1
|
Cabral FV, Riahi M, Persheyev S, Lian C, Cortez M, Samuel IDW, Ribeiro MS. Photodynamic therapy offers a novel approach to managing miltefosine-resistant cutaneous leishmaniasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116881. [PMID: 38917757 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected disease caused by Leishmania parasites. The oral drug miltefosine is effective, but there is a growing problem of drug resistance, which has led to increasing treatment failure rates and relapse of infections. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) combines a light source and a photoactive drug to promote cell death by oxidative stress. Although PDT is effective against several pathogens, its use against drug-resistant Leishmania parasites remains unexplored. Herein, we investigated the potential of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as wearable light sources, which would enable at-home use or ambulatory treatment of CL. We also assessed its impact on combating miltefosine resistance in Leishmania amazonensis-induced CL in mice. The in vitro activity of OLEDs combined with 1,9-dimethyl-methylene blue (DMMB) (OLED-PDT) was evaluated against wild-type and miltefosine-resistant L. amazonensis strains in promastigote (EC50 = 0.034 μM for both strains) and amastigote forms (EC50 = 0.052 μM and 0.077 μM, respectively). Cytotoxicity in macrophages and fibroblasts was also evaluated. In vivo, we investigated the potential of OLED-PDT in combination with miltefosine using different protocols. Our results demonstrate that OLED-PDT is effective in killing both strains of L. amazonensis by increasing reactive oxygen species and stimulating nitric oxide production. Moreover, OLED-PDT showed great antileishmanial activity in vivo, allowing the reduction of miltefosine dose by half in infected mice using a light dose of 7.8 J/cm2 and 15 μM DMMB concentration. In conclusion, OLED-PDT emerges as a new avenue for at-home care and allows a combination therapy to overcome drug resistance in cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda V Cabral
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mina Riahi
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
| | - Saydulla Persheyev
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
| | - Cheng Lian
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
| | - Mauro Cortez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (ICB/USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ifor D W Samuel
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK.
| | - Martha S Ribeiro
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carrara GMP, Stolf BS. FVB/NJ strain as a mouse model for cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2024; 119:e230182. [PMID: 38511814 PMCID: PMC10941652 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760230182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniases encompass a spectrum of neglected diseases caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania, grouped in two forms: tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis. OBJECTIVES In this study, we propose Friend Virus B NIH Jackson (FVB/NJ) mouse strain as a new experimental model of infection with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, the second most prevalent agent of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil. METHODS AND FINDINGS We performed in vitro infections of FVB/NJ macrophages and compared them with BALB/c macrophages, showing that BALB/c cells have higher infection percentages and a higher number of amastigotes/cell. Phagocytosis assays indicated that BALB/c and FVB/NJ macrophages have similar capacity to uptake parasites after 5 min incubations. We also investigated promastigotes' resistance to sera from FVB/NJ and BALB/c and observed no difference between the two sera, even though FVB/NJ has a deficiency in complement components. Finally, we subcutaneously infected FVB/NJ and BALB/c mice with 2 × 106 parasites expressing luciferase. Analysis of lesion development for 12 weeks showed that FVB/NJ and BALB/c mice have similar lesion profiles and parasite burdens. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This work characterises for the first time the FVB/NJ mouse as a new model for tegumentary leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Beatriz Simonsen Stolf
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cruz MGFDML, Santi AMM, de Morais-Teixeira E, Caldeira ASP, de Siqueira EP, Oliveira E, Alves TMDA, Murta SMF. Anti- Leishmania compounds can be screened using Leishmania spp. expressing red fluorescence ( tdTomato). Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0050923. [PMID: 38063403 PMCID: PMC10777850 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00509-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The main challenges associated with leishmaniasis chemotherapy are drug toxicity, the possible emergence of resistant parasites, and a limited choice of therapeutic agents. Therefore, new drugs and assays to screen and detect novel active compounds against leishmaniasis are urgently needed. We thus validated Leishmania braziliensis (Lb) and Leishmania infantum (Li) that constitutively express the tandem tomato red fluorescent protein (tdTomato) as a model for large-scale screens of anti-Leishmania compounds. Confocal microscopy of Lb and Li::tdTomato revealed red fluorescence distributed throughout the entire parasite, including the flagellum, and flow cytometry confirmed that the parasites emitted intense fluorescence. We evaluated the infectivity of cloned promastigotes and amastigotes constitutively expressing tdTomato, their growth profiles in THP-1 macrophages, and susceptibility to trivalent antimony, amphotericin, and miltefosine in vitro. The phenotypes of mutant and wild-type parasites were similar, indicating that the constitutive expression of tdTomato did not interfere with the evaluated parameters. We applied our validated model to a repositioning strategy and assessed the susceptibility of the parasites to eight commercially available drugs. We also screened 32 natural plant and fungal extracts and 10 pure substances to reveal new active compounds. The infectivity and Glucantime treatment efficacy of BALB/c mice and golden hamsters infected with Lb and Li::tdTomato mutant lines, respectively, were very similar compared to animals infected with wild-type parasites. Standardizing our methodology would offer more rapid, less expensive, and easier assays to screen of compounds against L. braziliensis and L. infantum in vitro and in vivo. Our method could also enhance the discovery of active compounds for treating leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariza Gabriela Faleiro de Moura Lodi Cruz
- Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz FIOCRUZ Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Química de Produtos Naturais Bioativos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz FIOCRUZ Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Murta Santi
- Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz FIOCRUZ Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eliane de Morais-Teixeira
- Pesquisa Clínica e Políticas Públicas em Doenças Infecto-Parasitárias, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz FIOCRUZ Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alisson Samuel Portes Caldeira
- Química de Produtos Naturais Bioativos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz FIOCRUZ Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ezequias Pessoa de Siqueira
- Química de Produtos Naturais Bioativos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz FIOCRUZ Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Edward Oliveira
- Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz FIOCRUZ Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tânia Maria de Almeida Alves
- Química de Produtos Naturais Bioativos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz FIOCRUZ Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Silvane Maria Fonseca Murta
- Genômica Funcional de Parasitos, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz FIOCRUZ Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mor B, Görmez A, Demirci B. Immunopathological investigation of a gerbil model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106991. [PMID: 37479161 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106991] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania species (intracellular protozoans), is a chronic, systemic disease that causes skin (cutaneous) and internal organ infections (visceral). Its prevalence has increased in recent years. Leishmania species are considered important pathogens that affect public health. After infecting an individual, the pathogen disrupts the immune system, but, there are not enough studies on which immune mechanisms are affected. The aim of this study was to establish a Leishmania major infection model (the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis) in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) and to investigate the immune response in this model by examining the expression of important inflammatory genes (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IFN-ɣ and TNF-α). The presence of parasites was confirmed by microscopic examination of samples taken from the lesions and culture studies. The expression of inflammatory cytokine genes was significantly increased in infected gerbils. The changes indicated that both the Th1 and Th2 pathways are activated in cutaneous leishmaniasis infection. Hence, different immunopathological mechanisms should be evaluated in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baycan Mor
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Türkiye.
| | - Arzu Görmez
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylul University, 35390, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Berna Demirci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bhattacharya S, Bhattacharyya T, Khanra S, Banerjee R, Dash J. Nucleoside-Derived Metallohydrogel Induces Cell Death in Leishmania Parasites. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1676-1684. [PMID: 37606735 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00635] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled hydrogels by virtue of their unique 3D network and tunability have extensively been explored for bio-medical applications like tissue engineering, delivery and release of therapeutic agents, etc. Herein, we demonstrate for the first-time nucleoside-based biocompatible hydrogels with a remarkable leishmanicidal effect against both Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes and no cytotoxic effect on the macrophage cell line. In this work, a series of biocompatible hydrogels have been synthesized by silver ion-driven self-assembly of natural nucleoside and nucleotide-like cytidine and 5'-GMP. The supramolecular metallogel obtained from the assembly of cytidine and boronic acid is capable of inducing apoptotic-like cell death of protozoan parasite by causing damage to the membrane as well as DNA. These hydrogels could find promising applications in combating cutaneous leishmaniasis by topical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Semantee Bhattacharya
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Tanima Bhattacharyya
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Supriya Khanra
- Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Rahul Banerjee
- Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata 700064, India
| | - Jyotirmayee Dash
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Afonso RC, Yien RMK, de Siqueira LBDO, Simas NK, Dos Santos Matos AP, Ricci-Júnior E. Promising natural products for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: A review of in vitro and in vivo studies. Exp Parasitol 2023; 251:108554. [PMID: 37268108 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Although there are available treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), the drugs used are far from ideal, toxic, and costly, in addition to the challenge faced by the development of resistance. Plants have been used as a source of natural compounds with antileishmanial action. However, few have reached the market and become phytomedicines with registration in regulatory agencies. Difficulties related to the extraction, purification, chemical identification, efficacy, safety, and production in sufficient quantity for clinical studies, hinder the emergence of new effective phytomedicines against leishmaniasis. Despite the difficulties reported, the major research centers in the world see that natural products are a trend concerning the treatment of leishmaniasis. The present work consists of a literature review of articles with in vivo studies, covering the period from January 2011 to December 2022, providing an overview of promising natural products for CL treatment. The papers show encouraging antileishmanial action of natural compounds with reduced parasite load and lesion size in animal models, suggesting new strategies for the treatment of the disease. The results reported in this review show advances in using natural products as safe and effective formulations, which can stimulate clinical studies to establish clinical therapy. In conclusion, the information in this review article serves as a preliminary basis for establishing a therapeutic protocol for future clinical trials that can validate the safety and efficacy of natural compounds, providing the development of affordable and safe phytomedicines for the treatment of CL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhuane Coutinho Afonso
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Mara Kao Yien
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratory of Natural Products and Biological Assays, Department of Natural Products and Food, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Naomi Kato Simas
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Biological Assays, Department of Natural Products and Food, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Dos Santos Matos
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ricci-Júnior
- Galenic Development Laboratory (LADEG), Department of Drugs and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Barazorda-Ccahuana HL, Goyzueta-Mamani LD, Candia Puma MA, Simões de Freitas C, de Sousa Vieria Tavares G, Pagliara Lage D, Ferraz Coelho EA, Chávez-Fumagalli MA. Computer-aided drug design approaches applied to screen natural product's structural analogs targeting arginase in Leishmania spp. F1000Res 2023; 12:93. [PMID: 37424744 PMCID: PMC10323282 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.129943.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a disease with high mortality rates and approximately 1.5 million new cases each year. Despite the new approaches and advances to fight the disease, there are no effective therapies. Methods: Hence, this study aims to screen for natural products' structural analogs as new drug candidates against leishmaniasis. We applied Computer-aided drug design (CADD) approaches, such as virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) binding free estimation, and free energy perturbation (FEP) aiming to select structural analogs from natural products that have shown anti-leishmanial and anti-arginase activities and that could bind selectively against the Leishmania arginase enzyme. Results: The compounds 2H-1-benzopyran, 3,4-dihydro-2-(2-methylphenyl)-(9CI), echioidinin, and malvidin showed good results against arginase targets from three parasite species and negative results for potential toxicities. The echioidinin and malvidin ligands generated interactions in the active center at pH 2.0 conditions by MM-GBSA and FEP methods. Conclusions: This work suggests the potential anti-leishmanial activity of the compounds and thus can be further in vitro and in vivo experimentally validated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Luz Barazorda-Ccahuana
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria de Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Luis Daniel Goyzueta-Mamani
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria de Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru
- Sustainable Innovative Biomaterials Department, Le Qara Research Center, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Mayron Antonio Candia Puma
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria de Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru
- Universidad Católica de Santa María, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Bioquímicas y Biotecnológicas, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Camila Simões de Freitas
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grasiele de Sousa Vieria Tavares
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela Pagliara Lage
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria de Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
van der Ende J, Schallig HDFH. Leishmania Animal Models Used in Drug Discovery: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101650. [PMID: 37238080 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Many different animal models are in use for drug development for leishmaniasis, but a universal model does not exist. There is a plethora of models, and this review assesses their design, quality, and limitations, including the attention paid to animal welfare in the study design and execution. A systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines of available literature after the year 2000 describing animal models for leishmaniasis. The risk of bias was determined using the SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias assessment tool. A total of 10,980 records were initially identified after searching the databases PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and SciELO. Based on the application of predetermined exclusion and inclusion criteria, a total of 203 papers describing 216 animal experiments were available for full analysis. Major reasons for exclusion were a lack of essential study information or appropriate ethical review and approval. Mice (82.8%; an average of 35.9 animals per study) and hamsters (17.1%; an average of 7.4 animals per study) were the most frequently used animals, mostly commercially sourced, in the included studies. All studies lacked a formal sample size analysis. The promastigote stages of L. amazonensis or L. major were most frequently used to establish experimental infections (single inoculum). Animal welfare was poorly addressed in all included studies, as the definition of a human end-point or consideration of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) was hardly addressed. Most animals were euthanized at the termination of the experiment. The majority of the studies had an unknown or high risk of bias. Animal experiments for drug development for leishmaniasis mainly poorly designed and of low quality, lack appropriate ethical review, and are deficient in essential information needed to replicate and interpret the study. Importantly, aspects of animal welfare are hardly considered. This underpins the need to better consider and record the details of the study design and animal welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob van der Ende
- Fundación Quina Care Ecuador, Puerto el Carmen de Putumayo 210350, Sucumbíos, Ecuador
| | - Henk D F H Schallig
- Experimental Parasitology Unit, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Academic Medical Centre at the University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Araujo Flores GV, Sandoval Pacheco CM, Ferreira AF, Tomokane TY, Nunes JB, Colombo FA, Sosa-Ochoa WH, Zúniga C, Silveira FT, Corbett CEP, Laurenti MD. Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi isolated from skin lesions of patients affected by non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis lead to visceral lesion in hamsters. Parasitol Int 2023; 93:102723. [PMID: 36566911 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In Central America, Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi infection causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the course of an experimental infection in hamsters caused by L. (L.) infantum chagasi isolated from patients affected by NUCL compared with a strain isolated from a patient with VL. Stationary phase parasites in culture were inoculated through subcutaneous and intraperitoneal routes in hamsters. Following the post-infection times, a histopathological study, parasite load and cytokine determination in skin from the cutaneous inoculation site and viscera were performed. Animals subcutaneously infected with the different strains did not develop macroscopic lesions at the inoculation site, and the histopathological changes in the dermis were very slight. Regarding the histopathological study of the viscera, we observed the portal mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, the presence of nodules in the hepatic parenchyma and the proliferation of macrophages in the spleen, which increased over the infection course. Overall, the parasite load in the liver and spleen and in the total IgG titres in the sera of infected hamster showed an increase with the time of infection, regardless of the route of inoculation. Regarding cellular immunity, we did not observe an increase or decrease in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines compared to the healthy control, except for IL-10, which was evident in the infected animals. The data showed that strains isolated from NUCL cause visceral lesions in the hamsters regardless of the route of inoculation, and they were similar to parasites isolated from VL humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela V Araujo Flores
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carmen M Sandoval Pacheco
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Aurea F Ferreira
- Laboratório de Investigação Médica, LIM50, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, HCFMUSP, SP, Brazil
| | - Thaise Yumie Tomokane
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wilfredo H Sosa-Ochoa
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Concepción Zúniga
- Departamento de Vigilancia de la Salud, Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Fernando T Silveira
- Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, PA, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Carlos E P Corbett
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia D Laurenti
- Laboratório de Patologia de Moléstias Infecciosas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dimmer JA, Cabral FV, Núñez Montoya SC, Ribeiro MS. Towards effective natural anthraquinones to mediate antimicrobial photodynamic therapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 42:103525. [PMID: 36966867 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103525] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an important tropical neglected disease with broad geographical dispersion. The lack of effective drugs has raised an urgent need to improve CL treatment, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) has been investigated as a new strategy to face it with positive outcomes. Natural compounds have emerged as promising photosensitizers (PSs), but their use in vivo remains unexplored. PURPOSE In this work, we investigated the potential of three natural anthraquinones (AQs) on CL induced by Leishmania amazonensis in BALB/c mice. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS ANIMALS WERE INFECTED AND RANDOMLY DIVIDED INTO FOUR GROUPS: CG (control, non-treated group), G5ClSor-gL (treated with 5-chlorosoranjidiol and green LED, 520±10 nm), GSor-bL and GBisor-bL (treated with soranjidiol and bisoranjidiol, respectively, exposed to violet-blue LED, 410±10 nm). All AQs were assayed at 10 μM and LEDs delivered a radiant exposure of 45 J/cm2 with an irradiance of 50 mW/cm2. We assessed the parasite burden in real time for three consecutive days. Lesion evolution and pain score were assessed over 3 weeks after a single APDT session. RESULTS G5ClSor-gL was able to sustain low levels of parasite burden over time. Besides, GSor-bL showed a smaller lesion area than the control group, inhibiting the disease progression. CONCLUSION Taken together, our data demonstrate that monoAQs are promising compounds for pursuing the best protocol for treating CL and helping to face this serious health problem. Studies involving host-pathogen interaction as well as monoAQ-mediated PDT immune response are also encouraged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesica A Dimmer
- Universidad Nacional Córdoba. Fac. Cs. Químicas. Dpto. Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Edificio de Ciencias 2, Medina Allende y Haya de La Torre, Ciudad Universitaria. CP, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), CONICET. Av. Vélez Sarsfield 1666 CP, X5016GCN Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Fernanda V Cabral
- Centro de Lasers e Aplicações, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Av. Lineu Prestes 2242, C. Universitária "Armando de Salles Oliveira", CEP 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Susana C Núñez Montoya
- Universidad Nacional Córdoba. Fac. Cs. Químicas. Dpto. Ciencias Farmacéuticas. Edificio de Ciencias 2, Medina Allende y Haya de La Torre, Ciudad Universitaria. CP, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina; Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), CONICET. Av. Vélez Sarsfield 1666 CP, X5016GCN Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Martha S Ribeiro
- Centro de Lasers e Aplicações, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Av. Lineu Prestes 2242, C. Universitária "Armando de Salles Oliveira", CEP 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Meira RDMV, Gomes SLDS, Schaeffer E, Da Silva T, Brito ACDS, Siqueira LM, Inácio JD, Almeida-Amaral EE, Da-Cruz AM, Bezerra-Paiva M, Neves RH, Rodrigues LS, Dutra PML, Costa PRR, da Silva AJM, Da-Silva SAG. Low doses of 3-phenyl-lawsone or meglumine antimoniate delivery by tattooing route are successful in reducing parasite load in cutaneous lesions of Leishmania ( Viannia) braziliensis-infected hamsters. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1025359. [PMID: 36743305 PMCID: PMC9892647 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1025359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Current therapeutic ways adopted for the treatment of leishmaniasis are toxic and expensive including parasite resistance is a growing problem. Given this scenario, it is urgent to explore treatment alternatives for leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 3-phenyl-lawsone (3-PL) naphthoquinone on Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infection, both in vitro and in vivo, using two local routes of administration: subcutaneous (higher dose) and tattoo (lower dose). In vitro 3-PL showed low toxicity for macrophages (CC50 >3200 µM/48h) and activity against intracellular amastigotes (IC50 = 193 ± 19 µM/48h) and promastigotes (IC50 = 116 ± 26 µM/72h), in which induced increased ROS generation. Additionally, 3-PL up-regulated the production of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 in infected macrophages. However, the anti-amastigote action was independent of nitric oxide production. Treatment of hamsters infected with L. (V.) braziliensis from one week after infection with 3-PL by subcutaneous (25 µg/Kg) or tattooing (2.5 µg/Kg) route, during 3 weeks (3 times/week) or 2 weeks (2 times/week) significantly decreased the parasite load (p<0.001) in the lesion. The reduction of parasite load by 3-PL treatment was comparable to reference drug meglumine antimoniate administered by the same routes (subcutaneous 1mg/Kg and tattoo 0.1mg/Kg). In addition, treatment started from five weeks after infection with 3-PL per tattoo also decreased the parasite load. These results show the anti-leishmanial effect of 3-PL against L. (V.) braziliensis and its efficacy by subcutaneous (higher dose) and tattoo (lower dose) routes. In addition, this study shows that drug delivery by tattooing the lesion allows the use of lower doses than the conventional subcutaneous route, which may support the development of a new therapeutic strategy that can be adopted for leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Lins da Silva Gomes
- Laboratório de Catálise Orgânica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edgar Schaeffer
- Laboratório de Catálise Orgânica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thayssa Da Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Moreira Siqueira
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Job Domingos Inácio
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Alda Maria Da-Cruz
- Disciplina de Parasitologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Milla Bezerra-Paiva
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renata Heisler Neves
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Romero Lascasas Porto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Amaral Gonçalves Da-Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,*Correspondence: Silvia Amaral Gonçalves Da-Silva,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
dos Santos RF, Da Silva T, Brito ACDS, Inácio JD, Ventura BD, Mendes MAP, Azevedo BF, Siqueira LM, Almeida-Amaral EE, Dutra PML, Da-Silva SAG. Therapeutic effect of oral quercetin in hamsters infected with Leishmania Viannia braziliensis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 12:1059168. [PMID: 36710981 PMCID: PMC9880276 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1059168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by several species of intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania that present manifestations ranging from cutaneous ulcers to the fatal visceral form. Leishmania Viannia braziliensis is an important species associated with American tegumentary leishmaniasis and the main agent in Brazil, with variable sensitivity to available drugs. The search for new therapeutic alternatives to treat leishmaniasis is an urgent need, especially for endemic countries. Not only is quercetin well known for its antioxidant activity in radical scavenging but also several other biological effects are described, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pro-oxidant activities. This study aimed to investigate the flavonoid quercetin's therapeutic potential in L. (V.) braziliensis infection. Quercetin showed antiamastigote (IC50 of 21 ± 2.5 µM) and antipromastigote (25 ± 0.7 µM) activities and a selectivity index of 22. The treatment of uninfected or L. (V.) braziliensis-infected macrophages with quercetin increased reactive oxygen species (ROS)/H202 generation without altering Nitric Oxide (NO) production. Oral treatment with quercetin of infected hamsters, starting at 1 week of infection for 8 weeks, reduced the lesion thickness (p > 0.01) and parasite load (p > 0.001). The results of this study suggest that the antiamastigote activity of the flavonoid quercetin in vitro is associated, at least in part, with the modulation of ROS production by macrophages. The efficacy of oral quercetin treatment in hamsters infected with L. (V.) braziliensis was presented for the first time and shows its promising therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosiane Freire dos Santos
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thayssa Da Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andréia Carolinne de Souza Brito
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Job Domingos Inácio
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanossomatídeos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bianca Domingues Ventura
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michely Aparecida Polido Mendes
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Fonseca Azevedo
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Larissa Moreira Siqueira
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Patrícia Maria Lourenço Dutra
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia do Exercício, Disciplina de Parasitologia/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Silvia Amaral Gonçalves Da-Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia Parasitária, Disciplina de Parasitologia/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Leishmaniasis (visceral and cutaneous), Chagas disease and human African trypanosomiasis cause substantial death and morbidity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although the situation has improved for human African trypanosomiasis, there remains an urgent need for new medicines to treat leishmaniasis and Chagas disease; the clinical development pipeline is particularly sparse for Chagas disease. In this Review, we describe recent advances in our understanding of the biology of the causative pathogens, particularly from the drug discovery perspective, and we explore the progress that has been made in the development of new drug candidates and the identification of promising molecular targets. We also explore the challenges in developing new clinical candidates and discuss potential solutions to overcome such hurdles.
Collapse
|
14
|
Gopu B, Kour P, Pandian R, Singh K. Insights into the drug screening approaches in leishmaniasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109591. [PMID: 36700771 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a tropically neglected disease, is responsible for the high mortality and morbidity ratio in poverty-stricken areas. Currently, no vaccine is available for the complete cure of the disease. Current chemotherapeutic regimens face the limitations of drug resistance and toxicity concerns indicating a great need to develop better chemotherapeutic leads that are orally administrable, potent, non-toxic, and cost-effective. The anti-leishmanial drug discovery process accelerated the desire for large-scale drug screening assays and high-throughput screening (HTS) technology to identify new chemo-types that can be used as potential drug molecules to control infection. Using the HTS approach, about one million compounds can be screened daily within the shortest possible time for biological activity using automation tools, miniaturized assay formats, and large-scale data analysis. Classical and modern in vitro screening assays have led to the progression of active compounds further to ex vivo and in vivo studies. In the present review, we emphasized on the HTS approaches employed in the leishmanial drug discovery program. Recent in vitro screening assays are widely explored to discover new chemical scaffolds. Developing appropriate experimental animal models and their related techniques is necessary to understand the pathophysiological processes and disease host responses, paving the way for unraveling novel therapies against leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boobalan Gopu
- Animal House Facility, Pharmacology Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Parampreet Kour
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Ramajayan Pandian
- Animal House Facility, Pharmacology Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Kuljit Singh
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
In Vivo Safety and Efficacy of Chalcone-Loaded Microparticles with Modified Polymeric Matrix against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010051. [PMID: 36678680 PMCID: PMC9864040 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Current chemotherapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is based on repeated systemic or intralesional administration of drugs that often cause severe toxicity. Previously, we demonstrated the therapeutic potential of biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles (MPs) loaded with 8% of the nitrochalcone CH8 (CH8/PLGA) prepared by a conventional bench method. Aiming at an industrially scalable process and increased drug loading, new MPs were prepared by spray drying: CH8/PDE with PLGA matrix and CH8/PVDE with PLGA + polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix, both with narrower size distribution and higher drug loading (18%) than CH8/PLGA. Animal studies were conducted to evaluate their clinical feasibility. Both MP types induced transient local swelling and inflammation, peaking at 1−2 days, following a single intralesional injection. Different from CH8/PDE that released 90% of the drug in the ear tissue in 60 days, CH8/PVDE achieved that in 30 days. The therapeutic efficacy of a single intralesional injection was evaluated in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and golden hamsters infected with L. (Viannia) braziliensis. CH8/PVDE promoted greater reduction in parasite burden than CH8/PDE or CH8/PLGA, measured at one month and two months after the treatment. Thus, addition of PVP to PLGA MP matrix accelerates drug release in vivo and increases its therapeutic effect against CL.
Collapse
|
16
|
Freire RDP, Fonseca FRM, Rodrigues de Castro NL, Lima CXM, Ribeiro-Romão RP, Cavalcante DIM, Teixeira CR, Gomes R, Da-Cruz AM, Teixeira MJ. Different inoculum of Leishmania braziliensis concentrations influence immunopathogenesis and clinical evolution in the ear dermis hamster model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Parasite Immunol 2022; 44:e12947. [PMID: 36057920 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is commonly used as a promising model for Leishmania braziliensis infection developing skin-ulcerated lesions. However, different protocols using high concentration of parasites inoculated in the footpad result in severe clinical disease. Here, we further investigate the outcome of the site of infection and concentration of L. braziliensis parasites inoculated on the immunopathogenesis and clinical evolution. Initially, hamsters were infected in the ear dermis or hind footpad with a concentration of 1x105 parasites. Animals infected in the ear dermis developed a disease, with an increased parasite load that more closely resembled human CL lesions comparing to the group infected in the footpad. Next, we evaluated if different parasite concentrations (104 , 105 and 106 ) inoculated in the ear dermis would impact the course and clinical aspects of infection. Hamsters infected with 104 and 105 parasites developed mild lesions compared to the group infected with 106 that presented severe and persistent lesions. The parasite load varied between the different parasite concentrations. The inflammatory response was more intense when infection was initiated with 106 parasites accompanied by an increased initial expression of IL-4, IL-10 and arginase in the lymph node followed by expression of both pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines comparing to groups infected with 104 and 105 parasites. In conclusion, the number of parasites inoculated, and the initial site of infection could influence the inflammatory response, and clinical presentation. Our results suggest that the ear dermis infection model induces a chronic disease that relate to immunopathological aspects of CL natural infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Regis Gomes
- FIOCRUZ Ceará, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Eusébio, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Alda Maria Da-Cruz
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Disciplina de Parasitologia, DMIP-Faculdade de Ciencias Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria Jania Teixeira
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Teixeira MV, Soares SAE, Souza VA, de Souza Marques AM, de Almeida Soares CM, Baeza LC, de Oliveira MAP. Murine macrophages do not support the proliferation of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis amastigotes even in absence of nitric oxide and presence of high arginase activity. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2891-2899. [PMID: 35939146 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07614-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main species responsible for American tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil. Nevertheless, the use of this parasite species to study Leishmania infection in the murine model has been less conducted when compared with other Leishmania species. The control of murine infection with Leishmania has been associated with nitric oxide (NO) produced by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) from M1 macrophages, while arginase expressed by M2 macrophages is related to Leishmania proliferation. Here we use three different strains of L. (V.) braziliensis and one strain of L. (L.) major to study a 9-day infection of macrophages in vitro. Wild-type bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) supported the proliferation of L. (L) major amastigotes from the 3rd day after infection, while all strains of L. (V.) braziliensis did not proliferate even inside IL-4-treated or iNOS knockout (KO) macrophages. The arginase activity was higher in iNOS KO than IL-4-treated macrophage showing that the absence of proliferation is independent of arginase. Importantly, L. (V.) braziliensis was able to cause uncontrolled disease in iNOS KO mice in vivo demonstrating that murine macrophages present at the site of infection have additional changes beyond inhibition of NO production or stimulation of arginase activity to support parasite proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirian Vieira Teixeira
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical E Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235 S/N - Setor Universitário, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Santiago Aguiar Espellet Soares
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical E Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235 S/N - Setor Universitário, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Vagniton Amélio Souza
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical E Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235 S/N - Setor Universitário, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - André Murilo de Souza Marques
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical E Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235 S/N - Setor Universitário, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Lilian Cristiane Baeza
- Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Rua Universitária, 2069 - Jardim Universitário, Cascavel, PR, 85819-110, Brazil
| | - Milton Adriano Pelli de Oliveira
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical E Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Rua 235 S/N - Setor Universitário, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Goonoo N, Laetitia Huët MA, Chummun I, Karuri N, Badu K, Gimié F, Bergrath J, Schulze M, Müller M, Bhaw-Luximon A. Nanomedicine-based strategies to improve treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220058. [PMID: 35719886 PMCID: PMC9198523 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nanomedicine strategies were first adapted and successfully translated to clinical application for diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. These strategies would no doubt benefit unmet diseases needs as in the case of leishmaniasis. The latter causes skin sores in the cutaneous form and affects internal organs in the visceral form. Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) aims at accelerating wound healing, reducing scarring and cosmetic morbidity, preventing parasite transmission and relapse. Unfortunately, available treatments show only suboptimal effectiveness and none of them were designed specifically for this disease condition. Tissue regeneration using nano-based devices coupled with drug delivery are currently being used in clinic to address diabetic wounds. Thus, in this review, we analyse the current treatment options and attempt to critically analyse the use of nanomedicine-based strategies to address CL wounds in view of achieving scarless wound healing, targeting secondary bacterial infection and lowering drug toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nowsheen Goonoo
- Biomaterials, Drug Delivery and Nanotechnology Unit, Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| | - Marie Andrea Laetitia Huët
- Biomaterials, Drug Delivery and Nanotechnology Unit, Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| | - Itisha Chummun
- Biomaterials, Drug Delivery and Nanotechnology Unit, Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| | - Nancy Karuri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Private Bag 10143 – Dedan Kimathi, Nyeri, Kenya
| | - Kingsley Badu
- Vector-borne Infectious Disease Group, Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Fanny Gimié
- Animalerie, Plateforme de recherche CYROI, 2 rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Ile de La Réunion, France
| | - Jonas Bergrath
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, Heisenbergstrasse 16, D-53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Margit Schulze
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, Heisenbergstrasse 16, D-53359 Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Mareike Müller
- Physical Chemistry I & Research Center of Micro- and Nanochemistry and (Bio)Technology (Cμ), Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 2, 57076 Siegen, Germany
| | - Archana Bhaw-Luximon
- Biomaterials, Drug Delivery and Nanotechnology Unit, Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
A standardized intraperitoneal Glucantime™ for experimental treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania amazonensis in BALB/c mice. Exp Parasitol 2022; 236-237:108259. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
20
|
Alves Mota C, Stéfanie Sara Lopes Lera-Nonose D, Ávila Brustolin A, Chiqueto Duarte G, Carolina Mota Dos Santos M, Valdrinez Campana Lonardoni M, Gomes Verzignassi Silveira T. Low expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and differential expression of immune mediators during experimental infection with Leishmania (Viannia) spp. Cytokine 2022; 153:155833. [PMID: 35247649 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania (Viannia) species are the major agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the Americas. Ulcerative stigmatizing skin lesions generally characterize CL. The microenvironment during Leishmania infection is rich in inflammatory cells and molecules, which contrasts with low oxygen levels. The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α activates several genes in response to hypoxia and inflammatory reactions, but its role in the CL course is poorly understood. We investigated the expression pattern of the genes HIF-1α, arginase, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12, and IL-10 in skin lesions and lymph nodes of golden hamsters infected with L. braziliensis, L. lainsoni, and L. naiffi. The animals were infected and followed for 105 days, with paw volume measurements and photos taken weekly. Euthanasia was performed at 0, 15, 56, and 105 days post-infection. The parasite load of paw and lymph node tissues were measured through absolute quantification at real-time PCR (qPCR), and reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR) was applied to demonstrate the relative mRNA expression of the target genes. Among groups, animals infected with L. braziliensis had the highest parasite load in paws and lymph nodes. HIF-1α mRNA was down-regulated during chronic Leishmania (Viannia) infection but demonstrated less inhibition in hamsters infected with L. lainsoni and L. naiffi. Arginase was the most detectable gene in animals infected by L. braziliensis; IFN-γ and IL-10 genes were the most detectable in L. lainsoni and L. naiffi-infected animals. HIF-1α gene transcription seemed to be down-modulated byL. (Viannia)infection and was less inhibited by L. lainsoni and L. naiffi when compared toL. braziliensis. Animals with L. lainsoni and L. naiffi showed better control of the disease. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the mechanism influencing HIF-1α expression and its role on CL protection; such research could elucidate potential use of HIF-1α as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Alves Mota
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brasil.
| | | | - Aline Ávila Brustolin
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brasil
| | | | | | - Maria Valdrinez Campana Lonardoni
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Thaís Gomes Verzignassi Silveira
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
dos Santos Varjão MT, Duarte AWF, Rosa LH, Alexandre-Moreira MS, de Queiroz AC. Leishmanicidal activity of fungal bioproducts: A systematic review. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
22
|
Calvo A, Moreno E, Aldalur I, Sanmartín C, Larrea E, González-Peñas E, Irache JM, Espuelas S. OUP accepted manuscript. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:1072-1081. [PMID: 35086139 PMCID: PMC9000957 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives More effective topical treatments remain an unmet need for the localized forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical berberine cream in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania major parasites. Methods A cream containing 0.5% berberine-β-glycerophosphate salt and 2.5% menthol was prepared. Its physicochemical and stability properties were determined. The cream was evaluated for its capacity to reduce lesion size and parasitic load as well as to promote wound healing after twice-a-day administration for 35 days. Clinical biochemical profile was used for estimating off-target effects. In vitro time-to-kill curves in L. major-infected macrophages and skin and plasma pharmacokinetics were determined, aiming to establish pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships. Results The cream was stable at 40°C for 3 months and at 4°C for at least 8 months. It was able to halt lesion progression in all treated mice. At the end of treatment, parasite load in the skin was reduced by 99.9% (4 log) and genes involved in the wound healing process were up-regulated compared with untreated mice. The observed effects were higher than expected from in vitro time-to-kill kinetic and plasma berberine concentrations, which ranged between 0.07 and 0.22 μM. Conclusions The twice-a-day administration of a topical berberine cream was safe, able to stop parasite progression and improved the appearance of skin CL lesions. The relationship between drug plasma levels and in vivo effect was unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Calvo
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Esther Moreno
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irati Aldalur
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen Sanmartín
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Esther Larrea
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elena González-Peñas
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Irache
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Socorro Espuelas
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Pamplona, Spain
- Corresponding author. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Olías-Molero AI, de la Fuente C, Cuquerella M, Torrado JJ, Alunda JM. Antileishmanial Drug Discovery and Development: Time to Reset the Model? Microorganisms 2021; 9:2500. [PMID: 34946102 PMCID: PMC8703564 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Leishmania species. The disease affects humans and animals, particularly dogs, provoking cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral processes depending on the Leishmania sp. and the host immune response. No vaccine for humans is available, and the control relies mainly on chemotherapy. However, currently used drugs are old, some are toxic, and the safer presentations are largely unaffordable by the most severely affected human populations. Moreover, its efficacy has shortcomings, and it has been challenged by the growing reports of resistance and therapeutic failure. This manuscript presents an overview of the currently used drugs, the prevailing model to develop new antileishmanial drugs and its low efficiency, and the impact of deconstruction of the drug pipeline on the high failure rate of potential drugs. To improve the predictive value of preclinical research in the chemotherapy of leishmaniasis, several proposals are presented to circumvent critical hurdles-namely, lack of common goals of collaborative research, particularly in public-private partnership; fragmented efforts; use of inadequate surrogate models, especially for in vivo trials; shortcomings of target product profile (TPP) guides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Olías-Molero
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.O.-M.); (C.d.l.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Concepción de la Fuente
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.O.-M.); (C.d.l.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Montserrat Cuquerella
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.O.-M.); (C.d.l.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Juan J. Torrado
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - José M. Alunda
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.I.O.-M.); (C.d.l.F.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zulfiqar B, Avery VM. Assay development in leishmaniasis drug discovery: a comprehensive review. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 17:151-166. [PMID: 34818139 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2002843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cutaneous, muco-cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis occur due to an infection with the protozoan parasite Leishmania. The current therapeutic options are limited mainly due to extensive toxicity, emerging resistance and variation in efficacy based on species and strain of the Leishmania parasite. There exists a high unmet medical need to identify new chemical starting points for drug discovery to tackle the disease. AREAS COVERED The authors have highlighted the recent progress, limitations and successes achieved in assay development for leishmaniasis drug discovery. EXPERT OPINION It is true that sophisticated and robust phenotypic in vitro assays have been developed during the last decade, however limitations and challenges remain with respect to variation in activity reported between different research groups and success in translating in vitro outcomes in vivo. The variability is not only due to strain and species differences but also a lack of well-defined criteria and assay conditions, e.g. culture media, host cell type, assay formats, parasite form used, multiplicity of infection and incubation periods. Thus, there is an urgent need for more physiologically relevant assays that encompass multi-species phenotypic approaches to identify new chemical starting points for leishmaniasis drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Zulfiqar
- Discovery Biology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Vicky M Avery
- Discovery Biology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.,Discovery Biology, Griffith University Drug Discovery Programme for Cancer Therapeutics, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Profiro de Oliveira JH, Arruda IES, Izak Ribeiro de Araújo J, Chaves LL, de La Rocca Soares MF, Soares-Sobrinho JL. Why do few drug delivery systems to combat neglected tropical diseases reach the market? An analysis from the technology's stages. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 32:89-114. [PMID: 34424127 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1970746] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many drugs used to combat schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis (SCL) have clinical limitations such as: high toxicity to the liver, kidneys and spleen; reproductive, gastrointestinal, and heart disorders; teratogenicity. In this sense, drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been described in the literature as a viable option for overcoming the limitations of these drugs. An analysis of the level of development (TRL) of patents can help in determine the steps that must be taken for promising technologies to reach the market. AREAS COVERED This study aimed to analyze the stage of development of DDSs for the treatment of SCL described in patents. In addition, we try to understand the main reasons why many DDSs do not reach the market. In this study, we examined DDSs for drugs indicated by WHO and treatment of SCL, by performing a search for patents. EXPERT OPINION In this present work we provide arguments that support the hypothesis that there is a lack of integration between academia and industry to finance and continue research, especially the development of clinical studies. We cite the translational research consortia as the potential alternative for developing DDSs to combat NTDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luise Lopes Chaves
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Recife-Pernambuco
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Towards effective cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment with light-based technologies. A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2021; 221:112236. [PMID: 34090038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2021.112236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected disease that represents a serious global public health concern. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis targeting the use of light-based therapies on CL in preclinical studies since they are essential to identify the benefits, challenges, and limitations of proposing new technologies to fight CL. We searched Pubmed and Web of Science to include original preclinical researches in English that used light-based technologies to fight CL. Inclusion criteria encompassed any animal model for CL induction, an untreated infected group as the comparator, reliable and consistent methodology to develop and treat CL, focus on an antimicrobial therapeutic approach, and data for lesion size and/or parasite load in the infection site. We identified eight eligible articles, and all of them used photodynamic therapy (PDT). For the meta-analysis, three studies were included regarding the parasite load in the infection site and four comprised the lesion size. No overall statistically significant differences were observed between untreated control and PDT groups for parasite load. Differently, PDT significantly reduced the lesion size regardless of the protocol used to treat CL (in mm, SMD: -1.90; 95% CI: -3.74 to -0.07, p = 0.04). This finding is particularly encouraging since CL promotes disfiguring lesions that profoundly affect the quality of life of patients. We conclude that PDT is a new promising technology able to be topically used against CL if applied in more than one session, making it a promising ally for the management of CL.
Collapse
|
27
|
Nitric-oxide releasing chitosan nanoparticles towards effective treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Nitric Oxide 2021; 113-114:31-38. [PMID: 33940194 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health problem caused by Leishmania parasites that produce destructive and disfiguring skin conditions. There is an urgent need for alternative topical therapies due to the limitations of current systemic treatments. Recently, we have synthesized nitric oxide-releasing chitosan nanoparticles (NONPs) and shown their potential in vitro against Leishmania amazonensis. Herein we evaluated the application of NONPs for the treatment of CL on infected BALB/c mice. Mice were treated with topical administration of increasing concentrations of NONPs and disease progression was investigated regarding parasite load, lesion thickness, and pain score. As a result, we observed a dose-dependent NONPs effect. Parasite burden and lesion thickness were substantially lower on animals receiving NONPs at a 2 mM concentration compared to untreated control. Moreover, the clinical presentation of the lesions did not show any visible signs of ulcer, suggesting clinical healing in these animals. This successful outcome was sustained for at least 21 days after therapy even in one single dose. Thus, we demonstrate that NONPs are suitable for topical administration, and represent an attractive approach to treat CL.
Collapse
|
28
|
Caridha D, Sciotti RJ, Sousa J, Vesely B, Teshome T, Bonkoungou G, Vuong C, Leed S, Khraiwesh M, Penn E, Kreishman-Deitrick M, Lee P, Pybus B, Lazo JS, Sharlow ER. Combination of Subtherapeutic Doses of Tretazicar and Liposomal Amphotericin B Suppresses and Cures Leishmania major-Induced Cutaneous Lesions in Murine Models. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:506-517. [PMID: 33529014 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common form of leishmaniasis affecting human populations, yet CL remains largely ignored in drug discovery programs. CL causes disfiguring skin lesions and often relapses after "clinical cure" using existing therapeutics. To expand the pool of anti-CL lead candidates, we implemented an integrated screening platform comprising three progressive Leishmania parasite life cycle forms. We identified tretazicar (CB1954, 5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide) as a potent inhibitor of Leishmania parasite viability across multiple Leishmania species, which translated into complete and prolonged in vivo suppression of CL lesion formation in BALB/c mice when used as a monotherapy and which was superior to liposomal amphotericin B. In addition, oral twice a day administration of tretazicar healed the majority of existing Leishmania major (L. major) cutaneous lesions. In drug combination studies, there was a strong potentiation when subtherapeutic doses of liposomal amphotericin B and tretazicar were simultaneously administered. This drug combination decreased L. major lesion size in mice earlier than individual monotherapy drug treatments and maintained all animals lesion free for up to 64 days after treatment cessation. In contrast, administration of subtherapeutic doses of tretazicar or amphotericin B as monotherapies resulted in no or partial lesion cures, respectively. We propose that tretazicar should be explored as a component of a systemic CL combination therapy and potentially for other diseases where amphotericin B is a first line therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Caridha
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Richard J. Sciotti
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Jason Sousa
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Brian Vesely
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Tesfaye Teshome
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Gustave Bonkoungou
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Chau Vuong
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Susan Leed
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Mozna Khraiwesh
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Erica Penn
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Mara Kreishman-Deitrick
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Patricia Lee
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Brandon Pybus
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - John S. Lazo
- University of Virginia, Department of Pharmacology, 409 Lane Road, MR4, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Elizabeth R. Sharlow
- University of Virginia, Department of Pharmacology, 409 Lane Road, MR4, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Carvalheiro M, Vieira J, Faria-Silva C, Marto J, Simões S. Amphotericin B-loaded deformable lipid vesicles for topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis skin lesions. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:717-728. [PMID: 33534106 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00910-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), the most common clinical form of human leishmaniasis, is a non-fatal chronic and disabling disease characterized by erythema and nodular or ulcerative skin lesions that may cause permanent scars and disfigurement. Topical drug delivery represents a simple and efficacious approach to treat CL skin lesions. The association of drugs with nanocarrier systems enhances their permeation properties and increases the drug amount available in the dermis. Here, a deformable lipid vesicle (DLV) was optimized for the topical administration of Amphotericin B (AmB), with the aim of studying and understanding the advantages of this type of delivery system in the transport of a drug through the skin layers. AmB-DVL were characterized in terms of incorporation parameters, stability, and elasticity, and evaluated in vitro for their permeation properties, cytotoxicity, and anti-leishmanial activity. The AmB-DVL exhibited a translucent fluid gel-like aspect and a yellow color, a mean size of 132 nm (PdI ≤ 0.1), zeta potential values around zero (mV), and an AmB incorporation efficiency of 95%. Permeation and penetration assays suggest that AmB-DLV are suitable for topical administration since AmB was detected in the epidermal and dermal skin layers. AmB-DVL was able to reduce promastigote viability in a dose-dependent manner, as well as the number of intracellular amastigotes in THP-1 macrophages. Selectivity index (SI) value for AmB-DLV was considerably higher than that observed for free AmB. Results suggest that DLV may represent an attractive vehicle for dermal delivery of AmB and a new low-cost and safe therapeutic option in CL treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Carvalheiro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jennifer Vieira
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Faria-Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana Marto
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra Simões
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ferreira-Paes T, Charret KDS, Ribeiro MRDS, Rodrigues RF, Leon LL. Comparative analysis of biological aspects of Leishmania infantum strains. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230545. [PMID: 33270636 PMCID: PMC7714135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum infantum (LII) is one of the species that causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Old World, while L. infantum chagasi (LIC) is present in the New World. Few studies address biological differences or the behavior of these strains during infection. These parasites live inside cells of their hosts, continuously evading microbicidal mechanisms and modulating the immune responses of these cells. One of the mechanisms used by these protozoa involves the L-arginine metabolism. Understanding the differences between Leishmania species and establishing an improved murine model for study of leishmaniasis are matters of extreme importance. Thereby, the objectives of this work were to analyze the biological and molecular differences between two Leishmania infantum strains (LII and LIC) and the degree of susceptibility to infection of mice with different genetic backgrounds. The infectivity in vivo and in vitro of LII and LIC strains was evaluated in BALB/c and Swiss Webster mice, as well the NOS and ARG activities. The LII strain was more infective than the LIC strain both in vivo and in vitro. In animals infected by the LII and LIC strains, differences in NOS and ARG activities occurred. In vitro, promastigotes of LII isolated from BALB/c and Swiss Webster mice showed higher ARG activity than LIC promastigotes during the growth curve. However, no difference was observed in intracellular NO production by promastigotes of these strains. The ARG gene sequences were compared, and those of both strains were identical. However, despite the similarity, the strains showed different expression levels of this gene. It can be concluded that although L. chagasi strains are considered identical to L. infantum strains from a molecular point of view, these strains have different biological behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taiana Ferreira-Paes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karen dos Santos Charret
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Raquel Ferreira Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonor Laura Leon
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Evaluation of a New Topical Treatment for the Control of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111803. [PMID: 33212818 PMCID: PMC7696824 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania major (L. major) causes cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Old World. The infection mostly induces a localized lesion restricted to the sand fly bite. The costs and the side effects of current treatments render imperative the development of new therapies that are affordable and easy to administrate. Topical treatment would be the ideal option for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. MF29 is a 3-haloacetamidobenzoate that was shown in vitro to inhibit tubulin assembly in Leishmania. Here, we tested a topical cream formulated with MF29. BALB/c mice were infected in the ear dermis with L. major metacyclic promastigotes and once the lesion appeared, mice were treated with different concentrations of MF29 and compared to the control group treated with the cream used as the vehicle. We observed that topical application of MF29 reduced the progression of the infection while control groups developed an unhealing lesion that became necrotic. The treatment decreased the type 2 immune response. Comparison with SinaAmphoLeish, another topical treatment, revealed that MF29 treatment once a day was sufficient to control lesion development, while application SinaAmphoLeish needed applications twice daily. Collectively, our data suggest that MF-29 topical application could be a promising topical treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Collapse
|
32
|
Masoudzadeh N, Mizbani A, Rafati S. Transcriptomic profiling in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis patients. Expert Rev Proteomics 2020; 17:533-541. [PMID: 32886890 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2020.1812390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by different Leishmania parasite species, is associated with parasite-induced immune-mediated skin inflammation and ulceration. Whereas many CL studies focus on gene expression signatures in mouse models, the transcriptional response driving human patients in the field is less characterized. Human studies in CL disease provide the opportunity to directly investigate the host-pathogen interaction in the cutaneous lesion site. AREAS COVERED Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies, particularly their application for evaluation of the global gene expression changes, have made transcriptomics as a powerful tool to understand the pathogen-host molecular interactions. EXPERT COMMENTARY In this review, we focus on the transcriptomics studies that have been performed so far on human blood or tissue-driven samples to investigate Leishmania parasites interplay with the CL patients. Further, we summarize microarray and RNA-seq studies associated with lesion biopsies of CL patients to discuss how current whole genome analysis along with systems biology approaches have developed novel CL biomarkers for further applications, not only for research, but also for accelerating vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Masoudzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mizbani
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Li R, Ying B, Liu Y, Spencer JF, Miao J, Tollefson AE, Brien JD, Wang Y, Wold WSM, Wang Z, Toth K. Generation and characterization of an Il2rg knockout Syrian hamster model for XSCID and HAdV-C6 infection in immunocompromised patients. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm044602. [PMID: 32651192 PMCID: PMC7473636 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.044602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Model animals are indispensable for the study of human diseases, and in general, of complex biological processes. The Syrian hamster is an important model animal for infectious diseases, behavioral science and metabolic science, for which more experimental tools are becoming available. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of an interleukin-2 receptor subunit gamma (Il2rg) knockout (KO) Syrian hamster strain. In humans, mutations in IL2RG can result in a total failure of T and natural killer (NK) lymphocyte development and nonfunctional B lymphocytes (X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency; XSCID). Therefore, we sought to develop a non-murine model to study XSCID and the infectious diseases associated with IL2RG deficiency. We demonstrated that the Il2rg KO hamsters have a lymphoid compartment that is greatly reduced in size and diversity, and is impaired in function. As a result of the defective adaptive immune response, Il2rg KO hamsters developed a more severe human adenovirus infection and cleared virus less efficiently than immune competent wild-type hamsters. Because of this enhanced virus replication, Il2rg KO hamsters developed more severe adenovirus-induced liver pathology than wild-type hamsters. This novel hamster strain will provide researchers with a new tool to investigate human XSCID and its related infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Baoling Ying
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Yanan Liu
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Jacqueline F Spencer
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Jinxin Miao
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- National Center for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Ann E Tollefson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - James D Brien
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Yaohe Wang
- National Center for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Centre for Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - William S M Wold
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Zhongde Wang
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Karoly Toth
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bhattacharya A, Corbeil A, do Monte-Neto RL, Fernandez-Prada C. Of Drugs and Trypanosomatids: New Tools and Knowledge to Reduce Bottlenecks in Drug Discovery. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11070722. [PMID: 32610603 PMCID: PMC7397081 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis (Leishmania species), sleeping sickness (Trypanosoma brucei), and Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) are devastating and globally spread diseases caused by trypanosomatid parasites. At present, drugs for treating trypanosomatid diseases are far from ideal due to host toxicity, elevated cost, limited access, and increasing rates of drug resistance. Technological advances in parasitology, chemistry, and genomics have unlocked new possibilities for novel drug concepts and compound screening technologies that were previously inaccessible. In this perspective, we discuss current models used in drug-discovery cascades targeting trypanosomatids (from in vitro to in vivo approaches), their use and limitations in a biological context, as well as different examples of recently discovered lead compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arijit Bhattacharya
- Department of Microbiology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 126, India;
| | - Audrey Corbeil
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
| | | | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-450-773-8521 (ext. 32802)
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Antileishmanial Effects of Synthetic EhPIb Analogs Derived from the Entamoeba histolytica Lipopeptidephosphoglycan. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00161-20. [PMID: 32393489 PMCID: PMC7318009 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00161-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
With an estimated number of new cases annually of approximately 1.4 million, leishmaniasis belongs to the most important parasitic diseases in the world. Nevertheless, existing drugs against leishmaniasis in general have several drawbacks that urgently necessitate new drug development. A glycolipid molecule of the intestinal protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica and its synthetic analogs previously showed considerable immunotherapeutic effects against Leishmania major infection. With an estimated number of new cases annually of approximately 1.4 million, leishmaniasis belongs to the most important parasitic diseases in the world. Nevertheless, existing drugs against leishmaniasis in general have several drawbacks that urgently necessitate new drug development. A glycolipid molecule of the intestinal protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica and its synthetic analogs previously showed considerable immunotherapeutic effects against Leishmania major infection. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of new immunostimulatory compounds derived from the phosphatidylinositol b anchor of Entamoeba histolytica (EhPIb) subunit of the native compound and investigated their antileishmanial activity in vitro and in vivo in a murine model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The new synthetic EhPIb analogs showed almost no toxicity in vitro. Treatment with the analogs significantly decreased the parasite load in murine and human macrophages in vitro. In addition, topical application of the EhPIb analog Eh-1 significantly reduced cutaneous lesions in the murine model, correlating with an increase in the production of selected Th1 cytokines. In addition, we could show in in vitro experiments that treatment with Eh-1 led to a decrease in mRNA expression of arginase-1 (Arg1) and interleukin 4 (IL-4), which are required by the parasites to circumvent their elimination by the immune response. The use of the host-targeting synthetic EhPIb compounds, either alone or in combination therapy with antiparasitic drugs, shows promise for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis and therefore might improve the current unsatisfactory status of chemotherapy against this infectious disease.
Collapse
|
36
|
Taslimi Y, Agbajogu C, Brynjolfsson SF, Masoudzadeh N, Mashayekhi V, Gharibzadeh S, Östensson M, Nakka SS, Mizbani A, Rafati S, Harandi AM. Profiling inflammatory response in lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis patients using a non-invasive sampling method combined with a high-throughput protein detection assay. Cytokine 2020; 130:155056. [PMID: 32199248 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infection caused by Leishmania (L.) protozoa transmitted through the bite of infected sand fly. Previously, invasive sampling of blood and skin along with low throughput methods were used for determination of inflammatory response in CL patients. AIMS/METHODOLOGY We established a novel approach based on a non-invasive adhesive tape-disc sampling combined with a powerful multiplexing technique called proximity extension assay for profiling 92 inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and surface molecules in the lesions of CL patients infected with L. tropica. Sample collection was done non-invasively by using adhesive tape-discs from lesion and normal skin of 33 L. tropica positive patients. RESULTS Out of 92 inflammatory proteins, the level of 34 proteins was significantly increased in the lesions of CL patients compared to their normal skin. This includes the chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11, together with the interleukins IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, LIF and OSM. The remaining significantly changed inflammatory proteins include 7 surface molecules and receptors: CD5, CD40, CDCP1, 4E-BP1, TNFRSF9, IL-18R1 and OPG as well as 16 other cytokines and proteins: MMP-1, CSF-1, VEGFA, uPA, EN-RAGE, LAP TGF-β1, HGF, MMP-10, CASP-8, TNFSF14, STAMPB, ADA, TRAIL and ST1A1. Further, 13 proteins showed an increasing trend, albeit not statistically significant, in the CL lesions, including TGF-α, CCL23, MCP-2, IL-12B, CXCL6, IL-24, FGF-19, TNFβ, CD6, TRANCE, IL10, SIR2 and CCL20. CONCLUSION We herein report a novel approach based on a non-invasive sampling method combined with the high-throughput protein assay for profiling inflammatory proteins in CL lesions. Using this approach, we could profile inflammatory proteins in the lesions from CL patients. This new non-invasive approach may have implications for studying skin inflammatory mediators in CL and other skin disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Taslimi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Christopher Agbajogu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Nasrin Masoudzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Mashayekhi
- Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Safoora Gharibzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Malin Östensson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sravya Sowdamini Nakka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali M Harandi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
In Vivo Bioluminescent Monitoring of Parasites in BALB/c Mouse Models of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Drug Discovery. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2081:81-106. [PMID: 31721120 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9940-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Confirming the in vivo efficacy of potential antileishmanial compounds that display in vitro potency and good chemical characteristics is one of the most important steps in preclinical research drug discovery before human clinical trials begin. Here we describe the use of the in vivo bioluminescent monitoring of high and low inocula of luciferase-expressing Leishmania major (L. major) parasites in traditional and more innovative rodent models of in vivo cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) drug discovery.
Collapse
|
38
|
Tracking of quiescence in Leishmania by quantifying the expression of GFP in the ribosomal DNA locus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18951. [PMID: 31831818 PMCID: PMC6908629 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55486-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Under stressful conditions some microorganisms adopt a quiescent stage characterized by a reversible non or slow proliferative condition that allows their survival. This adaptation was only recently discovered in Leishmania. We developed an in vitro model and a biosensor to track quiescence at population and single cell levels. The biosensor is a GFP reporter gene integrated within the 18S rDNA locus, which allows monitoring the expression of 18S rRNA (rGFP expression). We showed that rGFP expression decreased significantly and rapidly during the transition from extracellular promastigotes to intracellular amastigotes and that it was coupled in vitro with a decrease in replication as measured by BrdU incorporation. rGFP expression was useful to track the reversibility of quiescence in live cells and showed for the first time the heterogeneity of physiological stages among the population of amastigotes in which shallow and deep quiescent stages may coexist. We also validated the use of rGFP expression as a biosensor in animal models of latent infection. Our models and biosensor should allow further characterization of quiescence at metabolic and molecular level.
Collapse
|
39
|
Santos RL, de Oliveira AR. Leishmaniasis in non-human primates: Clinical and pathological manifestations and potential as reservoirs. J Med Primatol 2019; 49:34-39. [PMID: 31595524 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the domestic dog is the most important reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis in urban areas, there have been an increasing number of reports of naturally occurring leishmaniasis in non-human primates. Reported cases affecting neotropical and Old World non-human primates as well as their potential role as reservoirs were reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renato Lima Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ayisa Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Systematic Review of Host-Mediated Activity of Miltefosine in Leishmaniasis through Immunomodulation. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.02507-18. [PMID: 31036692 PMCID: PMC6591591 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02507-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Host immune responses are pivotal for the successful treatment of the leishmaniases, a spectrum of infections caused by Leishmania parasites. Previous studies speculated that augmenting cytokines associated with a type 1 T-helper cell (Th1) response is necessary to combat severe forms of leishmaniasis, and it has been hypothesized that the antileishmanial drug miltefosine is capable of immunomodulation and induction of Th1 cytokines. Host immune responses are pivotal for the successful treatment of the leishmaniases, a spectrum of infections caused by Leishmania parasites. Previous studies speculated that augmenting cytokines associated with a type 1 T-helper cell (Th1) response is necessary to combat severe forms of leishmaniasis, and it has been hypothesized that the antileishmanial drug miltefosine is capable of immunomodulation and induction of Th1 cytokines. A better understanding of the immunomodulatory effects of miltefosine is central to providing a rationale regarding synergistic mechanisms of activity to combine miltefosine optimally with other conventional and future antileishmanials that are currently under development. Therefore, a systematic literature search was performed to evaluate to what extent and how miltefosine influences the host Th1 response. Miltefosine’s effects observed in both a preclinical and a clinical context associated with immunomodulation in the treatment of leishmaniasis are evaluated in this review. A total of 27 studies were included in the analysis. Based on the current evidence, miltefosine is not only capable of inducing direct parasite killing but also of modulating the host immunity. Our findings suggest that miltefosine-induced activation of Th1 cytokines, particularly represented by increased gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin 12 (IL-12), is essential to prevail over the Leishmania-driven Th2 response. Differences in miltefosine-induced host-mediated effects between in vitro, ex vivo, animal model, and human studies are further discussed. All things considered, an effective treatment with miltefosine is acquired by enhanced functional Th1 cytokine responses and may further be enhanced in combination with immunostimulatory agents.
Collapse
|
41
|
Route map for the discovery and pre-clinical development of new drugs and treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 11:106-117. [PMID: 31320296 PMCID: PMC6904839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although there have been significant advances in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and several novel compounds are currently in pre-clinical and clinical development for this manifestation of leishmaniasis, there have been limited advances in drug research and development (R & D) for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Here we review the need for new treatments for CL, describe in vitro and in vivo assays, models and approaches taken over the past decade to establish a pathway for the discovery, and pre-clinical development of new drugs for CL. These recent advances include novel mouse models of infection using bioluminescent Leishmania, the introduction of PK/PD approaches to skin infection, and defined pre-clinical candidate profiles.
Collapse
|
42
|
Sousa-Batista AJ, Pacienza-Lima W, Ré MI, Rossi-Bergmann B. Novel and safe single-dose treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with implantable amphotericin B-loaded microparticles. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 11:148-155. [PMID: 31331828 PMCID: PMC6904829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The development of an effective amphotericin B (AmB) topical formulation to replace the systemically toxic injections currently used in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) treatment is challenging due to poor absorption through the skin. Aiming at an effective local chemotherapy, we designed PLGA (poly(lactide-co-glycolide acid) microparticles loaded with deoxycholate amphotericin B (d-AmB) for both macrophage intracellular targeting and sustained extracellular release. For that, d-AmB/PLGA microparticles with sizes ranging from 0.5 μm to 20 μm were synthesized and tested both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, d-AmB/PLGA was more selectively active against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis than free d-AmB (selectivity index = 50 and 25, respectively). In vivo, the efficacy of a single intralesional (i.l) injection with d-AmB/PLGA was determined in early and established BALB/c mouse ear lesions. In early lesions, a single injection given on day 10 of infection was more effective in controlling parasite growth than eight i.l. injections with free d-AmB, as measured on day 120. Such d-AmB/PLGA injection was also effective in established lesions (day 30), leading to 97% parasite burden reduction, as compared with d-AmB or liposomal AmB (Ambisome®) i.l. injection containing the same AmB dose. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that following d-AmB/PLGA injection, AmB leaked slower from non-infected than infected ears, yet remaining in the ear tissue for as long as 30 days. Of interest, AmB was not detectable in the circulating plasma for at least two weeks of d-AmB/PLGA injection, contrasting with the rapid and durable (2 days) detection after free d-AmB injection. Despite the transient ear swelling and local cell infiltration, no alterations in AST, ALT and creatinine serum levels was induced by d-AmB/PLGA. For its approved components, local efficacy, and single-dose applicability, this novel and safe AmB microparticle depot formulation has strong potential as a new therapy for human CL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariane J Sousa-Batista
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Nanotechnology Engineering Program, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering - COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wallace Pacienza-Lima
- Nanotechnology Engineering Program, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering - COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Inês Ré
- University of Toulouse, IMT Mines Albi, CNRS, RAPSODEE Center, Jarlard Campus, F-81013, Albi Cedex 09, France
| | - Bartira Rossi-Bergmann
- Nanotechnology Engineering Program, Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering - COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Cataneo AHD, Tomiotto-Pellissier F, Miranda-Sapla MM, Assolini JP, Panis C, Kian D, Yamauchi LM, Colado Simão AN, Casagrande R, Pinge-Filho P, Costa IN, Verri WA, Conchon-Costa I, Pavanelli WR. Quercetin promotes antipromastigote effect by increasing the ROS production and anti-amastigote by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 expression, affecting iron availability. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 113:108745. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
|
44
|
Alves-Silva MV, Nico D, de Luca PM, Palatnik de-Sousa CB. The F1F3 Recombinant Chimera of Leishmania donovani-Nucleoside Hydrolase (NH36) and Its Epitopes Induce Cross-Protection Against Leishmania (V.) braziliensis Infection in Mice. Front Immunol 2019; 10:724. [PMID: 31024556 PMCID: PMC6465647 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania (V.) braziliensis is the etiological agent of Cutaneous (CL) and Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (ML) in the New World. CL can be more benign but ML can be severe and disfiguring. Immunity to these diseases include hypersensitivity, an enhanced inflammatory response with strong IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion. Additionally, the production of IL-10 which down modulates the immune response is reduced. The Nucleoside hydrolase (NH36) of Leishmania (L.) donovani is the main antigen of the Leishmune veterinary vaccine and its F3 domain induces a CD4+ T cell-mediated protection against L. (L.) infantum chagasi infection. Prevention of L. (L.) amazonensis infection requires in contrast an additional CD8+ T cell mediated response induced by the F1 domain. Consequently, the F1F3 recombinant chimera, which contains both domains cloned in tandem, optimized the vaccine efficacy against L. (L.) amazonensis mouse infection. We compared the efficacies of NH36, F1, F3, and the FIF3 chimera against L. (V.) braziliensis mouse infection. The F1F3 chimera increased the NH36 specific IgA and response before and after infection and the IgG and IgG3 levels after challenge. It also induced a 49% stronger intradermal response to leishmanial antigen (IDR) than NH36 that was positively correlated to the levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α, IgG, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 anti-NH36 antibodies. However, stronger Th1 responses with elevated IFN-γ/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios were promoted by the F3 and F1 vaccines and detected in infected controls while the F1F3 chimera promoted the highest IL-10 secretion, which reduced the pathological Th1 response, and characterized the induction of a mixed and/or T-cell regulatory response. We identified the epitopes responsible for these immune responses. The F3 vaccine induced the earliest immunity and after challenge, the F1F3 chimera promoted the highest CD4+ and CD8+ cytokine-secreting T cell responses, and the predominant frequencies of multifunctional CD4+ and CD8+IL-2+TNF-α+IFN-γ+ T cells. Also as observed against L. (L.) amazonensis infection, the F1F3 chimera showed the strongest reduction of the ear lesions sizes induced by L. (V.) braziliensis. Our results confirm the potential use of the F1F3 chimera in a multi-species cross-protective vaccine against L. (V.) braziliensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Vinícius Alves-Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia e Bioquímica de Leishmania, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Vegetal e Bioprocessos, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dirlei Nico
- Laboratório de Biologia e Bioquímica de Leishmania, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula Melo de Luca
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clarisa B Palatnik de-Sousa
- Laboratório de Biologia e Bioquímica de Leishmania, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Álvarez-Velilla R, Gutiérrez-Corbo MDC, Punzón C, Pérez-Pertejo MY, Balaña-Fouce R, Fresno M, Reguera RM. A chronic bioluminescent model of experimental visceral leishmaniasis for accelerating drug discovery. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007133. [PMID: 30763330 PMCID: PMC6392311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease with no vaccine available and its pharmacological treatment is reduced to a limited number of unsafe drugs. The scarce readiness of new antileishmanial drugs is even more alarming when relapses appear or the occurrence of hard-to-treat resistant strains is detected. In addition, there is a gap between the initial and late stages of drug development, which greatly delays the selection of leads for subsequent studies. Methodology/Principal findings In order to address these issues, we have generated a red-shifted luminescent Leishmania infantum strain that enables long-term monitoring of parasite burden in individual animals with an in vivo limit of detection of 106 intracellular amastigotes 48 h postinfection. For this purpose, we have injected intravenously different infective doses (104—5x108) of metacyclic parasites in susceptible mouse models and the disease was monitored from initial times to 21 weeks postinfection. The emission of light from the target organs demonstrated the sequential parasite colonization of liver, spleen and bone marrow. When miltefosine was used as proof-of-concept, spleen weight parasite burden and bioluminescence values decreased significantly. Conclusions In vivo bioimaging using a red-shifted modified Leishmania infantum strain allows the appraisal of acute and chronic stage of infection, being a powerful tool for accelerating drug development against visceral leishmaniasis during both stages and helping to bridge the gap between early discovery process and subsequent drug development. Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that poses a significant threat to impoverished human populations of low-income countries. Due to the unavailability of vaccines, pharmacological treatment is the only approach to control the disease that otherwise can be lethal. To date, drug management in endemic regions is based on combinations of a handful of mostly unsafe drugs, where the emergence of resistant strains is an additional problem. To accelerate the discovery of new drug entities, several gaps from the early discovery of a compound to its public use, should be filled. One of these gaps is the need of a rapid go/no-go testing system for compounds based on robust preclinical models. Here, we propose a new long-term model of murine visceral leishmaniasis using in vivo bioluminescent imaging. For this purpose, a red-shifted bioluminescent Leishmania infantum strain was engineered. This strain has allowed the appraisal of the disease in individual animals and the monitoring of parasite colonization in liver, spleen and bone marrow. As proof of concept of this platform, mice were infected with the transgenic L. infantum strain treated with a standard schedule of miltefosine, the only oral drug available against Leishmania parasites. Bioluminescence and parasite load in the target organs were compared showing a good correlation. Our findings provide a robust and reproducible tool for drug discovery in a chronic model of murine visceral leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Álvarez-Velilla
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Punzón
- Diomune S.L Parque Científico de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Manuel Fresno
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Diomune S.L Parque Científico de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa María Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de León, León, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Microneedle-Based Delivery of Amphotericin B for Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Biomed Microdevices 2019; 21:8. [DOI: 10.1007/s10544-018-0355-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
47
|
Rocha VPC, Quintino da Rocha C, Ferreira Queiroz E, Marcourt L, Vilegas W, Grimaldi GB, Furrer P, Allémann É, Wolfender JL, Soares MBP. Antileishmanial Activity of Dimeric Flavonoids Isolated from Arrabidaea brachypoda. Molecules 2018; 24:molecules24010001. [PMID: 30577423 PMCID: PMC6337281 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis are diseases caused by parasites belonging to Leishmania genus. The treatment with pentavalent antimonials present high toxicity. Secondary line drugs, such as amphotericin B and miltefosine also have a narrow therapeutic index. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs to treat leishmaniasis. Here, we present the in vitro anti-leishmanial activity of unusual dimeric flavonoids purified from Arrabidaea brachypoda. Three compounds were tested against Leishmana sp. Compound 2 was the most active against promastigotes. Quantifying the in vitro infected macrophages revealed that compound 2 was also the most active against intracellular amastigotes of L. amazonensis, without displaying host cell toxicity. Drug combinations presented an additive effect, suggesting the absence of interaction between amphotericin B and compound 2. Amastigotes treated with compound 2 demonstrated alterations in the Golgi and accumulation of vesicles inside the flagellar pocket. Compound 2-treated amastigotes presented a high accumulation of cytoplasmic vesicles and a myelin-like structure. When administered in L. amazonensis-infected mice, neither the oral nor the topical treatments were effective against the parasite. Based on the high in vitro activity, dimeric flavonoids can be used as a lead structure for the development of new molecules that could be useful for structure-active studies against Leishmania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius P C Rocha
- Laboratório de Engenharia Tecidual e Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Avenida Waldemar Falcão, 121, Candeal⁻Salvador-BA 40296-710, Brazil.
| | | | - Emerson Ferreira Queiroz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, EPGL, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, CMU, 1, Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Laurence Marcourt
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, EPGL, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, CMU, 1, Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Wagner Vilegas
- UNESP-Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista, Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n°, Parque Bitaru, São Vicente⁻SP 11330-900, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela B Grimaldi
- Laboratório de Engenharia Tecidual e Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Avenida Waldemar Falcão, 121, Candeal⁻Salvador-BA 40296-710, Brazil.
| | - Pascal Furrer
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, EPGL, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, CMU, 1, Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Éric Allémann
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, EPGL, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, CMU, 1, Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Jean-Luc Wolfender
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, EPGL, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, CMU, 1, Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Milena B P Soares
- Laboratório de Engenharia Tecidual e Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Avenida Waldemar Falcão, 121, Candeal⁻Salvador-BA 40296-710, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Alcântara LM, Ferreira TCS, Gadelha FR, Miguel DC. Challenges in drug discovery targeting TriTryp diseases with an emphasis on leishmaniasis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2018; 8:430-439. [PMID: 30293058 PMCID: PMC6195035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Tritryps diseases are devastating parasitic neglected infections caused by Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei subspecies. Together, these parasites affect more than 30 million people worldwide and cause high mortality and morbidity. Leishmaniasis comprises a complex group of diseases with clinical manifestation ranging from cutaneous lesions to systemic visceral damage. Antimonials, the first-choice drugs used to treat leishmaniasis, lead to high toxicity and carry significant contraindications limiting its use. Drug-resistant parasite strains are also a matter for increasing concern, especially in areas with very limited resources. The current scenario calls for novel and/or improvement of existing therapeutics as key research priorities in the field. Although several studies have shown advances in drug discovery towards leishmaniasis in recent years, key knowledge gaps in drug discovery pipelines still need to be addressed. In this review we discuss not only scientific and non-scientific bottlenecks in drug development, but also the central role of public-private partnerships for a successful campaign for novel treatment options against this devastating disease. Treatment options targeting TriTryp diseases are limited. Scientific and non-scientific bottlenecks need to be unveiled for the development of new treatments. Private and public sector partnership is key to allow advances in bench-to-bedside science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Alcântara
- Biology Institute, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thalita C S Ferreira
- Biology Institute, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R Gadelha
- Biology Institute, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danilo C Miguel
- Biology Institute, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Local Skin Inflammation in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis as a Source of Variable Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Efficacy of Liposomal Amphotericin B. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00631-18. [PMID: 30082295 PMCID: PMC6153808 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00631-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Disfiguring skin lesions caused by several species of the Leishmania parasite characterize cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Successful treatment of CL with intravenous (i.v.) liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) relies on the presence of adequate antibiotic concentrations at the dermal site of infection within the inflamed skin. Disfiguring skin lesions caused by several species of the Leishmania parasite characterize cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Successful treatment of CL with intravenous (i.v.) liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) relies on the presence of adequate antibiotic concentrations at the dermal site of infection within the inflamed skin. Here, we have investigated the impact of the local skin inflammation on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy of LAmB in two murine models of localized CL (Leishmania major and Leishmania mexicana) at three different stages of disease (papule, initial nodule, and established nodule). Twenty-four hours after the administration of one 25 mg/kg of body weight LAmB (i.v.) dose to infected BALB/c mice (n = 5), drug accumulation in the skin was found to be dependent on the causative parasite species (L. major > L. mexicana) and the disease stage (papule > initial nodule > established nodule > healthy skin). Elevated tissue drug levels were associated with increased vascular permeability (Evans blue assay) and macrophage infiltration (histomorphometry) in the infected skin, two pathophysiological parameters linked to tissue inflammation. After identical treatment of CL in the two models with 5 × 25 mg/kg LAmB (i.v.), intralesional drug concentrations and reductions in lesion size and parasite load (quantitative PCR [qPCR]) were all ≥2-fold higher for L. major than for L. mexicana. In conclusion, drug penetration of LAmB into CL skin lesions could depend on the disease stage and the causative Leishmania species due to the influence of local tissue inflammation.
Collapse
|
50
|
Schwartz J, Moreno E, Calvo A, Blanco L, Fernández-Rubio C, Sanmartín C, Nguewa P, Irache JM, Larrea E, Espuelas S. Combination of paromomycin plus human anti-TNF-α antibodies to control the local inflammatory response in BALB/ mice with cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions. J Dermatol Sci 2018; 92:78-88. [PMID: 30037731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) skin lesions are the result of a deregulated immune response, which is unable to eliminate Leishmania parasites. The control of both, parasites and host immune response, is critical to prevent tissue destruction. The skin ulceration has been correlated with high TNF-α level. OBJECTIVE Because human anti-TNF-α antibodies (Ab) have been successfully assayed in several mice inflammatory diseases, we hypothesized that their anti-inflammatory effect could optimize the healing of CL lesions achieved after topical application of paromomycin (PM), the current chemotherapy against CL. METHODS AND RESULTS We first compared the in vitro efficacy of PM and Ab alone and the drug given in combination with Ab to assess if the Ab could interfere with PM leishmanicidal activity in L. major-infected bone marrow-derived macrophages. The combination therapy had similar antileishmanial activity to the drug alone and showed no influence on NO production, which allows macrophage-mediated parasite killing. Next, we demonstrated in an in vivo model of Imiquimod®-induced inflammation that topical Ab and PM inhibit the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the skin. In the efficacy studies in L. major-infected BALB/c mice, PM combined with Ab led to a sharp infection reduction and showed a stronger anti-inflammatory activity than PM alone. This was confirmed by the down-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, IL-17, and CCL3 as well as by a decrease of the neutrophilic infiltrate during infection upon treatment with the Ab. CONCLUSIONS In terms of parasite elimination and inflammation reduction, topical application of Ab in combination with PM was more effective than the drug alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juana Schwartz
- Tropical Health Institute, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Spain
| | - Esther Moreno
- Tropical Health Institute, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Spain; Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alba Calvo
- Tropical Health Institute, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Spain
| | - Laura Blanco
- Tropical Health Institute, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Spain
| | - Celia Fernández-Rubio
- Tropical Health Institute, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Spain; Microbiology and Parasitology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen Sanmartín
- Tropical Health Institute, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Spain; Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Paul Nguewa
- Tropical Health Institute, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Spain; Microbiology and Parasitology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan M Irache
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Spain
| | - Esther Larrea
- Tropical Health Institute, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Spain
| | - Socorro Espuelas
- Tropical Health Institute, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research, IdisNA, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|