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Gulin JEN, Bisio MMC, Rocco D, Altcheh J, Solana ME, García-Bournissen F. Miltefosine and Benznidazole Combination Improve Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:855119. [PMID: 35865815 PMCID: PMC9294734 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.855119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing and combination therapy have been proposed as cost-effective strategies to improve Chagas disease treatment. Miltefosine (MLT), a synthetic alkylphospholipid initially developed for breast cancer and repositioned for leishmaniasis, is a promising candidate against Trypanosoma cruzi infection. This study evaluates the efficacy of MLT as a monodrug and combined with benznidazole (BZ) in both in vitro and in vivo models of infection with T. cruzi (VD strain, DTU TcVI). MLT exhibited in vitro activity on amastigotes and trypomastigotes with values of IC50 = 0.51 µM (0.48 µM; 0,55 µM) and LC50 = 31.17 µM (29.56 µM; 32.87 µM), respectively. Drug interaction was studied with the fixed-ration method. The sum of the fractional inhibitory concentrations (ΣFICs) resulted in ∑FIC= 0.45 for trypomastigotes and ∑FIC= 0.71 for amastigotes, suggesting in vitro synergistic and additive effects, respectively. No cytotoxic effects on host cells were observed. MLT efficacy was also evaluated in a murine model of acute infection alone or combined with BZ. Treatment was well tolerated with few adverse effects, and all treated animals displayed significantly lower mean peak parasitemia and mortality than infected non-treated controls (p<0.05). The in vivo studies showed that MLT led to a dose-dependent parasitostatic effect as monotherapy which could be improved by combining with BZ, preventing parasitemia rebound after a stringent immunosuppression protocol. These results support MLT activity in clinically relevant stages from T. cruzi, and it is the first report of positive interaction with BZ, providing further support for evaluating combined schemes using MLT and exploring synthetic alkylphospholipids as drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Ernesto Nicolás Gulin
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) – CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Margarita María Catalina Bisio
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología (INP) ‘Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben’-Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) ‘Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán’, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Rocco
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jaime Altcheh
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Elisa Solana
- Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Facundo García-Bournissen
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)-Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (GCBA), Servicio de Parasitología y Enfermedad de Chagas, Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Division of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Facundo García-Bournissen,
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2
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Kabra R, Singh S. Evolutionary aspect of Miltefosine transporter proteins in Leishmania major. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 130:399-418. [PMID: 35534115 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.01.005] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Transporter proteins, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and P4ATPase-CDC50, are responsible for the transport of Miltefosine drug across cell membrane of a protozoan parasite Leishmania major. Mutations or change in activity of these proteins may lead to emergence of resistance in the parasite. Owing to the structural and functional importance of these transporter proteins, we have tried to decipher the evolutionary divergence of these Miltefosine transporter proteins across different forms of life including Protists, Fungi, Plants and Animals. We retrieved 96, 207, and 189 sequences of P-gp, P4ATPase and CDC50 proteins respectively, across diverse variety of organisms for the conserved analysis. Phylogenetic trees were constructed for these three transporter proteins based on Bayesian posterior probability inference. The evolutionary analysis concluded that these proteins remain highly conserved throughout the species diversity but still substantial differences in the proteins for host (Homo sapiens) and parasite (L. major) were observed which have led in targeting these Miltefosine transporter proteins in a parasite specific manner. The functional and structural components observed in terms of pattern resulting from the variability in the phylogenetic tree are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Kabra
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, SP Pune University Campus, Pune, India
| | - Shailza Singh
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, SP Pune University Campus, Pune, India.
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3
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Garcia JM, Schwabe MJ, Voelker DR, Riekhof WR. A functional genomic screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals divergent mechanisms of resistance to different alkylphosphocholine chemotherapeutic agents. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6347582. [PMID: 34568930 PMCID: PMC8496327 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The alkylphosphocholine (APC) class of antineoplastic and antiprotozoal drugs, such as edelfosine and miltefosine, are structural mimics of lyso-phosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC), and are inhibitory to the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae at low micromolar concentrations. Cytotoxic effects related to inhibition of phospholipid synthesis, induction of an unfolded protein response, inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, and disruption of lipid rafts have been attributed to members of this drug class, however, the molecular mechanisms of action of these drugs remain incompletely understood. Cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of the APCs exhibit variability with regard to chemical structure, leading to differences in effectiveness against different organisms or cell types. We now report the comprehensive identification of S. cerevisiae titratable-essential gene and haploid nonessential gene deletion mutants that are resistant to the APC drug miltefosine (hexadecyl-O-phosphocholine). Fifty-eight strains out of ∼5600 tested displayed robust and reproducible resistance to miltefosine. This gene set was heavily enriched in functions associated with vesicular transport steps, especially those involving endocytosis and retrograde transport of endosome derived vesicles to the Golgi or vacuole, suggesting a role for these trafficking pathways in transport of miltefosine to potential sites of action in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrion. In addition, we identified mutants with defects in phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate synthesis (TetO::STT4) and hydrolysis (sac1Δ), an oxysterol binding protein homolog (osh2Δ), a number of ER-resident proteins, and multiple components of the eisosome. These findings suggest that ER-plasma membrane contact sites and retrograde vesicle transport are involved in the interorganelle transport of lyso-PtdCho and related lyso-phospholipid-like analogs to their intracellular sites of cytotoxic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaquelin M Garcia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Michael J Schwabe
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Dennis R Voelker
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Wayne R Riekhof
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
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4
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Nanotechnological interventions for treatment of trypanosomiasis in humans and animals. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 10:945-961. [PMID: 32383004 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-020-00764-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma. It is one of the major causes of deaths in underprivileged, rural areas of Africa, America and Asia. Depending on the parasite species responsible for the disease, it can take two forms namely African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease). The complete life-cycle stages of trypanosomes span between insect vector (tsetse fly, triatomine bug) and mammalian host (humans, animals). Only few drugs have been approved for the treatment of trypanosomiasis. Moreover, current trypanocidal therapy has major limitations of poor efficacy, serious side effects and drug resistance. Due to the lack of economic gains from tropical parasitic infection, it has always been neglected by the researchers and drug manufacturers. There is an immense need of more effective innovative strategies to decrease the deaths associated with this diseases. Nanotechnological approaches for delivery of existing drugs have shown significant improvement in efficacy with many-fold decrease in their dose. The review emphasizes on nanotechnological interventions in the treatment of trypanosomiasis in both humans and animals. Current trypanocidal therapy and their limitations have also been discussed briefly. Graphical abstract.
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Choudhury SD. Nano-Medicines a Hope for Chagas Disease! Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:655435. [PMID: 34141721 PMCID: PMC8204082 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.655435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, is a vector-mediated tropical disease whose causative agent is a parasitic protozoan named Trypanosoma cruzi. It is a very severe health issue in South America and Mexico infecting millions of people every year. Protozoan T. cruzi gets transmitted to human through Triatominae, a subfamily of the Reduviidae, and do not have any effective treatment or preventative available. The lack of economic gains from this tropical parasitic infection, has always been the reason behind its negligence by researchers and drug manufacturers for many decades. Hence there is an enormous requirement for more efficient and novel strategies to reduce the fatality associated with these diseases. Even, available diagnosis protocols are outdated and inefficient and there is an urgent need for rapid high throughput diagnostics as well as management protocol. The current advancement of nanotechnology in the field of healthcare has generated hope for better management of many tropical diseases including Chagas disease. Nanoparticulate systems for drug delivery like poloxamer coated nanosuspension of benzimidazole have shown promising results in reducing toxicity, elevating efficacy and bioavailability of the active compound against the pathogen, by prolonging release, thereby increasing the therapeutic index. Moreover, nanoparticle-based drug delivery has shown promising results in inducing the host’s immune response against the pathogen with very few side effects. Besides, advances in diagnostic assays, such as nanosensors, aided in the accurate detection of the parasite. In this review, we provide an insight into the life cycle stages of the pathogen in both vertebrate host and the insect vector, along with an overview of the current therapy for Chagas disease and its limitations; nano carrier-based delivery systems for antichagasic agents, we also address the advancement of nano vaccines and nano-diagnostic techniques, for treatment of Chagas disease, majorly focusing on the novel perspectives in combating the disease.
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Leschnik M, Silbermayr K, Guija A, Nell B. Diagnosis and successful treatment of an Austrian dog infected with Trypanosoma congolense forest type. TIERAERZTLICHE PRAXIS AUSGABE KLEINTIERE HEIMTIERE 2021; 49:142-147. [PMID: 33902123 DOI: 10.1055/a-1377-1008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Canine African Trypanosomosis (CAT) is a rarely described disease with frequently lethal outcome. A 5-year-old female mongrel dog weighing 22 kg was presented in Austria due to unilateral uveitis, pancytopenia, and anorexia 4 months after return from a trip through Western Africa. Trypanosoma spp. flagellates were detected in a blood smear and identified as Trypanosoma congolense forest type by PCR. Initial treatment with imidocarb and miltefosine led to clinical improvement but only isometamidium chloride hydrochloride applied intramuscularly led to complete eradication of the pathogen from the dog's blood 4 months later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Leschnik
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Katja Silbermayr
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Abigail Guija
- Department of Pathobiology, Central Laboratory, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Nell
- Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
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Martinez-Peinado N, Cortes-Serra N, Sherman J, Rodriguez A, Bustamante JM, Gascon J, Pinazo MJ, Alonso-Padilla J. Identification of Trypanosoma cruzi Growth Inhibitors with Activity In Vivo within a Collection of Licensed Drugs. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020406. [PMID: 33669310 PMCID: PMC7920067 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), affects more than six million people worldwide, with its greatest burden in Latin America. Available treatments present frequent toxicity and variable efficacy at the chronic phase of the infection, when the disease is usually diagnosed. Hence, development of new therapeutic strategies is urgent. Repositioning of licensed drugs stands as an attractive fast-track low-cost approach for the identification of safer and more effective chemotherapies. With this purpose we screened 32 licensed drugs for different indications against T. cruzi. We used a primary in vitro assay of Vero cells infection by T. cruzi. Five drugs showed potent activity rates against it (IC50 < 4 µmol L−1), which were also specific (selectivity index >15) with respect to host cells. T. cruzi inhibitory activity of four of them was confirmed by a secondary anti-parasitic assay based on NIH-3T3 cells. Then, we assessed toxicity to human HepG2 cells and anti-amastigote specific activity of those drugs progressed. Ultimately, atovaquone-proguanil, miltefosine, and verapamil were tested in a mouse model of acute T. cruzi infection. Miltefosine performance in vitro and in vivo encourages further investigating its use against T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.)
| | - Nuria Cortes-Serra
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.)
| | - Julian Sherman
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA; (J.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Ana Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA; (J.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Juan M. Bustamante
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.)
| | - Maria-Jesus Pinazo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (M.-J.P.); (J.A.-P.); Tel.: +1-0034-932275400 (ext. 1802) (M.-J.P.); +1-0034-932275400 (ext. 4569) (J.A.-P.)
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (M.-J.P.); (J.A.-P.); Tel.: +1-0034-932275400 (ext. 1802) (M.-J.P.); +1-0034-932275400 (ext. 4569) (J.A.-P.)
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8
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Latifi A. Reviewing the Effects of Miltefosine and Suggesting It for the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Infect Dis (Lond) 2020; 13:1178633720977488. [PMID: 33311985 PMCID: PMC7716057 DOI: 10.1177/1178633720977488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Miltefosine is an anti-cancer drug used to treat leishmaniasis and deadly opportunistic free-living amoeba and other deadly pathogenic microorganisms. Several studies have demonstrated its antiviral effect. In this study, we discuss the effectiveness of this drug on pathogenic microorganisms, and according to the functional system of the medicine, we present this drug as a therapeutic proposal to treat Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Methods: A literature search was conducted in electronic databases, including Pubmed, Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar, and articles published from 2006 to 2020 (the last decade) were selected. The search keywords included Miltefosine, microorganism, pathogen, and treatment. Results: The studies indicated that Miltefosine had therapeutic effects on leishmaniasis and deadly opportunistic free-living amoeba and other deadly pathogenic microorganisms. Several studies have proven its antiviral effect. Conclusion: Owing to the beneficial effects of this drug on pathogenic and deadly microorganisms and antiviral effects, and due to the epidemic of Coronavirus and the lack of effective treatment and vaccine, this drug is recommended as one of the treatment options for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Latifi
- School of Public Health, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Synthesis, physicochemical properties and biological activities of novel alkylphosphocholines with foscarnet moiety. Bioorg Chem 2020; 104:104224. [PMID: 32892068 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A series of alkylphosphocholines with foscarnet moiety was synthesized. The structure of these zwitterionic amphiphiles was modified in both polar and non-polar parts of surfactant molecule. Investigations of physicochemical properties are represented by the determination of critical micelle concentration, the surface tension value at the cmc and the surface area per surfactant head group utilising surface tension measurements. Hydrodynamic diameter of surfactant micelles was determined using the dynamic light scattering technique. Alkylphosphocholines exhibit significant cytotoxic, anticandidal (Candida albicans) and antiamoebal (Acanthamoeba spp. T4 genotype) activity. The relationship between the structure, physicochemical properties and biological activity of the tested compounds revealed that lipophilicity has a significant influence on biological activity of the investigated surfactants. More lipophilic alkylphosphocholines with octadecyl chains show cytotoxic activity against cancer cells which is higher than that of the compounds with shorter alkyl chains. The opposite situation was observed in case of anticandidal and antiamoebal activity of these surfactants. The most active compounds were found to have pentadecyl chains. The foscarnet analogue of miltefosine C15-PFA-C showed the highest anticandidal activity. The minimum value of anticandidal activity of this compound is 1,4 μM thus representing the highest anticandidal activity found within the group of alkylphosphocholines.
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10
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Silva RCMC, Fox EGP, Gomes FM, Feijó DF, Ramos I, Koeller CM, Costa TFR, Rodrigues NS, Lima AP, Atella GC, Miranda K, Schoijet AC, Alonso GD, de Alcântara Machado E, Heise N. Venom alkaloids against Chagas disease parasite: search for effective therapies. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10642. [PMID: 32606423 PMCID: PMC7327076 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67324-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is an important disease affecting millions of patients in the New World and is caused by a protozoan transmitted by haematophagous kissing bugs. It can be treated with drugs during the early acute phase; however, effective therapy against the chronic form of Chagas disease has yet to be discovered and developed. We herein tested the activity of solenopsin alkaloids extracted from two species of fire ants against the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiologic agent of Chagas disease. Although IC50 determinations showed that solenopsins are more toxic to the parasite than benznidazole, the drug of choice for Chagas disease treatment, the ant alkaloids presented a lower selectivity index. As a result of exposure to the alkaloids, the parasites became swollen and rounded in shape, with hypertrophied contractile vacuoles and intense cytoplasmic vacuolization, possibly resulting in osmotic stress; no accumulation of multiple kinetoplasts and/or nuclei was detected. Overexpressing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-an enzyme essential for osmoregulation that is a known target of solenopsins in mammalian cells-did not prevent swelling and vacuolization, nor did it counteract the toxic effects of alkaloids on the parasites. Additional experimental results suggested that solenopsins induced a type of autophagic and programmed cell death in T. cruzi. Solenopsins also reduced the intracellular proliferation of T. cruzi amastigotes in infected macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner and demonstrated activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense bloodstream forms, which is another important aetiological kinetoplastid parasite. The results suggest the potential of solenopsins as novel natural drugs against neglected parasitic diseases caused by kinetoplastids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael C M Costa Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Eduardo G P Fox
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Red Imported Fire Ant Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Fabio M Gomes
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Daniel F Feijó
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Isabela Ramos
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Carolina M Koeller
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Tatiana F R Costa
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Nathalia S Rodrigues
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Ana P Lima
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Georgia C Atella
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Kildare Miranda
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Alejandra C Schoijet
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI-CONICET), C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo D Alonso
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres" (INGEBI-CONICET), C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ednildo de Alcântara Machado
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.
| | - Norton Heise
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.
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11
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Naranjo A, Martinez JD, Miller D, Tonk R, Amescua G. Systemic Miltefosine as an Adjunct Treatment of Progressive Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 29:1576-1584. [DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1758156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Naranjo
- Anne Bates Leach Eye Clinics, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jaime D. Martinez
- Anne Bates Leach Eye Clinics, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Darlene Miller
- Ocular Microbiology Laboratory, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Rahul Tonk
- Anne Bates Leach Eye Clinics, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Guillermo Amescua
- Anne Bates Leach Eye Clinics, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Molina I, Perin L, Aviles AS, de Abreu Vieira PM, da Silva Fonseca K, Cunha LM, Carneiro CM. The effect of benznidazole dose among the efficacy outcome in the murine animal model. A quantitative integration of the literature. Acta Trop 2020; 201:105218. [PMID: 31610148 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite more than 100 years since it was firstly described Chagas disease, only two drugs are available to treat Chagas disease: Nifurtimox launched by Bayer in 1965 and benznidazole launched by Roche in 1971. Drug discovery initiatives have been looking for new compounds as an alternative to these old drugs. Although new platforms have been used with the latest technologies, a critical step on that process still relies on the in vivo model. Unfortunately, to date, available animal models have limited predictive value and there is no standardization. With the aim to better understand the role of benznidazole, the current standard of care of Chagas disease, we performed this review. We intend to analyze the influence of the experimental design of the most used animal model, the murine model, in the assessment of the efficacy endpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Molina
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Infectious Disease Department. PROSICS (International Health Program of the Catalan Health Institute), Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil.
| | - Luisa Perin
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Augusto Sao Aviles
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Infectious Disease Department. PROSICS (International Health Program of the Catalan Health Institute), Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Melo de Abreu Vieira
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfopatologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Katia da Silva Fonseca
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas Maciel Cunha
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Claudia M Carneiro
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
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Meade JC. P-type transport ATPases in Leishmania and Trypanosoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:69. [PMID: 31782726 PMCID: PMC6884021 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
P-type ATPases are critical to the maintenance and regulation of cellular ion homeostasis and membrane lipid asymmetry due to their ability to move ions and phospholipids against a concentration gradient by utilizing the energy of ATP hydrolysis. P-type ATPases are particularly relevant in human pathogenic trypanosomatids which are exposed to abrupt and dramatic changes in their external environment during their life cycles. This review describes the complete inventory of ion-motive, P-type ATPase genes in the human pathogenic Trypanosomatidae; eight Leishmania species (L. aethiopica, L. braziliensis, L. donovani, L. infantum, L. major, L. mexicana, L. panamensis, L. tropica), Trypanosoma cruzi and three Trypanosoma brucei subspecies (Trypanosoma brucei brucei TREU927, Trypanosoma brucei Lister strain 427, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense DAL972). The P-type ATPase complement in these trypanosomatids includes the P1B (metal pumps), P2A (SERCA, sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPases), P2B (PMCA, plasma membrane calcium ATPases), P2D (Na+ pumps), P3A (H+ pumps), P4 (aminophospholipid translocators), and P5B (no assigned specificity) subfamilies. These subfamilies represent the P-type ATPase transport functions necessary for survival in the Trypanosomatidae as P-type ATPases for each of these seven subfamilies are found in all Leishmania and Trypanosoma species included in this analysis. These P-type ATPase subfamilies are correlated with current molecular and biochemical knowledge of their function in trypanosomatid growth, adaptation, infectivity, and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Meade
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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Sales Junior PA, Molina I, Fonseca Murta SM, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Salvador F, Corrêa-Oliveira R, Carneiro CM. Experimental and Clinical Treatment of Chagas Disease: A Review. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1289-1303. [PMID: 29016289 PMCID: PMC5817734 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that infects a broad range of triatomines and mammalian species, including man. It afflicts 8 million people in Latin America, and its incidence is increasing in nonendemic countries owing to rising international immigration and nonvectorial transmission routes such as blood donation. Since the 1960s, the only drugs available for the clinical treatment of this infection have been benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox (NFX). Treatment with these trypanocidal drugs is recommended in both the acute and chronic phases of CD. These drugs have low cure rates mainly during the chronic phase, in addition both drugs present side effects that may result in the interruption of the treatment. Thus, more efficient and better-tolerated new drugs or pharmaceutical formulations containing BZ or NFX are urgently needed. Here, we review the drugs currently used for CD chemotherapy, ongoing clinical assays, and most-promising new experimental drugs. In addition, the mechanism of action of the commercially available drugs, NFX and BZ, the biodistribution of the latter, and the potential for novel formulations of BZ based on nanotechnology are discussed. Taken together, the literature emphasizes the urgent need for new therapies for acute and chronic CD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Israel Molina
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Corrêa-Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Martins Carneiro
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Botero A, Keatley S, Peacock C, Thompson RCA. In vitro drug susceptibility of two strains of the wildlife trypanosome, Trypanosoma copemani: A comparison with Trypanosoma cruzi. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2016; 7:34-41. [PMID: 28040568 PMCID: PMC5219620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosomes are blood protozoan parasites that are capable of producing illness in the vertebrate host. Within Australia, several native Trypanosoma species have been described infecting wildlife. However, only Trypanosoma copemani has been associated with pathological lesions in wildlife hosts and more recently has been associated with the drastic decline of the critically endangered woylie (Bettongia penicillata). The impact that some trypanosomes have on the health of the vertebrate host has led to the development of numerous drug compounds that could inhibit the growth or kill the parasite. This study investigated and compared the in vitro susceptibility of two strains of T. copemani (G1 and G2) and one strain of Trypanosoma cruzi (10R26) against drugs that are known to show trypanocidal activity (benznidazole, posaconazole, miltefosine and melarsoprol) and against four lead compounds, two fenarimols and two pyridine derivatives (EPL-BS1937, EPL-BS2391, EPL-BS0967, and EPL-BS1246), that have been developed primarily against T.cruzi. The in vitro cytotoxicity of all drugs against L6 rat myoblast cells was also assessed. Results showed that both strains of T. copemani were more susceptible to all drugs and lead compounds than T. cruzi, with all IC50 values in the low and sub-μM range for both species. Melarsoprol and miltefosine exhibited the highest drug activity against both T. copemani and T. cruzi, but they also showed the highest toxicity in L6 cells. Interestingly, both fenarimol and pyridine derivative compounds were more active against T. copemani and T. cruzi than the reference drugs benznidazole and posaconazole. T. copemani strains exhibited differences in susceptibility to all drugs demonstrating once again considerable differences in their biological behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Botero
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
| | - Sarah Keatley
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Christopher Peacock
- The Marshall Center, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, 100 Roberts Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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AbouLaila M, Batadoj D, Salama A, Munkhjargal T, Ichikawa-Seki M, A. Terkawi M, Yokoyama N, Igarashi I. Evaluation of the inhibitory effects of miltefosine on the growth of Babesia and Theileria parasites. Vet Parasitol 2014; 204:104-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Rocha DAS, de Andrade Rosa I, de Souza W, Benchimol M. Evaluation of the effect of miltefosine on Trichomonas vaginalis. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:1041-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3738-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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Garg R, Tremblay MJ. Miltefosine represses HIV-1 replication in human dendritic cell/T-cell cocultures partially by inducing secretion of type-I interferon. Virology 2012; 432:271-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2012.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Dorlo TPC, Balasegaram M, Beijnen JH, de Vries PJ. Miltefosine: a review of its pharmacology and therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of leishmaniasis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2012; 67:2576-97. [PMID: 22833634 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dks275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 501] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Miltefosine is an alkylphosphocholine drug with demonstrated activity against various parasite species and cancer cells as well as some pathogenic bacteria and fungi. For 10 years it has been licensed in India for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a fatal neglected parasitic disease. It is the first and still the only oral drug that can be used to treat VL and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). The standard 28 day miltefosine monotherapy regimen is well tolerated, except for mild gastrointestinal side effects, although its teratogenic potential severely hampers its general use in the clinic and roll-out in national elimination programmes. The pharmacokinetics of miltefosine are mainly characterized by its long residence time in the body, resulting in extensive drug accumulation during treatment and long elimination half-lives. At the moment, different combination therapy strategies encompassing miltefosine are being tested in multiple controlled clinical trials in various geographical areas of endemicity, both in South Asia and East Africa. We here review the most salient pre-clinical and clinical pharmacological aspects of miltefosine, its mechanism of action against Leishmania parasites and other pathogens, and provide a systematic overview of the efficacy and safety data from all clinical trials of miltefosine, either alone or in combination, in the treatment of VL and CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P C Dorlo
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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20
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Figueiredo JM, Rodrigues DC, Silva RCMC, Koeller CM, Jiang JC, Jazwinski SM, Previato JO, Mendonça-Previato L, Urményi TP, Heise N. Molecular and functional characterization of the ceramide synthase from Trypanosoma cruzi. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2011; 182:62-74. [PMID: 22226824 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we characterized ceramide synthase (CerS) of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi at the molecular and functional levels. TcCerS activity was detected initially in a cell-free system using the microsomal fraction of epimastigote forms of T. cruzi, [(3)H]dihydrosphingosine or [(3)H]sphingosine, and fatty acids or acyl-CoA derivatives as acceptor or donor substrates, respectively. TcCerS utilizes both sphingoid long-chain bases, and its activity is exclusively dependent on acyl-CoAs, with palmitoyl-CoA being preferred. In addition, Fumonisin B(1), a broad and well-known acyl-CoA-dependent CerS inhibitor, blocked the parasite's CerS activity. However, unlike observations in fungi, the CerS inhibitors Australifungin and Fumonisin B(1) did not affect the proliferation of epimastigotes in culture, even after exposure to high concentrations or after extended periods of treatment. A search of the parasite genome with the conserved Lag1 motif from Lag1p, the yeast acyl-CoA-dependent CerS, identified a T. cruzi candidate gene (TcCERS1) that putatively encodes the parasite's CerS activity. The TcCERS1 gene was able to functionally complement the lethality of a lag1Δ lac1Δ double deletion yeast mutant in which the acyl-CoA-dependent CerS is not detectable. The complemented strain was capable of synthesizing normal inositol-containing sphingolipids and is 10 times more sensitive to Fumonisin B(1) than the parental strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M Figueiredo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde Bloco G-019, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
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Mukhopadhyay D, Das NK, Roy S, Kundu S, Barbhuiya JN, Chatterjee M. Miltefosine effectively modulates the cytokine milieu in Indian post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. J Infect Dis 2011; 204:1427-36. [PMID: 21933878 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing incidence of unresponsiveness to antimonials in leishmaniasis prompted the use of newer drugs such as miltefosine. Miltefosine influences macrophage effector functions, but its effect on patients with post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) has not been evaluated. METHODOLOGY The immunomodulatory activity of miltefosine was evaluated in patients with PKDL by studying the expression of activation markers (CD14 and CD16) and costimulatory molecules (CD80 and CD86) on circulating monocytes, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 8) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 10, transforming growth factor β, interleukin 4, and interleukin 13) in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture supernatants, and serum nitrite and arginase activity. RESULTS Miltefosine on circulating monocytes upregulated expression of CD16 and CD86 and reduced that of CD14. Miltefosine also induced a significant increase in circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines with a concomitant decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines. Its macrophage activating potential was evidenced by its ability to decrease serum arginase activity and increase serum nitrite. CONCLUSIONS Miltefosine increased the proportion of monocytes that have a pro-inflammatory phenotype, which was accompanied by an enhanced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased levels of serum nitrite. The decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokine levels and serum arginase activity collectively indicated that miltefosine triggered a robust T-helper 1 response that facilitated parasite elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, India
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Eissa MM, El Bardicy S, Tadros M. Bioactivity of miltefosine against aquatic stages of Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium and their snail hosts, supported by scanning electron microscopy. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:73. [PMID: 21569375 PMCID: PMC3114006 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Miltefosine, which is the first oral drug licensed for the treatment of leishmaniasis, was recently reported to be a promising lead compound for the synthesis of novel antischistosomal derivatives with potent activity in vivo against different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni. In this paper an in vitro study was carried out to investigate whether it has a biocidal activity against the aquatic stages of Schistosoma mansoni and its snail intermediate host, Biomphalaria alexandrina , thus being also a molluscicide. Additionally, to see whether miltefosine can have a broad spectrum antischistosomal activity, a similar in vitro study was carried out on the adult stage of Schistosoma haematobium, the second major human species, its larval stages and snail intermediate host, Bulinus truncutes. This was checked by scanning electron microscopy. Results Miltefosine proved to have in vitro ovicidal, schistolarvicidal and lethal activity on adult worms of both Schistosoma species and has considerable molluscicidal activity on their snail hosts. Scanning electron microscopy revealed several morphological changes on the different stages of the parasite and on the soft body of the snail, which further strengthens the current evidence of miltefosine's activity. This is the first report of mollusicidal activity of miltefosine and its in vitro schistosomicidal activity against S.haematobium. Conclusions This study highlights miltefosine not only as a potential promising lead compound for the synthesis of novel broad spectrum schistosomicidal derivatives, but also for molluscicidals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Miltefosine, a promising novel agent for schistosomiasis mansoni. Int J Parasitol 2011; 41:235-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2010.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2010] [Revised: 09/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Disruption of cellular cholesterol transport and homeostasis as a novel mechanism of action of membrane-targeted alkylphospholipid analogues. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:355-66. [PMID: 20423345 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00689.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Alkylphospholipid (APL) analogues constitute a new class of synthetic anti-tumour agents that act directly on cell membranes. We have previously demonstrated that hexadecylphosphocholine (HePC) alters intracellular cholesterol traffic and metabolism in HepG2 cells. We now extended our studies to analyse the effects of other clinically relevant APLs, such as edelfosine, erucylphosphocholine and perifosine on intracellular cholesterol homeostasis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using radiolabelled substrates we determined the effect of APLs on cholesterol metabolism and cholesterol traffic from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Protein levels and gene expression of the main proteins involved in cholesterol homeostasis were analysed by Western blot and RT-PCR respectively. Membrane raft and non-raft fractions were isolated from HepG2 cells by a detergent-free method. KEY RESULTS All APLs inhibited the transport of cholesterol from the plasma membrane to the ER, which induced a significant cholesterogenic response in HepG2 cells. This response involved an increased gene expression and higher levels of several proteins related to the biosynthesis and the receptor-mediated uptake of cholesterol. Cell exposure to the APL-representative HePC enhanced the content of cholesterol mainly in the membrane raft fractions, compared with the untreated cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Membrane-targeted APLs exhibited a novel and common mechanism of action, through disruption of cholesterol homeostasis, which in turn affected specific lipid microdomains of cellular membranes.
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Jiménez-López JM, Ríos-Marco P, Marco C, Segovia JL, Carrasco MP. Alterations in the homeostasis of phospholipids and cholesterol by antitumor alkylphospholipids. Lipids Health Dis 2010; 9:33. [PMID: 20338039 PMCID: PMC2859738 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-9-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The alkylphospholipid analog miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine) is a membrane-directed antitumoral and antileishmanial drug belonging to the alkylphosphocholines, a group of synthetic antiproliferative agents that are promising candidates in anticancer therapy. A variety of mechanisms have been suggested to explain the actions of these compounds, which can induce apoptosis and/or cell growth arrest. In this review, we focus on recent advances in our understanding of the actions of miltefosine and other alkylphospholipids on the human hepatoma HepG2 cell line, with a special emphasis on lipid metabolism. Results obtained in our laboratory indicate that miltefosine displays cytostatic activity and causes apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Likewise, treatment with miltefosine produces an interference with the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine via both CDP-choline and phosphatidylethanolamine methylation. With regard to sphingolipid metabolism, miltefosine hinders the formation of sphingomyelin, which promotes intracellular accumulation of ceramide. We have demonstrated for the first time that treatment with miltefosine strongly impedes the esterification of cholesterol and that this effect is accompanied by a considerable increase in the synthesis of cholesterol, which leads to higher levels of cholesterol in the cells. Indeed, miltefosine early impairs cholesterol transport from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum, causing a deregulation of cholesterol homeostasis. Similar to miltefosine, other clinically-relevant synthetic alkylphospholipids such as edelfosine, erucylphosphocholine and perifosine show growth inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells. All the tested alkylphospholipids also inhibit the arrival of plasma-membrane cholesterol to the endoplasmic reticulum, which induces a significant cholesterogenic response in these cells, involving an increased gene expression and higher levels of several proteins related to the pathway of biosynthesis as well as the receptor-mediated uptake of cholesterol. Thus, membrane-targeted alkylphospholipids exhibit a common mechanism of action through disruption of cholesterol homeostasis. The accumulation of cholesterol within the cell and the reduction in phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin biosyntheses certainly alter the ratio of choline-bearing phospholipids to cholesterol, which is critical for the integrity and functionality of specific membrane microdomains such as lipid rafts. Alkylphospholipid-induced alterations in lipid homeostasis with probable disturbance of the native membrane structure could well affect signaling processes vital to cell survival and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Jiménez-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Av, Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, Spain
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Susceptibilidad in vitro a hexadecilfosfocolina (miltefosina), nifurtimox y benznidazole de cepas de Trypanosoma cruzi aisladas en Santander, Colombia. BIOMEDICA 2009. [DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v29i3.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Trypanosoma cruzi: in vitro activity of Epoxy-α-Lap, a derivative of α-lapachone, on trypomastigote and amastigote forms. Exp Parasitol 2009; 122:91-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2008] [Revised: 01/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Combination of cell culture and quantitative PCR for screening of drugs against Cryptosporidium parvum. Vet Parasitol 2009; 162:271-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2008] [Revised: 02/11/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Saraiva VB, Wengert M, Gomes-Quintana E, Heise N, Caruso-Neves C. Na+-ATPase and protein kinase C are targets to 1-O-hexadecylphosphocoline (miltefosine) in Trypanosoma cruzi. Arch Biochem Biophys 2009; 481:65-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2008.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2008] [Revised: 10/15/2008] [Accepted: 10/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Effect of therapeutic chemical agents in vitro and on experimental meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2008; 52:4010-6. [PMID: 18765686 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00197-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a ubiquitous, pathogenic free-living amoeba; it is the most virulent Naegleria species and causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAME) in laboratory animals and humans. Although amphotericin B is currently the only agent available for the treatment of PAME, it is a very toxic antibiotic and may cause many adverse effects on other organs. In order to find other potentially therapeutic agents for N. fowleri infection, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacies of miltefosine and chlorpromazine against pathogenic N. fowleri. The result showed that the growth of the amoeba was effectively inhibited by treatment with amphotericin B, miltefosine, and chlorpromazine. When N. fowleri trophozoites were treated with amphotericin B, miltefosine, and chlorpromazine, the MICs of the drug were 0.78, 25, and 12.5 microg/ml, respectively, on day 2. In experimental meningoencephalitis of mice that is caused by N. fowleri, the survival rates of mice treated with amphotericin B, miltefosine, and chlorpromazine were 40, 55, and 75%, respectively, during 1 month. The average mean time to death for the amphotericin B, miltefosine, and chlorpromazine treatments was 17.9 days. In this study, the effect of drugs was found to be optimal when 20 mg/kg was administered three times on days 3, 7, and 11. Finally, chlorpromazine had the best therapeutic activity against N. fowleri in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, it may be a more useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of PAME than amphotericin B.
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The toxic effects of piperine against Trypanosoma cruzi: ultrastructural alterations and reversible blockage of cytokinesis in epimastigote forms. Parasitol Res 2008; 102:1059-67. [PMID: 18224488 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-0876-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2007] [Accepted: 01/03/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In a previous work, we have investigated the effects of piperine and several of its chemical derivatives on the proliferation of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It was observed that natural piperine is more active against intracellular amastigotes than axenically grown epimastigotes with IC50 values of 4.91 and 7.36 microM, respectively. Despite its superior trypanocidal activity against the intracellular amastigotes, here, we show that piperine did not enhance microbiocidal characteristics of murine peritoneal macrophages (Mø) based on nitric oxide production. As shown by light and electron microscopy analysis, epimastigotes treated with sublethal concentrations of piperine presented a reversible cell cycle arrestment and become round shaped, with swelling of the mitochondrion matrix and intense intracellular vacuolization with structures displaying complex membrane invaginations. Similar to the effects of exposing epimastigotes to the antitumor and microtubule stabilizer taxol, multiplication of cell organelles such as the flagellum, kinetoplast, and nucleus occurred, but division into daughter cells was impaired. Unlike the effects caused by the anti-microtubular vinca alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine, which also induce cytokinesis arrestment in T. cruzi epimastigotes, piperine did not induce the formation of giant multinucleated cells. The data reinforce the selectivity of the mechanisms of action of piperine against T. cruzi.
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Santa-Rita RM, Barbosa HS, de Castro SL. Ultrastructural analysis of edelfosine-treated trypomastigotes and amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitol Res 2006; 100:187-90. [PMID: 16855821 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-006-0250-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2005] [Accepted: 05/30/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi treated with the lysophospholipid analogues (LPAs) edelfosine (ET-18), ilmofosine, and miltefosine suffered alterations in plasma membrane, mitochondrion, and lipid synthesis. In this work, ET-18 induced membrane damage in trypomastigotes and amastigotes. Incubation of epimastigotes and trypomastigotes with the three LPAs led to membrane permeabilization, which was abolished by serum addition. Treatment for 24 h in culture medium interfered the with mitochondrial status of epimastigotes, with no effect in trypomastigotes, in agreement with ultrastructural data. LPAs induced alterations in the plasma membrane of the three forms of T. cruzi and in the mitochondria of epimastigotes, suggesting that these organelles are potential targets of these analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Santa-Rita
- Departamento de Ultra-estrutura e Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Abstract
Trypanosomes are the causative agents of Chagas' disease in Central and South America and sleeping sickness in sub-Saharan Africa. The current chemotherapy of the human trypanosomiases relies on only six drugs, five of which were developed > 30 years ago. In addition, these drugs display undesirable toxic side effects and the emergence of drug-resistant trypanosomes has been reported. Therefore, the development of new drugs in the treatment of Chagas' disease and sleeping sickness is urgently required. This article summarises the recent progress in identifying novel lead compounds for antitrypanosomal chemotherapy. Particular emphasis is placed on those agents showing promising, selective antitrypanosomal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietmar Steverding
- School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 TJ7, UK.
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Heczková B, Slotte JP. Effect of anti-tumor ether lipids on ordered domains in model membranes. FEBS Lett 2006; 580:2471-6. [PMID: 16638573 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2006.03.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2006] [Revised: 03/21/2006] [Accepted: 03/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (OMPC, edelfosine) and 1-hexadecylphosphocholine (HePC, miltefosine) represent two groups of synthetic ether lipid analogues with anti-tumor activity. Because of their hydrophobic nature, they may become incorporated into plasma membranes of cells, and it has been argued that they may act via association with lipid rafts. With the quenching of steady-state fluorescence of probes preferentially partitioning into sterol-rich ordered domains (cholestatrienol and trans-parinaric acid), we showed that OMPC and HePC by themselves did not form sterol-rich domains in fluid model membranes, in contrast to the two chain ether lipid 1,2-O-dihexadecyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Nevertheless, all three ether lipids significantly stabilized palmitoyl-sphingomyelin/cholesterol-rich domains against temperature induced melting. In conclusion, this study shows that anti-tumor ether lipids are likely to affect the properties of cholesterol-sphingomyelin domains (i.e., lipid rafts) when incorporated into cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdana Heczková
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Abo Akademi University, Tykistokatu 6A, 20520 Turku, Finland.
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Papagiannaros A, Bories C, Demetzos C, Loiseau PM. Antileishmanial and trypanocidal activities of new miltefosine liposomal formulations. Biomed Pharmacother 2005; 59:545-50. [PMID: 16325367 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2005.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2005] [Accepted: 06/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Liposomes composed of hexadecylphosphocholine/egg phosphatidylcholine/stearylamine (HePC/EPC/SA) 10:10:0.1, 10:10:0.5 and 10:10:1 (molar ratio) (1-3) were prepared and lyophilized. The liposomes were physicochemically characterized (size and zeta-potential) and they were found stable at 4 degrees C over a period of 4 weeks. In vitro, liposomes 1 and 2 were about twice more active than HePC against Leishmania donovani WT whereas liposomes 3 were about three times more active than HePC on HePC-resistant promastigotes. Although liposomes 1-3 were inactive on the in vitro intramacrophage amastigote model, the ability of the liposomes to accumulate within the liver where parasites are located justifies a further in vivo evaluation. We observed that liposome 1 was twice more active than HePC against Trypanosoma brucei brucei bloodstream forms maintained in vitro. In vivo results showed that liposomal HePC seemed to be less toxic than the free drug despite the absence of significant antitrypanosomal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Papagiannaros
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Panepistimiopolis, Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
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Figueiredo J, Dias W, Mendonça-Previato L, Previato J, Heise N. Characterization of the inositol phosphorylceramide synthase activity from Trypanosoma cruzi. Biochem J 2005; 387:519-29. [PMID: 15569002 PMCID: PMC1134981 DOI: 10.1042/bj20041842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2004] [Accepted: 11/30/2004] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
IPC (inositol phosphorylceramide) synthase is an enzyme essential for fungal viability, and it is the target of potent antifungal compounds such as rustmicin and aureobasidin A. Similar to fungi and some other lower eukaryotes, the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is capable of synthesizing free or protein-linked glycoinositolphospholipids containing IPC. As a first step towards understanding the importance and mechanism of IPC synthesis in T. cruzi, we investigated the effects of rustmicin and aureobasidin A on the proliferation of different life-cycle stages of the parasite. The compounds did not interfere with the axenic growth of epimastigotes, but aureobasidin A decreased the release of trypomastigotes from infected murine peritoneal macrophages and the number of intracellular amastigotes in a dose-dependent manner. We have demonstrated for the first time that all forms of T. cruzi express an IPC synthase activity that is capable of transferring inositol phosphate from phosphatidylinositol to the C-1 hydroxy group of C6-NBD-cer {6-[N-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)-amino]hexanoylceramide} to form inositol phosphoryl-C6-NBD-cer, which was purified and characterized by its chromatographic behaviour on TLC and HPLC, sensitivity to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and resistance to mild alkaline hydrolysis. Unlike the Saccharomyces cerevisiae IPC synthase, the T. cruzi enzyme is stimulated by Triton X-100 but not by bivalent cations, CHAPS or fatty-acid-free BSA, and it is not inhibited by rustmicin or aureobasidin A, or the two in combination. Further studies showed that aureobasidin A has effects on macrophages independent of the infecting T. cruzi cells. These results suggest that T. cruzi synthesizes its own IPC, but by a mechanism that is not affected by rustmicin and aureobasidin A.
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Key Words
- aureobasidin a
- chagas disease
- glycoinositolphospholipid (gipl)
- inositol phosphorylceramide (ipc) synthase
- sphingolipid synthesis
- trypanosoma cruzi
- bhi, brain–heart infusion
- c6-nbd-cer, 6-[n-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]hexanoylceramide
- dtt, dithiothreitol
- etnp, ethanolamine phosphate
- fcs, foetal calf serum
- gipl, glycoinositolphospholipid
- gpi, glycosylphosphatidylinositol
- ifn-γ, interferon-γ
- ipc, inositol phosphorylceramide
- ip-c6-nbd-cer, inositol phosphoryl-c6-nbd-cer
- lps, lipopolysaccharide
- mø, murine peritoneal macrophages
- pc, phosphatidylcholine
- pe, phosphatidylethanolamine
- pi, phosphatidylinositol
- pi-plc, pi-specific phospholipase c from bacillus thuringiensis
- sbp, sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway
- tct, tissue-culture-derived trypomastigote
- tx-100, triton x-100
- wt, wild-type
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M. Figueiredo
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS) Bloco G, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, 21944-970, Brazil
| | - Wagner B. Dias
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS) Bloco G, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, 21944-970, Brazil
| | - Lucia Mendonça-Previato
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS) Bloco G, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, 21944-970, Brazil
| | - José O. Previato
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS) Bloco G, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, 21944-970, Brazil
| | - Norton Heise
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS) Bloco G, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, 21944-970, Brazil
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Ribeiro TS, Freire-de-Lima L, Previato JO, Mendonça-Previato L, Heise N, de Lima MEF. Toxic effects of natural piperine and its derivatives on epimastigotes and amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2005; 14:3555-8. [PMID: 15177472 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2004.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2004] [Revised: 04/07/2004] [Accepted: 04/10/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We describe herein an evaluation of trypanocidal effects of the natural alkaloid piperine and twelve synthetic derivatives against epimastigote and amastigote forms of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of the incurable human disease, Chagas' disease. The results obtained point to piperine as a suitable template for the development of new drugs with trypanocidal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Santana Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Química, Km 7, BR 465 CEP: 23.890-000, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
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Verma NK, Dey CS. Possible mechanism of miltefosine-mediated death of Leishmania donovani. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2004; 48:3010-5. [PMID: 15273114 PMCID: PMC478494 DOI: 10.1128/aac.48.8.3010-3015.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Miltefosine causes leishmanial death, but the possible mechanism(s) of action is not known. The mode of action of miltefosine was investigated in vitro in Leishmania donovani promastigotes as well as in extra- and intracellular amastigotes. Here, we demonstrate that miltefosine induces apoptosis-like death in L. donovani based on observed phenomena such as nuclear DNA condensation, DNA fragmentation with accompanying ladder formation, and in situ labeling of DNA fragments by the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method. Understanding of miltefosine-mediated death will facilitate the design of new therapeutic strategies against Leishmania parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navin K Verma
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Punjab, India
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Paris C, Loiseau PM, Bories C, Bréard J. Miltefosine induces apoptosis-like death in Leishmania donovani promastigotes. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2004; 48:852-9. [PMID: 14982775 PMCID: PMC353131 DOI: 10.1128/aac.48.3.852-859.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine [HePC]) has proved to be a potent oral treatment for human visceral leishmaniasis due to Leishmania donovani. The molecular mechanisms that contribute to the antileishmanial activity of HePC are still unknown. We report that in wild-type promastigotes of Leishmania donovani HePC is able to induce a cell death process with numerous cytoplasmic, nuclear, and membrane features of metazoan apoptosis, including cell shrinkage, DNA fragmentation into oligonucleosome-sized fragments, and phosphatidylserine exposure. None of these changes were detected in an HePC-resistant clone treated with the same drug concentration. Therefore, HePC does not appear to kill L. donovani promastigotes by a direct toxic mechanism but, rather, kills the promastigotes by an indirect one. Pretreatment of wild-type promastigotes with two broad caspase inhibitors, z-Val-Ala-DL-Asp(methoxy)-fluoromethylketone and Boc-Asp(methoxy)-fluoromethylketone, as well as a broad protease inhibitor, calpain inhibitor I, prior to drug exposure interfered with DNA fragmentation but did not prevent cell shrinkage or phosphatidylserine externalization. These data suggest that at least part of the apoptotic machinery operating in wild-type promastigotes involves proteases. Identification of the death-signaling pathways activated in HePC-sensitive parasites appears to be essential for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of action and resistance in these parasites.
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Urbina JA, Docampo R. Specific chemotherapy of Chagas disease: controversies and advances. Trends Parasitol 2004; 19:495-501. [PMID: 14580960 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2003.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 402] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julio A Urbina
- Laboratorio de Química Biológica, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas, Apartado Postal 21.827, Caracas 1020A, Venezuela.
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