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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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Žunec S, Vadlja D, Ramić A, Zandona A, Maraković N, Brekalo I, Primožič I, Katalinić M. Profiling Novel Quinuclidine-Based Derivatives as Potential Anticholinesterase Drugs: Enzyme Inhibition and Effects on Cell Viability. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:155. [PMID: 38203326 PMCID: PMC10778980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The cholinergic system, relying on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), plays a significant role in muscle contraction, cognition, and autonomic nervous system regulation. The enzymes acetylcholinesterase, AChE, and butyrylcholinesterase, BChE, responsible for hydrolyzing ACh, can fine-tune the cholinergic system's activity and are, therefore, excellent pharmacological targets to address a range of medical conditions. We designed, synthesized, and profiled 14 N-alkyl quaternary quinuclidines as inhibitors of human AChE and BChE and analyzed their impact on cell viability to assess their safety in the context of application as potential therapeutics. Our results showed that all of the 14 tested quinuclidines inhibited both AChE and BChE in the micromolar range (Ki = 0.26 - 156.2 μM). The highest inhibition potency was observed for two bisquaternary derivatives, 7 (1,1'-(decano)bis(3-hydroxyquinuclidinium bromide)) and 14 (1,1'-(decano)bis(3-hydroxyiminoquinuclidinium bromide)). The cytotoxic effect within 7-200 μM was observed only for monoquaternary quinuclidine derivatives, especially those with the C12-C16 alkyl chain. Further analysis revealed a time-independent mechanism of action, significant LDH release, and a decrease in the cells' mitochondrial membrane potential. Taking all results into consideration, we can confirm that a quinuclidine core presents a good scaffold for cholinesterase binding and that two bisquaternary quinuclidine derivatives could be considered as candidates worth further investigations as drugs acting in the cholinergic system. On the other hand, specific cell-related effects probably triggered by the free long alkyl chain in monoquaternary quinuclidine derivatives should not be neglected in future N-alkyl quaternary quinuclidine derivative structure refinements. Such an effect and their potential to interact with other specific targets, as indicated by a pharmacophore model, open up a new perspective for future investigations of these compounds' scaffold in the treatment of specific conditions and diseases other than cholinergic system-linked disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana Žunec
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.Ž.); (A.Z.); (N.M.)
| | - Donna Vadlja
- Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, Trg Kralja Petra Krešimira IV br. 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Alma Ramić
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.R.); (I.B.); (I.P.)
| | - Antonio Zandona
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.Ž.); (A.Z.); (N.M.)
| | - Nikola Maraković
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.Ž.); (A.Z.); (N.M.)
| | - Iva Brekalo
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.R.); (I.B.); (I.P.)
| | - Ines Primožič
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.R.); (I.B.); (I.P.)
| | - Maja Katalinić
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.Ž.); (A.Z.); (N.M.)
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Visbal G, Justo RMS, dos Santos da Silva e Miranda G, Teixeira de Macedo Silva S, de Souza W, Rodrigues JCF, Navarro M. Zinc(II)-Sterol Hydrazone Complex as a Potent Anti-Leishmania Agent: Synthesis, Characterization, and Insight into Its Mechanism of Antiparasitic Action. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041113. [PMID: 37111599 PMCID: PMC10142724 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Searching for new alternatives for treating leishmaniasis, we present the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation against Leishmania amazonensis of the new ZnCl2(H3)2 complex. H3 is 22-hydrazone-imidazoline-2-yl-chol-5-ene-3β-ol, a well-known bioactive molecule functioning as a sterol Δ24-sterol methyl transferase (24-SMT) inhibitor. The ZnCl2(H3)2 complex was characterized by infrared, UV-vis, molar conductance measurements, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and NMR experiments. The biological results showed that the free ligand H3 and ZnCl2(H3)2 significantly inhibited the growth of promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. The IC50 values found for H3 and ZnCl2(H3)2 were 5.2 µM and 2.5 µM for promastigotes, and 543 nM and 32 nM for intracellular amastigotes, respectively. Thus, the ZnCl2(H3)2 complex proved to be seventeen times more potent than the free ligand H3 against the intracellular amastigote, the clinically relevant stage. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays and determination of selectivity index (SI) revealed that ZnCl2(H3)2 (CC50 = 5 μΜ, SI = 156) is more selective than H3 (CC50 = 10 μΜ, SI = 20). Furthermore, as H3 is a specific inhibitor of the 24-SMT, free sterol analysis was performed. The results showed that H3 was not only able to induce depletion of endogenous parasite sterols (episterol and 5-dehydroepisterol) and their replacement by 24-desalkyl sterols (cholesta-5,7,24-trien-3β-ol and cholesta-7,24-dien-3β-ol) but also its zinc derivative resulting in a loss of cell viability. Using electron microscopy, studies on the fine ultrastructure of the parasites showed significant differences between the control cells and parasites treated with H3 and ZnCl2(H3)2. The inhibitors induced membrane wrinkle, mitochondrial injury, and abnormal chromatin condensation changes that are more intense in the cells treated with ZnCl2(H3)2.
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Barbosa DCDS, Holanda VN, Ghosh A, Maia RT, da Silva WV, Lima VLDM, da Silva MV, Dos Santos Correia MT, de Figueiredo RCBQ. Leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activity of essential oil from the fruit peel of Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg: Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations of its major constituent onto Leishmania enzyme targets. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:13001-13016. [PMID: 34632943 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1978320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected disease characterized by highest morbidity rates worldwide. The available treatment for CL has several limitations including serious side effects and resistance to the treatment. Herein we aimed to evaluate the activity of essential oil from the peel of Myrciaria floribunda fruits (MfEO) on Leishmania amazonensis. The cytotoxic potential of MfEO on host mammalian cells was evaluated by MTT. The in vitro leishmanicidal effects of MfEO were investigated on the promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms. The ultrastructural changes induced by MfEO were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The molecular docking of the major compounds δ-Cadinene, γ-Cadinene, γ-Muurolene, α-Selinene, α-Muurolene and (E)-Caryophyllene onto the enzymes trypanothione reductase (TreR) and sterol 14-alpha demethylase (C14DM) were performed. Our results showed that MfEO presented moderate cytotoxicity for Vero cells and macrophages. The MfEO inhibited the growth of promastigote and the survival of intracellular amastigotes, in a dose- and time- dependent way. The MfEO presented high selectivity towards amastigote forms, being 44.1 times more toxic for this form than to macrophages. Molecular docking analysis showed that the major compounds of MfEO interact with Leishmania enzymes and that δ-Cadinene (δ-CAD) presented favorable affinity energy values over TreR and C14DM enzymes, when compared with the other major constituents. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies revealed a stable binding of δ-CAD with lowest binding free energy values in MMGBSA assay. Our results suggested that δ-CAD may be a potent inhibitor of TreR and C14DM enzymes. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanderlan Nogueira Holanda
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.,Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Arabinda Ghosh
- Microbiology Division, Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Rafael Trindade Maia
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Sustentável do Semiárido, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Sumé, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Vera Lúcia de Menezes Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Márcia Vanusa da Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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de Macedo-Silva ST, Visbal G, Souza GF, Dos Santos MR, Cämmerer SB, de Souza W, Rodrigues JCF. Benzylamines as highly potent inhibitors of the sterol biosynthesis pathway in Leishmania amazonensis leading to oxidative stress and ultrastructural alterations. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11313. [PMID: 35788652 PMCID: PMC9253131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15449-3] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. Benzylamines are a class of compounds selectively designed to inhibit the squalene synthase (SQS) that catalyzes the first committed reaction on the sterol biosynthesis pathway. Herein, we studied seven new benzylamines (SBC 37–43) against Leishmania amazonensis. After the first screening of cell viability, two inhibitors (SBC 39 and SBC 40) were selected. Against intracellular amastigotes, SBC 39 and SBC 40 presented selectivity indexes of 117.7 and 180, respectively, indicating high selectivity. Analysis of the sterol composition revealed a depletion of endogenous 24-alkylated sterols such as episterol and 5-dehydroepisterol, with a concomitant accumulation of fecosterol, implying a disturbance in cellular lipid content. This result suggests a blockade of de novo sterol synthesis at the level of SQS and C-5 desaturase. Furthermore, physiological analysis and electron microscopy revealed three main alterations: (1) in the mitochondrion; (2) the presence of lipid bodies and autophagosomes; and (3) the appearance of projections in the plasma membrane. In conclusion, our results support the notion that benzylamines have a potent effect against Leishmania amazonensis and should be an exciting novel pharmaceutical lead for developing new chemotherapeutic alternatives to treat leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Teixeira de Macedo-Silva
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, CENABIO, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Visbal
- Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia, Inmetro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Simon B Cämmerer
- Instituto de Química, Departamento de Química Orgânica, UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliany Cola Fernandes Rodrigues
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Biologia, Divisão Biologia (NUMPEX-BIO), Campus UFRJ-Duque de Caxias Prof. Geraldo Cidade, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia Washington Luiz, n. 19.593, km 104.5-Santa Cruz da Serra, Duque de Caxias, RJ, 25.240-005, Brazil.
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Sakyi PO, Amewu RK, Devine RNOA, Bienibuor AK, Miller WA, Kwofie SK. Unravelling the myth surrounding sterol biosynthesis as plausible target for drug design against leishmaniasis. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:1152-1171. [PMID: 34790000 PMCID: PMC8556451 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01390-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mortality rate of leishmaniasis is increasing at an alarming rate and is currently second to malaria amongst the other neglected tropical diseases. Unfortunately, many governments and key stakeholders are not investing enough in the development of new therapeutic interventions. The available treatment options targeting different pathways of the parasite have seen inefficiencies, drug resistance, and toxic side effects coupled with longer treatment durations. Numerous studies to understand the biochemistry of leishmaniasis and its pathogenesis have identified druggable targets including ornithine decarboxylase, trypanothione reductase, and pteridine reductase, which are relevant for the survival and growth of the parasites. Another plausible target is the sterol biosynthetic pathway; however, this has not been fully investigated. Sterol biosynthesis is essential for the survival of the Leishmania species because its inhibition could lead to the death of the parasites. This review seeks to evaluate how critical the enzymes involved in sterol biosynthetic pathway are to the survival of the leishmania parasite. The review also highlights both synthetic and natural product compounds with their IC50 values against selected enzymes. Finally, recent advancements in drug design strategies targeting the sterol biosynthesis pathway of Leishmania are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O. Sakyi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 56, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Richard K. Amewu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 56, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Robert N. O. A. Devine
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Alfred K. Bienibuor
- Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Box 214, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Whelton A. Miller
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153 USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, IL 19104 USA
| | - Samuel K. Kwofie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic & Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB LG 77, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Glanzmann N, Antinarelli LMR, da Costa Nunes IK, Pereira HMG, Coelho EAF, Coimbra ES, da Silva AD. Synthesis and biological activity of novel 4-aminoquinoline/1,2,3-triazole hybrids against Leishmania amazonensis. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 141:111857. [PMID: 34323702 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Quinoline and 1,2,3-triazoles are well-known nitrogen-based heterocycles presenting diverse pharmacological properties, although their antileishmanial activity is still poorly exploited. As an effort to contribute with studies involving these interesting chemical groups, in the present study, a series of compounds derived from 4-aminoquinoline and 1,2,3-triazole were synthetized and biological studies using L. amazonensis species were performed. The results pointed that the derivative 4, a hybrid of 4-aminoquinoline/1,2,3-triazole exhibited the best antileishmanial action, with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of ~1 µM against intramacrophage amastigotes of L. amazonensis , and being 16-fold more active to parasites than to the host cell. The mechanism of action of derivative 4 suggest a multi-target action on Leishmania parasites, since the treatment of L. amazonensis promastigotes caused mitochondrial membrane depolarization, accumulation of ROS products, plasma membrane permeabilization, increase in neutral lipids, exposure of phosphatidylserine to the cell surface, changes in the cell cycle and DNA fragmentation. The results suggest that the antileishmanial effect of this compound is primarily altering critical biochemical processes for the correct functioning of organelles and macromolecules of parasites, with consequent cell death by processes related to apoptosis-like and necrosis. No up-regulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates was promoted by derivative 4 on L. amazonensis -infected macrophages, suggesting a mechanism of action independent from the activation of the host cell. In conclusion, data suggest that derivative 4 presents selective antileishmanial effect, which is associated with multi-target action, and can be considered for future studies for the treatment against disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nícolas Glanzmann
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36.036-900, Brazil
| | - Luciana Maria Ribeiro Antinarelli
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36.036-900, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30.130-100, Brazil
| | - Isabelle Karine da Costa Nunes
- Laboratório de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Polo de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-598, Brazil
| | - Henrique Marcelo Gualberto Pereira
- Laboratório de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Polo de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro 21.941-598, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30.130-100, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Elaine Soares Coimbra
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36.036-900, Brazil
| | - Adilson David da Silva
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais 36.036-900, Brazil.
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Acarbose presents in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activity against Leishmania infantum and is a promising therapeutic candidate against visceral leishmaniasis. Med Microbiol Immunol 2021; 210:133-147. [PMID: 33870453 PMCID: PMC8053370 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-021-00707-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Treatment against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is mainly hampered by drug toxicity, long treatment regimens and/or high costs. Thus, the identification of novel and low-cost antileishmanial agents is urgent. Acarbose (ACA) is a specific inhibitor of glucosidase-like proteins, which has been used for treating diabetes. In the present study, we show that this molecule also presents in vitro and in vivo specific antileishmanial activity against Leishmania infantum. Results showed an in vitro direct action against L. infantum promastigotes and amastigotes, and low toxicity to mammalian cells. In addition, in vivo experiments performed using free ACA or incorporated in a Pluronic® F127-based polymeric micelle system called ACA/Mic proved effective for the treatment of L. infantum-infected BALB/c mice. Treated animals presented significant reductions in the parasite load in their spleens, livers, bone marrows and draining lymph nodes when compared to the controls, as well as the development of antileishmanial Th1-type humoral and cellular responses based on high levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α, GM-CSF, nitrite and IgG2a isotype antibodies. In addition, ACA or ACA-treated animals suffered from low organ toxicity. Treatment with ACA/Mic outperformed treatments using either Miltefosine or free ACA based on parasitological and immunological evaluations performed one and 15 days post-therapy. In conclusion, data suggest that the ACA/Mic is a potential therapeutic agent against L. infantum and merits further consideration for VL treatment.
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Zuma AA, Teixeira de Macedo-Silva S, Achari A, Vinayagam J, Bhattacharjee P, Chatterjee S, Gupta VK, Cristina de Sousa Leite A, Souza de Castro L, Jaisankar P, de Souza W. Furan derivatives impair proliferation and affect ultrastructural organization of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania amazonensis. Exp Parasitol 2021; 224:108100. [PMID: 33744229 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are neglected diseases caused by parasites of the Trypanosomatidae family and together they affect millions of people in the five continents. The treatment of Chagas disease is based on benznidazole, whereas for leishmaniasis few drugs are available, such as amphotericin B and miltefosine. In both cases, the current treatment is not entirely efficient due to toxicity or side effects. Encouraged by the need to discover valid targets and new treatment options, we evaluated 8 furan compounds against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania amazonensis, considering their effects against proliferation, infection, and ultrastructure. Many of them were able to impair T. cruzi and L. amazonensis proliferation, as well as cause ultrastructural alterations, such as Golgi apparatus disorganization, autophagosome formation, and mitochondrial swelling. Taken together, the results obtained so far make these compounds eligible for further steps of chemotherapy study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Araujo Zuma
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Sara Teixeira de Macedo-Silva
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Anushree Achari
- Organic & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700 032, India
| | - Jayaraman Vinayagam
- Organic & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700 032, India
| | - Pinaki Bhattacharjee
- Organic & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700 032, India
| | - Sourav Chatterjee
- Organic & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700 032, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Gupta
- Organic & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700 032, India
| | - Amanda Cristina de Sousa Leite
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Lucas Souza de Castro
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Parasuraman Jaisankar
- Organic & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700 032, India.
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-902, Brazil.
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Holanda VN, Silva WVD, Nascimento PHD, Silva SRB, Cabral Filho PE, Assis SPDO, Silva CAD, Oliveira RND, Figueiredo RCBQD, Lima VLDM. Antileishmanial activity of 4-phenyl-1-[2-(phthalimido-2-yl)ethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole (PT4) derivative on Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis: In silico ADMET, in vitro activity, docking and molecular dynamic simulations. Bioorg Chem 2020; 105:104437. [PMID: 33339081 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Organic compounds obtained by click chemistry reactions have demonstrated a broad spectrum of biological activities being widely applied for the development of molecules against pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by intracellular protozoa parasite of genus Leishmania, comprises a complex of clinical manifestations that affect the skin and mucous membranes. The available drugs for the treatment are toxic and costly, with long periods of treatment, and the emergence of resistant strains has been reported. In this study we investigated the in vitro effects of a phthalimide-1,2,3-triazole derivative, the 4-Phenyl-1-[2-(phthalimido-2-yl)ethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole (PT4) obtained by click chemistry, on mammalian cells and on L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis, the causative agents of CL in Brazil. In silico ADMET evaluation of PT4 showed that this molecule has good pharmacokinetic properties with no violation of Lipinski's rules. The in vitro assays showed that PT4 was more selective for both Leishmania species than to mammalian cells. This compound also presented low cytotoxicity to mammalian cells with CC50 > 500 μM. Treatment of promastigote forms with different concentrations of PT4 resulted in ultrastructural alterations, such as plasma membrane wrinkling, shortening of cell body, increased cell volume and cell rupture. The molecular dynamic simulations showed that PT4 interacts with Lanosterol 14 α-demethylase from Leishmania, an essential enzyme of lipid synthesis pathway in this parasite. Our results demonstrated PT4 was effective against both species of Leishmania. PT4 caused a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and increased production of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to parasite death. Taken together, our results pointed PT4 as promissing therapeutic agent against CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanderlan Nogueira Holanda
- Laboratório de Lipídios e Aplicação de Biomoléculas em Doenças Prevalentes e Negligenciadas. Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Patógenos, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Microbiologia, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Welson Vicente da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Patógenos, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Microbiologia, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Patógenos, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Microbiologia, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Ruschi Bergamachi Silva
- Instituto do Cérebro, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Nascimento de Castro, 2155 - Morro Branco, 59056-450 Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Paulo Euzébio Cabral Filho
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Shalom Porto de Oliveira Assis
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Ambientais e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, Rua do Príncipe, 526, 50050-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - César Augusto da Silva
- Colegiado de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Avenida José de Sá Maniçoba, s/n - Campus Universitário, 56304-205 Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Nascimento de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Síntese de Compostos Bioativos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Regina Celia Bressan Queiroz de Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Patógenos, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Microbiologia, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia de Menezes Lima
- Laboratório de Lipídios e Aplicação de Biomoléculas em Doenças Prevalentes e Negligenciadas. Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil.
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12
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In Vitro Effect of Pitavastatin and Its Synergistic Activity with Isavuconazole against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090681. [PMID: 32825652 PMCID: PMC7559540 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) can occur in healthy individuals wearing contact lenses and it is a painful, blinding infection of the cornea caused by a free-living ameba Acanthamoeba. Current treatment for AK relies on a combination of chlorhexidine, propamidine isethionate, and polyhexamethylene biguanide. However, the current regimen includes an aggressive disinfectant and in 10% of cases recurrent infection ensues. Therefore, development of efficient and safe drugs is a critical unmet need to avert blindness. Acanthamoeba sterol biosynthesis includes two essential enzymes HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) and sterol 14-demethylase (CYP51), and we earlier identified a CYP51 inhibitor isavuconazole that demonstrated nanomolar potency against A. castellanii trophozoites. In this study, we investigated the effect of well-tolerated HMGR inhibitors and identified pitavastatin that is active against trophozoites of three different clinical strains of A.castellanii. Pitavastatin demonstrated an EC50 of 0.5 to 1.9 µM, depending on strains. Combination of pitavastatin and isavuconazole is synergistic and led to 2- to 9-fold dose reduction for pitavastatin and 11- to 4000-fold dose reduction for isavuconazole to achieve 97% of growth inhibition. Pitavastatin, either alone or in combination with isavuconazole, may lead to repurposing for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Kourounakis AP, Bavavea E. New applications of squalene synthase inhibitors: Membrane cholesterol as a therapeutic target. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2020; 353:e2000085. [PMID: 32557793 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202000085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Squalene synthase (SQS) inhibitors, mostly known as antihyperlipidemic agents for controlling blood cholesterol levels, have been increasingly used to study alterations of the cholesterol content in cell membranes. As such, SQS inhibitors have been demonstrated to control cellular activities related to cancer cell proliferation and migration, neuron degeneration, and parasite growth. While the mechanisms behind the effects of cellular cholesterol are still being revealed in detail, the evidence for SQS as a therapeutic target for several seemingly unrelated diseases is increasing. SQS inhibitors may be the next promising candidates targeting the three remaining primary therapeutic areas, beyond cardiovascular disease, which still need to be addressed; their application as anticancer, antimicrobial, and antineurodegenerative agents appears promising for new drug discovery projects underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki P Kourounakis
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eugenia Bavavea
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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14
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Synthesis and trypanocidal activity of novel pyridinyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 127:110162. [PMID: 32407986 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, we present the design, synthesis and trypanocidal evaluation of sixteen new 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives from N-aminobenzyl or N-arylhydrazone series. All derivatives were assayed against the trypomastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi, showing IC50 values ranging from 3 to 226 μM, and a better trypanocidal profile was demonstrated for the 1,3,4-thiadiazole-N-arylhydrazones (3a-g). In this series, the 2-pyridinyl fragment bound to the imine subunit of the hydrazine moiety presented pharmacophoric behavior for trypanocidal activity. Compounds 2a, 11a and 3e presented remarkable activity and excellent selectivity indexes. Compound 2a was also active against the intracellular amastigote form of T. cruzi. Moreover, its corresponding hydrochloride, compound 11a, showed the most promising profile, producing phenotypic changes similar to those caused by posaconazole, a well-known inhibitor of sterol biosynthesis. Thus, 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivative 11a could be considered a good prototype for the development of new drug candidates for Chagas disease therapy.
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15
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Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel Zinc-Itraconazole Complexes in Protozoan Parasites and Sporothrix spp. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01980-19. [PMID: 32152072 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01980-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The new complexes Zn(ITZ)2Cl2 (1) and Zn(ITZ)2(OH)2 (2) were synthetized by a reaction of itraconazole with their respective zinc salts under reflux. These Zn-ITZ complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivity, mass spectrometry, 1H and 13C{1H} nuclear magnetic resonance, and UV-vis and infrared spectroscopies. The antiparasitic and antifungal activity of Zn-ITZ complexes was evaluated against three protozoans of medical importance, namely, Leishmania amazonensis, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Toxoplasma gondii, and two fungi, namely, Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii The Zn-ITZ complexes exhibited a broad spectrum of action, with antiparasitic and antifungal activity in low concentrations. The strategy of combining zinc with ITZ was efficient to enhance ITZ activity since Zn-ITZ-complexes were more active than the azole alone. This study opens perspectives for future applications of these Zn-ITZ complexes in the treatment of parasitic diseases and sporotrichosis.
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Bazina L, Maravić A, Krce L, Soldo B, Odžak R, Popović VB, Aviani I, Primožič I, Šprung M. Discovery of novel quaternary ammonium compounds based on quinuclidine-3-ol as new potential antimicrobial candidates. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 163:626-635. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Guo X, Shen H, Liu Y, Wang Q, Wang X, Peng C, Liu W, Zhao ZK. Enabling Heterologous Synthesis of Lupulones in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2019; 188:787-797. [PMID: 30684240 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-019-02957-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Lupulones, naturally produced by glandular trichomes of hop (Humulus lupulus), are prenylated phloroglucinol derivatives that contribute the bitter flavor of beer and demonstrate antimicrobial and anticancer activities. It is appealing to develop microbial cell factories such that lupulones may be produced via fermentation technology in lieu of extraction from limited plant resources. In this study, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformants harboring a synthetic lupulone pathway that consisted of five genes from hop were constructed. The transformants accumulated several precursors but failed to accumulate lupulones. Overexpression of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl co-enzyme A reductase, the key enzyme in precursor formation in the mevalonate pathway, also failed to achieve a detectable level of lupulones. To decrease the consumption of the precursors, the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway was chemically downregulated by a small molecule ketoconazole, leading to successful production of lupulones. Our study demonstrated a combination of molecular biology and chemical biology to regulate the metabolism for heterologous production of lupulones. The strategy may be valuable for future engineering microbial process for other prenylated natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojia Guo
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hongwei Shen
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yuxue Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Chang Peng
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Wujun Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Zongbao K Zhao
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China.
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Zhou W, Debnath A, Jennings G, Hahn HJ, Vanderloop BH, Chaudhuri M, Nes WD, Podust LM. Enzymatic chokepoints and synergistic drug targets in the sterol biosynthesis pathway of Naegleria fowleri. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007245. [PMID: 30212566 PMCID: PMC6136796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that can also act as an opportunistic pathogen causing severe brain infection, primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), in humans. The high mortality rate of PAM (exceeding 97%) is attributed to (i) delayed diagnosis, (ii) lack of safe and effective anti-N. fowleri drugs, and (iii) difficulty of delivering drugs to the brain. Our work addresses identification of new molecular targets that may link anti-Naegleria drug discovery to the existing pharmacopeia of brain-penetrant drugs. Using inhibitors with known mechanism of action as molecular probes, we mapped the sterol biosynthesis pathway of N. fowleri by GC-MS analysis of metabolites. Based on this analysis, we chemically validated two enzymes downstream to CYP51, sterol C24-methyltransferase (SMT, ERG6) and sterol Δ8-Δ7 -isomerase (ERG2), as potential therapeutic drug targets in N. fowleri. The sterol biosynthetic cascade in N. fowleri displayed a mixture of canonical features peculiar to different domains of life: lower eukaryotes, plants and vertebrates. In addition to the cycloartenol→ergosterol biosynthetic route, a route leading to de novo cholesterol biosynthesis emerged. Isotopic labeling of the de novo-synthesized sterols by feeding N. gruberi trophozoites on the U13C-glucose-containing growth medium identified an exogenous origin of cholesterol, while 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) had enriched 13C-content, suggesting a dual origin of this metabolite both from de novo biosynthesis and metabolism of scavenged cholesterol. Sterol homeostasis in Naegleria may be orchestrated over the course of its life-cycle by a "switch" between ergosterol and cholesterol biosynthesis. By demonstrating the growth inhibition and synergistic effects of the sterol biosynthesis inhibitors, we validated new, potentially druggable, molecular targets in N. fowleri. The similarity of the Naegleria sterol Δ8-Δ7 -isomerase to the human non-opioid σ1 receptor, implicated in human CNS conditions such as addiction, amnesia, pain and depression, provides an incentive to assess structurally diverse small-molecule brain-penetrant drugs targeting the human receptor for anti-Naegleria activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxu Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Gareth Jennings
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Hye Jee Hahn
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Boden H. Vanderloop
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Minu Chaudhuri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - W. David Nes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Larissa M. Podust
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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Isobenzofuranone derivative JVPH3, an inhibitor of L. donovani topoisomerase II, disrupts mitochondrial architecture in trypanosomatid parasites. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11940. [PMID: 30093616 PMCID: PMC6085290 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30405-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) bearing unusual mitochondrion of trypanosomatid parasites offers a new paradigm in chemotherapy modality. Topoisomerase II of Leishmania donovani (LdTopII), a key enzyme associated with kDNA replication, is emerging as a potential drug target. However, mode of action of LdTopII targeted compounds in the parasites at sub-cellular level remains largely unknown. Previously, we reported that an isobenzofuranone derivative, namely 3,5-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-7-hydroxyisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (JVPH3), targets LdTopII and induces apoptosis-like cell death in L. donovani. Here, we elucidate the phenotypic changes and the events occurring at sub-cellular level caused by JVPH3 in L. donovani. In addition, we have evaluated the cytotoxicity and ultrastructural alterations caused by JVPH3 in two brazilian trypanosomatid pathogens viz. L. amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite killing these parasites, JVPH3 caused significantly different phenotypes in L. donovani and L. amazonensis. More than 90% population of parasites showed altered morphology. Mitochondrion was a major target organelle subsequently causing kinetoplast network disorganization in Leishmania. Altered mitochondrial architecture was evident in 75–80% Leishmania population being investigated. Quantification of mitochondrial function using JC-1 fluorophore to measure a possible mitochondrial membrane depolarization further confirmed the mitochondrion as an essential target of the JVPH3 corroborating with the phenotype observed by electron microscopy. However, the impact of JVPH3 was lesser on T. cruzi than Leishmania. The molecule caused mitochondrial alteration in 40% population of the epimastigotes being investigated. To our knowledge, this is the first report to evaluate the proliferation pattern and ultrastructural alterations caused in Brazilian kinetoplastid pathogens by a synthetic LdTopII inhibitor previously established to have promising in vivo activity against Indian strain of L. donovani.
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Teixeira de Macedo Silva S, Visbal G, Lima Prado Godinho J, Urbina JA, de Souza W, Cola Fernandes Rodrigues J. In vitro antileishmanial activity of ravuconazole, a triazole antifungal drug, as a potential treatment for leishmaniasis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2018; 73:2360-2373. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Teixeira de Macedo Silva
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Visbal
- Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joseane Lima Prado Godinho
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Julio A Urbina
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliany Cola Fernandes Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa UFRJ-Xerém, Divisão Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Vijayakumar S, Das P. Recent progress in drug targets and inhibitors towards combating leishmaniasis. Acta Trop 2018; 181:95-104. [PMID: 29452111 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lesihmaniasis is one of the major neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite of the genus Leishmania. The disease has more than one clinical forms and the visceral form is considered fatal. With the lack of potential vaccine, chemotherapy is the major treatment source considered for the control of the disease in the infected people. Drugs including amphotericin B and miltefosine are widely used for the treatment, however, development of resistance by the parasite towards the administered drug and high-toxicity of the drug are of major concern. Hence, more attention has been shown on identifying new targets, effective inhibitors, and better drug delivery system against the disease. This review deals with recent studies on drug targets and exploring their essentiality for the survival of Leishmania. Further, new inhibitors for those targets, novel anti-leishmanial peptides and vaccines against leishmaniasis were discussed. We believe that this pool of information will ease the researchers to gain knowledge and help in choosing right targets and design of new inhibitors against Leishmaniasis.
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Antileishmanial Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of DB766-Azole Combinations. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 62:AAC.01129-17. [PMID: 29061761 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01129-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the limitations of current antileishmanial drugs and the utility of oral combination therapy for other infections, developing an oral combination against visceral leishmaniasis should be a high priority. In vitro combination studies with DB766 and antifungal azoles against intracellular Leishmania donovani showed that posaconazole and ketoconazole, but not fluconazole, enhanced DB766 potency. Pharmacokinetic analysis of DB766-azole combinations in uninfected Swiss Webster mice revealed that DB766 exposure was increased by higher posaconazole and ketoconazole doses, while DB766 decreased ketoconazole exposure. In L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice, DB766-posaconazole combinations given orally for 5 days were more effective than DB766 or posaconazole alone. For example, 81% ± 1% (means ± standard errors) inhibition of liver parasite burden was observed for 37.5 mg/kg of body weight DB766 plus 15 mg/kg posaconazole, while 37.5 mg/kg DB766 and 15 mg/kg posaconazole administered as monotherapy gave 40% ± 5% and 21% ± 3% inhibition, respectively. Combination index (CI) analysis indicated that synergy or moderate synergy was observed in six of nine combined dose groups, while the other three were nearly additive. Liver concentrations of DB766 and posaconazole increased in almost all combination groups compared to monotherapy groups, although many increases were not statistically significant. For DB766-ketoconazole combinations evaluated in this model, two were antagonistic, one displayed synergy, and one was nearly additive. These data indicate that the efficacy of DB766-posaconazole and DB766-ketoconazole combinations in vivo is influenced in part by the pharmacokinetics of the combination, and that the former combination deserves further consideration in developing new treatment strategies against visceral leishmaniasis.
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Chao MN, Storey M, Li C, Rodríguez MG, Di Salvo F, Szajnman SH, Moreno SN, Docampo R, Rodriguez JB. Selenium-containing analogues of WC-9 are extremely potent inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi proliferation. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6435-6449. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Debnath A, Calvet CM, Jennings G, Zhou W, Aksenov A, Luth MR, Abagyan R, Nes WD, McKerrow JH, Podust LM. CYP51 is an essential drug target for the treatment of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006104. [PMID: 29284029 PMCID: PMC5746216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba that occasionally infects humans. While considered "rare" (but likely underreported) the high mortality rate and lack of established success in treatment makes PAM a particularly devastating infection. In the absence of economic inducements to invest in development of anti-PAM drugs by the pharmaceutical industry, anti-PAM drug discovery largely relies on drug 'repurposing'-a cost effective strategy to apply known drugs for treatment of rare or neglected diseases. Similar to fungi, N. fowleri has an essential requirement for ergosterol, a building block of plasma and cell membranes. Disruption of sterol biosynthesis by small-molecule inhibitors is a validated interventional strategy against fungal pathogens of medical and agricultural importance. The N. fowleri genome encodes the sterol 14-demethylase (CYP51) target sharing ~35% sequence identity to fungal orthologues. The similarity of targets raises the possibility of repurposing anti-mycotic drugs and optimization of their usage for the treatment of PAM. In this work, we (i) systematically assessed the impact of anti-fungal azole drugs, known as conazoles, on sterol biosynthesis and viability of cultured N. fowleri trophozotes, (ii) identified the endogenous CYP51 substrate by mass spectrometry analysis of N. fowleri lipids, and (iii) analyzed the interactions between the recombinant CYP51 target and conazoles by UV-vis spectroscopy and x-ray crystallography. Collectively, the target-based and parasite-based data obtained in these studies validated CYP51 as a potentially 'druggable' target in N. fowleri, and conazole drugs as the candidates for assessment in the animal model of PAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Claudia M. Calvet
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Cellular Ultrastructure Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gareth Jennings
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Wenxu Zhou
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexander Aksenov
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Madeline R. Luth
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Ruben Abagyan
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - W. David Nes
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Larissa M. Podust
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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Stroppa PH, Antinarelli LM, Carmo AM, Gameiro J, Coimbra ES, da Silva AD. Effect of 1,2,3-triazole salts, non-classical bioisosteres of miltefosine, on Leishmania amazonensis. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:3034-3045. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Renata SG, Ana CFA, Suzana CR, Rosana CL, Celuta SA, Alane BV, Daniela SA, Igor AR. Antileishmanial effects of the alkaloid-rich fraction of Quassia amara L. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.5897/jmpr2016.6253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Antileishmanial Activity of Ezetimibe: Inhibition of Sterol Biosynthesis, In Vitro Synergy with Azoles, and Efficacy in Experimental Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:6844-6852. [PMID: 27600041 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01545-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis affects mainly low-income populations in tropical regions. Radical innovation in drug discovery is time-consuming and expensive, imposing severe restrictions on the ability to launch new chemical entities for the treatment of neglected diseases. Drug repositioning is an attractive strategy for addressing a specific demand more easily. In this project, we have evaluated the antileishmanial activities of 30 drugs currently in clinical use for various morbidities. Ezetimibe, clinically used to reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption in dyslipidemic patients, killed Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 30 μM. Morphological analysis revealed that ezetimibe caused the parasites to become rounded, with multiple nuclei and flagella. Analysis by gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) showed that promastigotes treated with ezetimibe had smaller amounts of C-14-demethylated sterols, and accumulated more cholesterol and lanosterol, than untreated promastigotes. We then evaluated the combination of ezetimibe with well-known antileishmanial azoles. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) indicated synergy when ezetimibe was combined with ketoconazole or miconazole. The activity of ezetimibe against intracellular amastigotes was confirmed, with an IC50 of 20 μM, and ezetimibe reduced the IC90s of ketoconazole and miconazole from 11.3 and 11.5 μM to 4.14 and 8.25 μM, respectively. Subsequently, we confirmed the activity of ezetimibe in vivo, showing that it decreased lesion development and parasite loads in murine cutaneous leishmaniasis. We concluded that ezetimibe has promising antileishmanial activity and should be considered in combination with azoles in further preclinical and clinical studies.
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Zhu X, Farahat AA, Mattamana M, Joice A, Pandharkar T, Holt E, Banerjee M, Gragg JL, Hu L, Kumar A, Yang S, Wang MZ, Boykin DW, Werbovetz KA. Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of mono-arylimidamides as antileishmanial agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:2551-2556. [PMID: 27048943 PMCID: PMC4841789 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.03.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Arylimidamide (AIA) compounds containing two pyridylimidamide terminal groups (bis-AIAs) possess outstanding in vitro antileishmanial activity, and the frontrunner bis-AIA DB766 (2,5-bis[2-(2-isopropoxy)-4-(2-pyridylimino)aminophenyl]furan) is active in visceral leishmaniasis models when given orally. Eighteen compounds containing a single pyridylimidamide terminal group (mono-AIAs) were synthesized and evaluated for their antileishmanial potential. Six of these compounds exhibited sub-micromolar potency against both intracellular Leishmania donovani and Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes, and three of these compounds also displayed selectivity indexes of 25 or greater for the parasites compared to a J774 macrophage cell line. When given orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for five days, compound 1b (N-(3-isopropoxy-4-(5-phenylfuran-2-yl)phenyl)picolinimidamide methanesulfonate) reduced liver parasitemia by 46% in L. donovani-infected mice. Mono-AIAs are thus a new class of candidate molecules for antileishmanial drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Zhu
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Abdelbasset A Farahat
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Meena Mattamana
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - April Joice
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Trupti Pandharkar
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Elizabeth Holt
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Moloy Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Jamie L Gragg
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Laixing Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA; Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Sihyung Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Michael Zhuo Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - David W Boykin
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Karl A Werbovetz
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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