1
|
Garsi JB, Hocine S, Hensienne R, Moitessier M, Denton H, Major LL, Smith TK, Hanessian S. Revisiting the dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase inhibitor captopril as a source of pan anti-trypanosomatid agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 110:129883. [PMID: 39013490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129883] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The protozoan parasites Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. are responsible for continued propagation of neglected tropical diseases such as African sleeping sickness, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis respectively. Following a report that captopril targets Leishmania donovani dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase, a series of simple proline amides and captopril analogues were synthesized and found to exhibit 1-2 μM in vitro inhibition and selectivity against Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. The results were corroborated with computational docking studies. Arguably, the synthetic proline amides represent the structurally simplest examples of in vitro pan antiprotozoal compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Garsi
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Station Centre-Ville, C.P. 6128, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sofiane Hocine
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Station Centre-Ville, C.P. 6128, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Raphaël Hensienne
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Station Centre-Ville, C.P. 6128, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Matthieu Moitessier
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Station Centre-Ville, C.P. 6128, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Helen Denton
- Schools of Biology and Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Louise L Major
- Schools of Biology and Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Terry K Smith
- Schools of Biology and Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland KY16 9ST, UK.
| | - Stephen Hanessian
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Station Centre-Ville, C.P. 6128, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nabi SA, Ramzan F, Lone MS, Nainwal LM, Hamid A, Batool F, Husain M, Samim M, Shafi S, Sharma K, Bano S, Javed K. Halogen substituted aurones as potential apoptotic agents: synthesis, anticancer evaluation, molecular docking, ADMET and DFT study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:7610-7627. [PMID: 37517055 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2240897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
A series of halogen-substituted aurone derivatives (2a-k) were synthesized and evaluated for an anti-proliferative study against NCI 60 cancer cell line panel and showed that most of the compounds predominantly exhibited promising activity against MCF-7. Compound 2e exhibited promising anticancer activity against the MCF-7 cancer cell line with 84.98% percentage growth inhibition in a single dose assay of 10 μM with an IC50 value of 8.157 ± 0.713 μM. In apoptotic assay, the effect of compound 2e on the cell cycle progression indicated that exposure of MCF-7 cells to compound 2e induced a significant disruption in the cell cycle profile including a time-dependent decrease in the cell population at G0/G1 and G2/M phase and arrests the cell cycle at the S phase. In silico, molecular docking ADME and toxicity studies of all compounds were also carried out. The docking study revealed that all the aurone derivatives displayed good docking scores ranging from -7.066 to -8.573. The results of Molecular Electrostatic Potential Mapping (MESP) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies of the most active compound 2e and least active compound 2k also favoured the experimental results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ayaz Nabi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Farhat Ramzan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mehak Saba Lone
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Lalit Mohan Nainwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical & Allied Sciences, G. D. Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Aabid Hamid
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
- Theoretical Chemistry Section, Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | | | | | - Mohammed Samim
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Syed Shafi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kalicharan Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Sameena Bano
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India
| | - Kalim Javed
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pal B, Atem TD, Kumari S, Murti K, Kumar R, Pandey K, Siddiqui NA, Dhingra S, Chaudhary V. Ophthalmic adverse effects of miltefosine in the treatment of leishmaniasis: a systematic review. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2024; 43:190-197. [PMID: 39023122 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2024.2380311] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Miltefosine stands as the sole oral medication approved for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The appearance of severe ophthalmic toxicities induced by miltefosine in the context of leishmaniasis treatment is a matter of significant concern. The main objective of this study is to present a comprehensive summary of the ophthalmic adverse effects associated with miltefosine when used in the treatment of leishmaniasis. METHODS A systematic search was performed on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering articles from inception up to June 2023, without language restrictions, to identify relevant studies documenting ocular toxicity following miltefosine treatment for leishmaniasis. RESULTS A total of eight studies involving 31 leishmaniasis patients who developed ocular toxicities while undergoing miltefosine treatment were included in the analysis. These studies were conducted in various regions, with five originating from India, two from Bangladesh, and one from Nepal. Patients presented a spectrum of ophthalmic complications, including uveitis, keratitis, scleritis, and Mooren's ulcer. Commonly reported symptoms included pain, redness, excessive tearing, partial vision impairment, permanent blindness, light sensitivity, and the appearance of white spots on the eye. On average, patients received miltefosine treatment for a duration of 47 days before experiencing the onset of ocular problems. It is important to note that the risk of ocular toxicities increases with prolonged use of miltefosine. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, to mitigate the potential for irreversible damage to the eyes, it is imperative that all individuals undergoing miltefosine therapy undergo regular eye examinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biplab Pal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Tambe Daniel Atem
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Sweta Kumari
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Krishna Murti
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Bihar, India
| | - Rishikesh Kumar
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (Indian Council of Medical Research), Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, IndiaConsultant (Biostatistics)
| | - Krishna Pandey
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (Indian Council of Medical Research), Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, IndiaConsultant (Biostatistics)
| | - Niyamat Ali Siddiqui
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (Indian Council of Medical Research), Agamkuan, Patna, Bihar, IndiaConsultant (Biostatistics)
| | - Sameer Dhingra
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Bihar, India
| | - Vaibhav Chaudhary
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
García Carnero LC, Pinzan CF, Diehl C, de Castro PA, Pontes L, Rodrigues AM, Dos Reis TF, Goldman GH. Milteforan, a promising veterinary commercial product against feline sporotrichosis. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0047424. [PMID: 39194287 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00474-24] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis, the cutaneous mycosis most commonly reported in Latin America, is caused by the Sporothrix clinical clade species, including Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto. Due to its zoonotic transmission in Brazil, S. brasiliensis represents a significant health threat to humans and domestic animals. Itraconazole, terbinafine, and amphotericin B are the most used antifungals for treating sporotrichosis. However, many strains of S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii have shown resistance to these agents, highlighting the importance of finding new therapeutic options. Here, we demonstrate that milteforan, a commercial veterinary product against dog leishmaniasis, whose active principle is miltefosine, is a possible therapeutic alternative for the treatment of sporotrichosis, as observed by its fungicidal activity in vitro against different strains of S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii. Fluorescent miltefosine localizes to the Sporothrix cell membrane and mitochondria and causes cell death through increased permeabilization. Milteforan decreases S. brasiliensis fungal burden in A549 pulmonary cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages and also has an immunomodulatory effect by decreasing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 production. Our results suggest milteforan as a possible alternative to treat feline sporotrichosis. IMPORTANCE Sporotrichosis is an endemic disease in Latin America caused by different species of Sporothrix. This fungus can infect domestic animals, mainly cats and eventually dogs, as well as humans. Few drugs are available to treat this disease, such as itraconazole, terbinafine, and amphotericin B, but resistance to these agents has risen in the last few years. Alternative new therapeutic options to treat sporotrichosis are essential. Here, we propose milteforan, a commercial veterinary product against dog leishmaniasis, whose active principle is miltefosine, as a possible therapeutic alternative for treating sporotrichosis. Milteforan decreases S. brasiliensis fungal burden in human and mouse cells and has an immunomodulatory effect by decreasing several cytokine production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura C García Carnero
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Diehl
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Patricia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lais Pontes
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaila F Dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bessa IA, D’Amato DL, C. Souza AB, Levita DP, Mello CC, da Silva AFM, dos Santos TC, Ronconi CM. Innovating Leishmaniasis Treatment: A Critical Chemist's Review of Inorganic Nanomaterials. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2485-2506. [PMID: 39001837 PMCID: PMC11320585 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00231] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a critical Neglected Tropical Disease caused by Leishmania protozoa, represents a significant global health risk, particularly in resource-limited regions. Conventional treatments are effective but suffer from serious limitations, such as toxicity, prolonged treatment courses, and rising drug resistance. Herein, we highlight the potential of inorganic nanomaterials as an innovative approach to enhance Leishmaniasis therapy, aligning with the One Health concept by considering these treatments' environmental, veterinary, and public health impacts. By leveraging the adjustable properties of these nanomaterials─including size, shape, and surface charge, tailored treatments for various diseases can be developed that are less harmful to the environment and nontarget species. We review recent advances in metal-, oxide-, and carbon-based nanomaterials for combating Leishmaniasis, examining their mechanisms of action and their dual use as standalone treatments or drug delivery systems. Our analysis highlights a promising yet underexplored frontier in employing these materials for more holistic and effective disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabela
A. A. Bessa
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Dayenny L. D’Amato
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz C. Souza
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Daniel P. Levita
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Camille C. Mello
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Aline F. M. da Silva
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| | - Thiago C. dos Santos
- Instituto
de Química, Universidade Federal
do Rio de Janeiro. Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos 149, CT, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Célia M. Ronconi
- Departamento
de Química Inorgânica, Universidade
Federal Fluminense, Campus do Valonguinho, Niterói, RJ 24020-150, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Winge T, Imberg L, Perry B, Matheeussen A, Caljon G, Kalinin D, Wünsch B. N-Pyrazolyl- and N-Triazolylamines and -Ureas as Antileishmanial and Antitrypanosomal Drugs. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400220. [PMID: 38687962 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400220] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Three types of modifications of antileishmanial pyrazole lead compounds 7 and 8 were conducted to expand understanding of the relationships between structural features and antileishmanial/antitrypanosomal activity: (1) the pyrazole core was retained or replaced by a 1,2,4-triazole ring; (2) various aryl moieties including 2-fluorophenyl, pyridin-3-yl and pyrazin-2-yl rings were attached at 3-position of the core azole; (3) either arylmethylamino or ureido substituents were introduced at 5-position of the azole core. The synthesis followed established routes starting with esters 9 or 15 and anhydride 21. The synthesized 3-arylpyrazoles and 3-aryl-1,2,4-triazoles had only very low antileishmanial activity. The 2-fluorophenyl-substituted pyrazole 18c revealed the highest antileishmanial activity of this series of compounds, but its IC50 value (20 μM) still indicates low activity. However, low micromolar antitrypanosomal activity was detected for the pyridin-3-yl-substituted pyrazoles 12b (IC50=4.7 μM) and 14a (IC50=2.1 μM). Their IC50 values are comparable with the IC50 values of the reference compounds benznidazole and nifurtimox. Whereas only low unspecific cytotoxicity at the primary peritoneal mouse macrophages (PMM) was detected, considerable cytotoxicity at MRC-5 human fibroblast cells was found for both pyrazoles 12b an 14a. The activity of pyrazole 12b against T. cruzi is 4-fold higher than its unspecific MRC-5 cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Winge
- Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Lukas Imberg
- Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Ben Perry
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, 15 chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
- current Address: Medicxi Ventures, 10 Cours de Rive, 1204, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - An Matheeussen
- University of Antwerpen, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, Campus CDE, S7.24, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk-Antwerpen
| | - Guy Caljon
- University of Antwerpen, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, Campus CDE, S7.24, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk-Antwerpen
| | - Dmitrii Kalinin
- Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Universität Münster, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149, Münster, Germany
- GRK 2515, Chemical biology of ion channels (Chembion), Universität Münster, Corrensstr. 48, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Çetinel ZÖ, Bilge D. Investigation of miltefosine-model membranes interactions at the molecular level for two different PS levels modeling cancer cells. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2024; 56:461-473. [PMID: 38833041 PMCID: PMC11217121 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-024-10025-y] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Miltefosine (MLT) is a broad-spectrum drug included in the alkylphospholipids (APL) used against leishmania and various types of cancer. The most crucial feature of APLs is that they are thought to only kill cancerous cells without harming normal cells. However, the molecular mechanism of action of APLs is not completely understood. The increase in the phosphatidylserine (PS) ratio is a marker showing the stage of cancer and even metastasis. The goal of this research was to investigate the molecular effects of miltefosine at the molecular level in different PS ratios. The effects of MLT on membrane phase transition, membrane orders, and dynamics were studied using DPPC/DPPS (3:1) and DPPC/DPPS (1:1) multilayer (MLV) vesicles mimicking DPPS ratio variation, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Our findings indicate that miltefosine is evidence at the molecular level that it is directed towards the tumor cell and that the drug's effect increases with the increase of anionic lipids in the membrane depending on the stage of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Duygu Bilge
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, 35100, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ramisetty BS, Yang S, Dorlo TPC, Wang MZ. Determining tissue distribution of the oral antileishmanial agent miltefosine: a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling approach. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0032824. [PMID: 38842325 PMCID: PMC11232387 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00328-24] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Miltefosine (MTS) is the only approved oral drug for treating leishmaniasis caused by intracellular Leishmania parasites that localize in macrophages of the liver, spleen, skin, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. MTS is extensively distributed in tissues and has prolonged elimination half-lives due to its high plasma protein binding, slow metabolic clearance, and minimal urinary excretion. Thus, understanding and predicting the tissue distribution of MTS help assess therapeutic and toxicologic outcomes of MTS, especially in special populations, e.g., pediatrics. In this study, a whole-body physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of MTS was built on mice and extrapolated to rats and humans. MTS plasma and tissue concentration data obtained by intravenous and oral administration to mice were fitted simultaneously to estimate model parameters. The resulting high tissue-to-plasma partition coefficient values corroborate extensive distribution in all major organs except the bone marrow. Sensitivity analysis suggests that plasma exposure is most susceptible to changes in fraction unbound in plasma. The murine oral-PBPK model was further validated by assessing overlay of simulations with plasma and tissue profiles obtained from an independent study. Subsequently, the murine PBPK model was extrapolated to rats and humans based on species-specific physiological and drug-related parameters, as well as allometrically scaled parameters. Fold errors for pharmacokinetic parameters were within acceptable range in both extrapolated models, except for a slight underprediction in the human plasma exposure. These animal and human PBPK models are expected to provide reliable estimates of MTS tissue distribution and assist dose regimen optimization in special populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sihyung Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Thomas P. C. Dorlo
- Pharmacometrics Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michael Zhuo Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Palić S, Chu WY, Sundar S, Mondal D, Das P, Pandey K, Raja S, Rijal S, Roseboom IC, Hamadeh A, Malik PRV, Beijnen JH, Huitema ADR, Sjögren E, Alves F, Dorlo TPC. Skin pharmacokinetics of miltefosine in the treatment of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in South Asia. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:1547-1554. [PMID: 38727613 PMCID: PMC11215536 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) arises as a dermal complication following a visceral leishmaniasis (VL) infection. Current treatment options for PKDL are unsatisfactory, and there is a knowledge gap regarding the distribution of antileishmanial compounds within human skin. The present study investigated the skin distribution of miltefosine in PKDL patients, with the aim to improve the understanding of the pharmacokinetics at the skin target site in PKDL. METHODS Fifty-two PKDL patients underwent treatment with liposomal amphotericin B (20 mg/kg) plus miltefosine (allometric dosing) for 21 days. Plasma concentrations of miltefosine were measured on study days 8, 15, 22 and 30, while a punch skin biopsy was taken on day 22. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to evaluate the distribution of miltefosine into the skin. RESULTS Following the allometric weight-based dosing regimen, median miltefosine concentrations on day 22 were 43.73 µg/g (IQR: 21.94-60.65 µg/g) in skin and 33.29 µg/mL (IQR: 25.9-42.58 µg/mL) in plasma. The median individual concentration ratio of skin to plasma was 1.19 (IQR: 0.79-1.9). In 87% (45/52) of patients, skin exposure was above the suggested EC90 PK target of 10.6 mg/L associated with in vitro susceptibility. Simulations indicated that the residence time of miltefosine in the skin would be more than 2-fold longer than in plasma, estimated by a mean residence time of 604 versus 266 hours, respectively. CONCLUSION This study provides the first accurate measurements of miltefosine penetration into the skin, demonstrating substantial exposure and prolonged retention of miltefosine within the skin. These findings support the use of miltefosine in cutaneous manifestations of leishmaniasis. In combination with parasitological and clinical data, these results are critical for the future optimization of combination therapies with miltefosine in the treatment of PKDL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Semra Palić
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute—Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wan-Yu Chu
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute—Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Dinesh Mondal
- Centre for Nutrition and Food Security (CNFS), International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Pradeep Das
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, India
| | - Krishna Pandey
- Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences (RMRIMS), Patna, India
| | - Sheeraz Raja
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) South Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Suman Rijal
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) South Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Ignace C Roseboom
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute—Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Abdullah Hamadeh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul R V Malik
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jos H Beijnen
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute—Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alwin D R Huitema
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute—Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Sjögren
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Pharmetheus AB, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fabiana Alves
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas P C Dorlo
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute—Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vatankhah M, Panahizadeh R, Safari A, Ziyabakhsh A, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Soozangar N, Jeddi F. The role of Nrf2 signaling in parasitic diseases and its therapeutic potential. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32459. [PMID: 38988513 PMCID: PMC11233909 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32459] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In response to invading parasites, one of the principal arms of innate immunity is oxidative stress, caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, oxidative stresses play dual functions in the disease, whereby free radicals promote pathogen removal, but they can also trigger inflammation, resulting in tissue injuries. A growing body of evidence has strongly supported the notion that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF) signaling is one of the main antioxidant pathways to combat this oxidative burst against parasites. Given the important role of NRF2 in oxidative stress, in this review, we investigate the activation mechanism of the NRF2 antioxidant pathway in different parasitic diseases, such as malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, schistosomiasis, entamoebiasis, and trichinosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadamin Vatankhah
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
- Students Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Reza Panahizadeh
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
- Students Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Ali Safari
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Alireza Ziyabakhsh
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | | | - Narges Soozangar
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Farhad Jeddi
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gómez-Gaviria M, Contreras-López LM, Aguilera-Domínguez JI, Mora-Montes HM. Strategies of Pharmacological Repositioning for the Treatment of Medically Relevant Mycoses. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:2641-2658. [PMID: 38947372 PMCID: PMC11214559 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s466336] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a worldwide concern for public health, due to their prevalence and significant increase in cases each year. Among the most frequent mycoses are those caused by members of the genera Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Histoplasma, Pneumocystis, Mucor, and Sporothrix, which have been treated for years with conventional antifungal drugs, such as flucytosine, azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins. However, these microorganisms have acquired the ability to evade the mechanisms of action of these drugs, thus hindering their treatment. Among the most common evasion mechanisms are alterations in sterol biosynthesis, modifications of drug transport through the cell wall and membrane, alterations of drug targets, phenotypic plasticity, horizontal gene transfer, and chromosomal aneuploidies. Taking into account these problems, some research groups have sought new therapeutic alternatives based on drug repositioning. Through repositioning, it is possible to use existing pharmacological compounds for which their mechanism of action is already established for other diseases, and thus exploit their potential antifungal activity. The advantage offered by these drugs is that they may be less prone to resistance. In this article, a comprehensive review was carried out to highlight the most relevant repositioning drugs to treat fungal infections. These include antibiotics, antivirals, anthelmintics, statins, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gómez-Gaviria
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
| | - Luisa M Contreras-López
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
| | - Julieta I Aguilera-Domínguez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
García M, Ferrer L, Ordeix L. Critically Appraised Topic on Canine Leishmaniosis: Does Treatment with Antimonials and Allopurinol Have the Same Clinical and Clinicopathological Efficacy as Treatment with Miltefosine and Allopurinol, after One Month of Treatment? Vet Sci 2024; 11:231. [PMID: 38921978 PMCID: PMC11209642 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11060231] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment of canine leishmaniosis commonly involves meglumine antimoniate with allopurinol or miltefosine with allopurinol. This study aims to compare the clinical and clinicopathological efficacy at 28-30 days of conventional dosing regimens for both treatments using the critically appraised topic methodology. A comprehensive search across three databases (PubMed, CAB Abstracts, and Web of Science) from March 2004 to September 2023 yielded 16 relevant articles, encompassing 325 ogs treated with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol, and 273 dogs treated with miltefosine and allopurinol. The findings indicated a significantly higher rate of complete clinical cure in the group treated with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol. Most dogs in both groups exhibited improvement in clinicopathological alterations after one month of treatment. No significant difference was observed in the number of dogs that showed a negative Leishmania qPCR between the two groups, one month post-treatment. However, quantitative serology results were not commonly reported in the available data and therefore this aspect could not be compared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Ordeix
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; (M.G.); (L.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Al Khoury C, Thoumi S, Tokajian S, Sinno A, Nemer G, El Beyrouthy M, Rahy K. ABC transporter inhibition by beauvericin partially overcomes drug resistance in Leishmania tropica. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0136823. [PMID: 38572959 PMCID: PMC11064568 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01368-23] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease infecting the world's poorest populations. Miltefosine (ML) remains the primary oral drug against the cutaneous form of leishmaniasis. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are key players in the xenobiotic efflux, and their inhibition could enhance the therapeutic index. In this study, the ability of beauvericin (BEA) to overcome ABC transporter-mediated resistance of Leishmania tropica to ML was assessed. In addition, the transcription profile of genes involved in resistance acquisition to ML was inspected. Finally, we explored the efflux mechanism of the drug and inhibitor. The efficacy of ML against all developmental stages of L. tropica in the presence or absence of BEA was evaluated using an absolute quantification assay. The expression of resistance genes was evaluated, comparing susceptible and resistant strains. Finally, the mechanisms governing the interaction between the ABC transporter and its ligands were elucidated using molecular docking and dynamic simulation. Relative quantification showed that the expression of the ABCG sub-family is mostly modulated by ML. In this study, we used BEA to impede resistance of Leishmania tropica. The IC50 values, following BEA treatment, were significantly reduced from 30.83, 48.17, and 16.83 µM using ML to 8.14, 11.1, and 7.18 µM when using a combinatorial treatment (ML + BEA) against promastigotes, axenic amastigotes, and intracellular amastigotes, respectively. We also demonstrated a favorable BEA-binding enthalpy to L. tropica ABC transporter compared to ML. Our study revealed that BEA partially reverses the resistance development of L. tropica to ML by blocking the alternate ATP hydrolysis cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charbel Al Khoury
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sergio Thoumi
- Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sima Tokajian
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Aia Sinno
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Nemer
- Division of Genomics and Translational Biomedicine, College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mark El Beyrouthy
- Department of Agriculture and Food Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Kelven Rahy
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Islam A, do Prado BR, Dittz D, Rodrigues BL, Silva SMD, do Monte-Neto RL, Shabeer M, Frézard F, Demicheli C. Susceptibility of Leishmania to novel pentavalent organometallics: Investigating impact on DNA and membrane integrity in antimony(III)-sensitive and -resistant strains. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22194. [PMID: 38704828 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22194] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The aim the present study was to investigate the impact of novel pentavalent organobismuth and organoantimony complexes on membrane integrity and their interaction with DNA, activity against Sb(III)-sensitive and -resistant Leishmania strains and toxicity in mammalian peritoneal macrophages. Ph3M(L)2 type complexes were synthesized, where M = Sb(V) or Bi(V) and L = deprotonated 3-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid or 2-acetylbenzoic acid. Both organobismuth(V) and organoantimony(V) complexes exhibited efficacy at micromolar concentrations against Leishmania amazonensis and L. infantum but only the later ones demonstrated biocompatibility. Ph3Sb(L1)2 and Ph3Bi(L1)2 demonstrated distinct susceptibility profiles compared to inorganic Sb(III)-resistant strains of MRPA-overexpressing L. amazonensis and AQP1-mutated L. guyanensis. These complexes were able to permeate the cell membrane and interact with the Leishmania DNA, suggesting that this effect may contribute to the parasite growth inhibition via apoptosis. Taken altogether, our data substantiate the notion of a distinct mechanism of uptake pathway and action in Leishmania for these organometallic complexes, distinguishing them from the conventional inorganic antimonial drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arshad Islam
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Postgraduate Program in Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Government Lady Reading Hospital Medical Teaching Institution, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Bruno Rodrigues do Prado
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Dalton Dittz
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Av. Universitária, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Lages Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sydnei Magno da Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av Amazonas, s/n, Umuarama, Brazil
| | | | - Muhammad Shabeer
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Frédéric Frézard
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Postgraduate Program in Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cynthia Demicheli
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Marín M, López M, Gallego-Yerga L, Álvarez R, Peláez R. Experimental structure based drug design (SBDD) applications for anti-leishmanial drugs: A paradigm shift? Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1055-1120. [PMID: 38142308 DOI: 10.1002/med.22005] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of neglected tropical diseases caused by at least 20 species of Leishmania protozoa, which are spread by the bite of infected sandflies. There are three main forms of the disease: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL, the most common), visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also known as kala-azar, the most serious), and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. One billion people live in areas endemic to leishmaniasis, with an annual estimation of 30,000 new cases of VL and more than 1 million of CL. New treatments for leishmaniasis are an urgent need, as the existing ones are inefficient, toxic, and/or expensive. We have revised the experimental structure-based drug design (SBDD) efforts applied to the discovery of new drugs against leishmaniasis. We have grouped the explored targets according to the metabolic pathways they belong to, and the key achieved advances are highlighted and evaluated. In most cases, SBDD studies follow high-throughput screening campaigns and are secondary to pharmacokinetic optimization, due to the majoritarian belief that there are few validated targets for SBDD in leishmaniasis. However, some SBDD strategies have significantly contributed to new drug candidates against leishmaniasis and a bigger number holds promise for future development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Marín
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marta López
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Gallego-Yerga
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Raquel Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rafael Peláez
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca (CIETUS), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lapierre TJWJD, Farago DN, de Moura Lodi Cruz MGF, de Melo Resende D, de Oliveira ACR, Dos Santos BRM, de Oliveira Souza F, Michelan-Duarte S, Chelucci RC, Andricopulo AD, Ferreira LLG, Pilau EJ, Murta SMF, de Oliveira Rezende Júnior C. Evaluation and discovery of novel benzothiazole derivatives as promising hits against Leishmania infantum. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14525. [PMID: 38627214 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14525] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
An early exploration of the benzothiazole class against two kinetoplastid parasites, Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi, has been performed after the identification of a benzothiazole derivative as a suitable antileishmanial initial hit. The first series of derivatives focused on the acyl fragment of its class, evaluating diverse linear and cyclic, alkyl and aromatic substituents, and identified two other potent compounds, the phenyl and cyclohexyl derivatives. Subsequently, new compounds were designed to assess the impact of the presence of diverse substituents on the benzothiazole ring or the replacement of the endocyclic sulfur by other heteroatoms. All compounds showed relatively low cytotoxicity, resulting in decent selectivity indexes for the most active compounds. Ultimately, the in vitro ADME properties of these compounds were assessed, revealing a satisfying water solubility, gastrointestinal permeability, despite their low metabolic stability and high lipophilicity. Consequently, compounds 5 and 6 were identified as promising hits for further hit-to-lead exploration within this benzothiazole class against L. infantum, thus providing promising starting points for the development of antileishmanial candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Danilo Nascimento Farago
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela de Melo Resende
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ Minas), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriane Cristina Rosa de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Brenda Rosa Macedo Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Felipe de Oliveira Souza
- Laboratório de Biomoléculas e Espectrometria de Massas (LaBioMass), Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Simone Michelan-Duarte
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal e Computacional (LQMC), Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael C Chelucci
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal e Computacional (LQMC), Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano D Andricopulo
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal e Computacional (LQMC), Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo L G Ferreira
- Laboratório de Química Medicinal e Computacional (LQMC), Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Jorge Pilau
- Laboratório de Biomoléculas e Espectrometria de Massas (LaBioMass), Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Silvane Maria Fonseca Murta
- Grupo de Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ Minas), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Celso de Oliveira Rezende Júnior
- Laboratório de Síntese de Candidatos a Fármacos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Benaim G, Paniz-Mondolfi A. Unmasking the Mechanism behind Miltefosine: Revealing the Disruption of Intracellular Ca 2+ Homeostasis as a Rational Therapeutic Target in Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:406. [PMID: 38672424 PMCID: PMC11047903 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Originally developed as a chemotherapeutic agent, miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine) is an inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine synthesis with proven antiparasitic effects. It is the only oral drug approved for the treatment of Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease). Although its precise mechanisms are not yet fully understood, miltefosine exhibits broad-spectrum anti-parasitic effects primarily by disrupting the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis of the parasites while sparing the human hosts. In addition to its inhibitory effects on phosphatidylcholine synthesis and cytochrome c oxidase, miltefosine has been found to affect the unique giant mitochondria and the acidocalcisomes of parasites. Both of these crucial organelles are involved in Ca2+ regulation. Furthermore, miltefosine has the ability to activate a specific parasite Ca2+ channel that responds to sphingosine, which is different to its L-type VGCC human ortholog. Here, we aimed to provide an overview of recent advancements of the anti-parasitic mechanisms of miltefosine. We also explored its multiple molecular targets and investigated how its pleiotropic effects translate into a rational therapeutic approach for patients afflicted by Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis. Notably, miltefosine's therapeutic effect extends beyond its impact on the parasite to also positively affect the host's immune system. These findings enhance our understanding on its multi-targeted mechanism of action. Overall, this review sheds light on the intricate molecular actions of miltefosine, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic option against these debilitating parasitic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Benaim
- Unidad de Señalización Celular y Bioquímica de Parásitos, Instituto de Estudios Avanzados (IDEA), Caracas 1080, Venezuela
- Laboratorio de Biofísica, Instituto de Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Division of Microbiology, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rajendran K, Ahmed U, Meunier AC, Shaikh MF, Siddiqui R, Anwar A. Nanoparticle-Terpene Fusion: A Game-Changer in Combating Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Caused by Naegleria fowleri. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:11597-11607. [PMID: 38497026 PMCID: PMC10938409 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) are opportunistic free-living amoebae and are the causative agents of a very rare but severe brain infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The fatality rate of PAM in reported cases is more than 95%. Most of the drugs used againstN. fowleri infections are repurposed drugs. Therefore, a large number of compounds have been tested againstN. fowleri in vitro, but most of the tested compounds showed high toxicity and an inability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Andrographolide, forskolin, and borneol are important natural compounds that have shown various valuable biological properties. In the present study, the nanoconjugates (AND-AgNPs, BOR-AgNPs, and FOR-AgNPs) of these compounds were synthesized and assessed against both stages (trophozoite and cyst) ofN. fowleri for their antiamoebic and cysticidal potential in vitro. In addition, cytotoxicity and host cell pathogenicity were also evaluated in vitro. FOR-AgNPs were the most potent nanoconjugate and showed potent antiamoebic activity againstN. fowleriwith an IC50 of 26.35 μM. Nanoconjugates FOR-AgNPs, BOR-AgNPs, and AND-AgNPs also significantly inhibit the viability of N. fowleri cysts. Cytotoxicity assessment showed that these nanoconjugates caused minimum damage to human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT cells) at 100 μg/mL, while also effectively reducing the cytopathogenicity of N. fowleri trophozoites to the HaCaT cells. The outcomes of our experiments have unveiled substantial potential for AND-AgNPs, BOR-AgNPs, and FOR-AgNPs in the realm of developing innovative alternative therapeutic agents to combat infections caused by N. fowleri. This study represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of advanced strategies for managing such amoebic infections, laying the foundation for the development of novel and more effective therapeutic modalities in the fight against free-living amoebae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kavitha Rajendran
- School
of American Education, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Usman Ahmed
- Department
of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Alexia Chloe Meunier
- Department
of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology
Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
- School
of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles
Sturt University, Orange 2800, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department
of Microbiota Research Centre, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey
| | - Ayaz Anwar
- Department
of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vaz FM, Staps P, van Klinken JB, van Lenthe H, Vervaart M, Wanders RJA, Pras-Raves ML, van Weeghel M, Salomons GS, Ferdinandusse S, Wevers RA, Willemsen MAAP. Discovery of novel diagnostic biomarkers for Sjögren-Larsson syndrome by untargeted lipidomics. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2024; 1869:159447. [PMID: 38181883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2023.159447] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
AIM Sjögren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) is a rare neurometabolic disorder that mainly affects brain, eye and skin and is caused by deficiency of fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase. Our recent finding of a profoundly disturbed brain tissue lipidome in SLS prompted us to search for similar biomarkers in plasma as no functional test in blood is available for SLS. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed plasma lipidomics and used a newly developed bioinformatics tool to mine the untargeted part of the SLS plasma and brain lipidome to search for SLS biomarkers. Plasma lipidomics showed disturbed ether lipid metabolism in known lipid classes. Untargeted lipidomics of both plasma and brain (white and grey matter) uncovered two new endogenous lipid classes highly elevated in SLS. The first biomarker group were alkylphosphocholines/ethanolamines containing different lengths of alkyl-chains where some alkylphosphocholines were > 600-fold elevated in SLS plasma. The second group of biomarkers were a set of 5 features of unknown structure. Fragmentation studies suggested that they contain ubiquinol and phosphocholine and one feature was also found as a glucuronide conjugate in plasma. The plasma features were highly distinctive for SLS with levels >100-1000-fold the level in controls, if present at all. We speculate on the origin of the alkylphosphocholines/ethanolamines and the nature of the ubiquinol-containing metabolites. CONCLUSIONS The metabolites identified in this study represent novel endogenous lipid classes thus far unknown in humans. They represent the first plasma metabolite SLS-biomarkers and may also yield more insight into SLS pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric M Vaz
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Inborn errors of metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Core Facility Metabolomics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; United for Metabolic Diseases, the Netherlands.
| | - Pippa Staps
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Bert van Klinken
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Core Facility Metabolomics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Henk van Lenthe
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Inborn errors of metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Core Facility Metabolomics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Vervaart
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Inborn errors of metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Core Facility Metabolomics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald J A Wanders
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Inborn errors of metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; United for Metabolic Diseases, the Netherlands
| | - Mia L Pras-Raves
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Core Facility Metabolomics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michel van Weeghel
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Inborn errors of metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Core Facility Metabolomics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gajja S Salomons
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Inborn errors of metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Core Facility Metabolomics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; United for Metabolic Diseases, the Netherlands
| | - Sacha Ferdinandusse
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Inborn errors of metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; United for Metabolic Diseases, the Netherlands
| | - Ron A Wevers
- United for Metabolic Diseases, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michèl A A P Willemsen
- United for Metabolic Diseases, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Shahbaz M, Farooq S, Choudhary MI, Yousuf S. Cocrystals of a coumarin derivative: an efficient approach towards anti-leishmanial cocrystals against MIL-resistant Leishmania tropica. IUCRJ 2024; 11:224-236. [PMID: 38427455 PMCID: PMC10916291 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252524001416] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic tropical disease with numerous clinical manifestations. One of the causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) known for causing ulcerative lesions on the skin. The adverse effects of the recommended available drugs, such as amphotericin B and pentavalent antimonial, and the emergence of drug resistance in parasites, mean the search for new safe and effective anti-leishmanial agents is crucial. Miltefosine (MIL) was the first recommended oral medication, but its use is now limited because of the rapid emergence of resistance. Pharmaceutical cocrystallization is an effective method to improve the physicochemical and biological properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Herein, we describe the cocrystallization of coumarin-3-carboxylic acid (CU, 1a; 2-oxobenzopyrane-3-carboxylic acid, C10H6O4) with five coformers [2-amino-3-bromopyridine (1b), 2-amino-5-(trifluoromethyl)-pyridine (1c), 2-amino-6-methylpyridine (1d), p-aminobenzoic acid (1e) and amitrole (1f)] in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio via the neat grinding method. The cocrystals 2-6 obtained were characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Non-covalent interactions, such as van der Waals, hydrogen bonding, C-H...π and π...π interactions contribute significantly towards the packing of a crystal structure and alter the physicochemical and biological activity of CU. In this research, newly synthesized cocrystals were evaluated for their anti-leishmanial activity against the MIL-resistant L. tropica and cytotoxicity against the 3T3 (normal fibroblast) cell line. Among the non-cytotoxic cocrystals synthesized (2-6), CU:1b (2, IC50 = 61.83 ± 0.59 µM), CU:1c (3, 125.7 ± 1.15 µM) and CU:1d (4, 48.71 ± 0.75 µM) appeared to be potent anti-leishmanial agents and showed several-fold more anti-leishmanial potential than the tested standard drug (MIL, IC50 = 169.55 ± 0.078 µM). The results indicate that cocrystals 2-4 are promising anti-leishmanial agents which require further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahbaz
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Saba Farooq
- Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - M. Iqbal Choudhary
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
- Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Sammer Yousuf
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang CY, Hung CH, Hsiao YL, Chang TM, Su YC, Wang LC, Wang SM, Chen SH. Miltefosine reduces coxsackievirus B3 lethality of mice with enhanced STAT3 activation. Antiviral Res 2024; 223:105824. [PMID: 38309307 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105824] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), one serotype of enteroviruses, can induce fatal myocarditis and hepatitis in neonates, but both treatment and vaccine are unavailable. Few reports tested antivirals to reduce CVB3. Several antivirals were developed against other enterovirus serotypes, but these antivirals failed in clinical trials due to side effects and drug resistance. Repurposing of clinical drugs targeting cellular factors, which enhance viral replication, may be another option. Parasite and cancer studies showed that the cellular protein kinase B (Akt) decreases interferon (IFN), apoptosis, and interleukin (IL)-6-induced STAT3 responses, which suppress CVB3 replication. Furthermore, miltefosine, the Akt inhibitor used in the clinic for parasite infections, enhances IL-6, IFN, and apoptosis responses in treated patients, suggesting that miltefosine could be the potential antiviral for CVB3. This study was therefore designated to test the antiviral effects of miltefosine against CVB3 in vitro and especially, in mice, as few studies test miltefosine in vitro, but not in vivo. In vitro results showed that miltefosine inhibited viral replication with enhanced activation of the cellular transcription factor, STAT3, which is reported to reduce CVB3 both in vitro and in mice. Notably, STAT3 knockdown abolished the anti-CVB3 activity of miltefosine in vitro. Mouse studies demonstrated that miltefosine pretreatment reduced CVB3 lethality of mice with decreased virus loads, organ damage, and apoptosis, but enhanced STAT3 activation. Miltefosine could be prophylaxis for CVB3 by targeting Akt to enhance STAT3 activation in the mechanism, which is independent of IFN responses and hardly reported in pathogen infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Huei Hung
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Hsiao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Miao Chang
- Statistical Analysis Laboratory, Department of International Business Management, Tainan University of Technology, Tainan, 710, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chieh Su
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, 824, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chiu Wang
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Min Wang
- Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 704, Taiwan; Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Hua Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan; Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Carnero LCG, Dos Reis TF, Diehl C, de Castro PA, Pontes L, Pinzan CF, Goldman GH. Milteforan, a promising veterinary commercial product against feline sporotrichosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.14.580352. [PMID: 38405873 PMCID: PMC10888911 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.14.580352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Sporotrichosis, the cutaneous mycosis most commonly reported in Latin America, is caused by the Sporothrix clinical clade species, including Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto. In Brazil, S. brasiliensis represents a vital health threat to humans and domestic animals due to its zoonotic transmission. Itraconazole, terbinafine, and amphotericin B are the most used antifungals for treating sporotrichosis. However, many strains of S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii have shown resistance to these agents, highlighting the importance of finding new therapeutic options. Here, we demonstrate that milteforan, a commercial veterinary product against dog leishmaniasis whose active principle is miltefosine, is a possible therapeutic alternative for the treatment of sporotrichosis, as observed by its fungicidal activity in vitro against different strains of S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii, and by its antifungal activity when used to treat infected epithelial cells and macrophages. Our results suggest milteforan as a possible alternative to treat feline sporotrichosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura C García Carnero
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Thaila F Dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Diehl
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Patricia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lais Pontes
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Shmueli M, Ben-Shimol S. Review of Leishmaniasis Treatment: Can We See the Forest through the Trees? PHARMACY 2024; 12:30. [PMID: 38392937 PMCID: PMC10892631 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12010030] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
There are three known clinical syndromes of leishmaniasis: cutaneous (CL), mucocutaneous (MCL), and visceral disease (VL). In MCL and VL, treatment must be systemic (either oral or intravenous), while CL treatment options vary and include observation-only localized/topical treatment, oral medications, or parenteral drugs. Leishmaniasis treatment is difficult, with several factors to be considered. First, the efficacy of treatments varies among different species of parasites prevalent in different areas on the globe, with each species having a unique clinical presentation and resistance profile. Furthermore, leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD), resulting in a lack of evidence-based knowledge regarding treatment. Therefore, physicians often rely on case reports or case series studies, in the absence of randomized controlled trials (RCT), to assess treatment efficacy. Second, defining cure, especially in CL and MCL, may be difficult, as death of the parasite can be achieved in most cases, while the aesthetic result (e.g., scars) is hard to predict. This is a result of the biological nature of the disease, often diagnosed late in the course of disease (with possible keloid formation, etc.). Third, physicians must consider treatment ease of use and the safety profile of possible treatments. Thus, topical or oral treatments (for CL) are desirable and promote adherence. Fourth, the cost of the treatment is an important consideration. In this review, we aim to describe the diverse treatment options for different clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis. For each currently available treatment, we will discuss the various considerations mentioned above (efficacy, ease of use, safety, and cost).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Shmueli
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Shalom Ben-Shimol
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva 8410115, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
da Costa CS, Marques EM, do Nascimento JR, Lima VAS, Santos-Oliveira R, Figueredo AS, de Jesus CM, de Souza Nunes GC, Brandão CM, de Jesus ET, Sa MC, Tanaka AA, Braga G, Santos ACF, de Lima RB, Silva LA, Alencar LMR, da Rocha CQ, Gonçalves RS. Design of Liquid Formulation Based on F127-Loaded Natural Dimeric Flavonoids as a New Perspective Treatment for Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:252. [PMID: 38399306 PMCID: PMC10891960 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020252] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (IPD) remain a challenge for medicine due to several interconnected reasons, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is an overlooked IPD causing persistent skin ulcers that are challenging to heal, resulting in disfiguring scars. Moreover, it has the potential to extend from the skin to the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat in both humans and various animals. Given the limited effectiveness and AMR of current drugs, the exploration of new substances has emerged as a promising alternative for ATL treatment. Arrabidaea brachypoda (DC). Bureau is a native Brazilian plant rich in dimeric flavonoids, including Brachydin (BRA), which displays antimicrobial activity, but still little has been explored regarding the development of therapeutic formulations. In this work, we present the design of a low-cost liquid formulation based on the use of Pluronic F127 for encapsulation of high BRA concentration (LF-B500). The characterization techniques revealed that BRA-loaded F127 micelles are well-stabilized in an unusual worm-like form. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that LF-B500 was non-toxic to macrophages but efficient in the inactivation of forms of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes with IC50 of 16.06 µg/mL. The results demonstrated that LF-B500 opened a new perspective on the use of liquid formulation-based natural products for ATL treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Silva da Costa
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (C.S.d.C.); (E.M.M.); (J.R.d.N.); (V.A.S.L.); (C.Q.d.R.)
| | - Estela Mesquita Marques
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (C.S.d.C.); (E.M.M.); (J.R.d.N.); (V.A.S.L.); (C.Q.d.R.)
| | - Jessyane Rodrigues do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (C.S.d.C.); (E.M.M.); (J.R.d.N.); (V.A.S.L.); (C.Q.d.R.)
- Postgraduate Program in Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, UNESP-Estadual University Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araraquara 14800-060, Brazil
| | - Victor Antônio Silva Lima
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (C.S.d.C.); (E.M.M.); (J.R.d.N.); (V.A.S.L.); (C.Q.d.R.)
| | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Nuclear Engineering Institute, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Rio de Janeiro 21941-906, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmacy, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Aline Santana Figueredo
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (A.S.F.); (C.M.d.J.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Caroline Martins de Jesus
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (A.S.F.); (C.M.d.J.); (L.A.S.)
| | | | - Clenilma Marques Brandão
- Department of Chemistry, Federal Institute of Maranhão, São Luis 65075-441, Brazil; (C.M.B.); (E.T.d.J.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Edson Tobias de Jesus
- Department of Chemistry, Federal Institute of Maranhão, São Luis 65075-441, Brazil; (C.M.B.); (E.T.d.J.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Mayara Coelho Sa
- Department of Chemistry, Federal Institute of Maranhão, São Luis 65075-441, Brazil; (C.M.B.); (E.T.d.J.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Auro Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (A.A.T.); (G.B.); (A.C.F.S.); (R.B.d.L.)
| | - Gustavo Braga
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (A.A.T.); (G.B.); (A.C.F.S.); (R.B.d.L.)
| | - Ana Caroline Ferreira Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (A.A.T.); (G.B.); (A.C.F.S.); (R.B.d.L.)
| | - Roberto Batista de Lima
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (A.A.T.); (G.B.); (A.C.F.S.); (R.B.d.L.)
| | - Lucilene Amorim Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (A.S.F.); (C.M.d.J.); (L.A.S.)
| | | | - Cláudia Quintino da Rocha
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (C.S.d.C.); (E.M.M.); (J.R.d.N.); (V.A.S.L.); (C.Q.d.R.)
| | - Renato Sonchini Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil; (C.S.d.C.); (E.M.M.); (J.R.d.N.); (V.A.S.L.); (C.Q.d.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Morad V, Stelmakh A, Svyrydenko M, Feld LG, Boehme SC, Aebli M, Affolter J, Kaul CJ, Schrenker NJ, Bals S, Sahin Y, Dirin DN, Cherniukh I, Raino G, Baumketner A, Kovalenko MV. Designer phospholipid capping ligands for soft metal halide nanocrystals. Nature 2024; 626:542-548. [PMID: 38109940 PMCID: PMC10866715 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06932-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
The success of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) in science and optoelectronics is inextricable from their surfaces. The functionalization of lead halide perovskite NCs1-5 poses a formidable challenge because of their structural lability, unlike the well-established covalent ligand capping of conventional semiconductor NCs6,7. We posited that the vast and facile molecular engineering of phospholipids as zwitterionic surfactants can deliver highly customized surface chemistries for metal halide NCs. Molecular dynamics simulations implied that ligand-NC surface affinity is primarily governed by the structure of the zwitterionic head group, particularly by the geometric fitness of the anionic and cationic moieties into the surface lattice sites, as corroborated by the nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy data. Lattice-matched primary-ammonium phospholipids enhance the structural and colloidal integrity of hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites (FAPbBr3 and MAPbBr3 (FA, formamidinium; MA, methylammonium)) and lead-free metal halide NCs. The molecular structure of the organic ligand tail governs the long-term colloidal stability and compatibility with solvents of diverse polarity, from hydrocarbons to acetone and alcohols. These NCs exhibit photoluminescence quantum yield of more than 96% in solution and solids and minimal photoluminescence intermittency at the single particle level with an average ON fraction as high as 94%, as well as bright and high-purity (about 95%) single-photon emission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia Morad
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Andriy Stelmakh
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Mariia Svyrydenko
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Leon G Feld
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Simon C Boehme
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Aebli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Joel Affolter
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph J Kaul
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nadine J Schrenker
- Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) and NANOlab Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sara Bals
- Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) and NANOlab Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yesim Sahin
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Dmitry N Dirin
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Ihor Cherniukh
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Raino
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Andrij Baumketner
- Institute for Condensed Matter Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Maksym V Kovalenko
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
dos Santos JV, Medina JM, Dias Teixeira KL, Agostinho DMJ, Chorev M, Diotallevi A, Galluzzi L, Aktas BH, Gazos Lopes U. Activity of the Di-Substituted Urea-Derived Compound I-17 in Leishmania In Vitro Infections. Pathogens 2024; 13:104. [PMID: 38392842 PMCID: PMC10893125 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein synthesis has been a very rich target for developing drugs to control prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens. Despite the development of new drug formulations, treating human cutaneous and visceral Leishmaniasis still needs significant improvements due to the considerable side effects and low adherence associated with the current treatment regimen. In this work, we show that the di-substituted urea-derived compounds I-17 and 3m are effective in inhibiting the promastigote growth of different Leishmania species and reducing the macrophage intracellular load of amastigotes of the Leishmania (L.) amazonensis and L. major species, in addition to exhibiting low macrophage cytotoxicity. We also show a potential immunomodulatory effect of I-17 and 3m in infected macrophages, which exhibited increased expression of inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS2) and production of Nitric Oxide (NO). Our data indicate that I-17, 3m, and their analogs may be helpful in developing new drugs for treating leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Vitorino dos Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.V.d.S.); (J.M.M.); (D.M.J.A.)
| | - Jorge Mansur Medina
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.V.d.S.); (J.M.M.); (D.M.J.A.)
| | | | - Daniel Marcos Julio Agostinho
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.V.d.S.); (J.M.M.); (D.M.J.A.)
| | - Michael Chorev
- Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Aurora Diotallevi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (A.D.)
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (A.D.)
| | - Bertal Huseyin Aktas
- Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Ulisses Gazos Lopes
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.V.d.S.); (J.M.M.); (D.M.J.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hall AD, Kumar JE, Golba CE, Luckett KM, Bryant WK. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis: a review of Naegleria fowleri and analysis of successfully treated cases. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:84. [PMID: 38182931 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08094-w] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a necrotizing and hemorrhagic inflammation of the brain and meninges caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living thermophilic ameba of freshwater systems. PAM remains a neglected disease that disproportionately affects children in tropical and subtropical climates, with an estimated mortality rate of 95-98%. Due to anthropogenic climate change, the average temperature in the USA has increased by 0.72 to 1.06 °C in the last century, promoting the poleward spread of N. fowleri. PAM is often misdiagnosed as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, which shortens the window for potentially life-saving treatment. Diagnosis relies on the patient's history of freshwater exposure and the physician's high index of suspicion, supported by cerebrospinal fluid studies. While no experimental trials have been conducted to assess the relative efficacy of treatment regimens, anti-amebic therapy with adjunctive neuroprotection is standard treatment in the USA. We performed a literature review and identified five patients from North America between 1962 and 2022 who survived PAM with various degrees of sequelae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashton D Hall
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Julia E Kumar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Claire E Golba
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Keith M Luckett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Whitney K Bryant
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
de Carvalho Moreira LMC, de Sousa Silva ABA, de Araújo Medeiros K, Oshiro Júnior JA, da Silva DTC, de Lima Damasceno BPG. Effectiveness In Vivo and In Vitro of Polymeric Nanoparticles as a Drug Release System in the Treatment of Leishmaniasis. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:286-307. [PMID: 36683370 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230120163543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by the parasite of the genus Leishmania. Current treatment regimens are obsolete and cause several side effects, promoting poor patient compliance, in addition to the vast majority already having the potential for resistance. Therefore, polymeric nanoparticles emerge as one of the viable alternatives to overcome existing limitations, through passive or active vectorization. This review aims to summarize the latest studies of polymeric nanoparticles as an alternative treatment for leishmaniasis. In the first section, the main pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic challenges of current drugs are reported. The second section details how nanoparticles with and without functionalization are efficient in the treatment of leishmaniasis, discussing the characteristics of the polymer in the formulation. In this way, polymeric nanoparticles can improve the physicochemical properties of leishmanicidal drugs, improving solubility and stability, as well as improve the release of these drugs, directly or indirectly reaching monocytes/macrophages. 64.28% drugs were focused on the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, and 28.57% on cutaneous leishmaniasis. The most chosen polymers in the literature are chitosan (35.71%) and PLGA (35.71%), the others represented 14.30% drugs, with all able to manage the drug release and increase the in vitro and/or in vivo efficacy of the original molecule. However, there are several barriers for these nanoformulations to cross laboratory research and is necessary more in-depth studies about the metabolites and degradation pathways of the polymers used in the formulations and plasma proteomics studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Maria Coelho de Carvalho Moreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brasil
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Caracterização de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brasil
| | | | - Kaline de Araújo Medeiros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brasil
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Caracterização de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brasil
| | - João Augusto Oshiro Júnior
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Caracterização de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brasil
| | - Dayanne Tomaz Casimiro da Silva
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Caracterização de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brasil
| | - Bolívar Ponciano Goulart de Lima Damasceno
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brasil
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Caracterização de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, PB, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Xisto MIDDS, Rollin-Pinheiro R, Rochetti VP, de Castro-Almeida Y, Borba-Santos LP, dos Santos-Freitas GMP, Cypriano J, Abreu FDÁ, Rozental S, Barreto-Bergter E. Miltefosine: A Repurposing Drug against Mucorales Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1166. [PMID: 38132767 PMCID: PMC10744482 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucorales are a group of non-septated filamentous fungi widely distributed in nature, frequently associated with human infections, and are intrinsically resistant to many antifungal drugs. For these reasons, there is an urgent need to improve the clinical management of mucormycosis. Miltefosine, which is a phospholipid analogue of alkylphosphocholine, has been considered a promising repurposing drug to be used to treat fungal infections. In the present study, miltefosine displayed antifungal activity against a variety of Mucorales species, and it was also active against biofilms formed by these fungi. Treatment with miltefosine revealed modifications of cell wall components, neutral lipids, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell morphology, and the induction of oxidative stress. Treated Mucorales cells also presented an increased susceptibility to SDS. Purified ergosterol and glucosylceramide added to the culture medium increased miltefosine MIC, suggesting its interaction with fungal lipids. These data contribute to elucidating the effect of a promising drug repurposed to act against some relevant fungal pathogens that significantly impact public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Ingrid Dutra da Silva Xisto
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
| | - Rodrigo Rollin-Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
| | - Victor Pereira Rochetti
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
| | - Yuri de Castro-Almeida
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
| | - Luana Pereira Borba-Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Programa de Biologia Celular e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.P.B.-S.); (S.R.)
| | - Giulia Maria Pires dos Santos-Freitas
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
| | - Jefferson Cypriano
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Magnetotaxia & Unidade de Microscopia Multiusuário, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.C.); (F.d.Á.A.)
| | - Fernanda de Ávila Abreu
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Magnetotaxia & Unidade de Microscopia Multiusuário, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.C.); (F.d.Á.A.)
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Programa de Biologia Celular e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.P.B.-S.); (S.R.)
| | - Eliana Barreto-Bergter
- Laboratório de Química Biológica de Microrganismos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (R.R.-P.); (V.P.R.); (Y.d.C.-A.); (G.M.P.d.S.-F.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mano C, Kongkaew A, Tippawangkosol P, Junkum A, Siriyasatien P, Jariyapan N. In vitro susceptibility to miltefosine of amphotericin B-resistant Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3027-3035. [PMID: 37796293 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07992-3] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis is a newly described species that causes human visceral, disseminated, and mucocutaneous leishmaniases. Amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmpB) is the first-line drug for the treatment of leishmaniasis in Thailand; however, several relapse cases of leishmaniasis caused by L. martiniquensis have been documented. In this study, in vitro susceptibility to AmpB and miltefosine (MIL) of wild-type (before treatment, LSCM1) and two AmpB-resistant L. martiniquensis strains (an in vitro-induced AmpB-resistant strain, AmpBRP2i, and a relapse strain, LSCM1-6) were determined. Results reveal that the IC50 value and resistance index against both drugs of promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of the AmpBRP2i and LSCM1-6 strains were statistically significantly higher than those of the LSCM1 strain suggesting that cross-resistance with MIL occurred in both AmpB-resistant strains. The results of this study advocate further investigation into mechanisms that involve the complex nature of AmpB/MIL resistance in L. martiniquensis and development of effective methods for the identification of the AmpB-resistant parasites to help delivery of appropriate treatments for patients and for epidemiological surveys to survey the potential spread of drug-resistant strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chonlada Mano
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Aphisek Kongkaew
- Animal House Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Pongsri Tippawangkosol
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Anuluck Junkum
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Narissara Jariyapan
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hassan AHE, Alam MM, Phan TN, Baek KH, Lee H, Cho SB, Lee CH, Kim YJ, No JH, Lee YS. Repurposing of conformationally-restricted cyclopentane-based AKT-inhibitors leads to discovery of potential and more selective antileishmanial agents than miltefosine. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106890. [PMID: 37783099 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Conformational restriction was addressed towards the development of more selective and effective antileishmanial agents than currently used drugs for treatment of Leishmania donovani; the causative parasite of the fatal visceral leishmaniasis. Five types of cyclopentane-based conformationally restricted miltefosine analogs that were previously explored in literature as anticancer AKT-inhibitors were reprepared and repurposed as antileishmanial agents. Amongst, positions-1 and 2 cis-conformationally-restricted compound 1a and positions-2 and 3 trans-conformationally-restricted compound 3b were highly potent eliciting sub-micromolar IC50 values for inhibition of infection and inhibition of parasite number compared with the currently used miltefosine drug that showed low micromolar IC50 values for inhibition of infection and inhibition of parasite number. Compounds 1a and 3b eradicated the parasite without triggering host cells cytotoxicity over more than one log concentration interval which is a superior performance compared to miltefosine. In silico studies suggested that conformational restriction conserved the conformer capable of binding LdAKT-like kinase while it might be possible that it excludes other conformers mediating undesirable effects and/or toxicity of miltefosine. Together, this study presents compounds 1a and 3b as antileishmanial agents with superior performance over the currently used miltefosine drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H E Hassan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mohammad Maqusood Alam
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Trong-Nhat Phan
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Baek
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeryon Lee
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Bin Cho
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Hyeon Lee
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Ju Kim
- Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Hwan No
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Fundamental Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Madu SJ, Wang K, Chirumamilla SK, Turner DB, Steel PG, Li M. Assessing Dose-Exposure-Response Relationships of Miltefosine in Adults and Children using Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Approach. Pharm Res 2023; 40:2983-3000. [PMID: 37816929 PMCID: PMC10746618 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03610-0] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Miltefosine is the first and only oral medication to be successfully utilized as an antileishmanial agent. However, the drug is associated with differences in exposure patterns and cure rates among different population groups e.g. ethnicity and age (i.e., children v adults) in clinical trials. In this work, mechanistic population physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models have been developed to study the dose-exposure-response relationship of miltefosine in in silico clinical trials and evaluate the differences in population groups, particularly children and adults. METHODS The Simcyp population pharmacokinetics platform was employed to predict miltefosine exposure in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in a virtual population under different dosing regimens. The cure rate of a simulation was based on the percentage of number of the individual virtual subjects with AUCd0-28 > 535 µg⋅day/mL in the virtual population. RESULTS It is shown that both adult and paediatric PBPK models of miltefosine can be developed to predict the PK data of the clinical trials accurately. There was no significant difference in the predicted dose-exposure-response of the miltefosine treatment for different simulated ethnicities under the same dose regime and the dose-selection strategies determined the clinical outcome of the miltefosine treatment. A lower cure rate of the miltefosine treatment in paediatrics was predicted because a lower exposure of miltefosine was simulated in virtual paediatric in comparison with adult virtual populations when they received the same dose of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS The mechanistic PBPK model suggested that the higher fraction of unbound miltefosine in plasma was responsible for a higher probability of failure in paediatrics because of the difference in the distribution of plasma proteins between adults and paediatrics. The developed PBPK models could be used to determine an optimal miltefosine dose regime in future clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shadrack J Madu
- School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Ke Wang
- School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK
| | | | - David B Turner
- Certara UK Limited, Simcyp Division, Sheffield, S1 2BJ, UK
| | - Patrick G Steel
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Mingzhong Li
- School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Barrera-Téllez FJ, Prieto-Martínez FD, Hernández-Campos A, Martínez-Mayorga K, Castillo-Bocanegra R. In Silico Exploration of the Trypanothione Reductase (TryR) of L. mexicana. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16046. [PMID: 38003236 PMCID: PMC10671491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216046] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease which affects nearly 1.5 million people every year, with Mexico being an important endemic region. One of the major defense mechanisms of these parasites is based in the polyamine metabolic pathway, as it provides the necessary compounds for its survival. Among the enzymes in this route, trypanothione reductase (TryR), an oxidoreductase enzyme, is crucial for the Leishmania genus' survival against oxidative stress. Thus, it poses as an attractive drug target, yet due to the size and features of its catalytic pocket, modeling techniques such as molecular docking focusing on that region is not convenient. Herein, we present a computational study using several structure-based approaches to assess the druggability of TryR from L. mexicana, the predominant Leishmania species in Mexico, beyond its catalytic site. Using this consensus methodology, three relevant pockets were found, of which the one we call σ-site promises to be the most favorable one. These findings may help the design of new drugs of trypanothione-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Barrera-Téllez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Fernando D. Prieto-Martínez
- Instituto de Química, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Mérida-Tetiz, Km. 4.5, Ucú 97357, Mexico
| | - Alicia Hernández-Campos
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Karina Martínez-Mayorga
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Sierra Papacal, Mérida 97302, Mexico
| | - Rafael Castillo-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Spadari CDC, Borba-Santos LP, Rozental S, Ishida K. Miltefosine repositioning: A review of potential alternative antifungal therapy. J Mycol Med 2023; 33:101436. [PMID: 37774486 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2023.101436] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a global health problem with high mortality and morbidity rates. Available antifungal agents have high toxicity and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic limitations. Moreover, the increased incidence of antifungal-resistant isolates and the emergence of intrinsically resistant species raise concerns about seeking alternatives for efficient antifungal therapy. In this context, we review literature data addressing the potential action of miltefosine (MFS), an anti-Leishmania and anticancer agent, as a repositioning drug for antifungal treatment. Here, we highlight the in vitro and in vivo data, MFS possible mechanisms of action, case reports, and nanocarrier-mediated MFS delivery, focusing on fungal infection therapy. Finally, many studies have demonstrated the promising antifungal action of MFS in vitro, but there is little or no data on antifungal activity in vertebrate animal models and clinical trials, so have a need to develop more research for the repositioning of MFS as an antifungal therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luana Pereira Borba-Santos
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kelly Ishida
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Younis BM, Mudawi Musa A, Monnerat S, Abdelrahim Saeed M, Awad Gasim Khalil E, Elbashir Ahmed A, Ahmed Ali M, Noureldin A, Muthoni Ouattara G, Nyakaya GM, Teshome S, Omollo T, Ochieng M, Egondi T, Mmbone M, Chu WY, Dorlo TPC, Zijlstra EE, Wasunna M, Alvar J, Alves F. Safety and efficacy of paromomycin/miltefosine/liposomal amphotericin B combinations for the treatment of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in Sudan: A phase II, open label, randomized, parallel arm study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011780. [PMID: 37988402 PMCID: PMC10721181 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in Sudan is currently recommended only for patients with persistent or severe disease, mainly because of the limitations of current therapies, namely toxicity and long hospitalization. We assessed the safety and efficacy of miltefosine combined with paromomycin and liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) for the treatment of PKDL in Sudan. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS An open-label, phase II, randomized, parallel-arm, non-comparative trial was conducted in patients with persistent (stable or progressive disease for ≥ 6 months) or grade 3 PKDL, aged 6 to ≤ 60 years in Sudan. The median age was 9.0 years (IQR 7.0-10.0y) and 87% of patients were ≤12 years old. Patients were randomly assigned to either daily intra-muscular paromomycin (20mg/kg, 14 days) plus oral miltefosine (allometric dose, 42 days)-PM/MF-or LAmB (total dose of 20mg/kg, administered in four injections in week one) and oral miltefosine (allometric dose, 28 days)-LAmB/MF. The primary endpoint was a definitive cure at 12 months after treatment onset, defined as clinical cure (100% lesion resolution) and no additional PKDL treatment between end of therapy and 12-month follow-up assessment. 104/110 patients completed the trial. Definitive cure at 12 months was achieved in 54/55 (98.2%, 95% CI 90.3-100) and 44/55 (80.0%, 95% CI 70.2-91.9) of patients in the PM/MF and AmB/MF arms, respectively, in the mITT set (all randomized patients receiving at least one dose of treatment; in case of error of treatment allocation, the actual treatment received was used in the analysis). No SAEs or deaths were reported, and most AEs were mild or moderate. At least one adverse drug reaction (ADR) was reported in 13/55 (23.6%) patients in PM/MF arm and 28/55 (50.9%) in LAmB/MF arm, the most frequent being miltefosine-related vomiting and nausea, and LAmB-related hypokalaemia; no ocular or auditory ADRs were reported. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The PM/MF regimen requires shorter hospitalization than the currently recommended 60-90-day treatment, and is safe and highly efficacious, even for patients with moderate and severe PKDL. It can be administered at primary health care facilities, with LAmB/MF as a good alternative. For future VL elimination, we need new, safe oral therapies for all patients with PKDL. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03399955, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03399955 ClinicalTrials.gov ClinicalTrials.gov.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brima Musa Younis
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ahmed Mudawi Musa
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | | | | | | | - Mujahid Ahmed Ali
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ali Noureldin
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wan-Yu Chu
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Jorge Alvar
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fabiana Alves
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gomes MAGB, Bauduin A, Le Roux C, Fouinneteau R, Berthe W, Berchel M, Couthon H, Jaffrès PA. Synthesis of ether lipids: natural compounds and analogues. Beilstein J Org Chem 2023; 19:1299-1369. [PMID: 37701305 PMCID: PMC10494250 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.19.96] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ether lipids are compounds present in many living organisms including humans that feature an ether bond linkage at the sn-1 position of the glycerol. This class of lipids features singular structural roles and biological functions. Alkyl ether lipids and alkenyl ether lipids (also identified as plasmalogens) correspond to the two sub-classes of naturally occurring ether lipids. In 1979 the discovery of the structure of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) that belongs to the alkyl ether class of lipids increased the interest in these bioactive lipids and further promoted the synthesis of non-natural ether lipids that was initiated in the late 60's with the development of edelfosine (an anticancer drug). More recently, ohmline, a glyco glycero ether lipid that modulates selectively SK3 ion channels and reduces in vivo the occurrence of bone metastases, and other glyco glycero ether also identified as GAEL (glycosylated antitumor ether lipids) that exhibit promising anticancer properties renew the interest in this class of compounds. Indeed, ether lipid represent a new and promising class of compounds featuring the capacity to modulate selectively the activity of some membrane proteins or, for other compounds, feature antiproliferative properties via an original mechanism of action. The increasing interest in studying ether lipids for fundamental and applied researches invited to review the methodologies developed to prepare ether lipids. In this review we focus on the synthetic method used for the preparation of alkyl ether lipids either naturally occurring ether lipids (e.g., PAF) or synthetic derivatives that were developed to study their biological properties. The synthesis of neutral or charged ether lipids are reported with the aim to assemble in this review the most frequently used methodologies to prepare this specific class of compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicia Bauduin
- Univ. Brest, CNRS, CEMCA UMR 6521, 6 Avenue Victor Le Gorgeu, 29238 Brest, France
| | - Chloé Le Roux
- Univ. Brest, CNRS, CEMCA UMR 6521, 6 Avenue Victor Le Gorgeu, 29238 Brest, France
| | - Romain Fouinneteau
- Univ. Brest, CNRS, CEMCA UMR 6521, 6 Avenue Victor Le Gorgeu, 29238 Brest, France
| | - Wilfried Berthe
- Univ. Brest, CNRS, CEMCA UMR 6521, 6 Avenue Victor Le Gorgeu, 29238 Brest, France
| | - Mathieu Berchel
- Univ. Brest, CNRS, CEMCA UMR 6521, 6 Avenue Victor Le Gorgeu, 29238 Brest, France
| | - Hélène Couthon
- Univ. Brest, CNRS, CEMCA UMR 6521, 6 Avenue Victor Le Gorgeu, 29238 Brest, France
| | - Paul-Alain Jaffrès
- Univ. Brest, CNRS, CEMCA UMR 6521, 6 Avenue Victor Le Gorgeu, 29238 Brest, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Negreira GH, de Groote R, Van Giel D, Monsieurs P, Maes I, de Muylder G, Van den Broeck F, Dujardin J, Domagalska MA. The adaptive roles of aneuploidy and polyclonality in Leishmania in response to environmental stress. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e57413. [PMID: 37470283 PMCID: PMC10481652 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357413] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aneuploidy is generally considered harmful, but in some microorganisms, it can act as an adaptive mechanism against environmental stress. Here, we use Leishmania-a protozoan parasite with remarkable genome plasticity-to study the early steps of aneuploidy evolution under high drug pressure (using antimony or miltefosine as stressors). By combining single-cell genomics, lineage tracing with cellular barcodes, and longitudinal genome characterization, we reveal that aneuploidy changes under antimony pressure result from polyclonal selection of pre-existing karyotypes, complemented by further and rapid de novo alterations in chromosome copy number along evolution. In the case of miltefosine, early parasite adaptation is associated with independent point mutations in a miltefosine transporter gene, while aneuploidy changes only emerge later, upon exposure to increased drug levels. Therefore, polyclonality and genome plasticity are hallmarks of parasite adaptation, but the scenario of aneuploidy dynamics depends on the nature and strength of the environmental stress as well as on the existence of other pre-adaptive mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel H Negreira
- Molecular Parasitology UnitInstitute of Tropical Medicine AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Robin de Groote
- Molecular Parasitology UnitInstitute of Tropical Medicine AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Dorien Van Giel
- Molecular Parasitology UnitInstitute of Tropical Medicine AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Pieter Monsieurs
- Molecular Parasitology UnitInstitute of Tropical Medicine AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Ilse Maes
- Molecular Parasitology UnitInstitute of Tropical Medicine AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | | | - Frederik Van den Broeck
- Molecular Parasitology UnitInstitute of Tropical Medicine AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical ResearchKatholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Jean‐Claude Dujardin
- Molecular Parasitology UnitInstitute of Tropical Medicine AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Roussaki M, Magoulas GE, Fotopoulou T, Santarem N, Barrias E, Pöhner I, Luelmo S, Afroudakis P, Georgikopoulou K, Nevado PT, Eick J, Bifeld E, Corral MJ, Jiménez-Antón MD, Ellinger B, Kuzikov M, Fragiadaki I, Scoulica E, Gul S, Clos J, Prousis KC, Torrado JJ, Alunda JM, Wade RC, de Souza W, Cordeiro da Silva A, Calogeropoulou T. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of antiparasitic dinitroaniline-ether phospholipid hybrids. Bioorg Chem 2023; 138:106615. [PMID: 37244229 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A series of nine novel ether phospholipid-dinitroaniline hybrids were synthesized in an effort to deliver more potent antiparasitic agents with improved safety profile compared to miltefosine. The compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antiparasitic activity against L. infantum, L.donovani, L. amazonensis, L. major and L. tropica promastigotes, L. infantum and L. donovani intracellular amastigotes, Trypanosoma brucei brucei and against different developmental stages of Trypanosoma cruzi. The nature of the oligomethylene spacer between the dinitroaniline moiety and the phosphate group, the length of the side chain substituent on the dinitroaniline and the choline or homocholine head group were found to affect both the activity and toxicity of the hybrids. The early ADMET profile of the derivatives did not reveal major liabilities. Hybrid 3, bearing an 11-carbon oligomethylene spacer, a butyl side chain and a choline head group, was the most potent analogue of the series. It exhibited a broad spectrum antiparasitic profile against the promastigotes of New and Old World Leishmania spp., against intracellular amastigotes of two L. infantum strains and L. donovani, against T. brucei and against T. cruzi Y strain epimastigotes, intracellular amastigotes and trypomastigotes. The early toxicity studies revealed that hybrid 3 showed a safe toxicological profile while its cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) against THP-1 macrophages being >100 μM. Computational analysis of binding sites and docking indicated that the interaction of hybrid 3 with trypanosomatid α-tubulin may contribute to its mechanism of action. Furthermore, compound 3 was found to interfere with the cell cycle in T. cruzi epimastigotes, while ultrastructural studies using SEM and TEM in T. cruzi showed that compound 3 affects cellular processes that result in changes in the Golgi complex, the mitochondria and the parasite's plasma membrane. The snapshot pharmacokinetic studies showed low levels of 3 after 24 h following oral administration of 100 mg/Kg, while, its homocholine congener compound 9 presented a better pharmacokinetic profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Roussaki
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece.
| | - George E Magoulas
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece.
| | - Theano Fotopoulou
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece.
| | - Nuno Santarem
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Parasite Disease Group, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Emile Barrias
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho s/n, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Ina Pöhner
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Sara Luelmo
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Pantelis Afroudakis
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece.
| | - Kalliopi Georgikopoulou
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece.
| | - Paloma Tejera Nevado
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Leishmania Genetics Group, Bernhard Nocht St 74, D-20359 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Julia Eick
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Leishmania Genetics Group, Bernhard Nocht St 74, D-20359 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Eugenia Bifeld
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Leishmania Genetics Group, Bernhard Nocht St 74, D-20359 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - María J Corral
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Dolores Jiménez-Antón
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Bernhard Ellinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Hamburg, Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Maria Kuzikov
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Hamburg, Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Irini Fragiadaki
- University of Crete, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Voutes University Campus, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Effie Scoulica
- University of Crete, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Voutes University Campus, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Sheraz Gul
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Hamburg, Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Joachim Clos
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Leishmania Genetics Group, Bernhard Nocht St 74, D-20359 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Kyriakos C Prousis
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece.
| | - Juan J Torrado
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28240 Madrid, Spain.
| | - José María Alunda
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rebecca C Wade
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), D-69118 Heidelberg, Germany; Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, and Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho s/n, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Anabela Cordeiro da Silva
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Parasite Disease Group, Porto, Portugal; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Departmento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Theodora Calogeropoulou
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
dos Santos FS, de Freitas RP, de Freitas CS, Mendonça DVC, Lage DP, Tavares GDSV, Machado AS, Martins VT, Costa AV, de Queiroz VT, de Oliveira MB, de Oliveira FM, Antinarelli LMR, Coimbra ES, Pilau EJ, da Silva GP, Coelho EAF, Teixeira RR. Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triazole-Containing Methoxylated Cinnamides and Their Antileishmanial Activity against the Leishmania braziliensis Species. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1113. [PMID: 37631028 PMCID: PMC10459042 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081113] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasites that belong to the genus Leishmania. Currently, there is no human vaccine, and the available treatments are associated with toxicity, high cost, and the emergence of resistant strains. These factors highlight the need to identify new antileishmanial candidates. In this study, we synthesized twenty-four methoxylated cinnamides containing 1,2,3-triazole fragments and evaluated their antileishmanial activity against the Leishmania braziliensis species, which is the main etiological agent responsible for American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL). The cinnamides were synthetically prepared using nucleophilic acyl substitution and copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions. The compounds were characterized using infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques. We performed preliminary studies to evaluate the biological activity of these compounds against L. braziliensis promastigotes and axenic amastigotes. Compound 28, N-((1-(7-(diethylamino)-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-yl) methyl)-3,4-dimethoxy cinnamide, demonstrated relevant antileishmanial activity with low toxicity in murine cells. The selectivity index values for this compound were superior compared with data obtained using amphotericin B. Furthermore, this cinnamide derivative reduced the infection percentage and number of recovered amastigotes in L. braziliensis-infected macrophages. It also induced an increase in reactive oxygen species production, depolarization of the mitochondrial potential, and disruption of the parasite membrane. Taken together, these findings suggest that this synthetic compound holds potential as an antileishmanial candidate and should be considered for future studies in the treatment of ATL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabíola Suelen dos Santos
- Laboratório de Síntese Orgânica (LABSINTO), Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (F.S.d.S.); (R.P.d.F.)
| | - Rossimiriam Pereira de Freitas
- Laboratório de Síntese Orgânica (LABSINTO), Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (F.S.d.S.); (R.P.d.F.)
| | - Camila Simões de Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Débora Vasconcelos Costa Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Daniela Pagliara Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Grasiele de Sousa Vieira Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Amanda Sanchez Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Vivian Tamieti Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Adilson Vidal Costa
- Grupo de Estudo Aplicado em Produtos Naturais e Síntese Orgânica (GEAPS), Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre 29500-000, Espírito Santo, Brazil; (A.V.C.); (V.T.d.Q.); (M.B.d.O.)
| | - Vagner Tebaldi de Queiroz
- Grupo de Estudo Aplicado em Produtos Naturais e Síntese Orgânica (GEAPS), Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre 29500-000, Espírito Santo, Brazil; (A.V.C.); (V.T.d.Q.); (M.B.d.O.)
| | - Mariana Belizario de Oliveira
- Grupo de Estudo Aplicado em Produtos Naturais e Síntese Orgânica (GEAPS), Departamento de Química e Física, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre 29500-000, Espírito Santo, Brazil; (A.V.C.); (V.T.d.Q.); (M.B.d.O.)
| | | | - Luciana Maria Ribeiro Antinarelli
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.M.R.A.); (E.S.C.)
| | - Elaine Soares Coimbra
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (L.M.R.A.); (E.S.C.)
| | - Eduardo Jorge Pilau
- Centro de Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil; (E.J.P.); (G.P.d.S.)
| | - Geovane Perez da Silva
- Centro de Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Paraná, Brazil; (E.J.P.); (G.P.d.S.)
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (D.V.C.M.); (D.P.L.); (G.d.S.V.T.); (A.S.M.); (V.T.M.); (E.A.F.C.)
| | - Róbson Ricardo Teixeira
- Grupo de Síntese e Pesquisa de Compostos Bioativos (GSPCB), Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Pacheco-Fernandez T, Markle H, Verma C, Huston R, Gannavaram S, Nakhasi HL, Satoskar AR. Field-Deployable Treatments For Leishmaniasis: Intrinsic Challenges, Recent Developments and Next Steps. Res Rep Trop Med 2023; 14:61-85. [PMID: 37492219 PMCID: PMC10364832 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s392606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease endemic primarily to low- and middle-income countries, for which there has been inadequate development of affordable, safe, and efficacious therapies. Clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis range from self-healing skin lesions to lethal visceral infection with chances of relapse. Although treatments are available, secondary effects limit their use outside the clinic and negatively impact the quality of life of patients in endemic areas. Other non-medicinal treatments, such as thermotherapies, are limited to use in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis but not with visceral infection. Recent studies shed light to mechanisms through which Leishmania can persist by hiding in cellular safe havens, even after chemotherapies. This review focuses on exploring the cellular niches that Leishmania parasites may be leveraging to persist within the host. Also, the cellular, metabolic, and molecular implications of Leishmania infection and how those could be targeted for therapeutic purposes are discussed. Other therapies, such as those developed against cancer or for manipulation of the ferroptosis pathway, are proposed as possible treatments against leishmaniasis due to their mechanisms of action. In particular, treatments that target hematopoietic stem cells and monocytes, which have recently been found to be necessary components to sustain the infection and provide a safe niche for the parasites are discussed in this review as potential field-deployable treatments against leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thalia Pacheco-Fernandez
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Hannah Markle
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Chaitenya Verma
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | - Ryan Huston
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | - Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Hira L Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Abhay R Satoskar
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Pal R, Teli G, Akhtar MJ, Matada GSP. The role of natural anti-parasitic guided development of synthetic drugs for leishmaniasis. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115609. [PMID: 37421889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115609] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease and categorised as a neglected tropical disease (NTD). Each year, between 70,0000 and 1 million new cases are believed to occur. There are approximately 90 sandfly species which can spread the Leishmania parasites (over 20 species) causing 20,000 to 30,000 death per year. Currently, leishmaniasis has no specific therapeutic treatment available. The prescribed drugs with several drawbacks including high cost, challenging administration, toxicity, and drug resistance led to search for the alternative treatment with less toxicity and selectivity. Introducing the molecular features like that of phytoconstituents for the search of compounds with less toxicity is another promising approach. The current review classifies the synthetic compounds according to the core rings present in the natural phytochemicals for the development of antileishmanial agents (2020-2022). Considering the toxicity and limitations of synthetic analogues, natural compounds are at the higher notch in terms of effectiveness and safety. Synthesized compounds of chalcones (Compound 8; IC50: 0.03 μM, 4.7 folds more potent than Amphotericin B; IC50: 0.14 μM), pyrimidine (compound 56; against L. tropica; 0.04 μM and L. infantum; 0.042 μM as compared to glucantime: L. tropica; 8.17 μM and L. infantum; 8.42 μM), quinazoline and (compound 72; 0.021 μM, 150 times more potent than miltefosine). The targeted delivery against DHFR have been demonstrated by one of the pyrimidine compounds 62 with an IC50 value of 0.10 μM against L. major as compared to the standard trimethoprim (IC50: 20 μM). The review covers the medicinal importance of antileishmanial agents from synthetic and natural sources such as chalcone, pyrazole, coumarins, steroids, and alkaloidal-containing drugs (indole, quinolines, pyridine, pyrimidine, carbolines, pyrrole, aurones, and quinazolines). The efforts of introducing the core rings present in the natural phytoconstituents as antileishmanial in the synthetic compounds are discussed with their structural activity relationship. The perspective will support the medicinal chemists in refining and directing the development of novel molecules phytochemicals-based antileishmanial agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Pal
- Integrated Drug Discovery Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, 560107, Karnataka, India.
| | - Ghanshyam Teli
- Integrated Drug Discovery Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, 560107, Karnataka, India.
| | - Md Jawaid Akhtar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National University of Science and Technology, PO 620, PC 130, Azaiba Bousher, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Gurubasavaraja Swamy Purawarga Matada
- Integrated Drug Discovery Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, 560107, Karnataka, India.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sevik Kilicaslan O, Cretton S, Hausmann E, Quirós-Guerrero L, Karimou S, Kaiser M, Mäser P, Christen P, Cuendet M. Antiprotozoal activity of natural products from Nigerien plants used in folk medicine. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1190241. [PMID: 37426806 PMCID: PMC10326435 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1190241] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the course of the screening of plants from Niger for antiprotozoal activity, the methanol extract of Cassia sieberiana, and the dichloromethane extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana and Sesamun alatum were found to be active against protozoan parasites, namely Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani and/or Plasmodium falciparum. Myricitrin (1), quercitrin (2) and 1-palmitoyl-lysolecithin (3) were isolated from C. sieberiana. From Z. mauritiana, the three triterpene derivatives 13, 15, and 16 are described here for the first time. Their chemical structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR experiments, UV, IR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configurations were assigned via comparison of the experimental and calculated ECD spectra. In addition, eight known cyclopeptide alkaloids (4, 5, 7-12), and five known triterpenoids (6, 14, 17-19) were isolated. The antiprotozoal activity of the isolated compounds, as well as of eleven quinone derivatives (20-30) previously isolated from S. alatum was determined in vitro. The cytotoxicity in L6 rat myoblast cells was also evaluated. Compound 18 showed the highest antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 0.2 µm) and compound 24 inhibited T. b. rhodesiense with an IC50 value of 0.007 µM. However, it also displayed significant cytotoxicity in L6 cells (IC50 = 0.4 µm).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Sevik Kilicaslan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sylvian Cretton
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Estelle Hausmann
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Luis Quirós-Guerrero
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Marcel Kaiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Christen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Muriel Cuendet
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gizzarelli M, Foglia Manzillo V, Inglese A, Montagnaro S, Oliva G. Retrospective Long-Term Evaluation of Miltefosine-Allopurinol Treatment in Canine Leishmaniosis. Pathogens 2023; 12:864. [PMID: 37513711 PMCID: PMC10384837 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Miltefosine-Allopurinol (MIL-AL) combination is reported to be one of the most effective treatments for canine leishmaniosis, thanks to its oral administration and MIL-documented low impact on renal function. However, MIL-AL is considered a second-choice treatment when compared to meglumine-antimoniate-allopurinol combination, mainly due to the risk of earlier relapses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the MIL-AL protocol during a long-term follow-up with an average duration of nine years. Dogs were living in Southern Italy (Puglia, Italy) in an area considered endemic for Canine leishmaniosis (CanL). Inclusion criteria were clinical and/or clinicopathological signs consistent with CanL; positive result to Leishmania quantitative ELISA; and negativity to the most frequent canine vector-borne infections. All dogs received 2 mg/kg MIL for 28 days, and 10 mg/kg AL, BID, for a period varying between 2 and 12 months. Ancillary treatments were allowed according to the clinical condition of the dog. A total clinical score and a total clinicopathological score were calculated at each time point by attributing one point to each sign or alteration present and then by adding all points. Improvement after each treatment was defined by the reduction of at least 50% of the total score. A survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier curve) was performed for quantifying the probability of the events occurring during the study follow-up. The following events were considered: decreased and negative ELISA results; improvement/recovery of the clinical and clinicopathological alterations; and relapse of leishmaniasis. One hundred seventy-three dogs (75f and 98m) were retrospectively included in the study by examining their clinical records since the first diagnosis of CanL. One hundred forty-three (83%) dogs were under five years of age. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 5.4 (±1.1) years with a minimum of 3.2 years and a maximum of 9 years. All dogs received a first treatment of MIL-AL at inclusion; then, during the follow-up course, 30 dogs required a second treatment, 2 dogs required a third treatment and 1 dog required a fourth and a fifth treatment. The mean time interval between the first and the second treatment was 27.2 (±18.3) months. After the first treatment, all dogs had decreased ELISA levels, in an average interval of 2.6 (±1.6) months. One hundred seventy dogs (98%) experienced a clinical improvement (mean time 3.0 ± 4.9 months); 152 (88%) dogs were considered clinically recovered after a mean time of 16.7 ± 13.5 months. A similar trend was observed for clinicopathological alterations; interestingly, proteinuria decreased in most dogs (p < 0.0001-Chi-square for trends). Thirty dogs experienced relapses, the earliest after 4.8 months. The mean time without relapse was 90.4 (±2.5) months. In relapsed dogs, the mean time for clinical improvement after the second treatment was 8.6 (±12.6) months, whereas it was 11.0 (±15.4) months for clinicopathological alterations. Five dogs had limited gastrointestinal side effects associated with MIL treatment. The present study confirms that the MIL-AL protocol can be considered one of the most effective treatments for CanL therapy, mainly for its capacity to provide a long-time clinical improvement in a large majority of treated dogs. As reported in the literature, the clinical stabilization of dogs does not occur immediately after treatment, probably due to the particular pharmacokinetic properties of MIL. The efficacy of MIL-AL decreases in dogs that need more than one treatment, suggesting the necessity to alternate anti-Leishmania drugs for the treatment of relapses. Side effects were transient and slight, even in dogs that required several treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gizzarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Foglia Manzillo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Inglese
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Dr. Antonio Inglese, 74023 Grottaglie, Italy
| | - Serena Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Oliva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Amiri R, Farrokhnia M, Mousavi Mehdiabadi F. Disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis in a kidney transplant recipient. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7549. [PMID: 37323282 PMCID: PMC10264955 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7549] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message In this case of disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis in our immunosuppressive patient who was a refractor to treatment with intra-lesion Glucantime® and systemic L-AmB, considering the good clinical response to oral miltefosine, this drug might be the best treatment option. Abstract Diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis are challenging in immunosuppressed patients. Here, we report a 46-year-old male renal transplant recipient with disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis presenting with multiple lesions on the face and upper extremities 15 years after transplant with a challenging course of treatment with meglumine antimoniate, liposomal amphotericin B, and miltefosine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rezvan Amiri
- Leishmaniasis Research CenterKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Mehrdad Farrokhnia
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious DiseasesKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Fatemeh Mousavi Mehdiabadi
- Physiology Research CenterInstitute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Teh-Poot CF, Dzul-Huchim VM, Mercado JM, Villanueva-Lizama LE, Bottazzi ME, Jones KM, Tsai FTF, Cruz-Chan JV. A short-term method to evaluate anti-leishmania drugs by inhibition of stage differentiation in Leishmania mexicana using flow cytometry. Exp Parasitol 2023; 249:108519. [PMID: 37004860 PMCID: PMC10231665 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108519] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease caused by the Leishmania spp. Parasite. The disease is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of infected female sandflies during the ingestion of bloodmeal. Because current drug treatments induce toxicity and parasite resistance, there is an urgent need to evaluate new drugs. Most therapeutics target the differentiation of promastigotes to amastigotes, which is necessary to maintain Leishmania infection. However, in vitro assays are laborious, time-consuming, and depend on the experience of the technician. In this study, we aimed to establish a short-term method to assess the differentiation status of Leishmania mexicana (L. mexicana) using flow cytometry. Here, we showed that flow cytometry provides a rapid means to quantify parasite differentiation in cell culture as reliably as light microscopy. Interestingly, we found using flow cytometry that miltefosine reduced promastigote-to-amastigote differentiation of L. mexicana. We conclude that flow cytometry provides a means to rapidly assay the efficacy of small molecules or natural compounds as potential anti-leishmanials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Florian Teh-Poot
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Victor Manuel Dzul-Huchim
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Jonathan M Mercado
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Liliana Estefanía Villanueva-Lizama
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Mexico; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kathryn M Jones
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Francis T F Tsai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Julio Vladimir Cruz-Chan
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Mexico; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Van Bocxlaer K, Dixon J, Platteeuw JJ, Van Den Heuvel D, Mcarthur KN, Harris A, Alavijeh M, Croft SL, Yardley V. Efficacy of oleylphosphocholine in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2023:7179900. [PMID: 37229566 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease causing a range of skin lesions for which safe and efficacious drugs are lacking. Oleylphosphocholine (OLPC) is structurally similar to miltefosine and has previously demonstrated potent activity against visceral leishmaniasis. We here present the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of OLPC against CL-causing Leishmania species. METHODS The antileishmanial activities of OLPC were evaluated and compared with miltefosine in vitro against intracellular amastigotes of seven CL-causing species. Following the confirmation of significant in vitro activity, the performance of the maximum tolerated dose of OLPC was evaluated in an experimental murine model of CL followed by a dose-response titration and the efficacy evaluation of four OLPC formulations (two with a fast-release and two with a slow-release profile) using bioluminescent Leishmania major parasites. RESULTS OLPC demonstrated potent in vitro activity of the same order as miltefosine in the intracellular macrophage model against a range of CL-causing species. A dose of 35 mg of OLPC/kg/day administered orally for 10 days was well-tolerated and able to reduce the parasite load in the skin of L. major-infected mice to a similar extent as the positive control paromomycin (50 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) in both in vivo studies. Reducing the dose of OLPC resulted in inactivity and modifying the release profile using mesoporous silica nanoparticles led to a decrease in activity when solvent-based loading was used in contrast to extrusion-based loading, which had no impact on its antileishmanial efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data suggest that OLPC could be a promising alternative to miltefosine treatment for CL. Further investigations exploring experimental models with additional Leishmania species and skin pharmacokinetic and dynamic analyses are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Van Bocxlaer
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jodie Dixon
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | | | | | | | - Andy Harris
- Pharmidex Pharmaceutical Services Ltd., London, UK
| | - Mo Alavijeh
- Pharmidex Pharmaceutical Services Ltd., London, UK
| | - Simon L Croft
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, UK
| | - Vanessa Yardley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Singh R, Kashif M, Srivastava P, Manna PP. Recent Advances in Chemotherapeutics for Leishmaniasis: Importance of the Cellular Biochemistry of the Parasite and Its Molecular Interaction with the Host. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050706. [PMID: 37242374 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a category 1 neglected protozoan disease caused by a kinetoplastid pathogen called Leishmania, is transmitted through dipteran insect vectors (phlebotomine, sand flies) in three main clinical forms: fatal visceral leishmaniasis, self-healing cutaneous leishmaniasis, and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Generic pentavalent antimonials have long been the drug of choice against leishmaniasis; however, their success is plagued with limitations such as drug resistance and severe side effects, which makes them redundant as frontline therapy for endemic visceral leishmaniasis. Alternative therapeutic regimens based on amphotericin B, miltefosine, and paromomycin have also been approved. Due to the unavailability of human vaccines, first-line chemotherapies such as pentavalent antimonials, pentamidine, and amphotericin B are the only options to treat infected individuals. The higher toxicity, adverse effects, and perceived cost of these pharmaceutics, coupled with the emergence of parasite resistance and disease relapse, makes it urgent to identify new, rationalized drug targets for the improvement in disease management and palliative care for patients. This has become an emergent need and more relevant due to the lack of information on validated molecular resistance markers for the monitoring and surveillance of changes in drug sensitivity and resistance. The present study reviewed the recent advances in chemotherapeutic regimens by targeting novel drugs using several strategies including bioinformatics to gain new insight into leishmaniasis. Leishmania has unique enzymes and biochemical pathways that are distinct from those of its mammalian hosts. In light of the limited number of available antileishmanial drugs, the identification of novel drug targets and studying the molecular and cellular aspects of these drugs in the parasite and its host is critical to design specific inhibitors targeting and controlling the parasite. The biochemical characterization of unique Leishmania-specific enzymes can be used as tools to read through possible drug targets. In this review, we discuss relevant metabolic pathways and novel drugs that are unique, essential, and linked to the survival of the parasite based on bioinformatics and cellular and biochemical analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranjeet Singh
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Mohammad Kashif
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Prateek Srivastava
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Partha Pratim Manna
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Lima SKSD, Jesus JA, Raminelli C, Laurenti MD, Passero LFD. High Selectivity of 8-Hydroxyquinoline on Leishmania (Leishmania) and Leishmania (Viannia) Species Correlates with a Potent Therapeutic Activity In Vivo. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050707. [PMID: 37242490 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, which causes different clinical manifestations. Drugs currently used in the treatment such as pentavalent antimonial and amphotericin B cause severe side effects in patients, and parasite resistance has been reported. Thus, it is necessary and urgent to characterize new and effective alternative drugs to replace the current chemotherapy of leishmaniasis. In this regard, it has been experimentally demonstrated that quinoline derivatives present significative pharmacological and parasitic properties. Thus, the aim of this work was to demonstrate the leishmanicidal activity of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) in vitro and in vivo. The leishmanicidal activity (in vitro) of 8-HQ was assayed on promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of L. (L.) amazonensis, L. (L.) infantum chagasi, L. (V.) guyanensis L. (V.) naiffi, L. (V.) lainsoni, and L. (V.) shawi. Additionally, the levels of nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide were analyzed. The therapeutic potential of 8-HQ was analyzed in BALB/c mice infected with a strain of L. (L.) amazonensis that causes anergic cutaneous diffuse leishmaniasis. In vitro data showed that at 24 and 72 h, 8-HQ eliminated promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of all studied species and this effect may be potentialized by nitric oxide. Furthermore, 8-HQ was more selective than miltefosine. Infected animals treated with 8-HQ by the intralesional route dramatically reduced the number of tissue parasites in the skin, and it was associated with an increase in IFN-γ and decrease in IL-4, which correlated with a reduction in inflammatory reaction in the skin. These results strongly support the idea that 8-HQ is an alternative molecule that can be employed in the treatment of leishmaniasis, given its selectivity and multispectral action in parasites from the Leishmania genus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kymberly Santos de Lima
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, Brazil
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases (LIM50), Department of Pathology, Medical School of São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Adriana Jesus
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Raminelli
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09920-000, Brazil
| | - Márcia Dalastra Laurenti
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases (LIM50), Department of Pathology, Medical School of São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Domingues Passero
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, Brazil
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua João Francisco Bensdorp, 1178, São Vicente 11350-011, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|