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Vijaykumar LK, Chikkachowdappa PG, Venkatappa MH, Gowda AKJ, Jacob SS, Mani S, Bayyappa MRG. Analysis of Genetic Diversity of cytb gene from Babesia gibsoni Isolates from Naturally Infected Dogs in Karnataka, India. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:375-383. [PMID: 38133744 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00757-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aimed to investigate genetic diversity in Babesia gibsoni, the causative agent of canine babesiosis, and to assess the presence of atovaquone-resistant isolates in naturally infected dogs. METHODS A total of 24 blood samples confirmed for B. gibsoni infection was subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing based on cytb gene. Genetic characterization of B. gibsoni as well as attempts to detect the point mutation rendering atovaquone resistance was carried out based on the analysis of nucleotide sequence of cytb gene using bioinformatics software. RESULTS The findings indicated that the B. gibsoni isolates in the investigation exhibited a high nucleotide identity with the Asian genotype, ranging from 98.41 to 98.69%. Notably, none of the isolates carried cytb gene variants associated with atovaquone resistance. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering of most isolates with those from Japan and China, except for one isolate forming a distinct subclade. Haplotype network analysis indicated a high diversity with 22 distinct haplotypes among the B. gibsoni isolates, emphasizing the genetic variability within the studied population. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the cytb gene exhibited remarkable conservation among the twenty-four B. gibsoni isolates studied and the study represents the first genetic diversity assessment of B. gibsoni using the cytb gene in dogs from India. These findings shed light on the genetic characteristics of B. gibsoni in the region and provide valuable insight for addressing the challenges posed by this life-threatening disease in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya K Vijaykumar
- Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560024, India
- Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560024, India
| | | | | | | | - Siju Susan Jacob
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560064, India
| | - Saminathan Mani
- ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, UP, 243122, India
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Gupta N, Curcic M, Srivastava SK. Proguanil Suppresses Breast Tumor Growth In Vitro and In Vivo by Inducing Apoptosis via Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:872. [PMID: 38473234 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, ranking as the second leading cause of female cancer-related deaths in the U.S., demands the exploration of innovative treatments. Repurposing FDA-approved drugs emerges as an expedited and cost-effective strategy. Our study centered on proguanil, an antimalarial drug, reveals notable anti-proliferative effects on diverse breast cancer cell lines, including those derived from patients. Proguanil-induced apoptosis was associated with a substantial increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration, and ATP production. Proguanil treatment upregulated apoptotic markers (Bax, p-H2AX, cleaved-caspase 3, 9, cleaved PARP) and downregulated anti-apoptotic proteins (bcl-2, survivin) in breast cancer cell lines. In female Balb/c mice implanted with 4T1 breast tumors, daily oral administration of 20 mg/kg proguanil suppressed tumor enlargement by 55%. Western blot analyses of proguanil-treated tumors supported the in vitro findings, demonstrating increased levels of p-H2AX, Bax, c-PARP, and c-caspase3 as compared to controls. Our results collectively highlight proguanil's anticancer efficacy in vitro and in vivo in breast cancer, prompting further consideration for clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal Gupta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Marina Curcic
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1718 Pine Street, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Sanjay K Srivastava
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1718 Pine Street, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
- Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1718 Pine Street, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
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Gokool S, Townson S, Freeman A, Siemienski-Kleyn J, Zubrzycki J, Tagboto S, Hübner MP, Scandale I. Onchocerciasis Drug Discovery: In Vitro Evaluation of FDA-Approved Drugs against Onchocerca gutturosa in Gambia. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:210. [PMID: 38399264 PMCID: PMC10891533 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Onchocerciasis treatment and control relies mainly on the use of ivermectin which has high activity against the microfilarial stage of Onchocerca volvulus but limited activity against the long-lived, tissue dwelling adult nematodes. As this neglected tropical disease has now been targeted for elimination, there is an urgent need for new drugs to combat these parasites, ideally with macrofilaricidal activity. In this study, we have examined the anti-Onchocerca activity of a range of existing FDA-approved drugs with a view to repurposing, which can lead to rapid and relatively inexpensive development. From the Pharmakon-1600 library, 106 drugs were selected and tested against O. gutturosa adult male parasites using a concentration of 1.25 × 10-5 M in an in vitro 5-day standard assay to assess motility and viability (using MTT/formazan colorimetry). The findings revealed that 44 drugs produced marginal/moderate activity (50-99% motility and/or MTT reductions) including cefuroxime sodium, methenamine, primaquine phosphate and rivastigmine tartrate, while 23 drugs produced good activity (100% motility reductions and significant MTT reductions), including atovaquone, isradipine, losartan, rifaximin, cefaclor and pyrantel pamoate. Although this study represents only a first step, some of the identified hits indicate there are potential anti-Onchocerca drug candidates worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Gokool
- Tropical Parasitic Diseases Unit, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, Watford Road, Harrow, London HA1 3UJ, UK; (S.G.); (S.T.)
| | - Simon Townson
- Tropical Parasitic Diseases Unit, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, Watford Road, Harrow, London HA1 3UJ, UK; (S.G.); (S.T.)
| | - Andrew Freeman
- Tropical Parasitic Diseases Unit, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, Watford Road, Harrow, London HA1 3UJ, UK; (S.G.); (S.T.)
| | - Jadzia Siemienski-Kleyn
- Tropical Parasitic Diseases Unit, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, Watford Road, Harrow, London HA1 3UJ, UK; (S.G.); (S.T.)
| | - Jakub Zubrzycki
- Tropical Parasitic Diseases Unit, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, Watford Road, Harrow, London HA1 3UJ, UK; (S.G.); (S.T.)
| | - Senyo Tagboto
- Tropical Parasitic Diseases Unit, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, Watford Road, Harrow, London HA1 3UJ, UK; (S.G.); (S.T.)
| | - Marc P. Hübner
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland;
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Fok M, Hill R, Fowler H, Clifford R, Kler A, Uzzi-Daniel J, Rocha S, Grundy G, Parsons J, Vimalachandran D. Enhancing radiotherapy outcomes in rectal cancer: A systematic review of targeting hypoxia-induced radioresistance. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2024; 44:100695. [PMID: 37961749 PMCID: PMC10637894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2023.100695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neoadjuvant radiotherapy is successfully used in rectal cancer to improve overall survival. However, treatment response is both unpredictable and variable. There is strong evidence to show that the phenomenon of tumour hypoxia is associated with radioresistance, however the mechanism(s) behind this are poorly understood. Consequently, there have only been a small number of studies evaluating methods targeting hypoxia-induced radioresistance. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the potential effectiveness of targeting hypoxia-induced radioresistance in rectal cancer and provide recommendations for future research in this area. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. This study was registered on the Prospero database (CRD42023441983). Results Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. All studies identified were in vitro or in vivo studies, there were no clinical trials. Of the 8 studies identified, 5 assessed the efficacy of drugs which directly or indirectly targeted hypoxia and three that identified potential targets. There was conflicting in vivo evidence for the use of metformin to overcome hypoxia induced radioresistance. Vorinostat, atovaquone, and evofosfamide showed promising preclinical evidence that they can overcome hypoxia-induced radioresistance. Discussion The importance of investigating hypoxia-induced radioresistance in rectal cancer is crucial. However, to date, only a small number of preclinical studies exist evaluating this phenomenon. This systematic review highlights the importance of further research to fully understand the mechanism behind this radioresistance. There are promising targets identified in this systematic review however, substantially more pre-clinical and clinical research as a priority for future research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Fok
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Rhianna Hill
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Hayley Fowler
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Rachael Clifford
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Aaron Kler
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Jayanma Uzzi-Daniel
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Sonia Rocha
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Gabrielle Grundy
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Jason Parsons
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Dale Vimalachandran
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology University of Liverpool, UK
- Countess of Chester Hospital, Colorectal Surgery Department, Chester, UK
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Rodriguez JB, Szajnman SH. An updated review of chemical compounds with anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115885. [PMID: 37871407 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The opportunistic apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent for toxoplasmosis, which can infect a widespread range of hosts, particularly humans and warm-blooded animals. The present chemotherapy to treat or prevent toxoplasmosis is deficient and is based on diverse drugs such as atovaquone, trimethoprim, spiramycine, which are effective in acute toxoplasmosis. Therefore, a safe chemotherapy is required for toxoplasmosis considering that its responsible agent, T. gondii, provokes severe illness and death in pregnant women and immunodeficient patients. A certain disadvantage of the available treatments is the lack of effectiveness against the tissue cyst of the parasite. A safe chemotherapy to combat toxoplasmosis should be based on the metabolic differences between the parasite and the mammalian host. This article covers different relevant molecular targets to combat this disease including the isoprenoid pathway (farnesyl diphosphate synthase, squalene synthase), dihydrofolate reductase, calcium-dependent protein kinases, histone deacetylase, mitochondrial electron transport chain, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan B Rodriguez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica (UMYMFOR), C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Sergio H Szajnman
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica (UMYMFOR), C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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6
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Zouei N, Dalimi A, Pirestani M, Ghaffarifar F. Assessment of tissue levels of miR-146a and proinflammatory cytokines in experimental cerebral toxoplasmosis following atovaquone and clindamycin treatment: An in vivo study. Microb Pathog 2023; 184:106340. [PMID: 37683834 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent advances for treating cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT), monitoring the parasite burden and treatment response is still challenging. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs with regulatory functions that can be used in diagnosis and treatment monitoring. We investigated the changes in miR-146a, BAG-1 gene, IL-6, and IL-10 tissue levels in the brain of BALB/c mice with chronic CT caused by the PRU strain of T. gondii following anti-parasitic and antibiotic treatment. METHOD Fifty-three 6-to 8-week-old BALB/c mice were infected using intraperitoneal inoculation of cerebral cysts of T. gondii PRU strain and then divided into five groups as follows: group 1 included mice treated with 100 mg/kg/d Atovaquone (AT), group 2 included mice treated with 400 mg/kg/d clindamycin (CL), group 3 included mice treated with combination therapy (AT + CL), group 4 included infected untreated mice as a positive control (PC), and; group 5 included uninfected untreated mice as negative control (NC). After the completion of the treatment course, tissue level of mir-146a, miR-155, BAG-1 gene, IL-6, and IL-10 was investigated with real-time polymerase chain reaction. The IL-6/IL-10 ratio was calculated as an indicator of immune response. Moreover, brain cyst numbers were counted on autopsy samples. RESULTS miR-146a, IL-6, IL-10, and BAG-1 genes were expressed in PC, but not in the NC group; miR-146a, IL-6, IL-10, and BAG-1 gene expression were significantly lower in AT, CL, and AT + CL compared with PC. MiR-146a and BAG-1 levels in AT and CL were not different statistically, however, they both had lower levels compared to AT + CL (P < 0.01). There was no difference in the expression of IL-6 and IL-10 between treatment groups. BAG-1 expression was significantly lower in AT, than in CL and AT + CL (P < 0.0089 and < 0.002, respectively). The PC group showed a higher ratio of IL-6/IL-10, although this increase was not statistically significant. It is noteworthy that the treatment with AT reduced this ratio; in the inter-group comparison, this ratio showed a decrease in the AT and AT + CL compared to the PC. The number of brain tissue cysts was significantly lower in AT, CL, and AT + CL, than in PC (p < 0.0001). AT had significantly lower brain cysts than CL and AT + CL (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION It seems that the factors studied in the current research (microRNA and cytokines) are a suitable index for evaluating the response to antiparasitic and antibiotic treatment. However, more studies should be conducted in the future to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Zouei
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Vizcarra EA, Goerner AL, Ulu A, Hong DD, Bergersen KV, Talavera MA, Le Roch K, Wilson EH, White MW. An ex vivo model of Toxoplasma recrudescence reveals developmental plasticity of the bradyzoite stage. mBio 2023; 14:e0183623. [PMID: 37675999 PMCID: PMC10653814 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01836-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The classical depiction of the Toxoplasma lifecycle is bradyzoite excystation conversion to tachyzoites, cell lysis, and immune control, followed by the reestablishment of bradyzoites and cysts. In contrast, we show that tachyzoite growth slows independent of the host immune response at a predictable time point following excystation. Furthermore, we demonstrate a host cell-dependent pathway of continuous amplification of the cyst-forming bradyzoite population. The developmental plasticity of the excysted bradyzoites further underlines the critical role the cyst plays in the flexibility of the lifecycle of this ubiquitous parasite. This revised model of Toxoplasma recrudescence uncovers previously unknown complexity in the clinically important bradyzoite stage of the parasite, which opens the door to further study these novel developmental features of the Toxoplasma intermediate life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A. Vizcarra
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Amber L. Goerner
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Arzu Ulu
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - David D. Hong
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Kristina V. Bergersen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Michael A. Talavera
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Karine Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Emma H. Wilson
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Michael W. White
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Nicoletti CD, Dos Santos Galvão RM, de Sá Haddad Queiroz M, Barboclher L, Faria AFM, Teixeira GP, Souza ALA, de Carvalho da Silva F, Ferreira VF, da Silva Lima CH, Borba-Santos LP, Rozental S, Futuro DO, Faria RX. Inclusion complex of O-allyl-lawsone with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: Preparation, physical characterization, antiparasitic and antifungal activity. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2023:10.1007/s10863-023-09970-x. [PMID: 37442875 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-023-09970-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The subclass naphthoquinone represents a substance group containing several compounds with important activities against various pathogenic microorganisms. Accordingly, we evaluated O-allyl-lawsone (OAL) antiparasitic and antifungal activity free and encapsulated in 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (OAL MKN) against Trypanosoma cruzi and Sporothrix spp. OAL and OAL MKN were synthesized and characterized by physicochemical methods. The IC50 values of OAL against T. cruzi were 2.4 µM and 96.8 µM, considering epimastigotes and trypomastigotes, respectively. At the same time, OAL MKN exhibited a lower IC50 value (0.5 µM) for both trypanosome forms and low toxicity for mammalian cells. Additionally, the encapsulation showed a selectivity index approximately 240 times higher than that of benznidazole. Regarding antifungal activity, OAL and OAL MKN inhibited Sporothrix brasiliensis growth at 16 µM, while Sporothrix schenckii was inhibited at 32 µM. OAL MKN also exhibited higher selectivity toward fungus than mammalian cells. In conclusion, we described the encapsulation of O-allyl-lawsone in 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, increasing the antiparasitic activity compared with the free form and reducing the cytotoxicity and increasing the selectivity towardSporothrix yeasts and the T. cruzi trypomastigote form. This study highlights the potential development of this inclusion complex as an antiparasitic and antifungal agent to treat neglected diseases.
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Grants
- E-26/202.800/2017, SEI-260003/001178/2020, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/010.000984/2019, E-26/200.982/2021, E-26/010/00168/2015 Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
- E-26/202.800/2017, SEI-260003/001178/2020, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/010.000984/2019, E-26/200.982/2021, E-26/010/00168/2015 Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
- E-26/202.800/2017, SEI-260003/001178/2020, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/010.000984/2019, E-26/200.982/2021, E-26/010/00168/2015 Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
- E-26/202.800/2017, SEI-260003/001178/2020, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/010.000984/2019, E-26/200.982/2021, E-26/010/00168/2015 Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
- E-26/202.800/2017, SEI-260003/001178/2020, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/010.000984/2019, E-26/200.982/2021, E-26/010/00168/2015 Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
- E-26/202.800/2017, SEI-260003/001178/2020, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/010.000984/2019, E-26/200.982/2021, E-26/010/00168/2015 Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
- E-26/202.800/2017, SEI-260003/001178/2020, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/010.000984/2019, E-26/200.982/2021, E-26/010/00168/2015 Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
- E-26/202.800/2017, SEI-260003/001178/2020, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/203.246/2017, E-26/010.000984/2019, E-26/200.982/2021, E-26/010/00168/2015 Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
- 308755/2018-9, 301873/2019-4, and 308755/2018-9 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
- 308755/2018-9, 301873/2019-4, and 308755/2018-9 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
- 308755/2018-9, 301873/2019-4, and 308755/2018-9 Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Deckmann Nicoletti
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, 24241-000, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Maria Dos Santos Galvão
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Valonguinho, 24020-141, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcella de Sá Haddad Queiroz
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, 24241-000, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lais Barboclher
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, 24241-000, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Martins Faria
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Valonguinho, 24020-141, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Guilherme Pegas Teixeira
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, n° 4365, Pavilhão Lauro Travassos, sala 01, 21040-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - André Luis Ameida Souza
- Universidade Iguaçu, Nova Iguaçu - RJ, Av. Abílio Augusto Távora, 2134, 26260-045, Jardim Alvorada, Brazil
| | - Fernando de Carvalho da Silva
- Departamento de Quimica Orgânica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Valonguinho, 24020-141, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vitor Francisco Ferreira
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, 24241-000, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Luana P Borba-Santos
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-170, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-170, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Débora Omena Futuro
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, 24241-000, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Robson Xavier Faria
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Campus Valonguinho, 24020-141, Niterói, RJ, Brasil.
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, n° 4365, Pavilhão Lauro Travassos, sala 01, 21040-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Almeida A, De Mello-Sampayo C, Lopes A, Carvalho da Silva R, Viana P, Meisel L. Predicted Environmental Risk Assessment of Antimicrobials with Increased Consumption in Portugal during the COVID-19 Pandemic; The Groundwork for the Forthcoming Water Quality Survey. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040652. [PMID: 37107014 PMCID: PMC10135311 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental release of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals is an imminent threat due to ecological impacts and microbial resistance phenomena. The recent COVID-19 outbreak will likely lead to greater loads of antimicrobials in the environment. Thus, identifying the most used antimicrobials likely to pose environmental risks would be valuable. For that, the ambulatory and hospital consumption patterns of antimicrobials in Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) were compared with those of 2019. A predicted risk assessment screening approach based on exposure and hazard in the surface water was conducted, combining consumption, excretion rates, and ecotoxicological/microbiological endpoints in five different regions of Portugal. Among the 22 selected substances, only rifaximin and atovaquone demonstrated predicted potential ecotoxicological risks for aquatic organisms. Flucloxacillin, piperacillin, tazobactam, meropenem, ceftriaxone, fosfomycin, and metronidazole showed the most significant potential for antibiotic resistance in all analysed regions. Regarding the current screening approach and the lack of environmental data, it is advisable to consider rifaximin and atovaquone in subsequent water quality surveys. These results might support the forthcoming monitorisation of surface water quality in a post-pandemic survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabela Almeida
- Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama (CIVG), Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama (EUVG), Campus Universitário de Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Universidade de Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (L.M.)
| | - Cristina De Mello-Sampayo
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Signaling and Neuroregeneration, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Lopes
- Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente (APA), Rua da Murgueira, 9, 2610-124 Amadora, Portugal
| | - Rita Carvalho da Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Biosafety Unit, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paula Viana
- Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente (APA), Rua da Murgueira, 9, 2610-124 Amadora, Portugal
| | - Leonor Meisel
- Laboratory of Systems Integration Pharmacology, Clinical and Regulatory Science, Research Institute for Medicines (iMED.Ulisboa), 1600-277 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (L.M.)
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10
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Ibrahim A, Chattaraj A, Iqbal Q, Anjum A, Rehman MEU, Aijaz Z, Nasir F, Ansar S, Zangeneh TT, Iftikhar A. Pneumocystis jiroveci
Pneumonia: A Review of Management in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patients. Avicenna J Med 2023; 13:23-34. [PMID: 36969352 PMCID: PMC10038753 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia is an opportunistic fungal infection that was mainly associated with pneumonia in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. There has been a decline in
Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia incidence in HIV since the introduction of antiretroviral medications. However, its incidence is increasing in non-HIV immunocompromised patients including those with solid organ transplantation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, solid organ tumors, autoimmune deficiencies, and primary immunodeficiency disorders. We aim to review and summarize the etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of
Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia in HIV, and non-HIV patients. HIV patients usually have mild-to-severe symptoms, while non-HIV patients present with a rapidly progressing disease. Induced sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid can be used to make a definitive diagnosis of
Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is considered to be the first-line drug for treatment and has proven to be highly effective for
Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia prophylaxis in both HIV and non-HIV patients. Pentamidine, atovaquone, clindamycin, and primaquine are used as second-line agents. While several diagnostic tests, treatments, and prophylactic regimes are available at our disposal, there is need for more research to prevent and manage this disease more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Ibrahim
- North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo, Mississippi, United States
| | - Asmi Chattaraj
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, McKeesport, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Qamar Iqbal
- TidalHealth, Salisbury, Maryland, United States
| | - Ali Anjum
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Sadia Ansar
- Rawal Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tirdad T. Zangeneh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
| | - Ahmad Iftikhar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
- Address for correspondence Ahmad Iftikhar, MD Department of Medicine, University of Arizona1525N. Campbell Avenue, PO Box 245212, Tucson, AZ 85724
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11
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Chaorattanakawee S, Kosaisavee V, Bunsermyos W, Aonsri C, Imaram W, Suwannasin K, Kunasol C, Thamnurak C, Boonyalai N, Saunders D, Dondorp AM, Mungthin M, Imwong M. In vitro activity of rhinacanthin analogues against drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Northeast Thailand. Malar J 2023; 22:105. [PMID: 36959593 PMCID: PMC10035203 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04532-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New anti-malarial drugs are needed urgently to address the increasing challenges of drug-resistant falciparum malaria. Two rhinacanthin analogues containing a naphthoquinone moiety resembling atovaquone showed promising in-vitro activity against a P. falciparum laboratory reference strain (K1). The anti-malarial activity of these 2 compounds was further evaluated for P. falciparum field isolates from an area of multi-drug resistance in Northeast Thailand. METHODS Using a pLDH enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, four P. falciparum isolates from Northeast Thailand in 2018 were tested for in vitro sensitivity to the two synthetic rhinacanthin analogues 1 and 2 as well as established anti-malarials. Mutations in the P. falciparum cytochrome b gene, a marker for atovaquone (ATQ) resistance, were genotyped in all four field isolates as well as 100 other clinical isolates from the same area using PCR-artificial Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms. Pfkelch13 mutations, a marker for artemisinin (ART) resistance, were also examined in all isolates. RESULTS The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of P. falciparum field isolates for rhinacanthin analogue 1 was 321.9-791.1 nM (median = 403.1 nM). Parasites were more sensitive to analogue 2: IC50 48.6-63.3 nM (median = 52.2 nM). Similar results were obtained against P. falciparum reference laboratory strains 3D7 and W2. The ART-resistant IPC-5202 laboratory strain was more sensitive to these compounds with a median IC50 45.9 and 3.3 nM for rhinacanthin analogues 1 and 2, respectively. The ATQ-resistant C2B laboratory strain showed high-grade resistance towards both compounds (IC50 > 15,000 nM), and there was a strong positive correlation between the IC50 values for these compounds and ATQ (r = 0.83-0.97, P < 0.001). There were no P. falciparum cytochrome b mutations observed in the field isolates, indicating that P. falciparum isolates from this area remained ATQ-sensitive. Pfkelch13 mutations and the ring-stage survival assay confirmed that most isolates were resistant to ART. CONCLUSIONS Two rhinacanthin analogues showed parasiticidal activity against multi-drug resistant P. falciparum isolates, although less potent than ATQ. Rhinacanthin analogue 2 was more potent than analogue 1, and can be a lead compound for further optimization as an anti-malarial in areas with multidrug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwanna Chaorattanakawee
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Varakorn Kosaisavee
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watanyu Bunsermyos
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chaiyawat Aonsri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Witcha Imaram
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokon Suwannasin
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanon Kunasol
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chatchadaporn Thamnurak
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nonlawat Boonyalai
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - David Saunders
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mathirut Mungthin
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, 317 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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12
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Zhan J, Xia D. Bcs1, a novel target for fungicide. Front Chem 2023; 11:1146753. [PMID: 36993815 PMCID: PMC10040684 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1146753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial respiratory chain has long been a primary target for the development of fungicides for its indispensable role in various cellular functions including energy metabolism. Over the years, a wide range of natural and synthetic fungicides and pesticides targeting the respiratory chain complexes have been discovered or developed and used in agriculture and in medicine, which brought considerable economic gains but was also accompanied by the emergence of resistance to these compounds. To delay and overcome the onset of resistance, novel targets for fungicides development are actively being pursued. Mitochondrial AAA protein Bcs1 is necessary for the biogenesis of respiratory chain Complex III, also known as cyt bc1 complex, by delivering the last essential iron-sulfur protein subunit in its folded form to the cyt bc1 precomplex. Although no report on the phenotypes of knock-out Bcs1 has been reported in animals, pathogenic Bcs1 mutations cause Complex III deficiency and respiratory growth defects, which makes it a promising new target for the development of fungicides. Recent Cryo-EM and X-ray structures of mouse and yeast Bcs1 revealed the basic oligomeric states of Bcs1, shed light on the translocation mechanism of its substrate ISP, and provided the basis for structure-based drug design. This review summarizes the recent progress made on understanding the structure and function of Bcs1, proposes the use of Bcs1 as an antifungal target, and provides novel prospects for fungicides design by targeting Bcs1.
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13
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Anumolu N, Henry K, Sattui SE, Putman M. Is there a role for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis in giant cell arteritis or polymyalgia rheumatica? Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 58:152154. [PMID: 36563422 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic fungal infection that affects immunocompromised patients. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of PJP among patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) or polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). METHODS A retrospective cohort study of incident cases of GCA and PMR was conducted using claims data from the TriNetX database to describe the incidence of PJP during the first 6 months of therapy. Additionally, a systematic review was performed to identify other publications describing PJP among patients with GCA or PMR. RESULTS During 547 patient-years of follow-up time, no cases of PJP were identified among 1,168 cases of GCA (incident rate 0 per 1,000 person-years); during 7,446 patient-years of follow up time, one case of PJP was identified out of 15,575 cases of PMR (incident rate 0.07 cases per 1,000 patient-years). This patient was alive at last follow up. Our systematic review identified 1 case-control study, 4 cohort studies, and 18 case series / case reports of PJP among patients with GCA or PMR. The incident rate of PJP was reported from one additional study for GCA and was estimated at 0.08 cases per 1,000 person years; no additional cohort studies were identified for patients with PMR. Over the entirety of the published literature, the total number of cases identified among case series and case reports was 33, from which 4 total deaths were identified. CONCLUSIONS Patients with newly diagnosed GCA or PMR rarely develop PJP. Existing data does not support routine prescribing of PJP prophylaxis for either group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Anumolu
- Hub for Collaborative Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Rheumatology 8th Floor, Milwaukee, WI, United States.
| | - Katie Henry
- Hub for Collaborative Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Rheumatology 8th Floor, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | | | - Michael Putman
- Hub for Collaborative Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Rheumatology 8th Floor, Milwaukee, WI, United States.
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14
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Horvath TD, Poventud-Fuentes I, Olayinka L, James A, Haidacher SJ, Hoch KM, Stevens AM, Haag AM, Devaraj S. Validation of atovaquone plasma levels by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for therapeutic drug monitoring in pediatric patients. J Mass Spectrom Adv Clin Lab 2022; 26:23-27. [PMID: 36388060 PMCID: PMC9641598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsacl.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Atovaquone, an antiparasitic and antifungal, has potential as an anticancer agent. Our LC-MS/MS-based method can accurately quantify atovaquone in plasma. Low LOQ and small sample volume requirements add versatility to our method. Measuring atovaquone in plasma helps to determine the effective dose in children.
Background Atovaquone has traditionally been used as an antiparasitic and antifungal agent, but recent studies have shown its potential as an anticancer agent. The high variability in atovaquone bioavailability highlights the need for therapeutic drug monitoring, especially in pediatric patients. The goal of our study was to develop and validate the performance of an assay to quantify atovaquone plasma concentrations collected from pediatric cancer patients using LC-MS/MS. Methods Atovaquone was extracted from a 10 µL volume of K2-EDTA human plasma using a solution consisting of ACN: EtOH: DMF (8:1:1 v:v:v), separated using reverse-phase chromatography, and detected using a SCIEX 5500 QTrap MS system. LC-MS/MS assay performance was evaluated for precision, accuracy, carryover, sensitivity, specificity, linearity, and interferences. Results Atovaquone and its deuterated internal standard were analyzed using a gradient chromatographic method that had an overall cycle-time of 7.4 min per injection, and retention times of 4.3 min. Atovaquone was measured over a dynamic concentration range of 0.63 – 80 µM with a deviation within ≤ ± 5.1 % of the target value. Intra- and inter-assay precision were ≤ 2.7 % and ≤ 8.4 %, respectively. Dilutional, carryover, and interference studies were also within acceptable limits. Conclusions Our studies have shown that our LC-MS/MS-based method is both reliable and robust for the quantification of plasma atovaquone concentrations and can be used to determine the effective dose of atovaquone for pediatric patients treated for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D. Horvath
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Izmarie Poventud-Fuentes
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lily Olayinka
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Asha James
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sigmund J. Haidacher
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Hoch
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexandra M. Stevens
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anthony M. Haag
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sridevi Devaraj
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Corresponding author.
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15
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Zhang Z, Li Q, Shen X, Liao L, Wang X, Song M, Zheng X, Zhu Y, Yang Y. The medication for pneumocystis pneumonia with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency patients. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:957376. [PMID: 36160421 PMCID: PMC9490050 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.957376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunity acquired infection, which is usually easy to occur in patients with AIDS, organ transplantation, and immunosuppressive drugs. The prevention and treatment must be necessary for PCP patients with immunocompromise. And the oxidants are currently a typical regimen, including sulfanilamide, dapsone, primaquine, etc. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked gene-disease that affects about 400 million people worldwide. The lack of G6PD in this population results in a decrease in intracellular glutathione synthesis and a weakening of the detoxification ability of the oxidants. As a result, oxidants can directly damage haemoglobin in red blood cells, inducing methemoglobin and hemolysis. When patients with G6PD deficiency have low immunity, they are prone to PCP infection, so choosing drugs that do not induce hemolysis is essential. There are no clear guidelines to recommend the drug choice of this kind of population at home and abroad. This paper aims to demonstrate the drug choice for PCP patients with G6PD deficiency through theoretical research combined with clinical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People’s Hospital of Ziyang, Ziyang, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinhui Li
- Department of Medical, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Qingbaijiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Lankai Liao
- Intensive Care Unit, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People’s Hospital of Ziyang, Ziyang, China
| | - Min Song
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People’s Hospital of Ziyang, Ziyang, China
| | - Xi Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulian Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Ziyang People’s Hospital, Ziyang, China
- *Correspondence: Yulian Zhu, ; Yong Yang,
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yulian Zhu, ; Yong Yang,
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16
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Iguchi A, Mizukami M, Takeuchi T, Kobayashi S, Uchida N, Sato R, Yamasaki M. The effect of atovaquone on the mitochondrial membrane potential of Babesiagibsoni. Exp Parasitol 2022; 241:108354. [PMID: 36027930 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Atovaquone (ATV) has a growth inhibitory effect against Babesia gibsoni. The target site is considered mitochondria, as in the case of Plasmodium spp.; ATV would collapse the mitochondrial membrane potential. B. gibsoni has also reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms in cytochrome b of mitochondria are involved in ATV susceptibility. However, the details are still unknown. The study aim was to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential of B. gibsoni and evaluate the effect of ATV alone and combined with proguanil (PG) on the mitochondrial membrane potential. As a result of exposure of wild-type B. gibsoni to ATV alone, the number of cells with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential increased. When wild-type B. gibsoni was exposed to the ATV + PG combination, the peak value of mitochondrial membrane potential was larger than that when exposed to ATV alone. It was suggested that ATV alone affects the mitochondrial membrane potential of B. gibsoni, and the effect is enhanced by the combination of ATV and PG. The effect of ATV was weakened for B. gibsoni having reduced sensitivity to ATV (B. gibsoni with M121I), and the effect was not enhanced by the combination of ATV and PG. Although we still need to elucidate the mechanism of ATV and PG for B. gibsoni, these results strongly suggests that the target of ATV for B. gibsoni is also cytochrome b of mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiko Iguchi
- Veterinary Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyamacho minami, Tottori, 680-8553, Japan.
| | - Mao Mizukami
- Veterinary Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyamacho minami, Tottori, 680-8553, Japan
| | - Takashi Takeuchi
- Veterinary Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyamacho minami, Tottori, 680-8553, Japan
| | - Saori Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka, 020-8550, Japan
| | - Naohiro Uchida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka, 020-8550, Japan
| | - Reeko Sato
- Laboratory of Veterinary Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka, 020-8550, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamasaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka, 020-8550, Japan
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17
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Disrupting the plastidic iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis pathway in Toxoplasma gondii has pleiotropic effects irreversibly impacting parasite viability. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102243. [PMID: 35810787 PMCID: PMC9386495 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Like many other apicomplexan parasites, Toxoplasma gondii contains a plastid harboring key metabolic pathways, including the sulfur utilization factor (SUF) pathway that is involved in the biosynthesis of iron-sulfur clusters. These cofactors are crucial for a variety of proteins involved in important metabolic reactions, potentially including plastidic pathways for the synthesis of isoprenoid and fatty acids. It was shown previously that impairing the NFS2 cysteine desulfurase, involved in the first step of the SUF pathway, leads to an irreversible killing of intracellular parasites. However, the metabolic impact of disrupting the pathway remained unexplored. Here, we generated another mutant of this pathway, deficient in the SUFC ATPase, and investigated in details the phenotypic consequences of TgNFS2 and TgSUFC depletion on the parasites. Our analysis confirms that Toxoplasma SUF mutants are severely and irreversibly impacted in division and membrane homeostasis, and suggests a defect in apicoplast-generated fatty acids. However, we show that increased scavenging from the host or supplementation with exogenous fatty acids do not fully restore parasite growth, suggesting that this is not the primary cause for the demise of the parasites and that other important cellular functions were affected. For instance, we also show that the SUF pathway is key for generating the isoprenoid-derived precursors necessary for the proper targeting of GPI-anchored proteins and for parasite motility. Thus, we conclude plastid-generated iron-sulfur clusters support the functions of proteins involved in several vital downstream cellular pathways, which implies the SUF machinery may be explored for new potential anti-Toxoplasma targets.
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18
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Gujjari L, Kalani H, Pindiprolu SK, Arakareddy BP, Yadagiri G. Current challenges and nanotechnology-based pharmaceutical strategies for the treatment and control of malaria. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2022; 17:e00244. [PMID: 35243049 PMCID: PMC8866151 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2022.e00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the prevalent tropical diseases caused by the parasitic protozoan of the genus Plasmodium spp. With an estimated 228 million cases, it is a major public health concern with high incidence of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The emergence of drug-resistant parasites, inadequate vector control measures, and the non-availability of effective vaccine(s) against malaria pose a serious challenge to malaria eradication especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Malaria treatment and control comprehensively relies on chemical compounds, which encompass various complications, including severe toxic effects, emergence of drug resistance, and high cost of therapy. To overcome the clinical failures of anti-malarial chemotherapy, a new drug development is of an immediate need. However, the drug discovery and development process is expensive and time consuming. In such a scenario, nanotechnological strategies may offer promising alternative approach for the treatment and control of malaria, with improved efficacy and safety. Nanotechnology based formulations of existing anti-malarial chemotherapeutic agents prove to exceed the limitations of existing therapies in relation to optimum therapeutic benefits, safety, and cost effectiveness, which indeed advances the patient's compliance in treatment. In this review, the shortcomings of malaria therapeutics and necessity of nanotechnological strategies for treating malaria were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lohitha Gujjari
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S. A. S. Nagar, Punjab 160 062, India
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Hamed Kalani
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sai Kiran Pindiprolu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh 533003, India
| | | | - Ganesh Yadagiri
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh 533003, India
- Centre for Food Animal Health, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
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Mania With Psychotic Symptoms After Malaria Prophylaxis With Atovaquone-Proguanil: A Case Report. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2022; 42:331-333. [PMID: 35489033 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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20
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Karasová M, Tóthová C, Grelová S, Fialkovičová M. The Etiology, Incidence, Pathogenesis, Diagnostics, and Treatment of Canine Babesiosis Caused by Babesia gibsoni Infection. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060739. [PMID: 35327136 PMCID: PMC8944684 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Babesia gibsoni is a parasite that causes the rupture of red blood cells in dogs. Although there is no natural, tick-borne transmission of this disease in Europe, it has become more common in European countries in recent years. Dogfighting breeds are predisposed to disease and they are a potential source of infection. Given the high popularity of these dog breeds in Europe and the participation of many dogs at sports competitions and shows, it is likely that the incidence of the disease in Europe may be higher than expected. The fact that the disease is mostly manifested as asymptomatic infection and that dogs of predisposed breeds are often imported from endemic areas, or they travel due to mating or competitions around the world, also contributes to this hypothesis. Abstract Babesia gibsoni is one of the small Babesia species and the infection this pathogen causes is usually asymptomatic, which complicates the capture of potential parasite carriers. In endemic areas, especially in Asia, B. gibsoni occurs quite often due to direct transmission by way of a tick vector. Due to the absence of vectors, its occurrence is described only sporadically in Europe; but, it is increasingly occurring in predisposed, so-called fighting breeds, especially the American pit bull terrier. This review describes the etiology, incidence, clinical signs, pathogenesis, diagnostics, and treatment of B. gibsoni infection, with an emphasis on the clinical and laboratory peculiarities of the disease. As the treated dogs do not eliminate the parasite from the body—only reducing parasitemia and improving clinical signs—the treatment of B. gibsoni infection is a challenge in many cases, and its study therefore deserves great attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Karasová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Csilla Tóthová
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Simona Grelová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (M.F.)
| | - Mária Fialkovičová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (M.F.)
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21
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Karasová M, Tóthová C, Víchová B, Blaňarová L, Kisková T, Grelová S, Staroňová R, Micháľová A, Kožár M, Nagy O, Fialkovičová M. Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Malarone®, Azithromycin and Artesunate Combination for Treatment of Babesia gibsoni in Naturally Infected Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060708. [PMID: 35327106 PMCID: PMC8944516 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia gibsoni is a tick-borne protozoal blood parasite that may cause hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, lethargy, and/or splenomegaly in dogs. Many drugs have been used in management of canine babesiosis such as monotherapy or combined treatment, including diminazene aceturate, imidocarb dipropionate, atovaquone, and antibiotics. This report examines the effectiveness and safety of Malarone®, azithromycin (AZM) and artesunate (ART) combination for the treatment of babesiosis in dogs naturally infected with Babesia gibsoni. Twelve American Pit Bull Terriers were included in the experiment. Examined dogs underwent clinical and laboratory analysis including hematology and biochemistry profile and serum protein electrophoresis. After diagnosis, the dogs received combined therapy with Malarone® (13.5 mg/kg PO q24 h), azithromycin (10 mg/kg PO q24 h) and artesunate (12.5 mg/kg PO q24 h) for 10 days. The combined treatment improved hematology and biochemical parameters to the reference range gradually during the first 14 days already, resulting in the stable values until day 56 after treatment. No clinically apparent adverse effects were reported during treatment and monitoring. No relapses of parasitemia were detected in control days 180, 360, 540 and 720 in all dogs. Results of the study indicate that the combined treatment leads to successful elimination of parasitemia in chronically infected dogs with B. gibsoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Karasová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Csilla Tóthová
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (C.T.); (O.N.)
| | - Bronislava Víchová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovac Academy of Sciences, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (B.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Lucia Blaňarová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovac Academy of Sciences, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (B.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Terézia Kisková
- Faculty of Science, University of Pavol Jozef Šafárik, 04180 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Simona Grelová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Radka Staroňová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Alena Micháľová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Martin Kožár
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Oskar Nagy
- Clinic of Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (C.T.); (O.N.)
| | - Mária Fialkovičová
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 04001 Košice, Slovakia; (S.G.); (R.S.); (A.M.); (M.K.); (M.F.)
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22
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Thommen BT, Passecker A, Buser T, Hitz E, Voss TS, Brancucci NMB. Revisiting the Effect of Pharmaceuticals on Transmission Stage Formation in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:802341. [PMID: 35223540 PMCID: PMC8873190 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.802341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites rely on specialized stages, called gametocytes, to ensure human-to-human transmission. The formation of these sexual precursor cells is initiated by commitment of blood stage parasites to the sexual differentiation pathway. Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent of six parasite species infecting humans, employs nutrient sensing to control the rate at which sexual commitment is initiated, and the presence of stress-inducing factors, including antimalarial drugs, has been linked to increased gametocyte production in vitro and in vivo. These observations suggest that therapeutic interventions may promote gametocytogenesis and malaria transmission. Here, we engineered a P. falciparum reporter line to quantify sexual commitment rates after exposure to antimalarials and other pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed in malaria-endemic regions. Our data reveal that some of the tested drugs indeed have the capacity to elevate sexual commitment rates in vitro. Importantly, however, these effects are only observed at drug concentrations that inhibit parasite survival and only rarely result in a net increase of gametocyte production. Using a drug-resistant parasite reporter line, we further show that the gametocytogenesis-promoting effect of drugs is linked to general stress responses rather than to compound-specific activities. Altogether, we did not observe evidence for mechanistic links between the regulation of sexual commitment and the activity of commonly used pharmaceuticals in vitro. Our data hence does not support scenarios in which currently applied therapeutic interventions would promote the spread of drug-resistant parasites or malaria transmission in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basil T. Thommen
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Armin Passecker
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tamara Buser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eva Hitz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Till S. Voss
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Till S. Voss, ; Nicolas M. B. Brancucci,
| | - Nicolas M. B. Brancucci
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Till S. Voss, ; Nicolas M. B. Brancucci,
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23
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Pamukcu S, Cerutti A, Bordat Y, Hem S, Rofidal V, Besteiro S. Differential contribution of two organelles of endosymbiotic origin to iron-sulfur cluster synthesis and overall fitness in Toxoplasma. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010096. [PMID: 34793583 PMCID: PMC8639094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are one of the most ancient and ubiquitous prosthetic groups, and they are required by a variety of proteins involved in important metabolic processes. Apicomplexan parasites have inherited different plastidic and mitochondrial Fe-S clusters biosynthesis pathways through endosymbiosis. We have investigated the relative contributions of these pathways to the fitness of Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite causing disease in humans, by generating specific mutants. Phenotypic analysis and quantitative proteomics allowed us to highlight notable differences in these mutants. Both Fe-S cluster synthesis pathways are necessary for optimal parasite growth in vitro, but their disruption leads to markedly different fates: impairment of the plastidic pathway leads to a loss of the organelle and to parasite death, while disruption of the mitochondrial pathway trigger differentiation into a stress resistance stage. This highlights that otherwise similar biochemical pathways hosted by different sub-cellular compartments can have very different contributions to the biology of the parasites, which is something to consider when exploring novel strategies for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aude Cerutti
- LPHI, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Yann Bordat
- LPHI, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Sonia Hem
- BPMP, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Rofidal
- BPMP, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
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Weyant RB, Kabbani D, Doucette K, Lau C, Cervera C. Pneumocystis jirovecii: a review with a focus on prevention and treatment. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:1579-1592. [PMID: 33870843 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1915989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJ) is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause severe pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts. Risk factors for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) include HIV, organ transplant, malignancy, certain inflammatory or rheumatologic conditions, and associated therapies and conditions that result in cell-mediated immune deficiency. Clinical signs of PJP are nonspecific and definitive diagnosis requires direct detection of the organism in lower respiratory secretions or tissue. First-line therapy for prophylaxis and treatment remains trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), though intolerance or allergy, and rarely treatment failure, may necessitate alternate therapeutics, such as dapsone, pentamidine, atovaquone, clindamycin, primaquine and most recently, echinocandins as adjunctive therapy. In people living with HIV (PLWH), adjunctive corticosteroid use in treatment has shown a mortality benefit.Areas covered: This review article covers the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, microbiology, prophylaxis indications, prophylactic therapies, and treatments.Expert opinion: TMP-SMX has been first-line therapy for treating and preventing pneumocystis for decades. However, its adverse effects are not uncommon, particularly during treatment. Second-line therapies may be better tolerated, but often sacrifice efficacy. Echinocandins show some promise for new combination therapies; however, further studies are needed to define optimal antimicrobial therapy for PJP as well as the role of corticosteroids in those without HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Benson Weyant
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dima Kabbani
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karen Doucette
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cecilia Lau
- Department of Pharmacy, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carlos Cervera
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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25
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Pereira LM, de Luca G, Abichabki NDLM, Brochi JCV, Baroni L, Abreu-Filho PG, Yatsuda AP. Atovaquone, chloroquine, primaquine, quinine and tetracycline: antiproliferative effects of relevant antimalarials on Neospora caninum. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e022120. [PMID: 33787719 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that causes abortion in cattle, resulting in significant economic losses. There is no commercial treatment for neosporosis, and drug repositioning is a fast strategy to test possible candidates against N. caninum. In this article, we describe the effects of atovaquone, chloroquine, quinine, primaquine and tetracycline on N. caninum proliferation. The IC50 concentrations in N. caninum were compared to the current information based on previous studies for Plasmodium and Toxoplasma gondii, correlating to the described mechanisms of action of each tested drug. The inhibitory patterns indicate similarities and differences among N. caninum, Plasmodium and T. gondii. For example, atovaquone demonstrates high antiparasitic activity in all the analyzed models, while chloroquine does not inhibit N. caninum. On the other hand, tetracycline is effective against Plasmodium and N. caninum, despite its low activity in T. gondii models. The repurposing of antimalarial drugs in N. caninum is a fast and inexpensive way to develop novel formulations using well-established compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Miguel Pereira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Gabriela de Luca
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Nathália de Lima Martins Abichabki
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Jade Cabestre Venancio Brochi
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Péricles Gama Abreu-Filho
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Ana Patrícia Yatsuda
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
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26
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Olanlokun JO, Bodede O, Prinsloo G, Olorunsogo OO. Comparative antimalarial, toxicity and mito-protective effects of Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC. and Mondia whitei (Hook.f.) Skeels on Plasmodium berghei infection in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 268:113585. [PMID: 33189839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC. and Mondia whitei (Hook.f.) Skeels are traditionally used in Africa for the treatment of malaria. However, scientific evidence to substantiate this folkloric claim and their effects on liver mitochondria during malaria treatment have not been reported. AIM OF THE STUDY This study investigated the efficacy of D. mespiliformis and M. whitei against chloroquine-sensitive and resistant strains of malarial parasites in mice. It also investigated the toxicity and protection against cellular organelles like mitochondria. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Swiss mice were infected with a chloroquine resistant (ANKA) strain of Plasmodium berghei and were treated via oral gavage with methanol extracts of D. mespiliformis and M. whitei reconstituted in diluted dimethylsulfoxide as vehicle (DMSO, 5% v/v) for five consecutive days. Percentage parasite load and clearance were assessed by microscopy. The infected control was treated with the vehicle. Hematological indices were assessed using standard procedures. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined using assay kits. Hepatic mitochondria were isolated via centrifugation, and their permeability transition (mPT), ATPase (mATPase) activity and lipid peroxidation (mLPO) were determined spectroscopically. Liver tissue histology was carried out by standard laboratory procedures. Phytochemical analysis of both extracts were performed using LC-MS to identify the most prominent compounds from each of the extracts. RESULTS After treatment on day 5, D. mespiliformis and M. whitei at 400 mg/kg decreased mean values for: percentage parasitemia (5.0 ± 1.0, 2.0 ± 0.2), increased Packed Cell Volume (PCV) (36.0 ± 1.4, 36.0 ± 0.0%) and platelets (2.0 ± 1.4, 2.0 ± 2.8 × 105mm3) relative to the untreated control (20.0 ± 5.2; 30.0 ± 0.0%; 1.4 ± 1.4 × 105 mm3, respectively). At the same dose, D. mespiliformis and M. whitei decreased ALT (8.0 ± 3.8, 24.2 ± 4.0U/L), AST (6.2 ± 0.8, 8.0 ± 0.9U/L) and ALP (56.0 ± 0.7, 51.0 ± 1.0U/L) activities compared to the infected control (77.0 ± 10.9U/L, 14.0 ± 0.7U/L and 76.0 ± 6.0U/L, respectively). Both D. mespiliformis and M. whitei reversed mPT opening, decreased mATPase enhancement and mLPO, relative to the control. Histopathology of the liver showed extensive hemorrhagic lesions and severe disseminated congestion in the infected control while both D. mespiliformis and M. whitei were well tolerated at the highest dose. The LC-MS analysis of D. mespiliformis showed the presence of betulinic acid, tocopherol and kaempferol with antimalarial and antioxidant properties while the M. whitei sample contained coumarin and chlorogenic acid that have antimalarial and hepato-protective properties. CONCLUSIONS D.mespiliformis and M. whitei show antimalarial effects against resistant Plasmodium berghei infection, enhanced cell viability, mito-protection and are not toxic in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Oludele Olanlokun
- Laboratories for Biomembrane Research and Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Olusola Bodede
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Florida, 1710, South Africa
| | - Gerhard Prinsloo
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Florida, 1710, South Africa
| | - Olufunso Olabode Olorunsogo
- Laboratories for Biomembrane Research and Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
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Jafarpour Azami S, Mohammad Rahimi H, Mirjalali H, Zali MR. Unravelling Toxoplasma treatment: conventional drugs toward nanomedicine. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:48. [PMID: 33566198 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03000-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide protozoan parasite that infects almost all warm-blooded animals. Although human toxoplasmosis is mostly latent, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients need effective treatment. There are drugs of choice for treatment of toxoplasmosis; however, due to their side effects and/or their disease stage-specificity, prescription of them is limited. During recent years, nanomedicine has been employed to overcome limitations of conventional drugs. Here, we provided a state-of-the-art review of experimental toxoplasmosis treatment using nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Inhibitors of the Transcription Factor STAT3 Decrease Growth and Induce Immune Response Genes in Models of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM). Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010007. [PMID: 33374980 PMCID: PMC7792575 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is characterized by the lack of effective long-term treatments and highly prevalent drug resistance. The paucity of potential therapeutic targets has led to dismal prognosis. We have examined the functional role of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) transcription factor in MPM. Even though highly specific STAT3 inhibitors have not yet come to fruition, we performed experiments targeting STAT3 expression and subsequently supported these experiments with small molecule drugs that were previously validated to target STAT3-dependent activation mechanisms. These drugs are United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and showed efficacy in preclinical models of MPM at concentrations that can safely be achieved in humans. We also identified genes that strongly support the essential role of STAT3 in cell growth and are consistent with a role of STAT3 in immune suppression. Overall, the results establish a central role for STAT3 in tumor growth and encourage further expedient development of STAT3 pathway inhibitors for clinical use. Abstract Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer defined by loss-of-function mutations with few therapeutic options. We examined the contribution of the transcription factor Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to cell growth and gene expression in preclinical models of MPM. STAT3 is activated in a variety of tumors and is thought to be required for the maintenance of cancer stem cells. Targeting STAT3 using specific small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) or with the pharmacologic inhibitors atovaquone or pyrimethamine efficiently reduced cell growth in established cell lines and primary-derived lines while showing minimal effects in nontransformed LP9 mesothelial cells. Moreover, atovaquone significantly reduced viability and tumor growth in microfluidic cultures of primary MPM as well as in an in vivo xenotransplant model. Biological changes were linked to modulation of gene expression associated with STAT3 signaling, including cell cycle progression and altered p53 response. Reflecting the role of STAT3 in inducing localized immune suppression, using both atovaquone and pyrimethamine resulted in the modulation of immunoregulatory genes predicted to enhance an immune response, including upregulation of ICOSLG (Inducible T-Cell Costimulator Ligand or B7H2). Thus, our data strongly support a role for STAT3 inhibitors as anti-MPM therapeutics.
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Yamamoto M, Ichinohe T, Watanabe A, Kobayashi A, Zhang R, Song J, Kawaguchi Y, Matsuda Z, Inoue JI. The Antimalarial Compound Atovaquone Inhibits Zika and Dengue Virus Infection by Blocking E Protein-Mediated Membrane Fusion. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121475. [PMID: 33371476 PMCID: PMC7767512 DOI: 10.3390/v12121475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses bear class II fusion proteins as their envelope (E) proteins. Here, we describe the development of an in vitro quantitative mosquito-cell-based membrane-fusion assay for the E protein using dual split proteins (DSPs). The assay does not involve the use of live viruses and allows the analysis of a membrane-fusion step independent of other events in the viral lifecycle, such as endocytosis. The progress of membrane fusion can be monitored continuously by measuring the activities of Renilla luciferase derived from the reassociation of DSPs during cell fusion. We optimized the assay to screen an FDA-approved drug library for a potential membrane fusion inhibitor using the E protein of Zika virus. Screening results identified atovaquone, which was previously described as an antimalarial agent. Atovaquone potently blocked the in vitro Zika virus infection of mammalian cells with an IC90 of 2.1 µM. Furthermore, four distinct serotypes of dengue virus were also inhibited by atovaquone with IC90 values of 1.6–2.5 µM, which is a range below the average blood concentration of atovaquone after its oral administration in humans. These findings make atovaquone a likely candidate drug to treat illnesses caused by Zika as well as dengue viruses. Additionally, the DSP assay is useful to study the mechanism of membrane fusion in Flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Yamamoto
- Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (M.Y.); (A.W.); (A.K.); (Y.K.)
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ichinohe
- Division of Viral Infection, Department of Infectious Disease Control, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
| | - Aya Watanabe
- Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (M.Y.); (A.W.); (A.K.); (Y.K.)
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ayako Kobayashi
- Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (M.Y.); (A.W.); (A.K.); (Y.K.)
| | - Rui Zhang
- Laboratory of Structural Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China;
| | - Jiping Song
- China-Japan Joint Laboratory of Molecular Immunology & Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China;
| | - Yasushi Kawaguchi
- Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (M.Y.); (A.W.); (A.K.); (Y.K.)
- Division of Molecular Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Zene Matsuda
- Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (M.Y.); (A.W.); (A.K.); (Y.K.)
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi 780-8072, Japan
- Correspondence: (Z.M.); (J.-i.I.); Tel.: +81-3-6409-2204 (Z.M.); +81-3-6409-2476 (J.-i.I.)
| | - Jun-ichiro Inoue
- Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; (M.Y.); (A.W.); (A.K.); (Y.K.)
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Senior Professor Office, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
- Correspondence: (Z.M.); (J.-i.I.); Tel.: +81-3-6409-2204 (Z.M.); +81-3-6409-2476 (J.-i.I.)
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Patel OPS, Beteck RM, Legoabe LJ. Antimalarial application of quinones: A recent update. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 210:113084. [PMID: 33333397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Atovaquone belongs to a naphthoquinone class of drugs and is used in combination with proguanil (Malarone) for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum (including chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum/P. vivax). Numerous quinone-derived compounds have attracted considerable attention in the last few decades due to their potential in antimalarial drug discovery. Several semi-synthetic derivatives of natural quinones, synthetic quinones (naphtho-/benzo-quinone, anthraquinones, thiazinoquinones), and quinone-based hybrids were explored for their in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activities. A careful literature survey revealed that this topic has not been compiled as a review article so far. Therefore, we herein summarise the recent discovery (the year 2009-2020) of quinone based antimalarial compounds in chronological order. This compilation would be very useful towards the exploration of novel quinone-derived compounds against malarial parasites with promising efficacy and lesser side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Om P S Patel
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Richard M Beteck
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Lesetja J Legoabe
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
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Hartley AN, Marr HS, Birkenheuer AJ. Cytauxzoon felis cytochrome b gene mutation associated with atovaquone and azithromycin treatment. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:2432-2437. [PMID: 33146909 PMCID: PMC7694809 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atovaquone and azithromycin (A&A) with supportive care improve survival rates in cats with cytauxzoonosis. Resistance to atovaquone via parasite cytochrome b gene (cytb) mutations occurs in other Apicomplexan protozoans but is not described in Cytauxzoon felis. OBJECTIVE To serially characterize the C. felis cytb sequences from a cat that remained persistently infected after A&A treatment. ANIMAL A cat with naturally occurring C. felis infection. METHODS Case report of the anemic cat persistently infected with C. felis before, during and after A&A treatment. Cytauxzoon felis cytb genes were amplified and sequenced before, during and after A&A treatment. RESULTS Cytauxzoon felis was detected before, during and after A&A treatment including samples collected 570 days after treatment. After A&A treatment, the cat's anemia improved slightly. Cytb sequencing revealed only wild-type cytb methionine (M128) in samples collected before treatment. In samples collected after treatment, the cytb coded for isoleucine (M128I) and valine (M128I) at 2- and 4-months after treatment. These M128I and M128V mutations persisted even after a repeat treatment course with a higher dose atovaquone combined with the standard dose of azithromycin. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE This report documents C. felis atovaquone resistance associated with M128 cytb mutations. This study suggests parasites with mutations of cytb M128 can be selected and impart resistance to A&A treatment even with higher atovaquone dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Hartley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Henry S Marr
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adam J Birkenheuer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Fu C, Xiao X, Xu H, Lu W, Wang Y. Efficacy of atovaquone on EpCAM +CD44 + HCT-116 human colon cancer stem cells under hypoxia. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:286. [PMID: 33209130 PMCID: PMC7668131 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia contributes to the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in several human cancer cell lines. Atovaquone, an anti-malaria drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, has recently demonstrated anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo in several cancer models. To assess the potential of atovaquone as an anti-cancer agent under hypoxia in colorectal carcinoma, EpCAM+CD44+ colon cancer stem cells were isolated from HCT-116 human colon cancer cells through magnetic-activated cell sorting. The efficacy of atovaquone on cytotoxicity, tumorsphere formation, apoptosis, invasion and cell-cycle progression under hypoxic conditions were evaluated. MTS assays indicated that atovaquone inhibited the proliferation of EpCAM+CD44+ HCT-116 cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 15 µM. Atovaquone inhibited tumorsphere formation and cell proliferation by causing cell-cycle arrest in S-phase, which induced apoptosis of EpCAM+CD44+ HCT-116 cells, as detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assays, and caused mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, as determined by a JC-1 staining assay. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR demonstrated increased expression of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. Transwell invasion assays indicated that atovaquone inhibited the invasiveness of EpCAM+CD44+ HCT-116 cells under hypoxia, which was associated with upregulation of MMP-2 and -9 and increased expression of tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP)-1. Taken together, atovaquone reduced the tumorsphere formation and invasion ability of EpCAM+CD44+ HCT-116 cells, at least in part by increasing the expression of TIMP-1 and downregulating the expression of MMP-2 and -9, as well as the cells' viability by inducing cell-cycle arrest in S-phase and induction of apoptosis via the Bcl-2/Bax pathway under hypoxic conditions. Further studies are warranted to explore the mechanisms of action of atovaquone as a promising anticancer agent in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhao Fu
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.,Department of Endocrinology, Stanford University Medical School, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Xu Xiao
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.,Department of Pharmacy, Siping Central People's Hospital, Siping, Jilin 136000, P.R. China
| | - Hao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Weifei Lu
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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Mudassar F, Shen H, O'Neill G, Hau E. Targeting tumor hypoxia and mitochondrial metabolism with anti-parasitic drugs to improve radiation response in high-grade gliomas. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:208. [PMID: 33028364 PMCID: PMC7542384 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01724-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade gliomas (HGGs), including glioblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, are amongst the most fatal brain tumors. These tumors are associated with a dismal prognosis with a median survival of less than 15 months. Radiotherapy has been the mainstay of treatment of HGGs for decades; however, pronounced radioresistance is the major obstacle towards the successful radiotherapy treatment. Herein, tumor hypoxia is identified as a significant contributor to the radioresistance of HGGs as oxygenation is critical for the effectiveness of radiotherapy. Hypoxia plays a fundamental role in the aggressive and resistant phenotype of all solid tumors, including HGGs, by upregulating hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) which stimulate vital enzymes responsible for cancer survival under hypoxic stress. Since current attempts to target tumor hypoxia focus on reducing oxygen demand of tumor cells by decreasing oxygen consumption rate (OCR), an attractive strategy to achieve this is by inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, as it could decrease OCR, and increase oxygenation, and could therefore improve the radiation response in HGGs. This approach would also help in eradicating the radioresistant glioma stem cells (GSCs) as these predominantly rely on mitochondrial metabolism for survival. Here, we highlight the potential for repurposing anti-parasitic drugs to abolish tumor hypoxia and induce apoptosis of GSCs. Current literature provides compelling evidence that these drugs (atovaquone, ivermectin, proguanil, mefloquine, and quinacrine) could be effective against cancers by mechanisms including inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism and tumor hypoxia and inducing DNA damage. Therefore, combining these drugs with radiotherapy could potentially enhance the radiosensitivity of HGGs. The reported efficacy of these agents against glioblastomas and their ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier provides further support towards promising results and clinical translation of these agents for HGGs treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiqa Mudassar
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Westmead, Australia
| | - Han Shen
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Westmead, Australia.
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Geraldine O'Neill
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Westmead, Australia
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eric Hau
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Westmead, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Westmead, Australia
- Blacktown Hematology and Cancer Centre, Blacktown Hospital, NSW, Blacktown, Australia
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Al-Horani RA, Kar S. Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Therapeutics That Target the Post-Entry Stages of the Viral Life Cycle: A Comprehensive Review. Viruses 2020; 12:E1092. [PMID: 32993173 PMCID: PMC7600245 DOI: 10.3390/v12101092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to challenge health care systems around the world. Scientists and pharmaceutical companies have promptly responded by advancing potential therapeutics into clinical trials at an exponential rate. Initial encouraging results have been realized using remdesivir and dexamethasone. Yet, the research continues so as to identify better clinically relevant therapeutics that act either as prophylactics to prevent the infection or as treatments to limit the severity of COVID-19 and substantially decrease the mortality rate. Previously, we reviewed the potential therapeutics in clinical trials that block the early stage of the viral life cycle. In this review, we summarize potential anti-COVID-19 therapeutics that block/inhibit the post-entry stages of the viral life cycle. The review presents not only the chemical structures and mechanisms of the potential therapeutics under clinical investigation, i.e., listed in clinicaltrials.gov, but it also describes the relevant results of clinical trials. Their anti-inflammatory/immune-modulatory effects are also described. The reviewed therapeutics include small molecules, polypeptides, and monoclonal antibodies. At the molecular level, the therapeutics target viral proteins or processes that facilitate the post-entry stages of the viral infection. Frequent targets are the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and the viral proteases such as papain-like protease (PLpro) and main protease (Mpro). Overall, we aim at presenting up-to-date details of anti-COVID-19 therapeutics so as to catalyze their potential effective use in fighting the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA;
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Busker S, Page B, Arnér ESJ. To inhibit TrxR1 is to inactivate STAT3-Inhibition of TrxR1 enzymatic function by STAT3 small molecule inhibitors. Redox Biol 2020; 36:101646. [PMID: 32863208 PMCID: PMC7378686 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor STAT3 plays a key role in cancer and immunity, being widely explored as a potential drug target for the development of novel immunomodulatory or anticancer therapeutics. The mechanisms of small molecule-derived inhibition of STAT3 appear, however, to be more complex than initially perceived. Our recent discovery, that some novel STAT3 inhibitors were bona fide inhibitors of the cytosolic selenoprotein oxidoreductase TrxR1 (TXNRD1), led us to explore the effects of a wide array of previously described STAT3 inhibitors on TrxR1 function. We found that 17 out of 23 tested STAT3 small molecule inhibitors indeed inhibited purified TrxR1 at the reported concentrations yielding STAT3 inhibition. All tested compounds were electrophilic as shown by direct reactivities with GSH, and several were found to also be redox cycling substrates of TrxR1. Ten compounds previously shown to inhibit STAT3 were here found to irreversibly inhibit cellular TrxR1 activity (Auranofin, Stattic, 5,15-DPP, Galiellalactone, LLL12, Napabucasin, BP1-102, STA-21, S3I-201 and Degrasyn (WP1130)). Our findings suggest that targeting of TrxR1 may be a common feature for many small molecules that inhibit cellular STAT3 function. It is possible that prevention of STAT3 activation in cells by several small molecules classified as STAT3 inhibitors can be a downstream event following TrxR1 inhibition. Therefore, the relationship between TrxR1 and STAT3 should be considered when studying inhibition of either of these promising drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Busker
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brent Page
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratories, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Selenoprotein Research, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
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36
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do Nascimento MFA, Borgati TF, de Souza LCR, Tagliati CA, de Oliveira AB. In silico, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of natural Bignoniaceous naphthoquinones in comparison with atovaquone targeting the selection of potential antimalarial candidates. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 401:115074. [PMID: 32464218 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115074] [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: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The natural naphthoquinones lapachol, α- and β-lapachone are found in Bignoniaceous Brazilian plant species of the Tabebuia genus (synonym Handroanthus) and are recognized for diverse bioactivities, including as antimalarial. The aim of the present work was to perform in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluating the antimalarial potential of these three naphthoquinones in comparison with atovaquone, a synthetic antimalarial. The ADMET properties of these compounds were predicted in silico by the preADMET program. The in vitro toxicity assays were experimentally determined in immortalized and tumoral cells from different organs. In vivo acute oral toxicity was also evaluated for lapachol. Several favorable pharmacokinetics data were predicted although, as expected, high cytotoxicity was experimentally determined for β-lapachone. Lapachol was not cytotoxic or showed low cytotoxicity to all of the cells assayed (HepG2, A549, Neuro 2A, LLC-PK1, MRC-5), it was nontoxic in the acute oral test and disclosed the best parasite selectivity index in the in vitro assays against chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum W2 strain. On the other hand, α- and β-lapachone were more potent than lapachol in the antiplasmodial assays but with low parasite selectivity due to their cytotoxicity. The diversity of data here reported disclosed lapachol as a promising candidate to antimalarial drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Alves do Nascimento
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Freitas Borgati
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Larissa Camila Ribeiro de Souza
- Departamento de Inovação Tecnológica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas, Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Tagliati
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas, Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Alaíde Braga de Oliveira
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901, Brazil.
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Kakade P, Gite S, Patravale V. Development of Atovaquone Nanosuspension: Quality by Design Approach. Curr Drug Deliv 2020; 17:112-125. [DOI: 10.2174/1567201817666191227095019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective:
The present study reports the use of MicrofluidizerTM technology to form a stable
nanosuspension of atovaquone (ATQ) using quality by design (QbD) approach.
Methods:
The patient-centric quality target product profile and critical quality attributes (CQAs) were
identified. A Box-Behnken design was employed for the optimization of dependent variables, while
CQAs like particle size and PDI were evaluated as response variables. Effective optimization of ATQ
nanosuspension preparation using Microfluidizer processor as a novel green technology was achieved
using QbD approach.
Result:
The prepared nanosuspension had a mean particle size of 865 nm ± 5%, PDI of 0.261 ± 3%, and
zeta potential of -1.79 ± 5 mV. The characterization of the prepared nanosuspension by SEM, DSC, and
XRD revealed its nano-crystalline nature whereas FTIR spectroscopic analysis confirmed the absence
of any physicochemical interaction because of process parameters between the drug and excipients.
Conclusion:
In vitro dissolution studies of the nanosuspension using USP-IV exhibited a 100% cumulative
drug release over 90 minutes, which is significantly better than that of ATQ pure API. In vivo
pharmacokinetic studies revealed bioequivalence of ATQ nanosuspensions by Microfluidizer homogenization
process to the marketed formulation1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Kakade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N.P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Sandip Gite
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N.P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Vandana Patravale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N.P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India
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Lewis J, Gregorian T, Portillo I, Goad J. Drug interactions with antimalarial medications in older travelers: a clinical guide. J Travel Med 2020; 27:5644627. [PMID: 31776555 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taz089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly older adults are traveling to international destinations with malaria as a present risk. Surveillance systems indicate that older adults are more likely to suffer severe complications from malaria. The role of health care providers in selecting an appropriate medication for chemoprophylaxis or treatment of malaria in adults becomes more difficult as older adults undergo physiologic changes that alter the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic nature of medications potentially causing increased drug interactions, adverse events and altered drug action. A comprehensive literature search from 1970 to present, with a focus on the past 10 years, was conducted on drug interactions, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects on antimalarials in adults. It was determined that due to pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic changes in older adults, especially renal and cardiovascular, special attention should be given to this population of travelers in order to minimize the likelihood of adverse events or altered drug efficacy. Antimalarial drug-disease interactions in older adults can occur more often due to QT prolongation, exacerbation of hypoglycemia, decreased renal elimination and decreased hepatic metabolism. Older antimalarials have well-documented drug-drug interactions. Tafenoquine, a new antimalarial, requires glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase screening like primaquine and monitoring of new potential drug interaction with MATE1 and OCT2 substrates. While drug-drug interactions in older travelers may occur more often as a result of polypharmacy, data did not indicate adverse reactions or decreased drug efficacy is greater compared with younger adults. Overall, with the exception of recently approved tafenoquine, much is known about antimalarial drug and disease interactions, but new drugs are always being approved, requiring travel health providers to understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antimalarial drugs to predict the impact on safety and efficacy in travelers. This guide provides travel health providers with valuable insights on potential outcomes associated with drug interactions in adults and recommended monitoring or drug regimen modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Lewis
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tania Gregorian
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ivan Portillo
- Leatherby Libraries, Chapman University, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jeff Goad
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA, USA
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Sharma M, Prasher P. An epigrammatic status of the ' azole'-based antimalarial drugs. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:184-211. [PMID: 33479627 PMCID: PMC7536834 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00479c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of multidrug resistance in the malarial parasite has sabotaged majority of the eradication efforts by restraining the inhibition profile of first line as well as second line antimalarial drugs, thus necessitating the development of novel pharmaceutics constructed on appropriate scaffolds with superior potency against the drug-resistant and drug-susceptible Plasmodium parasite. Over the past decades, the infectious malarial parasite has developed resistance against most of the contemporary therapeutics, thus necessitating the rational development of novel approaches principally focused on MDR malaria. This review presents an epigrammatic collation of the epidemiology and the contemporary antimalarial therapeutics based on the 'azole' motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousmee Sharma
- Department of Chemistry , Uttaranchal University , Dehradun 248007 , India
- UGC Sponsored Centre for Advanced Studies , Department of Chemistry , Guru Nanak Dev University , Amritsar 143005 , India
| | - Parteek Prasher
- Department of Chemistry , University of Petroleum & Energy Studies , Dehradun 248007 , India . ;
- UGC Sponsored Centre for Advanced Studies , Department of Chemistry , Guru Nanak Dev University , Amritsar 143005 , India
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Verdaguer IB, Zafra CA, Crispim M, Sussmann RA, Kimura EA, Katzin AM. Prenylquinones in Human Parasitic Protozoa: Biosynthesis, Physiological Functions, and Potential as Chemotherapeutic Targets. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24203721. [PMID: 31623105 PMCID: PMC6832408 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human parasitic protozoa cause a large number of diseases worldwide and, for some of these diseases, there are no effective treatments to date, and drug resistance has been observed. For these reasons, the discovery of new etiological treatments is necessary. In this sense, parasitic metabolic pathways that are absent in vertebrate hosts would be interesting research candidates for the identification of new drug targets. Most likely due to the protozoa variability, uncertain phylogenetic origin, endosymbiotic events, and evolutionary pressure for adaptation to adverse environments, a surprising variety of prenylquinones can be found within these organisms. These compounds are involved in essential metabolic reactions in organisms, for example, prevention of lipoperoxidation, participation in the mitochondrial respiratory chain or as enzymatic cofactors. This review will describe several prenylquinones that have been previously characterized in human pathogenic protozoa. Among all existing prenylquinones, this review is focused on ubiquinone, menaquinone, tocopherols, chlorobiumquinone, and thermoplasmaquinone. This review will also discuss the biosynthesis of prenylquinones, starting from the isoprenic side chains to the aromatic head group precursors. The isoprenic side chain biosynthesis maybe come from mevalonate or non-mevalonate pathways as well as leucine dependent pathways for isoprenoid biosynthesis. Finally, the isoprenic chains elongation and prenylquinone aromatic precursors origins from amino acid degradation or the shikimate pathway is reviewed. The phylogenetic distribution and what is known about the biological functions of these compounds among species will be described, as will the therapeutic strategies associated with prenylquinone metabolism in protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi B. Verdaguer
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Camila A. Zafra
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Marcell Crispim
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Rodrigo A.C. Sussmann
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
- Centro de Formação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia, Porto Seguro 45810-000 Bahia, Brazil
| | - Emília A. Kimura
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Alejandro M. Katzin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (I.B.V.); (C.A.Z.); (M.C.); (E.A.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7330; Fax: +5511-3091-7417
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Choi HI, Ko HY, Shin IS, Kim HJ. Malarone® induced pancreatitis and alopecia in a dog: a case report. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:314. [PMID: 31477120 PMCID: PMC6720934 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2056-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malarone® is a drug used for the treatment of malaria in humans. This drug is also particularly effective in the treatment of canine Babesia gibsoni infections. Malarone® is rarely used in dogs, and its adverse effects have not been widely reported. Its mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of cytochrome b and electron transport in the cell. This is the first known report of the development of acute pancreatitis and alopecia in a dog following the administration of Malarone®. CASE PRESENTATION A 3-year-old, intact, female Maltese was referred to our clinic with intermittent vomiting and sudden, generalized alopecia. Two months previously, the dog had been prescribed Malarone® for the treatment of a suspected B. gibsoni infection. The dog was evaluated using hematology, radiography, ultrasonography, a PCR for Babesia detection, and a canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) assay. The result of the PCR test was negative, whereas the cPLI assay yielded a positive result. Dermatologic examination revealed bacterial infection with hair cycle arrest. CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings, drug-induced acute pancreatitis and alopecia with superficial pyoderma were diagnosed. Malarone® may induce severe adverse reactions in dogs. Therefore, careful monitoring for adverse effects is required when using Malarone® in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Il Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61168, Korea
| | - Hui-Yeon Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61168, Korea
| | - In-Sik Shin
- BK21 project team, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61168, Korea
| | - Ha-Jung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61168, Korea.
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Li C, Tang Y, Sang Z, Yang Y, Gao Y, Yang T, Fang C, Zhang T, Luo Y. Discovery of napabucasin derivatives for the treatment of tuberculosis. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1635-1640. [PMID: 31814956 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00295b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis is the contagious disease responsible for the highest number of deaths worldwide. Here, we screened a commercially available compound library and found napabucasin to possess a moderate anti-tubercular activity against M. tuberculosis H37Ra (MIC 2.5 μg mL-1, 10.4 μM). Three series of napabucasin derivatives were further evaluated for their in vitro anti-tubercular activities against Mtb H37Ra. The activity of most derivatives was either retained or enhanced compared with that of napabucasin. Compound 3s was the most active compound showing a MIC value of 0.3125 μg mL-1 (0.9 μM). Furthermore, several compounds were selected and evaluated against the Mtb H37Rv standard strain and six Mtb clinical isolates. Importantly, these compounds were found to be effective against Mtb clinical isolates with multi-resistance to isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chungen Li
- Cancer Center , West China Hospital , West China Medical School , Sichuan University , Chengdu , 610041 , China .
| | - Yunxiang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease , Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL) , Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Guangzhou , 510530 , China . .,Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology , Anhui University , Hefei , 230601 , China
| | - Zitai Sang
- Cancer Center , West China Hospital , West China Medical School , Sichuan University , Chengdu , 610041 , China .
| | - Yang Yang
- Cancer Center , West China Hospital , West China Medical School , Sichuan University , Chengdu , 610041 , China .
| | - Yamin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease , Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL) , Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Guangzhou , 510530 , China . .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) , Beijing , 100049 , China
| | - Tao Yang
- Cancer Center , West China Hospital , West China Medical School , Sichuan University , Chengdu , 610041 , China . .,Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies , West China Hospital , Sichuan University , Chengdu , Sichuan , China
| | - Cuiting Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease , Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL) , Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Guangzhou , 510530 , China . .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) , Beijing , 100049 , China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease , Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL) , Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Guangzhou , 510530 , China . .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) , Beijing , 100049 , China
| | - Youfu Luo
- Cancer Center , West China Hospital , West China Medical School , Sichuan University , Chengdu , 610041 , China .
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King JB, Carter AC, Dai W, Lee JW, Kil YS, Du L, Helff SK, Cai S, Huddle BC, Cichewicz RH. Design and Application of a High-Throughput, High-Content Screening System for Natural Product Inhibitors of the Human Parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:1456-1470. [PMID: 31265248 PMCID: PMC10782576 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that Trichomonas vaginalis affects an astonishing 3.9% of the world's population, and while many of those infected are asymptomatic, progression of the disease can lead to serious health problems. Currently, the nitroimidazoles constitute the only drug class approved to treat trichomoniasis in the United States, which makes the spread of drug resistance a realistic concern. We developed a new image-based, high-throughput, and high-content assay for testing natural products (purified compounds and extracts) for antitrichomonal activity. Applying this assay system to a library of fungal natural product extracts led to the identification of three general classes of natural product inhibitors that exhibited moderate to strong activities against T. vaginalis: anthraquinones, xanthone-anthraquinone heterodimers, and decalin-linked tetramic-acid-containing metabolites. The tetramate natural products emerged as the most promising candidate molecules with pyrrolocin A (51) exhibiting potent activity against the parasite (EC50 = 60 nM), yet this metabolite showed limited toxicity to mammalian cell lines (selectivity index values of 100 and 167 versus 3T3 fibroblast and Ect1 normal cervical cells, respectively). The imaging-based assay system is a powerful tool for the bioassay-guided purification of single-component antitrichomonal biomolecules from complex natural product mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod B. King
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 1000, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Adam C. Carter
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 1000, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Wentao Dai
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 1000, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Jin Woo Lee
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 1000, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Yun-Seo Kil
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 1000, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Lin Du
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 1000, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Sara K. Helff
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 1000, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Shengxin Cai
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 1000, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Brandt C. Huddle
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 1000, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
| | - Robert H. Cichewicz
- Natural Products Discovery Group, Institute for Natural Products Applications and Research Technologies, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Room 1000, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019, United States
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Gupta N, Srivastava SK. Atovaquone: An Antiprotozoal Drug Suppresses Primary and Resistant Breast Tumor Growth by Inhibiting HER2/β-Catenin Signaling. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1708-1720. [PMID: 31270151 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. In the current study, we evaluated the anticancer effects of an antiprotozoal drug, atovaquone, against several breast cancer cell lines. Our results showed that atovaquone treatment induced apoptosis and inhibited the growth of all the breast cancer cell lines tested, including several patient-derived cells. In addition, atovaquone treatment significantly reduced the expression of HER2, β-catenin, and its downstream molecules such as pGSK-3β, TCF-4, cyclin D1, and c-Myc in vitro Efficacy of atovaquone was further evaluated in an in vivo tumor model by orthotropic implantation of two highly aggressive 4T1 and CI66 breast cancer cells in the mammary fat pad of female mice. Our results demonstrated that oral administration of atovaquone suppressed the growth of CI66 and 4T1 tumors by 70% and 60%, respectively. Paclitaxel is the first-line chemotherapeutic agent for metastatic breast cancer. We demonstrate that atovaquone administration suppressed the growth of 4T1 paclitaxel-resistant tumors by 40%. Tumors from atovaquone-treated mice exhibited reduced HER2, β-catenin, and c-Myc levels alongside an increase in apoptosis in all the three tumor models when analyzed by Western blotting, IHC, and TUNEL assay. Taken together, our results indicate that atovaquone effectively reduces the growth of primary and paclitaxel-resistant breast tumors. Atovaquone is already in the clinics with high safety and tolerability profile. Therefore, the findings from our studies will potentially prompt further clinical investigation into repurposing atovaquone for the treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal Gupta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas.,Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, and Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, Texas
| | - Sanjay K Srivastava
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas. .,Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, and Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, Texas
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Gupta DK, Dembele L, Voorberg-van der Wel A, Roma G, Yip A, Chuenchob V, Kangwanrangsan N, Ishino T, Vaughan AM, Kappe SH, Flannery EL, Sattabongkot J, Mikolajczak S, Bifani P, Kocken CH, Diagana TT. The Plasmodium liver-specific protein 2 (LISP2) is an early marker of liver stage development. eLife 2019; 8:43362. [PMID: 31094679 PMCID: PMC6542585 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax hypnozoites persist in the liver, cause malaria relapse and represent a major challenge to malaria elimination. Our previous transcriptomic study provided a novel molecular framework to enhance our understanding of the hypnozoite biology (Voorberg-van der Wel A, et al., 2017). In this dataset, we identified and characterized the Liver-Specific Protein 2 (LISP2) protein as an early molecular marker of liver stage development. Immunofluorescence analysis of hepatocytes infected with relapsing malaria parasites, in vitro (P. cynomolgi) and in vivo (P. vivax), reveals that LISP2 expression discriminates between dormant hypnozoites and early developing parasites. We further demonstrate that prophylactic drugs selectively kill all LISP2-positive parasites, while LISP2-negative hypnozoites are only sensitive to anti-relapse drug tafenoquine. Our results provide novel biological insights in the initiation of liver stage schizogony and an early marker suitable for the development of drug discovery assays predictive of anti-relapse activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devendra Kumar Gupta
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, United States.,Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laurent Dembele
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore, Singapore.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), MRTC - DEAP, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Guglielmo Roma
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andy Yip
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Tomoko Ishino
- Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | | | - Stefan H Kappe
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, United States
| | | | | | - Sebastian Mikolajczak
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, United States
| | - Pablo Bifani
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Clemens Hm Kocken
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Thierry Tidiane Diagana
- Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, United States.,Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
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Atovaquone Inhibits Arbovirus Replication through the Depletion of Intracellular Nucleotides. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00389-19. [PMID: 30894466 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00389-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses represent a significant public health threat worldwide, yet there are few antiviral therapies or prophylaxes targeting these pathogens. In particular, the development of novel antivirals for high-risk populations such as pregnant women is essential to prevent devastating disease such as that which was experienced with the recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas. One potential avenue to identify new and pregnancy-acceptable antiviral compounds is to repurpose well-known and widely used FDA-approved drugs. In this study, we addressed the antiviral role of atovaquone, an FDA Pregnancy Category C drug and pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibitor used for the prevention and treatment of parasitic infections. We found that atovaquone was able to inhibit ZIKV and chikungunya virus virion production in human cells and that this antiviral effect occurred early during infection at the initial steps of viral RNA replication. Moreover, we were able to complement viral replication and virion production with the addition of exogenous pyrimidine nucleosides, indicating that atovaquone functions through the inhibition of the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway to inhibit viral replication. Finally, using an ex vivo human placental tissue model, we found that atovaquone could limit ZIKV infection in a dose-dependent manner, providing evidence that atovaquone may function as an antiviral in humans. Taken together, these studies suggest that atovaquone could be a broad-spectrum antiviral drug and a potential attractive candidate for the prophylaxis or treatment of arbovirus infection in vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children.IMPORTANCE The ability to protect vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children from Zika virus and other arbovirus infections is essential to preventing the devastating complications induced by these viruses. One class of antiviral therapies may lie in known pregnancy-acceptable drugs that have the potential to mitigate arbovirus infections and disease, yet this has not been explored in detail. In this study, we show that the common antiparasitic drug atovaquone inhibits arbovirus replication through intracellular nucleotide depletion and can impair ZIKV infection in an ex vivo human placental explant model. Our study provides a novel function for atovaquone and highlights that the rediscovery of pregnancy-acceptable drugs with potential antiviral effects can be the key to better addressing the immediate need for treating viral infections and preventing potential birth complications and future disease.
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Zhao X, Yoon EJ, Zantah M, Alsammak M. Discoloration of plasma associated with Atovaquone in therapeutic plasma exchange. J Clin Apher 2018; 34:480-481. [DOI: 10.1002/jca.21682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Blood Bank; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Edward J. Yoon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Blood Bank; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Massa Zantah
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery; Temple University Hospital, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Mohamed Alsammak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Blood Bank; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
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de Sena Pereira VS, da Silva Emery F, Lobo L, Nogueira F, Oliveira JIN, Fulco UL, Albuquerque EL, Katzin AM, de Andrade-Neto VF. In vitro antiplasmodial activity, pharmacokinetic profiles and interference in isoprenoid pathway of 2-aniline-3-hydroxy-1.4-naphthoquinone derivatives. Malar J 2018; 17:482. [PMID: 30567541 PMCID: PMC6300878 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2615-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum has shown multidrug resistance, leading to the necessity for the development of new drugs with novel targets, such as the synthesis of isoprenic precursors, which are excellent targets because the pathway is different in several steps when compared with the human host. Naphthoquinone derivatives have been described as potentially promising for the development of anti-malarial leader molecules. In view of that, the focus in this work is twofold: first, evaluate the in vitro naphthoquinone antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity; secondly, investigate one possible action mechanism of two derivatives of hydroxy-naphthoquinones. Results The two hydroxy-naphthoquinones derivatives have been tested against P. falciparum in vitro, using strains of parasites chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2), causing 50% inhibition of parasite growth with concentrations that varied from 7 to 44.5 μM. The cell viability in vitro against RAW Cell Line displayed IC50 = 483.5 and 714.9 μM, whereas, in primary culture tests using murine macrophages, IC50 were 315.8 and 532.6 μM for the two selected compounds, causing no haemolysis at the doses tested. The in vivo acute toxicity assays exhibited a significant safety margin indicated by a lack of systemic and behavioural toxicity up to 300 mg/kg. It is suggested that this drug seems to inhibit the biosynthesis of isoprenic compounds, particularly the menaquinone and tocopherol. Conclusions These derivatives have a high potential for the development of new anti-malarial drugs since they showed low toxicity associated to a satisfactory antiplasmodial activity and possible inhibition of a metabolic pathway distinct from the pathways found in the mammalian host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeska S de Sena Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose - LABMAT, Departmento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.,Post-graduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Flávio da Silva Emery
- Departmento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lis Lobo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine-GHTM, Unidade de Ensino e Investigação de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa - UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fátima Nogueira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine-GHTM, Unidade de Ensino e Investigação de Parasitologia Médica, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa - UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jonas I N Oliveira
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Umberto L Fulco
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Eudenilson L Albuquerque
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Alejandro M Katzin
- Departmento de Parasitologia, Centro de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Valter F de Andrade-Neto
- Laboratório de Biologia da Malária e Toxoplasmose - LABMAT, Departmento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil. .,Post-graduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
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50
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Ke F, Yu J, Chen W, Si X, Li X, Yang F, Liao Y, Zuo Z. The anti-malarial atovaquone selectively increases chemosensitivity in retinoblastoma via mitochondrial dysfunction-dependent oxidative damage and Akt/AMPK/mTOR inhibition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 504:374-379. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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