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Watson DJ, Laing L, Petzer JP, Wong HN, Parkinson CJ, Wiesner L, Haynes RK. Efficacies and ADME properties of redox active methylene blue and phenoxazine analogues for use in new antimalarial triple drug combinations with amino-artemisinins. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1308400. [PMID: 38259296 PMCID: PMC10800708 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1308400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Efforts to develop new artemisinin triple combination therapies effective against artemisinin-tolerant strains of Plasmodium falciparum based on rational combinations comprising artemisone or other amino-artemisinins, a redox active drug and a third drug with a different mode of action have now been extended to evaluation of three potential redox partners. These are the diethyl analogue AD01 of methylene blue (MB), the benzo [α]phenoxazine PhX6, and the thiosemicarbazone DpNEt. IC50 values in vitro against CQ-sensitive and resistant P. falciparum strains ranged from 11.9 nM for AD01-41.8 nM for PhX6. PhX6 possessed the most favourable pharmacokinetic (PK) profile: intrinsic clearance rate CLint was 21.47 ± 1.76 mL/min/kg, bioavailability was 60% and half-life was 7.96 h. AD01 presented weaker, but manageable pharmacokinetic properties with a rapid CLint of 74.41 ± 6.68 mL/min/kg leading to a half-life of 2.51 ± 0.07 h and bioavailability of 15%. DpNEt exhibited a half-life of 1.12 h and bioavailability of 8%, data which discourage its further examination, despite a low CLint of 10.20 mL/min/kg and a high Cmax of 6.32 µM. Efficacies of AD01 and PhX6 were enhanced synergistically when each was paired with artemisone against asexual blood stages of P. falciparum NF54 in vitro. The favourable pharmacokinetics of PhX6 indicate this is the best partner among the compounds examined thus far for artemisone. Future work will focus on extending the drug combination studies to artemiside in vitro, and conducting efficacy studies in vivo for artemisone with each of PhX6 and the related benzo[α]phenoxazine SSJ-183.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Watson
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lizahn Laing
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jacobus P. Petzer
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Ho Ning Wong
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Lubbe Wiesner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
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2
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Pal C. Redox modulating small molecules having antimalarial efficacy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115927. [PMID: 37992998 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115927] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The search for effective antimalarial agents remains a critical priority because malaria is widely spread and drug-resistant strains are becoming more prevalent. In this review, a variety of small molecules capable of modulating redox processes were showcased for their potential as antimalarial agents. The compounds were designed to target the redox balance of Plasmodium parasites, which has a pivotal function in their ability to survive and multiply within the host organism. A thorough screening method was utilized to assess the effectiveness of these compounds against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria-causing parasite. The results revealed that several of the tested compounds exhibited significant effectiveness against malaria, displaying IC50 values at a low micromolar range. Furthermore, these compounds displayed promising selectivity for the parasite, as they exhibited low cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells. Thorough mechanistic studies were undertaken to clarify how the active compounds exert their mode of action. The findings revealed that these compounds disrupted the parasites' redox balance, causing oxidative stress and interfering with essential cellular functions. Additionally, the compounds showed synergistic effects when combined with existing antimalarial drugs, suggesting their potential for combination therapies to combat drug resistance. Overall, this study highlights the potential of redox-modulating small molecules as effective antimalarial agents. The identified compounds demonstrate promising antimalarial activity, and their mechanism of action offers insights into targeting the redox balance of Plasmodium parasites. Further optimization and preclinical studies are warranted to determine their efficacy, safety, and potential for clinical development as novel antimalarial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Pal
- Department of Chemistry, Gobardanga Hindu College, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal 743273, India.
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3
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Umumararungu T, Nkuranga JB, Habarurema G, Nyandwi JB, Mukazayire MJ, Mukiza J, Muganga R, Hahirwa I, Mpenda M, Katembezi AN, Olawode EO, Kayitare E, Kayumba PC. Recent developments in antimalarial drug discovery. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 88-89:117339. [PMID: 37236020 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117339] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Although malaria remains a big burden to many countries that it threatens their socio-economic stability, particularly in the countries where malaria is endemic, there have been great efforts to eradicate this disease with both successes and failures. For example, there has been a great improvement in malaria prevention and treatment methods with a net reduction in infection and mortality rates. However, the disease remains a global threat in terms of the number of people affected because it is one of the infectious diseases that has the highest prevalence rate, especially in Africa where the deadly Plasmodium falciparum is still widely spread. Methods to fight malaria are being diversified, including the use of mosquito nets, the target candidate profiles (TCPs) and target product profiles (TPPs) of medicine for malarial venture (MMV) strategy, the search for newer and potent drugs that could reverse chloroquine resistance, and the use of adjuvants such as rosiglitazone and sevuparin. Although these adjuvants have no antiplasmodial activity, they can help to alleviate the effects which result from plasmodium invasion such as cytoadherence. The list of new antimalarial drugs under development is long, including the out of ordinary new drugs MMV048, CDRI-97/78 and INE963 from South Africa, India and Novartis, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théoneste Umumararungu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda.
| | - Jean Bosco Nkuranga
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Gratien Habarurema
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Jean Baptiste Nyandwi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Marie Jeanne Mukazayire
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Janvier Mukiza
- Department of Mathematical Science and Physical Education, School of Education, College of Education, University of Rwanda, Rwanda; Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Nyarutarama Plaza, KG 9 Avenue, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Raymond Muganga
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda; Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Nyarutarama Plaza, KG 9 Avenue, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Innocent Hahirwa
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Matabishi Mpenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Alain Nyirimigabo Katembezi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda; Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Nyarutarama Plaza, KG 9 Avenue, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Emmanuel Oladayo Olawode
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, 18301 N Miami Ave #1, Miami, FL 33169, USA
| | - Egide Kayitare
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Pierre Claver Kayumba
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
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4
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Markus MB. Putative Contribution of 8-Aminoquinolines to Preventing Recrudescence of Malaria. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:278. [PMID: 37235326 PMCID: PMC10223033 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050278] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhanced therapeutic efficacy achieved in treating Plasmodium vivax malaria with an 8-aminoquinoline (8-AQ) drug such as primaquine (PQ) together with a partner drug such as chloroquine (CQ) is usually explained as CQ inhibiting asexual parasites in the bloodstream and PQ acting against liver stages. However, PQ's contribution, if any, to inactivating non-circulating, extra-hepatic asexual forms, which make up the bulk of the parasite biomass in chronic P. vivax infections, remains unclear. In this opinion article, I suggest that, considering its newly described mode of action, PQ might be doing something of which we are currently unaware.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles B. Markus
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa;
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
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5
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Bakadlag R, Limniatis G, Georges G, Georges E. The anti-estrogen receptor drug, tamoxifen, is selectively Lethal to P-glycoprotein-expressing Multidrug resistant tumor cells. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:24. [PMID: 36609245 PMCID: PMC9824978 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10474-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a member of the ATP Binding Cassette B1 subfamily (ABCB1), confers resistance to clinically relevant anticancer drugs and targeted chemotherapeutics. However, paradoxically P-glycoprotein overexpressing drug resistant cells are "collaterally sensitive" to non-toxic drugs that stimulate its ATPase activity. METHODS Cell viability assays were used to determine the effect of low concentrations of tamoxifen on the proliferation of multidrug resistant cells (CHORC5 and MDA-Doxo400), expressing P-gp, their parental cell lines (AuxB1 and MDA-MB-231) or P-gp-CRISPR knockout clones of AuxB1 and CHORC5 cells. Western blot analysis was used to estimate P-gp expression in different cell lines. Apoptosis of tamoxifen-induced cell death was estimated by flow cytometry using Annexin-V-FITC stained cells. Oxidative stress of tamoxifen treated cells was determined by measuring levels of reactive oxygen species and reduced thiols using cell-permeant 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) and 5,5-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) DTNB, respectively. RESULTS In this report, we show that P-gp-expressing drug resistant cells (CHORC5 and MDA-Doxo400) are collaterally sensitive to the anti-estrogen tamoxifen or its metabolite (4-hydroxy-tamoxifen). Moreover, P-gp-knockout clones of CHORC5 cells display complete reversal of collateral sensitivity to tamoxifen. Drug resistant cells exposed to low concentrations of tamoxifen show significant rise in reactive oxygen species, drop of reduced cellular thiols and increased apoptosis. Consistent with the latter, CHORC5 cells expressing high levels of human Bcl-2 (CHORC5-Bcl-2) show significant resistance to tamoxifen. In addition, the presence of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine or P-gp ATPase inhibitor, PSC-833, reverse the collateral sensitivity of resistant cells to tamoxifen. By contrast, the presence of rotenone (specific inhibitor of mitochondria complex I) synergizes with tamoxifen. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the use of tamoxifen as collateral sensitivity drug that can preferentially target multidrug resistant cells expressing P-gp at clinically achievable concentrations. Given the widespread use of tamoxifen in the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers, this property of tamoxifen may have clinical applications in treatment of P-gp-positive drug resistant breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowa Bakadlag
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Institute of Parasitology, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec, H9X-3V9 Canada
| | - Georgia Limniatis
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Institute of Parasitology, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec, H9X-3V9 Canada
| | - Gabriel Georges
- grid.421142.00000 0000 8521 1798Department of Cardiac Surgery, Quebec Heart & Lung Institute, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Elias Georges
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Institute of Parasitology, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Québec, H9X-3V9 Canada
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6
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Anam Z, Kumari G, Mukherjee S, Rex DAB, Biswas S, Maurya P, Ravikumar S, Gupta N, Kushawaha AK, Sah RK, Chaurasiya A, Singhal J, Singh N, Kaushik S, Prasad TSK, Pati S, Ranganathan A, Singh S. Complementary crosstalk between palmitoylation and phosphorylation events in MTIP regulates its role during Plasmodium falciparum invasion. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:924424. [PMID: 36250062 PMCID: PMC9556994 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.924424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) including phosphorylation and palmitoylation have emerged as crucial biomolecular events that govern many cellular processes including functioning of motility- and invasion-associated proteins during Plasmodium falciparum invasion. However, no study has ever focused on understanding the possibility of a crosstalk between these two molecular events and its direct impact on preinvasion- and invasion-associated protein–protein interaction (PPI) network-based molecular machinery. Here, we used an integrated in silico analysis to enrich two different catalogues of proteins: (i) the first group defines the cumulative pool of phosphorylated and palmitoylated proteins, and (ii) the second group represents a common set of proteins predicted to have both phosphorylation and palmitoylation. Subsequent PPI analysis identified an important protein cluster comprising myosin A tail interacting protein (MTIP) as one of the hub proteins of the glideosome motor complex in P. falciparum, predicted to have dual modification with the possibility of a crosstalk between the same. Our findings suggested that blocking palmitoylation led to reduced phosphorylation and blocking phosphorylation led to abrogated palmitoylation of MTIP. As a result of the crosstalk between these biomolecular events, MTIP’s interaction with myosin A was found to be abrogated. Next, the crosstalk between phosphorylation and palmitoylation was confirmed at a global proteome level by click chemistry and the phenotypic effect of this crosstalk was observed via synergistic inhibition in P. falciparum invasion using checkerboard assay and isobologram method. Overall, our findings revealed, for the first time, an interdependence between two PTM types, their possible crosstalk, and its direct impact on MTIP-mediated invasion via glideosome assembly protein myosin A in P. falciparum. These insights can be exploited for futuristic drug discovery platforms targeting parasite molecular machinery for developing novel antimalarial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zille Anam
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Geeta Kumari
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Soumyadeep Mukherjee
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Shreeja Biswas
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Preeti Maurya
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Susendaran Ravikumar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nutan Gupta
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Raj Kumar Sah
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Ayushi Chaurasiya
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Jhalak Singhal
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Niharika Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Shikha Kaushik
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - T. S. Keshava Prasad
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Soumya Pati
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
- *Correspondence: Shailja Singh, ; Anand Ranganathan, ; Soumya Pati,
| | - Anand Ranganathan
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Shailja Singh, ; Anand Ranganathan, ; Soumya Pati,
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Shailja Singh, ; Anand Ranganathan, ; Soumya Pati,
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7
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Methylene Blue-Based Combination Therapy with Amodiaquine Prevents Severe Malaria in an Experimental Rodent Model. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102031. [PMID: 36297466 PMCID: PMC9611243 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102031] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Untreated malaria can progress rapidly to severe forms (<24 h). Moreover, resistance to antimalarial drugs is a threat to global efforts to protect people from malaria. Given this, it is clear that new chemotherapy must be developed. We contribute new data about using methylene blue (MB) to cure malaria and cerebral malaria in a combined therapy with common antimalarial drugs, including mefloquine (MQ) and amodiaquine (AQ). A C57BL6/J mouse model was used in an experimental cerebral malaria model. Mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA on Day 0 (D0) and the treatment started on D3 (nearly 1% parasitaemia) with AQ, MQ or MB alone or in combination with AQ or MQ. AQ, MQ and MB alone were unable to prevent cerebral malaria as part of a late chemotherapy. MB-based combination therapies were efficient even if treatment began at a late stage. We found a significant difference in survival rate (p < 0.0001) between MBAQ and the untreated group, but also with the AQ (p = 0.0024) and MB groups (p < 0.0001). All the infected mice treated with MB in combination with AQ were protected from cerebral malaria. Partial protection was demonstrated with MB associated with MQ. In this group, a significant difference was found between MBMQ and the untreated group (p < 0.0001), MQ (p = 0.0079) and MB (p = 0.0039). MB associated with AQ would be a good candidate for preventing cerebral malaria.
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8
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Ng JPL, Han Y, Yang LJ, Birkholtz LM, Coertzen D, Wong HN, Haynes RK, Coghi P, Wong VKW. Antimalarial and antitumour activities of the steroidal quinone-methide celastrol and its combinations with artemiside, artemisone and methylene blue. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:988748. [PMID: 36120293 PMCID: PMC9479156 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.988748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin, isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant qīng hāo 青蒿 (Artemisia annua) and its derivatives are used for treatment of malaria. With treatment failures now being recorded for the derivatives and companion drugs used in artemisinin combination therapies new drug combinations are urgently required. The amino-artemisinins artemiside and artemisone display optimal efficacies in vitro against asexual and sexual blood stages of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and are active against tumour cell lines. In continuing the evolution of combinations of the amino-artemisinins with new drugs, we examine the triterpenoid quinone methide celastrol isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant léi gōng téng 雷公藤 (Tripterygium wilfordii). This compound is redox active, and has attracted considerable attention because of potent biological activities against manifold targets. We report that celastrol displays good IC50 activities ranging from 0.50–0.82 µM against drug-sensitive and resistant asexual blood stage Pf, and 1.16 and 0.28 µM respectively against immature and late stage Pf NF54 gametocytes. The combinations of celastrol with each of artemisone and methylene blue against asexual blood stage Pf are additive. Given that celastrol displays promising antitumour properties, we examined its activities alone and in combinations with amino-artemisinins against human liver HepG2 and other cell lines. IC50 values of the amino-artemisinins and celastrol against HepG2 cancer cells ranged from 0.55–0.94 µM. Whereas the amino-artemisinins displayed notable selectivities (SI > 171) with respect to normal human hepatocytes, in contrast, celastrol displayed no selectivity (SI < 1). The combinations of celastrol with artemiside or artemisone against HepG2 cells are synergistic. Given the promise of celastrol, judiciously designed formulations or structural modifications are recommended for mitigating its toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome P. L. Ng
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Yu Han
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Li Jun Yang
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Lyn-Marie Birkholtz
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria Institute Malaria for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Dina Coertzen
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria Institute Malaria for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Ho Ning Wong
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Richard K. Haynes, Paolo Coghi, Vincent Kam Wai Wong,
| | - Paolo Coghi
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- *Correspondence: Richard K. Haynes, Paolo Coghi, Vincent Kam Wai Wong,
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- *Correspondence: Richard K. Haynes, Paolo Coghi, Vincent Kam Wai Wong,
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9
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Watson DJ, Laing L, Beteck RM, Gibhard L, Haynes RK, Wiesner L. The evaluation of ADME and pharmacokinetic properties of decoquinate derivatives for the treatment of malaria. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:957690. [PMID: 36091789 PMCID: PMC9450014 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.957690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasite strains tolerant of the artemisinin component and resistant to the other drug component in artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) used for treatment now markedly complicates malaria control. Thus, development of new combination therapies are urgently required. For the non-artemisinin component, the quinolone ester decoquinate (DQ) that possesses potent activities against blood stage Pf and acts on a distinct target, namely the Pf cytochrome bc1 complex, was first considered. However, DQ has poor drug properties including high lipophilicity and exceedingly poor aqueous solubility (0.06 μg/ml), rendering it difficult to administer. Thus, DQ was chemically modified to provide the secondary amide derivative RMB005 and the quinoline O-carbamate derivatives RMB059 and RMB060. The last possesses sub-nanomolar activities against multidrug resistant blood stages of Pf, and P. berghei sporozoite liver stages. Here we present the results of ADME analyses in vitro and pharmacokinetic analyses using C57BL/6 mice. The amide RMB005 had a maximum mean whole blood concentration of 0.49 ± 0.02 µM following oral administration; however, the area under the curve (AUC), elimination half-life (t1/2) and bioavailability (BA) were not significantly better than those of DQ. Surprisingly, the quinoline O-carbamates which can be recrystallized without decomposition were rapidly converted into DQ in human plasma and blood samples. The maximum concentrations of DQ reached after oral administration of RMB059 and RMB060 were 0.23 ± 0.05 and 0.11 ± 0.01 µM, the DQ elimination half-lives were 4.79 ± 1.66 and 4.66 ± 1.16 h, and the DQ clearance were 19.40 ± 3.14 and 21.50 ± 3.38 respectively. Under these assay conditions, the BA of DQ could not be calculated Overall although RMB059 and -060 are labile in physiological medium with respect to the DQ parent, the potential to apply these as prodrugs is apparent from the current data coupled with their ease of preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Watson
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lizahn Laing
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard M. Beteck
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Liezl Gibhard
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lubbe Wiesner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Lubbe Wiesner,
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10
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Zapol’skii VA, Berneburg I, Bilitewski U, Dillenberger M, Becker K, Jungwirth S, Shekhar A, Krueger B, Kaufmann DE. Chemistry of polyhalogenated nitrobutadienes, 17: Efficient synthesis of persubstituted chloroquinolinyl-1 H-pyrazoles and evaluation of their antimalarial, anti-SARS-CoV-2, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. Beilstein J Org Chem 2022; 18:524-532. [PMID: 35615535 PMCID: PMC9112185 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.18.54] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of 26 novel 1-(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)-4-nitro-1H-pyrazoles bearing a dichloromethyl and an amino or thio moiety at C3 and C5 has been prepared in yields up to 72% from the reaction of 1,1-bisazolyl-, 1-azolyl-1-amino-, and 1-thioperchloro-2-nitrobuta-1,3-dienes with 7-chloro-4-hydrazinylquinoline. A new way for the formation of a pyrazole cycle from 3-methyl-2-(2,3,3-trichloro-1-nitroallylidene)oxazolidine (6) is also described. In addition, the antimalarial activity of the synthesized compounds has been evaluated in vitro against the protozoan malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Notably, the 7-chloro-4-(5-(dichloromethyl)-4-nitro-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)quinoline (3b) and 7-chloro-4-(3-((4-chlorophenyl)thio)-5-(dichloromethyl)-4-nitro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)quinoline (9e) inhibited the growth of the chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7 with EC50 values of 0.2 ± 0.1 µM (85 ng/mL, 200 nM) and 0.2 ± 0.04 µM (100 ng/mL, 200 nM), respectively. Two compounds (3b and 10d) have also been tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor A Zapol’skii
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Clausthal University of Technology, Leibnizstr. 6, 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
| | - Isabell Berneburg
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ursula Bilitewski
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Melissa Dillenberger
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Katja Becker
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Jungwirth
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Aditya Shekhar
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Bastian Krueger
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Clausthal University of Technology, Leibnizstr. 6, 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
| | - Dieter E Kaufmann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Clausthal University of Technology, Leibnizstr. 6, 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
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11
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INMI1 Zika Virus NS4B Antagonizes the Interferon Signaling by Suppressing STAT1 Phosphorylation. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122448. [PMID: 34960717 PMCID: PMC8705506 DOI: 10.3390/v13122448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The evasion of the Interferon response has important implications in Zika virus (ZIKV) disease. Mutations in ZIKV viral protein NS4B, associated with modulation of the interferon (IFN) system, have been linked to increased pathogenicity in animal models. In this study, we unravel ZIKV NS4B as antagonist of the IFN signaling cascade. Firstly, we reported the genomic characterization of NS4B isolated from a strain of the 2016 outbreak, ZIKV Brazil/2016/INMI1, and we predicted its membrane topology. Secondly, we analyzed its phylogenetic correlation with other flaviviruses, finding a high similarity with dengue virus 2 (DEN2) strains; in particular, the highest conservation was found when NS4B was aligned with the IFN inhibitory domain of DEN2 NS4B. Hence, we asked whether ZIKV NS4B was also able to inhibit the IFN signaling cascade, as reported for DEN2 NS4B. Our results showed that ZIKV NS4B was able to strongly inhibit the IFN stimulated response element and the IFN-γ-activated site transcription, blocking IFN-I/-II responses. mRNA expression levels of the IFN stimulated genes ISG15 and OAS1 were also strongly reduced in presence of NS4B. We found that the viral protein was acting by suppressing the STAT1 phosphorylation and consequently blocking the nuclear transport of both STAT1 and STAT2.
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12
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Venancio-Brochi JC, Pereira LM, Calil FA, Teixeira O, Baroni L, Abreu-Filho PG, Braga GÚL, Nonato MC, Yatsuda AP. Glutathione reductase: A cytoplasmic antioxidant enzyme and a potential target for phenothiazinium dyes in Neospora caninum. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 187:964-975. [PMID: 34310993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum causes heavy losses related to abortions in bovine cattle. This parasite developed a complex defense redox system, composed of enzymes as glutathione reductase (GR). Methylene blue (MB) impairs the activity of recombinant form of Plasmodium GR and inhibits the parasite proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Likewise, MB and its derivatives inhibits Neospora caninum proliferation, however, whether the MB mechanism of action is correlated to GR function remains unclear. Therefore, here, N. caninum GR (NcGR) was characterized and its potential inhibitors were determined. NcGR was found in the tachyzoite cytosol and has a similar structure and sequence compared to its homologs. We verified the in vitro activity of rNcGR (875 nM) following NADPH absorbance at 340 nM (100 mM KH2PO4, pH 7.5, 1 mM EDTA, ionic strength: 600 mM, 25 °C). rNcGR exhibited a Michaelian behavior (Km(GSSG):0.10 ± 0.02 mM; kcat(GSSG):0.076 ± 0.003 s-1; Km(NADPH):0.006 ± 0.001 mM; kcat(NADPH): 0.080 ± 0.003 s-1). The IC50 of MB,1,9-dimethyl methylene blue, new methylene blue, and toluidine blue O on rNcGR activity were 2.1 ± 0.2 μM, 11 ± 2 μM, 0.7 ± 0.1 μM, and 0.9 ± 0.2 μM, respectively. Our results suggest the importance of NcGR in N. caninum biology and antioxidant mechanisms. Moreover, data presented here strongly suggest that NcGR is an important target of phenothiazinium dyes in N. caninum proliferation inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Cabestre Venancio-Brochi
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz Miguel Pereira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Felipe Antunes Calil
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, School of Medicine, 92093-0669 La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Olívia Teixeira
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Péricles Gama Abreu-Filho
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Úbida Leite Braga
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Nonato
- Laboratório de Cristalografia de Proteínas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ana Patrícia Yatsuda
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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13
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Gendrot M, Madamet M, Mosnier J, Fonta I, Amalvict R, Benoit N, Briolant S, Pradines B. Baseline and multinormal distribution of ex vivo susceptibilities of Plasmodium falciparum to methylene blue in Africa, 2013-18. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:2141-2148. [PMID: 32407538 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum resistance to most antimalarial compounds has emerged in Southeast Asia and spread to Africa. In this context, the development of new antimalarial drugs is urgent. OBJECTIVES To determine the baseline in vitro activity of methylene blue (Proveblue®) on African isolates and to determine whether parasites have different phenotypes of susceptibility to methylene blue. METHODS Ex vivo susceptibility to methylene blue was measured for 609 P. falciparum isolates of patients hospitalized in France for malaria imported from Africa. A Bayesian statistical analysis was designed to describe the distribution of median effective concentration (EC50) estimates. RESULTS The EC50 ranged from 0.16 to 87.2 nM with a geometric mean of 7.17 nM (95% CI = 6.21-8.13). The 609 EC50 values were categorized into four components: A (mean = 2.5 nM; 95% CI = 2.28-2.72), B (mean = 7.44 nM; 95% CI = 7.07-7.81), C (mean = 16.29 nM; 95% CI = 15.40-17.18) and D (mean = 38.49 nM; 95% CI = 34.14-42.84). The threshold value for in vitro reduced susceptibility to methylene blue was estimated at 35 nM using the geometric mean of EC50 plus 2 SDs of the 609 isolates. This cut-off also corresponds to the lower limit of the 95% CI of the methylene blue EC50 of component D. Thirty-five isolates (5.7%) displayed EC50 values above this threshold. CONCLUSIONS Methylene blue exerts a promising efficacy against P. falciparum and is a potential partner for triple combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Gendrot
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Marylin Madamet
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Joel Mosnier
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Fonta
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Rémy Amalvict
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Benoit
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Sébastien Briolant
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
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14
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Gendrot M, Delandre O, Robert MG, Foguim FT, Benoit N, Amalvict R, Fonta I, Mosnier J, Madamet M, Pradines B. Absence of Association between Methylene Blue Reduced Susceptibility and Polymorphisms in 12 Genes Involved in Antimalarial Drug Resistance in African Plasmodium falciparum. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14040351. [PMID: 33918981 PMCID: PMC8069138 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Half the human population is exposed to malaria. Plasmodium falciparum antimalarial drug resistance monitoring and development of new drugs are major issues related to the control of malaria. Methylene blue (MB), the oldest synthetic antimalarial, is again a promising drug after the break of its use as an antimalarial drug for more than 80 years and a potential partner for triple combination. Very few data are available on the involvement of polymorphisms on genes known to be associated with standard antimalarial drugs and parasite in vitro susceptibility to MB (cross-resistance). In this context, MB susceptibility was evaluated against 482 isolates of imported malaria from Africa by HRP2-based ELISA chemosusceptibility assay. A total of 12 genes involved in antimalarial drug resistance (Pfcrt, Pfdhfr, Pfmdr1, Pfmdr5, Pfmdr6, PfK13, Pfubq, Pfcarl, Pfugt, Pfact, Pfcoronin, and copy number of Pfpm2) were sequenced by Sanger method and quantitative PCR. On the Pfmdr1 gene, the mutation 86Y combined with 184F led to more susceptible isolates to MB (8.0 nM vs. 11.6 nM, p = 0.03). Concerning Pfmdr6, the isolates bearing 12 Asn repetitions were more susceptible to MB (4.6 nM vs. 11.6 nM, p = 0.005). None of the polymorphisms previously described as involved in antimalarial drug resistance was shown to be associated with reduced susceptibility to MB. Some genes (particularly PfK13, Pfugt, Pfact, Pfpm2) did not present enough genetic variability to draw conclusions about their involvement in reduced susceptibility to MB. None of the polymorphisms analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) had an impact on the MB susceptibility of the samples successfully included in the analysis. It seems that there is no in vitro cross-resistance between MB and commonly used antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Gendrot
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Océane Delandre
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Marie Gladys Robert
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Francis Tsombeng Foguim
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Benoit
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Rémy Amalvict
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Fonta
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Joel Mosnier
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Marylin Madamet
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
- Correspondence:
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Nutmakul T, Pattanapanyasat K, Soonthornchareonnon N, Shiomi K, Mori M, Prathanturarug S. Speed of action and stage specificity of Bencha-loga-wichian, a Thai traditional antipyretic formulation, against Plasmodium falciparum and the chloroquine-potentiating activity of its active compounds, tiliacorinine and yanangcorinine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 258:112909. [PMID: 32360802 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bencha-loga-wichian (BLW), a Thai traditional antipyretic formulation, has been reported to have promising antiplasmodial activity, and it was previously revealed that tiliacorinine and yanangcorinine, isolated from Tiliacora triandra, were the active compounds. However, the mechanisms of action of BLW have not been investigated. In addition, these active compounds are bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, many compounds of which have been reported to potentiate the efficacy of chloroquine. AIMS OF THE STUDY To investigate the antiplasmodial mechanisms of action of BLW and evaluate the effects of chloroquine combined with tiliacorinine or yanangcorinine. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (PfW2) strains at the ring, trophozoite, and schizont stages were exposed to the extracts or compounds for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24 or 48 h. The percentages of parasitemia were determined by flow cytometry, and their morphologies were examined by Giemsa-stained smear to evaluate the speed of action and stage specificity. For the drug combination assay, a modified fixed-ratio isobologram method was used. RESULTS The antiplasmodial activity of BLW possessed a slow onset of action and was the most effective against ring-stage parasites. After 48 h of extracts or compounds exposure, most of the treated parasites, at all stages, turned to the pyknotic form and could not recover even after extracts or compounds removal. The results suggested that these extracts and compounds could kill the parasites or possess parasiticidal effects. In addition, the combination of chloroquine with tiliacorinine or yanangcorinine demonstrated a synergistic effect, indicating that these compounds could potentiate chloroquine efficacy against chloroquine-resistant parasites. CONCLUSION The antiplasmodial mechanisms of action of BLW appeared to differ from that of chloroquine and other current antimalarial drugs. In addition, tiliacorinine and yanangcorinine, the active compounds of BLW, could potentiate the efficacy of chloroquine. Accordingly, BLW was shown to be a good candidate for development as a new antimalarial and useful for drug combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanutchaporn Nutmakul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, 447 Sri-Ayuthaya Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Kovit Pattanapanyasat
- Office for Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| | - Noppamas Soonthornchareonnon
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, 447 Sri-Ayuthaya Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Kazuro Shiomi
- Laboratory of Biological Functions, Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1, Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan.
| | - Mihoko Mori
- Laboratory of Biological Functions, Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1, Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan.
| | - Sompop Prathanturarug
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, 447 Sri-Ayuthaya Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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16
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Pharmacokinetics and Ex Vivo Antimalarial Activity of Artesunate-Amodiaquine plus Methylene Blue in Healthy Volunteers. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01441-19. [PMID: 31907186 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01441-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High rates of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) failures in the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Southeast Asia have led to triple-drug strategies to extend the useful life of ACTs. In this study, we determined whether methylene blue [MB; 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium chloride hydrate] alters the pharmacokinetics of artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) and enhances the ex vivo antimalarial activity of ASAQ. In an open-label, randomized crossover design, a single oral dose of ASAQ (200 mg AS/540 mg AQ) alone or with MB (325 mg) was administered to 15 healthy Vietnamese volunteers. Serial blood samples were collected up to 28 days after dosing. Pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs were determined by noncompartmental analysis. After drug administration, plasma samples from seven participants were assessed for ex vivo antimalarial activity against the artemisinin-sensitive MRA1239 and the artemisinin-resistant MRA1240 P. falciparum lines, in vitro MB significantly increased the mean area under the curve of the active metabolite of AS, dihydroartemisinin (1,246 ± 473 versus 917 ± 405 ng·h/ml, P = 0.009) but did not alter the pharmacokinetics of AQ, AS, or desethylamodiaquine. Comparing the antimalarial activities of the plasma samples from the participants collected up to 48 h after ASAQ plus MB (ASAQ+MB) and ASAQ dosing against the MRA1239 and MRA1240 lines, MB significantly enhanced the blood schizontocidal activity of ASAQ by 2.0-fold and 1.9-fold, respectively. The ring-stage survival assay also confirmed that MB enhanced the ex vivo antimalarial activity of ASAQ against MRA1240 by 2.9-fold to 3.8-fold, suggesting that the triple-drug combination has the potential to treat artemisinin-resistant malaria and for malaria elimination. (This study has been registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry [https://anzctr.org.au/] under registration number ACTRN12612001298808.).
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Wong HN, Padín-Irizarry V, van der Watt ME, Reader J, Liebenberg W, Wiesner L, Smith P, Eribez K, Winzeler EA, Kyle DE, Birkholtz LM, Coertzen D, Haynes RK. Optimal 10-Aminoartemisinins With Potent Transmission-Blocking Capabilities for New Artemisinin Combination Therapies-Activities Against Blood Stage P. falciparum Including PfKI3 C580Y Mutants and Liver Stage P. berghei Parasites. Front Chem 2020; 7:901. [PMID: 31998692 PMCID: PMC6967409 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We have demonstrated previously that amino-artemisinins including artemiside and artemisone in which an amino group replaces the oxygen-bearing substituents attached to C-10 of the current clinical artemisinin derivatives dihydroartemisinin (DHA), artemether and artesunate, display potent activities in vitro against the asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf). In particular, the compounds are active against late blood stage Pf gametocytes, and are strongly synergistic in combination with the redox active drug methylene blue. In order to fortify the eventual selection of optimum amino-artemisinins for development into new triple combination therapies also active against artemisinin-resistant Pf mutants, we have prepared new amino-artemisinins based on the easily accessible and inexpensive DHA-piperazine. The latter was converted into alkyl- and aryl sulfonamides, ureas and amides. These derivatives were screened together with the comparator drugs DHA and the hitherto most active amino-artemisinins artemiside and artemisone against asexual and sexual blood stages of Pf and liver stage P. berghei (Pb) sporozoites. Several of the new amino-artemisinins bearing aryl-urea and -amide groups are potently active against both asexual, and late blood stage gametocytes (IC50 0.4-1.0 nM). Although the activities are superior to those of artemiside (IC50 1.5 nM) and artemisone (IC50 42.4 nM), the latter are more active against the liver stage Pb sporozoites (IC50 artemisone 28 nM). In addition, early results indicate these compounds tend not to display reduced susceptibility against parasites bearing the Pf Kelch 13 propeller domain C580Y mutation characteristic of artemisinin-resistant Pf. Thus, the advent of the amino-artemisinins including artemiside and artemisone will enable the development of new combination therapies that by virtue of the amino-artemisinin component itself will possess intrinsic transmission-blocking capabilities and may be effective against artemisinin resistant falciparum malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Ning Wong
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Vivian Padín-Irizarry
- Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, Coverdell Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Mariëtte E van der Watt
- Malaria Parasite Molecular Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Janette Reader
- Malaria Parasite Molecular Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Wilna Liebenberg
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lubbe Wiesner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Smith
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Korina Eribez
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Winzeler
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Dennis E Kyle
- Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, Coverdell Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lyn-Marie Birkholtz
- Malaria Parasite Molecular Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Dina Coertzen
- Malaria Parasite Molecular Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Richard K Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Mendes Jorge M, Ouermi L, Meissner P, Compaoré G, Coulibaly B, Nebie E, Krisam J, Klose C, Kieser M, Jahn A, Lu G, D`Alessandro U, Sié A, Mockenhaupt FP, Müller O. Safety and efficacy of artesunate-amodiaquine combined with either methylene blue or primaquine in children with falciparum malaria in Burkina Faso: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222993. [PMID: 31600221 PMCID: PMC6786573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin resistance is threatening global efforts for malaria control and elimination. Primaquine (PQ) and methylene blue (MB) are gametocytocidal drugs that can be combined with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) to reduce malaria transmission, including resistant strains. Children (6-59 months) with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Burkina Faso were treated with artesunate-amodiaquine (AS-AQ) and randomized to MB (15 mg/kg/day for 3 days) or PQ (0.25 mg/kg at day 2) with the aim to show non-inferiority of the MB regimen with regard to haematological recovery at day 7 (primary endpoint). MB-AS-AQ could not be shown to be non-inferior to PQ-AS-AQ (mean Hb difference between treatment groups on day 7 was -0.352, 95% CI -0.832-0.128, p = 0.0767), however, haemoglobin recovery following treatment was alike in the two study arms (day 7: mean 0.2±1.4 g/dl vs. 0.5±0.9 g/dl, p = 0.446). Occurrence of adverse events was similar in both groups, except for vomiting, which was more frequent in the MB than in the PQ arm (20/50 vs 7/50, p = 0.003). Adequate clinical and parasitological response was above 95% in both groups, but significantly more asexual parasites were cleared in the MB arm compared to the PQ arm already on day 1 (48/50, 96%, vs 40/50, 80%, p = 0.014). Moreover, P. falciparum gametocyte prevalence and density were lower in the MB arm than in the PQ arm, which reached statistical significance on day 2 (prevalence: 2/50, 4%, vs 15/49, 31%, p<0.001; density: 9.6 vs 41.1/μl, p = 0.024). However, it should be considered that PQ was given only on day 2. MB-ACT appears to be an interesting alternative to PQ-ACT for the treatment of falciparum malaria. While there is a need to further improve MB formulations, MB-ACT may already be considered useful to reduce falciparum malaria transmission intensity, to increase treatment efficacy, and to reduce the risk for resistance development and spread. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02851108.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Mendes Jorge
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Lucienne Ouermi
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, Nouna, Kossi, Burkina Faso
| | - Peter Meissner
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Eric Nebie
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, Nouna, Kossi, Burkina Faso
| | - Johannes Krisam
- Institut of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Christina Klose
- Institut of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Meinhard Kieser
- Institut of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Jahn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Guangyu Lu
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Umberto D`Alessandro
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Sié
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, Nouna, Kossi, Burkina Faso
| | - Frank Peter Mockenhaupt
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olaf Müller
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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19
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Müller O, Lu G, Jahn A, Mockenhaupt FP. How worthwhile is methylene blue as a treatment of malaria? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2019; 17:471-473. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2019.1634545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Müller
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guangyu Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Albrecht Jahn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank-Peter Mockenhaupt
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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20
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Stokes BH, Yoo E, Murithi JM, Luth MR, Afanasyev P, da Fonseca PCA, Winzeler EA, Ng CL, Bogyo M, Fidock DA. Covalent Plasmodium falciparum-selective proteasome inhibitors exhibit a low propensity for generating resistance in vitro and synergize with multiple antimalarial agents. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007722. [PMID: 31170268 PMCID: PMC6553790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutics with novel modes of action and a low risk of generating resistance are urgently needed to combat drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Here, we report that the peptide vinyl sulfones WLL-vs (WLL) and WLW-vs (WLW), highly selective covalent inhibitors of the P. falciparum proteasome, potently eliminate genetically diverse parasites, including K13-mutant, artemisinin-resistant lines, and are particularly active against ring-stage parasites. Selection studies reveal that parasites do not readily acquire resistance to WLL or WLW and that mutations in the β2, β5 or β6 subunits of the 20S proteasome core particle or in components of the 19S proteasome regulatory particle yield only <five-fold decreases in parasite susceptibility. This result compares favorably against previously published non-covalent inhibitors of the Plasmodium proteasome that can select for resistant parasites with >hundred-fold decreases in susceptibility. We observed no cross-resistance between WLL and WLW. Moreover, most mutations that conferred a modest loss of parasite susceptibility to one inhibitor significantly increased sensitivity to the other. These inhibitors potently synergized multiple chemically diverse classes of antimalarial agents, implicating a shared disruption of proteostasis in their modes of action. These results underscore the potential of targeting the Plasmodium proteasome with covalent small molecule inhibitors as a means of combating multidrug-resistant malaria. The spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria across Southeast Asia creates an imperative to develop new treatment options with compounds that are not susceptible to existing mechanisms of antimalarial drug resistance. Recent work has identified the P. falciparum proteasome as a promising drug target. Here, we report potent antimalarial activity of highly selective vinyl sulfone-conjugated peptide proteasome inhibitors, including against artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum early ring-stage parasites that are traditionally difficult to treat. Unlike many advanced antimalarial candidates, these covalent proteasome inhibitors do not readily select for resistance. Selection studies with cultured parasites reveal infrequent and minor decreases in susceptibility resulting from point mutations in components of the 26S proteasome, which we model using cryo-electron microscopy-based structural data. No parasites were observed to be cross-resistant to both compounds; in fact, partial resistance to one compound often created hypersensitivity to the other. We also document potent synergy between these covalent proteasome inhibitors and multiple classes of antimalarial agents, including dihydroartemisinin, the clinical candidate OZ439, and the parasite transmission-blocking agent methylene blue. Proteasome inhibitors have significant promise as components of novel combination therapies to treat multidrug-resistant malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara H. Stokes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Euna Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - James M. Murithi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Madeline R. Luth
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems & Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Pavel Afanasyev
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paula C. A. da Fonseca
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A. Winzeler
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems & Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Caroline L. Ng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CLN); (MB); (DAF)
| | - Matthew Bogyo
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CLN); (MB); (DAF)
| | - David A. Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CLN); (MB); (DAF)
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21
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Kowouvi K, Alies B, Gendrot M, Gaubert A, Vacher G, Gaudin K, Mosnier J, Pradines B, Barthelemy P, Grislain L, Millet P. Nucleoside-lipid-based nanocarriers for methylene blue delivery: potential application as anti-malarial drug. RSC Adv 2019; 9:18844-18852. [PMID: 35516884 PMCID: PMC9064961 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra02576f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleolipid supramolecular assemblies are promising Drug Delivery Systems (DDS), particularly for nucleic acids. Studies based on negatively and positively charged nucleolipids (diC16dT and DOTAU, respectively) demonstrated appropriate stability, safety, and purity profile to be used as DDS. Methylene Blue (MB) remains a good antimalarial drug candidate, and could be considered for the treatment of uncomplicated or severe malaria. However, the development of MB as an antimalarial drug has been hampered by a high dose regimen required to obtain a proper effect, and a short plasmatic half life. We demonstrated that nanoparticles formed by nucleolipid encapsulation of MB using diC16dT and DOTAU (MB-NPs) is an interesting approach to improve drug stability and delivery. MB-NPs displayed sizes, PDI, zeta values, and colloidal stability allowing a possible use in intravenous formulations. Nanoparticles partially protected MB from oxido-reduction reactions, thus preventing early degradation during storage, and allowing prolongated pharmacokinetic in plasma. MB-NPs' efficacy, tested in vitro on sensitive or multidrug resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, was statistically similar to MB alone, with a slightly lower IC50. This nucleolipid-based approach to protect drugs against degradation represents a new alternative tool to be considered for malaria treatment. Nucleolipids protects methylene blue against reduction (induced by light and chemical reductants) and do not impair antimalarial activity.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Koffi Kowouvi
- Univ. Bordeaux
- U1212 INSERM–UMR 5320 CNRS
- ARNA
- ChemBioPharm
- F-33076 Bordeaux
| | - Bruno Alies
- Univ. Bordeaux
- U1212 INSERM–UMR 5320 CNRS
- ARNA
- ChemBioPharm
- F-33076 Bordeaux
| | - Mathieu Gendrot
- Unité de Parasitologie et Entomologie
- Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées
- Marseille
- France
| | - Alexandra Gaubert
- Univ. Bordeaux
- U1212 INSERM–UMR 5320 CNRS
- ARNA
- ChemBioPharm
- F-33076 Bordeaux
| | - Gaelle Vacher
- Univ. Bordeaux
- U1212 INSERM–UMR 5320 CNRS
- ARNA
- ChemBioPharm
- F-33076 Bordeaux
| | - Karen Gaudin
- Univ. Bordeaux
- U1212 INSERM–UMR 5320 CNRS
- ARNA
- ChemBioPharm
- F-33076 Bordeaux
| | - Joel Mosnier
- Unité de Parasitologie et Entomologie
- Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées
- Marseille
- France
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Unité de Parasitologie et Entomologie
- Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées
- Marseille
- France
| | | | | | - Pascal Millet
- Univ. Bordeaux
- U1212 INSERM–UMR 5320 CNRS
- ARNA
- ChemBioPharm
- F-33076 Bordeaux
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22
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Artemisone and Artemiside Are Potent Panreactive Antimalarial Agents That Also Synergize Redox Imbalance in Plasmodium falciparum Transmissible Gametocyte Stages. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.02214-17. [PMID: 29866868 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02214-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of resistance toward artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum has the potential to severely compromise malaria control. Therefore, the development of new artemisinins in combination with new drugs that impart activities toward both intraerythrocytic proliferative asexual and transmissible gametocyte stages, in particular, those of resistant parasites, is urgently required. We define artemisinins as oxidant drugs through their ability to oxidize reduced flavin cofactors of flavin disulfide reductases critical for maintaining redox homeostasis in the malaria parasite. Here we compare the activities of 10-amino artemisinin derivatives toward the asexual and gametocyte stages of P. falciparum parasites. Of these, artemisone and artemiside inhibited asexual and gametocyte stages, particularly stage V gametocytes, in the low-nanomolar range. Further, treatment of both early and late gametocyte stages with artemisone or artemiside combined with the pro-oxidant redox partner methylene blue displayed notable synergism. These data suggest that modulation of redox homeostasis is likely an important druggable process, particularly in gametocytes, and this finding thereby enhances the prospect of using combinations of oxidant and redox drugs for malaria control.
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23
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Lu G, Nagbanshi M, Goldau N, Mendes Jorge M, Meissner P, Jahn A, Mockenhaupt FP, Müller O. Efficacy and safety of methylene blue in the treatment of malaria: a systematic review. BMC Med 2018; 16:59. [PMID: 29690878 PMCID: PMC5979000 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-018-1045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylene blue (MB) was the first synthetic antimalarial to be discovered and was used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries against all types of malaria. MB has been shown to be effective in inhibiting Plasmodium falciparum in culture, in the mouse model and in rhesus monkeys. MB was also shown to have a potent ex vivo activity against drug-resistant isolates of P. falciparum and P. vivax. In preclinical studies, MB acted synergistically with artemisinin derivates and demonstrated a strong effect on gametocyte reduction in P. falciparum. MB has, thus, been considered a potentially useful partner drug for artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), particularly when elimination is the final goal. The aim of this study was to review the scientific literature published until early 2017 to summarise existing knowledge on the efficacy and safety of MB in the treatment of malaria. METHODS This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting on the efficacy and safety of MB were systematically searched for in relevant electronic databases according to a pre-designed search strategy. The search (without language restrictions) was limited to studies of humans published until February 2017. RESULTS Out of 474 studies retrieved, a total of 22 articles reporting on 21 studies were eligible for analysis. The 21 included studies that reported data on 1504 malaria patients (2/3 were children). Older studies were case series and reports on MB monotherapy while recent studies were mainly controlled trials of combination regimens. MB was consistently shown to be highly effective in all endemic areas and demonstrated a strong effect on P. falciparum gametocyte reduction and synergy with ACT. MB treatment was associated with mild urogenital and gastrointestinal symptoms as well as blue coloration of urine. In G6PD-deficient African individuals, MB caused a slight but clinically non-significant haemoglobin reduction. CONCLUSIONS More studies are needed to define the effects of MB in P. falciparum malaria in areas outside Africa and against P. vivax malaria. Adding MB to ACT could be a valuable approach for the prevention of resistance development and for transmission reduction in control and elimination programs. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION This study is registered at PROSPERO (registration number CRD42017062349 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lu
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, China.,Institute of Public Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Nagbanshi
- Institute of Public Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - N Goldau
- Institute of Public Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Mendes Jorge
- Institute of Public Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - P Meissner
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - A Jahn
- Institute of Public Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - F P Mockenhaupt
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - O Müller
- Institute of Public Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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24
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Calderón M, Weitzel T, Rodriguez MF, Ciapponi A. Methylene blue for treating malaria. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- María Calderón
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS); Department of Health Technology Assessment, Systematic Reviews and Economic Evaluation; Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024 Capital Federal Buenos Aires Argentina C1414CPV
| | - Thomas Weitzel
- Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo; Clinical Laboratory; Santiago Chile
| | - Maria F Rodriguez
- University of Chile School of Medicine; Infectious Diseases Department; Santiago Chile
| | - Agustín Ciapponi
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS-CONICET); Argentine Cochrane Centre; Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024 Buenos Aires Capital Federal Argentina C1414CPV
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25
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Vekaria HJ, Talley Watts L, Lin AL, Sullivan PG. Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in CNS injury using Methylene Blue; still a magic bullet? Neurochem Int 2017; 109:117-125. [PMID: 28396091 PMCID: PMC5632129 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Complex, multi-factorial secondary injury cascades are initiated following traumatic brain injury, which makes this a difficult disease to treat. The secondary injury cascades following the primary mechanical tissue damage, are likely where effective therapeutic interventions may be targeted. One promising therapeutic target following brain injury are mitochondria. Mitochondria are complex organelles found within the cell, which act as powerhouses within all cells by supplying ATP. These organelles are also necessary for calcium cycling, redox signaling and play a major role in the initiation of cell death pathways. When mitochondria become dysfunctional, there is a tendency for the cell to loose cellular homeostasis and can lead to eventual cell death. Targeting of mitochondrial dysfunction in various diseases has proven a successful approach, lending support to mitochondria as a pivotal player in TBI cell death and loss of behavioral function. Within this mixed mini review/research article there will be a general discussion of mitochondrial bioenergetics, followed by a brief discussion of traumatic brain injury and how mitochondria play an integral role in the neuropathological sequelae following an injury. We will also give an overview of one relatively new TBI therapeutic approach, Methylene Blue, currently being studied to ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction following brain injury. We will also present novel experimental findings, that for the first time, characterize the ex vivo effect of Methylene Blue on mitochondrial function in synaptic and non-synaptic populations of mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemendra J Vekaria
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Lora Talley Watts
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Neurology and Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ai-Ling Lin
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Patrick G Sullivan
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Research Physiologist, Lexington VAMC, Lexington, KY, USA.
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Fall B, Madamet M, Diawara S, Briolant S, Wade KA, Lo G, Nakoulima A, Fall M, Bercion R, Kounta MB, Amalvict R, Benoit N, Gueye MW, Diatta B, Wade B, Pradines B. Ex vivo activity of Proveblue, a methylene blue, against field isolates of Plasmodium falciparum in Dakar, Senegal from 2013-2015. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2017; 50:155-158. [PMID: 28689867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to most antimalarial drugs has spread from Southeast Asia to Africa. Accordingly, new therapies to use with artemisinin-based combination therapy (triple ACT) are urgently needed. Proveblue, a methylene blue preparation, was found to exhibit antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strains in vitro. Proveblue has synergistic effects when used in combination with dihydroartemisinin, and has been shown to significantly reduce or prevent cerebral malaria in mice. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the in vitro baseline susceptibility of clinical field isolates to Proveblue, compare its activity with that of other standard antimalarial drugs and define the patterns of cross-susceptibility between Proveblue and conventional antimalarial drugs. The Proveblue IC50 of 76 P. falciparum isolates ranged from 0.5 nM to 135.1 nM, with a mean of 8.1 nM [95% confidence interval, 6.4-10.3]. Proveblue was found to be more active against P. falciparum parasites than chloroquine, quinine, monodesethylamodiaquine, mefloquine, piperaquine, doxycycline (P <0.001) and lumefantrine (P = 0.014). Proveblue was as active as pyronaridine (P = 0.927), but was less active than dihydroartemisinin and artesunate (P <0.001). The only significant cross-susceptibilities found were between Proveblue and dihydroartemisinin (r2 = 0.195, P = 0.0001), artesunate (r2 = 0.187, P = 0.0002) and piperaquine (r2 = 0.063, P = 0.029). The present study clearly demonstrates the potential of Proveblue as an effective therapeutic agent against P. falciparum. In this context, the use of Proveblue as part of the triple ACT treatment for multidrug-resistant malaria warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bécaye Fall
- Laboratoire d'étude de la chimiosensibilité du paludisme, Fédération des laboratoires, Hôpital Principal de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Marylin Madamet
- Unité de Parasitologie et d'Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Institut hospitalo-universitaire en infectiologie, Marseille, France; Centre national de référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Silman Diawara
- Laboratoire d'étude de la chimiosensibilité du paludisme, Fédération des laboratoires, Hôpital Principal de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Sébastien Briolant
- Unité de Parasitologie et d'Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Institut hospitalo-universitaire en infectiologie, Marseille, France; Direction Interarmées du Service de Santé, Cayenne, Guyane, France; Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, Guyane, France
| | | | - Gora Lo
- Centre Medical Interarmées, Dakar, Senegal; Laboratoire de Bactériologie Virologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, CHU Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Mansour Fall
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Principal de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Raymond Bercion
- Laboratoire d'Analyses Médicales, Institut Pasteur, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Mame Bou Kounta
- Service des Urgences, Hôpital Principal de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Rémi Amalvict
- Unité de Parasitologie et d'Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Institut hospitalo-universitaire en infectiologie, Marseille, France; Centre national de référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Benoit
- Unité de Parasitologie et d'Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Institut hospitalo-universitaire en infectiologie, Marseille, France; Centre national de référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Mamadou Wague Gueye
- Laboratoire d'étude de la chimiosensibilité du paludisme, Fédération des laboratoires, Hôpital Principal de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Bakary Diatta
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Principal de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal; Chefferie, Hôpital Principal de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Boubacar Wade
- Chefferie, Hôpital Principal de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Laboratoire d'étude de la chimiosensibilité du paludisme, Fédération des laboratoires, Hôpital Principal de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal; Unité de Parasitologie et d'Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Institut hospitalo-universitaire en infectiologie, Marseille, France; Centre national de référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France.
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Abstract
In search of antiparasitic agents, we here identify arylmethylamino steroids as potent compounds and characterize more than 60 derivatives. The lead compound 1o is fast acting and highly active against intraerythrocytic stages of chloroquine-sensitive and resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites (IC50 1–5 nM) as well as against gametocytes. In P. berghei-infected mice, oral administration of 1o drastically reduces parasitaemia and cures the animals. Furthermore, 1o efficiently blocks parasite transmission from mice to mosquitoes. The steroid compounds show low cytotoxicity in mammalian cells and do not induce acute toxicity symptoms in mice. Moreover, 1o has a remarkable activity against the blood-feeding trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni. The steroid and the hydroxyarylmethylamino moieties are essential for antimalarial activity supporting a chelate-based quinone methide mechanism involving metal or haem bioactivation. This study identifies chemical scaffolds that are rapidly internalized into blood-feeding parasites. Steroid units can facilitate membrane permeation and bioavailability in drugs. Here, using a medicinal chemistry program, Krieg et al. identify an arylmethylamino steroid that kills Plasmodium parasites, likely through a chelate-based quinone methide mechanism, and has activity against Schistosoma mansoni.
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The Redox Cycler Plasmodione Is a Fast-Acting Antimalarial Lead Compound with Pronounced Activity against Sexual and Early Asexual Blood-Stage Parasites. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:5146-58. [PMID: 27297478 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02975-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we presented the chemical design of a promising series of antimalarial agents, 3-[substituted-benzyl]-menadiones, with potent in vitro and in vivo activities. Ongoing studies on the mode of action of antimalarial 3-[substituted-benzyl]-menadiones revealed that these agents disturb the redox balance of the parasitized erythrocyte by acting as redox cyclers-a strategy that is broadly recognized for the development of new antimalarial agents. Here we report a detailed parasitological characterization of the in vitro activity profile of the lead compound 3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-menadione 1c (henceforth called plasmodione) against intraerythrocytic stages of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum We show that plasmodione acts rapidly against asexual blood stages, thereby disrupting the clinically relevant intraerythrocytic life cycle of the parasite, and furthermore has potent activity against early gametocytes. The lead's antiplasmodial activity was unaffected by the most common mechanisms of resistance to clinically used antimalarials. Moreover, plasmodione has a low potential to induce drug resistance and a high killing speed, as observed by culturing parasites under continuous drug pressure. Drug interactions with licensed antimalarial drugs were also established using the fixed-ratio isobologram method. Initial toxicological profiling suggests that plasmodione is a safe agent for possible human use. Our studies identify plasmodione as a promising antimalarial lead compound and strongly support the future development of redox-active benzylmenadiones as antimalarial agents.
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Forkuo AD, Ansah C, Boadu KM, Boampong JN, Ameyaw EO, Gyan BA, Arku AT, Ofori MF. Synergistic anti-malarial action of cryptolepine and artemisinins. Malar J 2016; 15:89. [PMID: 26879905 PMCID: PMC4754817 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1137-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptolepine (CPE) is the major indoloquinoline isolated from the popular West African anti-malarial plant, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. CPE possesses various pharmacological activities with potent anti-malarial activity against both chloroquine (CQ)-resistant and -sensitive strains. The search for safe and novel anti-malarial agents and combinations to delay resistance development to Plasmodium falciparum directed this work aimed at evaluating the anti-malarial interaction and safety of CPE in combination with some artemisinin derivatives. Methods The in vitro SYBR Green I, fluorescent-based, drug sensitivity assay using a fixed ratio method was carried out on the CQ-sensitive plasmodial strain 3D7 to develop isobolograms from three CPE-based combinations with some artemisinin derivatives. CPE and artesunate (ART) combinations were also evaluated using the Rane’s test in ICR mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK-65 strains in a fixed ratio combination (1:1) and fractions of their ED50s in order to determine the experimental ED50 (Zexp) of the co-administered compounds. Isobolograms were constructed to compare the Zexp to the Zadd. Results CPE exhibited promising synergistic interactions in vitro with ART, artemether and dihydroartemisinin. In vivo, CPE combination with ART again showed synergy as the Zexp was 1.02 ± 0.02, which was significantly less than the Zadd of 8.3 ± 0.31. The haematological, biochemical, organ/body weight ratio and histopathology indices in the rats treated with CPE at all doses (25, 50, 100 mg kg−1po) and in combination with ART (4 mg kg−1) showed no significant difference compared to the control group. Conclusion The combination of CPE with the artemisinin derivatives were safe in the rodent model and showed a synergistic anti-malarial activity in vivo and in vitro. This study supports the basis for the selection of CPE as a prospective lead compound as the search for new anti-malarial combinations continues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold D Forkuo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Charles Ansah
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Kwesi M Boadu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Johnson N Boampong
- Department of Biomedical and Forensic Sciences, School of Biological Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Elvis O Ameyaw
- Department of Biomedical and Forensic Sciences, School of Biological Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Ben A Gyan
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
| | - Andrea T Arku
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
| | - Michael F Ofori
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
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van Schalkwyk DA, Nash MN, Shafik SH, Summers RL, Lehane AM, Smith PJ, Martin RE. Verapamil-Sensitive Transport of Quinacrine and Methylene Blue via the Plasmodium falciparum Chloroquine Resistance Transporter Reduces the Parasite's Susceptibility to these Tricyclic Drugs. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:800-10. [PMID: 26503982 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is becoming increasingly apparent that certain mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) alter the parasite's susceptibility to diverse compounds. Here we investigated the interaction of PfCRT with 3 tricyclic compounds that have been used to treat malaria (quinacrine [QC] and methylene blue [MB]) or to study P. falciparum (acridine orange [AO]). METHODS We measured the antiplasmodial activities of QC, MB, and AO against chloroquine-resistant and chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum and determined whether QC and AO affect the accumulation and activity of chloroquine in these parasites. We also assessed the ability of mutant (PfCRT(Dd2)) and wild-type (PfCRT(D10)) variants of the protein to transport QC, MB, and AO when expressed at the surface of Xenopus laevis oocytes. RESULTS Chloroquine resistance-conferring isoforms of PfCRT reduced the susceptibility of the parasite to QC, MB, and AO. In chloroquine-resistant (but not chloroquine-sensitive) parasites, AO and QC increased the parasite's accumulation of, and susceptibility to, chloroquine. All 3 compounds were shown to bind to PfCRT(Dd2), and the transport of QC and MB via this protein was saturable and inhibited by the chloroquine resistance-reverser verapamil. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that the PfCRT(Dd2)-mediated transport of tricyclic antimalarials reduces the parasite's susceptibility to these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan N Nash
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sarah H Shafik
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Robert L Summers
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Adele M Lehane
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Peter J Smith
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Rowena E Martin
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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In Vitro Activities of Primaquine-Schizonticide Combinations on Asexual Blood Stages and Gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:7650-6. [PMID: 26416869 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01948-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the World Health Organization recommends addition of a 0.25-mg base/kg single dose of primaquine (PQ) to artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) for Plasmodium falciparum malaria as a gametocytocidal agent for reducing transmission. Here, we investigated the potential interactions of PQ with the long-lasting components of the ACT drugs for eliminating the asexual blood stages and gametocytes of in vitro-cultured P. falciparum strains. Using the SYBR green I assay for asexual parasites and a flow cytometry-based assay for gametocytes, we determined the interactions of PQ with the schizonticides chloroquine, mefloquine, piperaquine, lumefantrine, and naphthoquine. With the sums of fractional inhibitory concentrations and isobolograms, we were able to determine mostly synergistic interactions for the various PQ and schizonticide combinations on the blood stages of P. falciparum laboratory strains. The synergism in inhibiting asexual stages and gametocytes was highly evident with PQ-naphthoquine, whereas synergism was moderate for the PQ-piperaquine, PQ-chloroquine, and PQ-mefloquine combinations. We have detected potentially antagonistic interactions between PQ and lumefantrine under certain drug combination ratios, suggesting that precautions might be needed when PQ is added as the gametocytocide to the artemether-lumefantrine ACT (Coartem).
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Brückner M, Becker K, Popp J, Frosch T. Fiber array based hyperspectral Raman imaging for chemical selective analysis of malaria-infected red blood cells. Anal Chim Acta 2015; 894:76-84. [PMID: 26423630 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2015.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A new setup for Raman spectroscopic wide-field imaging is presented. It combines the advantages of a fiber array based spectral translator with a tailor-made laser illumination system for high-quality Raman chemical imaging of sensitive biological samples. The Gaussian-like intensity distribution of the illuminating laser beam is shaped by a square-core optical multimode fiber to a top-hat profile with very homogeneous intensity distribution to fulfill the conditions of Koehler. The 30 m long optical fiber and an additional vibrator efficiently destroy the polarization and coherence of the illuminating light. This homogeneous, incoherent illumination is an essential prerequisite for stable quantitative imaging of complex biological samples. The fiber array translates the two-dimensional lateral information of the Raman stray light into separated spectral channels with very high contrast. The Raman image can be correlated with a corresponding white light microscopic image of the sample. The new setup enables simultaneous quantification of all Raman spectra across the whole spatial area with very good spectral resolution and thus outperforms other Raman imaging approaches based on scanning and tunable filters. The unique capabilities of the setup for fast, gentle, sensitive, and selective chemical imaging of biological samples were applied for automated hemozoin analysis. A special algorithm was developed to generate Raman images based on the hemozoin distribution in red blood cells without any influence from other Raman scattering. The new imaging setup in combination with the robust algorithm provides a novel, elegant way for chemical selective analysis of the malaria pigment hemozoin in early ring stages of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katja Becker
- Justus Liebig University Giessen, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Popp
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute for Physical Chemistry, 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Abbe Centre of Photonics, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Torsten Frosch
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute for Physical Chemistry, 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Abbe Centre of Photonics, 07745 Jena, Germany.
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Potent Ex Vivo Activity of Naphthoquine and Methylene Blue against Drug-Resistant Clinical Isolates of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015. [PMID: 26195523 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00874-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The 4-aminoquinoline naphthoquine (NQ) and the thiazine dye methylene blue (MB) have potent in vitro efficacies against Plasmodium falciparum, but susceptibility data for P. vivax are limited. The species- and stage-specific ex vivo activities of NQ and MB were assessed using a modified schizont maturation assay on clinical field isolates from Papua, Indonesia, where multidrug-resistant P. falciparum and P. vivax are prevalent. Both compounds were highly active against P. falciparum (median [range] 50% inhibitory concentration [IC50]: NQ, 8.0 nM [2.6 to 71.8 nM]; and MB, 1.6 nM [0.2 to 7.0 nM]) and P. vivax (NQ, 7.8 nM [1.5 to 34.2 nM]; and MB, 1.2 nM [0.4 to 4.3 nM]). Stage-specific drug susceptibility assays revealed significantly greater IC50s in parasites exposed at the trophozoite stage than at the ring stage for NQ in P. falciparum (26.5 versus 5.1 nM, P = 0.021) and P. vivax (341.6 versus 6.5 nM, P = 0.021) and for MB in P. vivax (10.1 versus 1.6 nM, P = 0.010). The excellent ex vivo activities of NQ and MB against both P. falciparum and P. vivax highlight their potential utility for the treatment of multidrug-resistant malaria in areas where both species are endemic.
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Bielitza M, Belorgey D, Ehrhardt K, Johann L, Lanfranchi DA, Gallo V, Schwarzer E, Mohring F, Jortzik E, Williams DL, Becker K, Arese P, Elhabiri M, Davioud-Charvet E. Antimalarial NADPH-Consuming Redox-Cyclers As Superior Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Copycats. Antioxid Redox Signal 2015; 22:1337-51. [PMID: 25714942 PMCID: PMC4410756 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2014.6047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Early phagocytosis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficient erythrocytes parasitized by Plasmodium falciparum were shown to protect G6PD-deficient populations from severe malaria. Here, we investigated the mechanism of a novel antimalarial series, namely 3-[substituted-benzyl]-menadiones, to understand whether these NADPH-consuming redox-cyclers, which induce oxidative stress, mimic the natural protection of G6PD deficiency. RESULTS We demonstrated that the key benzoylmenadione metabolite of the lead compound acts as an efficient redox-cycler in NADPH-dependent methaemoglobin reduction, leading to the continuous formation of reactive oxygen species, ferrylhaemoglobin, and subsequent haemichrome precipitation. Structure-activity relationships evidenced that both drug metabolites and haemoglobin catabolites contribute to potentiate drug effects and inhibit parasite development. Disruption of redox homeostasis by the lead benzylmenadione was specifically induced in Plasmodium falciparum parasitized erythrocytes and not in non-infected cells, and was visualized via changes in the glutathione redox potential of living parasite cytosols. Furthermore, the redox-cycler shows additive and synergistic effects in combination with compounds affecting the NADPH flux in vivo. INNOVATION The lead benzylmenadione 1c is the first example of a novel redox-active agent that mimics the behavior of a falciparum parasite developing inside a G6PD-deficient red blood cell (RBC) giving rise to malaria protection, and it exerts specific additive effects that are inhibitory to parasite development, without harm for non-infected G6PD-sufficient or -deficient RBCs. CONCLUSION This strategy offers an innovative perspective for the development of future antimalarial drugs for G6PD-sufficient and -deficient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Bielitza
- UMR 7509 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials (ECPM), Strasbourg, France
| | - Didier Belorgey
- UMR 7509 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials (ECPM), Strasbourg, France
| | - Katharina Ehrhardt
- UMR 7509 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials (ECPM), Strasbourg, France
- Department of Infectiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laure Johann
- UMR 7509 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials (ECPM), Strasbourg, France
| | - Don Antoine Lanfranchi
- UMR 7509 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials (ECPM), Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentina Gallo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Torino, Italy
| | - Evelin Schwarzer
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Torino, Italy
| | - Franziska Mohring
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center (IFZ), Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Esther Jortzik
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center (IFZ), Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - David L. Williams
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Katja Becker
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center (IFZ), Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Paolo Arese
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Torino, Italy
| | - Mourad Elhabiri
- UMR 7509 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials (ECPM), Strasbourg, France
| | - Elisabeth Davioud-Charvet
- UMR 7509 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials (ECPM), Strasbourg, France
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35
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Tyagi C, Bathke J, Goyal S, Fischer M, Dahse HM, Chacko S, Becker K, Grover A. Targeting the intersubunit cavity of Plasmodium falciparum glutathione reductase by a novel natural inhibitor: Computational and experimental evidence. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 61:72-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Coulibaly B, Pritsch M, Bountogo M, Meissner PE, Nebié E, Klose C, Kieser M, Berens-Riha N, Wieser A, Sirima SB, Breitkreutz J, Schirmer RH, Sié A, Mockenhaupt FP, Drakeley C, Bousema T, Müller O. Efficacy and safety of triple combination therapy with artesunate-amodiaquine-methylene blue for falciparum malaria in children: a randomized controlled trial in Burkina Faso. J Infect Dis 2014; 211:689-97. [PMID: 25267980 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylene blue (MB) has been shown to be safe and effective against falciparum malaria in Africa and to have pronounced gametocytocidal properties. METHODS Three days of treatment with artesunate (AS)-amodiaquine (AQ) combined with MB was compared with AS-AQ treatment in a randomized controlled phase IIb study; the study included 221 children aged 6-59 months with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Burkina Faso. The primary end point was gametocyte prevalence during follow-up, as determined by microscopy and real-time quantitative nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (QT-NASBA). RESULTS The gametocyte prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum at baseline was 3.6% (microscopy) and 97% (QT-NASBA). It was significantly lower in the AS-AQ-MB than in the AS-AQ group on day 7 of follow-up (microscopy, 1.2% vs 8.9% [P < .05]; QT-NASBA, 36.7% vs 63.3% [P < .001]). Hemoglobin values were significantly lower in the AS-AQ-MB group than in the AS-AQ group at days 2 and 7 of follow-up. Vomiting of the study medication occurred significantly more frequently in the AS-AQ-MB group. CONCLUSIONS The combination of MB with an artemisinin-based combination therapy has been confirmed to be effective against the gametocytes of P. falciparum. MB-based combinations need to be compared with primaquine-based combinations, preferably using MB in an improved pediatric formulation. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT01407887.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Pritsch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center Department of Bacteriology, Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Munich
| | | | - Peter E Meissner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical School, Ulm University
| | - Eric Nebié
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, Nouna
| | | | | | | | - Andreas Wieser
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center Department of Bacteriology, Max von Pettenkofer-Institute, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Munich
| | - Sodiomon B Sirima
- Centre de Recherche et de la Formation au Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Jörg Breitkreutz
- Institute of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
| | | | - Ali Sié
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, Nouna
| | - Frank P Mockenhaupt
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Chris Drakeley
- Department of Immunology & Infection, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, United Kingdom
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Immunology & Infection, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, United Kingdom Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Suwanarusk R, Russell B, Ong A, Sriprawat K, Chu CS, PyaePhyo A, Malleret B, Nosten F, Renia L. Methylene blue inhibits the asexual development of vivax malaria parasites from a region of increasing chloroquine resistance. J Antimicrob Chemother 2014; 70:124-9. [PMID: 25150147 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dku326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Methylene blue, once discarded due to its unsettling yet mild side effects, has now found a renewed place in the pharmacopoeia of modern medicine. The continued spread of drug-resistant Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum has also led to a recent re-examination of methylene blue's potent antimalarial properties. Here we examine the ex vivo susceptibility profile of Plasmodium spp. isolates to methylene blue; the isolates were from a region on the Thai-Myanmar border where there are increasing rates of failure when treating vivax malaria with chloroquine. METHODS To do this we used a newly developed ex vivo susceptibility assay utilizing flow cytometry and a portable flow cytometer with a near-UV laser. RESULTS P. vivax (median methylene blue IC50 3.1 nM, IQR 1.7-4.3 nM) and P. falciparum (median methylene blue IC50 1.8 nM, IQR 1.6-2.3 nM) are susceptible to methylene blue treatment at physiologically relevant levels. Unfortunately, the addition of chloroquine to combination treatments with methylene blue significantly reduces the ex vivo effectiveness of this molecule. CONCLUSIONS Our data support further efforts to employ methylene blue as a safe, low-cost antimalarial to treat drug-resistant malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossarin Suwanarusk
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science Technology and Research, Biopolis, Singapore
| | - Bruce Russell
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Alice Ong
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science Technology and Research, Biopolis, Singapore
| | | | - Cindy S Chu
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand
| | - Aung PyaePhyo
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand
| | - Benoit Malleret
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science Technology and Research, Biopolis, Singapore Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - François Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand Mahidol-Oxford University Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Laurent Renia
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science Technology and Research, Biopolis, Singapore
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Mizukawa Y, Ge JF, Bakar Md A, Itoh I, Scheurer C, Wittlin S, Brun R, Matsuoka H, Ihara M. Novel synthetic route for antimalarial benzo[a]phenoxazine derivative SSJ-183 and two active metabolites. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:3749-52. [PMID: 24856305 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.04.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A productive synthesis of benzo[a]phenoxazine derivative SSJ-183 (1), a promising lead for antimalarial agents, was developed using a one pot procedure. Furthermore, N-deethylated metabolite 3 and bis-N,N-deethylated metabolite 4 were synthesized by the application of the method. The metabolites 3 and 4 showed comparable and ∼2-fold increased activities against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Mizukawa
- Drug Discovery Science Research Center, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan; Synstar Japan Co., Ltd, Orbic Bldg 3F, 2-9-46 Sakaecho, Odawara 250-0011, Japan
| | - Jian-Feng Ge
- Drug Discovery Science Research Center, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan; College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Abu Bakar Md
- Drug Discovery Science Research Center, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan; Center for Advanced Research in Sciences, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Isamu Itoh
- Drug Discovery Science Research Center, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan; Synstar Japan Co., Ltd, Orbic Bldg 3F, 2-9-46 Sakaecho, Odawara 250-0011, Japan
| | - Christian Scheurer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Wittlin
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Reto Brun
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hiroyuki Matsuoka
- School of Medicine, Department of Infection and Immunity, Division of Medical Zoology, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Masataka Ihara
- Drug Discovery Science Research Center, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan.
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Abstract
The potential of flavoproteins as targets of pharmacological treatments is immense. In this review we present an overview of the current research progress on medical interventions based on flavoproteins with a special emphasis on cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Jortzik
- Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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40
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McFee RB. Malaria (Plasmodium). Dis Mon 2013; 59:441-2. [PMID: 24314808 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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41
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Kasozi D, Mohring F, Rahlfs S, Meyer AJ, Becker K. Real-time imaging of the intracellular glutathione redox potential in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003782. [PMID: 24348249 PMCID: PMC3857819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the cellular redox potential influences signaling events, antioxidant defense, and mechanisms of drug action and resistance. Until now, the real-time determination of the redox potential in malaria parasites has been limited because conventional approaches disrupt sub-cellular integrity. Using a glutathione biosensor comprising human glutaredoxin-1 linked to a redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (hGrx1-roGFP2), we systematically characterized basal values and drug-induced changes in the cytosolic glutathione-dependent redox potential (EGSH) of drug-sensitive (3D7) and resistant (Dd2) P. falciparum parasites. Via confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that hGrx1-roGFP2 rapidly detects EGSH changes induced by oxidative and nitrosative stress. The cytosolic basal EGSH of 3D7 and Dd2 were estimated to be -314.2±3.1 mV and -313.9±3.4 mV, respectively, which is indicative of a highly reducing compartment. We furthermore monitored short-, medium-, and long-term changes in EGSH after incubation with various redox-active compounds and antimalarial drugs. Interestingly, the redox cyclers methylene blue and pyocyanin rapidly changed the fluorescence ratio of hGrx1-roGFP2 in the cytosol of P. falciparum, which can, however, partially be explained by a direct interaction with the probe. In contrast, quinoline and artemisinin-based antimalarial drugs showed strong effects on the parasites' EGSH after longer incubation times (24 h). As tested for various conditions, these effects were accompanied by a drop in total glutathione concentrations determined in parallel with alternative methods. Notably, the effects were generally more pronounced in the chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain than in the resistant Dd2 strain. Based on these results hGrx1-roGFP2 can be recommended as a reliable and specific biosensor for real-time spatiotemporal monitoring of the intracellular EGSH in P. falciparum. Applying this technique in further studies will enhance our understanding of redox regulation and mechanisms of drug action and resistance in Plasmodium and might also stimulate redox research in other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Kasozi
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Franziska Mohring
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Rahlfs
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Katja Becker
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Belorgey D, Lanfranchi DA, Davioud-Charvet E. 1,4-naphthoquinones and other NADPH-dependent glutathione reductase-catalyzed redox cyclers as antimalarial agents. Curr Pharm Des 2013; 19:2512-28. [PMID: 23116403 DOI: 10.2174/1381612811319140003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The homodimeric flavoenzyme glutathione reductase catalyzes NADPH-dependent glutathione disulfide reduction. This reaction is important for keeping the redox homeostasis in human cells and in the human pathogen Plasmodium falciparum. Different types of NADPH-dependent disulfide reductase inhibitors were designed in various chemical series to evaluate the impact of each inhibition mode on the propagation of the parasites. Against malaria parasites in cultures the most potent and specific effects were observed for redox-active agents acting as subversive substrates for both glutathione reductases of the Plasmodium-infected red blood cells. In their oxidized form, these redox-active compounds are reduced by NADPH-dependent flavoenzyme-catalyzed reactions in the cytosol of infected erythrocytes. In their reduced forms, these compounds can reduce molecular oxygen to reactive oxygen species, or reduce oxidants like methemoglobin, the major nutrient of the parasite, to indigestible hemoglobin. Furthermore, studies on a fluorinated suicide-substrate of the human glutathione reductase indicate that the glutathione reductase-catalyzed bioactivation of 3-benzylnaphthoquinones to the corresponding reduced 3-benzoyl metabolites is essential for the observed antimalarial activity. In conclusion, the antimalarial lead naphthoquinones are suggested to perturb the major redox equilibria of the targeted cells. These effects result in developmental arrest of the parasite and contribute to the removal of the parasitized erythrocytes by macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Belorgey
- European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials (ECPM), UMR7509 CNRS - Universite de Strasbourg, 25 rue Becquerel, F-67087 Strasbourg Cedex 2, France.
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Gorka AP, Jacobs LM, Roepe PD. Cytostatic versus cytocidal profiling of quinoline drug combinations via modified fixed-ratio isobologram analysis. Malar J 2013; 12:332. [PMID: 24044530 PMCID: PMC3874740 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Drug combination therapy is the frontline of malaria treatment. There is an ever-accelerating need for new, efficacious combination therapies active against drug resistant malaria. Proven drugs already in the treatment pipeline, such as the quinolines, are important components of current combination therapy and also present an attractive test bank for rapid development of new concepts. Methods The efficacy of several drug combinations versus chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant strains was measured using both cytostatic and cytocidal potency assays. Conclusions These screens identify quinoline and non-quinoline pairs that exhibit synergy, additivity, or antagonism using the fixed-ratio isobologram method and find tafenoquine – methylene blue combination to be the most synergistic. Also, interestingly, for selected pairs, additivity, synergy, or antagonism defined by quantifying IC50 (cytostatic potency) does not necessarily predict similar behaviour when potency is defined by LD50 (cytocidal potency). These data further support an evolving new model for quinoline anti-malarials, wherein haem and haemozoin are the principle target for cytostatic activity, but may not be the only target relevant for cytocidal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Gorka
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Cellular, & Molecular Biology, and Center for Infectious Disease, Georgetown University, 37th and 'O' Sts, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
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Garavito G, Bertani S, Quiliano M, Valentin A, Aldana I, Deharo E. The in vivo antimalarial activity of methylene blue combined with pyrimethamine, chloroquine and quinine. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013; 107:820-3. [PMID: 22990975 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000600019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of methylene blue (MB) combined with pyrimethamine (PYR), chloroquine (CQ) or quinine (Q) was examined in a classical four-day suppressive test against a causative agent of rodent malaria, Plasmodium berghei. A marked potentiation was observed when MB was administered at a non-curative dose of 15 mg/kg/day in combination with PYR (0.19 mg/kg/day) or Q (25 mg/kg/day). No synergy was found between MB (15 mg/Kg) and CQ (0.75 mg/Kg). Our results suggest that the combination of MB with PYR or Q may improve the efficacy of these currently used antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanny Garavito
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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45
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Gorka AP, de Dios A, Roepe PD. Quinoline drug-heme interactions and implications for antimalarial cytostatic versus cytocidal activities. J Med Chem 2013; 56:5231-46. [PMID: 23586757 DOI: 10.1021/jm400282d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Historically, the most successful molecular target for antimalarial drugs has been heme biomineralization within the malarial parasite digestive vacuole. Heme released from catabolized host red blood cell hemoglobin is toxic, so malarial parasites crystallize heme to nontoxic hemozoin. For years it has been accepted that a number of effective quinoline antimalarial drugs (e.g., chloroquine, quinine, amodiaquine) function by preventing hemozoin crystallization. However, recent studies over the past decade have revealed a surprising molecular diversity in quinoline-heme molecular interactions. This diversity shows that even closely related quinoline drugs may have quite different molecular pharmacology. This paper reviews the molecular diversity and highlights important implications for understanding quinoline antimalarial drug resistance and for future drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Gorka
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology, and Center for Infectious Diseases, Georgetown University , 37th and O Streets, NW, Washington, D.C. 20057, United States
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Dormoi J, Briolant S, Desgrouas C, Pradines B. Impact of methylene blue and atorvastatin combination therapy on the apparition of cerebral malaria in a murine model. Malar J 2013; 12:127. [PMID: 23587099 PMCID: PMC3637457 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Proveblue®, a methylene blue dye that complies with European Pharmacopoeia and contains limited organic impurities and heavy metals of recognized toxicity, showed in vitro synergy against Plasmodium falciparum when combined with atorvastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of Proveblue® when combined with atorvastatin in a murine model of experimental cerebral malaria. Methods Forty female C57Bl6/N mice were divided into four groups (control, atorvastatin 40 mg/kg for seven days, Proveblue® 10 mg/kg for five days and atorvastatin combined with Proveblue®), infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA parasites by intraperitoneal inoculation and observed for 45 days. Results Treatment with atorvastatin alone did not demonstrate an effect significantly different from no treatment (p = 0.0573). All the mice treated by atorvastatin alone died. Treatment with Proveblue® or a combination of Proveblue® and atorvastatin was significantly increased survival of cerebral malaria (p = 0.0011 and 0.0002, respectively). Although there was only one death in the atorvastatin and Proveblue® combination treatment group (10%) versus two deaths (22%) with Proveblue® treatment, the effect on cerebral malaria was not significant (p = 0.283). Conclusions The present work demonstrated, for the first time, the high efficacy of Proveblue® in preventing cerebral malaria. Atorvastatin alone or in combination appears to possess limited use for preventing cerebral malaria. Combination of atorvastatin with lower doses of Proveblue® (<10 mg/kg/day) should be evaluated to show potential synergistic effects in cerebral malaria prevention.
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Müller O, Mockenhaupt FP, Marks B, Meissner P, Coulibaly B, Kuhnert R, Buchner H, Schirmer RH, Walter-Sack I, Sié A, Mansmann U. Haemolysis risk in methylene blue treatment of G6PD-sufficient and G6PD-deficient West-African children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria: a synopsis of four RCTs. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2012; 22:376-85. [PMID: 23135803 DOI: 10.1002/pds.3370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Methylene blue (MB), which was recently tested in a number of clinical malaria studies in Burkina Faso, is currently investigated for its benefit when added to artemisinin-based combination therapy. Together with a number of other antimalarials, MB is on the list of drugs which potentially induce haemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency. Ruling out safety concerns is of major importance during drug development. METHODS A pooled analysis was performed with patient data from four clinical studies conducted in West African children with falciparum malaria between 2003 and 2007. The primary endpoints were haemoglobin levels over time as well as haemolysis in G6PD-deficient (n = 199) and G6PD-sufficient (n = 806) children treated with MB-containing (n = 844) compared to children without MB-containing (n = 161) drug regimens. RESULTS In the chosen model, the haemoglobin time course was significantly influenced by the G6PD genotype and the MB dose. In children with hemi- or homozygous G6PD (A-) deficiency, MB treatment with 15 mg/kg per day was associated with a significant reduction in Hb values which reached a minimum of 8.5 g/dl. Two episodes of haemolysis occurred (out of 1005 children); one in a girl heterozygous for G6PD deficiency and one in a hemizygous boy, both had received MB. CONCLUSIONS MB treatment of malaria in Africa is associated with slightly reduced haemoglobin values in children with a full G6PD defect compared to non-G6PD deficient children. This effect appears to be of limited clinical relevance but needs to be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Müller
- Institute of Public Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Haynes RK, Cheu KW, Chan HW, Wong HN, Li KY, Tang MMK, Chen MJ, Guo ZF, Guo ZH, Sinniah K, Witte AB, Coghi P, Monti D. Interactions between artemisinins and other antimalarial drugs in relation to the cofactor model--a unifying proposal for drug action. ChemMedChem 2012; 7:2204-26. [PMID: 23112085 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201200383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinins are proposed to act in the malaria parasite cytosol by oxidizing dihydroflavin cofactors of redox-active flavoenzymes, and under aerobic conditions by inducing their autoxidation. Perturbation of redox homeostasis coupled with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) ensues. Ascorbic acid-methylene blue (MB), N-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH)-MB, BNAH-lumiflavine, BNAH-riboflavin (RF), and NADPH-FAD-E. coli flavin reductase (Fre) systems at pH 7.4 generate leucomethylene blue (LMB) and reduced flavins that are rapidly oxidized in situ by artemisinins. These oxidations are inhibited by the 4-aminoquinolines piperaquine (PPQ), chloroquine (CQ), and others. In contrast, the arylmethanols lumefantrine, mefloquine (MFQ), and quinine (QN) have little or no effect. Inhibition correlates with the antagonism exerted by 4-aminoquinolines on the antimalarial activities of MB, RF, and artemisinins. Lack of inhibition correlates with the additivity/synergism between the arylmethanols and artemisinins. We propose association via π complex formation between the 4-aminoquinolines and LMB or the dihydroflavins; this hinders hydride transfer from the reduced conjugates to the artemisinins. The arylmethanols have a decreased tendency to form π complexes, and so exert no effect. The parallel between chemical reactivity and antagonism or additivity/synergism draws attention to the mechanism of action of all drugs described herein. CQ and QN inhibit the formation of hemozoin in the parasite digestive vacuole (DV). The buildup of heme-Fe(III) results in an enhanced efflux from the DV into the cytosol. In addition, the lipophilic heme-Fe(III) complexes of CQ and QN that form in the DV are proposed to diffuse across the DV membrane. At the higher pH of the cytosol, the complexes decompose to liberate heme-Fe(III) . The quinoline or arylmethanol reenters the DV, and so transfers more heme-Fe(III) out of the DV. In this way, the 4-aminoquinolines and arylmethanols exert antimalarial activities by enhancing heme-Fe(III) and thence free Fe(III) concentrations in the cytosol. The iron species enter into redox cycles through reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) largely mediated by reduced flavin cofactors and likely also by NAD(P)H-Fre. Generation of ROS through oxidation of Fe(II) by oxygen will also result. The cytotoxicities of artemisinins are thereby reinforced by the iron. Other aspects of drug action are emphasized. In the cytosol or DV, association by π complex formation between pairs of lipophilic drugs must adversely influence the pharmacokinetics of each drug. This explains the antagonism between PPQ and MFQ, for example. The basis for the antimalarial activity of RF mirrors that of MB, wherein it participates in redox cycling that involves flavoenzymes or Fre, resulting in attrition of NAD(P)H. The generation of ROS by artemisinins and ensuing Fenton chemistry accommodate the ability of artemisinins to induce membrane damage and to affect the parasite SERCA PfATP6 Ca(2+) transporter. Thus, the effect exerted by artemisinins is more likely a downstream event involving ROS that will also be modulated by mutations in PfATP6. Such mutations attenuate, but cannot abrogate, antimalarial activities of artemisinins. Overall, parasite resistance to artemisinins arises through enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K Haynes
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Technology for Drug Discovery and Synthesis, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, PR China.
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Anthony MP, Burrows JN, Duparc S, JMoehrle J, Wells TNC. The global pipeline of new medicines for the control and elimination of malaria. Malar J 2012; 11:316. [PMID: 22958514 PMCID: PMC3472257 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, there has been a transformation in the portfolio of medicines to combat malaria. New fixed-dose artemisinin combination therapy is available, with four different types having received approval from Stringent Regulatory Authorities or the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there is still scope for improvement. The Malaria Eradication Research agenda identified several gaps in the current portfolio. Simpler regimens, such as a single-dose cure are needed, compared with the current three-day treatment. In addition, new medicines that prevent transmission and also relapse are needed, but with better safety profiles than current medicines. There is also a big opportunity for new medicines to prevent reinfection and to provide chemoprotection. This study reviews the global portfolio of new medicines in development against malaria, as of the summer of 2012. Cell-based phenotypic screening, and 'fast followers' of clinically validated classes, mean that there are now many new classes of molecules starting in clinical development, especially for the blood stages of malaria. There remain significant gaps for medicines blocking transmission, preventing relapse, and long-duration molecules for chemoprotection. The nascent pipeline of new medicines is significantly stronger than five years ago. However, there are still risks ahead in clinical development and sustainable funding of clinical studies is vital if this early promise is going to be delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda P Anthony
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20 rte de Pré-Bois 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy N Burrows
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20 rte de Pré-Bois 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Duparc
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20 rte de Pré-Bois 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joerg JMoehrle
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20 rte de Pré-Bois 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Timothy NC Wells
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 20 rte de Pré-Bois 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
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Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Parasitic diseases affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide and represent major health problems. Treatment is becoming extremely difficult due to the emergence of drug resistance, the absence of effective vaccines, and the spread of insecticide-resistant vectors. Thus, identification of affordable and readily available drugs against resistant parasites is of global demand. RECENT ADVANCES Susceptibility of many parasites to oxidative stress is a well-known phenomenon. Therefore, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or inhibition of endogenous antioxidant enzymes would be a novel therapeutic approach to develop antiparasitic drugs. This article highlights the unique metabolic pathways along with redox enzymes of unicellular (Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Leishmania donovani, Entamoeba histolytica, and Trichomonas vaginalis) and multicellular parasites (Schistosoma mansoni), which could be utilized to promote ROS-mediated toxicity. CRITICAL ISSUES Enzymes involved in various vital redox reactions could be potential targets for drug development. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The identification of redox-active antiparasitic drugs along with their mode of action will help researchers around the world in designing novel drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Pal
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
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