by employing the MTT assay for assessing cell metabolic activity. Results Antileishmanial assay-guided fractionation of the M. charantia extract led to the bioactive cucurbitacin-enriched fraction and the isolation of four bioactive cucurbitacin-type triterpenoids, which exhibited significant antileishmanial activity, with IC50 values between 2.11 and 3.25 μg.mL-1 against promastigote and amastigote forms, low toxicity and selectivity indexes ranging from 8.5 to 17.2. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that the fractions and cucurbitacin-type triterpenoids obtained from the aerial parts of M. charantia are promising natural leishmanicidal candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carolina Silva Marques
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Nídia Cristiane Yoshida
- Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Products Research (PRONABio), Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Rodrigues Garcez
- Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Products Research (PRONABio), Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Walmir Silva Garcez
- Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Products Research (PRONABio), Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, Brazil
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3
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Maria Neto R, Di Fabio E, de Monroe Gonçalves M, Mamián López MB, Figueiredo Angolini CF, Carvalho Veggi P, Tempone AG, Martin do Prado J, Lago JHG, da Silva BG. Steam distillation, supercritical fluid extraction, and anti- Trypanosoma cruzi activity of compounds from pink pepper ( Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi). Nat Prod Res 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38907673 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2371108] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of compounds from fruits of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (pink pepper) were evaluated, using sustainable techniques such as steam distillation (SD) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). SD was optimised using a design of experiment and SFE was carried out using supercritical CO2 solvent (300 bar and 60 °C). Results of the anti-T. cruzi activity showed that the essential oil presented high activity (IC50 = 4.5 ± 0.3 μg/mL), whereas the supercritical extract had a moderate effect (IC50 = 19.7 ± 2.9 μg/mL). The differences in the anti-T. cruzi activity can be attributed to the extraction of non-volatile compounds in the SFE, such as moronic and (Z)-masticadienoic acids. In contrast, SD extracted only volatile compounds such as monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Therefore, these results suggest that the volatile compounds from pink pepper are involved with the anti-T. cruzi activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Maria Neto
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC - UFABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emmanuele Di Fabio
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC - UFABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina de Monroe Gonçalves
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC - UFABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Priscilla Carvalho Veggi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Martin do Prado
- Engineering, Modeling and Applied Social Sciences Center, Federal University of ABC - UFABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Guzzo da Silva
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC - UFABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
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4
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Bethencourt-Estrella CJ, Delgado-Hernández S, López-Arencibia A, San Nicolás-Hernández D, Salazar-Villatoro L, Omaña-Molina M, Tejedor D, García-Tellado F, Lorenzo-Morales J, Piñero JE. Acrylonitrile derivatives: In vitro activity and mechanism of cell death induction against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania amazonensis. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 24:100531. [PMID: 38484645 PMCID: PMC10950693 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are parasitic infections that affect millions of people worldwide, producing thousands of deaths per year. The current treatments against these pathologies are not totally effective and produce some side effects in the patients. Acrylonitrile derivatives are a group of compounds that have shown activity against these two diseases. In this work, four novels synthetic acrylonitriles were evaluated against the intracellular form and extracellular forms of L. amazonensis and T. cruzi. The compounds 2 and 3 demonstrate to have good selectivity indexes against both parasites, specifically the compound 3 against the amastigote form (SI = 6 against L. amazonensis and SI = 7.4 against T. cruzi). In addition, the parasites treated with these two compounds demonstrate to produce a programmed cell death, since they were positive for the events studied related to this type of death, including chromatin condensation, accumulation of reactive oxygen species and alteration of the mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, this work confirms that acrylonitriles is a source of possible new compounds against kinetoplastids, however, more studies are needed to corroborate this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J Bethencourt-Estrella
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Samuel Delgado-Hernández
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Fco. Sánchez 3, 38206 La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Desirée San Nicolás-Hernández
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Lizbeth Salazar-Villatoro
- Departamento de Infectómica y Patogénesis Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico 07360, Mexico
| | - Maritza Omaña-Molina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - David Tejedor
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Fco. Sánchez 3, 38206 La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Fernando García-Tellado
- Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Fco. Sánchez 3, 38206 La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, Islas Canarias, Tenerife, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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5
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Diaz AP, Canal CAM, Valdés AJ, Delgado JEG, Varela-M RE. GSK-3 kinase a putative therapeutic target in trypanosomatid parasites. Braz J Infect Dis 2024; 28:103736. [PMID: 38467387 PMCID: PMC10955101 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2024.103736] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are an important group of parasites that predominate in tropical and subtropical areas of the planet, which cause diseases that are classified as forgotten and neglected by the world health organization. In this group of parasites, we find Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Leishmania spp, for which there is no vaccine available, and its control has focused mainly on pharmacological treatment. Due to the poverty situation where these diseases are found and the biological complexity of these parasites, there are multiple variables to control, including the diversity of species, the complexity of their life cycles, drug resistance, cytotoxicity, the limited use in pregnant women, the high costs of treatment and the little-known pharmacological mechanisms of action, among others. It is therefore necessary to find new strategies and approaches for the treatment of these parasitic diseases. Among these new approaches is the rational search for new targets based on the allosteric inhibition of protein kinases, which have been little studied in trypanosomatids. Among these kinases, we find Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK-3), a kinase of great pharmacological interest, which is under intense basic and clinical research by pharmaceutical companies for the treatment of cancer. This kinase, highly studied in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway signaling in humans, has an orthologous gene in these parasites (GSK-3 s), which has proven to be essential for them in response to different challenges; Therefore, it is notable to increase research in this kinase in order to achieve a broad structural and functional characterization in the different species of trypanosomatids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - R E Varela-M
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali, Colombia.
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6
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Matos ÂP, Saldanha-Corrêa FMP, Gomes RDS, Hurtado GR. Exploring microalgal and cyanobacterial metabolites with antiprotozoal activity against Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites. Acta Trop 2024; 251:107116. [PMID: 38159713 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107116] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) like Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis affect millions of people annually, while currently used antiprotozoal drugs have serious side effects. Drug research based on natural products has shown that microalgae and cyanobacteria are a promising platform of biochemically active compounds with antiprotozoal activity. These unicellular photosynthetic organisms are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments including phycocyanin, chlorophylls and carotenoids, polyphenols, bioactive peptides, terpenes, alkaloids, which have proven antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiplasmodial and antiprotozoal properties. This review provides up-to-date information regarding ongoing studies on substances synthesized by microalgae and cyanobacteria with notable activity against Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, and Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agents of Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and human African trypanosomiasis, respectively. Extracts of several freshwater or marine microalgae have been tested on different strains of Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites. For instance, ethanolic extract of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Tetraselmis suecica have biological activity against T. cruzi, due to their high content of carotenoids, chlorophylls, phenolic compounds and flavonoids that are associated with trypanocidal activity. Halophilic Dunaliella salina showed moderate antileishmanial activity that may be attributed to the high β-carotene content in this microalga. Peptides such as almiramides, dragonamides, and herbamide that are biosynthesized by marine cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula were found to have increased activity in micromolar scale IC50 against L. donovani, T. Cruzi, and T. brucei parasites. The cyanobacterial peptides symplocamide and venturamide isolated from Symploca and Oscillatoria species, respectively, and the alkaloid nostocarbonile isolated from Nostoc have shown promising antiprotozoal properties and are being explored for pharmaceutical and medicinal purposes. The discovery of new molecules from microalgae and cyanobacteria with therapeutic potential against Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis may address an urgent medical need: effective and safe treatments of NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângelo Paggi Matos
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Presidente Dutra Km 138, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos 12247-004, Brazil.
| | | | - Roberto da Silva Gomes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105, United States
| | - Gabriela Ramos Hurtado
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Presidente Dutra Km 138, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos 12247-004, Brazil; Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Presidente Dutra Km 138, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos 12247-004, Brazil.
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7
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Seetsi A, N'da DD, Molefe-Nyembe N, Suganuma K, Ramatla T, Thekisoe O. In vitro anti-trypanosomal activity of synthetic nitrofurantoin-triazole hybrids against Trypanosoma species causing human African trypanosomosis. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024; 38:72-83. [PMID: 37479675 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Human African trypanosomosis (HAT) which is also known as sleeping sickness is caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense that is endemic in western and central Africa and T. b. rhodesiense that is endemic in eastern and southern Africa. Drugs used for treatment against HAT first stage have limited effectiveness, and the second stage drugs have been reported to be toxic, expensive, and have time-consuming administration, and parasitic resistance has developed against these drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-trypanosomal activity of nitrofurantoin-triazole hybrids against T. b. gambiense and T. b. rhodesiense parasites in vitro. This study screened 19 synthesized nitrofurantoin-triazole (NFT) hybrids on two strains of human trypanosomes, and cytotoxicity was evaluated on Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. The findings in this study showed that an increase in the chain length and the number of carbon atoms in some n-alkyl hybrids influenced the increase in anti-trypanosomal activity against T. b. gambiense and T. b. rhodesiense. The short-chain n-alkyl hybrids showed decreased activity compared to the long-chain n-alkyl hybrids, with increased activity against both T. b. gambiense and T. b. rhodesiense. Incorporation of additional electron-donating substituents in some NFT hybrids showed increased anti-trypanosomal activity than to electron-withdrawing substituents in NFT hybrids. All 19 NFT hybrids tested displayed better anti-trypanosomal activity against T. b. gambiense than T. b. rhodesiense. The NFT hybrid no. 16 was among the best performing hybrids against both T. b. gambiense (0.08 ± 0.04 μM) and T. b.rhodesiense (0.11 ± 0.06 μM), and its activity might be influenced by the introduction of fluorine in the para-position on the benzyl ring. Remarkably, the NFT hybrids in this study displayed weak to moderate cytotoxicity on MDBK cells. All of the NFT hybrids in this study had selectivity index values ranging from 18 to greater than 915, meaning that they were up to 10-100 times fold selective in their anti-trypanosomal activity. The synthesized NFT hybrids showed strong selectivity >10 to T. b. gambiense and T. b. rhodesiense, which indicates that they qualify from the initial selection criteria for potential hit drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Seetsi
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - David D N'da
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (PHARMACEN), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Nthatisi Molefe-Nyembe
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa
| | - Keisuke Suganuma
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Surra, National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tsepo Ramatla
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Oriel Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Linciano P, Pozzi C, Tassone G, Landi G, Mangani S, Santucci M, Luciani R, Ferrari S, Santarem N, Tagliazucchi L, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Tonelli M, Tondi D, Bertarini L, Gul S, Witt G, Moraes CB, Costantino L, Costi MP. The discovery of aryl-2-nitroethyl triamino pyrimidines as anti-Trypanosoma brucei agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115946. [PMID: 38043491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115946] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) is a catalytic protein belonging to the folate metabolic pathway in Trypanosmatidic parasites. PTR1 is a known target for the medicinal chemistry development of antiparasitic agents against Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis. In previous studies, new nitro derivatives were elaborated as PTR1 inhibitors. The compounds showing a diamino-pyrimidine core structure were previously developed but they showed limited efficacy. Therefore, a new class of phenyl-, heteroaryl- and benzyloxy-nitro derivatives based on the 2-nitroethyl-2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine scaffold were designed and tested. The compounds were assayed for their ability to inhibit T. brucei and L. major PTR1 enzymes and for their antiparasitic activity towards T. brucei and L. infantum parasites. To understand the structure-activity relationships of the compounds against TbPTR1, the X-ray crystallographic structure of the 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine (TAP) was obtained and molecular modelling studies were performed. As a next step, only the most effective compounds against T. brucei were then tested against the amastigote cellular stage of T. cruzi, searching for a broad-spectrum antiprotozoal agent. An early ADME-Tox profile evaluation was performed. The early toxicity profile of this class of compounds was investigated by measuring their inhibition of hERG and five cytochrome P450 isoforms (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4), cytotoxicity towards A549 cells and mitochondrial toxicity. Pharmacokinetic studies (SNAP-PK) were performed on selected compounds using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins (50 % w/v) to preliminarily study their plasma concentration when administered per os at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Compound 1p, showed the best pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, can be considered a good candidate for further bioavailability and efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugual
| | - Giusy Tassone
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giacomo Landi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Mangani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Santucci
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Rosaria Luciani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferrari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Nuno Santarem
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugual; Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge ViterboFerreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lorenzo Tagliazucchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy; Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM) PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 278, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugual; Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge ViterboFerreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Donatella Tondi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Bertarini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Sheraz Gul
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Hamburg, Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gesa Witt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Hamburg, Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carolina B Moraes
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), 13083-100, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Luca Costantino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy.
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9
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Saha A, Pushpa, Moitra S, Basak D, Brahma S, Mondal D, Molla SH, Samadder A, Nandi S. Targeting Cysteine Proteases and their Inhibitors to Combat Trypanosomiasis. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2135-2169. [PMID: 37340748 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230619160509] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosomiasis, caused by protozoan parasites of the Trypanosoma genus, remains a significant health burden in several regions of the world. Cysteine proteases play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Trypanosoma parasites and have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs. INTRODUCTION This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of cysteine proteases in trypanosomiasis and their potential as therapeutic targets. We discuss the biological significance of cysteine proteases in Trypanosoma parasites and their involvement in essential processes, such as host immune evasion, cell invasion, and nutrient acquisition. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies and research articles on the role of cysteine proteases and their inhibitors in trypanosomiasis. The selected studies were critically analyzed to extract key findings and provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. RESULTS Cysteine proteases, such as cruzipain, TbCatB and TbCatL, have been identified as promising therapeutic targets due to their essential roles in Trypanosoma pathogenesis. Several small molecule inhibitors and peptidomimetics have been developed to target these proteases and have shown promising activity in preclinical studies. CONCLUSION Targeting cysteine proteases and their inhibitors holds great potential for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs against trypanosomiasis. The identification of potent and selective cysteine protease inhibitors could significantly contribute to the combat against trypanosomiasis and improve the prospects for the treatment of this neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aloke Saha
- Cell and Developmental Biology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Pushpa
- Cell and Developmental Biology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Susmita Moitra
- Cell and Developmental Biology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Deblina Basak
- Endocrinology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Sayandeep Brahma
- Cell and Developmental Biology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Dipu Mondal
- Cell and Developmental Biology Special, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Sabir Hossen Molla
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Asmita Samadder
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Lab., Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, India
| | - Sisir Nandi
- Global Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Affiliated to Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University), Kashipur, 244713, India
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10
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Ivănescu L, Andronic BL, Grigore-Hristodorescu S, Martinescu GV, Mîndru R, Miron L. The immune response in canine and human leishmaniasis and how this influences the diagnosis- a review and assessment of recent research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1326521. [PMID: 38149009 PMCID: PMC10749942 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1326521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a widespread but still underdiagnosed parasitic disease that affects both humans and animals. There are at least 20 pathogenic species of Leishmania, most of them being zoonotic. The diagnosis of leishmaniasis remains a major challenge, with an important role being played by the species of parasites involved, the genetic background, the immunocompetence of the host. This paper brings to the fore the sensitivity of the balance in canine and human leishmaniasis and addresses the importance of the host's immune response in establishing a correct diagnosis, especially in certain cases of asymptomatic leishmaniasis, or in the situation the host is immunosuppressed or acquired leishmaniasis through vertical transmission. The methods considered as a reference in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis no longer present certainty, the diagnosis being influenced mostly by the immune response of the host, which differs according to the presence of other associated diseases or even according to the breed in dogs. Consequently, the diagnosis and surveillance of leishmaniasis cases remains an open topic, requiring new diagnostic methods adapted to the immunological state of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Ivănescu
- Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Bianca Lavinia Andronic
- Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Iaşi, Romania
| | | | | | - Raluca Mîndru
- Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Liviu Miron
- Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences, Iaşi, Romania
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11
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Messaoudene F, Boukraa S, Boubidi SC, Guerzou A, Ouahabi A. Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in North Africa and Its Threats to Public Health: A Statistical Study Focused on Djelfa (Algeria). Microorganisms 2023; 11:2608. [PMID: 37894266 PMCID: PMC10609502 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102608] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis, the most common form of leishmaniasis, causes long-term skin lesions on exposed areas of the skin. It is caused by a protozoan parasite belonging to the genus Leishmania and is transmitted via infected phlebotomine sand flies. In North Africa, particularly Algeria, the disease represents a major public health problem. This retrospective study, which focuses on the agropastoral region of Djelfa (central Algeria) during a period of 16 years, from 2006 to 2021, is part of the surveillance of cutaneous leishmaniasis to identify the key factors favouring its probable spread. The analyzed data reveal that this disease is more prevalent in male patients (53.60%) and is highly widespread in this vast area of 66,415 km2 with a total of 3864 CL cases, reaching a peak of 1407 cases in 2006. Statistically, the Pearson correlation validated by the p-value shows, in an original and sometimes unexpected way, that certain factors, such as temperature linked to climate change, are playing a significant role in the probable spread of the disease in Djelfa and its surrounding regions. The concentration of the population in some specific rural areas with limited or nonexistent access to public health services is another potential factor in disease transmission. The results were highlighted by a significant correlation coefficient (r=0.66) with a p-value less than 0.01. While there is currently no vaccine or prophylactic drug available, our research represents a preliminary approach that addresses various epidemiological aspects of the disease. This paves the way for a proactive preventive strategy involving the control of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Messaoudene
- Exploration and Valorization of Steppe Ecosystems Laboratory, Faculty of Nature and Life Science, Ziane Achour University of Djelfa, Djelfa 17000, Algeria
| | - Slimane Boukraa
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry Zoology, Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique, El-Harrach 16004, Algeria
| | - Said Chaouki Boubidi
- Laboratoire d’Eco-Epidémiologie Parasitaire et Génétique des Populations, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Dely-Brahim 16047, Algeria
| | - Ahlem Guerzou
- Exploration and Valorization of Steppe Ecosystems Laboratory, Faculty of Nature and Life Science, Ziane Achour University of Djelfa, Djelfa 17000, Algeria
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12
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Saayman M, Kannigadu C, Aucamp J, Janse van Rensburg HD, Joseph C, Swarts AJ, N'Da DD. Design, synthesis, electrochemistry and anti-trypanosomatid hit/lead identification of nitrofuranylazines. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2012-2029. [PMID: 37859713 PMCID: PMC10583827 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00220a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are vector-borne infectious diseases affecting both humans and animals. These neglected tropical diseases can be fatal if not treated. Hundreds to thousands of new Chagas disease and leishmaniasis cases are being reported by the WHO every year, and currently available treatments are insufficient. Severe adverse effects, impractical administrations and increased pathogen resistance against current clinical treatments underscore a serious need for the development of new drugs to curb these ailments. In search for such drugs, we investigated a series of nitrofuran-based azine derivatives. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, electrochemistry, and biological activity of these derivatives against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major, and L. donovani strains, as well as epimastigotes and trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Two leishmanicidal early leads and one trypanosomacidal hit with submicromolar activity were uncovered and stand for further in vivo investigation in the search for new antitrypanosomatid drugs. Future objective will focus on the identification of involved biological targets with the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Saayman
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom 2520 South Africa +27 18 299 4243 +27 18 299 2256
| | - Christina Kannigadu
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom 2520 South Africa +27 18 299 4243 +27 18 299 2256
| | - Janine Aucamp
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom 2520 South Africa +27 18 299 4243 +27 18 299 2256
| | - Helena D Janse van Rensburg
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom 2520 South Africa +27 18 299 4243 +27 18 299 2256
| | - Cassiem Joseph
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg-Braamfontein 2050 South Africa
| | - Andrew J Swarts
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg-Braamfontein 2050 South Africa
| | - David D N'Da
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University Potchefstroom 2520 South Africa +27 18 299 4243 +27 18 299 2256
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13
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Panecka-Hofman J, Poehner I. Structure and dynamics of pteridine reductase 1: the key phenomena relevant to enzyme function and drug design. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:521-532. [PMID: 37608196 PMCID: PMC10618315 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01677-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) is a folate and pterin pathway enzyme unique for pathogenic trypanosomatids. As a validated drug target, PTR1 has been the focus of recent research efforts aimed at finding more effective treatments against human parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis or sleeping sickness. Previous PTR1-centered structural studies highlighted the enzyme characteristics, such as flexible regions around the active site, highly conserved structural waters, and species-specific differences in pocket properties and dynamics, which likely impacts the binding of natural substrates and inhibitors. Furthermore, several aspects of the PTR1 function, such as the substrate inhibition phenomenon and the level of ligand binding cooperativity in the enzyme homotetramer, likely related to the global enzyme dynamics, are poorly known at the molecular level. We postulate that future drug design efforts could greatly benefit from a better understanding of these phenomena through studying both the local and global PTR1 dynamics. This review highlights the key aspects of the PTR1 structure and dynamics relevant to structure-based drug design that could be effectively investigated by modeling approaches. Particular emphasis is given to the perspective of molecular dynamics, what has been accomplished in this area to date, and how modeling could impact the PTR1-targeted drug design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Panecka-Hofman
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ina Poehner
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
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14
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Martinez-Morata I, Sobel M, Tellez-Plaza M, Navas-Acien A, Howe CG, Sanchez TR. A State-of-the-Science Review on Metal Biomarkers. Curr Environ Health Rep 2023; 10:215-249. [PMID: 37337116 PMCID: PMC10822714 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00402-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Biomarkers are commonly used in epidemiological studies to assess metals and metalloid exposure and estimate internal dose, as they integrate multiple sources and routes of exposure. Researchers are increasingly using multi-metal panels and innovative statistical methods to understand how exposure to real-world metal mixtures affects human health. Metals have both common and unique sources and routes of exposure, as well as biotransformation and elimination pathways. The development of multi-element analytical technology allows researchers to examine a broad spectrum of metals in their studies; however, their interpretation is complex as they can reflect different windows of exposure and several biomarkers have critical limitations. This review elaborates on more than 500 scientific publications to discuss major sources of exposure, biotransformation and elimination, and biomarkers of exposure and internal dose for 12 metals/metalloids, including 8 non-essential elements (arsenic, barium, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, tin, uranium) and 4 essential elements (manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc) commonly used in multi-element analyses. RECENT FINDINGS We conclude that not all metal biomarkers are adequate measures of exposure and that understanding the metabolic biotransformation and elimination of metals is key to metal biomarker interpretation. For example, whole blood is a good biomarker of exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and tin, but it is not a good indicator for barium, nickel, and uranium. For some essential metals, the interpretation of whole blood biomarkers is unclear. Urine is the most commonly used biomarker of exposure across metals but it should not be used to assess lead exposure. Essential metals such as zinc and manganese are tightly regulated by homeostatic processes; thus, elevated levels in urine may reflect body loss and metabolic processes rather than excess exposure. Total urinary arsenic may reflect exposure to both organic and inorganic arsenic, thus, arsenic speciation and adjustment for arsebonetaine are needed in populations with dietary seafood consumption. Hair and nails primarily reflect exposure to organic mercury, except in populations exposed to high levels of inorganic mercury such as in occupational and environmental settings. When selecting biomarkers, it is also critical to consider the exposure window of interest. Most populations are chronically exposed to metals in the low-to-moderate range, yet many biomarkers reflect recent exposures. Toenails are emerging biomarkers in this regard. They are reliable biomarkers of long-term exposure for arsenic, mercury, manganese, and selenium. However, more research is needed to understand the role of nails as a biomarker of exposure to other metals. Similarly, teeth are increasingly used to assess lifelong exposures to several essential and non-essential metals such as lead, including during the prenatal window. As metals epidemiology moves towards embracing a multi-metal/mixtures approach and expanding metal panels to include less commonly studied metals, it is important for researchers to have a strong knowledge base about the metal biomarkers included in their research. This review aims to aid metals researchers in their analysis planning, facilitate sound analytical decision-making, as well as appropriate understanding and interpretation of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Martinez-Morata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 1107, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Marisa Sobel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 1107, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Maria Tellez-Plaza
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 1107, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Caitlin G Howe
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Tiffany R Sanchez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 1107, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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15
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Jamabo M, Mahlalela M, Edkins AL, Boshoff A. Tackling Sleeping Sickness: Current and Promising Therapeutics and Treatment Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12529. [PMID: 37569903 PMCID: PMC10420020 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the extracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, and targeted for eradication by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the lengthening of the proposed time frame for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis as control programs were interrupted. Armed with extensive antigenic variation and the depletion of the B cell population during an infectious cycle, attempts to develop a vaccine have remained unachievable. With the absence of a vaccine, control of the disease has relied heavily on intensive screening measures and the use of drugs. The chemotherapeutics previously available for disease management were plagued by issues such as toxicity, resistance, and difficulty in administration. The approval of the latest and first oral drug, fexinidazole, is a major chemotherapeutic achievement for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis in the past few decades. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, while poor compliance and resistance remain outstanding challenges. Drug discovery is on-going, and herein we review the recent advances in anti-trypanosomal drug discovery, including novel potential drug targets. The numerous challenges associated with disease eradication will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miebaka Jamabo
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
| | - Maduma Mahlalela
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
| | - Adrienne L. Edkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Biotechnology Research Centre (BioBRU), Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa;
| | - Aileen Boshoff
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa; (M.J.); (M.M.)
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16
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Ariyadasa S, Taylor W, Weaver L, McGill E, Billington C, Pattis I. Nonbacterial Microflora in Wastewater Treatment Plants: an Underappreciated Potential Source of Pathogens. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0048123. [PMID: 37222623 PMCID: PMC10269893 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00481-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) receive and treat large volumes of domestic, industrial, and urban wastewater containing pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms, chemical compounds, heavy metals, and other potentially hazardous substances. WWTPs play an essential role in preserving human, animal, and environmental health by removing many of these toxic and infectious agents, particularly biological hazards. Wastewater contains complex consortiums of bacterial, viral, archaeal, and eukaryotic species, and while bacteria in WWTP have been extensively studied, the temporal and spatial distribution of nonbacterial microflora (viruses, archaea, and eukaryotes) is less understood. In this study, we analyzed the viral, archaeal, and eukaryotic microflora in wastewater throughout a treatment plant (raw influent, effluent, oxidation pond water, and oxidation pond sediment) in Aotearoa (New Zealand) using Illumina shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Our results suggest a similar trend across many taxa, with an increase in relative abundance in oxidation pond samples compared to influent and effluent samples, except for archaea, which had the opposite trend. Additionally, some microbial families, such as Podoviridae bacteriophages and Apicomplexa alveolates, appeared largely unaffected by the treatment process, with their relative abundance remaining stable throughout. Several groups encompassing pathogenic species, such as Leishmania, Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Apicomplexa, Cryptococcus, Botrytis, and Ustilago, were identified. If present, these potentially pathogenic species could be a threat to human and animal health and agricultural productivity; therefore, further investigation is warranted. These nonbacterial pathogens should be considered when assessing the potential for vector transmission, distribution of biosolids to land, and discharge of treated wastewater to waterways or land. IMPORTANCE Nonbacterial microflora in wastewater remain understudied compared to their bacterial counterparts despite their importance in the wastewater treatment process. In this study, we report the temporal and spatial distributions of DNA viruses, archaea, protozoa, and fungi in raw wastewater influent, effluent, oxidation pond water, and oxidation pond sediments by using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Our study indicated the presence of groups of nonbacterial taxa which encompass pathogenic species that may have potential to cause disease in humans, animals, and agricultural crops. We also observed higher alpha diversity in viruses, archaea, and fungi in effluent samples than in influent samples. This suggests that the resident microflora in the wastewater treatment plant may be making a greater contribution to the diversity of taxa observed in wastewater effluent than previously thought. This study provides important insights to better understand the potential human, animal, and environmental health impacts of discharged treated wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujani Ariyadasa
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - William Taylor
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Louise Weaver
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Erin McGill
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Craig Billington
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Isabelle Pattis
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Brandner L, Müller TJJ. Multicomponent synthesis of chromophores – The one-pot approach to functional π-systems. Front Chem 2023; 11:1124209. [PMID: 37007054 PMCID: PMC10065161 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1124209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Multicomponent reactions, conducted in a domino, sequential or consecutive fashion, have not only considerably enhanced synthetic efficiency as one-pot methodology, but they have also become an enabling tool for interdisciplinary research. The highly diversity-oriented nature of the synthetic concept allows accessing huge structural and functional space. Already some decades ago this has been recognized for life sciences, in particular, lead finding and exploration in pharma and agricultural chemistry. The quest for novel functional materials has also opened the field for diversity-oriented syntheses of functional π-systems, i.e. dyes for photonic and electronic applications based on their electronic properties. This review summarizes recent developments in MCR syntheses of functional chromophores highlighting syntheses following either the framework forming scaffold approach by establishing connectivity between chromophores or the chromogenic chromophore approach by de novo formation of chromophore of interest. Both approaches warrant rapid access to molecular functional π-systems, i.e. chromophores, fluorophores, and electrophores for various applications.
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Moreira VP, da Silva Mela MF, dos Anjos LR, Saraiva LF, Arenas Velásquez AM, Kalaba P, Fabisiková A, Clementino LDC, Aufy M, Studenik C, Gajic N, Prado-Roller A, Magalhães A, Zehl M, Figueiredo ID, Baviera AM, Cilli EM, Graminha MAS, Lubec G, Gonzalez ERP. Novel Selective and Low-Toxic Inhibitor of LmCPB2.8ΔCTE (CPB) One Important Cysteine Protease for Leishmania Virulence. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1903. [PMID: 36551331 PMCID: PMC9775234 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a highly prevalent, yet neglected disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. In the search for newer, safer, and more effective antileishmanial compounds, we herein present a study of the mode of action in addition to a detailed structural and biological characterization of LQOF-G6 [N-benzoyl-N'-benzyl-N″-(4-tertbutylphenyl)guanidine]. X-ray crystallography and extensive NMR experiments revealed that LQOF-G6 nearly exclusively adopts the Z conformation stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond. The investigated guanidine showed selective inhibitory activity on Leishmania major cysteine protease LmCPB2.8ΔCTE (CPB) with ~73% inhibition and an IC50-CPB of 6.0 µM. This compound did not show any activity against the mammalian homologues cathepsin L and B. LQOF-G6 has been found to be nontoxic toward both organs and several cell lines, and no signs of hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity were observed from the analysis of biochemical clinical plasma markers in the treated mice. Docking simulations and experimental NMR measurements showed a clear contribution of the conformational parameters to the strength of the binding in the active site of the enzyme, and thus fit the differences in the inhibition values of LQOF-G6 compared to the other guanidines. Furthermore, the resulting data render LQOF-G6 suitable for further development as an antileishmanial drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Partite Moreira
- Fine Organic Chemistry Lab, School of Sciences and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente 19060-080, Brazil
| | | | - Luana Ribeiro dos Anjos
- Fine Organic Chemistry Lab, School of Sciences and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente 19060-080, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Figueiredo Saraiva
- Laboratory of Luminescence in Materials and Sensors, School of Sciences and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente 19060-560, Brazil
| | | | - Predrag Kalaba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef Holaubek Platz 2, UZAII, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Fabisiková
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mohammed Aufy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Josef Holaubek Platz 2, UZAII (2D 259), 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Studenik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Josef Holaubek Platz 2, UZAII (2D 259), 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Natalie Gajic
- Centre for X-ray Structure Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 40-42, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Prado-Roller
- Centre for X-ray Structure Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 40-42, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alvicler Magalhães
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Chemistry School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil
| | - Martin Zehl
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Amanda Martins Baviera
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Maffud Cilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-060, Brazil
| | - Marcia A. S. Graminha
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Gert Lubec
- Department of Neuroproteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eduardo R. Perez Gonzalez
- Fine Organic Chemistry Lab, School of Sciences and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente 19060-080, Brazil
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Carvalho DB, das Neves AR, Portapilla GB, Soares O, Santos LBB, Oliveira JRS, Vianna LS, Judice WAS, Cardoso IA, Luccas PH, Nonato MC, Lopes NP, de Albuquerque S, Baroni ACM. Repurposing of 5‐nitrofuran‐3,5‐disubstituted isoxazoles: A thriving scaffold to antitrypanosomal agents. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 356:e2200472. [PMID: 36534890 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The two drugs used in the treatment schedules exhibit adverse effects and severe toxicity. Thus, searching for new antitrypanosomal agents is urgent to provide improved treatments to those affected by this disease. 5-Nitrofuran-isoxazole analogs were synthesized by cycloaddition reactions [3+2] between chloro-oximes and acetylenes in satisfactory yields. We analyzed the structure-activity relationship of the analogs based on Hammett's and Hansch's parameters. The 5-nitrofuran-isoxazole analogs exhibited relevant in vitro antitrypanosomal activity against the amastigote forms of T. cruzi. Analog 7s was the trending hit of the series, showing an IC50 value of 40 nM and a selectivity index of 132.50. A possible explanation for this result may be the presence of an electrophile near the isoxazole core. Moreover, the most active analogs proved to act as an in vitro substrate of type I nitroreductase rather than the cruzain, enzymes commonly investigated in molecular target studies of CD drug discovery. These findings suggest that 5-nitrofuran-isoxazole analogs are promising in the studies of agents for CD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego B. Carvalho
- Laboratório de Síntese e Química Medicinal (LASQUIM), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição Universidade Federal de Mato Grossso do Sul (UFMS) Campo Grande Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
| | - Amarith R. das Neves
- Laboratório de Síntese e Química Medicinal (LASQUIM), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição Universidade Federal de Mato Grossso do Sul (UFMS) Campo Grande Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Humana, Instituto de Biociências Universidade Federal de Mato Grossso do Sul (UFMS) Campo Grande Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
| | - Gisele B. Portapilla
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto—Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto São Paulo Brazil
| | - Ozildeia Soares
- Laboratório de Síntese e Química Medicinal (LASQUIM), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição Universidade Federal de Mato Grossso do Sul (UFMS) Campo Grande Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
| | - Larissa B. B. Santos
- Laboratório de Síntese e Química Medicinal (LASQUIM), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição Universidade Federal de Mato Grossso do Sul (UFMS) Campo Grande Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
| | - Jefferson R. S. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Síntese e Química Medicinal (LASQUIM), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição Universidade Federal de Mato Grossso do Sul (UFMS) Campo Grande Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
| | - Luan S. Vianna
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biochemical Research University of Mogi das Cruzes (UMC) Mogi das Cruzes SP Brazil
| | - Wagner A. S. Judice
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biochemical Research University of Mogi das Cruzes (UMC) Mogi das Cruzes SP Brazil
| | - Iara A. Cardoso
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Pedro H. Luccas
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - M. Cristina Nonato
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Norberto P. Lopes
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos, Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Sergio de Albuquerque
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto—Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto São Paulo Brazil
| | - Adriano C. M. Baroni
- Laboratório de Síntese e Química Medicinal (LASQUIM), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição Universidade Federal de Mato Grossso do Sul (UFMS) Campo Grande Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
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Tassone G, Mazzorana M, Pozzi C. Structural Basis of Parasitic HSP90 ATPase Inhibition by Small Molecules. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1341. [PMID: 36355513 PMCID: PMC9692773 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites are responsible for several harmful and widespread human diseases that cause high morbidity and mortality. Currently available treatments have serious limitations due to poor efficiency, strong adverse effects, and high cost. Hence, the identification of new targets and the development of specific drug therapies against parasitic diseases are urgent needs. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is an ATP-dependent molecular chaperone that plays a key role in parasite survival during the various differentiation stages, spread over the vector insect and the human host, which they undergo during their life cycle. The N-terminal domain (NTD) of HSP90, containing the main determinants for ATPase activity, represents the most druggable domain for inhibitor targeting. The molecules investigated on parasite HSP90 are mainly developed from known inhibitors of the human counterpart, and they have strong limitations due to selectivity issues, accounting for the high conservation of the ATP-binding site between the parasite and human proteins. The current review highlights the recent structural progress made to support the rational design of new molecules able to effectively block the chaperone activity of parasite HSP90.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Tassone
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Mazzorana
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Diamond House, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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21
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Alpizar-Sosa EA, Ithnin NRB, Wei W, Pountain AW, Weidt SK, Donachie AM, Ritchie R, Dickie EA, Burchmore RJS, Denny PW, Barrett MP. Amphotericin B resistance in Leishmania mexicana: Alterations to sterol metabolism and oxidative stress response. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010779. [PMID: 36170238 PMCID: PMC9581426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphotericin B is increasingly used in treatment of leishmaniasis. Here, fourteen independent lines of Leishmania mexicana and one L. infantum line were selected for resistance to either amphotericin B or the related polyene antimicrobial, nystatin. Sterol profiling revealed that, in each resistant line, the predominant wild-type sterol, ergosta-5,7,24-trienol, was replaced by other sterol intermediates. Broadly, two different profiles emerged among the resistant lines. Whole genome sequencing then showed that these distinct profiles were due either to mutations in the sterol methyl transferase (C24SMT) gene locus or the sterol C5 desaturase (C5DS) gene. In three lines an additional deletion of the miltefosine transporter gene was found. Differences in sensitivity to amphotericin B were apparent, depending on whether cells were grown in HOMEM, supplemented with foetal bovine serum, or a serum free defined medium (DM). Metabolomic analysis after exposure to AmB showed that a large increase in glucose flux via the pentose phosphate pathway preceded cell death in cells sustained in HOMEM but not DM, indicating the oxidative stress was more significantly induced under HOMEM conditions. Several of the lines were tested for their ability to infect macrophages and replicate as amastigote forms, alongside their ability to establish infections in mice. While several AmB resistant lines showed reduced virulence, at least two lines displayed heightened virulence in mice whilst retaining their resistance phenotype, emphasising the risks of resistance emerging to this critical drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edubiel A. Alpizar-Sosa
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Nur Raihana Binti Ithnin
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew W. Pountain
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute for Computational Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Stefan K. Weidt
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anne M. Donachie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Ritchie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emily A. Dickie
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. S. Burchmore
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection & Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Bearsden, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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22
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Jamabo M, Bentley SJ, Macucule-Tinga P, Tembo P, Edkins AL, Boshoff A. In silico analysis of the HSP90 chaperone system from the African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:947078. [PMID: 36213128 PMCID: PMC9538636 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.947078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) and spread by the tsetse fly in sub-Saharan Africa. The trypanosome relies on heat shock proteins for survival in the insect vector and mammalian host. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) plays a crucial role in the stress response at the cellular level. Inhibition of its interactions with chaperones and co-chaperones is being explored as a potential therapeutic target for numerous diseases. This study provides an in silico overview of HSP90 and its co-chaperones in both T. brucei brucei and T. brucei gambiense in relation to human and other trypanosomal species, including non-parasitic Bodo saltans and the insect infecting Crithidia fasciculata. A structural analysis of T. brucei HSP90 revealed differences in the orientation of the linker and C-terminal domain in comparison to human HSP90. Phylogenetic analysis displayed the T. brucei HSP90 proteins clustering into three distinct groups based on subcellular localizations, namely, cytosol, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Syntenic analysis of cytosolic HSP90 genes revealed that T. b. brucei encoded for 10 tandem copies, while T. b. gambiense encoded for three tandem copies; Leishmania major (L. major) had the highest gene copy number with 17 tandem copies. The updated information on HSP90 from recently published proteomics on T. brucei was examined for different life cycle stages and subcellular localizations. The results show a difference between T. b. brucei and T. b. gambiense with T. b. brucei encoding a total of twelve putative HSP90 genes, while T. b. gambiense encodes five HSP90 genes. Eighteen putative co-chaperones were identified with one notable absence being cell division cycle 37 (Cdc37). These results provide an updated framework on approaching HSP90 and its interactions as drug targets in the African trypanosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miebaka Jamabo
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | | | | | - Praise Tembo
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Adrienne Lesley Edkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit (BioBRU), Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Aileen Boshoff
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Aileen Boshoff,
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Štěpánek O, Čmoková A, Procházková E, Grobárová V, Černý J, Sklapničková M, Zíková AP, Kolařík M, Baszczynski O. Piperazine‐modified ketoconazole derivatives show increased activity against fungal and trypanosomatid pathogens. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200385. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Štěpánek
- Charles University: Univerzita Karlova Department of Organic Chemistry CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Adéla Čmoková
- Institute of Microbiology Mikrobiologický ústav AV ČR, v.v.i. CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Eliška Procházková
- IOCB CAS: Ustav organicke chemie a biochemie Akademie ved Ceske republiky NMR department CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Valéria Grobárová
- Charles University: Univerzita Karlova Department of Cell Biology CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Jan Černý
- Charles University: Univerzita Karlova Department of Cell Biology CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Martina Sklapničková
- Institute of Parasitology Czech Academy of Sciences: Biologicke centrum Akademie ved Ceske republiky Parazitologicky ustav Parazitologicky ustav CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Alena Panicucci Zíková
- Institute of Parasitology Czech Academy of Sciences: Biologicke centrum Akademie ved Ceske republiky Parazitologicky ustav Parazitologicky ustav CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Miroslav Kolařík
- Institute of Microbiology Czech Academy of Sciences: Mikrobiologicky ustav Akademie ved Ceske republiky Mikrobiologicky ustav CZECH REPUBLIC
| | - Ondrej Baszczynski
- Univerzita Karlova Prirodovedecka fakulta Department of Organic Chemistry Hlavova 8/2030 12800 Prague CZECH REPUBLIC
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24
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Saini I, Joshi J, Kaur S. Unwelcome prevalence of leishmaniasis with several other infectious diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109059. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Kumar R, Chen ZF, Choudhary MI, Yousuf S. Insight into structural features and supramolecular architecture of synthesized quinoxaline derivatives with anti-leishmanial activity, in vitro. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Wijnant GJ, Dumetz F, Dirkx L, Bulté D, Cuypers B, Van Bocxlaer K, Hendrickx S. Tackling Drug Resistance and Other Causes of Treatment Failure in Leishmaniasis. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.837460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a tropical infectious disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania parasite. The disease is transmitted by female sand flies and, depending on the infecting parasite species, causes either cutaneous (stigmatizing skin lesions), mucocutaneous (destruction of mucous membranes of nose, mouth and throat) or visceral disease (a potentially fatal infection of liver, spleen and bone marrow). Although more than 1 million new cases occur annually, chemotherapeutic options are limited and their efficacy is jeopardized by increasing treatment failure rates and growing drug resistance. To delay the emergence of resistance to existing and new drugs, elucidating the currently unknown causes of variable drug efficacy (related to parasite susceptibility, host immunity and drug pharmacokinetics) and improved use of genotypic and phenotypic tools to define, measure and monitor resistance in the field are critical. This review highlights recent progress in our understanding of drug action and resistance in Leishmania, ongoing challenges (including setbacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic) and provides an overview of possible strategies to tackle this public health challenge.
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Nabi SA, Ramzan F, Lone MS, Beg MA, Hamid A, Nainwal LM, Samim M, Shafi S, Bano S, Javed K. Synthesis, crystallographic study, molecular docking, ADMET, DFT and biological evaluation of new series of aurone derivatives as anti-leishmanial agents. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.132528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Soto-Sánchez J. Bioactivity of Natural Polyphenols as Antiparasitic Agents and their Biochemical Targets. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:2661-2677. [PMID: 35379147 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220404090429] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are diseases that affect public health worldwide due to their high incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Available treatments are costly, prolonged, and toxic, not to mention the problem of parasite resistance. The development of alternative treatments is justified and polyphenols show promising activity. OBJECTIVE The main aim of this mini-review was to analyze the most promising phenolic compounds with reported antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activity as well as their mechanisms of action. RESULTS We found that the mode of action of these natural compounds mainly lignans, neolignans, and flavonoids depends on the organism they act on and includes, macrophage activation, induction of morphological changes such as chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, accumulation of acidocalcisomes, and glycosomes, Golgi damage and mitochondrial dysfunction as well as negative regulation of mitochondrial enzymes and other essential enzymes for parasite survival such as arginase. This gives a wide scope for future research towards the rational development of anti-kinetoplastid drugs. CONCLUSION Although the specific molecular targets, bioavailability, route of administration, and dosages of some of these natural compounds need to be determined, polyphenols and their combinations represent a very promising and safe strategy to be considered for use against Leishmania spp and Trypanosoma spp. In addition, these compounds may provide a scaffold for developing new, more potent, and more selective antiprotozoal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Soto-Sánchez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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29
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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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Partially Purified Leaf Fractions of Azadirachta indica Inhibit Trypanosome Alternative Oxidase and Exert Antitrypanosomal Effects on Trypanosoma congolense. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:120-129. [PMID: 34156634 PMCID: PMC8217781 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00437-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Trypanosomiasis is a neglected disease of humans and livestock caused by single-celled flagellated haemo-protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Trypanosoma. Purpose Widespread resistance to trypanocidal drugs creates urgent need for new, more effective drugs with potential to inhibit important trypanosome molecular targets. Methods Nine column chromatographic, partially purified leaf fractions of Azadirachta indica (AIF) were subjected to trypanosome alternative oxidase (TAO) inhibition assay using ubiquinol oxidase assay. The potent TAO inhibitors were evaluated for trypanocidal activities against T. congolense in rat model using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays. Complete cessation or reduction in parasite motility was scored from 0 (no parasite) to 6 (greater than or equal to 6 × 107 trypanosomes/milliliter of blood), and was used to evaluate the efficacy of in vitro treatments. Results Only AIF1, AIF2, and AIF5 significantly inhibited TAO. AIF1 and AIF5 produced significant, dose-dependent suppression of parasite motility reaching score zero within 1 h with EC50 of 0.005 and 0.004 µg/µL, respectively, while trypanosome-laden blood was still at score six with an EC50 of 44,086 µg/µL. Mice inoculated with the concentrations at scores 0 and 1 (1–2 moribund parasites) at the end of the experiment did not develop parasitaemia. The two fractions significantly (p < 0.05) lowered parasite burden, with the AIF5 exhibiting highest in vivo trypanocidal effects. Packed cell volume was significantly higher in AIF1 (p < 0.05) and AIF5 (p < 0.001) groups compared to DMSO-treated group. Only AIF5 significantly (p < 0.05) lowered malondialdehyde. Conclusion AIF1 and AIF5 offer prospects for the discovery of TAO inhibitor(s).
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Clementino LDC, Oda FB, Teixeira TR, Tavares RSN, Colepicolo P, Santos AGD, Debonsi HM, Graminha MAS. The antileishmanial activity of the antarctic brown alga Ascoseira mirabilis Skottsberg. Nat Prod Res 2021; 35:5470-5474. [PMID: 32567355 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1782403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases that have limited and high toxic therapeutic options. Herein, we evaluated the antileishmanial potential and cytotoxicity of hexanic extract obtained from the Antarctic brown alga Ascoseira mirabilis using bioguided fractionation against Leishmania amazonensis and murine macrophages, which was fractionated by SPE, yielding seven fractions (F1-F7). The fraction F6 showed good anti-amastigote activity (IC50 = 73.4 ± 0.4 μg mL-1) and low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 100 μg mL-1). Thus, in order to identify the bioactive constituent(s) of F6, the fraction was separated in a semipreparative HPLC, yielding four fractions (F6.1-F6.4). F6.2 was the most bioactive fraction (IC50 = 66.5 ± 4.5 μg mL-1) and GC-MS analyses revealed that the compounds octadecane, propanoic acid, 1-monomyristin and azelaic acid correspond to 61% of its composition. These data show for the first time the antileishmanial potential of the Antarctic alga A. mirabilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro da Costa Clementino
- Chemistry Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Fernando Bombarda Oda
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Thaiz Rodrigues Teixeira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo University (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Pio Colepicolo
- Chemistry Institute, São Paulo University (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Hosana Maria Debonsi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo University (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Márcia A S Graminha
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
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Sakyi PO, Amewu RK, Devine RNOA, Bienibuor AK, Miller WA, Kwofie SK. Unravelling the myth surrounding sterol biosynthesis as plausible target for drug design against leishmaniasis. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:1152-1171. [PMID: 34790000 PMCID: PMC8556451 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01390-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mortality rate of leishmaniasis is increasing at an alarming rate and is currently second to malaria amongst the other neglected tropical diseases. Unfortunately, many governments and key stakeholders are not investing enough in the development of new therapeutic interventions. The available treatment options targeting different pathways of the parasite have seen inefficiencies, drug resistance, and toxic side effects coupled with longer treatment durations. Numerous studies to understand the biochemistry of leishmaniasis and its pathogenesis have identified druggable targets including ornithine decarboxylase, trypanothione reductase, and pteridine reductase, which are relevant for the survival and growth of the parasites. Another plausible target is the sterol biosynthetic pathway; however, this has not been fully investigated. Sterol biosynthesis is essential for the survival of the Leishmania species because its inhibition could lead to the death of the parasites. This review seeks to evaluate how critical the enzymes involved in sterol biosynthetic pathway are to the survival of the leishmania parasite. The review also highlights both synthetic and natural product compounds with their IC50 values against selected enzymes. Finally, recent advancements in drug design strategies targeting the sterol biosynthesis pathway of Leishmania are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O. Sakyi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 56, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Richard K. Amewu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 56, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Robert N. O. A. Devine
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Alfred K. Bienibuor
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Whelton A. Miller
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153 USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, IL 19104 USA
| | - Samuel K. Kwofie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic & Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 77, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Pérez-Molina JA, Crespillo-Andújar C, Bosch-Nicolau P, Molina I. Trypanocidal treatment of Chagas disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 39:458-470. [PMID: 34736749 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2020.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected parasitosis caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This infection is present in most Latin American countries, although, due to migratory movements, it is a growing cause for concern in non-endemic countries. The only two drugs currently available for its treatment-benznidazole and nifurtimox-were marketed 50 years ago. While they are very effective for acute and recent infection, and for the prevention of maternofoetal transmission, their efficacy declines in people who have chronic infection, especially those older than 18 years of age. In the presence of visceral involvement, parasiticidal treatment is of little or no value. The safety profile of both drugs is far from ideal, with frequent adverse events and high rates of drug discontinuation, mainly in adults. So far, new drugs and new strategies have not been shown to improve the results of the current nitroimidazoles, although the results are promising. In this review, we focus on the aspects that allow clinicians to make the best use of currently available drugs. In addition, we discuss new therapeutic options and ongoing research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Pérez-Molina
- National Referral Centre for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Clara Crespillo-Andújar
- National Referral Centre for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pau Bosch-Nicolau
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto René Rachou-FIOCRUZ Minas, Chagas Disease Research Group, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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New insights into the mechanism of action of the cyclopalladated complex - CP2 in Leishmania: Calcium Dysregulation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cell Death. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 66:e0076721. [PMID: 34633848 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00767-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The current treatment of leishmaniasis is based on few drugs that present several drawbacks such as high toxicity, difficult administration route, and low efficacy. These disadvantages raise the necessity to develop novel antileishmanial compounds allied to a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms of action. Here, we elucidate the probably mechanism of action of the antileishmanial binuclear cyclopalladated complex [Pd(dmba)(μ-N3)]2 (CP2) in Leishmania amazonensis. CP2 causes oxidative stress in the parasite resulting in disruption of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis, cell cycle arrest at S-phase, increasing the ROS production and overexpression of stress-related and cell detoxification proteins, collapsing the Leishmania mitochondrial membrane potential and promotes apoptotic-like features in promastigotes leading to necrosis or directs programmed cell death (PCD)-committed cells toward necrotic-like destruction. Moreover, CP2 is able to reduce the parasite load in both liver and spleen in Leishmania infantum-infected hamsters when treated for 15 days with 1.5 mg/Kg/day CP2, expanding its potential application in addition to the already known effectiveness on cutaneous leishmaniasis for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, showing the broad spectrum of action of this cyclopalladated complex. The data herein presented bring new insights into the CP2 molecular mechanisms of action, assisting to promote its rational modification to improve both safety and efficacy.
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Tassone G, Landi G, Linciano P, Francesconi V, Tonelli M, Tagliazucchi L, Costi MP, Mangani S, Pozzi C. Evidence of Pyrimethamine and Cycloguanil Analogues as Dual Inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei Pteridine Reductase and Dihydrofolate Reductase. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:636. [PMID: 34209148 PMCID: PMC8308740 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma and Leishmania parasites are the etiological agents of various threatening neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), Chagas disease, and various types of leishmaniasis. Recently, meaningful progresses in the treatment of HAT, due to Trypanosoma brucei (Tb), have been achieved by the introduction of fexinidazole and the combination therapy eflornithine-nifurtimox. Nevertheless, due to drug resistance issues and the exitance of animal reservoirs, the development of new NTD treatments is still required. For this purpose, we explored the combined targeting of two key folate enzymes, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1). We formerly showed that the TbDHFR inhibitor cycloguanil (CYC) also targets TbPTR1, although with reduced affinity. Here, we explored a small library of CYC analogues to understand how their substitution pattern affects the inhibition of both TbPTR1 and TbDHFR. Some novel structural features responsible for an improved, but preferential, ability of CYC analogues to target TbPTR1 were disclosed. Furthermore, we showed that the known drug pyrimethamine (PYR) effectively targets both enzymes, also unveiling its binding mode to TbPTR1. The structural comparison between PYR and CYC binding modes to TbPTR1 and TbDHFR provided key insights for the future design of dual inhibitors for HAT therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Tassone
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.T.); (G.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Giacomo Landi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.T.); (G.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.L.); (L.T.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Valeria Francesconi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n.3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (V.F.); (M.T.)
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n.3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (V.F.); (M.T.)
| | - Lorenzo Tagliazucchi
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.L.); (L.T.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy; (P.L.); (L.T.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Stefano Mangani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.T.); (G.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018–2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.T.); (G.L.); (S.M.)
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Elmahallawy EK, Alkhaldi AAM, Saleh AA. Host immune response against leishmaniasis and parasite persistence strategies: A review and assessment of recent research. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111671. [PMID: 33957562 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a neglected parasitic disease caused by a unicellular protozoan of the genus Leishmania, is transmitted through the bite of a female sandfly. The disease remains a major public health problem and is linked to tropical and subtropical regions, with an endemic picture in several regions, including East Africa, the Mediterranean basin and South America. The different causative species display a diversity of clinical presentations; therefore, the immunological data on leishmaniasis are both scarce and controversial for the different forms and infecting species of the parasite. The present review highlights the main immune parameters associated with leishmaniasis that might contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenicity of the parasite and the clinical outcomes of the disease. Our aim was to provide a concise overview of the immunobiology of the disease and the factors that influence it, as this knowledge may be helpful in developing novel chemotherapeutic and vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt.
| | | | - Amira A Saleh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zgazig, Egypt
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Gupta Y, Goicoechea S, Pearce CM, Mathur R, Romero JG, Kwofie SK, Weyenberg MC, Daravath B, Sharma N, Poonam, Akala HM, Kanzok SM, Durvasula R, Rathi B, Kempaiah P. The emerging paradigm of calcium homeostasis as a new therapeutic target for protozoan parasites. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:56-82. [PMID: 33851452 DOI: 10.1002/med.21804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Calcium channels (CCs), a group of ubiquitously expressed membrane proteins, are involved in many pathophysiological processes of protozoan parasites. Our understanding of CCs in cell signaling, organelle function, cellular homeostasis, and cell cycle control has led to improved insights into their structure and functions. In this article, we discuss CCs characteristics of five major protozoan parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania, Toxoplasma, Trypanosoma, and Cryptosporidium. We provide a comprehensive review of current antiparasitic drugs and the potential of using CCs as new therapeutic targets. Interestingly, previous studies have demonstrated that human CC modulators can kill or sensitize parasites to antiparasitic drugs. Still, none of the parasite CCs, pumps, or transporters has been validated as drug targets. Information for this review draws from extensive data mining of genome sequences, chemical library screenings, and drug design studies. Parasitic resistance to currently approved therapeutics is a serious and emerging threat to both disease control and management efforts. In this article, we suggest that the disruption of calcium homeostasis may be an effective approach to develop new anti-parasite drug candidates and reduce parasite resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Gupta
- Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, USA
| | - Steven Goicoechea
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Catherine M Pearce
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Raman Mathur
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jesus G Romero
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Samuel K Kwofie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic & Applied Sciences, West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic & Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Matthew C Weyenberg
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bharathi Daravath
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Neha Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Hansraj College University Enclave, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Poonam
- Department of Chemistry, Miranda House University Enclave, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | - Stefan M Kanzok
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ravi Durvasula
- Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, USA
| | - Brijesh Rathi
- Department of Chemistry, Hansraj College University Enclave, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Elmahallawy EK, Alkhaldi AAM. Insights into Leishmania Molecules and Their Potential Contribution to the Virulence of the Parasite. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8020033. [PMID: 33672776 PMCID: PMC7924612 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neglected parasitic diseases affect millions of people worldwide, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Among other parasitic diseases, leishmaniasis remains an important public health problem caused by the protozoa of the genus Leishmania, transmitted by the bite of the female sand fly. The disease has also been linked to tropical and subtropical regions, in addition to being an endemic disease in many areas around the world, including the Mediterranean basin and South America. Although recent years have witnessed marked advances in Leishmania-related research in various directions, many issues have yet to be elucidated. The intention of the present review is to give an overview of the major virulence factors contributing to the pathogenicity of the parasite. We aimed to provide a concise picture of the factors influencing the reaction of the parasite in its host that might help to develop novel chemotherapeutic and vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
- Correspondence: (E.K.E.); (A.A.M.A.)
| | - Abdulsalam A. M. Alkhaldi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 2014, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (E.K.E.); (A.A.M.A.)
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Ortíz C, Moraca F, Laverriere M, Jordan A, Hamilton N, Comini MA. Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase from Trypanosomes: Selectivity for Steroids and Chemical Validation in Bloodstream Trypanosoma brucei. Molecules 2021; 26:E358. [PMID: 33445584 PMCID: PMC7826790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) fulfills an essential role in cell physiology by catalyzing the production of NADPH+ and of a precursor for the de novo synthesis of ribose 5-phosphate. In trypanosomatids, G6PDH is essential for in vitro proliferation, antioxidant defense and, thereby, drug resistance mechanisms. So far, 16α-brominated epiandrosterone represents the most potent hit targeting trypanosomal G6PDH. Here, we extended the investigations on this important drug target and its inhibition by using a small subset of androstane derivatives. In Trypanosoma cruzi, immunofluorescence revealed a cytoplasmic distribution of G6PDH and the absence of signal in major organelles. Cytochemical assays confirmed parasitic G6PDH as the molecular target of epiandrosterone. Structure-activity analysis for a set of new (dehydro)epiandrosterone derivatives revealed that bromination at position 16α of the cyclopentane moiety yielded more potent T. cruzi G6PDH inhibitors than the corresponding β-substituted analogues. For the 16α brominated compounds, the inclusion of an acetoxy group at position 3 either proved detrimental or enhanced the activity of the epiandrosterone or the dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives, respectively. Most derivatives presented single digit μM EC50 against infective T. brucei and the killing mechanism involved an early thiol-redox unbalance. This data suggests that infective African trypanosomes lack efficient NADPH+-synthesizing pathways, beyond the Pentose Phosphate, to maintain thiol-redox homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Ortíz
- Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
| | - Francesca Moraca
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Marc Laverriere
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomus (IIB-INTECH, UNSAM-CONICET), Av. General Paz 5445, INTI, San Martín 1650, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina;
| | - Allan Jordan
- Drug Discovery Unit, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Macclesfield SK10 4TG, UK; (A.J.); (N.H.)
| | - Niall Hamilton
- Drug Discovery Unit, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Macclesfield SK10 4TG, UK; (A.J.); (N.H.)
| | - Marcelo A. Comini
- Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
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Hzounda Fokou JB, Dize D, Etame Loe GM, Nko'o MHJ, Ngene JP, Ngoule CC, Boyom FF. Anti-leishmanial and anti-trypanosomal natural products from endophytes. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:785-796. [PMID: 33409640 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07035-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi are parasites belonging to the Trypanosomatidae family and the causative agents for two very important neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), namely leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis, respectively. Together, they affect millions of people worldwide and the number of cases is constantly rising; thus, further effort on identifying and developing non-toxic, affordable and effective new drug is urgently needed to overcome this alarming situation. Exploring natural products from fungal and bacterial origin remains hitherto a valuable approach to find new hits and candidates for the development of new drugs against these protozoal human infections. Endophytes, which are microorganisms (fungal and bacterial) inhabiting plant tissues, represent a promising source, as they hold potential to produce a high number of distinct chemical scaffolds. These structurally diverse natural products have previously been successfully tested against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. The present review provides an update of endophytic compounds exerting anti-trypanosomal and anti-leishmanial effects and their predicted pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Baptiste Hzounda Fokou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon.
- Antimicrobial & Biocontrol Agents Unit, Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Darline Dize
- Antimicrobial & Biocontrol Agents Unit, Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Gisele Marguerite Etame Loe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Moise Henri Julien Nko'o
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Jean Pierre Ngene
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Charles Christian Ngoule
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, PO Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Fabrice Fekam Boyom
- Antimicrobial & Biocontrol Agents Unit, Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Mehrabi Tavana A. Experiences on Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Control in Imposed Iran-Iraq War 1980-1988. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 15:615-617. [PMID: 33884020 PMCID: PMC8039487 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v15i4.4881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mehrabi Tavana
- Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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42
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Soares AKA, Neves PAF, Nascimento AV, Esmeraldo AAM, Moreira LR, Higino TMM, C B Q Figueiredo R, G A M Cavalcanti M, Martins SM, Carrazone C, Júnior WO, Gomes YM, Lorena VMB. Benznidazole: Hero or villain of cellular immune response in chronic Chagas disease patients? Immunobiology 2020; 226:152046. [PMID: 33341661 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2020.152046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although the treatment of chronic Chagas disease (CCD) patients with Benznidazole (Bz) is still controversial, its use may prevent or delay the progression of the disease to the most severe forms. One of the main factors that can influence the effectiveness of the treatment is the possible cooperation between drug effect and the host immune response. Herein, we evaluated the immune response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and submitted to Bz treatment. Blood samples of CCD patients (n = 7) and non-infected individuals (n = 6) were drawn to obtain PBMCs. After cell culture, the supernatants were harvested and stored, and the cell analyzed by flow cytometer. The results showed that Bz positively regulated the molecular process of cell activation (CD80) and antigen presentation (HLA-DR), increased phagocytosis receptor and macrophage activation (CD64), and did not induce an exacerbated immune response. In conclusion, these results highlight the relevance of using Bz that, despite not being a true hero, it is also not a villain, as it presents a wide range of pharmacological/immunological response interactions, important for the immune balance in the clinical progression of CCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana K A Soares
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães - IAM/Fiocruz, Recife, PE, Brazil; Fundação Altino Ventura - FAV, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A F Neves
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães - IAM/Fiocruz, Recife, PE, Brazil; Hospital das Clínicas - HC/UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Taciana M M Higino
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães - IAM/Fiocruz, Recife, PE, Brazil; Fundação Altino Ventura - FAV, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Maria G A M Cavalcanti
- Ambulatório de doença de Chagas e Insuficiência Cardíaca do Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco (PROCAPE) - Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Sílvia M Martins
- Ambulatório de doença de Chagas e Insuficiência Cardíaca do Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco (PROCAPE) - Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Cristina Carrazone
- Ambulatório de doença de Chagas e Insuficiência Cardíaca do Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco (PROCAPE) - Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Wilson O Júnior
- Ambulatório de doença de Chagas e Insuficiência Cardíaca do Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de Pernambuco (PROCAPE) - Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Yara M Gomes
- Instituto Aggeu Magalhães - IAM/Fiocruz, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Ortalli M, Varani S, Cimato G, Veronesi R, Quintavalla A, Lombardo M, Monari M, Trombini C. Evaluation of the Pharmacophoric Role of the O-O Bond in Synthetic Antileishmanial Compounds: Comparison between 1,2-Dioxanes and Tetrahydropyrans. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13140-13158. [PMID: 33091297 PMCID: PMC8018184 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniases are neglected diseases that can be treated with a limited drug arsenal; the development of new molecules is therefore a priority. Recent evidence indicates that endoperoxides, including artemisinin and its derivatives, possess antileishmanial activity. Here, 1,2-dioxanes were synthesized with their corresponding tetrahydropyrans lacking the peroxide bridge, to ascertain if this group is a key pharmacophoric requirement for the antileishmanial bioactivity. Newly synthesized compounds were examined in vitro, and their mechanism of action was preliminarily investigated. Three endoperoxides and their corresponding tetrahydropyrans effectively inhibited the growth of Leishmania donovani promastigotes and amastigotes, and iron did not play a significant role in their activation. Further, reactive oxygen species were produced in both endoperoxide- and tetrahydropyran-treated promastigotes. In conclusion, the peroxide group proved not to be crucial for the antileishmanial bioactivity of endoperoxides, under the tested conditions. Our findings reveal the potential of both 1,2-dioxanes and tetrahydropyrans as lead compounds for novel therapies against Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Ortalli
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference
Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi
University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna,
Italy
| | - Stefania Varani
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference
Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi
University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna,
Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty
Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via
Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Cimato
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference
Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi
University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna,
Italy
| | - Ruben Veronesi
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”,
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna Via Selmi 2,
40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Quintavalla
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”,
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna Via Selmi 2,
40126 Bologna, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria
(CIRM) - Italian Malaria Network (IMN), University of Milan,
20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Lombardo
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”,
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna Via Selmi 2,
40126 Bologna, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria
(CIRM) - Italian Malaria Network (IMN), University of Milan,
20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Magda Monari
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”,
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna Via Selmi 2,
40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Trombini
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”,
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna Via Selmi 2,
40126 Bologna, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria
(CIRM) - Italian Malaria Network (IMN), University of Milan,
20100 Milan, Italy
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Highly Sensitive and Rapid Quantitative Detection of Plasmodium falciparum Using an Image Cytometer. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111769. [PMID: 33187123 PMCID: PMC7696876 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111769] [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: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The gold standard for malaria diagnosis is microscopic examination of blood films by expert microscopists. It is important to detect submicroscopic and asymptomatic Plasmodium infections in people, therefore the development of highly sensitive devices for diagnosing malaria is required. In the present study, we investigated whether an imaging cytometer was useful for the highly sensitive quantitative detection of parasites. Whole blood samples were prepared from uninfected individuals spiked with Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes. Thereafter, erythrocytes were purified using a push column comprising of a syringe filter unit with SiO2-nanofiber filters. After adding the erythrocytes, stained with nuclear stain, to a six-well plate, quantitative detection of the parasites was performed using an image cytometer, CQ1. Imaging of 2.6 × 106 erythrocytes was completed in 3 min, and the limit of detection indicated parasitemia of 0.00010% (≈5 parasites/μL of blood). In addition to rapid, highly sensitive, and quantitative detection, the ease of application and economic costs, image cytometry could be efficiently applied to diagnose submicroscopic parasites in infected people from endemic countries.
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Hong A, Zampieri RA, Shaw JJ, Floeter-Winter LM, Laranjeira-Silva MF. One Health Approach to Leishmaniases: Understanding the Disease Dynamics through Diagnostic Tools. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9100809. [PMID: 33019713 PMCID: PMC7599840 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9100809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are zoonotic vector-borne diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania that affect millions of people around the globe. There are various clinical manifestations, ranging from self-healing cutaneous lesions to potentially fatal visceral leishmaniasis, all of which are associated with different Leishmania species. Transmission of these parasites is complex due to the varying ecological relationships between human and/or animal reservoir hosts, parasites, and sand fly vectors. Moreover, vector-borne diseases like leishmaniases are intricately linked to environmental changes and socioeconomic risk factors, advocating the importance of the One Health approach to control these diseases. The development of an accurate, fast, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for leishmaniases is a priority, and the implementation of various control measures such as animal sentinel surveillance systems is needed to better detect, prevent, and respond to the (re-)emergence of leishmaniases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahyun Hong
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil; (A.H.); (R.A.Z.); (L.M.F.-W.)
| | - Ricardo Andrade Zampieri
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil; (A.H.); (R.A.Z.); (L.M.F.-W.)
| | - Jeffrey Jon Shaw
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Lucile Maria Floeter-Winter
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil; (A.H.); (R.A.Z.); (L.M.F.-W.)
| | - Maria Fernanda Laranjeira-Silva
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil; (A.H.); (R.A.Z.); (L.M.F.-W.)
- Correspondence:
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Tolomeo M, Bonura S, Abbott M, Anastasia A, Colomba C, Cascio A. Good's syndrome and recurrent leishmaniasis: A case report and review of literature. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05061. [PMID: 33024862 PMCID: PMC7527582 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a 56-year-old Caucasian male affected by thymoma and myasthenia gravis that developed recurrent visceral leishmaniasis 11 years after thymectomy. After treatment of each relapse with liposomal amphotericin B the PCR-Leishmania was negative and the patient showed clinical improvement. An immunologic work-up was performed showing lymphopenia with an important decrease in CD4+ T cells (52 cells/μ) and CD4/CD8 ratio (0.2). HIV test was negative. On the basis of previous thymoma and myasthenia gravis and on the basis of the immunological profile a diagnosis of Good's syndrome was made. Since IFNγ plays a main role in the control of Leishmania infection the production of IFNγ was evaluated. After mitogen stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells the production of IFNγ was lower than normal. This is the second reported case of Good's syndrome with recurrent leishmaniasis and indicates that a definitive cure for leishmaniasis in patients with Good's syndrome is not possible. Immunologic work-up in our patient strongly suggests that relapses could be correlated with the low CD4+ T cell number and with the low IFNγ production. Immunotherapy with IFNγ or with compounds able to block the Th2 interleukin production could be a therapeutic option in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manlio Tolomeo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonura
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Michelle Abbott
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Anastasia
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Colomba
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Cascio
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
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From Ocean to Medicine: Pharmaceutical Applications of Metabolites from Marine Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080455. [PMID: 32731464 PMCID: PMC7460513 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oceans cover seventy percent of the planet's surface and besides being an immense reservoir of biological life, they serve as vital sources for human sustenance, tourism, transport and commerce. Yet, it is estimated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that eighty percent of the oceans remain unexplored. The untapped biological resources present in oceans may be fundamental in solving several of the world's public health crises of the 21st century, which span from the rise of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, pathogenic fungi and parasites, to the rise of cancer incidence and viral infection outbreaks. In this review, health risks as well as how marine bacterial derived natural products may be tools to fight them will be discussed. Moreover, an overview will be made of the research pipeline of novel molecules, from identification of bioactive bacterial crude extracts to the isolation and chemical characterization of the molecules within the framework of the One Health approach. This review highlights information that has been published since 2014, showing the current relevance of marine bacteria for the discovery of novel natural products.
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Pérez-Molina JA, Crespillo-Andújar C, Bosch-Nicolau P, Molina I. Trypanocidal treatment of Chagas disease. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2020; 39:S0213-005X(20)30193-2. [PMID: 32527494 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected parasitosis caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This infection is present in most Latin American countries, although, due to migratory movements, it is a growing cause for concern in non-endemic countries. The only two drugs currently available for its treatment-benznidazole and nifurtimox-were marketed 50 years ago. While they are very effective for acute and recent infection, and for the prevention of maternofoetal transmission, their efficacy declines in people who have chronic infection, especially those older than 18 years of age. In the presence of visceral involvement, parasiticidal treatment is of little or no value. The safety profile of both drugs is far from ideal, with frequent adverse events and high rates of drug discontinuation, mainly in adults. So far, new drugs and new strategies have not been shown to improve the results of the current nitroimidazoles, although the results are promising. In this review, we focus on the aspects that allow clinicians to make the best use of currently available drugs. In addition, we discuss new therapeutic options and ongoing research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Pérez-Molina
- National Referral Centre for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Clara Crespillo-Andújar
- National Referral Centre for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pau Bosch-Nicolau
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto René Rachou-FIOCRUZ Minas, Chagas Disease Research Group, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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50
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Damianou A, Burge RJ, Catta-Preta CMC, Geoghegan V, Nievas YR, Newling K, Brown E, Burchmore R, Rodenko B, Mottram JC. Essential roles for deubiquitination in Leishmania life cycle progression. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008455. [PMID: 32544189 PMCID: PMC7319358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic protozoan Leishmania requires proteasomal, autophagic and lysosomal proteolytic pathways to enact the extensive cellular remodelling that occurs during its life cycle. The proteasome is essential for parasite proliferation, yet little is known about the requirement for ubiquitination/deubiquitination processes in growth and differentiation. Activity-based protein profiling of L. mexicana C12, C19 and C65 deubiquitinating cysteine peptidases (DUBs) revealed DUB activity remains relatively constant during differentiation of procyclic promastigote to amastigote. However, when life cycle phenotyping (bar-seq) was performed on a pool including 15 barcoded DUB null mutants created in promastigotes using CRISPR-Cas9, significant loss of fitness was observed during differentiation and intracellular infection. DUBs 4, 7, and 13 are required for successful transformation from metacyclic promastigote to amastigote and DUBs 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11 and 14 are required for normal amastigote proliferation in mice. DUBs 1, 2, 12 and 16 are essential for promastigote viability and the essential role of DUB2 in establishing infection was demonstrated using DiCre inducible gene deletion in vitro and in vivo. DUB2 is found in the nucleus and interacts with nuclear proteins associated with transcription/chromatin dynamics, mRNA splicing and mRNA capping. DUB2 has broad linkage specificity, cleaving all the di-ubiquitin chains except for Lys27 and Met1. Our study demonstrates the crucial role that DUBs play in differentiation and intracellular survival of Leishmania and that amastigotes are exquisitely sensitive to disruption of ubiquitination homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Damianou
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J. Burge
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Vincent Geoghegan
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Y. Romina Nievas
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Newling
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Brown
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Burchmore
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Boris Rodenko
- UbiQ Bio BV, Amsterdam Science Park, The Netherlands
| | - Jeremy C. Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
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