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Sundar S, Singh VK, Agrawal N, Singh OP, Kumar R. Investigational new drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024:1-18. [PMID: 39225742 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2400139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the past 20 years, significant progress has been made in anti-leishmanial therapy. Three new drugs/formulations are available for the treatment of various forms of leishmaniasis, namely oral miltefosine, paromomycin and liposomal amphotericin B. However, these advances in drug development have added considerable complexity for clinicians including toxicity, emergence of resistance and decreased sensitivity of available drugs. The development of newer drugs with less toxicity and more efficacy is urgently needed. AREAS COVERED This review comprehensively examines the latest developments and current status of antileishmanial drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis across the world. Several new investigational drugs that showed anti-leishmanial activity under in vitro or in vivo conditions and either underwent the phase-I/II clinical trials or are on the verge of entering the trials were reviewed. We also delve into the challenges of drug resistance and discuss the emergence of new and effective antileishmanial compounds. EXPERT OPINION The available treatments for leishmaniasis are limited in number, toxic, expensive, and demand extensive healthcare resources. Every available antileishmanial drug is associated with several disadvantages, such as drug resistance and toxicity or high cost. Miltefosine is potentially teratogenic. New antileishmanial drugs/treatment modalities are sorely needed for expanding future treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Vishal Kumar Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Neha Agrawal
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Om Prakash Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Kaltsas A, Zikopoulos A, Dimitriadis F, Sheshi D, Politis M, Moustakli E, Symeonidis EN, Chrisofos M, Sofikitis N, Zachariou A. Oxidative Stress and Erectile Dysfunction: Pathophysiology, Impacts, and Potential Treatments. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:8807-8834. [PMID: 39194738 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46080521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition affecting men's sexual health, with oxidative stress (OS) having recently been identified as a significant contributing causative factor. This narrative review aims to elucidate the role of OS in the pathophysiology of ED, focusing on impact, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic interventions. Key findings indicate that OS disrupts endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO) signaling, crucial for erectile function. Various sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their detrimental effects on penile tissue are discussed, including aging, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, psychological stress, hyperhomocysteinemia, chronic kidney disease, and sickle cell disease. Major sources of ROS, such as NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase, uncoupled endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and mitochondrial electron transport, are identified. NO is scavenged by these ROS, leading to endothelial dysfunction characterized by reduced NO availability, impaired vasodilation, increased vascular tone, and inflammation. This ultimately results in ED due to decreased blood flow to penile tissue and the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Furthermore, ROS impact the transmission of nitrergic neurotransmitters by causing the death of nitrergic neurons and reducing the signaling of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), exacerbating ED. Therapeutic approaches targeting OS, including antioxidants and lifestyle modifications, show promise in ameliorating ED symptoms. The review underscores the need for further research to develop effective treatments, emphasizing the interplay between OS and vascular health in ED. Integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies could enhance clinical outcomes for ED patients, advocating for OS management in ED treatment protocols to improve patient quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Danja Sheshi
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Magdalena Politis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Efthalia Moustakli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Evangelos N Symeonidis
- Department of Urology II, European Interbalkan Medical Center, 55535 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michael Chrisofos
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Majhi S, Awasthi BP, Sharma RK, Mitra K. Buparvaquone Induces Ultrastructural and Physiological Alterations Leading to Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Caspase-Independent Apoptotic Cell Death in Leishmania donovani. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2024; 30:521-538. [PMID: 38709559 DOI: 10.1093/mam/ozae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease (endemic in 99 countries) caused by parasitic protozoa of the genus Leishmania. As treatment options are limited, there is an unmet need for new drugs. The hydroxynaphthoquinone class of compounds demonstrates broad-spectrum activity against protozoan parasites. Buparvaquone (BPQ), a member of this class, is the only drug licensed for the treatment of theileriosis. BPQ has shown promising antileishmanial activity but its mode of action is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrastructural and physiological effects of BPQ for elucidating the mechanisms underlying the in vitro antiproliferative activity in Leishmania donovani. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy analyses of BPQ-treated parasites revealed ultrastructural effects characteristic of apoptosis-like cell death, which include alterations in the nucleus, mitochondrion, kinetoplast, flagella, and the flagellar pocket. Using flow cytometry, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and fluorometry, we found that BPQ induced caspase-independent apoptosis-like cell death by losing plasma membrane phospholipid asymmetry and cell cycle arrest at sub-G0/G1 phase. Depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane leads to the generation of oxidative stress and impaired ATP synthesis followed by disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis. Collectively, these findings provide valuable mechanistic insights and demonstrate BPQ's potential for development as an antileishmanial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetapadma Majhi
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility and Research, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201 002, India
| | - Bhanu Priya Awasthi
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility and Research, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201 002, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Sharma
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility and Research, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201 002, India
| | - Kalyan Mitra
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility and Research, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Sector 19, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201 002, India
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Kancharla P, Ortiz D, Fargo CM, Zhang X, Li Y, Sanchez M, Kumar A, Yeluguri M, Dodean RA, Caridha D, Madejczyk MS, Martin M, Jin X, Blount C, Chetree R, Pannone K, Dinh HT, DeLuca J, Evans M, Nadeau R, Vuong C, Leed S, Dennis WE, Roncal N, Pybus BS, Lee PJ, Roth A, Reynolds KA, Kelly JX, Landfear SM. Discovery and Optimization of Tambjamines as a Novel Class of Antileishmanial Agents. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8323-8345. [PMID: 38722757 PMCID: PMC11163866 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that is estimated to afflict over 12 million people. Current drugs for leishmaniasis suffer from serious deficiencies, including toxicity, high cost, modest efficacy, primarily parenteral delivery, and emergence of widespread resistance. We have discovered and developed a natural product-inspired tambjamine chemotype, known to be effective against Plasmodium spp, as a novel class of antileishmanial agents. Herein, we report in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activities, detailed structure-activity relationships, and metabolic/pharmacokinetic profiles of a large library of tambjamines. A number of tambjamines exhibited excellent potency against both Leishmania mexicana and Leishmania donovani parasites with good safety and metabolic profiles. Notably, tambjamine 110 offered excellent potency and provided partial protection to leishmania-infected mice at 40 and/or 60 mg/kg/10 days of oral treatment. This study presents the first account of antileishmanial activity in the tambjamine family and paves the way for the generation of new oral antileishmanial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Papireddy Kancharla
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Diana Ortiz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
| | - Corinne M. Fargo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Yuexin Li
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Marco Sanchez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
| | - Amrendra Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Monish Yeluguri
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Rozalia A. Dodean
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Diana Caridha
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Michael S. Madejczyk
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Monica Martin
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Xiannu Jin
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Cameron Blount
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Ravi Chetree
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Kristina Pannone
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Hieu T. Dinh
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Jesse DeLuca
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Martin Evans
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Robert Nadeau
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Chau Vuong
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Susan Leed
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - William E. Dennis
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Norma Roncal
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Brandon S. Pybus
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Patricia J. Lee
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Alison Roth
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Kevin A. Reynolds
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Jane X. Kelly
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Scott M. Landfear
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
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Imhof D, Hänggeli KPA, De Sousa MCF, Vigneswaran A, Hofmann L, Amdouni Y, Boubaker G, Müller J, Hemphill A. Working towards the development of vaccines and chemotherapeutics against neosporosis-With all of its ups and downs-Looking ahead. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2024; 124:91-154. [PMID: 38754928 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan and obligatory intracellular parasite, which is the leading cause of reproductive failure in cattle and affects other farm and domestic animals, but also induces neuromuscular disease in dogs of all ages. In cattle, neosporosis is an important health problem, and has a considerable economic impact. To date there is no protective vaccine or chemotherapeutic treatment on the market. Immuno-prophylaxis has long been considered as the best control measure. Proteins involved in host cell interaction and invasion, as well as antigens mediating inflammatory responses have been the most frequently assessed vaccine targets. However, despite considerable efforts no effective vaccine has been introduced to the market to date. The development of effective compounds to limit the effects of vertical transmission of N. caninum tachyzoites has emerged as an alternative or addition to vaccination, provided suitable targets and safe and efficacious drugs can be identified. Additionally, the combination of both treatment strategies might be interesting to further increase protectivity against N. caninum infections and to decrease the duration of treatment and the risk of potential drug resistance. Well-established and standardized animal infection models are key factors for the evaluation of promising vaccine and compound candidates. The vast majority of experimental animal experiments concerning neosporosis have been performed in mice, although in recent years the numbers of experimental studies in cattle and sheep have increased. In this review, we discuss the recent findings concerning the progress in drug and vaccine development against N. caninum infections in mice and ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Cristina Ferreira De Sousa
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anitha Vigneswaran
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Larissa Hofmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Corman HN, McNamara CW, Bakowski MA. Drug Discovery for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Review of Developments in the Past 15 Years. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2845. [PMID: 38137989 PMCID: PMC10745741 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of vector-borne, parasitic diseases caused by over 20 species of the protozoan Leishmania spp. The three major disease classifications, cutaneous, visceral, and mucocutaneous, have a range of clinical manifestations from self-healing skin lesions to hepatosplenomegaly and mucosal membrane damage to fatality. As a neglected tropical disease, leishmaniasis represents a major international health challenge, with nearly 350 million people living at risk of infection a year. The current chemotherapeutics used to treat leishmaniasis have harsh side effects, prolonged and costly treatment regimens, as well as emerging drug resistance, and are predominantly used for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. There is an undeniable need for the identification and development of novel chemotherapeutics targeting cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), largely ignored by concerted drug development efforts. CL is mostly non-lethal and the most common presentation of this disease, with nearly 1 million new cases reported annually. Recognizing this unaddressed need, substantial yet fragmented progress in early drug discovery efforts for CL has occurred in the past 15 years and was outlined in this review. However, further work needs to be carried out to advance early discovery candidates towards the clinic. Importantly, there is a paucity of investment in the translation and development of therapies for CL, limiting the emergence of viable solutions to deal with this serious and complex international health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N. Corman
- Calibr at Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (C.W.M.); (M.A.B.)
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7
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Dube P, Angula KT, Legoabe LJ, Jordaan A, Boitz Zarella JM, Warner DF, Doggett JS, Beteck RM. Quinolone-3-amidoalkanol: A New Class of Potent and Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Agent. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:17086-17102. [PMID: 37214682 PMCID: PMC10193574 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we describe 39 novel quinolone compounds bearing a hydrophilic amine chain and varied substituted benzyloxy units. These compounds demonstrate broad-spectrum activities against acid-fast bacterium, Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, fungi, and leishmania parasite. Compound 30 maintained antitubercular activity against moxifloxacin-, isoniazid-, and rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while 37 exhibited low micromolar activities (<1 μg/mL) against World Health Organization (WHO) critical pathogens: Cryptococcus neoformans, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Compounds in this study are metabolically robust, demonstrating % remnant of >98% after 30 min in the presence of human, rat, and mouse liver microsomes. Several compounds thus reported here are promising leads for the treatment of diseases caused by infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phelelisiwe
S. Dube
- Centre
of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Klaudia T. Angula
- Centre
of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Lesetja J. Legoabe
- Centre
of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Audrey Jordaan
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT
Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Institute
of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Jan M. Boitz Zarella
- Division
of Infectious Diseases, VA Portland Healthcare
System, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Digby F. Warner
- SAMRC/NHLS/UCT
Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Institute
of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
- Wellcome
Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa (CIDRI-Africa),
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of
Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - J. Stone Doggett
- Division
of Infectious Diseases, VA Portland Healthcare
System, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Richard M. Beteck
- Centre
of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
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8
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Fairlamb AH, Wyllie S. The critical role of mode of action studies in kinetoplastid drug discovery. FRONTIERS IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2023; 3:fddsv.2023.1185679. [PMID: 37600222 PMCID: PMC7614965 DOI: 10.3389/fddsv.2023.1185679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the target and mode of action of compounds identified by phenotypic screening can greatly facilitate the process of drug discovery and development. Here, we outline the tools currently available for target identification against the neglected tropical diseases, human African trypanosomiasis, visceral leishmaniasis and Chagas' disease. We provide examples how these tools can be used to identify and triage undesirable mechanisms, to identify potential toxic liabilities in patients and to manage a balanced portfolio of target-based campaigns. We review the primary targets of drugs that are currently in clinical development that were initially identified via phenotypic screening, and whose modes of action affect protein turnover, RNA trans-splicing or signalling in these protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan H. Fairlamb
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Wyllie
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Ramseier J, Imhof D, Hänggeli KPA, Anghel N, Boubaker G, Beteck RM, Ortega-Mora LM, Haynes RK, Hemphill A. In Vitro versus in Mice: Efficacy and Safety of Decoquinate and Quinoline-O-Carbamate Derivatives against Experimental Infection with Neospora caninum Tachyzoites. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030447. [PMID: 36986369 PMCID: PMC10055983 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of decoquinate (DCQ) and three O-quinoline-carbamate-derivatives were investigated using human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) infected with Neospora caninum tachyzoites. These compounds exhibited half-maximal proliferation inhibition (IC50s) from 1.7 (RMB060) to 60 nM (RMB055). Conversely, when applied at 5 (DCQ, RMB054) or 10µM (RMB055, RMB060), HFF viability was not affected. Treatments of infected cell cultures at 0.5µM altered the ultrastructure of the parasite mitochondrion and cytoplasm within 24 h, most pronounced for RMB060, and DCQ, RMB054 and RMB060 did not impair the viability of splenocytes from naïve mice. Long-term treatments of N. caninum-infected HFF monolayers with 0.5µM of each compound showed that only exposure to RMB060 over a period of six consecutive days had a parasiticidal effect, while the other compounds were not able to kill all tachyzoites in vitro. Thus, DCQ and RMB060 were comparatively assessed in the pregnant neosporosis mouse model. The oral application of these compounds suspended in corn oil at 10 mg/kg/day for 5 d resulted in a decreased fertility rate and litter size in the DCQ group, whereas reproductive parameters were not altered by RMB060 treatment. However, both compounds failed to protect mice from cerebral infection and did not prevent vertical transmission/pup mortality. Thus, despite the promising in vitro efficacy and safety characteristics of DCQ and DCQ-derivatives, proof of concept for activity against neosporosis could not be demonstrated in the murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ramseier
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (J.R.); (A.H.)
| | - Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3013 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Richard M. Beteck
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Luis-Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 30132 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (J.R.); (A.H.)
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10
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Guhe V, Ingale P, Tambekar A, Singh S. Systems biology of autophagy in leishmanial infection and its diverse role in precision medicine. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1113249. [PMID: 37152895 PMCID: PMC10160387 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1113249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a contentious issue in leishmaniasis and is emerging as a promising therapeutic regimen. Published research on the impact of autophagic regulation on Leishmania survival is inconclusive, despite numerous pieces of evidence that Leishmania spp. triggers autophagy in a variety of cell types. The mechanistic approach is poorly understood in the Leishmania parasite as autophagy is significant in both Leishmania and the host. Herein, this review discusses the autophagy proteins that are being investigated as potential therapeutic targets, the connection between autophagy and lipid metabolism, and microRNAs that regulate autophagy and lipid metabolism. It also highlights the use of systems biology to develop novel autophagy-dependent therapeutics for leishmaniasis by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), mathematical modeling, network analysis, and other computational methods. Additionally, we have shown many databases for autophagy and metabolism in Leishmania parasites that suggest potential therapeutic targets for intricate signaling in the autophagy system. In a nutshell, the detailed understanding of the dynamics of autophagy in conjunction with lipids and miRNAs unfolds larger dimensions for future research.
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11
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Sebastián-Pérez V, Martínez de Iturrate P, Nácher-Vázquez M, Nóvoa L, Pérez C, Campillo NE, Gil C, Rivas L. Naphthoquinone as a New Chemical Scaffold for Leishmanicidal Inhibitors of Leishmania GSK-3. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051136. [PMID: 35625873 PMCID: PMC9139002 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 1 billion people live in areas endemic for leishmaniasis, which is a relevant threat for public health worldwide. Due to the inadequate treatments, there is an urgent need to develop novel alternative drugs and to validate new targets to fight this disease. One appealing approach is the selective inhibition of protein kinases (PKs), enzymes involved in a wide range of processes along the life cycle of Leishmania. Several PKs, including glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), have been validated as essential for this parasite by genetic or pharmacological methods. Recently, novel chemical scaffolds have been uncovered as Leishmania GSK-3 inhibitors with antiparasitic activity. In order to find new inhibitors of this enzyme, a virtual screening of our in-house chemical library was carried out on the structure of the Leishmania GSK-3. The virtual hits identified were experimentally assayed both for leishmanicidal activity and for in vitro inhibition of the enzyme. The best hits have a quinone scaffold. Their optimization through a medicinal chemistry approach led to a set of new compounds, provided a frame to establish biochemical and antiparasitic structure–activity relationships, and delivered molecules with an improved selectivity index. Altogether, this study paves the way for a systemic search of this class of inhibitors for further development as potential leishmanicidal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Sebastián-Pérez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.S.-P.); (P.M.d.I.); (M.N.-V.); (L.N.); (N.E.C.)
| | - Paula Martínez de Iturrate
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.S.-P.); (P.M.d.I.); (M.N.-V.); (L.N.); (N.E.C.)
| | - Montserrat Nácher-Vázquez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.S.-P.); (P.M.d.I.); (M.N.-V.); (L.N.); (N.E.C.)
| | - Luis Nóvoa
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.S.-P.); (P.M.d.I.); (M.N.-V.); (L.N.); (N.E.C.)
| | | | - Nuria E. Campillo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.S.-P.); (P.M.d.I.); (M.N.-V.); (L.N.); (N.E.C.)
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.S.-P.); (P.M.d.I.); (M.N.-V.); (L.N.); (N.E.C.)
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (L.R.)
| | - Luis Rivas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (V.S.-P.); (P.M.d.I.); (M.N.-V.); (L.N.); (N.E.C.)
- Correspondence: (C.G.); (L.R.)
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12
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Pradhan S, Schwartz RA, Patil A, Grabbe S, Goldust M. Treatment options for leishmaniasis. Clin Exp Dermatol 2021; 47:516-521. [PMID: 34480806 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is broadly classified into three types: cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral. The visceral form is most dangerous and can result in death. Although leishmaniasis is an ancient disease, its treatment is still challenging. Several drugs, differing in their cost, toxicity, treatment duration and emergence of drug resistance, are used for different types of leishmaniasis. To overcome these limitations, the search for newer drugs and other treatments continues. In this article, we discuss conventional drugs, other treatments, including newer options such as immunotherapy and immunochemotherapy, and future prospects for leishmaniasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R A Schwartz
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - A Patil
- Department of Dermatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - S Grabbe
- Department of Pharmacology, DY Patil Deemed, To Be University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.,Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - M Goldust
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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13
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Renard I, Ben Mamoun C. Treatment of Human Babesiosis: Then and Now. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091120. [PMID: 34578153 PMCID: PMC8469882 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by apicomplexan parasites of the genus Babesia. With its increasing incidence worldwide and the risk of human-to-human transmission through blood transfusion, babesiosis is becoming a rising public health concern. The current arsenal for the treatment of human babesiosis is limited and consists of combinations of atovaquone and azithromycin or clindamycin and quinine. These combination therapies were not designed based on biological criteria unique to Babesia parasites, but were rather repurposed based on their well-established efficacy against other apicomplexan parasites. However, these compounds are associated with mild or severe adverse events and a rapid emergence of drug resistance, thus highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies that are specifically tailored to Babesia parasites. Herein, we review ongoing babesiosis therapeutic and management strategies and their limitations, and further review current efforts to develop new, effective, and safer therapies for the treatment of this disease.
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14
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Hammill JT, Sviripa VM, Kril LM, Ortiz D, Fargo CM, Kim HS, Chen Y, Rector J, Rice AL, Domagalska MA, Begley KL, Liu C, Rangnekar VM, Dujardin JC, Watt DS, Landfear SM, Guy RK. Amino-Substituted 3-Aryl- and 3-Heteroarylquinolines as Potential Antileishmanial Agents. J Med Chem 2021; 64:12152-12162. [PMID: 34355566 PMCID: PMC8404201 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by protozoa of the Leishmania species, afflicts roughly 12 million individuals worldwide. Most existing drugs for leishmaniasis are toxic, expensive, difficult to administer, and subject to drug resistance. We report a new class of antileishmanial leads, the 3-arylquinolines, that potently block proliferation of the intramacrophage amastigote form of Leishmania parasites with good selectivity relative to the host macrophages. Early lead 34 was rapidly acting and possessed good potency against L. mexicana (EC50 = 120 nM), 30-fold selectivity for the parasite relative to the macrophage (EC50 = 3.7 μM), and also blocked proliferation of Leishmania donovani parasites resistant to antimonial drugs. Finally, another early lead, 27, which exhibited reasonable in vivo tolerability, impaired disease progression during the dosing period in a murine model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. These results suggest that the arylquinolines provide a fruitful departure point for the development of new antileishmanial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared T. Hammill
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Vitaliy M. Sviripa
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
- Center
for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
- Lucille
Parker Markey Cancer Center, University
of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0093, United States
| | - Liliia M. Kril
- Center
for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509, United States
| | - Diana Ortiz
- Department
of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Corinne M. Fargo
- Department
of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Ho Shin Kim
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Yizhe Chen
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Jonah Rector
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Amy L. Rice
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Malgorzata A. Domagalska
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical
Medicine, Nationalestraat, 155, Antwerpen 2000, Belgium
| | - Kristin L. Begley
- Center
for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509, United States
| | - Chunming Liu
- Lucille
Parker Markey Cancer Center, University
of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0093, United States
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509, United States
| | - Vivek M. Rangnekar
- Lucille
Parker Markey Cancer Center, University
of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0093, United States
- Department
of Radiation Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506-9983, United States
- Graduate
Center for Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0305, United States
| | - Jean-Claude Dujardin
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical
Medicine, Nationalestraat, 155, Antwerpen 2000, Belgium
| | - David S. Watt
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
- Center
for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, United States
- Lucille
Parker Markey Cancer Center, University
of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0093, United States
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509, United States
| | - Scott M. Landfear
- Department
of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - R. Kiplin Guy
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
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15
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Peixoto JF, Oliveira ADS, Monteiro PQ, Gonçalves-Oliveira LF, Andrade-Neto VV, Ferreira VF, Souza-Silva F, Alves CR. In Silico Insights into the Mechanism of Action of Epoxy-α-Lapachone and Epoxymethyl-Lawsone in Leishmania spp. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123537. [PMID: 34200517 PMCID: PMC8229338 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Epoxy-α-lapachone (Lap) and Epoxymethyl-lawsone (Law) are oxiranes derived from Lapachol and have been shown to be promising drugs for Leishmaniases treatment. Although, it is known the action spectrum of both compounds affect the Leishmania spp. multiplication, there are gaps in the molecular binding details of target enzymes related to the parasite’s physiology. Molecular docking assays simulations were performed using DockThor server to predict the preferred orientation of both compounds to form stable complexes with key enzymes of metabolic pathway, electron transport chain, and lipids metabolism of Leishmania spp. This study showed the hit rates of both compounds interacting with lanosterol C-14 demethylase (−8.4 kcal/mol to −7.4 kcal/mol), cytochrome c (−10.2 kcal/mol to −8.8 kcal/mol), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (−8.5 kcal/mol to −7.5 kcal/mol) according to Leishmania spp. and assessed compounds. The set of molecular evidence reinforces the potential of both compounds as multi-target drugs for interrupt the network interactions between parasite enzymes, which can lead to a better efficacy of drugs for the treatment of leishmaniases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Figueiredo Peixoto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (J.F.P.); (A.d.S.O.); or (P.Q.M.); (L.F.G.-O.)
| | - Adriane da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (J.F.P.); (A.d.S.O.); or (P.Q.M.); (L.F.G.-O.)
| | - Patrícia Queiroz Monteiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (J.F.P.); (A.d.S.O.); or (P.Q.M.); (L.F.G.-O.)
| | - Luiz Filipe Gonçalves-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (J.F.P.); (A.d.S.O.); or (P.Q.M.); (L.F.G.-O.)
| | - Valter Viana Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Vitor Francisco Ferreira
- Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói 24241-002, Brazil;
| | - Franklin Souza-Silva
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Iguaçu, Avenida Abílio Augusto Távora, 2134, Dom Rodrigo, Nova Iguaçu CEP 26260-045, Brazil
- Correspondence: (F.S.-S.); (C.R.A.)
| | - Carlos Roberto Alves
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (J.F.P.); (A.d.S.O.); or (P.Q.M.); (L.F.G.-O.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.-S.); (C.R.A.)
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16
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J B, M BM, Chanda K. An Overview on the Therapeutics of Neglected Infectious Diseases-Leishmaniasis and Chagas Diseases. Front Chem 2021; 9:622286. [PMID: 33777895 PMCID: PMC7994601 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.622286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) as termed by WHO include twenty different infectious diseases that are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Among these NTDs, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are reported to cause high mortality in humans and are further associated with the limitations of existing drugs like severe toxicity and drug resistance. The above hitches have rendered researchers to focus on developing alternatives and novel therapeutics for the treatment of these diseases. In the past decade, several target-based drugs have emerged, which focus on specific biochemical pathways of the causative parasites. For leishmaniasis, the targets such as nucleoside analogs, inhibitors targeting nucleoside phosphate kinases of the parasite’s purine salvage pathway, 20S proteasome of Leishmania, mitochondria, and the associated proteins are reviewed along with the chemical structures of potential drug candidates. Similarly, in case of therapeutics for Chagas disease, several target-based drug candidates targeting sterol biosynthetic pathway (C14-ademethylase), L-cysteine protease, heme peroxidation, mitochondria, farnesyl pyrophosphate, etc., which are vital and unique to the causative parasite are discussed. Moreover, the use of nano-based formulations towards the therapeutics of the above diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brindha J
- Division of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, India
| | - Balamurali M M
- Division of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, India
| | - Kaushik Chanda
- Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
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17
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Ullah I, Gahalawat S, Booshehri LM, Niederstrasser H, Majumdar S, Leija C, Bradford JM, Hu B, Ready JM, Wetzel DM. An Antiparasitic Compound from the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box Promotes Leishmania Tubulin Polymerization. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:2057-2072. [PMID: 32686409 PMCID: PMC8059355 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The few frontline antileishmanial drugs are poorly effective and toxic. To search for new drugs for this neglected tropical disease, we tested the activity of compounds in the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) "Pathogen Box" against Leishmania amazonensis axenic amastigotes. Screening yielded six discovery antileishmanial compounds with EC50 values from 50 to 480 nM. Concentration-response assays demonstrated that the best hit, MMV676477, had mid-nanomolar cytocidal potency against intracellular Leishmania amastigotes, Trypanosoma brucei, and Plasmodium falciparum, suggesting broad antiparasitic activity. We explored structure-activity relationships (SAR) within a small group of MMV676477 analogs and observed a wide potency range (20-5000 nM) against axenic Leishmania amastigotes. Compared to MMV676477, our most potent analog, SW41, had ∼5-fold improved antileishmanial potency. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that MMV676477 selectively disrupts Leishmania tubulin dynamics. Morphological studies indicated that MMV676477 and analogs affected L. amazonensis during cell division. Differential centrifugation showed that MMV676477 promoted partitioning of cellular tubulin toward the polymeric form in parasites. Turbidity assays with purified Leishmania and porcine tubulin demonstrated that MMV676477 promoted leishmanial tubulin polymerization in a concentration-dependent manner. Analogs' antiparasitic activity correlated with their ability to facilitate purified Leishmania tubulin polymerization. Chemical cross-linking demonstrated binding of the MMV676477 scaffold to purified Leishmania tubulin, and competition studies established a correlation between binding and antileishmanial activity. Our studies demonstrate that MMV676477 is a potent antiparasitic compound that preferentially promotes Leishmania microtubule polymerization. Due to its selectivity for and broad-spectrum activity against multiple parasites, this scaffold shows promise for antiparasitic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Ullah
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Suraksha Gahalawat
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Laela M. Booshehri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Hanspeter Niederstrasser
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Shreoshi Majumdar
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Christopher Leija
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - James M. Bradford
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Joseph M. Ready
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Dawn M. Wetzel
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
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18
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Eberhard N, Balmer V, Müller J, Müller N, Winter R, Pou S, Nilsen A, Riscoe M, Francisco S, Leitao A, Doggett JS, Hemphill A. Activities of Endochin-Like Quinolones Against in vitro Cultured Besnoitia besnoiti Tachyzoites. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:96. [PMID: 32161765 PMCID: PMC7054222 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) potently inhibit the proliferation of Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Neospora, and Babesia by targeting the cytochrome b Qo and Qi sites and interfering with oxidative phosphorylation and pyrimidine biosynthesis. The activities of 14 different ELQs were assessed against B. besnoiti tachyzoites grown in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) by quantitative real time PCR. The values for 50% proliferation inhibition (IC50) of five ELQs were determined in a 3-days growth assay after an initial screen of 12 ELQs at 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μM. The IC50s of ELQ-121, -136, and -316 were 0.49, 2.36, and 7.97 nM, respectively. The IC50s of ELQs tested against B. besnoiti were higher than IC50s previously observed for P. falciparum and T. gondii. However, the B. besnoiti cytochrome b sequence and the predicted Qo and Qi ELQ binding sites in the Toxoplasma, Neospora, and Besnoitia cytochrome b are virtually identical, suggesting that the differences in ELQ susceptibility are not due to variations in the substrate binding sites. TEM of ELQ-treated parasites primarily demonstrated alterations within the parasite mitochondrion, profound thickening of the nuclear membrane, as well as increased vacuolization within the tachyzoite cytoplasm. Long-term treatment assays of intracellular B. besnoiti with ELQs for up to 20 days followed by the release of drug pressure caused a substantial delay in parasite growth and proliferation while ELQs were present, but parasite proliferation resumed days after ELQs were removed. Interestingly, structural alterations persisted after ELQ removal and parasite proliferation was slowed. These findings provide a basis for further in vivo studies of ELQs as therapeutic options against B. besnoiti infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naja Eberhard
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vreni Balmer
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Müller
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Winter
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Soviti Pou
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Aaron Nilsen
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Mike Riscoe
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Samuel Francisco
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Leitao
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J. Stone Doggett
- VA Portland Health Care System Research and Development Service, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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19
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Chandrakar P, Gunaganti N, Parmar N, Kumar A, Singh SK, Rashid M, Wahajuddin M, Mitra K, Narender T, Kar S. β-Amino acid derivatives as mitochondrial complex III inhibitors of L. donovani: A promising chemotype targeting visceral leishmaniasis. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 182:111632. [PMID: 31499363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
β-amino acids and their analogues are gathering increased attention not only because of their antibacterial and antifungal activity, but also for their use in designing peptidomimetics with increased oral bioavailability and resistance to metabolic degradation. In this study, a series of α-phenyl substituted chalcones, α-phenyl, β-amino substituted dihydrochalcones and β-amino acid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antileishmanial efficacy against experimental visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Among all synthesized derivatives, 10c showed promising antileishmanial efficacy against both extracellular promastigote and intracellular amastigote (IC50 8.2 μM and 20.5 μM respectively) of L. donovani with negligible cytotoxic effect towards J774 macrophages and Vero cells. 10c effectively reduced spleen and liver parasite burden (>90%) in both hamster and Balb/c model of VL without any hepatotoxicity. In vitro pharmacokinetic analysis showed that 10c was stable in gastric fluid and plasma of Balb/c mice at 10 μg/ml. Further analysis of the molecular mechanism revealed that 10c entered into the parasite by depolarizing the plasma membrane rather than forming nonspecific pores and induced molecular events like loss in mitochondrial membrane potential with a gradual decline in ATP production. This, in turn, did not induce programmed cell death of the parasite; rather 10c induced bioenergetic collapse of the parasite by decreasing ATP synthesis through specific inhibition of mitochondrial complex III activity. Altogether, our results allude to the therapeutic potential of β-amino acid derivatives as novel antileishmanials, identifying them as lead compounds for further exploration in the design of potent candidates for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Chandrakar
- Parasitology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India
| | - Naresh Gunaganti
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Naveen Parmar
- Parasitology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Singh
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India; Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Mamunur Rashid
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India; Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - M Wahajuddin
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India; Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Kalyan Mitra
- Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India
| | - Tadigopula Narender
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India.
| | - Susanta Kar
- Parasitology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, BS-10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi, India.
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20
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Mitochondrial proteome profiling of Leishmania tropica. Microb Pathog 2019; 133:103542. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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21
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Sánchez-Sánchez R, Vázquez P, Ferre I, Ortega-Mora LM. Treatment of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in Farm Ruminants: State of Knowledge and Future Trends. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 18:1304-1323. [PMID: 30277158 PMCID: PMC6340160 DOI: 10.2174/1568026618666181002113617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are closely related protozoan diseases that lead to important economic impacts in farm ruminants. Toxoplasma gondii infection mainly causes reproductive failure in small ruminants and is a widespread zoonosis, whereas Neospora caninum infection is one of the most important causes of abortion in cattle worldwide. Vaccination has been considered the most economic measure for controlling these diseases. However, despite vaccine development efforts, only a live-attenuated T. gondii vaccine has been licensed for veterinary use, and no promising vaccines against ne-osporosis have been developed; therefore, vaccine development remains a key goal. Additionally, drug therapy could be a valuable strategy for disease control in farm ruminants, as several drugs that limit T. gondii and N. caninum proliferation and dissemination have been evaluated. This approach may also be relevant to performing an initial drug screening for potential human therapy for zoonotic parasites. Treat-ments can be applied against infections in adult ruminants to minimize the outcomes of a primo-infection or the reactivation of a chronic infection during gestation or in newborn ruminants to avoid infection chronification. In this review, the current status of drug development against toxoplasmosis and neosporo-sis in farm ruminants is presented, and in an effort to promote additional treatment options, prospective drugs that have shown efficacy in vitro and in laboratory animal models of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are examined
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Vázquez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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22
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Rufener R, Dick L, D'Ascoli L, Ritler D, Hizem A, Wells TNC, Hemphill A, Lundström-Stadelmann B. Repurposing of an old drug: In vitro and in vivo efficacies of buparvaquone against Echinococcus multilocularis. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2018; 8:440-450. [PMID: 30396011 PMCID: PMC6216040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The metacestode stage of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis causes the lethal disease alveolar echinococcosis. Current chemotherapeutic treatment options are based on benzimidazoles (albendazole and mebendazole), which are insufficient and hence alternative drugs are needed. In this study, we screened the 400 compounds of the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Pathogen Box against E. multilocularis metacestodes. For the screen, we employed the phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) assay which assesses drug-induced damage on metacestodes, and identified ten new compounds with activity against the parasite. The anti-theilerial drug MMV689480 (buparvaquone) and MMV671636 (ELQ-400) were the most promising compounds, with an IC50 of 2.87 μM and 0.02 μM respectively against in vitro cultured E. multilocularis metacestodes. Both drugs suggested a therapeutic window based on their cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that treatment with buparvaquone impaired parasite mitochondria early on and additional tests showed that buparvaquone had a reduced activity under anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, we established a system to assess mitochondrial respiration in isolated E. multilocularis cells in real time using the Seahorse XFp Analyzer and demonstrated inhibition of the cytochrome bc1 complex by buparvaquone. Mice with secondary alveolar echinococcosis were treated with buparvaquone (100 mg/kg per dose, three doses per week, four weeks of treatment), but the drug failed to reduce the parasite burden in vivo. Future studies will reveal whether improved formulations of buparvaquone could increase its effectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reto Rufener
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luca Dick
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laura D'Ascoli
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominic Ritler
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amani Hizem
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology, LR 12ES08, Department of Clinical Biology B, Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, 5000, Tunisia
| | - Timothy N C Wells
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Route de Pré-Bois 20, 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parasitic diseases that pose a threat to human life include leishmaniasis - caused by protozoan parasite Leishmania species. Existing drugs have limitations due to deleterious side effects like teratogenicity, high cost and drug resistance. This calls for the need to have an insight into therapeutic aspects of disease. Areas covered: We have identified different drug targets via. molecular, imuunological, metabolic as well as by system biology approaches. We bring these promising drug targets into light so that they can be explored to their maximum. In an effort to bridge the gaps between existing knowledge and prospects of drug discovery, we have compiled interesting studies on drug targets, thereby paving the way for establishment of better therapeutic aspects. Expert opinion: Advancements in technology shed light on many unexplored pathways. Further probing of well established pathways led to the discovery of new drug targets. This review is a comprehensive report on current and emerging drug targets, with emphasis on several metabolic targets, organellar biochemistry, salvage pathways, epigenetics, kinome and more. Identification of new targets can contribute significantly towards strengthening the pipeline for disease elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, UP, India
| | - Bhawana Singh
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, UP, India
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24
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Smith L, Serrano DR, Mauger M, Bolás-Fernández F, Dea-Ayuela MA, Lalatsa A. Orally Bioavailable and Effective Buparvaquone Lipid-Based Nanomedicines for Visceral Leishmaniasis. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:2570-2583. [PMID: 29762040 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nanoenabled lipid-based drug delivery systems offer a platform to overcome challenges encountered with current failed leads in the treatment of parasitic and infectious diseases. When prepared with FDA or EMA approved excipients, they can be readily translated without the need for further toxicological studies, while they remain affordable and amenable to scale-up. Buparvaquone (BPQ), a hydroxynapthoquinone with in vitro activity in the nanomolar range, failed to clinically translate as a viable treatment for visceral leishmaniasis due to its poor oral bioavailability limited by its poor aqueous solubility (BCS Class II drug). Here we describe a self-nanoemulsifying system (SNEDDS) with high loading and thermal stability up to 6 months in tropical conditions and the ability to enhance the solubilization capacity of BPQ in gastrointestinal media as demonstrated by flow-through cell and dynamic in vitro lipolysis studies. BPQ SNEDDS demonstrated an enhanced oral bioavailability compared to aqueous BPQ dispersions (probe-sonicated), resulting in an increased plasma AUC0-24 by 55% that is 4-fold higher than any previous reported values for BPQ formulations. BPQ SNEDDS can be adsorbed on low molecular glycol chitosan polymers forming solid dispersions that when compressed into tablets allow the complete dissolution of BPQ in gastrointestinal media. BPQ SNEDDS and BPQ solid SNEDDS demonstrated potent in vitro efficacy in the nanomolar range (<37 nM) and were able to near completely inhibit parasite replication in the spleen while also demonstrating 48 ± 48 and 56 ± 23% inhibition of the parasite replication in the liver, respectively, compared to oral miltefosine after daily administration over 10 days. The proposed platform technology can be used to elicit a range of cost-effective and orally bioavailable noninvasive formulations for a range of antiparasitic and infectious disease drugs that are needed for closing the global health innovation gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Smith
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences , University of Portsmouth , White Swan Road , Portsmouth PO1 2DT , U.K
| | - Dolores R Serrano
- Departament of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology and Instituto Universitario de Farmacia Industrial (IUFI) , School of Pharmacy, University Complutense , Avenida Complutense , 28040 Madrid , Spain
| | - Marion Mauger
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences , University of Portsmouth , White Swan Road , Portsmouth PO1 2DT , U.K
| | - Francisco Bolás-Fernández
- Departament of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Pharmacy , Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n , 28040 Madrid , Spain
| | - Maria Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud , Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera , Edificio Seminario s/n , 46113 Moncada , Valencia , Spain
| | - Aikaterini Lalatsa
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences , University of Portsmouth , White Swan Road , Portsmouth PO1 2DT , U.K
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25
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Meier A, Erler H, Beitz E. Targeting Channels and Transporters in Protozoan Parasite Infections. Front Chem 2018; 6:88. [PMID: 29637069 PMCID: PMC5881087 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic protozoa are among the most significant causes of death in humans. Therapeutic options are scarce and massively challenged by the emergence of resistant parasite strains. Many of the current anti-parasite drugs target soluble enzymes, generate unspecific oxidative stress, or act by an unresolved mechanism within the parasite. In recent years, collections of drug-like compounds derived from large-scale phenotypic screenings, such as the malaria or pathogen box, have been made available to researchers free of charge boosting the identification of novel promising targets. Remarkably, several of the compound hits have been found to inhibit membrane proteins at the periphery of the parasites, i.e., channels and transporters for ions and metabolites. In this review, we will focus on the progress made on targeting channels and transporters at different levels and the potential for use against infections with apicomplexan parasites mainly Plasmodium spp. (malaria) and Toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis), with kinetoplastids Trypanosoma brucei (sleeping sickness), Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease), and Leishmania ssp. (leishmaniasis), and the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica (amoebiasis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Meier
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Holger Erler
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Eric Beitz
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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26
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Saunders EC, Naderer T, Chambers J, Landfear SM, McConville MJ. Leishmania mexicana can utilize amino acids as major carbon sources in macrophages but not in animal models. Mol Microbiol 2018; 108:143-158. [PMID: 29411460 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania parasites target macrophages in their mammalian hosts and proliferate within the mature phagolysosome compartment of these cells. Intracellular amastigote stages are dependent on sugars as a major carbon source in vivo, but retain the capacity to utilize other carbon sources. To investigate whether amastigotes can switch to using other carbon sources, we have screened for suppressor strains of the L. mexicana Δlmxgt1-3 mutant which lacks the major glucose transporters LmxGT1-3. We identified a novel suppressor line (Δlmxgt1-3s2 ) that has restored growth in rich culture medium and virulence in ex vivo infected macrophages, but failed to induce lesions in mice. Δlmxgt1-3s2 amastigotes had lower rates of glucose utilization than the parental line and primarily catabolized non-essential amino acids. The increased mitochondrial metabolism of this line was associated with elevated levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, as well as increased sensitivity to inhibitors of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, including nitric oxide. These results suggest that hardwired sugar addiction of Leishmania amastigotes contributes to the intrinsic resistance of this stage to macrophage microbicidal processes in vivo, and that these stages have limited capacity to switch to using other carbon sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor C Saunders
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Thomas Naderer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Jenny Chambers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Scott M Landfear
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Malcolm J McConville
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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27
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Chandrasekera NS, Berube BJ, Shetye G, Chettiar S, O’Malley T, Manning A, Flint L, Awasthi D, Ioerger TR, Sacchettini J, Masquelin T, Hipskind PA, Odingo J, Parish T. Improved Phenoxyalkylbenzimidazoles with Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Appear to Target QcrB. ACS Infect Dis 2017; 3:898-916. [PMID: 29035551 PMCID: PMC5727484 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.7b00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The phenoxy alkyl benzimidazoles
(PABs) have good antitubercular activity. We expanded our structure–activity
relationship studies to determine the core components of PABs required
for activity. The most potent compounds had minimum inhibitory concentrations
against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the low nanomolar
range with very little cytotoxicity against eukaryotic cells as well
as activity against intracellular bacteria. We isolated resistant
mutants against PAB compounds, which had mutations in either Rv1339,
of unknown function, or qcrB, a component of the
cytochrome bc1 oxidase of the electron
transport chain. QcrB mutant strains were resistant to all PAB compounds,
whereas Rv1339 mutant strains were only resistant to a subset, suggesting
that QcrB is the target. The discovery of the target for PAB compounds
will allow for the improved design of novel compounds to target intracellular M. tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Susantha Chandrasekera
- TB Discovery Research, Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States
| | - Bryan J. Berube
- TB Discovery Research, Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States
| | - Gauri Shetye
- TB Discovery Research, Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States
| | - Somsundaram Chettiar
- TB Discovery Research, Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States
| | - Theresa O’Malley
- TB Discovery Research, Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States
| | - Alyssa Manning
- TB Discovery Research, Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States
| | - Lindsay Flint
- TB Discovery Research, Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States
| | - Divya Awasthi
- TB Discovery Research, Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States
| | | | | | - Thierry Masquelin
- Lilly Research Laboratories, 307 East Merrill Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Philip A. Hipskind
- Lilly Research Laboratories, 307 East Merrill Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Joshua Odingo
- TB Discovery Research, Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States
| | - Tanya Parish
- TB Discovery Research, Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, Washington 98102, United States
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28
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Ortiz D, Guiguemde WA, Hammill JT, Carrillo AK, Chen Y, Connelly M, Stalheim K, Elya C, Johnson A, Min J, Shelat A, Smithson DC, Yang L, Zhu F, Guy RK, Landfear SM. Discovery of novel, orally bioavailable, antileishmanial compounds using phenotypic screening. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006157. [PMID: 29287089 PMCID: PMC5764437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection that afflicts approximately 12 million people worldwide. There are several limitations to the approved drug therapies for leishmaniasis, including moderate to severe toxicity, growing drug resistance, and the need for extended dosing. Moreover, miltefosine is currently the only orally available drug therapy for this infection. We addressed the pressing need for new therapies by pursuing a two-step phenotypic screen to discover novel, potent, and orally bioavailable antileishmanials. First, we conducted a high-throughput screen (HTS) of roughly 600,000 small molecules for growth inhibition against the promastigote form of the parasite life cycle using the nucleic acid binding dye SYBR Green I. This screen identified approximately 2,700 compounds that inhibited growth by over 65% at a single point concentration of 10 μM. We next used this 2700 compound focused library to identify compounds that were highly potent against the disease-causing intra-macrophage amastigote form and exhibited limited toxicity toward the host macrophages. This two-step screening strategy uncovered nine unique chemical scaffolds within our collection, including two previously described antileishmanials. We further profiled two of the novel compounds for in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. Both compounds proved orally bioavailable, affording plasma exposures above the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) concentration for at least 12 hours. Both compounds were efficacious when administered orally in a murine model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. One of the two compounds exerted potent activity against trypanosomes, which are kinetoplastid parasites related to Leishmania species. Therefore, this compound could help control multiple parasitic diseases. The promising pharmacokinetic profile and significant in vivo efficacy observed from our HTS hits highlight the utility of our two-step phenotypic screening strategy and strongly suggest that medicinal chemistry optimization of these newly identified scaffolds will lead to promising candidates for an orally available anti-parasitic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Ortiz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - W. Armand Guiguemde
- Department of Chemical Biology and Theraputics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jared T. Hammill
- Department of Chemical Biology and Theraputics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Angela K. Carrillo
- Department of Chemical Biology and Theraputics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Yizhe Chen
- Department of Chemical Biology and Theraputics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Michele Connelly
- Department of Chemical Biology and Theraputics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Kayla Stalheim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Elya
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Alex Johnson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jaeki Min
- Department of Chemical Biology and Theraputics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Anang Shelat
- Department of Chemical Biology and Theraputics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - David C. Smithson
- Department of Chemical Biology and Theraputics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology and Theraputics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Fangyi Zhu
- Department of Chemical Biology and Theraputics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - R. Kiplin Guy
- Department of Chemical Biology and Theraputics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Scott M. Landfear
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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29
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Paladi CS, da Silva DAM, Motta PD, Garcia DM, Teixeira D, Longo-Maugéri IM, Katz S, Barbiéri CL. Treatment of Leishmania (Leishmania) Amazonensis-Infected Mice with a Combination of a Palladacycle Complex and Heat-Killed Propionibacterium acnes Triggers Protective Cellular Immune Responses. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:333. [PMID: 28321209 PMCID: PMC5337482 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Palladacycle complex DPPE 1.2 was previously reported to inhibit the in vitro and in vivo infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of DPPE 1.2, in association with heat-killed Propionibacterium acnes, on L. (L.) amazonensis infection in two mouse strains, BALB/c and C57BL/6, and to evaluate the immune responses of the treated animals. Foot lesions of L. (L.) amazonensis-infected mice were injected with DPPE 1.2 alone, or associated with P. acnes as an adjuvant. Analysis of T-cell populations in the treated mice and in untreated controls was performed by FACS. Detection of IFN-γ-secreting lymphocytes was carried out by an ELISPOT assay and active TGF-β was measured by means of a double-sandwich ELISA test. The treatment with DPPE 1.2 resulted in a significant reduction of foot lesion sizes and parasite burdens in both mouse strains, and the lowest parasite burden was found in mice treated with DPPE 1.2 plus P. acnes. Mice treated with DPPE 1.2 alone displayed a significant increase of TCD4+ and TCD8+ lymphocytes and IFN-γ secretion which were significantly higher in animals treated with DPPE 1.2 plus P. acnes. A significant reduction of active TGF-β was observed in mice treated with DPPE 1.2 alone or associated with P. acnes. Moreover, DPPE 1.2 associated to P. acnes was non-toxic to treated animals. The destruction of L. (L.) amazonensis by DPPE 1.2 was followed by host inflammatory responses which were exacerbated when the palladacycle complex was associated with P. acnes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina S Paladi
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle A M da Silva
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila D Motta
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel M Garcia
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Teixeira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ieda M Longo-Maugéri
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone Katz
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clara L Barbiéri
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
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Borghi SM, Fattori V, Conchon-Costa I, Pinge-Filho P, Pavanelli WR, Verri WA. Leishmania infection: painful or painless? Parasitol Res 2016; 116:465-475. [PMID: 27933392 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5340-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The complex life cycle and immunopathological features underpinning the interaction of Leishmania parasites and their mammalian hosts poses frequent poorly explored and inconclusively resolved questions. The altered nociceptive signals over the course of leishmaniasis remain an intriguing issue for nociceptive and parasitology researchers. Experimental investigations have utilized behavioral, morphological, and neuro-immune approaches in the study of experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). The data generated indicates new venues for the study of the pathological characteristics of nociceptive processing in this parasitic disease. Leishmania-induced pain may be easily observed in mice and rats. However, nociceptive data is more complex in human investigations, including the occurrence of painless lesions in mucocutaneous and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Data from recent decades indicate that humans can also be affected by pain-related symptoms, often distinct from the region of body infection. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying such variable nociceptive states in humans during the course of leishmaniasis are an active area of research. The present article reviews nociception in leishmaniasis, including in experimental models of CL and clinical reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio M Borghi
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Victor Fattori
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Phileno Pinge-Filho
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Wander R Pavanelli
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Waldiceu A Verri
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid PR445 KM380, Londrina, Paraná, 86057-970, Brazil.
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