1
|
Sarkar D, Monzote L, Gille L, Chatterjee M. Natural endoperoxides as promising anti-leishmanials. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155640. [PMID: 38714091 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery of artemisinin, an endoperoxide, encouraged the scientific community to explore endoperoxides as potential anti-parasitic molecules. Although artemisinin derivatives are rapidly evolving as potent anti-malarials, their potential as anti-leishmanials is emerging gradually. The treatment of leishmaniasis, a group of neglected tropical diseases is handicapped by lack of effective vaccines, drug toxicities and drug resistance. The weak antioxidant defense mechanism of the Leishmania parasites due to lack of catalase and a selenium dependent glutathione peroxidase system makes them vulnerable to oxidative stress, and this has been successful exploited by endoperoxides. PURPOSE The study aimed to review the available literature on the anti-leishmanial efficacy of natural endoperoxides with a view to achieve insights into their mode of actions. METHODS We reviewed more around 110 research and review articles restricted to the English language, sourced from electronic bibliographic databases including PubMed, Google, Web of Science, Google scholar etc. RESULTS: Natural endoperoxides could potentially augment the anti-leishmanial drug library, with artemisinin and ascaridole emerging as potential anti-leishmanial agents. Due to higher reactivity of the cyclic peroxide moiety, and exploiting the compromised antioxidant defense of Leishmania, endoperoxides like artemisinin and ascaridole potentiate their leishmanicidal efficacy by creating a redox imbalance. Furthermore, these molecules minimally impair oxidative phosphorylation; instead inhibit glycolytic functions, culminating in depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane and depletion of ATP. Additionally, the carbon-centered free radicals generated from endoperoxides, participate in chain reactions that can generate even more reactive organic radicals that are toxic to macromolecules, including lipids, proteins and DNA, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of Leishmania parasites. However, the precise target(s) of the toxic free radicals remains open-ended. CONCLUSION In this overview, the spectrum of natural endoperoxide molecules as major anti-leishmanials and their mechanism of action has been delineated. In view of the substantial evidence that natural endoperoxides (e.g., artemisinin, ascaridole) exert a noxious effect on different species of Leishmania, identification and characterization of other natural endoperoxides is a promising therapeutic option worthy of further pharmacological consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deblina Sarkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGME&R), Kolkata-700 020, W.B, India
| | - Lianet Monzote
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Havana 10400, Cuba
| | - Lars Gille
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mitali Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGME&R), Kolkata-700 020, W.B, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Clementino LDC, Fernandes GFS, Prokopczyk IM, Laurindo WC, Toyama D, Motta BP, Baviera AM, Henrique-Silva F, dos Santos JL, Graminha MAS. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of N-oxide derivatives with potent in vivo antileishmanial activity. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259008. [PMID: 34723989 PMCID: PMC8559926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that affects 12 million people living mainly in developing countries. Herein, 24 new N-oxide-containing compounds were synthesized followed by in vitro and in vivo evaluation of their antileishmanial activity. Compound 4f, a furoxan derivative, was particularly remarkable in this regard, with EC50 value of 3.6 μM against L. infantum amastigote forms and CC50 value superior to 500 μM against murine peritoneal macrophages. In vitro studies suggested that 4f may act by a dual effect, by releasing nitric oxide after biotransformation and by inhibiting cysteine protease CPB (IC50: 4.5 μM). In vivo studies using an acute model of infection showed that compound 4f at 7.7 mg/Kg reduced ~90% of parasite burden in the liver and spleen of L. infantum-infected BALB/c mice. Altogether, these outcomes highlight furoxan 4f as a promising compound for further evaluation as an antileishmanial agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro da Costa Clementino
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, Brazil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Felipe Santos Fernandes
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, Brazil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | | | - Wilquer Castro Laurindo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, Brazil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Danyelle Toyama
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Bruno Pereira Motta
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Amanda Martins Baviera
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Flávio Henrique-Silva
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Jean Leandro dos Santos
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JLS); (MASG)
| | - Marcia A. S. Graminha
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JLS); (MASG)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dighal A, De Sarkar S, Gille L, Chatterjee M. Can the iron content of culture media impact on the leishmanicidal effect of artemisinin? Free Radic Res 2021; 55:282-295. [PMID: 34121571 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2021.1939325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Endoperoxides (EPs) like artemisinin following cleavage of their EP bridge can kill parasites via generation of carbon-centered radicals. As the presence of low molecular mass iron and/or heme is crucial, this study aimed to establish the influence of iron on the leishmanicidal action of artemisinin when present in differing amounts in culture media. In promastigotes cultured in Schneiders insect medium (SIM), that had a 8.0-fold higher amount of iron as compared to Medium 199 (M199), the impact of artemisinin on cell viability, redox status, labile iron pool (LIP), and Annexin-V positivity was evaluated. In SIM, the IC50 of artemisinin was 25.50-fold lower than M199, and in both media its cytotoxicity was decreased by the addition of hemin or following chelation of Fe2+ by Deferoxamine (DFO). In SIM vis-a-vis M199, artemisinin caused a greater redox imbalance which translated into a higher degree of externalization of phosphatidylserine and depletion of the LIP. The presence of a higher proportion of iron in SIM as compared to M199 significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of artemisinin in Leishmania promastigotes, and was attributed to a higher degree of iron-mediated cleavage of its EP bridge that led to a higher generation of free radicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Dighal
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Sritama De Sarkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Lars Gille
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mitali Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gu W, Ueda Y, Dansako H, Satoh S, Kato N. Antiviral mechanism of preclinical antimalarial compounds possessing multiple antiviral activities. FASEB Bioadv 2021; 3:356-373. [PMID: 33977235 PMCID: PMC8103717 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2020-00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously found that N‐89 and its derivative, N‐251, which are being developed as antimalarial compounds, showed multiple antiviral activities including hepatitis C virus (HCV). In this study, we focused on the most characterized anti‐HCV activity of N‐89(N‐251) to clarify their antiviral mechanisms. We first prepared cells exhibiting resistance to N‐89(N‐251) than the parental cells by serial treatment of HCV–RNA‐replicating parental cells with N‐89(N‐251). Then, we newly generated HCV–RNA‐replicating cells with the replacement of HCV–RNAs derived from N‐89(N‐251)‐resistant cells and parental cells. Using these cells, we examined the degree of inhibition of HCV–RNA replication by N‐89(N‐251) and found that the host and viral factors contributed almost equally to the resistance to N‐89(N‐251). To further examine the contribution of the host factors, we selected several candidate genes by cDNA microarray analysis and found that the upregulated expression of at least RAC2 and CKMT1B genes independently and differently contributed to the acquisition of an N‐89(N‐251)‐resistant phenotype. For the viral factors, we selected several mutation candidates by the genetic comparative analysis of HCV–RNAs and showed that at least one M414I mutation in the HCV NS5B contributed to the resistance to N‐89. Moreover, we demonstrated that the combination of host factors (RAC2 and/or CKMT1B) and a viral factor (M414I mutation) additively increased the resistance to N‐89. In summary, we identified the host and viral factors contributing to the acquisition of N‐89(N‐251)‐resistance in HCV–RNA replication. These findings will be useful for clarification of the antiviral mechanism of N‐89(N‐251).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Gu
- Department of Tumor Virology Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama Japan
| | - Youki Ueda
- Department of Tumor Virology Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama Japan
| | - Hiromichi Dansako
- Department of Tumor Virology Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama Japan
| | - Shinya Satoh
- Department of Tumor Virology Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Kato
- Department of Tumor Virology Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ortalli M, Varani S, Cimato G, Veronesi R, Quintavalla A, Lombardo M, Monari M, Trombini C. Evaluation of the Pharmacophoric Role of the O-O Bond in Synthetic Antileishmanial Compounds: Comparison between 1,2-Dioxanes and Tetrahydropyrans. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13140-13158. [PMID: 33091297 PMCID: PMC8018184 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniases are neglected diseases that can be treated with a limited drug arsenal; the development of new molecules is therefore a priority. Recent evidence indicates that endoperoxides, including artemisinin and its derivatives, possess antileishmanial activity. Here, 1,2-dioxanes were synthesized with their corresponding tetrahydropyrans lacking the peroxide bridge, to ascertain if this group is a key pharmacophoric requirement for the antileishmanial bioactivity. Newly synthesized compounds were examined in vitro, and their mechanism of action was preliminarily investigated. Three endoperoxides and their corresponding tetrahydropyrans effectively inhibited the growth of Leishmania donovani promastigotes and amastigotes, and iron did not play a significant role in their activation. Further, reactive oxygen species were produced in both endoperoxide- and tetrahydropyran-treated promastigotes. In conclusion, the peroxide group proved not to be crucial for the antileishmanial bioactivity of endoperoxides, under the tested conditions. Our findings reveal the potential of both 1,2-dioxanes and tetrahydropyrans as lead compounds for novel therapies against Leishmania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Ortalli
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference
Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi
University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna,
Italy
| | - Stefania Varani
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference
Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi
University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna,
Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty
Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via
Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Cimato
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Regional Reference
Centre for Microbiological Emergencies (CRREM), St. Orsola-Malpighi
University Hospital, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna,
Italy
| | - Ruben Veronesi
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”,
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna Via Selmi 2,
40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Quintavalla
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”,
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna Via Selmi 2,
40126 Bologna, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria
(CIRM) - Italian Malaria Network (IMN), University of Milan,
20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Lombardo
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”,
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna Via Selmi 2,
40126 Bologna, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria
(CIRM) - Italian Malaria Network (IMN), University of Milan,
20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Magda Monari
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”,
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna Via Selmi 2,
40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Trombini
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”,
Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna Via Selmi 2,
40126 Bologna, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria
(CIRM) - Italian Malaria Network (IMN), University of Milan,
20100 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Oral administration of eugenol oleate cures experimental visceral leishmaniasis through cytokines abundance. Cytokine 2020; 145:155301. [PMID: 33127258 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic fatal infectious disease in tropical and subtropical nations. The limited treatment options, long treatment regimens, invasive mode of administration of drugs, and lack of effective vaccination are the main reasons for the search of new alternative therapeutics against VL. On this quest, from a series of eugenol derivatives, we had demonstrated eugenol oleate as a lead immunomodulatory anti-VL molecule earlier. In this report, the oral efficacy and mechanism of eugenol oleate in inducing immunomodulatory anti-VL activity has been studied in BALB/c mice model. The plasma pharmacokinetic and acute toxicity studies suggested that the eugenol oleate is safe with an appreciable pharmacokinetic profile. Eugenol oleate (30 mg/kg B.W.) showed 86.5% of hepatic and 84.1% of splenic parasite clearance. The increased Th1 cytokine profile and decreased Th2 cytokine profile observed from ELISA and qRTPCR suggested that the eugenol oleate induced the parasite clearance through the activation of the host immune system. Subsequently, the mechanistic insights behind the anti-leishmanial activity of eugenol oleate were studied in peritoneal macrophages in vitro by inhibitor response study and immunoblotting. The results inferred that eugenol oleate activated the PKC-βII-p38 MAPK and produced IL-12 and IFN-γ which intern activated the iNOS2 to produce NO free radicals that cleared the intracellular parasite.
Collapse
|
7
|
Antolínez IV, Barbosa LCA, Borgati TF, Baldaia A, Ferreira SR, Almeida RM, Fujiwara RT. Tetroxanes as New Agents against Leishmania amazonensis. Chem Biodivers 2020; 17:e2000142. [PMID: 32294320 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease, caused by a parasite of Leishmania genus and widespread in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Currents drugs are limited due to their toxicity and parasite resistance. Therefore, the discovery of new treatment, more effective and less toxic, is urgent. In this study, we report the synthesis of six gem-dihydroperoxides (2a-2f), with yields ranging from 10 % to 90 %, utilizing a new methodology. The dihydroperoxides were converted into ten tetroxanes (3a-3j), among which six (3b, 3c, 3d, 3g, 3h and 3j) showed activity against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. The cytotoxicity of all compounds was also evaluated against canine macrophages (DH82), human hepatoma (HepG2) and monkey renal cells (BGM). Most compounds were more active and less toxic than potassium antimonyl tartrate trihydrate, used as positive control. Amongst all tetroxanes, 3b (IC50 =0.64 μm) was the most active, being more selective than positive control in relation to DH82, HepG2 and BGM cells. In summary, the results revealed a hit compound for the development of new drugs to treat leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel V Antolínez
- Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus Pampulha, CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiz C A Barbosa
- Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus Pampulha, CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Tatiane F Borgati
- Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus Pampulha, CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Department of Exact Sciences, State University of Minas Gerais, Av. Paraná, 3001, Jardim Belvedere I, Campus, Divinópolis, CEP, 35501-170, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Almodvar Baldaia
- Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus Pampulha, CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Sebastião R Ferreira
- Health Science Center, Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia, Praça Joana Angélica, 250 São José, CEP, 45988-058, Teixeira de Freitas, BA, Brazil
| | - Raquel M Almeida
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus Pampulha, CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus Pampulha, CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|