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Barbosa JMC, Pedra-Rezende Y, Pereira LD, de Melo TG, Barbosa HS, Lannes-Vieira J, de Castro SL, Daliry A, Salomão K. Benznidazole and amiodarone combined treatment attenuates cytoskeletal damage in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected cardiac cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:975931. [PMID: 36093188 PMCID: PMC9452897 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.975931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important public health problem mainly in Latin America, leading to approximately 12,000 annual deaths. Current etiological treatment for CD is limited to two nitro compounds, benznidazole (Bz) and nifurtimox (Nif), both presenting relevant limitations. Different approaches have been employed to establish more effective and safer schemes to treat T. cruzi infection, mostly based on drug repurposing and combination therapies. Amiodarone (AMD), an antiarrhythmic medicament of choice for patients with the chronic cardiac form of CD, is also recognized as a trypanocidal agent. Therefore, our aim is to investigate the combined treatment Bz + AMD on trypomastigote viability, control of T. cruzi intracellular form proliferation, and recovery of the infection-induced cytoskeleton alterations in cardiac cells. The combination of Bz + AMD did not improve the direct trypanocidal effect of AMD on the infective blood trypomastigote and replicative intracellular forms of the parasite. Otherwise, the treatment of T. cruzi-infected cardiac cells with Bz plus AMD attenuated the infection-triggered cytoskeleton damage of host cells and the cytotoxic effects of AMD. Thus, the combined treatment Bz + AMD may favor parasite control and hamper tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Helene Santos Barbosa
- Laboratóriode de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Anissa Daliry
- Laboratório de Investigação Cardiovascular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kelly Salomão
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Kelly Salomão,
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2
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Madigan R, Majoy S, Ritter K, Luis Concepción J, Márquez ME, Silva SC, Zao CL, Pérez Alvarez A, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Mogollón-Mendoza AC, Estep JS, Benaím G, Paniz-Mondolfi AE. Investigation of a combination of amiodarone and itraconazole for treatment of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020; 255:317-329. [PMID: 31298647 DOI: 10.2460/javma.255.3.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical, serologic, parasitological, and histologic outcomes of dogs with naturally occurring Trypanosoma cruzi infection treated for 12 months with amiodarone and itraconazole. ANIMALS 121 dogs from southern Texas and southern Louisiana. PROCEDURES Treatment group dogs (n = 105) received a combination of amiodarone hydrochloride (approx 7.5 mg/kg [3.4 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h, with or without a loading dosage protocol) and itraconazole (approx 10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h, adjusted to maintain a plasma concentration of 1 to 2 μg/mL) for 12 months. Control group dogs (n = 16) received no antitrypanosomal medications. Serologic assays for anti-T cruzi antibodies, PCR assays for T cruzi DNA in blood, and physical evaluations were performed 1, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months after study initiation. Adverse events were recorded. Outcomes of interest were recorded and compared between groups. RESULTS 86 of 105 treatment group dogs and 8 of 16 control group dogs survived and completed the study (5/19 and 6/7 deaths of treatment and control group dogs, respectively, were attributed to T cruzi infection). Mean survival time until death attributed to T cruzi was longer (23.19 vs 15.64 months) for the treatment group. Results of PCR assays were negative for all (n = 92) tested treatment group dogs (except for 1 dog at 1 time point) from 6 to 24 months after study initiation. Clinical improvement in ≥ 1 clinical sign was observed in 53 of 54 and 0 of 10 treatment and control group dogs, respectively; adverse drug events were minor and reversible. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested efficacy of this trypanocidal drug combination for the treatment of T cruzi infection in dogs.
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3
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Sass G, Madigan RT, Joubert LM, Bozzi A, Sayed N, Wu JC, Stevens DA. A Combination of Itraconazole and Amiodarone Is Highly Effective against Trypanosoma cruzi Infection of Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:383-391. [PMID: 31219005 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease (CD), which can result in severe cardiomyopathy. Trypanosoma cruzi is endemic to the Americas, and of particular importance in Latin America. In the United States and other non-endemic countries, rising case numbers have also been observed. The currently used drugs are benznidazole (BNZ) and nifurtimox, which have limited efficacy during chronic infection. We repurposed itraconazole (ICZ), originally an antifungal, in combination with amiodarone (AMD), an antiarrhythmic, with the goal of interfering with T. cruzi infection. Human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) were differentiated into cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Vero cells or hiPSC-CMs were infected with T. cruzi trypomastigotes of the II or I strain in the presence of ICZ and/or AMD. After 48 hours, cells were Giemsa stained, and infection and multiplication were evaluated microscopically. Trypanosoma cruzi infection and multiplication were evalutated also by electron microscopy. BNZ was used as a reference compound. Cell metabolism in the presence of test substances was assessed. Itraconazole and AMD showed strain- and dose-dependent interference with T. cruzi infection and multiplication in Vero cells or hiPSC-CMs. Combinations of ICZ and AMD were more effective against T. cruzi than the single substances, or BNZ, without affecting host cell metabolism, and better preserving host cell integrity during infection. Our in vitro data in hiPSC-CMs suggest that a combination of ICZ and AMD might serve as a treatment option for CD in patients, but that different responses due to T. cruzi strain differences have to be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Sass
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California
| | - Roy T Madigan
- Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, Spring Branch, Texas
| | - Lydia-Marie Joubert
- EM Unit, Central Analytical Facilities, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Adriana Bozzi
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California.,Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Nazish Sayed
- School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Joseph C Wu
- School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - David A Stevens
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.,California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California
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4
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Echeverría LE, González CI, Hernandez JCM, Díaz ML, Eduardo Nieto J, López-Romero LA, Rivera JD, Suárez EU, Ochoa SAG, Rojas LZ, Morillo CA. Efficacy of the Benznidazole+Posaconazole combination therapy in parasitemia reduction: An experimental murine model of acute Chagas. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020; 53:e20190477. [PMID: 32049205 PMCID: PMC7083359 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0477-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Benznidazole (BZL) and Nifurtimox (NFX) are the pharmacological treatment
for acute phase Chagas Disease (CD); however, therapy resistance and
residual mortality development remain important unresolved issues.
Posaconazole (POS) has shown a trypanocidal effect in vivo and in vitro.
Thus, this study aimed at comparing the T. Cruzi parasitic
load-reducing effect of the combination of BZL+POS against that of
monotherapy with either, during acute phase CD, in an experimental murine
model. METHODS Nineteen Wistar rats were randomly allocated to four groups
and inoculated with the trypomastigotes of T. cruzi
strain´s JChVcl1. The rats were administered anti-parasites from day 20-29
post-infection. The Pizzi and Brener method was used for parasitemia
measurement. Longitudinal data analysis for the continuous outcome of
repeated measures was performed using parasitemia as the outcome measured at
days 20, 22, 24, 27, and 29 post-infection. RESULTS All four groups had similar parasitic loads (p=0.143) prior to therapy
initiation. Among the three treatment groups, the BZL+POS (n=5) group showed
the highest mean parasitic load reduction (p=0.000) compared with the
control group. Likewise, the BZL+POS group rats showed an earlier
therapeutic effect and were the only ones without parasites in their
myocardial samples. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of acute phase CD with BZL+POS was more efficacious at parasitemia
and myocardial injury reduction, compared with monotherapy with either.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Eduardo Echeverría
- Grupo de Estudios Epidemiológicos y Salud Pública-FCV, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia.,Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Clinic, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | - Clara Isabel González
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine. Universidad Industrial de Santander. Grupo de Inmunología y Epidemiología Molecular GIEM, Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Julio Cesar Mantilla Hernandez
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine. Universidad Industrial de Santander. Grupo de Inmunología y Epidemiología Molecular GIEM, Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Martha Lucia Díaz
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine. Universidad Industrial de Santander. Grupo de Inmunología y Epidemiología Molecular GIEM, Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Javier Eduardo Nieto
- Veterinary Department. Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
| | - Luis Alberto López-Romero
- Research Group and Development of Nursing Knowledge (GIDCEN-FCV), Research Institute, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia
| | - Julián David Rivera
- Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Clinic, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | - Edwin Uriel Suárez
- Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Clinic, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | - Sergio Alejandro Gómez Ochoa
- Grupo de Estudios Epidemiológicos y Salud Pública-FCV, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | - Lyda Z Rojas
- Research Group and Development of Nursing Knowledge (GIDCEN-FCV), Research Institute, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Santander, Colombia
| | - Carlos A Morillo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division, McMaster University, PHRI-HHSC, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Sales Junior PA, Molina I, Fonseca Murta SM, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Salvador F, Corrêa-Oliveira R, Carneiro CM. Experimental and Clinical Treatment of Chagas Disease: A Review. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1289-1303. [PMID: 29016289 PMCID: PMC5817734 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that infects a broad range of triatomines and mammalian species, including man. It afflicts 8 million people in Latin America, and its incidence is increasing in nonendemic countries owing to rising international immigration and nonvectorial transmission routes such as blood donation. Since the 1960s, the only drugs available for the clinical treatment of this infection have been benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox (NFX). Treatment with these trypanocidal drugs is recommended in both the acute and chronic phases of CD. These drugs have low cure rates mainly during the chronic phase, in addition both drugs present side effects that may result in the interruption of the treatment. Thus, more efficient and better-tolerated new drugs or pharmaceutical formulations containing BZ or NFX are urgently needed. Here, we review the drugs currently used for CD chemotherapy, ongoing clinical assays, and most-promising new experimental drugs. In addition, the mechanism of action of the commercially available drugs, NFX and BZ, the biodistribution of the latter, and the potential for novel formulations of BZ based on nanotechnology are discussed. Taken together, the literature emphasizes the urgent need for new therapies for acute and chronic CD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Israel Molina
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Corrêa-Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Martins Carneiro
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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6
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Islan GA, Durán M, Cacicedo ML, Nakazato G, Kobayashi RKT, Martinez DST, Castro GR, Durán N. Nanopharmaceuticals as a solution to neglected diseases: Is it possible? Acta Trop 2017; 170:16-42. [PMID: 28232069 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The study of neglected diseases has not received much attention, especially from public and private institutions over the last years, in terms of strong support for developing treatment for these diseases. Support in the form of substantial amounts of private and public investment is greatly needed in this area. Due to the lack of novel drugs for these diseases, nanobiotechnology has appeared as an important new breakthrough for the treatment of neglected diseases. Recently, very few reviews focusing on filiarasis, leishmaniasis, leprosy, malaria, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, trypanosomiasis, and tuberculosis, and dengue virus have been published. New developments in nanocarriers have made promising advances in the treatment of several kinds of diseases with less toxicity, high efficacy and improved bioavailability of drugs with extended release and fewer applications. This review deals with the current status of nanobiotechnology in the treatment of neglected diseases and highlights how it provides key tools for exploring new perspectives in the treatment of a wide range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- German A Islan
- Laboratorio de Nanobiomateriales, CINDEFI, Depto. de Quimica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata - CONICET (CCT La Plata), 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marcela Durán
- Urogenital Carcinogenesis: Urogenitaland Immunotherapy Laboratory, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil,; NanoBioss, Chemistry Institute, University of Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Maximiliano L Cacicedo
- Laboratorio de Nanobiomateriales, CINDEFI, Depto. de Quimica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata - CONICET (CCT La Plata), 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Gerson Nakazato
- Department of Microbiology, Biology Sciences Center, Londrina State University (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
| | - Renata K T Kobayashi
- Department of Microbiology, Biology Sciences Center, Londrina State University (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
| | - Diego S T Martinez
- NanoBioss, Chemistry Institute, University of Campinas, SP, Brazil; Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano-CNPEM), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Guillermo R Castro
- Laboratorio de Nanobiomateriales, CINDEFI, Depto. de Quimica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata - CONICET (CCT La Plata), 1900, La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Nelson Durán
- NanoBioss, Chemistry Institute, University of Campinas, SP, Brazil; Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano-CNPEM), Campinas, SP, Brazil; Biological Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP. Brazil.
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7
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Perin L, Moreira da Silva R, Fonseca KDS, Cardoso JMDO, Mathias FAS, Reis LES, Molina I, Correa-Oliveira R, Vieira PMDA, Carneiro CM. Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Benznidazole after Oral Administration in Mice. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:e02410-16. [PMID: 28167558 PMCID: PMC5365712 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02410-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific chemotherapy using benznidazole (BNZ) for Chagas disease during the chronic stage is controversial due to its limited efficacy and toxic effects. Although BNZ has been used to treat Chagas disease since the 1970s, few studies about the biodistribution of this drug exist. In this study, BNZ tissue biodistribution in a murine model and its pharmacokinetic profile in plasma were monitored. A bioanalytical high-performance liquid chromatography method with a UV detector (HPLC-UV) was developed and validated according to the European Medicines Agency for quantification of BNZ in organs and plasma samples prepared by liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl acetate. The developed method was linear in the BNZ concentration, which ranged from 0.1 to 100.0 μg/ml for plasma, spleen, brain, colon, heart, lung, and kidney and from 0.2 to 100.0 μg/ml for liver. Validation assays demonstrated good stability for BNZ under all conditions evaluated. Pharmacokinetic parameters confirmed rapid, but low, absorption of BNZ after oral administration. Biodistribution assays demonstrated different maximum concentrations in organs and similar times to maximum concentration and mean residence times, with means of 40 min and 2.5 h, respectively. Therefore, the biodistribution of BNZ is extensive, reaching organs such as the heart and colon, which are the most relevant organs affected by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, and also the spleen, brain, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Simultaneous analyses of tissues and plasma indicated high BNZ metabolism in the liver. Our results suggest that low bioavailability, instead of inadequate biodistribution, could be responsible for therapeutic failure during the chronic phase of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Perin
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas (CiPHARMA), Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Moreira da Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Kátia da Silva Fonseca
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jamille Mirelle de Oliveira Cardoso
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernando Augusto Siqueira Mathias
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Levi Eduardo Soares Reis
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Israel Molina
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Correa-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paula Melo de Abreu Vieira
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratório de Morfopatologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Martins Carneiro
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas (CiPHARMA), Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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8
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Salerno A, Celentano AM, López J, Lara V, Gaozza C, Balcazar DE, Carrillo C, Frank FM, Blanco MM. Novel 2-arylazoimidazole derivatives as inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi proliferation: Synthesis and evaluation of their biological activity. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 125:327-334. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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9
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Bazán PC, Lo Presti MS, Strauss M, Báez AL, Miler N, Paglini PA, Rivarola HW. Quantitative PCR and unconventional serological methods to evaluate clomipramine treatment effectiveness in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Exp Mol Pathol 2016; 101:274-280. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Cerqueira NMFSA, Oliveira EF, Gesto DS, Santos-Martins D, Moreira C, Moorthy HN, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Cholesterol Biosynthesis: A Mechanistic Overview. Biochemistry 2016; 55:5483-5506. [PMID: 27604037 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential component of cell membranes and the precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormones and bile acids. The synthesis of this molecule occurs partially in a membranous world (especially the last steps), where the enzymes, substrates, and products involved tend to be extremely hydrophobic. The importance of cholesterol has increased in the past half-century because of its association with cardiovascular diseases, which are considered one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In light of the current need for new drugs capable of controlling the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, it is important to understand how cholesterol is synthesized in the organism and identify the main enzymes involved in this process. Taking this into account, this review presents a detailed description of several enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. In this regard, the structure and catalytic mechanism of the enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, from the initial two-carbon acetyl-CoA building block, will be reviewed and their current pharmacological importance discussed. We believe that this review may contribute to a deeper level of understanding of cholesterol metabolism and that it will serve as a useful resource for future studies of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno M F S A Cerqueira
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduardo F Oliveira
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana S Gesto
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diogo Santos-Martins
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cátia Moreira
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hari N Moorthy
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria J Ramos
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - P A Fernandes
- UCIBO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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11
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Effects of nitro-heterocyclic derivatives against Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. Exp Parasitol 2016; 163:68-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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12
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Pinazo MJ, Posada EDJ, Izquierdo L, Tassies D, Marques AF, de Lazzari E, Aldasoro E, Muñoz J, Abras A, Tebar S, Gallego M, de Almeida IC, Reverter JC, Gascon J. Altered Hypercoagulability Factors in Patients with Chronic Chagas Disease: Potential Biomarkers of Therapeutic Response. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004269. [PMID: 26727000 PMCID: PMC4700971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thromboembolic events were described in patients with Chagas disease without cardiomyopathy. We aim to confirm if there is a hypercoagulable state in these patients and to determine if there is an early normalization of hemostasis factors after antiparasitic treatment. Ninety-nine individuals from Chagas disease-endemic areas were classified in two groups: G1, with T.cruzi infection (n = 56); G2, healthy individuals (n = 43). Twenty-four hemostasis factors were measured at baseline. G1 patients treated with benznidazole were followed for 36 months, recording clinical parameters and performance of conventional serology, chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (trypomastigote-derived glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored mucins), quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and hemostasis tests every 6-month visits. Prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) were abnormally expressed in 77% and 50% of infected patients at baseline but returned to and remained at normal levels shortly after treatment in 76% and 96% of cases, respectively. Plasmin-antiplasmin complexes (PAP) were altered before treatment in 32% of G1 patients but normalized in 94% of cases several months after treatment. None of the patients with normal F1+2 values during follow-up had a positive qRT-PCR result, but 3/24 patients (13%) with normal ETP values did. In a percentage of chronic T. cruzi infected patients treated with benznidazole, altered coagulation markers returned into normal levels. F1+2, ETP and PAP could be useful markers for assessing sustained response to benznidazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Jesus Pinazo
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elizabeth de Jesus Posada
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Tassies
- Hemotherapy and Hemostasis Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre-Ferreira Marques
- Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elisa de Lazzari
- Health Biostatistics, ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edelweiss Aldasoro
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Muñoz
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Abras
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Tebar
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Gallego
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Igor Correia de Almeida
- Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joan-Carles Reverter
- Hemotherapy and Hemostasis Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Discovery of potent nitrotriazole-based antitrypanosomal agents: In vitro and in vivo evaluation. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:6467-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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14
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Papadopoulou MV, Bloomer WD, Lepesheva GI, Rosenzweig HS, Kaiser M, Aguilera-Venegas B, Wilkinson SR, Chatelain E, Ioset JR. Novel 3-nitrotriazole-based amides and carbinols as bifunctional antichagasic agents. J Med Chem 2015; 58:1307-19. [PMID: 25580906 DOI: 10.1021/jm5015742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
3-Nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole-based amides with a linear, rigid core and 3-nitrotriazole-based fluconazole analogues were synthesized as dual functioning antitrypanosomal agents. Such compounds are excellent substrates for type I nitroreductase (NTR) located in the mitochondrion of trypanosomatids and, at the same time, act as inhibitors of the sterol 14α-demethylase (T. cruzi CYP51) enzyme. Because combination treatments against parasites are often superior to monotherapy, we believe that this emerging class of bifunctional compounds may introduce a new generation of antitrypanosomal drugs. In the present work, the synthesis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of such compounds is discussed.
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15
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From Bench to Bedside: Natural Products and Analogs for the Treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). STUDIES IN NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63460-3.00002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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16
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Choi JY, Podust LM, Roush WR. Drug strategies targeting CYP51 in neglected tropical diseases. Chem Rev 2014; 114:11242-71. [PMID: 25337991 PMCID: PMC4254036 DOI: 10.1021/cr5003134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yong Choi
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Florida, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| | - Larissa M. Podust
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, and Department of
Pathology, University of California—San
Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - William R. Roush
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Florida, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
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17
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Novel nitro(triazole/imidazole)-based heteroarylamides/sulfonamides as potential antitrypanosomal agents. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 87:79-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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18
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Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of WC-9 analogs as antiparasitic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2013; 69:480-9. [PMID: 24090919 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
As a part of our project pointed at the search of new safe chemotherapeutic and chemoprophylactic agents against parasitic diseases, several compounds structurally related to 4-phenoxyphenoxyethyl thiocyanate (WC-9), which were modified at the terminal aromatic ring, were designed, synthesized and evaluated as antiproliferative agents against Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) and Toxoplasma gondii, the etiological agent of toxoplasmosis. Most of the synthetic analogs exhibited similar antiparasitic activity being slightly more potent than the reference compound WC-9. For example, the nitro derivative 13 showed an ED₅₀ value of 5.2 μM. Interestingly, the regioisomer of WC-9, compound 36 showed similar inhibitory action than WC-9 indicating that para-phenyl substitution pattern is not necessarily required for biological activity. The biological evaluation against T. gondii was also very promising. The ED₅₀ values corresponding for 13, 36 and 37 were at the very low micromolar level against tachyzoites of T. gondii.
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19
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Vaccination using recombinants influenza and adenoviruses encoding amastigote surface protein-2 are highly effective on protection against Trypanosoma cruzi infection. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61795. [PMID: 23637908 PMCID: PMC3634828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study we evaluated the protection raised by immunization with recombinant influenza viruses carrying sequences coding for polypeptides corresponding to medial and carboxi-terminal moieties of Trypanosoma cruzi ´s amastigote surface protein 2 (ASP2). Those viruses were used in sequential immunization with recombinant adenovirus (heterologous prime-boost immunization protocol) encoding the complete sequence of ASP2 (Ad-ASP2) in two mouse strains (C57BL/6 and C3H/He). The CD8 effector response elicited by this protocol was comparable to that observed in mice immunized twice with Ad-ASP2 and more robust than that observed in mice that were immunized once with Ad-ASP2. Whereas a single immunization with Ad-ASP2 sufficed to completely protect C57BL/6 mice, a higher survival rate was observed in C3H/He mice that were primed with recombinant influenza virus and boosted with Ad-ASP2 after being challenged with T. cruzi. Analyzing the phenotype of CD8+ T cells obtained from spleen of vaccinated C3H/He mice we observed that heterologous prime-boost immunization protocol elicited more CD8+ T cells specific for the immunodominant epitope as well as a higher number of CD8+ T cells producing TNF-α and IFN-γ and a higher mobilization of surface marker CD107a. Taken together, our results suggest that immunodominant subpopulations of CD8+ T elicited after immunization could be directly related to degree of protection achieved by different immunization protocols using different viral vectors. Overall, these results demonstrated the usefulness of recombinant influenza viruses in immunization protocols against Chagas Disease.
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20
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Nanosuspensions: a new approach for organ and cellular targeting in infectious diseases. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-013-0051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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21
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Da Rocha Pita SS, Batista PR, Albuquerque MG, Pascutti PG. Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Peptide Inhibitors Complexed WithTrypanosoma cruziTrypanothione Reductase. Chem Biol Drug Des 2012; 80:561-71. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2012.01429.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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Preclinical monitoring of drug association in experimental chemotherapy of Chagas' disease by a new HPLC-UV method. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:3344-8. [PMID: 22450981 DOI: 10.1128/aac.05785-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A combination of drugs in experimental chemotherapy of Chagas' disease may increase the effectiveness of treatment. To evaluate the possible mechanisms that influence the improvement of therapy, we investigated the pharmacokinetic interaction between benznidazole and itraconazole in a murine model treated orally with single doses of 5 mg of each compound separately or together. Blood samples from treated mice were collected at different intervals for 48 h, and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV method was used to quantify both drugs in the plasma. A decrease of 1.5-fold in the maximum drug concentration in the plasma (C(max)) and an increase of 2.66-fold in the volume of distribution (V) and 7.5-fold in the elimination half-life (t(1/2β)) of benznidazole when coadministered with itraconazole were observed. The parameters area under the curve (AUC(0-t)), area under the curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC(0-∞)), time to maximum concentration of drug in serum (T(max)), and clearance (CL) for benznidazole were not significantly different in this therapeutic regime. None of the evaluated parameters for ITC demonstrated a significant difference between isolated and associated administration. These results suggest that the main effect of this interaction leads to accumulation of benznidazole in the biological system. This effect may contribute to the improved therapeutic efficacy of this combination of drugs, in addition to synergism of the different mechanisms of action of benznidazole and itraconazole against Trypanosoma cruzi in vivo.
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23
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Grisard EC, Stoco PH, Wagner G, Sincero TCM, Rotava G, Rodrigues JB, Snoeijer CQ, Koerich LB, Sperandio MM, Bayer-Santos E, Fragoso SP, Goldenberg S, Triana O, Vallejo GA, Tyler KM, Dávila AMR, Steindel M. Transcriptomic analyses of the avirulent protozoan parasite Trypanosoma rangeli. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2010; 174:18-25. [PMID: 20600354 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2010.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Two species of the genus Trypanosoma infective to humans have been extensively studied at a cell and molecular level, but study of the third, Trypanosoma rangeli, remains in relative infancy. T. rangeli is non-pathogenic, but is frequently mistaken for the related Chagas disease agent Trypanosoma cruzi with which it shares vectors, hosts, significant antigenicity and a sympatric distribution over a wide geographical area. In this study, we present the T. rangeli gene expression profile as determined by the generation of ESTs (Expressed Sequence Tags) and ORESTES (Open Reading Frame ESTs). A total of 4208 unique high quality sequences were analyzed, composed from epimastigote and trypomastigote forms of SC-58 and Choachí strains, representing the two major phylogenetic lineages of this species. Comparative analyses with T. cruzi and other parasitic kinetoplastid species allowed the assignment of putative biological functions to most of the sequences generated and the establishment of an annotated T. rangeli gene expression database. Even though T. rangeli is apathogenic to mammals, genes associated with virulence in other pathogenic kinetoplastids were found. Transposable elements and genes associated mitochondrial gene expression, specifically RNA editing components, are also described for the first time. Our studies confirm the close phylogenetic relationship between T. cruzi and T. rangeli and enable us to make an estimate for the size of the T. rangeli genome repertoire ( approximately 8500 genes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmundo C Grisard
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-970, SC, Brazil.
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24
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Nanotechnological approaches against Chagas disease. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2010; 62:576-88. [PMID: 19941920 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2009.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Over several thousand years, the flagellated Trypanosome cruzi-causative agent of Chagas disease-developed a complex life cycle between the reduviidae vectors and its human hosts. Due to their silent and hidden location, the intracellular amastigotes are mainly responsible for the nearly 50,000 annual deaths caused by the chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy. Chagas disease is the most important parasitic disease in the Americas, though treatments have not evolved towards a more efficient pharmacotherapy that (i) eradicates the scarce amastigotes present at the indeterminate/chronic form and (ii) employs less toxic drugs than benznidazole or nifurtimox. Nano-drug delivery systems (nanoDDS) represent useful means to selectively deliver the drug to intracellular targets. However, preclinical research in Chagas must be extended in order to improve the chances of a clinical implementation. The stages involved in this process are (i) selection of the appropriate drug for a specific parasite, (ii) development of a drug-loaded nanoDDS structure that displays the adequate pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and intracellular transit and (iii) selection of the right parasite form to target and the right stage of the disease for the treatment to be started. In this review we will critically overview the few research works published in the last 20years in the context of nanotechnology and Chagas diseases and highlight the gaps in knowledge towards the design of more efficient medicines to address this endemic.
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25
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McKerrow JH, Doyle PS, Engel JC, Podust LM, Robertson SA, Ferreira R, Saxton T, Arkin M, Kerr ID, Brinen LS, Craik CS. Two approaches to discovering and developing new drugs for Chagas disease. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2010; 104 Suppl 1:263-9. [PMID: 19753483 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000900034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2009] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This review will focus on two general approaches carried out at the Sandler Center, University of California, San Francisco, to address the challenge of developing new drugs for the treatment of Chagas disease. The first approach is target-based drug discovery, and two specific targets, cytochrome P450 CYP51 and cruzain (aka cruzipain), are discussed. A 'proof of concept' molecule, the vinyl sulfone inhibitor K777, is now a clinical candidate. The preclinical assessment compliance for filing as an Investigational New Drug with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is presented, and an outline of potential clinical trials is given. The second approach to identifying new drug leads is parasite phenotypic screens in culture. The development of an assay allowing high throughput screening of Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes in skeletal muscle cells is presented. This screen has the advantage of not requiring specific strains of parasites, so it could be used with field isolates, drug resistant strains or laboratory strains. It is optimized for robotic liquid handling and has been validated through a screen of a library of FDA-approved drugs identifying 65 hits.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H McKerrow
- Sandler Center at Mission Bay, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158-2330, USA.
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26
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Genotoxicity revaluation of three commercial nitroheterocyclic drugs: nifurtimox, benznidazole, and metronidazole. J Parasitol Res 2009; 2009:463575. [PMID: 20981287 PMCID: PMC2963127 DOI: 10.1155/2009/463575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2009] [Revised: 07/09/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitroheterocyclic compounds are widely used as therapeutic agents against a variety of protozoan and bacterial infections. However, the literature on these compounds, suspected of being carcinogens, is widely controversial. In this study, cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of three drugs, Nifurtimox (NFX), Benznidazole (BNZ), and Metronidazole (MTZ) was re-evaluated by different assays. Only NFX reduces survival rate in actively proliferating cells. The compounds are more active for base-pair substitution than frameshift induction in Salmonella; NFX and BNZ are more mutagenic than MTZ; they are widely dependent from nitroreduction whereas microsomal fraction S9 weakly affects the mutagenic potential. Comet assay detects BNZ- and NFX-induced DNA damage at doses in the range of therapeutically treated patient plasma concentration; BNZ seems to mainly act through ROS generation whereas a dose-dependent mechanism of DNA damaging is suggested for NFX. The lack of effects on mammalian cells for MTZ is confirmed also in MN assay whereas MN induction is observed for NFX and BNZ. The effects of MTZ, that shows comparatively low reduction potential, seem to be strictly dependent on anaerobic/hypoxic conditions. Both NFX and BNZ may not only lead to cellular damage of the infective agent but also interact with the DNA of mammalian cells.
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27
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Duan X, Yonemitsu Y, Chou B, Yoshida K, Tanaka S, Hasegawa M, Tetsutani K, Ishida H, Himeno K, Hisaeda H. Efficient protective immunity against Trypanosoma cruzi infection after nasal vaccination with recombinant Sendai virus vector expressing amastigote surface protein-2. Vaccine 2009; 27:6154-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2009] [Revised: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 08/06/2009] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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28
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Britto CC. Usefulness of PCR-based assays to assess drug efficacy in Chagas disease chemotherapy: value and limitations. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2009; 104 Suppl 1:122-35. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000900018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 06/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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29
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Soeiro MNC, de Castro SL. Trypanosoma cruzitargets for new chemotherapeutic approaches. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2008; 13:105-21. [DOI: 10.1517/14728220802623881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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30
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Niemirowicz G, Fernández D, Solà M, Cazzulo JJ, Avilés FX, Gomis-Rüth FX. The molecular analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi metallocarboxypeptidase 1 provides insight into fold and substrate specificity. Mol Microbiol 2008; 70:853-66. [PMID: 18793339 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06444.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the aetiological agent of Chagas' disease, a chronic infection that affects millions in Central and South America. Proteolytic enzymes are involved in the development and progression of this disease and two metallocarboxypeptidases, isolated from T. cruzi CL Brener clone, have recently been characterized: TcMCP-1 and TcMCP-2. Although both are cytosolic and closely related in sequence, they display different temporary expression patterns and substrate preferences. TcMCP-1 removes basic C-terminal residues, whereas TcMCP-2 prefers hydrophobic/aromatic residues. Here we report the three-dimensional structure of TcMCP-1. It resembles an elongated cowry, with a long, deep, narrow active-site cleft mimicking the aperture. It has an N-terminal dimerization subdomain, involved in a homodimeric catalytically active quaternary structure arrangement, and a proteolytic subdomain partitioned by the cleft into an upper and a lower moiety. The cleft accommodates a catalytic metal ion, most likely a cobalt, which is co-ordinated by residues included in a characteristic zinc-binding sequence, HEXXH and a downstream glutamate. The structure of TcMCP-1 shows strong topological similarity with archaeal, bacterial and mammalian metallopeptidases including angiotensin-converting enzyme, neurolysin and thimet oligopeptidase. A crucial residue for shaping the S(1') pocket in TcMCP-1, Met-304, was mutated to the respective residue in TcMCP-2, an arginine, leading to a TcMCP-1 variant with TcMCP-2 specificity. The present studies pave the way for a better understanding of a potential target in Chagas' disease at the molecular level and provide a template for the design of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Niemirowicz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de General San Martín-CONICET, Avenida General Paz 5445, AR-1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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CYP51: A major drug target in the cytochrome P450 superfamily. Lipids 2008; 43:1117-25. [PMID: 18769951 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-008-3225-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2008] [Accepted: 08/08/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The cytochrome P540 (CYP) superfamily currently includes about 9000 proteins forming more than 800 families. The enzymes catalyze monooxygenation of a vast array of compounds and play essentially two roles. They provide biodefense (detoxification of xenobiotics, antibiotic production) and participate in biosynthesis of important endogenous molecules, particularly steroids. Based on these two roles, sterol 14/*alpha*/-demethylases (CYP51) belong to the second group of P450s. The CYP51 family, however, is very special as its members preserve strict functional conservation in enzyme activity in all biological kingdoms. At amino acid identity across the kingdoms as low as 25-30%, they all catalyze essentially the same three-step reaction of oxidative removal of the 14/*alpha*/-methyl group from the lanostane frame. This reaction is the required step in sterol biosynthesis of pathogenic microbes. We have shown that specific inhibition of protozoan CYP51 can potentially provide treatment for human trypanosomiases. Three sets of CYP51 inhibitors tested in vitro and in trypanosomal cells in this study include azoles [best results being 50% cell growth inhibition at <1 and at 1.3 muM for Trypanosoma cruzi (TC) and Trypanosoma brucei (TB), respectively], non-azole compounds (50% TC cell growth inhibition at 5 microM) and substrate analogs of the 14/*alpha*/-demethylase reaction. 32-Methylene cyclopropyl lanost-7-enol exhibited selectivity toward TC with 50% cell growth inhibition at 3 microM.
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32
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Lepesheva GI, Ott RD, Hargrove TY, Kleshchenko YY, Schuster I, Nes WD, Hill GC, Villalta F, Waterman MR. Sterol 14alpha-demethylase as a potential target for antitrypanosomal therapy: enzyme inhibition and parasite cell growth. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 14:1283-93. [PMID: 18022567 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2007.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2007] [Revised: 10/12/2007] [Accepted: 10/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sterol 14alpha-demethylases (CYP51) serve as primary targets for antifungal drugs, and specific inhibition of CYP51s in protozoan parasites Trypanosoma brucei (TB) and Trypanosoma cruzi (TC) might provide an effective treatment strategy for human trypanosomiases. Primary inhibitor selection is based initially on the cytochrome P450 spectral response to ligand binding. Ligands that demonstrate strongest binding parameters were examined as inhibitors of reconstituted TB and TC CYP51 activity in vitro. Direct correlation between potency of the compounds as CYP51 inhibitors and their antiparasitic effect in TB and TC cells implies essential requirements for endogenous sterol production in both trypanosomes and suggests a lead structure with a defined region most promising for further modifications. The approach developed here can be used for further large-scale search for new CYP51 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina I Lepesheva
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0146, USA.
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33
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Martins HR, Silva RM, Valadares HMS, Toledo MJO, Veloso VM, Vitelli-Avelar DM, Carneiro CM, Machado-Coelho GLL, Bahia MT, Martins-Filho OA, Macedo AM, Lana M. Impact of dual infections on chemotherapeutic efficacy in BALB/c mice infected with major genotypes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2007; 51:3282-9. [PMID: 17638698 PMCID: PMC2043214 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01590-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of dual infections with stocks of Trypanosoma cruzi major genotypes on benznidazole (BZ) treatment efficacy. For this purpose, T. cruzi stocks representative of the genetic T. cruzi lineages, displaying different susceptibilities to BZ, belonging to the major T. cruzi genotypes broadly dispersed in North and South America and important in Chagas' disease epidemiology were used. Therapeutic efficacy was observed in 27.8% of the animals treated. Following BZ susceptibility classification, significant differences were observed in dual infections on the major genotype level, demonstrating that combinations of genotypes 19+39 and genotypes 19+32 led to a shift in the expected BZ susceptibility profile toward the resistance pattern. Analysis on the T. cruzi stock level demonstrated that 9 out of 24 dual infections shifted the expected BZ susceptibility profile compared with the respective single infections, including shifts toward lower and higher BZ susceptibilities. Microsatellite identification was able to identify a mixture of T. cruzi stocks in 7.7% of the T. cruzi isolates from infected and untreated mice (6.9%) and infected and treated but not cured mice (9.0%), revealing in some mixtures of BZ-susceptible and -resistant stocks that the T. cruzi stock identified after BZ treatment was previously susceptible in single infections. Considering the clonal structure and evolution of T. cruzi, an unexpected result was the identification of parasite subpopulations with distinct microsatellite alleles in relation to the original stocks observed in 12.2% of the isolates. Taken together, the data suggest that mixed infections, already verified in nature, may have an important impact on the efficacy of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Martins
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Universitário, Morro do Cruzeiro, 35400-000 Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil.
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Galli U, Oliaro-Bosso S, Taramino S, Venegoni S, Pastore E, Tron GC, Balliano G, Viola F, Sorba G. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new (2E,6E)-10-(dimethylamino)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-decadien-1-ol ethers as inhibitors of human and Trypanosoma cruzi oxidosqualene cyclase. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2007; 17:220-4. [PMID: 17027267 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.09.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2006] [Revised: 09/15/2006] [Accepted: 09/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
New dimethylamino truncated squalene ether derivatives containing a different aromatic moiety (phenyl, naphthyl, and biphenyl) or a simple alkyl (n-hexylic) group were synthesized as inhibitors of the oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) and of the sterol biosynthetic pathway. The activity against human OSC was compared with the activity against the OSCs of pathogenic organisms such as Pneumocystis carinii and Trypanosoma cruzi. The phenyl derivative was the most potent inhibitor of T. cruzi OSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ubaldina Galli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Alimentari, Farmaceutiche e Farmacologiche and Drug and Food Biotechnology Center, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Via Bovio 6, 28100 Novara, Italy.
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35
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Machado AV, Cardoso JE, Claser C, Rodrigues MM, Gazzinelli RT, Bruna-Romero O. Long-Term Protective Immunity Induced AgainstTrypanosoma cruziInfection After Vaccination with Recombinant Adenoviruses Encoding Amastigote Surface Protein-2 andTrans-Sialidase. Hum Gene Ther 2006; 17:898-908. [PMID: 16972758 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2006.17.898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protection against protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi has been shown to be dependent on the induction of type 1 immune responses. Replication-deficient human type 5 recombinant adenoviruses have an unsurpassed ability to induce type 1 immune responses. Thus, we constructed two type 5 recombinant adenoviruses encoding parasite antigens trans-sialidase (rAdTS) and amastigote surface protein-2 (rAdASP2). Both antigens were genetically engineered to secrete recombinant products in order to induce both optimal antibody and T cell responses. Immunizations of mice with rAdASP2 and rAdTS induced high levels of serum antibodies specific for their recombinant products. In addition, both recombinant viruses were able to elicit a biased helper T cell type 1 (Th1) cellular immune response and a substantial CD8+ T cell-mediated immune response. Moreover, individual immunization with rAdASP2 or rAdTS induced high levels of protection against a challenge with live parasites. CD8+ T cells mediated, at least in part, such protection. Furthermore, when combined in the same inoculum, rAdTS plus rAdASP2 induced complete protection in all animals tested, even when challenges were performed 14 weeks after the last immunization. Taking together, these results show that recombinant adenoviruses expressing TS and ASP-2 antigens of T. cruzi are interesting candidates for the development of a vaccine against Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre V Machado
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-910, Brazil
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36
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Machado AV, Cardoso JE, Claser C, Rodrigues MM, Gazzinelli RT, Bruna-Romero O. Long-Term Protective Immunity Induced Against Trypanosoma cruziInfection After Vaccination with Recombinant Adenoviruses Encoding Amastigote Surface Protein-2 and Trans-Sialidase. Hum Gene Ther 2006. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2006.17.ft-239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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37
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Dardonville C. Recent advances in antitrypanosomal chemotherapy: patent literature 2002 – 2004. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2005. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.15.9.1241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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38
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Abstract
Parasitic infection of the nervous system can produce a variety of symptoms and signs. Because symptoms of infection are often mild or nonspecific, diagnosis can be difficult. Familiarity with basic epidemiological characteristics and distinguishing radiographic findings can increase the likelihood of detection and proper treatment of parasitic infection of the nervous system. This article discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment for some of the more common infections of the nervous system caused by cestodes, trematodes and protozoans: Echinococcus spp., Spirometra spp. (sparganosis), Paragonimus spp., Schistosoma spp., Trypanosoma spp., Naegleria fowlerii, Acanthamoeba histolytica, and Balamuthia mandrillaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Walker
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA
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Lepesheva GI, Zaitseva NG, Nes WD, Zhou W, Arase M, Liu J, Hill GC, Waterman MR. CYP51 from Trypanosoma cruzi: a phyla-specific residue in the B' helix defines substrate preferences of sterol 14alpha-demethylase. J Biol Chem 2005; 281:3577-85. [PMID: 16321980 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m510317200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A potential drug target for treatment of Chagas disease, sterol 14alpha-demethylase from Trypanosoma cruzi (TCCYP51), was found to be catalytically closely related to animal/fungi-like CYP51. Contrary to the ortholog from Trypanosoma brucei (TB), which like plant CYP51 requires C4-monomethylated sterol substrates, TCCYP51 prefers C4-dimethylsterols. Sixty-six CYP51 sequences are known from bacteria to human, their sequence homology ranging from approximately 25% between phyla to approximately 80% within a phylum. TC versus TB is the first example of two organisms from the same phylum, in which CYP51s (83% amino acid identity) have such profound differences in substrate specificity. Substitution of animal/fungi-like Ile105 in the B' helix to Phe, the residue found in this position in all plant and the other six CYP51 sequences from Trypanosomatidae, dramatically alters substrate preferences of TCCYP51, converting it into a more plant-like enzyme. The rates of 14alpha-demethylation of obtusifoliol and its 24-demethyl analog 4alpha-,4alpha-dimethylcholesta-8,24-dien-3beta-ol(norlanosterol) increase 60- and 150-fold, respectively. Turnover of the three 4,4-dimethylated sterol substrates is reduced approximately 3.5-fold. These catalytic properties correlate with the sterol binding parameters, suggesting that Phe in this position provides necessary interactions with C4-monomethylated substrates, which Ile cannot. The CYP51 substrate preferences imply differences in the post-squalene portion of sterol biosynthesis in TC and TB. The phyla-specific residue can be used to predict preferred substrates of new CYP51 sequences and subsequently for the development of new artificial substrate analogs, which might serve as highly specific inhibitors able to kill human parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina I Lepesheva
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.
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40
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Inaoka DK, Takashima E, Osanai A, Shimizu H, Nara T, Aoki T, Harada S, Kita K. Expression, purification and crystallization of Trypanosoma cruzi dihydroorotate dehydrogenase complexed with orotate. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2005; 61:875-8. [PMID: 16511183 PMCID: PMC1991314 DOI: 10.1107/s174430910502659x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2005] [Accepted: 08/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHOD) catalyzes the oxidation of dihydroorotate to orotate, the fourth step and the only redox reaction in the de novo biosynthesis of pyrimidine. DHOD from Trypanosoma cruzi (TcDHOD) has been expressed as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. Crystals of the TcDHOD-orotate complex were grown at 277 K by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion technique using polyethylene glycol 3350 as a precipitant. The crystals diffract to better than 1.8 A resolution using synchrotron radiation (lambda = 0.900 A). X-ray diffraction data were collected at 100 K and processed to 1.9 A resolution with 98.2% completeness and an overall Rmerge of 7.8%. The TcDHOD crystals belong to the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 67.87, b = 71.89, c = 123.27 A. The presence of two molecules in the asymmetric unit (2 x 34 kDa) gives a crystal volume per protein weight (VM) of 2.2 A3 Da(-1) and a solvent content of 44%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ken Inaoka
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Arihiro Osanai
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hironari Shimizu
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nara
- Department of Parasitology, Juntendo University, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Takashi Aoki
- Department of Parasitology, Juntendo University, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Shigeharu Harada
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kita
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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41
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Urbina JA. New chemotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2005. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.13.5.661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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42
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Garzoni LR, Waghabi MC, Baptista MM, de Castro SL, Meirelles MDNL, Britto CC, Docampo R, Oldfield E, Urbina JA. Antiparasitic activity of risedronate in a murine model of acute Chagas' disease. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2004; 23:286-90. [PMID: 15164970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2003.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We report the results of a study on the activity of the farnesyl-pyrophosphate synthase inhibitor risedronate (Ris) in a murine model of acute Chagas' disease. This compound displays rapid, cytocidal activity in vitro against Trypanosoma cruzi, but its in vivo activity had not been investigated previously. A murine model of acute Chagas' disease was used, in which experimental animals were infected with 10(3) trypomastigotes and intravenous treatment was started 24 h post-infection. In this model, Ris, at doses as low as 1 mg/kg per day given for 7 days, induced > 90% reductions in parasitaemia and increased very significantly (P = 0.001) the survival of treated animals. Higher doses (up to 10 mg/kg per day) led to further reductions in parasitaemia and mortality, with no deleterious effects on weight gain and general physical condition of the treated animals. There was no relapse of parasitaemia after discontinuation of treatment, suggesting trypanocidal, rather than trypanostatic, activity. This interpretation was confirmed by the almost complete disappearance of amastigote nests in the hearts of treated animals. However, no parasitological cures were observed in infected animals that received the bisphosphonate, probably due to the short treatment period. Taken together, these results indicate that Ris could be a useful lead compound for the development of new drugs effective against Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana R Garzoni
- Departmento de Ultra-estrutura e Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365 Manguinhos, 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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43
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Urbina JA, Concepcion JL, Caldera A, Payares G, Sanoja C, Otomo T, Hiyoshi H. In vitro and in vivo activities of E5700 and ER-119884, two novel orally active squalene synthase inhibitors, against Trypanosoma cruzi. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2004; 48:2379-87. [PMID: 15215084 PMCID: PMC434216 DOI: 10.1128/aac.48.7.2379-2387.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2003] [Revised: 01/15/2004] [Accepted: 03/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas' disease is a serious public health problem in Latin America, and no treatment is available for the prevalent chronic stage. Its causative agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, requires specific endogenous sterols for survival, and we have recently demonstrated that squalene synthase (SQS) is a promising target for antiparasitic chemotherapy. E5700 and ER-119884 are quinuclidine-based inhibitors of mammalian SQS that are currently in development as cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering agents in humans. These compounds were found to be potent noncompetitive or mixed-type inhibitors of T. cruzi SQS with K(i) values in the low nanomolar to subnanomolar range in the absence or presence of 20 microM inorganic pyrophosphate. The antiproliferative 50% inhibitory concentrations of the compounds against extracellular epimastigotes and intracellular amastigotes were ca. 10 nM and 0.4 to 1.6 nM, respectively, with no effects on host cells. When treated with these compounds at the MIC, all of the parasite's sterols disappeared from the parasite cells. In vivo studies indicated that E5700 was able to provide full protection against death and completely arrested the development of parasitemia when given at a concentration of 50 mg/kg of body weight/day for 30 days, while ER-119884 provided only partial protection. This is the first report of an orally active SQS inhibitor that is capable of providing complete protection against fulminant, acute Chagas' disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio A Urbina
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones, Centro de Bioquimica y Biofisica, Altos de Pipe, Caracas 1020, Venezuela.
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44
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Chung MC, Güido RVC, Martinelli TF, Gonçalves MF, Polli MC, Botelho KCA, Varanda EA, Colli W, Miranda MTM, Ferreira EI. Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of potential antichagasic hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH-121): a new nitrofurazone prodrug. Bioorg Med Chem 2004; 11:4779-83. [PMID: 14556793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2003.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of mutual prodrugs of nitrofurazone with primaquine, using specific and nonspecific spacer groups, has been previously attempted seeking selective antichagasic agents. The intermediate reaction product, hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH-121), was isolated and tested in LLC-MK(2) culture cells infected with trypomastigotes forms of Trypanosoma cruzi showing higher trypanocidal activity than nitrofurazone and benznidazol in all stages. The mutagenicity tests showed that the prodrug was less toxic than the parent drug. Degradation assays were carried out in pH 1.2 and 7.4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Chin Chung
- Lapdesf- Laboratório de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Fármacos e Medicamentos, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP, Araraquara, Caixa Postal 502, CEP 14.801-902, SP, Brazil
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45
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Yamada-Ogatta SF, Motta MC, Toma HK, Monteiro-Goes V, Avila AR, Muniz BD, Nakamura C, Fragoso SP, Goldenberg S, Krieger MA. Trypanosoma cruzi: cloning and characterization of two genes whose expression is up-regulated in metacyclic trypomastigotes. Acta Trop 2004; 90:171-9. [PMID: 15177143 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2003.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2002] [Revised: 06/30/2003] [Accepted: 10/10/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The differentiation of epimastigotes into metacyclic trypomastigotes (metacyclogenesis) involves the transformation of a replicative non-infective form of Trypanosoma cruzi into a non-replicative infective stage. The study of genes with stage-specific expression may provide insight into the mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression in this parasite. We cloned and characterized two genes whose expression is up-regulated in metacyclic trypomastigote, those encoding metacyclin-II (Met-II) and metacyclin-III (Met-III). Nucleotide sequence analysis identified no sequence similarity with sequences available from genetic databases. The deduced amino acid sequences of the genes indicated that Met-III encodes a basic polypeptide whereas Met-II encodes an acidic polypeptide. Northern and Western blot analyses showed that Met-II and Met-III were expressed by metacyclic trypomastigotes, but not by epimastigotes. Antisera directed against the recombinant Met-II and Met-III proteins recognized two polypeptides on Western blots: a 16-kDa and a 24-kDa polypeptide. Immunocytochemistry analysis using electron microscopy showed that metacyclin-II is localized mainly at the kinetoplast whereas metacyclin-III is localized at the nucleus of the parasite. Southern blot analysis, using genomic DNA and T. cruzi chromosomes separated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, indicated that these genes were present as single copies on different chromosomes of T. cruzi Dm28c.
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46
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Aparicio P, Rodríguez E, Gárate T, Molina R, Soto A, Alvar J. [Antiparasite therapy]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2004; 21:579-92; quiz 593-4, 604. [PMID: 14642258 DOI: 10.1016/s0213-005x(03)73013-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The lack of any parasite vaccine makes prevention against parasitic diseases to be based, as in the past, in ecological measures such as the environmental health and vector control to interrupt the biological cycle; on the other hand, it is also based in anti-parasite drugs. Once the disease has been acquired it is just possible to take medication. Studies on the way of action allow to understand more about the physiology of the parasite and, on the other hand, to understand better the physiology of the parasite allows to design new more effective drugs. However, the vast majority of these new drugs have been obtained thanks to intelligent and selective screening of generic molecules more than from the result of the knowledge of the biochemistry of the parasite. Despite all this, it is well known the mechanisms of action of many antiparasite drugs which have led us, when possible, to the discussion about possible targets to give an idea of how the rational approximation to design new medicaments is done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Aparicio
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical. Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Madrid. Spain
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47
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Urbina JA, Docampo R. Specific chemotherapy of Chagas disease: controversies and advances. Trends Parasitol 2004; 19:495-501. [PMID: 14580960 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2003.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 402] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julio A Urbina
- Laboratorio de Química Biológica, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas, Apartado Postal 21.827, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela.
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48
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Abstract
The trypanosomiases consist of a group of important animal and human diseases caused by parasitic protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma. In sub-Saharan Africa, the final decade of the 20th century witnessed an alarming resurgence in sleeping sickness (human African trypanosomiasis). In South and Central America, Chagas' disease (American trypanosomiasis) remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases. Arthropod vectors transmit African and American trypanosomiases, and disease containment through insect control programmes is an achievable goal. Chemotherapy is available for both diseases, but existing drugs are far from ideal. The trypanosomes are some of the earliest diverging members of the Eukaryotae and share several biochemical peculiarities that have stimulated research into new drug targets. However, differences in the ways in which trypanosome species interact with their hosts have frustrated efforts to design drugs effective against both species. Growth in recognition of these neglected diseases might result in progress towards control through increased funding for drug development and vector elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Barrett
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK.
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49
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Abstract
Parasites are responsible for a wide variety of infectious diseases in human as well as in domestic and wild animals, causing an enormous health and economical blight. Current containment strategies are not entirely successful and parasitic infections are on the rise. In the absence of availability of antiparasitic vaccines, chemotherapy remains the mainstay for the treatment of most parasitic diseases. However, there is an urgent need for new drugs to prevent or combat some major parasitic infections because of lack of a single effective approach for controlling the parasites (e.g., trypanosomiasis) or because some serious parasitic infections developed resistance to presently available drugs (e.g., malaria). The rational design of a drug is usually based on biochemical and physiological differences between pathogens and host. Some of the most striking differences between parasites and their mammalian host are found in purine metabolism. Purine nucleotides can be synthesized by the de novo and/or the so-called "salvage" pathways. Unlike their mammalian host, most parasites studied lack the pathways for de novo purine biosynthesis and rely on the salvage pathways to meet their purine demands. Moreover, because of the great phylogenic separation between the host and the parasite, there are in some cases sufficient distinctions between corresponding enzymes of the purine salvage from the host and the parasite that can be exploited to design specific inhibitors or "subversive substrates" for the parasitic enzymes. Furthermore, the specificities of purine transport, the first step in purine salvage, diverge significantly between parasites and their mammalian host. This review highlights the unique transporters and enzymes responsible for the salvage of purines in parasites that could constitute excellent potential targets for the design of safe and effective antiparasitic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud H el Kouni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for AIDS Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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50
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Miles MA, Feliciangeli MD, de Arias AR. American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) and the role of molecular epidemiology in guiding control strategies. BMJ 2003; 326:1444-8. [PMID: 12829559 PMCID: PMC1126319 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.326.7404.1444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Chagas' disease is a parasitic infection that has far reaching consequences for public health and national economies in Latin America. The latest molecular typing methods may help in developing targeted, effective control programmes
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Miles
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT.
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