1
|
Ncube NB, Tukulula M, Govender KG. Leveraging computational tools to combat malaria: assessment and development of new therapeutics. J Cheminform 2024; 16:50. [PMID: 38698437 PMCID: PMC11064327 DOI: 10.1186/s13321-024-00842-z] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
As the world grapples with the relentless challenges posed by diseases like malaria, the advent of sophisticated computational tools has emerged as a beacon of hope in the quest for effective treatments. In this study we delve into the strategies behind computational tools encompassing virtual screening, molecular docking, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). We assess their effectiveness and contribution to the progress of malaria treatment. The convergence of these computational strategies, coupled with the ever-increasing power of computing systems, has ushered in a new era of drug discovery, holding immense promise for the eradication of malaria. SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION: Computational tools remain pivotal in drug design and development. They provide a platform for researchers to explore various treatment options and save both time and money in the drug development pipeline. It is imperative to assess computational techniques and monitor their effectiveness in disease control. In this study we examine renown computational tools that have been employed in the battle against malaria, the benefits and challenges these tools have presented, and the potential they hold in the future eradication of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nomagugu B Ncube
- School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Matshawandile Tukulula
- School of Chemistry and Physics, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
| | - Krishna G Govender
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sharma M, Pandey V, Poli G, Tuccinardi T, Lolli ML, Vyas VK. A comprehensive review of synthetic strategies and SAR studies for the discovery of PfDHODH inhibitors as antimalarial agents. Part 1: triazolopyrimidine, isoxazolopyrimidine and pyrrole-based (DSM) compounds. Bioorg Chem 2024; 146:107249. [PMID: 38493638 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107249] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
One of the deadliest infectious diseases, malaria, still has a significant impact on global morbidity and mortality. Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) catalyzes the fourth step in de novo pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis and has been clinically validated as an innovative and promising target for the development of novel targeted antimalarial drugs. PfDHODH inhibitors have the potential to significantly slow down parasite growth at the blood and liver stages. Several PfDHODH inhibitors based on various scaffolds have been explored over the past two decades. Among them, triazolopyrimidines, isoxazolopyrimidines, and pyrrole-based derivatives known as DSM compounds showed tremendous potential as novel antimalarial agents, and one of the triazolopyrimidine-based compounds (DSM265) was able to reach phase IIa clinical trials. DSM compounds were synthesized as PfDHODH inhibitors with various substitutions based on structure-guided medicinal chemistry approaches and further optimised as well. For the first time, this review provides an overview of all the synthetic approaches used for the synthesis, alternative synthetic routes, and novel strategies involving various catalysts and chemical reagents that have been used to synthesize DSM compounds. We have also summarized SAR study of all these PfDHODH inhibitors. In an attempt to assist readers, scientists, and researchers involved in the development of new PfDHODH inhibitors as antimalarials, this review provides accessibility of all synthetic techniques and SAR studies of the most promising triazolopyrimidines, isoxazolopyrimidines, and pyrrole-based PfDHODH inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manmohan Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, India
| | - Vinita Pandey
- MIT College of Pharmacy, Ramganga Vihar, Phase-II, Moradabad, UP-244001, India
| | - Giulio Poli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco L Lolli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 9, 10125 - Turin, Italy
| | - Vivek K Vyas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad 382481, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li J, Docile HJ, Fisher D, Pronyuk K, Zhao L. Current Status of Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Progress and Challenges. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2. [PMID: 38656731 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2] [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: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The African continent carries the greatest malaria burden in the world. Falciparum malaria especially has long been the leading cause of death in Africa. Climate, economic factors, geographical location, human intervention and unstable security are factors influencing malaria transmission. Due to repeated infections and early interventions, the proportion of clinically atypical malaria or asymptomatic plasmodium carriers has increased significantly, which easily lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. African countries have made certain progress in malaria control and elimination, including rapid diagnosis of malaria, promotion of mosquito nets and insecticides, intermittent prophylactic treatment in high-risk groups, artemisinin based combination therapies, and the development of vaccines. Between 2000 and 2022, there has been a 40% decrease in malaria incidence and a 60% reduction in mortality rate in the WHO African Region. However, many challenges are emerging in the fight against malaria in Africa, such as climate change, poverty, substandard health services and coverage, increased outdoor transmission and the emergence of new vectors, and the growing threat of resistance to antimalarial drugs and insecticides. Joint prevention and treatment, identifying molecular determinants of resistance, new drug development, expanding seasonal malaria chemo-prevention intervention population, and promoting the vaccination of RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M may help to solve the dilemma. China's experience in eliminating malaria is conducive to Africa's malaria prevention and control, and China-Africa cooperation needs to be constantly deepened and advanced. Our review aims to help the global public develop a comprehensive understanding of malaria in Africa, thereby contributing to malaria control and elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haragakiza Jean Docile
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - David Fisher
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of The Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khrystyna Pronyuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
de Freitas BS, Fernandes GH, Pereira ACEDS, Peixoto HM. Artesunate-mefloquine therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:84-94. [PMID: 37772768 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad069] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To provide a continuous update on the safety and efficacy of artesunate-mefloquine (ASMQ) compared with other artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) schemes used in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, this study updated and expanded the results of the systematic literature review published in 2016. Only randomised controlled clinical trials published from 1 January 2001 to 12 June 2023 from five databases were included in this study. The results related to efficacy, expressed through RR, were summarized in meta-analyses, performed according to the compared ACTs and with the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. The results related to safety were synthesized in a descriptive manner. Thirty-two studies were included, of which 24 had been analysed in the 2016 review and eight new ones were added. Although the methodological quality of most studies was considered moderate, the body of evidence gathered indicates that ASMQ continues to be safe and effective for the treatment of uncomplicated infections caused by P. falciparum compared with other ACTs. However, the inclusion of two new studies, which identified failure rates exceeding 10%, suggests a possible reduction in the efficacy of ASMQ in the analysed locations. The incidence of serious adverse effects, such as seizure, encephalopathy and cardiac arrhythmia, was infrequent in both the ASMQ group and the comparison groups. After including new evidence, ASMQ is still recommended as a first-line treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by P. falciparum, although local aspects need to be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Sales de Freitas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, University Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Haiek Fernandes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, University Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | | | - Henry Maia Peixoto
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, University Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Brasília (UnB), University Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70904970 Brazil
- National Institute for Science and Technology for Health Technology Assessment (IATS/CNPq), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90035-903, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Happi GM, Ahmed SA, Kemayou GPM, Salau S, Dzouemo LC, Sikam KG, Yimtchui MT, Wansi JD. Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Antiplasmodial Compounds from Hypericum lanceolatum Lam. (Hypericaceae) and Their Cytotoxicity and Molecular Docking. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:4693765. [PMID: 37284030 PMCID: PMC10241580 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4693765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In Cameroon, malaria is still the cause of several deaths yearly and leading to the continued search for new potent leads to fight against Plasmodium falciparum. Medicinal plants like Hypericum lanceolatum Lam. are introduced in local preparations for the treatment of affected people. The bioassay-guided fractionation of the crude extract of the twigs and stem bark of H. lanceolatum Lam. led to the identification of the dichloromethane-soluble fraction as the most active (with 32.6% of the parasite P. falciparum 3D7 survival) which was further purified by successive column chromatography to obtain four compounds identified by their spectrometric data as two xanthones 1,6-dihydroxyxanthone (1) and norathyriol (2) and two triterpenes betulinic acid (3) and ursolic acid (4). In the antiplasmodial assay against P. falciparum 3D7, the triterpenoids 3 and 4 displayed the most significant potencies with IC50 values of 2.8 ± 0.8 μg/mL and 11.8 ± 3.2 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, both compounds were also the most cytotoxic against P388 cell lines with IC50 values of 6.8 ± 2.2 μg/mL and 2.5 ± 0.6 μg/mL, respectively. Further insights on the inhibition method of the bioactive compounds and their drug-likeness were obtained from their molecular docking and ADMET studies. The results obtained help in identifying additional antiplasmodial agents from H. lanceolatum and support its use in folk medicine for the treatment of malaria. The plant might be considered as a promising source of new antiplasmodial candidates in new drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gervais Mouthé Happi
- Department of Chemistry, Higher Teacher Training College, The University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon
| | - Sikiru Akinyeye Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Kwara State University, Malete, P.M.B 1530, Ilorin 23431, Nigeria
| | - Guy Paulin Mouthé Kemayou
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Shina Salau
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Kwara State University, Malete, P.M.B 1530, Ilorin 23431, Nigeria
| | - Liliane Clotilde Dzouemo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Klev Gaïtan Sikam
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Mireille Towa Yimtchui
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Jean Duplex Wansi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pandey SK, Anand U, Siddiqui WA, Tripathi R. Drug Development Strategies for Malaria: With the Hope for New Antimalarial Drug Discovery—An Update. Adv Med 2023; 2023:5060665. [PMID: 36960081 PMCID: PMC10030226 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5060665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria continued to be a deadly situation for the people of tropical and subtropical countries. Although there has been a marked reduction in new cases as well as mortality and morbidity rates in the last two decades, the reporting of malaria caused 247 million cases and 619000 deaths worldwide in 2021, according to the WHO (2022). The development of drug resistance and declining efficacy against most of the antimalarial drugs/combination in current clinical practice is a big challenge for the scientific community, and in the absence of an effective vaccine, the problem becomes worse. Experts from various research organizations worldwide are continuously working hard to stop this disaster by employing several strategies for the development of new antimalarial drugs/combinations. The current review focuses on the history of antimalarial drug discovery and the advantages, loopholes, and opportunities associated with the common strategies being followed for antimalarial drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swaroop Kumar Pandey
- 1Department of Life Sciences, The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Uttpal Anand
- 2Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Waseem A. Siddiqui
- 3Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Renu Tripathi
- 4Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Divya M, Prabhu SR, Satyamoorthy K, Saadi AV. Therapeutics through glycobiology: an approach for targeted elimination of malaria. Biologia (Bratisl) 2023; 78:1-5. [PMID: 36643690 PMCID: PMC9830602 DOI: 10.1007/s11756-023-01312-x] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of drug resistance in Plasmodium jeopardises worldwide malaria eradication efforts necessitating novel therapeutic approaches and therefore the identification of key metabolic pathways of parasite and human host for drug development garners importance. Enzymopathies like glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) and pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiencies have been shown to protect against the severe consequences of malaria. Glycome profiles and the regulatory mechanisms involving the microRNAs or transcription factors' expression related to the histo-blood group glycogenes may add up to resolve the underlying pathogenesis. The glycan derivatives viz. heparin-like molecules (HLMs) interrupt parasite proliferation that can be exploited as leads for alternative therapies. The Plasmodium invasion of erythrocytes involve events of receptor recognition, adhesion, and ligand interactions. Since post translational modifications like N-glycosylation of merozoite surface proteins and several erythrocyte cluster of differentiation (CD) antigens and complement receptor, among others, are crucial to parasite invasion, understanding of post translational modification of proteins involved in the parasite-host interactions should identify viable antimalarial strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallya Divya
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
| | - Sowmya R. Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
| | - Abdul Vahab Saadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bassanini I, Parapini S, Basilico N, Taramelli D, Romeo S. From DC18 to MR07: A Metabolically Stable 4,4'-Oxybisbenzoyl Amide as a Low-Nanomolar Growth Inhibitor of P. falciparum. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200355. [PMID: 36089546 PMCID: PMC9827966 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200355] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
To improve the metabolic stability of a 4,4'-oxybisbenzoyl-based novel and potent (nanomolar-range IC50 ) antiplasmodial agent previously described by us, in silico-guided structure-activity relationship (SAR) campaigns have been conducted to substitute its peptide decorations with more metabolically stable residues. The effects of the various structural modifications were then correlated with the antiplasmodial activity in vitro in phenotypic assays. Among the several derivatives synthetized and compared with the 3D-pharmacophoric map of the original lead, a novel compound, characterized by a western tert-butyl glycine residue and an eastern 1S,2S-aminoacyclohexanol, showed low-nanomolar-range antiplasmodial activity, no signs of cross-resistance and, most importantly, 47-fold improved Phase I metabolic stability when incubated with human liver microsomes. These results highlight the efficacy of in silico-guided SAR campaigns which will allow us to further optimize the structure of the new lead aiming at testing its efficacy in vivo using different routes of administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Bassanini
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta”Consiglio Nazionale delle RicercheVia Mario Bianco 920131MilanoItaly,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria-Italian Malaria NetworkVia Festa del Perdono 720122MilanoItaly
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la SaluteUniversità degli Studi di MilanoVia Pascal 3620133MilanoItaly,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria-Italian Malaria NetworkVia Festa del Perdono 720122MilanoItaly
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e OdontoiatricheUniversità degli Studi di MilanoVia Pascal 3620133MilanoItaly,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria-Italian Malaria NetworkVia Festa del Perdono 720122MilanoItaly
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e BiomolecolariUniversità degli Studi di MilanoVia Pascal 3620133MilanoItaly,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria-Italian Malaria NetworkVia Festa del Perdono 720122MilanoItaly
| | - Sergio Romeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze FarmaceuticheUniversità degli Studi di MilanoVia Mangiagalli 2520133MilanoItaly,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria-Italian Malaria NetworkVia Festa del Perdono 720122MilanoItaly
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Akilimali A, Bisimwa C, Aborode AT, Biamba C, Sironge L, Balume A, Sayadi R, Ajibade SB, Akintayo AA, Oluwadairo TO, Fajemisin EA. Self-medication and Anti-malarial Drug Resistance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): A silent threat. Trop Med Health 2022; 50:73. [PMID: 36195896 PMCID: PMC9533625 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-022-00466-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is a global infectious (vector-borne: Anopheles mosquitoes) disease which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Among all its parasitic (protozoan: Plasmodium sp.) variants, Plasmodium falciparum (PF) is the most virulent and responsible for above 90% of global malaria deaths hence making it a global public health threat. Main context Despite current front-line antimalarial treatments options especially allopathic medications and malaria prevention (and control) strategies especially governmental policies and community malaria intervention programs in SSA, PF infections remains prevalent due to increased antimicrobial/antimalarial drug resistance caused by several factors especially genetic mutations and auto(self)-medication practices in SSA. In this article, we focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the largest SSA country by bringing perspective into the impact of self-medication and antimalarial drug resistance, and provided recommendation for long-term improvement and future analysis in malaria prevention and control in SSA. Conclusions Self-medication and anti-malarial drug resistance is a major challenge to malaria control in DRC and sub-Saharan Africa, and to achieve sustainable control, individual, community and governmental efforts must be aligned to stop self-medication, and strengthen the health systems against malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aymar Akilimali
- Faculty of Medicine, Official University of Bukavu, Bukavu, DR, Congo.
| | - Charles Bisimwa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Public Health, Official University of Bukavu, Bukavu, DR, Congo
| | | | | | - Leonard Sironge
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Public Health, Official University of Bukavu, Bukavu, DR, Congo
| | - Alain Balume
- Faculty of Medicine, Official University of Bukavu, Bukavu, DR, Congo
| | - Rahma Sayadi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | - Akintola Ashraf Akintayo
- Department of Biomedical Convergence Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chemical and Pharmacological Properties of Decoquinate: A Review of Its Pharmaceutical Potential and Future Perspectives. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071383. [PMID: 35890280 PMCID: PMC9315532 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Decoquinate (DQ) is an antimicrobial agent commonly used as a feed additive for birds for human consumption. Its use as an additive is well established, but DQ has the potential for therapy as an antimicrobial drug for veterinary treatment and its optimized derivatives and/or formulations, mainly nanoformulations, have antimicrobial activity against pathogens that infect humans. However, DQ has a high partition coefficient and low solubility in aqueous fluids, and these biopharmaceutical properties have limited its use in humans. In this review, we highlight the antimicrobial activity and pharmacokinetic properties of DQ and highlight the solutions currently under investigation to overcome these drawbacks. A literature search was conducted focusing on the use of decoquinate against various infectious diseases in humans and animals. The search was conducted in several databases, including scientific and patent databases. Pharmaceutical nanotechnology and medicinal chemistry are the tools of choice to achieve human applications, and most of these applications have been able to improve the biopharmaceutical properties and pharmacokinetic profile of DQ. Based on the results presented here, DQ prototypes could be tested in clinical trials for human application in the coming years.
Collapse
|