1
|
Cabral FV, Riahi M, Persheyev S, Lian C, Cortez M, Samuel IDW, Ribeiro MS. Photodynamic therapy offers a novel approach to managing miltefosine-resistant cutaneous leishmaniasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116881. [PMID: 38917757 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116881] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected disease caused by Leishmania parasites. The oral drug miltefosine is effective, but there is a growing problem of drug resistance, which has led to increasing treatment failure rates and relapse of infections. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) combines a light source and a photoactive drug to promote cell death by oxidative stress. Although PDT is effective against several pathogens, its use against drug-resistant Leishmania parasites remains unexplored. Herein, we investigated the potential of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as wearable light sources, which would enable at-home use or ambulatory treatment of CL. We also assessed its impact on combating miltefosine resistance in Leishmania amazonensis-induced CL in mice. The in vitro activity of OLEDs combined with 1,9-dimethyl-methylene blue (DMMB) (OLED-PDT) was evaluated against wild-type and miltefosine-resistant L. amazonensis strains in promastigote (EC50 = 0.034 μM for both strains) and amastigote forms (EC50 = 0.052 μM and 0.077 μM, respectively). Cytotoxicity in macrophages and fibroblasts was also evaluated. In vivo, we investigated the potential of OLED-PDT in combination with miltefosine using different protocols. Our results demonstrate that OLED-PDT is effective in killing both strains of L. amazonensis by increasing reactive oxygen species and stimulating nitric oxide production. Moreover, OLED-PDT showed great antileishmanial activity in vivo, allowing the reduction of miltefosine dose by half in infected mice using a light dose of 7.8 J/cm2 and 15 μM DMMB concentration. In conclusion, OLED-PDT emerges as a new avenue for at-home care and allows a combination therapy to overcome drug resistance in cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda V Cabral
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mina Riahi
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
| | - Saydulla Persheyev
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
| | - Cheng Lian
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
| | - Mauro Cortez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (ICB/USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ifor D W Samuel
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK.
| | - Martha S Ribeiro
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fischer T, Fischer M, Schliemann S, Elsner P. Behandlung der mukokutanen Leishmaniose – eine systematische Übersicht. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2024; 22:763-774. [PMID: 38857099 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15424_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDie mukokutane Leishmaniose ist eine schwere Infektionskrankheit, die überwiegend in Zentral‐ und Südamerika endemisch ist und sich klinisch mit granulomatösen, destruierenden Schleimhautläsionen im Mund‐Nasen‐Rachenraum manifestiert. Sie wird durch Protozoen, Leishmania spp., ausgelöst, die durch Sandmücken auf den Menschen übertragen werden. Sie tritt nach vorangegangener kutaner Leishmaniose auf, wenn diese nicht oder nur unzureichend behandelt wurde und kommt gehäuft bei immunsupprimierten Patienten vor. Das Ziel dieser systematischen Übersicht besteht darin, alle publizierten Behandlungsmöglichkeiten für die mukokutane Leishmaniose zusammenzufassen. Sie basiert auf allen englischen, deutschen, französischen, spanischen und portugiesischen Artikeln, die in den Datenbanken „PubMed“ und „Lilacs“ von 1995 bis 2020 veröffentlicht wurden. Die medizinische Literatur beschränkt sich auf Einzelfallberichte, kleine Fallserien, retrospektive Studien und nur wenige randomisierte kontrollierte Studien. Zu den Therapieoptionen gehören pentavalente Antimonverbindungen wie Megluminantimonat oder Natriumstibogluconat, Amphotericin B (liposomal, Desoxycholat, Lipidkomplex, kolloidale Dispersion), Miltefosin und Pentamidin. Weitere mögliche Therapien sind Itraconazol, Fluconazol, Ketoconazol, Aminosidinsulfat und Azithromycin. Die Wahl des geeigneten Medikaments richtet sich in erster Hinsicht nach der Verfügbarkeit im Endemiegebiet und den begleitenden Erkrankungen des Patienten.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcellus Fischer
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Hamburg
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fischer T, Fischer M, Schliemann S, Elsner P. Treatment of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis - A systematic review. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2024; 22:763-773. [PMID: 38769082 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15424] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a severe infectious disease, predominantly endemic in Central and South America and is characterized by granulomatous, destructive mucosal lesions in the oral, nasal, and pharyngeal cavities. It is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania spp. transmitted to humans by sandflies. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis occurs after untreated or inadequately treated cutaneous leishmaniasis and is more common in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize all reported treatment options for mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. This review is based on all English, German, French, Spanish and Portuguese articles published in the databases "PubMed" and "Lilacs" from 1995 to 2020. Most of the medical literature is limited to case reports, small case series, retrospective studies, and a few randomized controlled trials. Various treatment options include pentavalent antimonates such as meglumine antimonate or sodium stibogluconate, amphotericin B (liposomal, deoxycholate, lipid complex, colloidal dispersion), miltefosine, and pentamidine. Other therapeutic options include itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, aminosidine sulfate, and azithromycin. The choice of drug depends primarily on its availability in the endemic area and the patient's comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Fischer
- Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Marcellus Fischer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Peter Elsner
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, SRH Wald-Klinikum Gera, Gera, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kancharla P, Ortiz D, Fargo CM, Zhang X, Li Y, Sanchez M, Kumar A, Yeluguri M, Dodean RA, Caridha D, Madejczyk MS, Martin M, Jin X, Blount C, Chetree R, Pannone K, Dinh HT, DeLuca J, Evans M, Nadeau R, Vuong C, Leed S, Dennis WE, Roncal N, Pybus BS, Lee PJ, Roth A, Reynolds KA, Kelly JX, Landfear SM. Discovery and Optimization of Tambjamines as a Novel Class of Antileishmanial Agents. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8323-8345. [PMID: 38722757 PMCID: PMC11163866 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that is estimated to afflict over 12 million people. Current drugs for leishmaniasis suffer from serious deficiencies, including toxicity, high cost, modest efficacy, primarily parenteral delivery, and emergence of widespread resistance. We have discovered and developed a natural product-inspired tambjamine chemotype, known to be effective against Plasmodium spp, as a novel class of antileishmanial agents. Herein, we report in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activities, detailed structure-activity relationships, and metabolic/pharmacokinetic profiles of a large library of tambjamines. A number of tambjamines exhibited excellent potency against both Leishmania mexicana and Leishmania donovani parasites with good safety and metabolic profiles. Notably, tambjamine 110 offered excellent potency and provided partial protection to leishmania-infected mice at 40 and/or 60 mg/kg/10 days of oral treatment. This study presents the first account of antileishmanial activity in the tambjamine family and paves the way for the generation of new oral antileishmanial drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Papireddy Kancharla
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Diana Ortiz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
| | - Corinne M. Fargo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Yuexin Li
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Marco Sanchez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
| | - Amrendra Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Monish Yeluguri
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Rozalia A. Dodean
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Diana Caridha
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Michael S. Madejczyk
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Monica Martin
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Xiannu Jin
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Cameron Blount
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Ravi Chetree
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Kristina Pannone
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Hieu T. Dinh
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Jesse DeLuca
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Martin Evans
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Robert Nadeau
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Chau Vuong
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Susan Leed
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - William E. Dennis
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Norma Roncal
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Brandon S. Pybus
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Patricia J. Lee
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Alison Roth
- Experimental Therapeutics Branch, CIDR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Kevin A. Reynolds
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Jane X. Kelly
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Scott M. Landfear
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Worku KM, Araya D, Tesfa H, Birru EM, Hailu A, Aemero M. In vitro antileishmanial activities of hydro-methanolic crude extracts and solvent fractions of Clematis simensis fresen leaf, and Euphorbia abyssinica latex. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38039. [PMID: 38701291 PMCID: PMC11062719 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
As a result of increasing drug resistance, crossover resistance development, prolonged therapy, and the absence of different agents with innovative methods for implementation, the efficacy of recent antileishmanial medications is severely declining. So, it is vital to look for other medications from botanical remedies that have antileishmanial activity. The latex of Euphorbia abyssinica (E abyssinica) and the leaves of Clematis simensis fresen (C simensis) were macerated in methanol (80%). In vitro antileishmanial activity of the preparation was tried on promastigotes of Leishmania aethiopica (L aethiopica) and Leishmania donovani (L donovani) using resazurin assay, and fluorescence intensity was measured. One percent of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and media as negative control and amphotericin B as positive control were used. Additionally, hemolytic & phytochemical tests of the preparation were done. The mean and standard errors of each extract were evaluated and interpreted for statistical significance using one-way analysis of variance. From sigmoidal dose-response curves of % inhibition, half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were determined by GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Excel; outcomes were presented as mean ± standard error of mean of triplicate trials. P < .05 was statistical significance. The phytochemical screening of C simensis and E abyssinica confirmed the existence of steroids, phenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and glycosides. C simensis possesses antileishmanial activity with IC50 outcomes of 46.12 ± 0.03 and 8.18 ± 0.10 µg/mL on the promastigotes of L aethiopica and L donovani, respectively. However, E abyssinica showed stronger activity with IC50 outcomes of 16.07 ± 0.05 µg/mL and 4.82 ± 0.07 µg/mL on L aethiopica and L donovani, respectively. C simensis and E abyssinica have a less hemolytic effect on human red blood cells at low concentrations. The outcomes from this investigation demonstrated that the preparation of C simensis and E abyssinica indicated significant antileishmanial activity. Therefore, further in vivo assessment of antileishmanial, cytotoxicity activity and quantitative identification of secondary metabolites are highly recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kassahun Misgana Worku
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Araya
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Habtie Tesfa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Eshetie Melese Birru
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Aemero
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shmueli M, Ben-Shimol S. Review of Leishmaniasis Treatment: Can We See the Forest through the Trees? PHARMACY 2024; 12:30. [PMID: 38392937 PMCID: PMC10892631 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12010030] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
There are three known clinical syndromes of leishmaniasis: cutaneous (CL), mucocutaneous (MCL), and visceral disease (VL). In MCL and VL, treatment must be systemic (either oral or intravenous), while CL treatment options vary and include observation-only localized/topical treatment, oral medications, or parenteral drugs. Leishmaniasis treatment is difficult, with several factors to be considered. First, the efficacy of treatments varies among different species of parasites prevalent in different areas on the globe, with each species having a unique clinical presentation and resistance profile. Furthermore, leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD), resulting in a lack of evidence-based knowledge regarding treatment. Therefore, physicians often rely on case reports or case series studies, in the absence of randomized controlled trials (RCT), to assess treatment efficacy. Second, defining cure, especially in CL and MCL, may be difficult, as death of the parasite can be achieved in most cases, while the aesthetic result (e.g., scars) is hard to predict. This is a result of the biological nature of the disease, often diagnosed late in the course of disease (with possible keloid formation, etc.). Third, physicians must consider treatment ease of use and the safety profile of possible treatments. Thus, topical or oral treatments (for CL) are desirable and promote adherence. Fourth, the cost of the treatment is an important consideration. In this review, we aim to describe the diverse treatment options for different clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis. For each currently available treatment, we will discuss the various considerations mentioned above (efficacy, ease of use, safety, and cost).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Shmueli
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Shalom Ben-Shimol
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva 8410115, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
dos Santos JV, Medina JM, Dias Teixeira KL, Agostinho DMJ, Chorev M, Diotallevi A, Galluzzi L, Aktas BH, Gazos Lopes U. Activity of the Di-Substituted Urea-Derived Compound I-17 in Leishmania In Vitro Infections. Pathogens 2024; 13:104. [PMID: 38392842 PMCID: PMC10893125 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein synthesis has been a very rich target for developing drugs to control prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens. Despite the development of new drug formulations, treating human cutaneous and visceral Leishmaniasis still needs significant improvements due to the considerable side effects and low adherence associated with the current treatment regimen. In this work, we show that the di-substituted urea-derived compounds I-17 and 3m are effective in inhibiting the promastigote growth of different Leishmania species and reducing the macrophage intracellular load of amastigotes of the Leishmania (L.) amazonensis and L. major species, in addition to exhibiting low macrophage cytotoxicity. We also show a potential immunomodulatory effect of I-17 and 3m in infected macrophages, which exhibited increased expression of inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS2) and production of Nitric Oxide (NO). Our data indicate that I-17, 3m, and their analogs may be helpful in developing new drugs for treating leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Vitorino dos Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.V.d.S.); (J.M.M.); (D.M.J.A.)
| | - Jorge Mansur Medina
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.V.d.S.); (J.M.M.); (D.M.J.A.)
| | | | - Daniel Marcos Julio Agostinho
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.V.d.S.); (J.M.M.); (D.M.J.A.)
| | - Michael Chorev
- Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Aurora Diotallevi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (A.D.)
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (A.D.)
| | - Bertal Huseyin Aktas
- Division of Hematology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Ulisses Gazos Lopes
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (J.V.d.S.); (J.M.M.); (D.M.J.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim J, Dwivedi G, Boughton BA, Sharma A, Lee S. Advances in cellular and tissue-based imaging techniques for sarcoid granulomas. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C10-C26. [PMID: 37955119 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00507.2023] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Sarcoidosis embodies a complex inflammatory disorder spanning multiple systems, with its origin remaining elusive. It manifests as the infiltration of inflammatory cells that coalesce into distinctive noncaseous granulomas within afflicted organs. Unraveling this disease necessitates the utilization of cellular or tissue-based imaging methods to both visualize and characterize the biochemistry of these sarcoid granulomas. Although hematoxylin and eosin stain, standard in routine use alongside cytological stains have found utility in diagnosis within clinical contexts, special stains such as Masson's trichrome, reticulin, methenamine silver, and Ziehl-Neelsen provide additional varied perspectives of sarcoid granuloma imaging. Immunohistochemistry aids in pinpointing specific proteins and gene expressions further characterizing these granulomas. Finally, recent advances in spatial transcriptomics promise to divulge profound insights into their spatial orientation and three-dimensional (3-D) molecular mapping. This review focuses on a range of preexisting imaging methods employed for visualizing sarcoid granulomas at the cellular level while also exploring the potential of the latest cutting-edge approaches like spatial transcriptomics and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI), with the overarching goal of shedding light on the trajectory of sarcoidosis research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junwoo Kim
- Department of Advanced Clinical and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Girish Dwivedi
- Department of Advanced Clinical and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Berin A Boughton
- Australian National Phenome Centre, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Onco-Fetal Ecosystem Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Silvia Lee
- Department of Advanced Clinical and Translational Cardiovascular Imaging, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
van Griensven J, Dorlo TP, Diro E, Costa C, Burza S. The status of combination therapy for visceral leishmaniasis: an updated review. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:e36-e46. [PMID: 37640031 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
For the past 15 years, trials of combination therapy options for visceral leishmaniasis have been conducted with the aim of identifying effective, and safe treatment regimens that were shorter than existing monotherapy regimens and could also prevent or delay the emergence of drug resistance. Although first-line treatment currently relies on combination therapy in east Africa, this is not true in Latin America owing to disappointing trial results, with lower than expected efficacy seen for the combination treatment group. By contrast, several effective combination therapy regimens have been identified through trials on the Indian subcontinent; yet, first-line therapy is still AmBisome monotherapy as the drug is part of a free donation programme and is highly effective in this region. Achieving a short all-oral combination treatment will require new chemical entities, several of which are currently under evaluation. Future studies should systematically include pharmacological substudies to ensure optimal dosing for all patient groups. To achieve maximal impact of new combination treatments, mechanisms to ensure drug availability and access after trials should be established. Enhancing the longevity of current and novel treatments will require effective systems for early detection of emerging drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Pc Dorlo
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ermias Diro
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carlos Costa
- Intelligence Center on Emerging and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Injuries, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Sakib Burza
- Médecins Sans Frontières, New Delhi, India; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
de Sá FAP, Andrade JFM, Miranda TC, Cunha-Filho M, Gelfuso GM, Lapteva M, Kalia YN, Gratieri T. Enhanced topical paromomycin delivery for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment: Passive and iontophoretic approaches. Int J Pharm 2023; 648:123617. [PMID: 37977289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123617] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Conventional treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a neglected vector-borne infectious disease, can frequently lead to serious adverse effects. Paromomycin (PAR), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, has been suggested for the topical treatment of disease-related lesions, but even when formulated in high drug-loading dosage forms, presents controversial efficacy. The presence of five ionizable amino groups hinder its passive cutaneous penetration but make PAR an excellent candidate for iontophoretic delivery. The objective of this study was to verify the feasibility of using iontophoresis for cutaneous PAR delivery and to propose a topical passive drug delivery system that could be applied between iontophoretic treatments. For this, in vitro iontophoretic experiments evaluated different application durations (10, 30, and 360 min), current densities (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mA/cm2), PAR concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 %), and skin models (intact and impaired porcine skin). In addition, 1 % PAR hydrogel had its penetration profile compared to 15 % PAR ointment in passive transport. Results showed iontophoresis could deliver suitable PAR amounts to dermal layers, even in short times and with impaired skin. Biodistribution assays showed both iontophoretic transport and the proposed hydrogel delivered higher PAR amounts to deeper skin layers than conventional ointment, even though applying 15 times less drug. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PAR drug delivery enhancement by iontophoresis. In summary, the association of iontophoresis with a topical application of PAR gel seems appropriate for improving cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A P de Sá
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jayanaraian F M Andrade
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Thamires C Miranda
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Marcilio Cunha-Filho
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M Gelfuso
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria Lapteva
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU-1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yogeshvar N Kalia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU-1 rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Taís Gratieri
- Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia (UnB), 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mano C, Kongkaew A, Tippawangkosol P, Junkum A, Siriyasatien P, Jariyapan N. In vitro susceptibility to miltefosine of amphotericin B-resistant Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3027-3035. [PMID: 37796293 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07992-3] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis is a newly described species that causes human visceral, disseminated, and mucocutaneous leishmaniases. Amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmpB) is the first-line drug for the treatment of leishmaniasis in Thailand; however, several relapse cases of leishmaniasis caused by L. martiniquensis have been documented. In this study, in vitro susceptibility to AmpB and miltefosine (MIL) of wild-type (before treatment, LSCM1) and two AmpB-resistant L. martiniquensis strains (an in vitro-induced AmpB-resistant strain, AmpBRP2i, and a relapse strain, LSCM1-6) were determined. Results reveal that the IC50 value and resistance index against both drugs of promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of the AmpBRP2i and LSCM1-6 strains were statistically significantly higher than those of the LSCM1 strain suggesting that cross-resistance with MIL occurred in both AmpB-resistant strains. The results of this study advocate further investigation into mechanisms that involve the complex nature of AmpB/MIL resistance in L. martiniquensis and development of effective methods for the identification of the AmpB-resistant parasites to help delivery of appropriate treatments for patients and for epidemiological surveys to survey the potential spread of drug-resistant strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chonlada Mano
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Aphisek Kongkaew
- Animal House Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Pongsri Tippawangkosol
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Anuluck Junkum
- Center of Insect Vector Study, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Narissara Jariyapan
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Alonso Ruiz A, Large K, Moon S, Vieira M. Pharmaceutical policy and innovation for rare diseases: A narrative review. F1000Res 2023; 12:211. [PMID: 38778810 PMCID: PMC11109548 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.130809.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This article aims to synthesize the existing literature on the implementation of public policies to incentivize the development of treatments for rare diseases, (diseases with very low prevalence and therefore with low commercial interest) otherwise known as orphan drugs. The implementation of these incentives in the United States (US), Japan, and in the European Union (EU) seems to be related to a substantial increase in treatments for these diseases, and has influenced the way the pharmaceutical research & development (R&D) system operates beyond this policy area. Despite the success of the Orphan Drug model, the academic literature also highlights the negative implications that these public policies have on affordability and access to orphan drugs, as well as on the prioritization of certain disease rare areas over others. The synthesis focuses mostly on the United States' Orphan Drug Act (ODA) as a model for subsequent policies in other regions and countries. It starts with a historical overview of the creation of the term "rare diseases", continues with a summary of the evidence available on the US ODA's positive and negative impacts, and provides a summary of the different proposals to reform these incentives in light of the negative outcomes described. Finally, it describes some key aspects of the Japanese and European policies, as well as some of the challenges captured in the literature related to their impact in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Alonso Ruiz
- Global Health Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Kaitlin Large
- Global Health Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Suerie Moon
- Global Health Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Marcela Vieira
- Global Health Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
de Lima SKS, Cavallone ÍN, Serrano DR, Anaya BJ, Lalatsa A, Laurenti MD, Lago JHG, da Silva Souza DC, Marinsek GP, Lopes BS, de Britto Mari R, Passero LFD. Therapeutic Activity of a Topical Formulation Containing 8-Hydroxyquinoline for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2602. [PMID: 38004580 PMCID: PMC10675550 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis exhibits a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations; however, only a limited number of drugs are available and include Glucantime® and amphotericin B, which induce unacceptable side effects in patients, limiting their use. Thus, there is an urgent demand to develop a treatment for leishmaniasis. Recently, it was demonstrated that 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) showed significant leishmanicidal effects in vitro and in vivo. Based on that, this work aimed to develop a topical formulation containing 8-HQ and assess its activity in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. 8-HQ was formulated using a Beeler base at 1 and 2% and showed an emulsion size with a D50 of 25 and 51.3 µm, respectively, with a shear-thinning rheological behaviour. The creams were able to permeate artificial Strat-M membranes and excised porcine skin without causing any morphological changes in the porcine skin or murine skin tested. In BALB/c mice infected with L. (L.) amazonensis, topical treatment with creams containing 1 or 2% of 8-HQ was found to reduce the parasite burden and lesion size compared to infected controls with comparable efficacy to Glucantime® (50 mg/kg) administered at the site of the cutaneous lesion. In the histological section of the skin from infected controls, a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate with many heavily infected macrophages that were associated with areas of necrosis was observed. On the other hand, animals treated with both creams showed only moderate inflammatory infiltrate, characterised by few infected macrophages, while tissue necrosis was not observed. These histological characteristics in topically treated animals were associated with an increase in the amount of IFN-γ and a reduction in IL-4 levels. The topical use of 8-HQ was active in decreasing tissue parasitism and should therefore be considered an interesting alternative directed to the treatment of leishmaniasis, considering that this type of treatment is non-invasive, painless, and, importantly, does not require hospitalisation, improving patient compliance by allowing the treatment to be conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kymberly Santos de Lima
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases (LIM50), Department of Pathology, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil;
| | - Ítalo Novaes Cavallone
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases (LIM50), Department of Pathology, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil;
| | - Dolores Remedios Serrano
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, Plaza Ramon y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.R.S.); (B.J.A.)
| | - Brayan J. Anaya
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense of Madrid, Plaza Ramon y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.R.S.); (B.J.A.)
| | - Aikaterini Lalatsa
- CRUK Formulation Unit, Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK;
| | - Márcia Dalastra Laurenti
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases (LIM50), Department of Pathology, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil;
| | - João Henrique Ghilardi Lago
- Center for Natural and Human Science (CCNH), Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, SP, Brazil; (J.H.G.L.); (D.C.d.S.S.)
| | - Dalete Christine da Silva Souza
- Center for Natural and Human Science (CCNH), Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, SP, Brazil; (J.H.G.L.); (D.C.d.S.S.)
| | - Gabriela Pustiglione Marinsek
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
| | - Beatriz Soares Lopes
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
| | - Renata de Britto Mari
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
| | - Luiz Felipe Domingues Passero
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Praça Infante Dom Henrique, s/n, São Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil; (S.K.S.d.L.); (Í.N.C.); (G.P.M.); (B.S.L.); (R.d.B.M.)
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rua João Francisco Bensdorp, 1178, São Vicente 11350-011, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rajueni K, Chakraborty Choudhury M. Assessment of the availability of repurposed orphan drugs in India. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001498. [PMID: 37756282 PMCID: PMC10529578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
India has a massive burden of rare diseases (RDs), with an estimated 96 million people living with RDs but limited options for treatment. Repurposing drugs used for other common conditions are essential alternative for RDs due to their cost-effectiveness and reduced timeline. India's patent regime prevents the evergreening of drugs, and a large generic manufacturing industry provides ample opportunity to explore the potential of repurposed drugs for treating RDs, known as repurposed orphan drugs (ROD). However, there is no portal or other source for information on orphan drugs in India. This study assesses the availability of RODs in India through quantitative analysis. In the absence of a separate orphan drug designation in India, we consider USFDA-approved orphan-designated products as the reference. We searched USFDA-approved RODs in recognized sources in India, such as CDSCO, AYUSH gazette, FSSAI, and Indian Pharmacopeia, which provides a list of drugs approved for marketing in India. We classified the drugs into separate groups based on their record from different sources and explored the regulatory implications of the differential representations. We found that almost 76% of the USFDA-approved RODs are listed in one of the Indian regulatory bodies' records either in the same form (61%) or in a different fixed-dose combination. For 67 drugs no information was found, these drugs have to be imported for use. Only 17 of the 43 RDs mentioned in the National Policy for Rare Diseases, matched the indications listed for approval of one of the 279 RODs identified in the study. This underscores the scarcity of RD treatment and the pressing need for accessibility in India. This information on RODs will help relevant stakeholders to efficiently manage RDs in India. The study also highlights existing gaps in Indian regulatory databases that limits access to accurate information about the availability of drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khujith Rajueni
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Indian Institute of Science, DST Center for Policy Research, Bengaluru, India
| | - Mohua Chakraborty Choudhury
- Indian Institute of Science, DST Center for Policy Research, Bengaluru, India
- Institute of Public Health, Bengaluru, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cabral FV, Cerone M, Persheyev S, Lian C, Samuel IDW, Ribeiro MS, Smith TK. New insights in photodynamic inactivation of Leishmania amazonensis: A focus on lipidomics and resistance. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289492. [PMID: 37713373 PMCID: PMC10503701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug resistance in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has become a major problem over the past decades. The spread of resistant phenotypes has been attributed to the wide misuse of current antileishmanial chemotherapy, which is a serious threat to global health. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been shown to be effective against a wide spectrum of drug-resistant pathogens. Due to its multi-target approach and immediate effects, it may be an attractive strategy for treatment of drug-resistant Leishmania species. In this study, we sought to evaluate the activity of PDT in vitro using the photosensitizer 1,9-dimethyl methylene blue (DMMB), against promastigotes of two Leishmania amazonensis strains: the wild-type (WT) and a lab induced miltefosine-resistant (MFR) strain. The underlying mechanisms of DMMB-PDT action upon the parasites was focused on the changes in the lipid metabolism of both strains, which was conducted by a quantitative lipidomics analysis. We also assessed the production of ROS, mitochondrial labeling and lipid droplets accumulation after DMMB-PDT. Our results show that DMMB-PDT produced high levels of ROS, promoting mitochondrial membrane depolarization due to the loss of membrane potential. In addition, both untreated strains revealed some differences in the lipid content, in which MFR parasites showed increased levels of phosphatidylcholine, hence suggesting this could also be related to their mechanism of resistance to miltefosine. Moreover, the oxidative stress and consequent lipid peroxidation led to significant phospholipid alterations, thereby resulting in cellular dysfunction and parasite death. Thus, our results demonstrated that DMMB-mediated PDT is effective to kill L. amazonensis MFR strain and should be further studied as a potential strategy to overcome antileishmanial drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda V. Cabral
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN/CNEN), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michela Cerone
- Schools of Biology & Chemistry, BSRC, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
| | - Saydulla Persheyev
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Cheng Lian
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Ifor D. W. Samuel
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Martha S. Ribeiro
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN/CNEN), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Terry K. Smith
- Schools of Biology & Chemistry, BSRC, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kim HS, Ortiz D, Kadayat TM, Fargo CM, Hammill JT, Chen Y, Rice AL, Begley KL, Shoeran G, Pistel W, Yates PA, Sanchez MA, Landfear SM, Guy RK. Optimization of Orally Bioavailable Antileishmanial 2,4,5-Trisubstituted Benzamides. J Med Chem 2023; 66:7374-7386. [PMID: 37216489 PMCID: PMC10259451 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania species parasites, annually affects over 1 million individuals worldwide. Treatment options for leishmaniasis are limited due to high cost, severe adverse effects, poor efficacy, difficulty of use, and emerging drug resistance to all approved therapies. We discovered 2,4,5-trisubstituted benzamides (4) that possess potent antileishmanial activity but poor aqueous solubility. Herein, we disclose our optimization of the physicochemical and metabolic properties of 2,4,5-trisubstituted benzamide that retains potency. Extensive structure-activity and structure-property relationship studies allowed selection of early leads with suitable potency, microsomal stability, and improved solubility for progression. Early lead 79 exhibited an 80% oral bioavailability and potently blocked proliferation of Leishmania in murine models. These benzamide early leads are suitable for development as orally available antileishmanial drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ho Shin Kim
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Diana Ortiz
- Department
of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
| | - Tara Man Kadayat
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Corinne M. Fargo
- Department
of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
- Department
of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
| | - Jared T. Hammill
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Yizhe Chen
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Amy L. Rice
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Kristin L. Begley
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Gaurav Shoeran
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - William Pistel
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| | - Phillip A. Yates
- Department
of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
| | - Marco A. Sanchez
- Department
of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
| | - Scott M. Landfear
- Department
of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
- Department
of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239 United States
| | - R. Kiplin Guy
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0509 United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Grifferty G, Shirley H, O'Brien K, Hirsch JL, Orriols AM, Amechi KL, Lo J, Chanda N, El Hamzaoui S, Kahn J, Yap SV, Watson KE, Curran C, Atef AbdelAlim A, Bose N, Cilfone AL, Wamai R. The leishmaniases in Kenya: A scoping review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011358. [PMID: 37262045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The leishmaniases are a group of four vector-borne neglected tropical diseases caused by 20 species of protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through a bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. Endemic in over 100 countries, the four types of leishmaniasis-visceral leishmaniasis (VL) (known as kala-azar), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL)-put 1.6 billion people at risk. In Kenya, the extent of leishmaniasis research has not yet been systematically described. This knowledge is instrumental in identifying existing research gaps and designing appropriate interventions for diagnosis, treatment, and elimination. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS This study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to determine the state of leishmaniases research in Kenya and identify research gaps. We searched seven online databases to identify articles published until January 2022 covering VL, CL, MCL, and/or PKDL in Kenya. A total of 7,486 articles were found, of which 479 underwent full-text screening, and 269 met our eligibility criteria. Most articles covered VL only (n = 141, 52%), were published between 1980 and 1994 (n = 108, 39%), and focused on the theme of "vectors" (n = 92, 34%). The most prevalent study types were "epidemiological research" (n = 88, 33%) tied with "clinical research" (n = 88, 33%), then "basic science research" (n = 49, 18%) and "secondary research" (n = 44, 16%). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE While some studies still provide useful guidance today, most leishmaniasis research in Kenya needs to be updated and focused on prevention, co-infections, health systems/policy, and general topics, as these themes combined comprised less than 4% of published articles. Our findings also indicate minimal research on MCL (n = 1, <1%) and PKDL (n = 2, 1%). We urge researchers to renew and expand their focus on these neglected diseases in Kenya.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Grifferty
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- African Centre for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang, Baringo County, Kenya
| | - Hugh Shirley
- African Centre for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang, Baringo County, Kenya
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Katherine O'Brien
- African Centre for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang, Baringo County, Kenya
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jason L Hirsch
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Adrienne M Orriols
- African Centre for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang, Baringo County, Kenya
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kiira Lani Amechi
- Department of International Affairs, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joshua Lo
- Department of Mathematics and Department of Psychology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Neeharika Chanda
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sarra El Hamzaoui
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jorja Kahn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Samantha V Yap
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kyleigh E Watson
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christina Curran
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Amina Atef AbdelAlim
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Neeloy Bose
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alissa Link Cilfone
- Northeastern University Library, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Richard Wamai
- African Centre for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang, Baringo County, Kenya
- Department of Cultures, Societies and Global Studies, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Integrated Initiative for Global Health, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Global and Public Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Federal Ministry of Health, Lagos, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Van Bocxlaer K, Dixon J, Platteeuw JJ, Van Den Heuvel D, Mcarthur KN, Harris A, Alavijeh M, Croft SL, Yardley V. Efficacy of oleylphosphocholine in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2023:7179900. [PMID: 37229566 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease causing a range of skin lesions for which safe and efficacious drugs are lacking. Oleylphosphocholine (OLPC) is structurally similar to miltefosine and has previously demonstrated potent activity against visceral leishmaniasis. We here present the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of OLPC against CL-causing Leishmania species. METHODS The antileishmanial activities of OLPC were evaluated and compared with miltefosine in vitro against intracellular amastigotes of seven CL-causing species. Following the confirmation of significant in vitro activity, the performance of the maximum tolerated dose of OLPC was evaluated in an experimental murine model of CL followed by a dose-response titration and the efficacy evaluation of four OLPC formulations (two with a fast-release and two with a slow-release profile) using bioluminescent Leishmania major parasites. RESULTS OLPC demonstrated potent in vitro activity of the same order as miltefosine in the intracellular macrophage model against a range of CL-causing species. A dose of 35 mg of OLPC/kg/day administered orally for 10 days was well-tolerated and able to reduce the parasite load in the skin of L. major-infected mice to a similar extent as the positive control paromomycin (50 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) in both in vivo studies. Reducing the dose of OLPC resulted in inactivity and modifying the release profile using mesoporous silica nanoparticles led to a decrease in activity when solvent-based loading was used in contrast to extrusion-based loading, which had no impact on its antileishmanial efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data suggest that OLPC could be a promising alternative to miltefosine treatment for CL. Further investigations exploring experimental models with additional Leishmania species and skin pharmacokinetic and dynamic analyses are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Van Bocxlaer
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jodie Dixon
- Department of Biology, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | | | | | | | - Andy Harris
- Pharmidex Pharmaceutical Services Ltd., London, UK
| | - Mo Alavijeh
- Pharmidex Pharmaceutical Services Ltd., London, UK
| | - Simon L Croft
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, UK
| | - Vanessa Yardley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Spadari CC, Lanser DM, Araújo MV, De Jesus DFF, Lopes LB, Gelli A, Ishida K. Oral delivery of brain-targeted miltefosine-loaded alginate nanoparticles functionalized with polysorbate 80 for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2023; 78:1092-1101. [PMID: 36881722 PMCID: PMC10319950 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop alginate nanoparticles functionalized with polysorbate 80 (P80) as miltefosine carriers for brain targeting in the oral treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. METHODS Miltefosine-loaded alginate nanoparticles functionalized or not with P80 were produced by an emulsification/external gelation method and the physicochemical characteristics were determined. The haemolytic activity and cytotoxic and antifungal effects of nanoparticles were assessed in an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). A murine model of disseminated cryptococcosis was used for testing the efficacy of oral treatment with the nanoparticles. In addition, serum biomarkers were measured for toxicity evaluation and the nanoparticle biodistribution was analysed. RESULTS P80-functionalized nanoparticles had a mean size of ∼300 nm, a polydispersity index of ∼0.4 and zeta potential around -50 mV, and they promoted a sustained drug release. Both nanoparticles were effective in decreasing the infection process across the BBB model and reduced drug cytotoxicity and haemolysis. In in vivo cryptococcosis, the oral treatment with two doses of P80 nanoparticles reduced the fungal burden in the brain and lungs, while the non-functionalized nanoparticles reduced fungal amount only in the lungs, and the free miltefosine was not effective. In addition, the P80-functionalization improved the nanoparticle distribution in several organs, especially in the brain. Finally, treatment with nanoparticles did not cause any toxicity in animals. CONCLUSIONS These results support the potential use of P80-functionalized alginate nanoparticles as miltefosine carriers for non-toxic and effective alternative oral treatment, enabling BBB translocation and reduction of fungal infection in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina C Spadari
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Dylan M Lanser
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Marcelo V Araújo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel F F De Jesus
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana B Lopes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Angie Gelli
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Ishida
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ketema T, Tadele M, Gebrie Z, Makonnen E, Hailu A, Abay SM. In vitro Anti-Leishmanial Activities of Methanol Extract of Brucea antidysenterica J.F. Mill Seeds and Its Solvent Fractions. J Exp Pharmacol 2023; 15:123-135. [PMID: 36937078 PMCID: PMC10022440 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s397352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases, threatening lives of about 350 million people globally. Brucea antidysenterica seeds are used for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the traditional medicine in Ethiopia. Objective This study aimed to evaluate Brucea antidysenterica seeds' anti-leishmanial activity in vitro. Methods The crude (80% methanol) extract of Brucea antidysenterica seeds and its fractions were evaluated for their anti-leishmanial activities against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania donovani and Leishmania aethiopica, and for their cytotoxic effects against mammalian cells. The quantitative estimations of total phenolic compounds (TPCs), flavonoids (TFCs) and alkaloids (TACs) were determined, spectrophotometrically. Median inhibitory concentration (IC50) and median cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the extract and its solvent fractions were calculated using GraphPad Prism 9.1.0 computer software. Data was presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Results The crude extract and its hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed anti-leishmanial activities, with IC50 values of 4.14-60.12 µg/mL against promastigotes, and 6.16-40.12 µg/mL against amastigotes of both Leishmania species. They showed moderate cytotoxicity against Vero cell lines and peritoneal mice macrophages, with CC50 values of 100-500 µg/mL, but >1600 µg/mL against red blood cells. Selectivity indices ranged from 7.97 to 30.97. The crude extract, and its ethyl acetate and hexane fractions possessed 54.78-127.72 mg of gallic acid equivalent TPC, 18.30-79.21 mg of quercetin equivalent TFC, and 27.62-97.22 mg of atropine equivalent TAC per gram of extracts. Conclusion The seeds of the plant possessed anti-leishmanial activities against L. aethiopica and L. donovani that might provide a scientific justification for its use in the treatment of leishmaniasis by traditional healers. Future works are recommended to isolate, purify and identify the possible secondary metabolites attributed to the anti-leishmanial activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tasisa Ketema
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Markos Tadele
- Animal Health Research Program, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holetta, Ethiopia
| | - Zewdie Gebrie
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon M Abay
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Immunoinformatics Approach to Design a Multi-Epitope Vaccine against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020339. [PMID: 36851219 PMCID: PMC9967539 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020339] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected vector-borne disease caused by protozoan parasite Leishmania major (L. major), is a major public health concern, and the development of new strategies to reduce the disease incidence has become a top priority. Advances in immunoinformatics and in-silico epitope prediction could be a promising approach to designing a finest vaccine candidate. In this study, we aimed to design a peptide-based vaccine against CL using computational tools and identified ten B-cell-derived T-cell epitopes from the glycoprotein gp63 of L. major. All of the potential immunodominant epitopes were used to design a vaccine construct along with a linker and an adjuvant at the N-terminal for enhancing its immunogenicity. Additionally, many characteristics of the proposed vaccine were examined, and it was confirmed to be non-allergenic, non-toxic, and thermally stable. To assess the vaccine interaction with the innate immune toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), a 3D structure of the vaccine construct was developed. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation were used to confirm the binding and to assess the stability of the vaccine-TLR4 complex and interactions, respectively. In conclusion, our multi-epitope vaccine will provide a gateway to analyze the protein function of a potential vaccine candidate against CL.
Collapse
|
22
|
Knight CA, Harris DR, Alshammari SO, Gugssa A, Young T, Lee CM. Leishmaniasis: Recent epidemiological studies in the Middle East. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1052478. [PMID: 36817103 PMCID: PMC9932337 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1052478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, one of the most neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), is the third most important vector-borne disease worldwide. This disease has a global impact and severity of the infection and is greatest in the Middle East. The agent of infection is a protozoan parasite of the genus, Leishmania, and is generally transmitted by blood-sucking female sandflies. In humans, there are three clinical forms of infection: (1) cutaneous (CL), (2) mucocutaneous (ML), and (3) visceral leishmaniasis (VL). This review aims to discuss the current epidemiological status of leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen with a consideration of treatment options. The elevated risk of leishmaniasis is influenced by the transmission of the disease across endemic countries into neighboring non-infected regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinyere A. Knight
- Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, United States,*Correspondence: Chinyere A. Knight,
| | - David R. Harris
- Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, United States
| | | | - Ayele Gugssa
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Todd Young
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Clarence M. Lee
- Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Peixoto JF, Oliveira ADS, Gonçalves-Oliveira LF, Souza-Silva F, Alves CR. Epoxy-α-lapachone (2,2-Dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-spiro[2H-naphtho[2,3-b]pyran-10,2'-oxirane]-5(10H)-one): a promising molecule to control infections caused by protozoan parasites. Braz J Infect Dis 2023; 27:102743. [PMID: 36731538 PMCID: PMC9932704 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2023.102743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products and their derivatives have been sources of search and research for new drugs for the treatment of neglected diseases. Naphthoquinones, a special group of quinones, are products of natural metabolites with a wide spectrum of biological activities and represent a group of interesting molecules for new therapeutic propositions. Among these compounds, lapachol stands out as a molecule from the heartwood of Tabebuia sp. whose structural changes resulted in compounds considered promising, such as epoxy-α-lapachone (ELAP). The biological activity of ELAP has been demonstrated, so far, for parasitic protozoa such as Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium spp., species causing diseases needing new drug development and adequate health policy. This work gathers in vitro and in vivo studies on these parasites, as well as the toxicity profile, and the probable mechanisms of action elucidated until then. The potential of ELAP-based technology alternatives for a further drug is discussed here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Figueiredo Peixoto
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adriane da Silva Oliveira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiz Filipe Gonçalves-Oliveira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Franklin Souza-Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Universidade Iguaçu, Nova Iguaçu, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Alves
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Torreele E, Boum Y, Adjaho I, Alé FGB, Issoufou SH, Harczi G, Okonta C, Olliaro P. Breakthrough treatments for Ebola virus disease, but no access-what went wrong, and how can we do better? THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023:S1473-3099(22)00810-6. [PMID: 36682365 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00810-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Three years since proving effective for Ebola virus disease in a clinical trial, two breakthrough treatments are registered and stockpiled in the USA but still not registered and generally available in the countries most affected by this deadly infection of epidemic potential. Analysing the reasons for this, we see a fragmentation of the research and development value chain, with different stakeholders taking on different steps of the research and development process, without the public health-focused leadership needed to ensure the end goal of equitable access in countries where Ebola virus disease is prevalent. Current financial incentives for companies to overcome market failures and engage in epidemic-prone diseases are geared towards registration and stockpiling in the USA, without responsibility to provide access where and when needed. Ebola virus disease is the case in point, but not unique-a situation seen again for mpox and likely to occur again for other epidemics primarily affecting disempowered communities. Stronger leadership in African countries will help drive drug development efforts for diseases that primarily affect their communities, and ensure all partners align with and commit to an end-to-end approach to pharmaceutical development and manufacturing that puts equitable access when and where needed at its core.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Els Torreele
- Médecins Sans Frontières West and Central Africa (MSF WaCA), Marcory, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Yap Boum
- Epicentre, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Institut Pasteur Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic
| | - Ismael Adjaho
- Médecins Sans Frontières West and Central Africa (MSF WaCA), Marcory, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Franck Guy Biaou Alé
- Médecins Sans Frontières West and Central Africa (MSF WaCA), Marcory, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Sal Ha Issoufou
- Médecins Sans Frontières West and Central Africa (MSF WaCA), Marcory, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Geza Harczi
- Médecins Sans Frontières West and Central Africa (MSF WaCA), Marcory, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Chibuzo Okonta
- Médecins Sans Frontières West and Central Africa (MSF WaCA), Marcory, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Piero Olliaro
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC) Global Support Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kavouris JA, McCall LI, Giardini MA, De Muylder G, Thomas D, Garcia-Pérez A, Cantizani J, Cotillo I, Fiandor JM, McKerrow JH, De Oliveira CI, Siqueira-Neto JL, González S, Brown LE, Schaus SE. Discovery of pyrazolopyrrolidinones as potent, broad-spectrum inhibitors of Leishmania infection. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2023; 3:1011124. [PMID: 36818551 PMCID: PMC9937549 DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.1011124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that affects more than 1 million people worldwide annually, predominantly in resource-limited settings. The challenge in compound development is to exhibit potent activity against the intracellular stage of the parasite (the stage present in the mammalian host) without harming the infected host cells. We have identified a compound series (pyrazolopyrrolidinones) active against the intracellular parasites of Leishmania donovani and L. major; the causative agents of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Old World, respectively. Methods In this study, we performed medicinal chemistry on a newly discovered antileishmanial chemotype, with over 100 analogs tested. Studies included assessments of antileishmanial potency, toxicity towards host cells, and in vitro ADME screening of key drug properties. Results and discussion Members of the series showed high potency against the deadliest form, visceral leishmaniasis (approximate EC50 ≥ 0.01 μM without harming the host macrophage up to 10.0 μM). In comparison, the most efficient monotherapy treatment for visceral leishmaniasis is amphotericin B, which presents similar activity in the same assay (EC50 = 0.2 μM) while being cytotoxic to the host cell at 5.0 μM. Continued development of this compound series with the Discovery Partnership with Academia (DPAc) program at the GlaxoSmithKline Diseases of the Developing World (GSK DDW) laboratories found that the compounds passed all of GSK's criteria to be defined as a potential lead drug series for leishmaniasis. Conclusion Here, we describe preliminary structure-activity relationships for antileishmanial pyrazolopyrrolidinones, and our progress towards the identification of candidates for future in vivo assays in models of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John A. Kavouris
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Miriam A. Giardini
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Geraldine De Muylder
- Department of Pathology, Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Diane Thomas
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Adolfo Garcia-Pérez
- Global Health Medicines R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Cantizani
- Global Health Medicines R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Cotillo
- Global Health Medicines R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M. Fiandor
- Global Health Medicines R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America.,Department of Pathology, Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Camila I. De Oliveira
- HUPES, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT) -Salvador, Brazil; Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia (iii-INCT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jair L. Siqueira-Neto
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America.,Department of Pathology, Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Silvia González
- Global Health Medicines R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lauren E. Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Scott E. Schaus
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.,Correspondence: Scott E. Schaus,
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Anti-leishmanial physalins-Phytochemical investigation, in vitro evaluation against clinical and MIL-resistant L. tropica strains and in silico studies. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274543. [PMID: 36441782 PMCID: PMC9704608 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major health problem in over 98 countries of the world, including Pakistan. The current treatments are associated with a number of adverse effects and availability problem of drugs. Therefore, there is an urgent need of easily available and cost effective treatments of CL- in Pakistan. The bioassay-guided fractionation and purification of crude extract of Physalis minima has led to the isolation of a new aminophysalin B (1), and eight known physalins, physalin B (2), 5ß,6ß-epoxyphysalin B (3), 5α-ethoxy-6ß-hydroxy-5,6-dihydrophysalin B (4), physalin H (5), 5ß,6ß-epoxyphysalin C (6), and physalin G (7), K (8), and D (9). It is worth noting that compound 1 is the second member of aminophysalin series, whereas compound 6 was fully characterized for the first time. The structures of compounds 1-9 were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques Whereas, the structural assignments of compounds 1 and 8 were also supported by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The anti-leishmanial activity of isolated physlains 1-9 was evaluated against Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica promastigotes. Compounds 2, 3, and 5-7 (IC50 = 9.59 ± 0.27-23.76 ± 1.10 μM) showed several-fold more potent activity against L. tropca than tested drug miltefosine (IC50 = 42.75 ± 1.03 μm) and pentamidine (IC50 = 27.20 ± 0.01 μM). Whereas compounds 2, 3 and 5 (IC50 = 3.04 ± 1.12-3.76 ± 0.85 μM) were found to be potent anti-leishmanial agents against L. major, several fold more active than tested standard miltefosine (IC50 = 25.55 ± 1.03 μM) and pentamidine (IC50 = 27.20 ± 0.015 μM). Compounds 4 (IC50 = 74.65 ± 0.81 μM) and 7 (IC50 = 39.44 ± 0.65 μM) also showed potent anti-leishmanial ativity against the miltefosine-unresponsive L. tropica strain (MIL resistant) (miltefosine IC50 = 169.55 ± 0.78 μM). Molecular docking and predictive binding studies indicated that these inhibitors may act via targeting important enzymes of various metabolic pathways of the parasites.
Collapse
|
27
|
Euliano EM, Sklavounos AA, Wheeler AR, McHugh KJ. Translating diagnostics and drug delivery technologies to low-resource settings. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabm1732. [PMID: 36223447 PMCID: PMC9716722 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abm1732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostics and drug delivery technologies engineered for low-resource settings aim to meet their technical design specifications using strategies that are compatible with limited equipment, infrastructure, and operator training. Despite many preclinical successes, very few of these devices have been translated to the clinic. Here, we identify factors that contribute to the clinical success of diagnostics and drug delivery systems for low-resource settings, including the need to engage key stakeholders at an early stage, and provide recommendations for the clinical translation of future medical technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. Euliano
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University; Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - Alexandros A. Sklavounos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Aaron R. Wheeler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Kevin J. McHugh
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University; Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kwasi DA, Babalola CP, Olubiyi OO, Hoffmann J, Uzochukwu IC, Okeke IN. Antibiofilm agents with therapeutic potential against enteroaggregative Escherichia coli. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010809. [PMID: 36201560 PMCID: PMC9578610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010809] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is a predominant but neglected enteric pathogen implicated in infantile diarrhoea and nutrient malabsorption. There are no non-antibiotic approaches to dealing with persistent infection by these exceptional colonizers, which form copious biofilms. We screened the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box for chemical entities that inhibit EAEC biofilm formation. METHODOLOGY We used EAEC strains, 042 and MND005E in a medium-throughput crystal violet-based antibiofilm screen. Hits were confirmed in concentration-dependence, growth kinetic and time course assays and activity spectra were determined against a panel of 25 other EAEC strains. Antibiofilm activity against isogenic EAEC mutants, molecular docking simulations and comparative genomic analysis were used to identify the mechanism of action of one hit. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In all, five compounds (1.25%) reproducibly inhibited biofilm accumulation by at least one strain by 30-85% while inhibiting growth by under 10%. Hits exhibited potent antibiofilm activity at concentrations at least 10-fold lower than those reported for nitazoxanide, the only known EAEC biofilm inhibitor. Reflective of known EAEC heterogeneity, only one hit was active against both screen isolates, but three hits showed broad antibiofilm activity against a larger panel of strains. Mechanism of action studies point to the EAEC anti-aggregation protein (Aap), dispersin, as the target of compound MMV687800. CONCLUSIONS This study identified five compounds, not previously described as anti-adhesins or Gram-negative antibacterials, with significant EAEC antibiofilm activity. Molecule, MMV687800 targets the EAEC Aap. In vitro small-molecule inhibition of EAEC colonization opens a way to new therapeutic approaches against EAEC infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Kwasi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Chinedum P. Babalola
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Center for Drug Discovery, Development and Production, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Olujide O. Olubiyi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Jennifer Hoffmann
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ikemefuna C. Uzochukwu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
| | - Iruka N. Okeke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Barba P, Morgado-Carrasco D, Quera A. [Translated article] Miltefosine to Treat Childhood Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
30
|
Nettey H, Erskine IJ, Antwi Mensah A, Gyamera NKO, Obuobi CK, Kumadoh D, Asiedu-Gyekye IJ, Allotey-Babington GL. Oral amodiaquine microparticles repurposed for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
|
31
|
Barba P, Morgado-Carrasco D, Quera A. Tratamiento de leishmaniasis cutánea infantil con miltefosina. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2022; 113:827-831. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2020.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
|
32
|
Bezemer JM, Meesters K, Naveda CL, Machado PRL, Calvopiña M, Leeflang MMG, Schallig HDFH, de Vries HJC. Clinical criteria for Mucosal Leishmaniasis diagnosis in rural South America: A systematic literature review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010621. [PMID: 35947553 PMCID: PMC9365133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010621] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mucosal Leishmaniasis (ML), a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania parasites, impairs the quality of life of under-resourced populations in South America. If not treated promptly, this disease progresses to facial deformities and death. The low sensitivity of microscopy results and the unavailability of other accurate tests hamper the diagnosis. As clinical criteria are readily available in any setting, these may be combined in a syndromic algorithm, which in turn can be used as a diagnostic tool. We explore potential clinical criteria for a syndromic diagnostic algorithm for ML in rural healthcare settings in South America. Methodology/Principal findings The protocol for this systematic review was pre-registered in PROSPERO with the number: CRD42017074148. In patients with ML, described in case series identified through a systematic retrieval process, we explored the cumulative ML detection rates of clinical criteria. Participants: all patients with active mucosal disease from an endemic area in South America. Any original, non-treatment study was eligible, and case reports were excluded. PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCIELO, and LILACS databases were searched without restrictions. The risk of bias was assessed with the JBI checklist for case series. We included 10 full texts describing 192 ML patients. Male gender had the highest detection rate (88%), followed by ulcer of the nasal mucosa (77%), age >15 (69%), and symptom duration >4 months (63%). Significance Within this selection of patients, we found that the male gender, ulcer of the nasal mucosa, age >15, and symptom duration >4 months lead to the highest detection rates. However, higher detection comes -naturally- with a higher rate of false positives as well. As we only included ML patients, this could not be verified. Therefore, the criteria that we found to be most promising should be validated in a well-designed prospective study. Mucosal leishmaniasis, a disease caused by Leishmania parasites, is transmitted from animals to humans by sandflies. It is a forgotten disease that affects under-resourced populations in South America. Without treatment, this disease mutilates the face and can even be fatal. Diagnosing mucosal leishmaniasis is challenging. The only available testing in rural areas is the use of either a lesion smear or biopsy for light microscopy, however, this is unreliable. Many patients suffer for years before receiving treatment. Syndromic algorithms use patient characteristics, such as age, gender, and symptoms to identify patients for treatment. This method has been promoted to manage infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases, in low resource settings. We explore clinical criteria for a new algorithm to diagnose mucosal leishmaniasis in patients described in the medical literature. We searched the literature for reports written in any language and identified 10 studies describing 192 patients with mucosal leishmaniasis. We found that male gender, ulcer of the nasal mucosa, age >15, and symptom duration >4 months lead to acceptable detection rates. Therefore, diagnostic algorithms might improve the detection of patients with mucosal leishmaniasis but need prospective studies in clinical practice to prove their true potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M. Bezemer
- Fundación Misión Cristiana de Salud, Shell, Pastaza, Ecuador
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory for Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for infection and Immunity (AII), Infectious Diseases Program, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin Meesters
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Paulo R. L. Machado
- Serviço de Imunologia, Hospital Universitário Prof. Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Manuel Calvopiña
- OneHealth Research Group, Carrera de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de las Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mariska M. G. Leeflang
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henk D. F. H. Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Laboratory for Experimental Parasitology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for infection and Immunity (AII), Infectious Diseases Program, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henry J. C. de Vries
- Amsterdam Institute for infection and Immunity (AII), Infectious Diseases Program, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Center for Sexual Health, Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wijnant GJ, Dumetz F, Dirkx L, Bulté D, Cuypers B, Van Bocxlaer K, Hendrickx S. Tackling Drug Resistance and Other Causes of Treatment Failure in Leishmaniasis. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.837460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a tropical infectious disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania parasite. The disease is transmitted by female sand flies and, depending on the infecting parasite species, causes either cutaneous (stigmatizing skin lesions), mucocutaneous (destruction of mucous membranes of nose, mouth and throat) or visceral disease (a potentially fatal infection of liver, spleen and bone marrow). Although more than 1 million new cases occur annually, chemotherapeutic options are limited and their efficacy is jeopardized by increasing treatment failure rates and growing drug resistance. To delay the emergence of resistance to existing and new drugs, elucidating the currently unknown causes of variable drug efficacy (related to parasite susceptibility, host immunity and drug pharmacokinetics) and improved use of genotypic and phenotypic tools to define, measure and monitor resistance in the field are critical. This review highlights recent progress in our understanding of drug action and resistance in Leishmania, ongoing challenges (including setbacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic) and provides an overview of possible strategies to tackle this public health challenge.
Collapse
|
34
|
Olliaro P, Torreele E. Global challenges in preparedness and response to epidemic infectious diseases. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1801-1809. [PMID: 35218930 PMCID: PMC8864962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lessons drawn from successes and failures with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Ebola virus disease (EVD) should help shaping a robust health innovation system for infectious disease epidemics. Epidemic response research and development (R&D) can be mobilized quickly for public health priorities and yield medicinal products within months. However, to resolve epidemics, technological advances must be equitably accessible and deployed, and these examples expose the limitations of a supply-driven, fragmented R&D ecosystem relying primarily on the private sector to deliver health products. Efficient epidemic response requires a coordinated public health-focused, end-to-end R&D ecosystem for the development, registration, availability, and use of pharmaceutical products. Because pivotal clinical trials can only be conducted during outbreaks, significant preparation must be done beforehand: strengthening clinical research capacity and developing pre-positioned trial protocols and clinical characterization protocols, as well as conducting discovery and pre-clinical research, manufacturing, and early clinical testing of candidate products. This will allow for speedy execution of clinical research early into an outbreak and delivering products within a short time. Effective interventions should be adopted and deployed ensuring equitable access during the ongoing outbreak. Measures to make products available where and when needed must be integrated throughout the R&D value chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piero Olliaro
- ISARIC Global Support Centre, International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
| | - Els Torreele
- Visiting Fellow, Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Febrifugine dihydrochloride as a new oral chemotherapeutic agent against visceral leishmaniasis infection. Exp Parasitol 2022; 236-237:108250. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
36
|
Davis A, Lembo T, Laurie E, Mutua E, Loosli K, Nthambi M, Nimegeer A, Mnzava K, Msoka EF, Nasuwa F, Melubo M, Shirima G, Matthews L, Hilton S, Mshana SE, Mmbaga BT. How public health crises expose systemic, day-to-day health inequalities in low- and-middle income countries: an example from East Africa. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:34. [PMID: 35164886 PMCID: PMC8842514 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01071-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current Coronavirus disease pandemic reveals political and structural inequities of the world's poorest people who have little or no access to health care and yet the largest burdens of poor health. This is in parallel to a more persistent but silent global health crisis, antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We explore the fundamental challenges of health care in humans and animals in relation to AMR in Tanzania. METHODS We conducted 57 individual interviews and focus groups with providers and patients in high, middle and lower tier health care facilities and communities across three regions of Tanzania between April 2019 and February 2020. We covered topics from health infrastructure and prescribing practices to health communication and patient experiences. RESULTS Three interconnected themes emerged about systemic issues impacting health. First, there are challenges around infrastructure and availability of vital resources such as healthcare staff and supplies. Second, health outcomes are predicated on patient and provider access to services as well as social determinants of health. Third, health communication is critical in defining trusted sources of information, and narratives of blame emerge around health outcomes with the onus of responsibility for action falling on individuals. CONCLUSION Entanglements between infrastructure, access and communication exist while constraints in the health system lead to poor health outcomes even in 'normal' circumstances. These are likely to be relevant across the globe and highly topical for addressing pressing global health challenges. Redressing structural health inequities can better equip countries and their citizens to not only face pandemics but also day-to-day health challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Davis
- School of Social and Political Sciences/Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, 27 Bute Gardens-Rm 221, Glasgow, G12 8RS, UK.
| | - Tiziana Lembo
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population & Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emma Laurie
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Edna Mutua
- School of Social and Political Sciences/Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, 27 Bute Gardens-Rm 221, Glasgow, G12 8RS, UK
| | - Kathrin Loosli
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population & Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mary Nthambi
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population & Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Amy Nimegeer
- Medical Research Council/Chief Scientist Office (MRC/CSO) Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kunda Mnzava
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences/Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Elizabeth F Msoka
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Fortunata Nasuwa
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Matayo Melubo
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Gabriel Shirima
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Louise Matthews
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population & Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shona Hilton
- Medical Research Council/Chief Scientist Office (MRC/CSO) Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stephen E Mshana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences/Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Peralta MF, Usseglio NA, Bracamonte ME, Guzmán ML, Olivera ME, Marco JD, Barroso PA, Carrer DC. Efficacy of topical Miltefosine formulations in an experimental model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2022; 12:180-196. [PMID: 33502733 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00896-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease endemic in ~ 90 countries, with an increasing incidence. Presently available pharmacotherapy implies the systemic administration of moderately/very toxic drugs. Miltefosine (Milt) is the only FDA-approved drug to treat CL via the oral route (Impavido®). It produces side effects; in particular, teratogenic effects are of concern. A topical treatment would have the great advantage of minimising the systemic circulation of the drug, preventing side effects. We prepared dispersions containing Milt and liposomes of different compositions to enhance/modulate trans-epidermal penetration and evaluated in vitro and in vivo efficacy and toxicity, in vitro release rate of the drug and particles size stability with time. Treatments were topically administered to BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. The dispersions containing 0.5% Milt eliminated 99% of the parasites and cured the lesions with a complete re-epithelisation, no visible scar and re-growth of hair. Fluid liposomes decreased the time to heal the lesion and the time needed to eliminate viable amastigotes from the lesion site. Relapse of the infection was not found 1 month after treatment in any case. Ultraflexible liposomes on the other hand had no significant in vitro effect but decreased in vivo efficacy. A topical Milt formulation including fluid liposomes seems a promising treatment against CL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ma Florencia Peralta
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC- CONICET- UNC, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Nadina A Usseglio
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC- CONICET- UNC, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, UNITEFA - CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ma Estefanía Bracamonte
- Instituto de Patología Experimental - CONICET - , Universidad Nacional de Salta, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - Ma Laura Guzmán
- Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, UNITEFA - CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ma Eugenia Olivera
- Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, UNITEFA - CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - J Diego Marco
- Instituto de Patología Experimental - CONICET - , Universidad Nacional de Salta, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - Paola A Barroso
- Instituto de Patología Experimental - CONICET - , Universidad Nacional de Salta, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - Dolores C Carrer
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC- CONICET- UNC, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Smit DJ, Jücker M. AKT Isoforms as a Target in Cancer and Immunotherapy. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:409-436. [PMID: 36243855 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_18] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the past years, targeted therapies have received tremendous attention in cancer therapy. One of the most frequently targeted pathways is the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway that regulates crucial cellular processes including proliferation, survival, and migration. In a wide variety of cancer entities, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was found to be a critical driver of disease progression, indicating a noteworthy target in cancer therapy. This chapter focuses on targeted therapies against AKT, which is a key enzyme within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Although the three different isoforms of AKT, namely AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3, have a high homology, the isoforms exhibit different biological functions. Recently, direct inhibitors against all AKT isoforms as well as selective inhibitors against specific AKT isoforms have been extensively investigated in preclinical work as well as in clinical trials to attenuate proliferation of cancer cells. While no AKT inhibitor has been approved by the FDA for cancer therapy to date, AKT still plays a crucial role in a variety of treatment strategies including immune checkpoint inhibition. In this chapter, we summarize the status of AKT inhibitors either targeting all or specific AKT isoforms. Furthermore, we explain the role of AKT signaling in direct inhibition of tumor cell growth as well as in immune cells and immune checkpoint inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Smit
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Cockram PE, Turner C, Slawin AMZ, Smith T. Convenient Synthesis of Alternatively Bridged Tryptophan Ketopiperazines and their Activities Against Trypanosomatid Parasites. ChemMedChem 2021; 17:e202100664. [PMID: 34927802 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for the development of new treatments against trypanosomatid parasites; the causative agents of some of the most debilitating diseases in the developing world. This work targets an interesting 6-5-6-6 fused carboline scaffold, accessing a range of substituted derivatives through stereospecific intramolecular Pictet-Spengler condensation. Modification of the cyclisation conditions allowed retention of the carbamate protecting group and gave insight into the reaction mechanism. Compounds' bioactivities were measured against T. brucei, T. cruzi, L. majorand HeLa cells. We have identified promising pan-trypanocidal lead compounds based on the core scaffold, and highlight key SAR trends which will be useful for the future development of these compounds as potent trypanocidal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Terry Smith
- University of St Andrews, Chemistry, the north Haugh, KY16 9ST, St Andrews, UNITED KINGDOM
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Monteiro LM, Löbenberg R, Barbosa EJ, de Araujo GLB, Sato PK, Kanashiro E, de Araujo Eliodoro RH, Rocha M, de Freitas VLT, Fotaki N, Bou-Chacra NA. Oral administration of buparvaquone nanostructured lipid carrier enables in vivo activity against Leishmania infantum. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 169:106097. [PMID: 34910988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, is prevalent in 98 countries with the occurrence of 1.3 million new cases annually. The conventional therapy for visceral leishmaniasis requires hospitalization due to the severe adverse effects of the drugs, which are administered parenterally. Buparvaquone (BPQ) showed in vitro activity against leishmania parasites; nevertheless, it has failed in vivo tests due to its low aqueous solubility. Though, lipid nanoparticles can overcome this holdback. In this study we tested the hypothesis whether BPQ-NLC shows in vivo activity against L. infantum. Two optimized formulations were prepared (V1: 173.9 ± 1.6 nm, 0.5 mg of BPQ/mL; V2: 232.4 ± 1.6 nm, 1.3 mg of BPQ/mL), both showed increased solubility up to 73.00-fold, and dissolution up to 83.29%, while for the free drug it was only 2.89%. Cytotoxicity test showed their biocompatibility (CC50 >554.4 µM). Besides, the V1 dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day for 10 days reduced the parasite burden in 83.4% ±18.2% (p <0.05) in the liver. BPQ-NLC showed similar leishmanicidal activity compared to miltefosine. Therefore, BPQ-NLC is a promising addition to the limited therapeutic arsenal suitable for leishmaniasis oral administration treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lis Marie Monteiro
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Professor Lineu Prestes Av, 580, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Raimar Löbenberg
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, 8613 - 114St NW, T6G 2H7, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eduardo José Barbosa
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Professor Lineu Prestes Av, 580, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel Lima Barros de Araujo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Professor Lineu Prestes Av, 580, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula Keiko Sato
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Immunology (LIM48), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Eneas Carvalho de Aguiar, 470, IMT2, térreo, 05403-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Edite Kanashiro
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Immunology (LIM48), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Eneas Carvalho de Aguiar, 470, IMT2, térreo, 05403-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Seroepidemiology, Cellular, and Molecular Immunology Laboratory - Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470 - Jardim América, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Raissa H de Araujo Eliodoro
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Immunology (LIM48), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Eneas Carvalho de Aguiar, 470, IMT2, térreo, 05403-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mussya Rocha
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Immunology (LIM48), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Eneas Carvalho de Aguiar, 470, IMT2, térreo, 05403-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Teixeira de Freitas
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Immunology (LIM48), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Eneas Carvalho de Aguiar, 470, IMT2, térreo, 05403-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nikoletta Fotaki
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Nádia Araci Bou-Chacra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Professor Lineu Prestes Av, 580, Cidade Universitária, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Park S, Kim J, Choi J, Lee C, Lee W, Park S, Park Z, Baek J, Nam J. Lipid raft-disrupting miltefosine preferentially induces the death of colorectal cancer stem-like cells. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e552. [PMID: 34841679 PMCID: PMC8567043 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipid rafts (LRs), cholesterol-enriched microdomains on cell membranes, are increasingly viewed as signalling platforms governing critical facets of cancer progression. The phenotype of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) presents significant hurdles for successful cancer treatment, and the expression of several CSC markers is associated with LR integrity. However, LR implications in CSCs remain unclear. METHODS This study evaluated the biological and molecular functions of LRs in colorectal cancer (CRC) by using an LR-disrupting alkylphospholipid (APL) drug, miltefosine. The mechanistic role of miltefosine in CSC inhibition was examined through normal or tumour intestinal mouse organoid, human CRC cell, CRC xenograft and miltefosine treatment gene expression profile analyses. RESULTS Miltefosine suppresses CSC populations and their self-renewal activities in CRC cells, a CSC-targeting effect leading to irreversible disruption of tumour-initiating potential in vivo. Mechanistically, miltefosine reduced the expression of a set of genes, leading to stem cell death. Among them, miltefosine transcriptionally inhibited checkpoint kinase 1 (CHEK1), indicating that LR integrity is essential for CHEK1 expression regulation. In isolated CD44high CSCs, we found that CSCs exhibited stronger therapy resistance than non-CSC counterparts by preventing cell death through CHEK1-mediated cell cycle checkpoints. However, inhibition of the LR/CHEK1 axis by miltefosine released cell cycle checkpoints, forcing CSCs to enter inappropriate mitosis with accumulated DNA damage and resulting in catastrophic cell death. CONCLUSION Our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of LR-targeting APLs for CRC treatment that overcomes the therapy-resistant phenotype of CSCs, highlighting the importance of the LR/CHEK1 axis as a novel mechanism of APLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So‐Yeon Park
- School of Life SciencesGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
- Cell Logistics Research CenterGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Jee‐Heun Kim
- School of Life SciencesGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Jang‐Hyun Choi
- School of Life SciencesGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Choong‐Jae Lee
- School of Life SciencesGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Won‐Jae Lee
- School of Life SciencesGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Sehoon Park
- School of Life SciencesGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Zee‐Yong Park
- School of Life SciencesGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Jeong‐Heum Baek
- Division of Colon and Rectal SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryGil Medical CenterGachon University College of MedicineIncheonRepublic of Korea
| | - Jeong‐Seok Nam
- School of Life SciencesGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
- Cell Logistics Research CenterGwangju Institute of Science and TechnologyGwangjuRepublic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ridley DB, Ganapathy P, Kettler HE. US Tropical Disease Priority Review Vouchers: Lessons In Promoting Drug Development And Access. Health Aff (Millwood) 2021; 40:1243-1251. [PMID: 34339239 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2020.02273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 global pandemic has devastated lives and economies. It has served as a reminder of how critical it is to invest in preventing and treating infectious diseases. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest US government-sponsored reward for infectious disease drug and vaccine development was the Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher program. Under this program, the Food and Drug Administration awards a priority review voucher to the sponsor of a new drug or vaccine for tropical infectious diseases. The voucher then can be exchanged for the faster review of one drug. We provide case studies for tropical disease voucher recipients between 2007 and 2018, examine the effects of the voucher program on product innovation and access, and recommend that policy makers protect the voucher program while creating complementary incentives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David B Ridley
- David B. Ridley is faculty director of health sector management at the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina
| | - Pranav Ganapathy
- Pranav Ganapathy is an analyst at Evercore, in Menlo Park, California. He was a student in the Department of Economics, Duke University, when this work was conducted
| | - Hannah E Kettler
- Hannah E. Kettler is the director of Vaccine Financing and Partnerships, PATH, in Seattle, Washington, currently on secondment to the COVAX Facility at GAVI
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Mendes B, Proaño-Bolaños C, Gadelha FR, Almeida JR, Miguel DC. Cruzioseptins, antibacterial peptides from Cruziohyla calcarifer skin, as promising leishmanicidal agents. Pathog Dis 2021; 78:5905406. [PMID: 32926094 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Screenings of natural products have significantly contributed to the discovery of novel leishmanicidal agents. In this study, three known cruzioseptins-antibacterial peptides from Cruziohyla calcarifer skin-were synthesized and evaluated against promastigotes and amastigotes stages of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis. EC50 ranged from 9.17 to 74.82 μM, being cruzioseptin-1 the most active and selective compound, with selectivity index > 10 for both promastigotes and amastigotes of L. (V.) braziliensis. In vitro infections incubated with cruzioseptins at 50 μM showed up to ∼86% reduction in the amastigote number. Cruzioseptins were able to destabilize the parasite's cell membrane, allowing the incorporation of a DNA-fluorescent dye. Our data also demonstrated that hydrophobicity and charge appear to be advantageous features for enhancing parasiticidal activity. Antimicrobial cruzioseptins are suitable candidates and alternative molecules that deserve further in vivo investigation focusing on the development of novel antileishmanial therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mendes
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. CEP 13083-862
| | - Carolina Proaño-Bolaños
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena, Napo, Ecuador
| | - Fernanda R Gadelha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. CEP 13083-862
| | - José R Almeida
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena, Napo, Ecuador
| | - Danilo C Miguel
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. CEP 13083-862
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Rafi S, Rasheed H, Usman M, Nawaz HA, Anjum SM, Chaudhry M, Babar ZUD. Availability of essential medicines in Pakistan-A comprehensive document analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253880. [PMID: 34242249 PMCID: PMC8270130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Access to essential medicines (EMs) is a basic human right. Non-availability and shortages of EMs are reported for Pakistan but there is insufficient data to define the nature and magnitude of this problem. The current study is designed to systematically analyze the medicines included in the National Essential Medicines List (NEML) for their availability through comprehensive document analysis. METHODS An expanded list of medicinal items was developed using the NEML of Pakistan (2018) to enlist individual medicines with their specifications. Registration status of the medicines was searched using three publicly accessible information sources; Pharmaguide 25th Edition, 2018-19, the on-line Drug Information System, and the Mobile Application Pharmapedia followed by a later 3-step validation of the data. The unregistered EMs were then further categorized into three subgroups in accordance with their possible remedial strategies. FINDINGS The 19 studied categories comprised 690 EMs and it was found that 179 (26%) of these EMs don not have a registration status. However, it was also identified that the availability of 47 (26.2%) out of 179 unregistered EMs can be enssured by strengthening compounding services, and prioritizing registration of age-appropriate formulations. Availability of another 39 (21.7%) such medicines can be ensured by revising the NEML or the product registrations for the slight differences in their different specifications. The categories showing high proportion of unregistered medicines included anti-Parkinson's medicines (100%), antidotes and other substances used in poisoning (60%), diuretics (47%), anticonvulsants/antiepileptics (42%), hormones and other endocrine medicines and contraceptives (38%), medicines for mental and behavioral disorders (30%), anti-infectives (27%), medicines for pain and palliative care (26%), medicines for neonatal care (25%), medicines for diseases of joint (25%), gastrointestinal medicines (24%) and cardiovascular medicines (15%). CONCLUSION The study shows the absence of registration status of a significant number of EMs in Pakistan. This could be major barrier in their access. Strategies are needed to strengthen the processes of their registration on priority basis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunaina Rafi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Huma Rasheed
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Awais Nawaz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Syed Muneeb Anjum
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mamoona Chaudhry
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice Research, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Franssen SU, Takele Y, Adem E, Sanders MJ, Müller I, Kropf P, Cotton JA. Diversity and Within-Host Evolution of Leishmania donovani from Visceral Leishmaniasis Patients with and without HIV Coinfection in Northern Ethiopia. mBio 2021; 12:e0097121. [PMID: 34182785 PMCID: PMC8262925 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00971-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal disease and a growing public health problem in East Africa, where Ethiopia has one of the highest VL burdens. The largest focus of VL in Ethiopia is driven by high prevalence in migrant agricultural workers and associated with a high rate of coinfection with HIV. This coinfection makes VL more difficult to treat successfully and is associated with a high rate of relapse, with VL/HIV patients frequently experiencing many relapses of VL before succumbing to this infection. We present genome-wide data on Leishmania donovani isolates from a longitudinal study of cohorts of VL and VL/HIV patients reporting to a single clinic in Ethiopia. Extensive clinical data allow us to investigate the influence of coinfection and relapse on the populations of parasites infecting these patients. We find that the same parasite population is responsible for both VL and VL/HIV infections and that, in most cases, disease relapse is caused by recrudescence of the population of parasites that caused primary VL. Complex, multiclonal infections are present in both primary and relapse cases, but the infrapopulation of parasites within a patient loses genetic diversity between primary disease presentation and subsequent relapses, presumably due to a population bottleneck induced by treatment. These data suggest that VL/HIV relapses are not caused by genetically distinct parasite infections or by reinfection. Treatment of VL does not lead to sterile cure, and in VL/HIV, the infecting parasites are able to reestablish after clinically successful treatment, leading to repeated relapse of VL. IMPORTANCE Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the second largest cause of deaths due to parasite infections and a growing problem in East Africa. In Ethiopia, it is particularly associated with migrant workers moving from regions of nonendemicity for seasonal agricultural work and is frequently found as a coinfection with HIV, which leads to frequent VL relapse following treatment. Insight into the process of relapse in these patients is thus key to controlling the VL epidemic in Ethiopia. We show that there is little genetic differentiation between the parasites infecting HIV-positive and HIV-negative VL patients. Moreover, we provide evidence that relapses are caused by the initially infecting parasite population and that treatment induces a loss of genetic diversity in this population. We propose that restoring functioning immunity and improving antiparasitic treatment may be key in breaking the cycle of relapsing VL in VL/HIV patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yegnasew Takele
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emebet Adem
- Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Centre, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Ingrid Müller
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pascale Kropf
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
dos Santos Vasconcelos CR, Rezende AM. Systematic in silico Evaluation of Leishmania spp. Proteomes for Drug Discovery. Front Chem 2021; 9:607139. [PMID: 33987166 PMCID: PMC8111926 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.607139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a group of neglected infectious diseases, with approximately 1. 3 million new cases each year, for which the available therapies have serious limitations. Therefore, it is extremely important to apply efficient and low-cost methods capable of selecting the best therapeutic targets to speed up the development of new therapies against those diseases. Thus, we propose the use of integrated computational methods capable of evaluating the druggability of the predicted proteomes of Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum, species responsible for the different clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis in Brazil. The protein members of those proteomes were assessed based on their structural, chemical, and functional contexts applying methods that integrate data on molecular function, biological processes, subcellular localization, drug binding sites, druggability, and gene expression. These data were compared to those extracted from already known drug targets (BindingDB targets), which made it possible to evaluate Leishmania proteomes for their biological relevance and treatability. Through this methodology, we identified more than 100 proteins of each Leishmania species with druggability characteristics, and potential interaction with available drugs. Among those, 31 and 37 proteins of L. braziliensis and L. infantum, respectively, have never been tested as drug targets, and they have shown evidence of gene expression in the evolutionary stage of pharmacological interest. Also, some of those Leishmania targets showed an alignment similarity of <50% when compared to the human proteome, making these proteins pharmacologically attractive, as they present a reduced risk of side effects. The methodology used in this study also allowed the evaluation of opportunities for the repurposing of compounds as anti-leishmaniasis drugs, inferring potential interaction between Leishmania proteins and ~1,000 compounds, of which only 15 have already been tested as a treatment for leishmaniasis. Besides, a list of potential Leishmania targets to be tested using drugs described at BindingDB, such as the potential interaction of the DEAD box RNA helicase, TRYR, and PEPCK proteins with the Staurosporine compound, was made available to the public.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crhisllane Rafaele dos Santos Vasconcelos
- Bioinformatics Plataform, Microbiology Department, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Brazil
- Posgraduate Program in Genetics, Genetics Department, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Antonio Mauro Rezende
- Bioinformatics Plataform, Microbiology Department, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Brazil
- Posgraduate Program in Genetics, Genetics Department, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tetteh EK. Assuring health commodity security in resource-poor settings. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 18:2538-2546. [PMID: 33865713 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Health planners charged with the task of building or at least maintaining the health of populations within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have to find ways of providing steady, predictable supplies of health commodities for unpredictable demands for healthcare and health. To address this issue, this paper emphasizes a focus on aggregate commodity security defined as the continuous interrupted supply of health commodities belonging to all therapeutic categories and not just a selected subset. Given this focus, the paper identifies logistics systems comprising of a set of logistics activities as the machinery for assuring aggregate commodity security. Steady reliable supplies of health commodities, whenever and wherever they are needed, however, means looking beyond logistics systems. Health planners must ask whether there is a healthy supplier base for the commodities needed. The paper notes that a secure supply of health commodities in any LMIC, will remain an illusion without functional logistics systems supported by a healthy supplier base.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Kwabena Tetteh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice & Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Espada CR, Albuquerque-Wendt A, Hornillos V, Gluenz E, Coelho AC, Uliana SRB. Ros3 (Lem3p/CDC50) Gene Dosage Is Implicated in Miltefosine Susceptibility in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Clinical Isolates and in Leishmania (Leishmania) major. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:849-858. [PMID: 33724800 PMCID: PMC8042657 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The Ros3 protein is a component of
the MT-Ros3 transporter complex,
considered as the main route of miltefosine entry in Leishmania. L. braziliensis clinical isolates presenting differences
in miltefosine susceptibility and uptake were previously shown to
differentially express ros3. In this work, we showed
that the ros3 gene copy number was increased in the
isolate presenting the highest rates of miltefosine uptake and, thus,
the highest susceptibility to this drug. The role of the ros3 gene dosage in miltefosine susceptibility was then investigated
through a modulation of the gene copy number using two distinct approaches:
through an overexpression of ros3 in a tolerant L. braziliensis clinical isolate and in L. major and by generating mono- and diallelic knockouts of this gene in L. major using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic
repeats (CRISPR) Cas9 (Cas = CRISPR-associated). Although the levels
of ros3 mRNA were increased at least 40-fold in overexpressing
clones, no significant reduction in the half-maximal effective concentration
(EC50) for miltefosine was observed in these parasites.
The partial or complete deletion of ros3 in L. major, in turn, resulted in a significant increase of
3 and 20 times, respectively, in the EC50 to miltefosine.
We unequivocally showed that the ros3 copy number
is one of the factors involved in the differential susceptibility
and uptake of miltefosine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R. Espada
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andreia Albuquerque-Wendt
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Valentín Hornillos
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de Sevilla and Centro de Innovación en Química Avanzada, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eva Gluenz
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Adriano C. Coelho
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Silvia R. B. Uliana
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Bezemer JM, van der Ende J, Limpens J, de Vries HJC, Schallig HDFH. Safety and efficacy of allylamines in the treatment of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249628. [PMID: 33826660 PMCID: PMC8026199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis affect a million people yearly, leading to skin lesions and potentially disfiguring mucosal disease. Current treatments can have severe side effects. Allylamine drugs, like terbinafine, are safe, including during pregnancy. This review assesses efficacy and safety of allylamines for the treatment of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. It followed the PRISMA statement for reporting and was preregistered in PROSPERO(CRD4201809068). MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Global Health Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and clinical trial registers were searched from their creation to May 24th, 2020. All original human, animal, and in vitro studies concerning allylamines and cutaneous or mucocutaneous leishmaniasis were eligible for inclusion. Comparators—if any—included both placebo or alternative cutaneous or mucocutaneous leishmaniasis treatments. Complete cure, growth inhibition, or adverse events served as outcomes. The search identified 312 publications, of which 22 were included in this systematic review. There were one uncontrolled and two randomised controlled trials. The only well-designed randomised controlled trial that compared the treatment efficacy of oral terbinafine versus intramuscular meglumine antimoniate in 80 Leismania tropica infected patients showed a non-significant lower cure rate for terbinafine vs meglumine antimoniate (38% vs 53%). A meta-analysis could not be performed due to the small number of studies, their heterogeneity, and low quality. This systematic review shows that there is no evidence of efficacy of allylamine monotherapy against cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Further trials of allylamines should be carefully considered as the outcomes of an adequately designed trial were disappointing and in vitro studies indicate minimal effective concentrations that are not achieved in the skin during standard doses. However, the in vitro synergistic effects of allylamines combined with triazole drugs warrant further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M. Bezemer
- Experimental Parasitology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Fundación Misión Cristiana de Salud, Shell, Pastaza, Ecuador
- * E-mail:
| | - Jacob van der Ende
- Fundación Quina Care Ecuador, Puerto el Carmen de Putumayo, Sucumbíos, Ecuador
| | - Jacqueline Limpens
- Medical Library, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry J. C. de Vries
- Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk D. F. H. Schallig
- Experimental Parasitology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hameed H, King EFB, Doleckova K, Bartholomew B, Hollinshead J, Mbye H, Ullah I, Walker K, Van Veelen M, Abou-Akkada SS, Nash RJ, Horrocks PD, Price HP. Temperate Zone Plant Natural Products-A Novel Resource for Activity against Tropical Parasitic Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:227. [PMID: 33800005 PMCID: PMC7998250 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of plant-derived natural products for the treatment of tropical parasitic diseases often has ethnopharmacological origins. As such, plants grown in temperate regions remain largely untested for novel anti-parasitic activities. We describe here a screen of the PhytoQuest Phytopure library, a novel source comprising over 600 purified compounds from temperate zone plants, against in vitro culture systems for Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania mexicana, Trypanosoma evansi and T. brucei. Initial screen revealed 6, 65, 15 and 18 compounds, respectively, that decreased each parasite's growth by at least 50% at 1-2 µM concentration. These initial hits were validated in concentration-response assays against the parasite and the human HepG2 cell line, identifying hits with EC50 < 1 μM and a selectivity index of >10. Two sesquiterpene glycosides were identified against P. falciparum, four sterols against L. mexicana, and five compounds of various scaffolds against T. brucei and T. evansi. An L. mexicana resistant line was generated for the sterol 700022, which was found to have cross-resistance to the anti-leishmanial drug miltefosine as well as to the other leishmanicidal sterols. This study highlights the potential of a temperate plant secondary metabolites as a novel source of natural products against tropical parasitic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Hameed
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (H.H.); (E.F.B.K.); (K.D.); (H.M.); (I.U.); (M.V.V.)
- Department of Chemistry, College of Education for Pure Science, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Elizabeth F. B. King
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (H.H.); (E.F.B.K.); (K.D.); (H.M.); (I.U.); (M.V.V.)
| | - Katerina Doleckova
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (H.H.); (E.F.B.K.); (K.D.); (H.M.); (I.U.); (M.V.V.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Haddijatou Mbye
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (H.H.); (E.F.B.K.); (K.D.); (H.M.); (I.U.); (M.V.V.)
- MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Atlantic Boulevard, Fajara, Banjul PO Box 273, The Gambia
| | - Imran Ullah
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (H.H.); (E.F.B.K.); (K.D.); (H.M.); (I.U.); (M.V.V.)
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karen Walker
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK;
| | - Maria Van Veelen
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (H.H.); (E.F.B.K.); (K.D.); (H.M.); (I.U.); (M.V.V.)
| | | | - Robert J. Nash
- PhytoQuest Limited, Aberystwyth SY23 3EB, UK; (B.B.); (J.H.); (R.J.N.)
| | - Paul D. Horrocks
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (H.H.); (E.F.B.K.); (K.D.); (H.M.); (I.U.); (M.V.V.)
| | - Helen P. Price
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; (H.H.); (E.F.B.K.); (K.D.); (H.M.); (I.U.); (M.V.V.)
| |
Collapse
|