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Cajas RA, Santos SSB, Espírito-Santo MCC, Garedaghi Y, de Moraes J. In vitro and in vivo efficacy of the amiodarone and praziquantel combination against the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0011424. [PMID: 38780260 PMCID: PMC11232383 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00114-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a widespread parasitic disease caused by the blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, affects over 230 million people, primarily in developing countries. Praziquantel, the sole drug currently approved for schistosomiasis treatment, demonstrates effectiveness against patent infections. A recent study highlighted the antiparasitic properties of amiodarone, an anti-arrhythmic drug, exhibiting higher efficacy than praziquantel against prepatent infections. This study assessed the efficacy of amiodarone and praziquantel, both individually and in combination, against Schistosoma mansoni through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro experiments demonstrated synergistic activity (fractional inhibitory concentration index ≤0.5) for combinations of amiodarone with praziquantel. In a murine model of schistosomiasis featuring prepatent infections, treatments involving amiodarone (200 or 400 mg/kg) followed by praziquantel (200 or 400 mg/kg) yielded a substantial reduction in worm burden (60%-70%). Given the low efficacy of praziquantel in prepatent infections, combinations of amiodarone with praziquantel may offer clinical utility in the treatment of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayssa A Cajas
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia S B Santos
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina C Espírito-Santo
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Immunopathology of Schistosomiasis (LIM-06), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yagoob Garedaghi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, São Paulo, Brazil
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Scientific and Technological Institute, Brazil University, São Paulo, Brazil
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Cogo RM, Pavani TFA, Mengarda ACA, Cajas RA, Teixeira TR, Fukui-Silva L, Sun YU, Liu LJ, Amarasinghe DK, Yoon MC, Santos-Filho OA, de Moraes J, Caffrey CR, G G Rando D. Pharmacophore Virtual Screening Identifies Riboflavin as an Inhibitor of the Schistosome Cathepsin B1 Protease with Antiparasitic Activity. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:25356-25369. [PMID: 38882094 PMCID: PMC11170711 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease of poverty that affects over 200 million people worldwide and relies on a single drug for therapy. The cathepsin B1 cysteine protease (SmCB1) of Schistosoma mansoni has been investigated as a potential target. Here, a structure-based pharmacophore virtual screening (VS) approach was used on a data set of approved drugs to identify potential antischistosomal agents targeting SmCB1. Pharmacophore (PHP) models underwent validation through receiver operating characteristics curves achieving values >0.8. The data highlighted riboflavin (RBF) as a compound of particular interest. A 1 μs molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that RBF altered the conformation of SmCB1, causing the protease's binding site to close around RBF while maintaining the protease's overall integrity. RBF inhibited the activity of SmCB1 at low micromolar values and killed the parasite in vitro. Finally, in a murine model of S. mansoni infection, oral administration of 100 mg/kg RBF for 7 days significantly decreased worm burdens by ∼20% and had a major impact on intestinal and fecal egg burdens, which were decreased by ∼80%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon M Cogo
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Campus Diadema, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Química da Unifesp, Rua São Nicolau 210, 2o andar, Centro, Diadema, São Paulo 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Thaís F A Pavani
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Campus Diadema, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Química da Unifesp, Rua São Nicolau 210, 2o andar, Centro, Diadema, São Paulo 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Ana C A Mengarda
- Universidade Guarulhos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas-NPDN, Praça Tereza Cristina 88, Guarulhos 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Rayssa A Cajas
- Universidade Guarulhos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas-NPDN, Praça Tereza Cristina 88, Guarulhos 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Thainá R Teixeira
- Universidade Guarulhos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas-NPDN, Praça Tereza Cristina 88, Guarulhos 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Lucas Fukui-Silva
- Universidade Guarulhos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas-NPDN, Praça Tereza Cristina 88, Guarulhos 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Yujie Uli Sun
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Lawrence J Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Dilini K Amarasinghe
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Michael C Yoon
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Osvaldo A Santos-Filho
- Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais Walter Mors, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Bloco H, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Universidade Guarulhos, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas-NPDN, Praça Tereza Cristina 88, Guarulhos 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Daniela G G Rando
- Grupo de Pesquisas Químico-Farmacêuticas da Unifesp, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Rua São Nicolau, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Campus Diadema, 210, 2o andar, Centro, Diadema, São Paulo 09972-270, Brazil
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Golenser J, Birman I, Gold D. Considering ivermectin for treatment of schistosomiasis. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:180. [PMID: 38592544 PMCID: PMC11003930 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08178-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Because of recent reports of praziquantel resistance in schistosome infections, there have been suggestions to employ ivermectin as a possible alternative, especially as its chemical composition is different from that of praziquantel, so cross-resistance is not expected. In order to ascertain possible damage and elimination of worms, we used ivermectin by oral gavage in infected mice, at a high dose (30.1 mg/kg, bordering toxicity). We also tested the efficacy of the drug at various times postinfection (PI), to check on possible effect on young and mature stages of the parasites. Thus, we treated mice on days 21 and 22 or on days 41 and 42 and even on days 21, 22, 41, and 42 PI. None of the treatment regimens resulted in cure rates or signs of lessened pathology in the mice. We also compared the effect of ivermectin to that of artemisone, an artemisinin derivative which had served us in the past as an effective anti-schistosome drug, and there was a stark difference in the artemisone's efficacy compared to that of ivermectin; while ivermectin was not effective, artemisone eliminated most of the worms, prevented egg production and granulomatous inflammatory response. We assume that the reported lack of activity of ivermectin, in comparison with praziquantel and artemisinins, originates from the difference in their mode of action. In wake of our results, we suggest that ivermectin is not a suitable drug for treatment of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Golenser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Ida Birman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Daniel Gold
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Villamizar-Monsalve MA, López-Abán J, Vicente B, Peláez R, Muro A. Current drug strategies for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:409-420. [PMID: 38511392 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2333372] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Schistosomiasis, one of the current Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affects over 230 million people globally, with nearly 700 million at risk in more than 74 countries. Praziquantel (PZQ) has served as the primary treatment for the past four decades; however, its effectiveness is limited as it solely eliminates adult worms. In regions where infections are frequent, PZQ exhibits only temporary efficacy and has restricted potential to disrupt the prolonged transmission of the disease. AREAS COVERED A comprehensive exploration using the PubMed database was conducted to review current pharmacotherapy approaches for schistosomiasis. This review also encompasses recent research findings related to potential novel therapeutics and the repurposing of existing drugs. EXPERT OPINION Current schistosoma treatment strategies, primarily relying on PZQ, face challenges like temporary effectiveness and limited impact on disease transmission. Drug repurposing, due to economic constraints, is decisive for NTDs. Despite PZQ's efficacy, its failure to prevent reinfection highlights the need for complementary strategies, especially in regions with persistent environmental foci. Integrating therapies against diverse schistosome stages boosts efficacy and impedes resistance. Uncovering novel agents is essential to address resistance concerns in tackling this neglected tropical disease. Integrated strategies present a comprehensive approach to navigate the complex challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Alejandra Villamizar-Monsalve
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julio López-Abán
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Belén Vicente
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rafael Peláez
- Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Salamanca, Spain
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Oliveira LVF, Camilo FF, Soares MG, Cajas RA, Cirino ME, de Moraes J, Lago JHG. In Situ Preparation of Dehydrodieugenol-Loaded Silver Nanoparticles and their Antischistosomal Activity. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301929. [PMID: 38278761 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected disease that imposes a substantial worldwide health burden, affecting approximately 250 million people globally. As praziquantel is the only available drug to treat schistosomiasis, there is a critical need to identify new anthelmintic compounds, particularly from natural sources. To enhance the activity of different natural products, one potential avenue involves its combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNP). Based on this approach, a one-step green method for the in situ preparation of dehydrodieugenol (DHDG) by oxidation coupling reaction using silver and natural eugenol is presented. AgNP formation was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy due to the appearance of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 430 nm which is characteristic of silver nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were spherical with sizes in the range of 40 to 50 nm. Bioassays demonstrated that the silver nanoparticles loaded with DHDG exhibited significant anthelmintic activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms without toxicity to mammalian cells and an in vivo animal model (Caenorhabditis elegans), contributing to the development of new prototypes based on natural products for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa V F Oliveira
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, SP-09210-580, Santo Andre, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Camilo
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, SP-09913-030, Diadema, Brazil
| | - Marisi G Soares
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, MG-37130-001, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Rayssa A Cajas
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, SP-07030-010, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | - Maria E Cirino
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, SP-07030-010, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, SP-07030-010, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, SP-09210-580, Santo Andre, Brazil
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Coandă M, Limban C, Nuță DC. Small Schiff Base Molecules-A Possible Strategy to Combat Biofilm-Related Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:75. [PMID: 38247634 PMCID: PMC10812491 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms participating in the development of biofilms exhibit heightened resistance to antibiotic treatment, therefore infections involving biofilms have become a problem in recent years as they are more difficult to treat. Consequently, research efforts are directed towards identifying novel molecules that not only possess antimicrobial properties but also demonstrate efficacy against biofilms. While numerous investigations have focused on antimicrobial capabilities of Schiff bases, their potential as antibiofilm agents remains largely unexplored. Thus, the objective of this article is to present a comprehensive overview of the existing scientific literature pertaining to small molecules categorized as Schiff bases with antibiofilm properties. The survey involved querying four databases (Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Reaxys). Relevant articles published in the last 10 years were selected and categorized based on the molecular structure into two groups: classical Schiff bases and oximes and hydrazones. Despite the majority of studies indicating a moderate antibiofilm potential of Schiff bases, certain compounds exhibited a noteworthy effect, underscoring the significance of considering this type of molecular modeling when seeking to develop new molecules with antibiofilm effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Limban
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020950 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.); (D.C.N.)
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Rocha V, Cajas RA, Andrade-de-Siqueira AI, Almeida RBP, Godoy-Silva J, Gonçalves MM, Lago JHG, de Moraes J. Evaluating the Antischistosomal Activity of Dehydrodieugenol B and Its Methyl Ether Isolated from Nectandra leucantha-A Preclinical Study against Schistosoma mansoni Infection. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:40890-40897. [PMID: 37929107 PMCID: PMC10620922 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease affecting nearly 250 million individuals globally, poses a significant health challenge. With praziquantel being the sole available treatment and its limited efficacy in early stage infections, the identification of novel bioactive compounds becomes imperative. This study examines the potential of dehydrodieugenol B (1) and its methyl ether (2), derived from the leaves of the Brazilian Nectandra leucantha plant (Lauraceae), in combatting Schistosoma mansoni infections through a preclinical approach. Initially, compound 1 displayed noteworthy in vitro antiparasitic activity with an EC50 of 31.9 μM, showcasing low toxicity in mammalian cells and an in vivo animal model (Caenorhabditis elegans). Conversely, compound 2 exhibited no activity. In silico predictions pointed to favorable oral bioavailability and the absence of PAINS similarities. Subsequently, a single oral dose of 400 mg/kg of compound 1 or praziquantel was administered to mice infected with adult (patent infection) or immature parasites (prepatent infection). Remarkably, in prepatent infections, 1 resulted in a significant reduction (approximately 50%) in both worm and egg burden, while praziquantel reduced worm and egg numbers by 30%. The superior efficacy of dehydrodieugenol B (1) compared to praziquantel in premature infections holds the potential to advance the development of new molecular prototypes for schistosomiasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius
C. Rocha
- Instituto
de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Rayssa A. Cajas
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, São Paulo 07023-070, Brazil
| | | | - Roberto B. P. Almeida
- Departamento
de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Julia Godoy-Silva
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, São Paulo 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Marina M. Gonçalves
- Centro
de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade
Federal do ABC, Santo
André, São Paulo 09210-180, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G. Lago
- Centro
de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade
Federal do ABC, Santo
André, São Paulo 09210-180, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, São Paulo 07023-070, Brazil
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