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Irfan I, Uddin A, Jain R, Gupta A, Gupta S, Napoleon JV, Hussain A, Alajmi MF, Joshi MC, Hasan P, Kumar P, Abid M, Singh S. Biological evaluation of novel side chain containing CQTrICh-analogs as antimalarials and their development as PfCDPK1 kinase inhibitors. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25077. [PMID: 38327451 PMCID: PMC10847618 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25077] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of resistance to existing frontline antimalarial drugs emphasizes a need for the development of target-oriented molecules with novel modes of action. Given the importance of a plant-like Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 (PfCDPK1) as a stand-alone multistage signalling regulator of P. falciparum, we designed and synthesized 7-chloroquinoline-indole-chalcones tethered with a triazole (CQTrICh-analogs 7 (a-s) and 9) directed towards PfCDPK1. This was accomplished by reacting substituted 1-phenyl-3-(1-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)-1H-indol-3-yl) prop-2-en-1-one and 1-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)-1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde with 4-azido-7-chloroquinoline, respectively via a 'click' reaction. The selected CQTrICh-analogs: 7l and 7r inhibited the growth of chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain and -resistant RKL-9 isolate of Plasmodium falciparum, with IC50 values of 2.4 μM & 1.8 μM (7l), and 3.5 μM & 2.7 μM (7r), respectively, and showed no apparent hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. Intra-erythrocytic progression studies revealed that the active hybrids: 7l and 7r are effective against the mature stages of the parasite. 7l and 7r were found to stably interact with the catalytically active ATP-binding pocket of PfCDPK1 via energetically favourable H-bonds. The interaction was confirmed in vitro by microscale thermophoresis and kinase assays, which demonstrated that the active hybrids interact with PfCDPK1 and inhibit its kinase activity which is presumably responsible for the parasite growth inhibition. Interestingly, 7l and 7r showed no inhibitory effect on the human kinases, indicating their selectivity for the parasite kinase. We report the antiplasmodial potential of novel kinase-targeting bio-conjugates, a step towards developing pan-kinase inhibitors which is a prerequisite for multistage anti-malarial protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Irfan
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Amad Uddin
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ravi Jain
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Aashima Gupta
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sonal Gupta
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | | | - Afzal Hussain
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed F. Alajmi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mukesh C. Joshi
- Department of Chemistry, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Phool Hasan
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Purnendu Kumar
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Mohammad Abid
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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Muema JM, Mutunga JM, Obonyo MA, Getahun MN, Mwakubambanya RS, Akala HM, Cheruiyot AC, Yeda RA, Juma DW, Andagalu B, Johnson JL, Roth AL, Bargul JL. Isoliensinine from Cissampelos pariera rhizomes exhibits potential gametocytocidal and anti-malarial activities against Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates. Malar J 2023; 22:161. [PMID: 37208735 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unmet demand for effective malaria transmission-blocking agents targeting the transmissible stages of Plasmodium necessitates intensive discovery efforts. In this study, a bioactive bisbenzylisoquinoline (BBIQ), isoliensinine, from Cissampelos pariera (Menispermaceae) rhizomes was identified and characterized for its anti-malarial activity. METHODS Malaria SYBR Green I fluorescence assay was performed to evaluate the in vitro antimalarial activity against D6, Dd2, and F32-ART5 clones, and immediate ex vivo (IEV) susceptibility for 10 freshly collected P. falciparum isolates. To determine the speed- and stage-of-action of isoliensinine, an IC50 speed assay and morphological analyses were performed using synchronized Dd2 asexuals. Gametocytocidal activity against two culture-adapted gametocyte-producing clinical isolates was determined using microscopy readouts, with possible molecular targets and their binding affinities deduced in silico. RESULTS Isoliensinine displayed a potent in vitro gametocytocidal activity at mean IC50gam values ranging between 0.41 and 0.69 µM for Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates. The BBIQ compound also inhibited asexual replication at mean IC50Asexual of 2.17 µM, 2.22 µM, and 2.39 µM for D6, Dd2 and F32-ART5 respectively, targeting the late-trophozoite to schizont transition. Further characterization demonstrated a considerable immediate ex vivo potency against human clinical isolates at a geometric mean IC50IEV = 1.433 µM (95% CI 0.917-2.242). In silico analyses postulated a probable anti-malarial mechanism of action by high binding affinities for four mitotic division protein kinases; Pfnek1, Pfmap2, Pfclk1, and Pfclk4. Additionally, isoliensinine was predicted to possess an optimal pharmacokinetics profile and drug-likeness properties. CONCLUSION These findings highlight considerable grounds for further exploration of isoliensinine as an amenable scaffold for malaria transmission-blocking chemistry and target validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson M Muema
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya.
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - James M Mutunga
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- School of Engineering Design, Technology and Professional Programs, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Meshack A Obonyo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Egerton, Kenya
| | - Merid N Getahun
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Hoseah M Akala
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Agnes C Cheruiyot
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Redemptah A Yeda
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Dennis W Juma
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ben Andagalu
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jaree L Johnson
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Amanda L Roth
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Joel L Bargul
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya.
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.
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Fabbri C, Quaresma Ramos G, Clarys Baia-da-Silva D, Oliveira Trindade A, Carlos Salazar-Alvarez L, Costa Ferreira Neves J, dos Santos Bastos I, Guimarães Costa A, Vinicius Guimarães Lacerda M, Marcelo Monteiro W, Trindade Maranhão Costa F, Costa Pinto Lopes S. The activity of methylene blue against asexual and sexual stages of Plasmodium vivax. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1108366. [PMID: 37143740 PMCID: PMC10152470 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1108366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylene blue (MB) is an alternative for combating drug-resistant malaria parasites. Its transmission-blocking potential has been demonstrated in vivo in murine models, in vitro, and in clinical trials. MB shows high efficacy against Plasmodium vivax asexual stages; however, its efficacy in sexual stages is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the potential of MB against asexual and sexual forms of P. vivax isolated from the blood of patients residing in the Brazilian Amazon. An ex vivo schizont maturation assay, zygote to ookinete transformation assay, direct membrane feed assay (DMFA), and standard membrane feed assay (SMFA) using P. vivax gametocytes with MB exposure were performed. A cytotoxicity assay was also performed on freshly collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the hepatocyte carcinoma cell line HepG2. MB inhibited the P. vivax schizont maturation and demonstrated an IC50 lower than that of chloroquine (control drug). In the sexual forms, the MB demonstrated a high level of inhibition in the transformation of the zygotes into ookinetes. In the DMFA, MB did not considerably affect the infection rate and showed low inhibition, but it demonstrated a slight decrease in the infection intensity in all tested concentrations. In contrast, in the SMFA, MB was able to completely block the transmission at the highest concentration (20 µM). MB demonstrated low cytotoxicity to fresh PBMCs but demonstrated higher cytotoxicity to the hepatocyte carcinoma cell line HepG2. These results show that MB may be a potential drug for vivax malaria treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Fabbri
- Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Camila Fabbri, ; Stefanie Costa Pinto Lopes,
| | - Glenda Quaresma Ramos
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Centro Multiusuário para Análise de Fenômenos Biomédicos da Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Djane Clarys Baia-da-Silva
- Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Nilton Lins, Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | | | - Luis Carlos Salazar-Alvarez
- Departamento de Genética, Evolução, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Juliana Costa Ferreira Neves
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Ivanildes dos Santos Bastos
- Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Allyson Guimarães Costa
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinicius Guimarães Lacerda
- Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | | | - Stefanie Costa Pinto Lopes
- Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Camila Fabbri, ; Stefanie Costa Pinto Lopes,
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Targeting Artemisinin-Resistant Malaria by Repurposing the Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Drug Alisporivir. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0039222. [PMID: 36374050 PMCID: PMC9765015 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00392-22] [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: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance raises an urgent need to find new antimalarial drugs. Here, we report the rational repurposing of the anti-hepatitis C virus drug, alisporivir, a nonimmunosuppressive analog of cyclosporin A, against artemisinin-resistant strains of P. falciparum. In silico docking studies and molecular dynamic simulation predicted strong interaction of alisporivir with PfCyclophilin 19B, confirmed through biophysical assays with a Kd value of 354.3 nM. Alisporivir showed potent antimalarial activity against chloroquine-resistant (PfRKL-9 with resistance index [Ri] 2.14 ± 0.23) and artemisinin-resistant (PfKelch13R539T with Ri 1.15 ± 0.04) parasites. The Ri is defined as the ratio between the IC50 values of the resistant line to that of the sensitive line. To further investigate the mechanism involved, we analyzed the expression level of PfCyclophilin 19B in artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum (PfKelch13R539T). Semiquantitative real-time transcript, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed the overexpression of PfCyclophilin 19B in PfKelch13R539T. A 50% inhibitory concentration in the nanomolar range, together with the targeting of PfCyclophilin 19B, suggests that alisporivir can be used in combination with artemisinin. Since artemisinin resistance slows the clearance of ring-stage parasites, we performed a ring survival assay on artemisinin-resistant strain PfKelch13R539T and found significant decrease in parasite survival with alisporivir. Alisporivir was found to act synergistically with dihydroartemisinin and increase its efficacy. Furthermore, alisporivir exhibited antimalarial activity in vivo. Altogether, with the rational target-based Repurposing of alisporivir against malaria, our results support the hypothesis that targeting resistance mechanisms is a viable approach toward dealing with drug-resistant parasite.
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Saison N, Franetich JF, Pinilla YT, Hoffmann A, Boussougou-Sambe ST, Ngossanga B, Tefit M, Ashraf K, Amanzougaghene N, Tajeri S, Adegnika AA, Mazier D, Borrmann S. Rapid and Specific Action of Methylene Blue against Plasmodium Transmission Stages. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122794. [PMID: 36559287 PMCID: PMC9786052 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylene blue (MB) is the oldest synthetic anti-infective. Its high potency against asexual and sexual stages of malaria parasites is well documented. This study aimed to investigate possible additional activities of MB in interfering with parasite transmission and determine target stages in Anopheles vectors and humans. MB's transmission-blocking activity was first evaluated by an ex vivo direct membrane feeding assay (DMFA) using Plasmodium falciparum field isolates. To investigate anti-mosquito stage activity, Plasmodium berghei-infected Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes were fed a second blood meal on mice that had been treated with methylene blue, 3, 6- and 15-days after the initial infectious blood meal. Anti-sporozoite and liver stage activities were evaluated in vitro and in vivo via sporozoite invasion and liver stage development assays, respectively. MB exhibited a robust inhibition of P. falciparum transmission in An. gambiae, even when added shortly before the DMFA but only a moderate effect against P. berghei oocyst development. Exposure of mature P. berghei and P. falciparum sporozoites to MB blocked hepatocyte invasion, yet P. berghei liver stage development was unaffected by MB. Our results indicate previously underappreciated rapid specific activities of methylene blue against Plasmodium transmission stages, preventing the establishment of both mosquito midgut and liver infections as the first essential steps in both hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathanaël Saison
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné 1437, Gabon
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jean-François Franetich
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Inserm, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, U1135, ERL8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Yudi T. Pinilla
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anton Hoffmann
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné 1437, Gabon
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stravensky T. Boussougou-Sambe
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné 1437, Gabon
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Maurel Tefit
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Inserm, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, U1135, ERL8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Kutub Ashraf
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Inserm, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, U1135, ERL8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Inserm, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, U1135, ERL8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Shahin Tajeri
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Inserm, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, U1135, ERL8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Ayola A. Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné 1437, Gabon
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dominique Mazier
- Centre d’Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, Inserm, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, U1135, ERL8255, CIMI-Paris, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Steffen Borrmann
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné 1437, Gabon
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-707129-85428
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Synthesis and antimalarial activity of 7-chloroquinoline-tethered sulfonamides and their [1,2,3]-triazole hybrids. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:1725-1739. [PMID: 36453182 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0187] [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: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim & background: Drugs with multiple bioactive moieties have the advantages of multiple modes of action and fewer chances of drug resistance. In continuation of our previous work of developing hybrid antimalarials, we present herein the synthesis and antimalarial activity of two different series of 7-chloroquinoline-sulfonamide hybrids. Materials & methods: The first series of compounds were synthesized by using p-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid as a Bronsted acid catalyst in ethanol. The second series' compounds were synthesized by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azides and alkynes under click reaction conditions. Results & conclusion: The majority of these compounds demonstrated noncytotoxicity and significant antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) with IC50 values in the range of 1.49-13.49 μM. The most promising hybrids (12d, 13a and 13c) may be good starting points for next-generation antimalarials.
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Methylene Blue-Based Combination Therapy with Amodiaquine Prevents Severe Malaria in an Experimental Rodent Model. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102031. [PMID: 36297466 PMCID: PMC9611243 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Untreated malaria can progress rapidly to severe forms (<24 h). Moreover, resistance to antimalarial drugs is a threat to global efforts to protect people from malaria. Given this, it is clear that new chemotherapy must be developed. We contribute new data about using methylene blue (MB) to cure malaria and cerebral malaria in a combined therapy with common antimalarial drugs, including mefloquine (MQ) and amodiaquine (AQ). A C57BL6/J mouse model was used in an experimental cerebral malaria model. Mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA on Day 0 (D0) and the treatment started on D3 (nearly 1% parasitaemia) with AQ, MQ or MB alone or in combination with AQ or MQ. AQ, MQ and MB alone were unable to prevent cerebral malaria as part of a late chemotherapy. MB-based combination therapies were efficient even if treatment began at a late stage. We found a significant difference in survival rate (p < 0.0001) between MBAQ and the untreated group, but also with the AQ (p = 0.0024) and MB groups (p < 0.0001). All the infected mice treated with MB in combination with AQ were protected from cerebral malaria. Partial protection was demonstrated with MB associated with MQ. In this group, a significant difference was found between MBMQ and the untreated group (p < 0.0001), MQ (p = 0.0079) and MB (p = 0.0039). MB associated with AQ would be a good candidate for preventing cerebral malaria.
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Gendrot M, Madamet M, Mosnier J, Fonta I, Amalvict R, Benoit N, Briolant S, Pradines B. Baseline and multinormal distribution of ex vivo susceptibilities of Plasmodium falciparum to methylene blue in Africa, 2013-18. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:2141-2148. [PMID: 32407538 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum resistance to most antimalarial compounds has emerged in Southeast Asia and spread to Africa. In this context, the development of new antimalarial drugs is urgent. OBJECTIVES To determine the baseline in vitro activity of methylene blue (Proveblue®) on African isolates and to determine whether parasites have different phenotypes of susceptibility to methylene blue. METHODS Ex vivo susceptibility to methylene blue was measured for 609 P. falciparum isolates of patients hospitalized in France for malaria imported from Africa. A Bayesian statistical analysis was designed to describe the distribution of median effective concentration (EC50) estimates. RESULTS The EC50 ranged from 0.16 to 87.2 nM with a geometric mean of 7.17 nM (95% CI = 6.21-8.13). The 609 EC50 values were categorized into four components: A (mean = 2.5 nM; 95% CI = 2.28-2.72), B (mean = 7.44 nM; 95% CI = 7.07-7.81), C (mean = 16.29 nM; 95% CI = 15.40-17.18) and D (mean = 38.49 nM; 95% CI = 34.14-42.84). The threshold value for in vitro reduced susceptibility to methylene blue was estimated at 35 nM using the geometric mean of EC50 plus 2 SDs of the 609 isolates. This cut-off also corresponds to the lower limit of the 95% CI of the methylene blue EC50 of component D. Thirty-five isolates (5.7%) displayed EC50 values above this threshold. CONCLUSIONS Methylene blue exerts a promising efficacy against P. falciparum and is a potential partner for triple combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Gendrot
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Marylin Madamet
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Joel Mosnier
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Fonta
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Rémy Amalvict
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Benoit
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
| | - Sébastien Briolant
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Unite Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Marseille, France
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9
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Burger A, Macucule-Tinga P, Bentley SJ, Ludewig MH, Mhlongo NN, Shonhai A, Boshoff A. Characterization of an Atypical Trypanosoma brucei Hsp70 Demonstrates Its Cytosolic-Nuclear Localization and Modulation by Quercetin and Methylene Blue. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136776. [PMID: 34202520 PMCID: PMC8269394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei (Tb) harbours twelve Hsp70 chaperones. Of these, four are predicted to reside in the parasite cytosol. TbHsp70.c is predicted to be cytosolic and upregulated upon heat stress and is an ATPase that exhibits holdase chaperone function. Cytosol-localized Tbj2 stimulates the ATPase activity of TbHsp70.c. In the current study, immunofluorescence confirmed that TbHsp70.c is both a cytosolic and a nuclear protein. Furthermore, in silico analysis was used to elucidate an atypical linker and hydrophobic pocket. Tellingly, TbHsp70.c lacks the EEVD and GGMP motifs, both of which are implicated in substrate selectivity and co-chaperone binding in canonical Hsp70s. Far western analysis revealed that TbSTi1 interacts directly with TbHsp70 and TbHsp70.4, but does not bind TbHsp70.c. We further investigated the effect of quercetin and methylene blue on the Tbj2-driven ATPase activity of TbHsp70.c. We established that quercetin inhibited, whilst methylene blue enhanced, the Tbj2-stimulated ATPase activity of TbHsp70.c. Furthermore, these inhibitors were lethal to parasites. Lastly, we used molecular docking to show that quercetin and methylene blue may bind the nucleotide binding pocket of TbHsp70.c. Our findings suggest that small molecule inhibitors that target TbHsp70.c could be developed to serve as possible drug candidates against T. brucei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélle Burger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa;
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (A.B.); Tel.: +27-(0)-15-962-8620 (A.B.); +27-(0)-46-603-8630 (A.B.)
| | - Paula Macucule-Tinga
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Makhanda/Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (P.M.-T.); (S.J.B.); (M.H.L.)
| | - Stephen John Bentley
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Makhanda/Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (P.M.-T.); (S.J.B.); (M.H.L.)
| | - Michael Hans Ludewig
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Makhanda/Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (P.M.-T.); (S.J.B.); (M.H.L.)
| | - Ndumiso Nhlakanipho Mhlongo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa;
| | - Addmore Shonhai
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa;
| | - Aileen Boshoff
- Biotechnology Innovation Centre, Faculty of Science, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Makhanda/Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; (P.M.-T.); (S.J.B.); (M.H.L.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (A.B.); Tel.: +27-(0)-15-962-8620 (A.B.); +27-(0)-46-603-8630 (A.B.)
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10
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Pereira LM, de Luca G, Abichabki NDLM, Brochi JCV, Baroni L, Abreu-Filho PG, Yatsuda AP. Atovaquone, chloroquine, primaquine, quinine and tetracycline: antiproliferative effects of relevant antimalarials on Neospora caninum. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e022120. [PMID: 33787719 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that causes abortion in cattle, resulting in significant economic losses. There is no commercial treatment for neosporosis, and drug repositioning is a fast strategy to test possible candidates against N. caninum. In this article, we describe the effects of atovaquone, chloroquine, quinine, primaquine and tetracycline on N. caninum proliferation. The IC50 concentrations in N. caninum were compared to the current information based on previous studies for Plasmodium and Toxoplasma gondii, correlating to the described mechanisms of action of each tested drug. The inhibitory patterns indicate similarities and differences among N. caninum, Plasmodium and T. gondii. For example, atovaquone demonstrates high antiparasitic activity in all the analyzed models, while chloroquine does not inhibit N. caninum. On the other hand, tetracycline is effective against Plasmodium and N. caninum, despite its low activity in T. gondii models. The repurposing of antimalarial drugs in N. caninum is a fast and inexpensive way to develop novel formulations using well-established compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Miguel Pereira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Gabriela de Luca
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Nathália de Lima Martins Abichabki
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Jade Cabestre Venancio Brochi
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Péricles Gama Abreu-Filho
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - Ana Patrícia Yatsuda
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
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11
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Gendrot M, Delandre O, Robert MG, Foguim FT, Benoit N, Amalvict R, Fonta I, Mosnier J, Madamet M, Pradines B. Absence of Association between Methylene Blue Reduced Susceptibility and Polymorphisms in 12 Genes Involved in Antimalarial Drug Resistance in African Plasmodium falciparum. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14040351. [PMID: 33918981 PMCID: PMC8069138 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Half the human population is exposed to malaria. Plasmodium falciparum antimalarial drug resistance monitoring and development of new drugs are major issues related to the control of malaria. Methylene blue (MB), the oldest synthetic antimalarial, is again a promising drug after the break of its use as an antimalarial drug for more than 80 years and a potential partner for triple combination. Very few data are available on the involvement of polymorphisms on genes known to be associated with standard antimalarial drugs and parasite in vitro susceptibility to MB (cross-resistance). In this context, MB susceptibility was evaluated against 482 isolates of imported malaria from Africa by HRP2-based ELISA chemosusceptibility assay. A total of 12 genes involved in antimalarial drug resistance (Pfcrt, Pfdhfr, Pfmdr1, Pfmdr5, Pfmdr6, PfK13, Pfubq, Pfcarl, Pfugt, Pfact, Pfcoronin, and copy number of Pfpm2) were sequenced by Sanger method and quantitative PCR. On the Pfmdr1 gene, the mutation 86Y combined with 184F led to more susceptible isolates to MB (8.0 nM vs. 11.6 nM, p = 0.03). Concerning Pfmdr6, the isolates bearing 12 Asn repetitions were more susceptible to MB (4.6 nM vs. 11.6 nM, p = 0.005). None of the polymorphisms previously described as involved in antimalarial drug resistance was shown to be associated with reduced susceptibility to MB. Some genes (particularly PfK13, Pfugt, Pfact, Pfpm2) did not present enough genetic variability to draw conclusions about their involvement in reduced susceptibility to MB. None of the polymorphisms analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) had an impact on the MB susceptibility of the samples successfully included in the analysis. It seems that there is no in vitro cross-resistance between MB and commonly used antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Gendrot
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Océane Delandre
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Marie Gladys Robert
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Francis Tsombeng Foguim
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Benoit
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Rémy Amalvict
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Fonta
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Joel Mosnier
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Marylin Madamet
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 13005 Marseille, France; (M.G.); (O.D.); (M.G.R.); (F.T.F.); (N.B.); (R.A.); (I.F.); (J.M.); (M.M.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, 13005 Marseille, France
- Correspondence:
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12
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Pandey I, Quadiri A, Wadi I, Pillai CR, Singh AP, Das A. Conserved Plasmodium Protein (PF3D7_0406000) of Unknown Function: In-silico Analysis and Cellular Localization. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 92:104848. [PMID: 33823306 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In spite of a decrease in malaria cases, the threat of malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum still prevails. The sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum reveals that approximately 60% of the Plasmodium genes code for hypothetical/putative proteins. Here we report an in silico characterization and localization of one such protein. This was encoded by one of the hub genes, in a weighted gene co-expression based systems network, from in-vivo samples of patients suffering from uncomplicated malaria or complicated malaria disease like jaundice and jaundice with renal failure. Interestingly, the protein PF3D7_0406000 (PFD0300w) is classified as a conserved protein of unknown function and shows no identity with any protein from the human host. The transcriptomic data shows up-regulation of transcripts in cases of malaria induced disease complications. PFD0300w peptide antibody based immunolocalization studies using a, gametocyte producing P. falciparum strain RKL-9, shows presence of the protein in the cytoplasm of both asexual and sexual stage parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Pandey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (Pilani Campus), Rajasthan, India
| | - Afshana Quadiri
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Ishan Wadi
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - C R Pillai
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Agam P Singh
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.
| | - Ashis Das
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (Pilani Campus), Rajasthan, India.
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13
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Snider D, Weathers PJ. In vitro reduction of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes: Artemisia spp. tea infusions vs. artemisinin. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 268:113638. [PMID: 33271239 PMCID: PMC7855472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Artemisia annua has a long history of use in Southeast Asia where it was used to treat "fever", and A. afra has a similar history in southern Africa. Since their discovery, A. annua use, in particular, has expanded globally with millions of people using the plant in therapeutic tea infusions, mainly to treat malaria. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we used in vitro studies to query if and how A. annua and A. afra tea infusions being used across the globe affect asexual Plasmodium falciparum parasites, and their sexual gametocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS P. falciparumstrain NF54 was grown in vitro, synchronized, and induced to form gametocytes using N-acetylglucosamine. Cultures during asexual, early, and late stage gametocytogenesis were treated with artemisinin, methylene blue, and A. annua and A. afra tea infusions (5 g DW/L) using cultivars that contained 0-283 μM artemisinin. Asexual parasitemia and gametocytemia were analyzed microscopically. Gametocyte morphology also was scored. Markers of early (PfGEXP5) and late stage (Pfs25) gametocyte gene expression also were measured using RT-qPCR. RESULTS Both A. annua and A. afra tea infusions reduced gametocytemia in vitro, and the effect was mainly artemisinin dependent. Expression levels of both marker genes were reduced and also occurred with the effect mainly attributed to artemisinin content of four tested Artemisia cultivars. Tea infusions of both species also inhibited asexual parasitemia and although mainly artemisinin dependent, there was a weak antiparasitic effect from artemisinin-deficient A. afra. CONCLUSIONS These results showed that A. annua and to a lesser extent, A. afra, inhibited parasitemia and gametocytemia in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Snider
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
| | - Pamela J Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
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14
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Chawla J, Oberstaller J, Adams JH. Targeting Gametocytes of the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum in a Functional Genomics Era: Next Steps. Pathogens 2021; 10:346. [PMID: 33809464 PMCID: PMC7999360 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito transmission of the deadly malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is mediated by mature sexual forms (gametocytes). Circulating in the vertebrate host, relatively few intraerythrocytic gametocytes are picked up during a bloodmeal to continue sexual development in the mosquito vector. Human-to-vector transmission thus represents an infection bottleneck in the parasite's life cycle for therapeutic interventions to prevent malaria. Even though recent progress has been made in the identification of genetic factors linked to gametocytogenesis, a plethora of genes essential for sexual-stage development are yet to be unraveled. In this review, we revisit P. falciparum transmission biology by discussing targetable features of gametocytes and provide a perspective on a forward-genetic approach for identification of novel transmission-blocking candidates in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Chawla
- Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, MDC 7, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Jenna Oberstaller
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 404, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - John H. Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 404, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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15
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Investigation of factors affecting the production of P. falciparum gametocytes in an Indian isolate. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:55. [PMID: 33489674 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02586-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The fundamental requirement of every gametocytocidal drug screening assay is the sufficient numbers of healthy and viable gametocytes. The number of in vitro gametocytes grossly depends on the genetic capacity of parasites to produce gametocytes and on various environmental factors that are not precisely elucidated. In the present study, we tested multiple environmental factors that are reported, hypothesized, or predicted to influence gametocyte numbers. We observed that hypoxanthine and the use of freshly drawn human blood significantly enhance gametocytemia (p < 0.05) in vitro. However, other tested factors did not significantly affect gametocytemia. The addition of N-acetyl glucosamine to the culture enriched the gametocytes but d-sorbitol (5% v/v) in amounts and duration of incubation tested was unable to do so without negatively affecting the maturity and health of the gametocytes. Although the in vitro gametocyte production depends on the genetic capability of the parasite strain tested, various environmental factors also control the ability of the strain to produce gametocytes up to a certain extent. This is the first study testing the role of various environmental factors that might affect the gametocyte development in a gametocyte producing strain. The results presented herein will help in the optimization of gametocyte production procedures for various gametocytocidal drug screening assays.
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Abstract
As the world gets closer to eliminating malaria, the scientific community worldwide has begun to realize the importance of malaria transmission-blocking interventions. The onus of breaking the life cycle of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum predominantly rests upon transmission-blocking drugs because of emerging resistance to commonly used schizonticides and insecticides. This third part of our review series on malaria transmission-blocking entails transmission-blocking potential of preclinical transmission-blocking antimalarials and other non-malaria drugs/experimental compounds that are not in clinical or preclinical development for malaria but possess transmission-blocking potential. Collective analysis of the structure and the activity of these experimental compounds might pave the way toward generation of novel prototypes of next-generation transmission-blocking drugs.
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17
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Batra N, Rajendran V, Wadi I, Lathwal A, Dutta RK, Ghosh PC, Gupta RD, Nath M. Synthesis, characterization, and antiplasmodial efficacy of sulfonamide‐appended [1,2,3]‐triazoles. J Heterocycl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.3888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Batra
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Delhi Delhi 110 007 India
| | - Vinoth Rajendran
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Delhi South Campus New Delhi India
| | - Ishan Wadi
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Delhi Delhi 110 007 India
| | - Ankit Lathwal
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Delhi Delhi 110 007 India
| | - Roshan Kumar Dutta
- Faculty of Life Sciences and BiotechnologySouth Asian University New Delhi India
| | - Prahlad C. Ghosh
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Delhi South Campus New Delhi India
| | - Rinkoo D. Gupta
- Faculty of Life Sciences and BiotechnologySouth Asian University New Delhi India
| | - Mahendra Nath
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Delhi Delhi 110 007 India
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Abstract
The scientific community worldwide has realized that malaria elimination will not be possible without development of safe and effective transmission-blocking interventions. Primaquine, the only WHO recommended transmission-blocking drug, is not extensively utilized because of the toxicity issues in G6PD deficient individuals. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic interventions that can target malaria parasites and effectively block transmission. But at first, it is imperative to unravel the existing portfolio of transmission-blocking drugs. This review highlights transmission-blocking potential of current antimalarial drugs and drugs that are in various stages of clinical development. The collective analysis of the relationships between the structure and the activity of transmission-blocking drugs is expected to help in the design of new transmission-blocking antimalarials.
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19
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Computational and experimental elucidation of Plasmodium falciparum phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase inhibitors: Pivotal drug target. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221032. [PMID: 31437171 PMCID: PMC6705855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Plasmodium falciparum synthesizes phosphatidylcholine for the membrane development through serine decarboxylase-phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase pathway for growth in human host. Phosphoethanolamine-methyltransferase (PfPMT) is a crucial enzyme for the synthesis of phosphocholine which is a precursor for phosphatidylcholine synthesis and is considered as a pivotal drug target as it is absent in the host. The inhibition of PfPMT may kill malaria parasite and hence is being considered as potential target for rational antimalarial drug designing. METHODS In this study, we have used computer aided drug designing (CADD) approaches to establish potential PfPMT inhibitors from Asinex compound library virtually screened for ADMET and the docking affinity. The selected compounds were tested for in-vitro schizonticidal, gametocidal and cytotoxicity activity. Nontoxic compounds were further studied for PfPMT enzyme specificity and antimalarial efficacy for P. berghei in albino mice model. RESULTS Our results have identified two nontoxic PfPMT competitive inhibitors ASN.1 and ASN.3 with better schizonticidal and gametocidal activity which were found to inhibit PfPMT at IC50 1.49μM and 2.31μM respectively. The promising reduction in parasitaemia was found both in orally (50 & 10 mg/kg) and intravenous (IV) (5& 1 mg/kg) however, the better growth inhibition was found in intravenous groups. CONCLUSION We report that the compounds containing Pyridinyl-Pyrimidine and Phenyl-Furan scaffolds as the potential inhibitors of PfPMT and thus may act as promising antimalarial inhibitor candidates which can be further optimized and used as leads for template based antimalarial drug development.
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Singh J, Mansuri R, Vijay S, Sahoo GC, Sharma A, Kumar M. Docking predictions based Plasmodium falciparum phosphoethanolamine methyl transferase inhibitor identification and in-vitro antimalarial activity analysis. BMC Chem 2019; 13:43. [PMID: 31384791 PMCID: PMC6661969 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-019-0551-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased multidrug resistance among antimalarial drugs produces the urgency of potent anti malarial to combat resistant malaria and the malaria burden worldwide. The protein which may prevent the growth or transmission of malaria parasite may be the great target for rational drug designing. Plasmodium falciparum phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase (Pfpmt) absent in human catalyzes triple methylation of ethanolamine into phosphocholine for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis from serine decarboxylation phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase pathway for the membrane development at asexual as well as sexual stages of parasite. The Plasmodium requires production of membrane rapidly for growth and multiplication. Hence, the phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase of Plasmodium falciparum was selected as drug target for rational drug designing. Using Discovery studio 3.5 software the library of zinc compounds was screened against target and analyzed. The compounds with better druglike properties and docking affinity and binding interaction for target protein were procured for in vitro analysis against Plasmodium falciparum culture (IC50). Compounds ZINC02103914 and ZINC12882412 were found to have good druglike properties and affinity for Pfpmt also inhibited P. falciparum growth at very low µM IC50 concentration 3.0 µM and 2.1 µM respectively also found nontoxic in vitro against HEK-293 cells. Simulation study of best inhibitor revealed the specificity for the target protein. Hence, the compounds possessed the immense probability of being inhibitors of Pfpmt and may be optimized as antimalarial agent for combinational therapy to overcome the multidrug resistance and may also be used as template for optimization and rational drug designing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagbir Singh
- 1Division of Protein Biochemistry and Structural Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR), Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi 110 077 India.,5Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
| | - Rani Mansuri
- 2School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram, India
| | - Sonam Vijay
- Division of ECD, Indian Council of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Ganesh Chandra Sahoo
- 4Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute, Patna, India
| | - Arun Sharma
- 1Division of Protein Biochemistry and Structural Biology, National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR), Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi 110 077 India
| | - Mahesh Kumar
- 5Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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Wadi I, Prasad D, Batra N, Srivastava K, Anvikar AR, Valecha N, Nath M. Targeting Asexual and Sexual Blood Stages of the Human Malaria Parasite P. falciparum with 7-Chloroquinoline-Based 1,2,3-Triazoles. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:484-493. [PMID: 30609264 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Novel 4-amino-7-chloroquinoline-based 1,2,3-triazole hybrids were synthesised in good yields by CuI -catalysed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of 2-azido-N-(7-chloroquinolin-4-ylaminoalkyl)acetamides with various terminal alkynes. These new hybrids were screened in vitro against asexual blood stages of the chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain of P. falciparum. The most active compounds were further screened against asexual and sexual stages (gametocytes) of the chloroquine-resistant RKL-9 strain of P. falciparum. Although all compounds were less potent than chloroquine against the 3D7 strain, the three best compounds were appreciably more active than chloroquine against the RKL-9 strain, displaying IC50 values of <100 nm, with one of them having an IC50 of 2.94 nm. Further, the lead compounds were gametocytocidal with IC50 values in the micromolar range, and were observed to induce morphological deformations in mature gametocytes. Most compounds demonstrated little or no cytotoxicity and exhibited good selectivity indices. The most active compounds represent promising candidates for further evaluation of their schizonticidal and gametocytocidal potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishan Wadi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Davinder Prasad
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Neha Batra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Kumkum Srivastava
- Parasitology Division, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, 226031, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anupkumar R Anvikar
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Neena Valecha
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Mahendra Nath
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
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Critical examination of approaches exploited to assess the effectiveness of transmission-blocking drugs for malaria. Future Med Chem 2018; 10:2619-2639. [PMID: 30499742 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In the absence of clinically proven vaccines and emerging resistance to common antimalarials and insecticides, the onus of interrupting the life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum, is upon the transmission-blocking drugs. Current transmission-blocking drug primaquine finds its use restricted because of associated hemolytic toxicity issues in Glucose-6-Phosphate-Dehydrogenase deficient individuals. This article provides an extensive review of the assays used by the investigators to evaluate the transmission-blocking activity of drugs. Furthermore, limitations in existing transmission-blocking assessment approaches/studies are also covered in detail. This review is expected to help in the identification of lacunae in current understanding of transmission-blocking strategies, which are hindering our efforts to develop sustainable and effective transmission-blocking interventions.
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Nadeem SMS, Saeed R. The kinetics of photo-induced chemical transformation reaction of methylene blue and titanium trichloride in different solvents. J CHIN CHEM SOC-TAIP 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/jccs.201800106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rehana Saeed
- Department of Chemistry; University of Karachi; Karachi Pakistan
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