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Guevara‐Pulido J, Jiménez RA, Morantes SJ, Jaramillo DN, Acosta‐Guzmán P. Design, Synthesis, and Development of 4‐[(7‐Chloroquinoline‐4‐yl)amino]phenol as a Potential SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro Inhibitor. ChemistrySelect 2022; 7:e202200125. [PMID: 35601684 PMCID: PMC9111044 DOI: 10.1002/slct.202200125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A series of chloroquine analogs were designed to search for a less toxic chloroquine derivative as a potential SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro inhibitor. Herein, an ANN‐based QSAR model was built to predict the IC50 values of each analog using the experimental values of other 4‐aminoquinolines as the training set. Subsequently, molecular docking was used to evaluate each analog's binding affinity to Mpro. The analog that showed the greatest affinity and lowest IC50 values was synthesized and characterized for its posterior incorporation into a polycaprolactone‐based nanoparticulate system. After characterizing the loaded nanoparticles, an in vitro drug release assay was carried out, and the cytotoxicity of the analog and loaded nanoparticles was evaluated using murine fibroblast (L929) and human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell lines. Results show that the synthesized analog is much less toxic than chloroquine and that the nanoparticulate system allowed for the prolonged release of the analog without evidence of adverse effects on the cell lines used; therefore, suggesting that the analog could be a potential therapeutic option for COVID‐19.
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2
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Gil JP, Fançony C. Plasmodium falciparum Multidrug Resistance Proteins ( pfMRPs). Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:759422. [PMID: 34790129 PMCID: PMC8591188 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.759422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity of the lethal Plasmodium falciparum parasite to develop resistance against anti-malarial drugs represents a central challenge in the global control and elimination of malaria. Historically, the action of drug transporters is known to play a pivotal role in the capacity of the parasite to evade drug action. MRPs (Multidrug Resistance Protein) are known in many phylogenetically diverse groups to be related to drug resistance by being able to handle a large range of substrates, including important endogenous substances as glutathione and its conjugates. P. falciparum MRPs are associated with in vivo and in vitro altered drug response, and might be important factors for the development of multi-drug resistance phenotypes, a latent possibility in the present, and future, combination therapy environment. Information on P. falciparum MRPs is scattered in the literature, with no specialized review available. We herein address this issue by reviewing the present state of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pedro Gil
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Fançony
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA)/Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS), Caxito, Angola
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3
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Lei ZN, Wu ZX, Dong S, Yang DH, Zhang L, Ke Z, Zou C, Chen ZS. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of malaria and repurposing in treating COVID-19. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 216:107672. [PMID: 32910933 PMCID: PMC7476892 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chloroquine (CQ) and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have been commonly used for the treatment and prevention of malaria, and the treatment of autoimmune diseases for several decades. As their new mechanisms of actions are identified in recent years, CQ and HCQ have wider therapeutic applications, one of which is to treat viral infectious diseases. Since the pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), CQ and HCQ have been subjected to a number of in vitro and in vivo tests, and their therapeutic prospects for COVID-19 have been proposed. In this article, the applications and mechanisms of action of CQ and HCQ in their conventional fields of anti-malaria and anti-rheumatism, as well as their repurposing prospects in anti-virus are reviewed. The current trials and future potential of CQ and HCQ in combating COVID-19 are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Ning Lei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Zhuo-Xun Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Shaowei Dong
- Key Laboratory of medical electrophysiology of education ministry, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, China,Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong-Hua Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Litu Zhang
- Department of Research, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zunfu Ke
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Chang Zou
- Key Laboratory of medical electrophysiology of education ministry, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, China; Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
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Liebman KM, Burgess SJ, Gunsaru B, Kelly JX, Li Y, Morrill W, Liebman MC, Peyton DH. Unsymmetrical Bisquinolines with High Potency against P. falciparum Malaria. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25092251. [PMID: 32397659 PMCID: PMC7249153 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25092251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Quinoline-based scaffolds have been the mainstay of antimalarial drugs, including many artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs), over the history of modern drug development. Although much progress has been made in the search for novel antimalarial scaffolds, it may be that quinolines will remain useful, especially if very potent compounds from this class are discovered. We report here the results of a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study assessing potential unsymmetrical bisquinoline antiplasmodial drug candidates using in vitro activity against intact parasites in cell culture. Many unsymmetrical bisquinolines were found to be highly potent against both chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Further work to develop such compounds could focus on minimizing toxicities in order to find suitable candidates for clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Liebman
- DesignMedix, Inc., Portland, OR 97201, USA; (K.M.L.); (S.J.B.); (W.M.)
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA; (B.G.); (J.X.K.); (M.C.L.)
| | - Steven J. Burgess
- DesignMedix, Inc., Portland, OR 97201, USA; (K.M.L.); (S.J.B.); (W.M.)
| | - Bornface Gunsaru
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA; (B.G.); (J.X.K.); (M.C.L.)
| | - Jane X. Kelly
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA; (B.G.); (J.X.K.); (M.C.L.)
- Portland VA Research Foundation, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Yuexin Li
- Portland VA Research Foundation, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Westin Morrill
- DesignMedix, Inc., Portland, OR 97201, USA; (K.M.L.); (S.J.B.); (W.M.)
| | - Michael C. Liebman
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA; (B.G.); (J.X.K.); (M.C.L.)
| | - David H. Peyton
- DesignMedix, Inc., Portland, OR 97201, USA; (K.M.L.); (S.J.B.); (W.M.)
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA; (B.G.); (J.X.K.); (M.C.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-503-805-1291
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Foguim Tsombeng F, Gendrot M, Robert MG, Madamet M, Pradines B. Are k13 and plasmepsin II genes, involved in Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinin derivatives and piperaquine in Southeast Asia, reliable to monitor resistance surveillance in Africa? Malar J 2019; 18:285. [PMID: 31443646 PMCID: PMC6708145 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2916-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the propeller domain of Plasmodium falciparum kelch 13 (Pfk13) gene are associated with artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia. Artemisinin resistance is defined by increased ring survival rate and delayed parasite clearance half-life in patients. Additionally, an amplification of the Plasmodium falciparum plasmepsin II gene (pfpm2), encoding a protease involved in hemoglobin degradation, has been found to be associated with reduced in vitro susceptibility to piperaquine in Cambodian P. falciparum parasites and with dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine failures in Cambodia. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of these two genes to track the emergence and the spread of the resistance to dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine in malaria endemic areas. Although the resistance to dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine has not yet emerged in Africa, few reports on clinical failures suggest that k13 and pfpm2 would not be the only genes involved in artemisinin and piperaquine resistance. It is imperative to identify molecular markers or drug resistance genes that associate with artemisinin and piperaquine in Africa. K13 polymorphisms and Pfpm2 copy number variation analysis may not be sufficient for monitoring the emergence of dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine resistance in Africa. But, these markers should not be ruled out for tracking the emergence of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Foguim Tsombeng
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et maladies infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Mathieu Gendrot
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et maladies infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Gladys Robert
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et maladies infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Marylin Madamet
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et maladies infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et maladies infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France. .,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France. .,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France. .,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.
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Baseline Ex Vivo and Molecular Responses of Plasmodium falciparum Isolates to Piperaquine before Implementation of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine in Senegal. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.02445-18. [PMID: 30782997 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02445-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, which was registered in 2017 in Senegal, is not currently used as the first-line treatment against uncomplicated malaria. A total of 6.6% to 17.1% of P. falciparum isolates collected in Dakar in 2013 to 2015 showed ex vivo-reduced susceptibility to piperaquine. Neither the exonuclease E415G mutation nor the copy number variation of the plasmepsin II gene (Pfpm2), associated with piperaquine resistance in Cambodia, was detected in Senegalese parasites.
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7
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Mechanisms of resistance to the partner drugs of artemisinin in the malaria parasite. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2018; 42:71-80. [PMID: 30142480 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The deployment of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) has been, and continues to be, integral to reducing the number of malaria cases and deaths. However, their efficacy is being increasingly jeopardized by the emergence and spread of parasites that are resistant (or partially resistant) to the artemisinin derivatives and to their partner drugs, with the efficacy of the latter being especially crucial for treatment success. A detailed understanding of the genetic determinants of resistance to the ACT partner drugs, and the mechanisms by which they mediate resistance, is required for the surveillance of molecular markers and to optimize the efficacy and lifespan of the partner drugs through resistance management strategies. We summarize new insights into the molecular basis of parasite resistance to the ACTs, such as recently-uncovered determinants of parasite susceptibility to the artemisinin derivatives, piperaquine, lumefantrine, and mefloquine, and outline the mechanisms through which polymorphisms in these determinants may be conferring resistance.
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8
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Voumbo-Matoumona DF, Akiana J, Madamet M, Kouna LC, Lekana-Douki JB, Pradines B. High prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum antimalarial drug resistance markers in isolates from asymptomatic patients from the Republic of the Congo between 2010 and 2015. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2018; 14:277-283. [PMID: 30121345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the prevalence of haplotypes of the Pfdhps, Pfdhfr, Pfcrt, Pfmdr1 and PfK13 resistance markers in isolates from asymptomatic patients from the Republic of the Congo following implementation of artemisinin based-combination therapy (ACT). METHODS Peripheral blood was collected from asymptomatic children in 2010 and 2015 from Brazzaville in the south and in 2013 in the north of the Congo. Genotypes of Pfmdr1, Pfcrt, Pfdhps, Pfdhfr and PfK13 were assessed by PCR. RESULTS Children from 2010 were younger than those from 2015 (mean age 5.38 years vs. 8.67 years; P=0.003). The main Pfcrt haplotype was the wild-type CVMNK (84.85%) in 2010, whereas the mutant CVIET (61.64%) predominated in 2015 (P<0.001). In the north, 45.00% of samples were CVMNK and 10.00% were CVIET. Other samples harboured new haplotypes in the country or mixed alleles. No significant difference in Pfmdr1 haplotypes was observed in 2010 and 2015 and the main haplotypes were NYD and NFD (30.56% vs. 28.57% and 61.11% vs. 42.86% for 2010 and 2015, respectively). In the south, the Pfdhps haplotypes observed were AAKAA, AGKAA, SGKAA and SGEGA (87.50% vs. 0%, 12.50% vs. 33.33%, 0% vs. 33.33% and 0% vs. 33.33% for 2010 and 2015, respectively). For Pfdhfr, the IRNI haplotype was most prevalent (85.71% for 2010, 87.50% for 2013 and 100% for 2015). No PfK13 mutations were found. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring the efficacy of ACT and intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is necessary to ensure an epidemiological survey of asymptomatic malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Fatima Voumbo-Matoumona
- Unité d'Evolution, Epidémiologie et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherche Médicales de Franceville, BP 769 Franceville, Gabon; Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France; Ecole Doctorale Régionale d'Afrique Centrale en Infectiologie Tropicale, BP 876 Franceville, Gabon
| | - Jean Akiana
- Départements des Masters/Licences, Parcours-Types des Sciences Biologiques, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, BP 69, Brazzaville, Congo; Direction de la Médecine Préventive et des Essais Cliniques, Laboratoire National de Santé Publique, BP 120 Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Marylin Madamet
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Lady Charlène Kouna
- Unité d'Evolution, Epidémiologie et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherche Médicales de Franceville, BP 769 Franceville, Gabon
| | - Jean Bernard Lekana-Douki
- Unité d'Evolution, Epidémiologie et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherche Médicales de Franceville, BP 769 Franceville, Gabon; Département de Parasitologie Mycologie et de Médecine Tropicale, Université des Science de la Santé, BP 4005 Libreville, Gabon
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France.
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Gil JP, Krishna S. pfmdr1 (Plasmodium falciparum multidrug drug resistance gene 1): a pivotal factor in malaria resistance to artemisinin combination therapies. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2017; 15:527-543. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1313703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Pedro Gil
- Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S. Krishna
- St George’s University Hospital, Institute for Infection and Immunity, London, United Kingdom
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Mungthin M, Watanatanasup E, Sitthichot N, Suwandittakul N, Khositnithikul R, Ward SA. Influence of the pfmdr1 Gene on In Vitro Sensitivities of Piperaquine in Thai Isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 96:624-629. [PMID: 28044042 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Piperaquine combined with dihydroartemisinin is one of the artemisinin derivative combination therapies, which can replace artesunate-mefloquine in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Thailand. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro sensitivity of Thai Plasmodium falciparum isolates against piperaquine and the influence of the pfmdr1 gene on in vitro response. One hundred and thirty-seven standard laboratory and adapted Thai isolates of P. falciparum were assessed for in vitro piperaquine sensitivity. Polymorphisms of the pfmdr1 gene were determined by polymerase chain reaction methods. The mean and standard deviation of the piperaquine IC50 in Thai isolates of P. falciparum were 16.7 ± 6.3 nM. The parasites exhibiting chloroquine IC50 of ≥ 100 nM were significantly less sensitive to piperaquine compared with the parasite with chloroquine IC50 of < 100 nM. No significant association between the pfmdr1 copy number and piperaquine IC50 values was found. In contrast, the parasites containing the pfmdr1 86Y allele exhibited significantly reduced piperaquine sensitivity. Before nationwide implementation of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine as the first-line treatment in Thailand, in vitro and in vivo evaluations of this combination should be performed especially in areas where parasites containing the pfmdr1 86Y allele are predominant such as the Thai-Malaysian border.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathirut Mungthin
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Naruemon Sitthichot
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Stephen A Ward
- Division of Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Roseau JB, Pradines B, Paleiron N, Vedy S, Madamet M, Simon F, Javelle E. Failure of dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine treatment of falciparum malaria by under-dosing in an overweight patient. Malar J 2016; 15:479. [PMID: 27646822 PMCID: PMC5028982 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) introduced in the mid-1990s has been recommended since 2005 by the World Health Organization as first-line treatment against Plasmodium falciparum in all endemic countries. In 2010, the combination dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) was recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. DP is one of the first-line treatments used by the French army since 2013. CASE PRESENTATION A case of P. falciparum clinical failure with DP at day 20 was described in a 104 kg French soldier deployed in Djibouti. He was admitted to hospital for supervision of oral treatment with DP [40 mg dihydroartemisinin (DHA) plus 320 mg piperaquine tetraphosphate (PPQ)]. This corresponded to a cumulative dose of 4.6 mg/kg DHA and 37 mg/kg PPQ in the present patient, which is far below the WHO recommended ranges. No mutation was found in the propeller domain of the Kelch 13 (k13) gene, which is associated with artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia. Pfmdr1 N86, 184F, S1034 and N1042 polymorphisms and haplotype 72-76 CVIET for the pfcrt gene were found in the present case. There was no evidence of resistance to DP. CONCLUSION This case confirms the risk of therapeutic failure with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine by under-dosing in patients weighing more than 100 kg. This therapeutic failure with DP by under-dosing highlighted the importance of appropriate dosing guidelines and the need of research data (efficacy, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics) in over-weight patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Baptiste Roseau
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Laveran, Marseille, France.,Groupe Médico-chirurgical Bouffard, Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Unité de Parasitologie et d'Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France. .,Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France. .,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France.
| | - Nicolas Paleiron
- Groupe Médico-chirurgical Bouffard, Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti.,Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Clermont-Tonnerre, Brest, France
| | - Serge Vedy
- Groupe Médico-chirurgical Bouffard, Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti
| | - Marylin Madamet
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France.,Equipe Résidente de Recherche en Infectiologie Tropicale, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées, Marseille, France
| | - Fabrice Simon
- Service de pathologie infectieuse et tropicale, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Laveran, Marseille, France.,Ecole du Val de Grâce, Paris, France
| | - Emilie Javelle
- Service de pathologie infectieuse et tropicale, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Laveran, Marseille, France.
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The Redox Cycler Plasmodione Is a Fast-Acting Antimalarial Lead Compound with Pronounced Activity against Sexual and Early Asexual Blood-Stage Parasites. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:5146-58. [PMID: 27297478 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02975-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we presented the chemical design of a promising series of antimalarial agents, 3-[substituted-benzyl]-menadiones, with potent in vitro and in vivo activities. Ongoing studies on the mode of action of antimalarial 3-[substituted-benzyl]-menadiones revealed that these agents disturb the redox balance of the parasitized erythrocyte by acting as redox cyclers-a strategy that is broadly recognized for the development of new antimalarial agents. Here we report a detailed parasitological characterization of the in vitro activity profile of the lead compound 3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-menadione 1c (henceforth called plasmodione) against intraerythrocytic stages of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum We show that plasmodione acts rapidly against asexual blood stages, thereby disrupting the clinically relevant intraerythrocytic life cycle of the parasite, and furthermore has potent activity against early gametocytes. The lead's antiplasmodial activity was unaffected by the most common mechanisms of resistance to clinically used antimalarials. Moreover, plasmodione has a low potential to induce drug resistance and a high killing speed, as observed by culturing parasites under continuous drug pressure. Drug interactions with licensed antimalarial drugs were also established using the fixed-ratio isobologram method. Initial toxicological profiling suggests that plasmodione is a safe agent for possible human use. Our studies identify plasmodione as a promising antimalarial lead compound and strongly support the future development of redox-active benzylmenadiones as antimalarial agents.
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Madamet M, Briolant S, Amalvict R, Benoit N, Bouchiba H, Cren J, Pradines B. The Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter is associated with the ex vivo P. falciparum African parasite response to pyronaridine. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:77. [PMID: 26858119 PMCID: PMC4746765 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1358-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pyronaridine-artesunate combination is one of the most recent oral artemisinin-based therapeutic combinations (ACTs) recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. The emergence of P. falciparum resistance to artemisinin has recently developed in Southeast Asia. Little data are available on the association between pyronaridine susceptibility and polymorphisms in genes involved in antimalarial drug resistance. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between ex vivo responses to pyronaridine and the K76T mutation in the pfcrt gene in P. falciparum isolates. Methods The assessment of ex vivo susceptibility to pyronaridine was performed on 296 P. falciparum isolates using a standard 42-h 3H-hypoxanthine uptake inhibition method. The K76T mutation was also investigated. Results The pyronaridine IC50 (inhibitory concentration 50 %) ranged from 0.55 to 80.0 nM. Ex vivo responses to pyronaridine were significantly associated with the K76T mutation (p-value = 0.020). The reduced susceptibility to pyronaridine, defined as IC50 > 60 nM, was significantly associated with the K76T mutation (p-value = 0.004). Using a Bayesian mixture modelling approach, the pyronaridine IC50 were classified into three components: component A (IC50 median 15.9 nM), component B (IC50 median 34.2 nM) and component C (IC50 median 63.3 nM). The K76T mutation was represented in 46.3 % of the isolates in component A, 47.2 % of the isolates in component B and 73.3 % of the isolates in component C (p-value = 0.021). Conclusion These results showed the ex vivo reduced susceptibility to pyronaridine, i.e., IC50 > 60 nM, associated with the K76T mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marylin Madamet
- Equipe Résidente de Recherche en Infectiologie Tropicale, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Laveran, Marseille, France. .,Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Aix Marseille Université, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France. .,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France.
| | - Sébastien Briolant
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Aix Marseille Université, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France. .,Unité de Parasitologie et d'Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Brétigny sur Orge, France. .,Direction Interarmées du Service de Santé, Cayenne, Guyane, France. .,Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, Guyane, France.
| | - Rémy Amalvict
- Equipe Résidente de Recherche en Infectiologie Tropicale, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Laveran, Marseille, France. .,Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Aix Marseille Université, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France. .,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France.
| | - Nicolas Benoit
- Equipe Résidente de Recherche en Infectiologie Tropicale, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Laveran, Marseille, France. .,Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Aix Marseille Université, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France. .,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France.
| | - Housem Bouchiba
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Aix Marseille Université, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France. .,Unité de Parasitologie et d'Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Brétigny sur Orge, France.
| | - Julien Cren
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Aix Marseille Université, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France.,Unité de Parasitologie et d'Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Brétigny sur Orge, France
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Aix Marseille Université, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France. .,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France. .,Unité de Parasitologie et d'Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Brétigny sur Orge, France.
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Ex Vivo Drug Susceptibility Testing and Molecular Profiling of Clinical Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Cambodia from 2008 to 2013 Suggest Emerging Piperaquine Resistance. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:4631-43. [PMID: 26014942 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00366-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cambodia's first-line artemisinin combination therapy, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ), is no longer sufficiently curative against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria at some Thai-Cambodian border regions. We report recent (2008 to 2013) drug resistance trends in 753 isolates from northern, western, and southern Cambodia by surveying for ex vivo drug susceptibility and molecular drug resistance markers to guide the selection of an effective alternative to DHA-PPQ. Over the last 3 study years, PPQ susceptibility declined dramatically (geomean 50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] increased from 12.8 to 29.6 nM), while mefloquine (MQ) sensitivity doubled (67.1 to 26 nM) in northern Cambodia. These changes in drug susceptibility were significantly associated with a decreased prevalence of P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 gene (Pfmdr1) multiple copy isolates and coincided with the timing of replacing artesunate-mefloquine (AS-MQ) with DHA-PPQ as the first-line therapy. Widespread chloroquine resistance was suggested by all isolates being of the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter gene CVIET haplotype. Nearly all isolates collected from the most recent years had P. falciparum kelch13 mutations, indicative of artemisinin resistance. Ex vivo bioassay measurements of antimalarial activity in plasma indicated 20% of patients recently took antimalarials, and their plasma had activity (median of 49.8 nM DHA equivalents) suggestive of substantial in vivo drug pressure. Overall, our findings suggest DHA-PPQ failures are associated with emerging PPQ resistance in a background of artemisinin resistance. The observed connection between drug policy changes and significant reduction in PPQ susceptibility with mitigation of MQ resistance supports reintroduction of AS-MQ, in conjunction with monitoring of the P. falciparum mdr1 copy number, as a stop-gap measure in areas of DHA-PPQ failure.
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15
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Veiga MI, Osório NS, Ferreira PE, Franzén O, Dahlstrom S, Lum JK, Nosten F, Gil JP. Complex polymorphisms in the Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance protein 2 gene and its contribution to antimalarial response. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:7390-7. [PMID: 25267670 PMCID: PMC4249497 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03337-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum has the capacity to escape the actions of essentially all antimalarial drugs. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins are known to cause multidrug resistance in a large range of organisms, including the Apicomplexa parasites. P. falciparum genome analysis has revealed two genes coding for the multidrug resistance protein (MRP) type of ABC transporters: Pfmrp1, previously associated with decreased parasite drug susceptibility, and the poorly studied Pfmrp2. The role of Pfmrp2 polymorphisms in modulating sensitivity to antimalarial drugs has not been established. We herein report a comprehensive account of the Pfmrp2 genetic variability in 46 isolates from Thailand. A notably high frequency of 2.8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)/kb was identified for this gene, including some novel SNPs. Additionally, we found that Pfmrp2 harbors a significant number of microindels, some previously not reported. We also investigated the potential association of the identified Pfmrp2 polymorphisms with altered in vitro susceptibility to several antimalarials used in artemisinin-based combination therapy and with parasite clearance time. Association analysis suggested Pfmrp2 polymorphisms modulate the parasite's in vitro response to quinoline antimalarials, including chloroquine, piperaquine, and mefloquine, and association with in vivo parasite clearance. In conclusion, our study reveals that the Pfmrp2 gene is the most diverse ABC transporter known in P. falciparum with a potential role in antimalarial drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabel Veiga
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal Malaria Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nuno S Osório
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Eduardo Ferreira
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Drug Resistance and Pharmacogenetics, Center for Biodiversity, Functional and Integrative Genomics, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Oscar Franzén
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sabina Dahlstrom
- Malaria Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Koji Lum
- Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Binghamton University, The State University of New York, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - José Pedro Gil
- Drug Resistance and Pharmacogenetics, Center for Biodiversity, Functional and Integrative Genomics, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Binghamton University, The State University of New York, Binghamton, New York, USA Division of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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In vivo selection of Plasmodium falciparum Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 variants by artemether-lumefantrine and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in Burkina Faso. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 59:734-7. [PMID: 25403659 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03647-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum Pfcrt-76 and Pfmdr1-86 gene polymorphisms were determined during a clinical trial in Burkina Faso comparing the efficacies of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL). Significant selection of Pfcrt-K76 was observed after exposure to AL and DHA-PPQ, as well as selection of Pfmdr1-N86 after AL but not DHA-PPQ treatment, suggesting reverse selection on the Pfcrt gene by PPQ. These results support the rational use of DHA-PPQ in settings where chloroquine (CQ) resistance is high.
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17
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Role of Different Pfcrt and Pfmdr-1 Mutations in Conferring Resistance to Antimalaria Drugs in Plasmodium falciparum. Malar Res Treat 2014; 2014:950424. [PMID: 25506039 PMCID: PMC4243603 DOI: 10.1155/2014/950424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergence of drugs resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum has augmented the scourge of malaria in endemic areas. Antimalaria drugs act on different intracellular targets. The majority of them interfere with digestive vacuoles (DVs) while others affect other organelles, namely, apicoplast and mitochondria. Prevention of drug accumulation or access into the target site is one of the mechanisms that plasmodium adopts to develop resistance. Plasmodia are endowed with series of transporters that shuffle drugs away from the target site, namely, pfmdr (Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance transporter) and pfcrt (Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter) which exist in DV membrane and are considered as putative markers of CQ resistance. They are homologues to human P-glycoproteins (P-gh or multidrug resistance system) and members of drug metabolite transporter (DMT) family, respectively. The former mediates drifting of xenobiotics towards the DV while the latter chucks them outside. Resistance to drugs whose target site of action is intravacuolar develops when the transporters expel them outside the DVs and vice versa for those whose target is extravacuolar. In this review, we are going to summarize the possible pfcrt and pfmdr mutation and their role in changing plasmodium sensitivity to different anti-Plasmodium drugs.
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18
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Migliani R, Pradines B, Michel R, Aoun O, Dia A, Deparis X, Rapp C. Malaria control strategies in French armed forces. Travel Med Infect Dis 2014; 12:307-17. [PMID: 25069406 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Each year, 40,000 French soldiers deploy or travel through malaria-endemic areas. Despite the effective control measures that were successively implemented, malaria remains a public health concern in French armed forces with several important outbreaks and one lethal case every two years. This article describes the malaria control strategy in French armed forces which is based on three combined strategies: i) Anopheles vector control to prevent infection with the implementation of personal protection against vectors (PPAV) adapted to the field living conditions of the troops. ii) Chemoprophylaxis (CP) to prevent the disease based on prescription of effective and well tolerated doxycycline. iii) Management of cases through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent death. In isolated conditions in endemic areas, rapid diagnosis tests (RDT) are used as first-line tests by military doctors. Treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria is based either on the piperaquine tetraphosphate-dihydroartemisinin association since 2013, or on the atovaquone-proguanil association. First-line treatment of severe P. falciparum malaria is based on IV artesunate. These measures are associated with constant education of the military, epidemiological surveillance of malaria cases and monitoring of parasite chemosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B Pradines
- Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France; Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Marseille, France
| | - R Michel
- Centre d'épidémiologie et de santé publique des armées, Marseille, France
| | - O Aoun
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpital d'instruction des armées Bégin, Saint-Mandé, France
| | - A Dia
- Centre d'épidémiologie et de santé publique des armées, Marseille, France
| | - X Deparis
- Ecole du Val de Grâce, Paris, France; Centre d'épidémiologie et de santé publique des armées, Marseille, France
| | - C Rapp
- Ecole du Val de Grâce, Paris, France; Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpital d'instruction des armées Bégin, Saint-Mandé, France
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19
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Hrycyna CA, Summers RL, Lehane AM, Pires MM, Namanja H, Bohn K, Kuriakose J, Ferdig M, Henrich PP, Fidock DA, Kirk K, Chmielewski J, Martin RE. Quinine dimers are potent inhibitors of the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter and are active against quinoline-resistant P. falciparum. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:722-30. [PMID: 24369685 DOI: 10.1021/cb4008953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Chloroquine (CQ) resistance in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is primarily conferred by mutations in the "chloroquine resistance transporter" (PfCRT). The resistance-conferring form of PfCRT (PfCRT(CQR)) mediates CQ resistance by effluxing the drug from the parasite's digestive vacuole, the acidic compartment in which CQ exerts its antiplasmodial effect. PfCRT(CQR) can also decrease the parasite's susceptibility to other quinoline drugs, including the current antimalarials quinine and amodiaquine. Here we describe interactions between PfCRT(CQR) and a series of dimeric quinine molecules using a Xenopus laevis oocyte system for the heterologous expression of PfCRT and using an assay that detects the drug-associated efflux of H(+) ions from the digestive vacuole in parasites that harbor different forms of PfCRT. The antiplasmodial activities of dimers 1 and 6 were also examined in vitro (against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of P. falciparum) and in vivo (against drug-sensitive P. berghei). Our data reveal that the quinine dimers are the most potent inhibitors of PfCRT(CQR) reported to date. Furthermore, the lead compounds (1 and 6) were not effluxed by PfCRT(CQR) from the digestive vacuole but instead accumulated to very high levels within this organelle. Both 1 and 6 exhibited in vitro antiplasmodial activities that were inversely correlated with CQ. Moreover, the additional parasiticidal effect exerted by 1 and 6 in the drug-resistant parasites was attributable, at least in part, to their ability to inhibit PfCRT(CQR). This highlights the potential for devising new antimalarial therapies that exploit inherent weaknesses in a key resistance mechanism of P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A. Hrycyna
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Robert L. Summers
- Research
School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
| | - Adele M. Lehane
- Research
School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
| | - Marcos M. Pires
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Hilda Namanja
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Kelsey Bohn
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jerrin Kuriakose
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Michael Ferdig
- Department
of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Philipp P. Henrich
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - David A. Fidock
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
- Division
of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Kiaran Kirk
- Research
School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
| | - Jean Chmielewski
- Department
of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Rowena E. Martin
- Research
School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia
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Pascual A, Madamet M, Bertaux L, Amalvict R, Benoit N, Travers D, Cren J, Taudon N, Rogier C, Parzy D, Pradines B. In vitro piperaquine susceptibility is not associated with the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter gene. Malar J 2013; 12:431. [PMID: 24274185 PMCID: PMC4225597 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is a new ACT that is administered as single daily dose for three days and has been demonstrated to be tolerated and highly effective for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Piperaquine was used alone to replace chloroquine as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in China in response to increasing chloroquine resistance in the 1970s. However, the rapid emergence of piperaquine-resistant strains that resulted in the cessation of its use in China in the 1980s, suggests that there is cross-resistance between piperaquine and chloroquine. Very few data are available on cross-resistance between piperaquine and chloroquine, and the data that do exist are often contradictory. Methods In total, 280 P. falciparum isolates, collected between April 2008 and June 2012 from patients hospitalized in France with imported malaria from a malaria-endemic country, were assessed ex vivo for piperaquine and chloroquine susceptibilities by using the standard 42-hour 3H-hypoxanthine uptake inhibition method. The chloroquine resistance-associated mutation K76T in pfcrt was also investigated for the 280 isolates. Results The IC50 for piperaquine ranged from 9.8 nM to 217.3 nM (mean = 81.3 nM. The IC50 for chloroquine ranged from 5.0 nM to 1,918 nM (mean = 83.6 nM. A significant but low correlation was observed between the Log IC50 values for piperaquine and chloroquine (r = 0.145, p < 0.001). However, the coefficient of determination of 0.021 indicates that only 2.1% of the variation in the response to piperaquine is explained by the variation in the response to chloroquine. The mean value for piperaquine was 74.0 nM in the Pfcrt K76 wild-type group (no = 125) and 87.7 nM in the 76 T mutant group (no = 155). This difference was not significant (p = 0.875, Mann Whitney U test). Conclusions The present work demonstrates that there was no cross-resistance between piperaquine and chloroquine among 280 P. falciparum isolates and that piperaquine susceptibility is not associated with pfcrt, the gene involved in chloroquine resistance. These results confirm the efficacy of piperaquine in association with dihydroartemisinin and support its use in areas in which parasites are resistant to chloroquine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Pascual
- Département d'Infectiologie de Terrain, Unité de Parasitologie, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.
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Ex vivo responses of Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates to conventional and new antimalarial drugs in Niger. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:3415-9. [PMID: 23612203 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02383-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to antimalarials in Sahelian countries. Here we investigated the drug susceptibilities of fresh isolates collected in Niger post-deployment of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). We found that the parasites remained highly susceptible to new (dihydroartemisinin, lumefantrine, pyronaridine, and piperaquine) and conventional (amodiaquine and chloroquine) antimalarial drugs. The introduction of ACTs in 2005 and their further deployment nationwide have therefore not resulted in a decrease in P. falciparum susceptibilities to these antimalarials.
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In vitro sensitivities of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from the China-Myanmar border to piperaquine and association with polymorphisms in candidate genes. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:1723-9. [PMID: 23357760 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02306-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent reports of resistance in Plasmodium falciparum to artemisinin derivatives and their partner drugs demand intensive studies toward understanding the molecular mechanisms of resistance. In this study, we examined the in vitro susceptibility of 63 P. falciparum field isolates collected from the China-Myanmar border area to chloroquine (CQ) and piperaquine (PPQ). Parasite isolates remained highly resistant to CQ, with the geometric mean 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 252.7 nM and a range of 51.9 to 1,052.0 nM. In comparison, these parasites had a geometric mean IC50 of 28.4 nM for PPQ, with a fairly wide range of 5.3 to 132.0 nM, suggesting that certain parasite isolates displayed relatively high levels of resistance to PPQ. Interestingly, within the 4 years of study, the parasites exhibited a continuous decline in susceptibilities to both CQ and PPQ, and there was a significant correlation between responses to CQ and PPQ (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.79, P < 0.0001). Consistent with the CQ-resistant phenotype, all parasites carried the pfcrt K76T mutation, and most parasites had the CVIET type that is prevalent in Southeast Asia. In contrast, pfmdr1 mutations were relatively rare, and no gene amplification was detected. Only the pfmdr1 N1042D mutation was associated with resistance to CQ. For the pfmrp1 gene, four substitutions reached relatively high prevalence of >22%, and the I876V mutation was associated with reduced sensitivity to CQ. However, we could not establish a link between PPQ responses and the polymorphisms in the three genes associated with quinoline drug resistance.
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Andriantsoanirina V, Khim N, Ratsimbasoa A, Witkowski B, Benedet C, Canier L, Bouchier C, Tichit M, Durand R, Ménard D. Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H+ exchanger (pfnhe-1) genetic polymorphism in Indian Ocean malaria-endemic areas. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012. [PMID: 23208889 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, 11 studies conducted in different countries to test the association between Plasmodium falciparum Na(+)/H(+) exchanger gene (pfnhe-1; PF13_0019) polymorphisms and in vitro susceptibility to quinine have generated conflicting data. In this context and to extend our knowledge of the genetic polymorphism of Pfnhe gene, we have sequenced the ms4760 locus from 595 isolates collected in the Comoros (N = 250; an area with a high prevalence of chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance) and Madagascar (N = 345; a low drug-resistance area). Among them, 29 different alleles were observed, including 8 (27%) alleles not previously described. Isolates from the Comoros showed more repeats in block II (DNNND), which some studies have found to be positively associated with in vitro resistance to quinine, compared with isolates from Madagascar. Additional studies are required to better define the mechanisms underlying quinine resistance, which involve multiple gene interactions.
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Ménard D, Andriantsoanirina V, Khim N, Ratsimbasoa A, Witkowski B, Benedet C, Canier L, Mercereau-Puijalon O, Durand R. Global analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (pfnhe-1) allele polymorphism and its usefulness as a marker of in vitro resistance to quinine. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2012; 3:8-19. [PMID: 24533289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 10/06/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the worldwide genetic polymorphism of ms4760 alleles of the pfnhe-1 gene and to discuss their usefulness as molecular marker of quinine resistance (QNR). A new numbering of ms4760 allele, classification grouping ms4760 alleles according to the number of DNNND and DDNHNDNHNND repeat motifs in blocks II and V was also proposed. A total of 1508 ms4760 sequences from isolates, culture-adapted parasites or reference strains from various geographical regions were retrieved from GenBank (last update on 15th June 2012) or from publications and were used for genetic analyses. The association of different alleles of pfnhe-1 with resistance to quinoline antimalarial drugs showed marked geographic disparities. The validity and reliability of candidate polymorphisms in pfnhe-1 gene as molecular markers of QNR appeared restricted to endemic areas from South Asia or possibly East African countries and needs to be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Ménard
- Unité d'Epidémiologie Moléculaire du Paludisme, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Nimol Khim
- Unité d'Epidémiologie Moléculaire du Paludisme, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Arsène Ratsimbasoa
- Ministère de la Santé, du Planning Familial et de la Protection Sociale, Programme National de Lutte contre le Paludisme, BP 1869 Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Benoit Witkowski
- Unité d'Epidémiologie Moléculaire du Paludisme, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Christophe Benedet
- Unité d'Epidémiologie Moléculaire du Paludisme, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Lydie Canier
- Unité d'Epidémiologie Moléculaire du Paludisme, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Odile Mercereau-Puijalon
- Unité d'Immunologie Moléculaire des Parasites, Institut Pasteur & Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité de Recherche Associée 2581, Paris, France
| | - Rémy Durand
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Avicenne, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
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Anthony MP, Burrows JN, Duparc S, JMoehrle J, Wells TNC. The global pipeline of new medicines for the control and elimination of malaria. Malar J 2012; 11:316. [PMID: 22958514 PMCID: PMC3472257 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, there has been a transformation in the portfolio of medicines to combat malaria. New fixed-dose artemisinin combination therapy is available, with four different types having received approval from Stringent Regulatory Authorities or the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there is still scope for improvement. The Malaria Eradication Research agenda identified several gaps in the current portfolio. Simpler regimens, such as a single-dose cure are needed, compared with the current three-day treatment. In addition, new medicines that prevent transmission and also relapse are needed, but with better safety profiles than current medicines. There is also a big opportunity for new medicines to prevent reinfection and to provide chemoprotection. This study reviews the global portfolio of new medicines in development against malaria, as of the summer of 2012. Cell-based phenotypic screening, and 'fast followers' of clinically validated classes, mean that there are now many new classes of molecules starting in clinical development, especially for the blood stages of malaria. There remain significant gaps for medicines blocking transmission, preventing relapse, and long-duration molecules for chemoprotection. The nascent pipeline of new medicines is significantly stronger than five years ago. However, there are still risks ahead in clinical development and sustainable funding of clinical studies is vital if this early promise is going to be delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda P Anthony
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20 rte de Pré-Bois 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy N Burrows
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20 rte de Pré-Bois 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Duparc
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20 rte de Pré-Bois 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joerg JMoehrle
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20 rte de Pré-Bois 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Timothy NC Wells
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20 rte de Pré-Bois 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
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Abstract
Drug-resistant micro-organisms became widespread in the 20th Century, often with devastating consequences, in response to widespread use of natural and synthetic drugs against infectious diseases. Antimalarial resistance provides one of the earliest examples, following the introduction of new medicines that filled important needs for prophylaxis and treatment around the globe. In the present chapter, we offer a brief synopsis of major antimalarial developments from two natural remedies, the qinghaosu and cinchona bark infusions, and of synthetic drugs inspired by the active components of these remedies. We review some contributions that early efficacy studies of antimalarial treatment brought to clinical pharmacology, including convincing documentation of atebrine-resistant malaria in the 1940s, prior to the launching of what soon became first-choice antimalarials, chloroquine and amodiaquine. Finally, we discuss some new observations on the molecular genetics of drug resistance, including delayed parasite clearances that have been increasingly observed in response to artemisinin derivatives in regions of South-East Asia.
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Summers RL, Nash MN, Martin RE. Know your enemy: understanding the role of PfCRT in drug resistance could lead to new antimalarial tactics. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:1967-95. [PMID: 22286067 PMCID: PMC11115045 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0906-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Revised: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The prevention and treatment of malaria is heavily dependent on antimalarial drugs. However, beginning with the emergence of chloroquine (CQ)-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites 50 years ago, efforts to control the disease have been thwarted by failed or failing drugs. Mutations in the parasite's 'chloroquine resistance transporter' (PfCRT) are the primary cause of CQ resistance. Furthermore, changes in PfCRT (and in several other transport proteins) are associated with decreases or increases in the parasite's susceptibility to a number of other antimalarial drugs. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of CQ resistance and discuss these in the broader context of the parasite's susceptibilities to other quinolines and related drugs. We suggest that PfCRT can be viewed both as a 'multidrug-resistance carrier' and as a drug target, and that the quinoline-resistance mechanism is a potential 'Achilles' heel' of the parasite. We examine a number of the antimalarial strategies currently undergoing development that are designed to exploit the resistance mechanism, including relatively simple measures, such as alternative CQ dosages, as well as new drugs that either circumvent the resistance mechanism or target it directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L. Summers
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 Australia
| | - Megan N. Nash
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 Australia
| | - Rowena E. Martin
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 Australia
- School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
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pfmdr1 amplification is related to increased Plasmodium falciparum in vitro sensitivity to the bisquinoline piperaquine. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:3615-9. [PMID: 22508315 DOI: 10.1128/aac.06350-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The 4-aminoquinoline bisquinoline piperaquine is an important partner drug in one of the presently recommended artemisinin combination therapies. Recent clinical trials have confirmed its high efficacy in combination with dihydroartemisinin. Resistance to piperaquine alone has, however, been documented. Amplification in copy number of the Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance locus on chromosome 5, containing the pfmdr1 gene, has been shown to confer resistance to structurally unrelated antimalarials. Through the determination of the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)s) and IC(90)s for piperaquine and chloroquine in a set of 46 adapted P. falciparum cultures originating from the Thai-Burmese border, we have characterized the regions around the pfmdr1 gene and identified a significant association between the presence of pfmdr1 duplications and enhanced sensitivity to piperaquine (P = 0.005 for IC(50) and P = 0.002 for IC(90)) and chloroquine, reaching statistical significance at IC(90)s (P = 0.026). These results substantiate the potential importance of pfmdr1 copy number amplifications in the efficacy of the combination therapy piperaquine-dihydroartemisinin. It supports the rational use of 4-aminoquinolines and artemisinin-based compounds, as they independently select for mutually incompatible combinations of mutations.
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Proveblue (methylene blue) as an antimalarial agent: in vitro synergy with dihydroartemisinin and atorvastatin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:3467-9. [PMID: 22391526 DOI: 10.1128/aac.06073-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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Pascual A, Parola P, Benoit-Vical F, Simon F, Malvy D, Picot S, Delaunay P, Basset D, Maubon D, Faugère B, Ménard G, Bourgeois N, Oeuvray C, Didillon E, Rogier C, Pradines B. Ex vivo activity of the ACT new components pyronaridine and piperaquine in comparison with conventional ACT drugs against isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. Malar J 2012; 11:45. [PMID: 22333675 PMCID: PMC3305508 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the present work was to assess i) ex vivo activity of pyronaridine (PND) and piperaquine (PPQ), as new components of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), to define susceptibility baseline, ii) their activities compared to other partner drugs, namely monodesethylamodiaquine (MDAQ), lumefantrine (LMF), mefloquine (MQ), artesunate (AS) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) against 181 Plasmodium falciparum isolates from African countries, India and Thailand, and iii) in vitro cross-resistance with other quinoline drugs, chloroquine (CQ) or quinine (QN). Methods The susceptibility of the 181 P. falciparum isolates to the nine anti-malarial drugs was assessed using the standard 42-hours 3H-hypoxanthine uptake inhibition method. Results The IC50 values for PND ranged from 0.55 to 80.0 nM (geometric mean = 19.9 nM) and from 11.8 to 217.3 nM for PPQ (geometric mean = 66.8 nM). A significant positive correlation was shown between responses to PPQ and PND responses (rho = 0.46) and between PPQ and MDAQ (rho = 0.30). No significant correlation was shown between PPQ IC50 and responses to other anti-malarial drugs. A significant positive correlation was shown between responses to PND and MDAQ (rho = 0.37), PND and LMF (rho = 0.28), PND and QN (rho = 0.24), PND and AS (rho = 0.19), PND and DHA (rho = 0.18) and PND and CQ (rho = 0.16). All these coefficients of correlation are too low to suggest cross-resistance between PPQ or PND and the other drugs. Conclusions In this study, the excellent anti-malarial activity of PPQ and PND was confirmed. The absence of cross-resistance with quinolines and artemisinin derivatives is consistent with the efficacy of the combinations of PPQ and DHA or PND and AS in areas where parasites are resistant to conventional anti-malarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Pascual
- Unité de Recherche en Biologie et Epidémiologie Parasitaires Unité de Recherche pour les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes UMR-6236, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Allée du Médecin-colonel Jamot,-BP 60109, 13262 Marseille Cedex, France
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Gargano N, Cenci F, Bassat Q. Antimalarial efficacy of piperaquine-based antimalarial combination therapies: facts and uncertainties. Trop Med Int Health 2011; 16:1466-73. [PMID: 21914092 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02855.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Piperaquine is a bisquinoline antimalarial drug extensively used as monotherapy in China in the 1980s and subsequently included as one of the components of the artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in the 1990s. Among them, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQP) represents a new and extremely promising fixed combination. Several clinical trials have repeatedly shown that DHA-PQP is a safe and highly efficacious therapy against uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum and the asexual stages of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Studies conducted with this drug have reported cure rates consistently above 95%, with the only exception being a study carried out in Papua New Guinea which reported a high rate of treatment failures. Although it has been hypothesized that such treatment failures could be related to cross-resistance mechanisms between piperaquine and other quinolines or to a reduced susceptibility of parasites to artemisinin derivatives, a critical review of the studies published so far seems to exclude both of these possibilities. Overall, there is now sufficient evidence on the safety and efficacy of the DHA-PQP therapy. Accordingly, the use of this ACT for the treatment of P. falciparum malaria has been recently approved in the EU via a centralized procedure by the European Medicines Agency. Moreover, it is now recommended globally by the World Health Organization as an option for the first-line treatment of uncomplicated malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Gargano
- R&D Area, Sigma-tau Industrie Farmaceutiche Riunite S.p.A., Rome, Italy
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Artesunate tolerance in transgenic Plasmodium falciparum parasites overexpressing a tryptophan-rich protein. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 55:2576-84. [PMID: 21464256 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01409-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their rapid, potent action on young and mature intraerythrocytic stages, artemisinin derivatives are central to drug combination therapies for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, the evidence for emerging parasite resistance/tolerance to artemisinins in southeast Asia is of great concern. A better understanding of artemisinin-related drug activity and resistance mechanisms is urgently needed. A recent transcriptome study of parasites exposed to artesunate led us to identify a series of genes with modified levels of expression in the presence of the drug. The gene presenting the largest mRNA level increase, Pf10_0026 (PArt), encoding a hypothetical protein of unknown function, was chosen for further study. Immunodetection with PArt-specific sera showed that artesunate induced a dose-dependent increase of the protein level. Bioinformatic analysis showed that PArt belongs to a Plasmodium-specific gene family characterized by the presence of a tryptophan-rich domain with a novel hidden Markov model (HMM) profile. Gene disruption could not be achieved, suggesting an essential function. Transgenic parasites overexpressing PArt protein were generated and exhibited tolerance to a spike exposure to high doses of artesunate, with increased survival and reduced growth retardation compared to that of wild-type-treated controls. These data indicate the involvement of PArt in parasite defense mechanisms against artesunate. This is the first report of genetically manipulated parasites displaying a stable and reproducible decreased susceptibility to artesunate, providing new possibilities to investigate the parasite response to artemisinins.
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Müller IB, Hyde JE. Antimalarial drugs: modes of action and mechanisms of parasite resistance. Future Microbiol 2010; 5:1857-73. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.10.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria represents one of the most serious threats to human health worldwide, and preventing and curing this parasitic disease still depends predominantly on the administration of a small number of drugs whose efficacy is continually threatened and eroded by the emergence of drug-resistant parasite populations. This has an enormous impact on the mortality and morbidity resulting from malaria infection, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where the lethal human parasite species Plasmodium falciparum accounts for approximately 90% of deaths recorded globally. Successful treatment of uncomplicated malaria is now highly dependent on artemisinin-based combination therapies. However, the first cases of artemisinin-resistant field isolates have been reported recently and potential replacement antimalarials are only in the developmental stages. Here, we summarize recent progress in tackling the problem of parasite resistance and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms that confer resistance to current antimalarial agents as far as they are known, understanding of which should assist in the rational development of new drugs and the more effective deployment of older ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid B Müller
- Department of Biochemistry, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - John E Hyde
- Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
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