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da Silva Bortoleti BT, Camargo PG, Gonçalves MD, Tomiotto-Pellissier F, Silva TF, Concato VM, Detoni MB, Bidóia DL, da Silva Lima CH, Rodrigues CR, Bispo MDLF, de Macedo FC, Conchon-Costa I, Miranda-Sapla MM, Wowk PF, Pavanelli WR. Effect of a thiohydantoin salt derived from l-Arginine on Leishmania amazonensis and infected cells: Insights from biological effects to molecular docking interactions. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 403:111216. [PMID: 39218371 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111216] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and is responsible for more than 1 million new cases and 70,000 deaths annually worldwide. Treatment has high costs, toxicity, complex and long administration time, several adverse effects, and drug-resistant strains, therefore new therapies are urgently needed. Synthetic compounds have been highlighted in the medicinal chemistry field as a strong option for drug development against different diseases. Organic salts (OS) have multiple biological activities, including activity against protozoa such as Leishmania spp. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro leishmanicidal activity and death mechanisms of a thiohydantoin salt derived from l-arginine (ThS) against Leishmania amazonensis. We observed that ThS treatment inhibited promastigote proliferation, increased ROS production, phosphatidylserine exposure and plasma membrane permeabilization, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, lipid body accumulation, autophagic vacuole formation, cell cycle alteration, and morphological and ultrastructural changes, showing parasites death. Additionally, ThS presents low cytotoxicity in murine macrophages (J774A.1), human monocytes (THP-1), and sheep erythrocytes. ThS in vitro cell treatment reduced the percentage of infected macrophages and the number of amastigotes per macrophage by increasing ROS production and reducing TNF-α levels. These results highlight the potential of ThS among thiohydantoins, mainly related to the arginine portion, as a leishmanicidal drug for future drug strategies for leishmaniasis treatment. Notably, in silico investigation of key targets from L. amazonensis, revealed that a ThS compound from the l-arginine amino acid strongly interacts with arginase (ARG) and TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE), suggesting its potential as a Leishmania inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Taciane da Silva Bortoleti
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Postgraduate Program, Carlos Chagas Institute, (ICC/Fiocruz/PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Priscila Goes Camargo
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Chemistry Department, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Manoela Daiele Gonçalves
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Biotransformation and Phytochemistry, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Tomiotto-Pellissier
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Postgraduate Program, Carlos Chagas Institute, (ICC/Fiocruz/PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Taylon Felipe Silva
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Virginia Marcia Concato
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Mariana Barbosa Detoni
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Danielle Larazin Bidóia
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Rangel Rodrigues
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Pryscilla Fanini Wowk
- Carlos Chagas Institute (ICC/Fiocruz/PR), Molecular Immunology and Cellular Group, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
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Bortoleti BTDS, Gonçalves MD, Tomiotto-Pellissier F, Camargo PG, Assolini JP, Concato VM, Detoni MB, Bidóia DL, Bispo MDLF, Lima CHDS, de Macedo FC, Conchon-Costa I, Miranda-Sapla MM, Wowk PF, Pavanelli WR. Investigation of the antileishmanial activity and mechanisms of action of acetyl-thiohydantoins. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 351:109690. [PMID: 34637778 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109690] [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] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The currently available treatment options for leishmaniasis are associated with high costs, severe side effects, and high toxicity. In previous studies, thiohydantoins demonstrated some pharmacological activities and were shown to be potential hit compounds with antileishmanial properties. The present study further explored the antileishmanial effect of acetyl-thiohydantoins against Leishmania amazonensis and determined the main processes involved in parasite death. We observed that compared to thiohydantoin nuclei, acetyl-thiohydantoin treatment inhibited the proliferation of promastigotes. This treatment caused alterations in cell cycle progression and parasite size and caused morphological and ultrastructural changes. We then investigated the mechanisms involved in the death of the protozoan; there was an increase in ROS production, phosphatidylserine exposure, and plasma membrane permeabilization and a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, resulting in an accumulation of lipid bodies and the formation of autophagic vacuoles on these parasites and confirming an apoptosis-like process. In intracellular amastigotes, selected acetyl-thiohydantoins reduced the percentage of infected macrophages and the number of amastigotes/macrophages by increasing ROS production and reducing TNF-α levels. Moreover, thiohydantoins did not induce cytotoxicity in murine macrophages (J774A.1), human monocytes (THP-1), or sheep erythrocytes. In silico and in vitro analyses showed that acetyl-thiohydantoins exerted in vitro antileishmanial effects on L. amazonensis promastigotes in apoptosis-like and amastigote forms by inducing ROS production and reducing TNF-α levels, indicating that they are good candidates for drug discovery studies in leishmaniasis treatment. Additionally, we carried out molecular docking analyses of acetyl-thiohydantoins on two important targets of Leishmania amazonensis: arginase and TNF-alpha converting enzyme. The results suggested that the acetyl groups in the N1-position of the thiohydantoin ring and the ring itself could be pharmacophoric groups due to their affinity for binding amino acid residues at the active site of both enzymes via hydrogen bond interactions. These results demonstrate that thiohydantoins are promising hit compounds that could be used as antileishmanial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Taciane da Silva Bortoleti
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Postgraduate Program, Carlos Chagas Institute, (ICC/Fiocruz/PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Manoela Daiele Gonçalves
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Biotransformation and Phytochemistry, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Tomiotto-Pellissier
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Postgraduate Program, Carlos Chagas Institute, (ICC/Fiocruz/PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Priscila Goes Camargo
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Research on Bioactive Molecules, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Assolini
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Virginia Marcia Concato
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Mariana Barbosa Detoni
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Danielle Larazin Bidóia
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernando Cesar de Macedo
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Research on Bioactive Molecules, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
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Faheem, Kumar BK, Sekhar KVGC, Kunjiappan S, Jamalis J, Balaña-Fouce R, Sankaranarayanan M. Recent Update on the Anti-infective Potential of β-carboline Analogs. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 21:398-425. [PMID: 33001013 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666201001130114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
β-Carboline, a naturally occurring indole alkaloid, holds a momentous spot in the field of medicinal chemistry due to its myriad of pharmacological actions like anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antileishmanial, antimalarial, neuropharmacological, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic among others. β-Carbolines exhibit their pharmacological activity via diverse mechanisms. This review provides a recent update (2015-2020) on the anti-infective potential of natural and synthetic β-carboline analogs focusing on its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimalarial, antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal properties. In cases where enough details are available, a note on its mechanism of action is also added.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani-333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Banoth Karan Kumar
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani-333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kondapalli Venkata Gowri Chandra Sekhar
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shameerpet Mandal, R.R. Dist. Hyderabad, 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Selvaraj Kunjiappan
- Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil 626126, India
| | - Joazaizulfazli Jamalis
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor 81310, Malaysia
| | | | - Murugesan Sankaranarayanan
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani-333031, Rajasthan, India
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Bortoleti BTDS, Gonçalves MD, Tomiotto-Pellissier F, Contato VM, Silva TF, de Matos RLN, Detoni MB, Rodrigues ACJ, Carloto AC, Lazarin DB, Arakawa NS, Costa IN, Conchon-Costa I, Miranda-Sapla MM, Wowk PF, Pavanelli WR. Solidagenone acts on promastigotes of L. amazonensis by inducing apoptosis-like processes on intracellular amastigotes by IL-12p70/ROS/NO pathway activation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 85:153536. [PMID: 33765552 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. Currently, the treatment has limited effectiveness and high toxicity, is expensive, requires long-term treatment, induces significant side effects, and promotes drug resistance. Thus, new therapeutic strategies must be developed to find alternative compounds with high efficiency and low cost. Solidagenone (SOL), one of the main constituents of Solidago chilensis, has shown gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. PURPOSE This study assessed the in vitro effect of SOL on promastigotes and Leishmania amazonensis-infected macrophages, as well its microbicide and immunomodulatory mechanisms. METHODS SOL was isolated from the roots of S. chilensis, 98% purity, and identified by chromatographic methods, and the effect of SOL on leishmanicidal activity against promastigotes in vitro, SOL-induced cytotoxicity in THP-1, J774 cells, sheep erythrocytes, and L. amazonensis-infected J774 macrophages, and the mechanisms of death involved in this action were evaluated. RESULTS In silico predictions showed good drug-likeness potential for SOL with high oral bioavailability and intestinal absorption. SOL treatment (10-160 μM) inhibited promastigote proliferation 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment. After 24 h of treatment, SOL at the IC50 (34.5 μM) and 2 × the IC50 (69 μM) induced several morphological and ultrastructural changes in promastigotes, altered the cell cycle and cellular volume, increased phosphatidylserine exposure on the cell surface, induced the loss of plasma membrane integrity, increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, induced loss of mitochondrial integrity (characterized by an apoptosis-like process), and increased the number of lipid droplets and autophagic vacuoles. Additionally, SOL induced low cytotoxicity in J774 murine macrophages (CC50 of 1587 μM), THP-1 human monocytes (CC50 of 1321 μM), and sheep erythrocytes. SOL treatment reduced the percentage of L. amazonensis-infected macrophages and the number of amastigotes per macrophage (IC50 9.5 μM), reduced TNF-α production and increased IL-12p70, ROS and nitric oxide (NO) levels. CONCLUSION SOL showed in vitro leishmanicidal effects against the promastigotes by apoptosis-like mechanism and amastigotes by reducing TNF-α and increasing IL-12p70, ROS, and NO levels, suggesting their potential as a candidate for use in further studies on the design of antileishmanial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Taciane da Silva Bortoleti
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Postgraduate Program, Carlos Chagas Institute (ICC/Fiocruz-PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Manoela Daiele Gonçalves
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Biotransformation and Phytochemistry, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Tomiotto-Pellissier
- Biosciences and Biotechnology Postgraduate Program, Carlos Chagas Institute (ICC/Fiocruz-PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Virginia Marcia Contato
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Taylon Felipe Silva
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Barbosa Detoni
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Cristina Carloto
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Danielle Bidóia Lazarin
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Nilton Syogo Arakawa
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Biotransformation and Phytochemistry, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Idessania Nazareth Costa
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Pryscilla Fanini Wowk
- Carlos Chagas Institute (ICC/Fiocruz-PR), Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- State University of Londrina (UEL/PR), Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
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Pereira KLG, Vasconcelos NBR, Braz JVC, InÁcio JDF, Estevam CS, Correa CB, Fernandes RPM, Almeida-Amaral EE, Scher R. Ethanolic extract of Croton blanchetianus Ball induces mitochondrial defects in Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2020; 92:e20180968. [PMID: 33146273 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202020180968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by Leishmania. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay for leishmaniasis control; however, available drugs fail to provide a parasitological cure, and are associated with high toxicity. Natural products are promising leads for the development of novel chemotherapeutics against leishmaniasis. This work investigated the leishmanicidal properties of ethanolic extract of Croton blanchetianus (EECb) on Leishmania infantum and Leishmania amazonensis, and found that EECb, rich in terpenic compounds, was active against promastigote and amastigote forms of both Leishmania species. Leishmania infantum promastigotes and amastigotes presented IC50 values of 208.6 and 8.8 μg/mL, respectively, whereas Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes presented IC50 values of 73.6 and 3.1 μg/mL, respectively. Promastigotes exposed to EECb (100 µg/mL) had their body cellular volume reduced and altered to a round shape, and the flagellum was duplicated, suggesting that EECb may interfere with the process of cytokinesis, which could be the cause of the decline in the parasite multiplication rate. Regarding possible EECb targets, a marked depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential was observed. No cytotoxic effects of EECb were observed in murine macrophages at concentrations below 60 µg/mL, and the CC50 obtained was 83.8 µg/mL. Thus, the present results indicated that EECb had effective and selective effects against Leishmania infantum and Leishmania amazonensis, and that these effects appeared to be mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katily L G Pereira
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n, Rosa Elze, 49000-000 São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Nancy B R Vasconcelos
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n, Rosa Elze, 49000-000 São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Juliana V C Braz
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n, Rosa Elze, 49000-000 São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Job D F InÁcio
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Charles S Estevam
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n, Rosa Elze, 49000-000 São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Cristiane B Correa
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n, Rosa Elze, 49000-000 São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Roberta P M Fernandes
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n, Rosa Elze, 49000-000 São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Elmo E Almeida-Amaral
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Scher
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n, Rosa Elze, 49000-000 São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
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Duschak VG. Major Kinds of Drug Targets in Chagas Disease or American Trypanosomiasis. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 20:1203-1216. [PMID: 31020939 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190423160804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
American Trypanosomiasis, a parasitic infection commonly named Chagas disease, affects millions of people all over Latin American countries. Presently, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that the number of international infected individuals extends to 7 to 8 million, assuming that more than 10,000 deaths occur annually. The transmission of the etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, through people migrating to non-endemic world nations makes it an emergent disease. The best promising targets for trypanocidal drugs may be classified into three main groups: Group I includes the main molecular targets that are considered among specific enzymes involved in the essential processes for parasite survival, principally Cruzipain, the major antigenic parasite cysteine proteinase. Group II involves biological pathways and their key specific enzymes, such as Sterol biosynthesis pathway, among others, specific antioxidant defense mechanisms, and bioenergetics ones. Group III includes the atypical organelles /structures present in the parasite relevant clinical forms, which are absent or considerably different from those present in mammals and biological processes related to them. These can be considered potential targets to develop drugs with extra effectiveness and fewer secondary effects than the currently used therapeutics. An improved distinction between the host and the parasite targets will help fight against this neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma G Duschak
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Reasearch (CONICET) Researcher, Area of Protein Biochemistry and Parasite Glycobiology, Research Department, National Institute of Parasitology (INP), "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben", ANLIS-Malbran, National Health Secretary, Av. Paseo Colon 568, Lab 506, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires (1063), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Synthesis of novel quinine analogs and evaluation of their effects on Trypanosoma cruzi. Future Med Chem 2018; 10:391-408. [PMID: 29380636 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2017-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Chagas disease is a tropical disease caused by the hemoflagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. There is no vaccine for Chagas disease and available drugs (e.g., benznidazole) are effective only during the acute phase, displaying a variable curative activity in the established chronic form of the disease. New leads with high efficacy and better toxicity profiles are urgently required. Materials & methods: A library of novel quinine derivatives was synthesized using Heck chemistry and evaluated against the various developmental forms of T. cruzi. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Several novel quinine analogs with trypanocidal activity have been identified with the para-nitro-substituted derivative displaying a submicromolar IC50, which is 83-times lower than quinine and three-times lower than benznidazole. Transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that these compounds induced a marked vacuolization of the kinetoplast of intracellular amastigotes and cell-derived trypomastigotes.
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Grecco SS, Costa-Silva TA, Jerz G, de Sousa FS, Londero VS, Galuppo MK, Lima ML, Neves BJ, Andrade CH, Tempone AG, Lago JHG. Neolignans from leaves of Nectandra leucantha (Lauraceae) display in vitro antitrypanosomal activity via plasma membrane and mitochondrial damages. Chem Biol Interact 2017; 277:55-61. [PMID: 28864277 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which affects more than eight million people in Tropical and Subtropical countries especially in Latin America. Current treatment is limited to nifurtimox and benznidazole, both with reduced effectiveness and high toxicity. In this work, the n-hexane extract from leaves of Nectandra leucantha (Lauraceae) displayed in vitro antitrypanosomal activity against T. cruzi. Using several chromatographic steps, four related neolignans were isolated and chemically characterized as dehydrodieugenol B (1), 1-(8-propenyl)-3-[3'-methoxy-1'-(8-propenyl)-phenoxy]-4,5-dimethoxybenzene (2), 1-[(7S)-hydroxy-8-propenyl]-3-[3'-methoxy-1'-(8'-propenyl)-phenoxy]-4-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzene (3), and 1-[(7S)-hydroxy-8-propenyl]-3-[3'-methoxy-1'-(8'-propenyl)-phenoxy]-4,5-dimethoxybenzene (4). These compounds were tested against intracellular amastigotes and extracellular trypomastigotes of T. cruzi and for mammalian cytotoxicity. Neolignan 4 showed the higher selectivity index (SI) against trypomastigotes (>5) and amastigotes (>13) of T. cruzi. The investigation of the mechanism of action demonstrated that neolignan 4 caused substantial alteration of the plasma membrane permeability, together with mitochondrial dysfunctions in trypomastigote forms. In silico studies of pharmacokinetics and toxicity (ADMET) properties predicted that all compounds were non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic, non-genotoxic, weak hERG blockers, with acceptable volume of distribution (1.66-3.32 L/kg), and low rodent oral toxicity (LD50 810-2200 mg/kg). Considering some clinical events of cerebral Chagas disease, the compounds also demonstrated favorable properties, such as blood-brain barrier penetration. Unfavorable properties were also predicted as high promiscuity for P450 isoforms, high plasma protein binding affinity (>91%), and moderate-to-low oral bioavailability. Finally, none of the isolated neolignans was predicted as interference compounds (PAINS). Considering the promising chemical and biological properties of the isolated neolignans, these compounds could be used as starting points to develop new lead compounds for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone S Grecco
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, 09210-180, Brazil; Institute of Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany; Biotechnology and Innovation in Health Program, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Thais A Costa-Silva
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, 09210-180, Brazil
| | - Gerold Jerz
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, 38106, Germany
| | - Fernanda S de Sousa
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, SP, 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Vinicius S Londero
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, SP, 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Mariana K Galuppo
- Centre for Parasitology and Mycology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, 01246-902, Brazil
| | - Marta L Lima
- Centre for Parasitology and Mycology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, 01246-902, Brazil; Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Bruno J Neves
- LabMol, Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Society, Technology and Environment, Unievangelica University Center, Anápolis, GO, 75083-515, Brazil
| | - Carolina H Andrade
- LabMol, Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, GO, 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Andre G Tempone
- Centre for Parasitology and Mycology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, 01246-902, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Center of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, SP, 09210-180, Brazil.
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Miranda N, Volpato H, da Silva Rodrigues JH, Caetano W, Ueda-Nakamura T, de Oliveira Silva S, Nakamura CV. The photodynamic action of pheophorbide a induces cell death through oxidative stress in Leishmania amazonensis. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2017; 174:342-354. [PMID: 28821011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by hemoflagellate protozoa, affecting millions of people worldwide. The difficulties of treating patients with this parasitosis include the limited efficacy and many side effects of the currently available drugs. Therefore, the search for new compounds with leishmanicidal action is necessary. Photodynamic therapy has been studied in the medical field because of its selectivity, utilizing a combination of visible light, a photosensitizer compound, and singlet oxygen to reach the area of treatment. The continued search for selective alternative treatments and effective targets that impact the parasite and not the host are fundamentally important for the development of new drugs. Pheophorbide a is a photosensitizer that may be promising for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The present study evaluated the in vitro biological effects of pheophorbide a and its possible mechanisms of action in causing cell death in L. amazonensis. Pheophorbide a was active against promastigote and amastigote forms of the parasite. After treatment, we observed ultrastructural alterations in this protozoan. We also observed changes in promastigote macromolecules and organelles, such as loss of mitochondrial membrane potential [∆Ψm], lipid peroxidation, an increase in lipid droplets, DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine exposure, an increase in caspase-like activity, oxidative imbalance, and a decrease in antioxidant defense systems. These findings suggest that cell death occurred through apoptosis. The mechanism of cell death in intracellular amastigotes appeared to involve autophagy, in which we clearly observed an increase in reactive oxygen species, a compromised ∆Ψm, and an increase in the number of autophagic vacuoles. The present study contributes to the development of new photosensitizers against L. amazonensis. We also elucidated the mechanism of action of pheophorbide a, mainly in intracellular amastigotes, which is the most clinically relevant form of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathielle Miranda
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Hélito Volpato
- Post-Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Biological Concentration Area, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Jean Henrique da Silva Rodrigues
- Post-Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Biological Concentration Area, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Wilker Caetano
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Tânia Ueda-Nakamura
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Sueli de Oliveira Silva
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Celso Vataru Nakamura
- Post-Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Biological Concentration Area, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.
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Stroppa PH, Antinarelli LM, Carmo AM, Gameiro J, Coimbra ES, da Silva AD. Effect of 1,2,3-triazole salts, non-classical bioisosteres of miltefosine, on Leishmania amazonensis. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:3034-3045. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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11
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Mello CP, Lima DB, Menezes RRPPBD, Bandeira ICJ, Tessarolo LD, Sampaio TL, Falcão CB, Rádis-Baptista G, Martins AMC. Evaluation of the antichagasic activity of batroxicidin, a cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide found in Bothrops atrox venom gland. Toxicon 2017; 130:56-62. [PMID: 28246023 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics, as they have a fast mode of action, a low likelihood of resistance development and can act in conjunction with existing drug regimens. We report in this study the effects of batroxicidin (BatxC), a cathelicidin-related AMP from Bothrops atrox venom gland, over Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan that causes Chagas' disease. BatxC inhibited all T. cruzi (Y strain: benznidazole-resistant) developmental forms, with selectivity index of 315. Later, separate flow cytometry assays showed T. cruzi cell labeling by 7-aminoactinomycin D, the increase in reactive oxygen species and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential when the parasite was treated with BatxC, which are indication of necrosis. T. cruzi cell death pathway by a necrotic mechanism was finally confirmed by scanning electron microscopy which observed loss of cell membrane integrity. In conclusion, BatxC was able to inhibit T. cruzi, with high selectivity index, by inducing necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Perdigão Mello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Danya Bandeira Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Louise Donadello Tessarolo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Tiago Lima Sampaio
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Claudio Borges Falcão
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Alice Maria Costa Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Pérez-Morales D, Hernández KDR, Martínez I, Agredano-Moreno LT, Jiménez-García LF, Espinoza B. Ultrastructural and physiological changes induced by different stress conditions on the human parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Cell Stress Chaperones 2017; 22:15-27. [PMID: 27714535 PMCID: PMC5225055 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-016-0736-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease. The life cycle of this protozoan parasite is digenetic because it alternates its different developmental forms through two hosts, a vector insect and a vertebrate host. As a result, the parasites are exposed to sudden and drastic environmental changes causing cellular stress. The stress response to some types of stress has been studied in T. cruzi, mainly at the molecular level; however, data about ultrastructure and physiological state of the cells in stress conditions are scarce or null. In this work, we analyzed the morphological, ultrastructural, and physiological changes produced on T. cruzi epimastigotes when they were exposed to acid, nutritional, heat, and oxidative stress. Clear morphological changes were observed, but the physiological conditions varied depending on the type of stress. The maintenance of the physiological state was severely affected by heat shock, acidic, nutritional, and oxidative stress. According to the surprising observed growth recovery after damage by stress alterations, different adaptations from the parasite to these harsh conditions were suggested. Particular cellular death pathways are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyanira Pérez-Morales
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 70228, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Karla Daniela Rodríguez Hernández
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 70228, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ignacio Martínez
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 70228, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Lourdes Teresa Agredano-Moreno
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 70228, C.P. 04510, México, D.F., México
| | - Luis Felipe Jiménez-García
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 70228, C.P. 04510, México, D.F., México
| | - Bertha Espinoza
- Laboratorio de Estudios sobre Tripanosomiasis. Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 70228, C.P. 04510, Ciudad de México, México.
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Dos Anjos DO, Sobral Alves ES, Gonçalves VT, Fontes SS, Nogueira ML, Suarez-Fontes AM, Neves da Costa JB, Rios-Santos F, Vannier-Santos MA. Effects of a novel β-lapachone derivative on Trypanosoma cruzi: Parasite death involving apoptosis, autophagy and necrosis. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2016; 6:207-219. [PMID: 27770751 PMCID: PMC5078628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Natural products comprise valuable sources for new antiparasitic drugs. Here we tested the effects of a novel β-lapachone derivative on Trypanosoma cruzi parasite survival and proliferation and used microscopy and cytometry techniques to approach the mechanism(s) underlying parasite death. The selectivity index determination indicate that the compound trypanocidal activity was over ten-fold more cytotoxic to epimastigotes than to macrophages or splenocytes. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the R72 β-lapachone derivative affected the T. cruzi morphology and surface topography. General plasma membrane waving and blebbing particularly on the cytostome region were observed in the R72-treated parasites. Transmission electron microscopy observations confirmed the surface damage at the cytostome opening vicinity. We also observed ultrastructural evidence of the autophagic mechanism termed macroautophagy. Some of the autophagosomes involved large portions of the parasite cytoplasm and their fusion/confluence may lead to necrotic parasite death. The remarkably enhanced frequency of autophagy triggering was confirmed by quantitating monodansylcadaverine labeling. Some cells displayed evidence of chromatin pycnosis and nuclear fragmentation were detected. This latter phenomenon was also indicated by DAPI staining of R72-treated cells. The apoptotis induction was suggested to take place in circa one-third of the parasites assessed by annexin V labeling measured by flow cytometry. TUNEL staining corroborated the apoptosis induction. Propidium iodide labeling indicate that at least 10% of the R72-treated parasites suffered necrosis within 24 h. The present data indicate that the β-lapachone derivative R72 selectively triggers T. cruzi cell death, involving both apoptosis and autophagy-induced necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Oliveira Dos Anjos
- Lab. Biologia Parasitária, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz UESC, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sheila Suarez Fontes
- Lab. Biologia Parasitária, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Brazil
| | - Mateus Lima Nogueira
- Lab. Biologia Parasitária, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Brazil
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C5 induces different cell death pathways in promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 256:16-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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15
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Singha UK, Hamilton V, Chaudhuri M. Tim62, a Novel Mitochondrial Protein in Trypanosoma brucei, Is Essential for Assembly and Stability of the TbTim17 Protein Complex. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:23226-39. [PMID: 26240144 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.663492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis, possesses non-canonical mitochondrial protein import machinery. Previously, we characterized the essential translocase of the mitochondrial inner membrane (TIM) consisting of Tim17 in T. brucei. TbTim17 is associated with TbTim62. Here we show that TbTim62, a novel protein, is localized in the mitochondrial inner membrane, and its import into mitochondria depends on TbTim17. Knockdown (KD) of TbTim62 decreased the steady-state levels of TbTim17 post-transcriptionally. Further analysis showed that import of TbTim17 into mitochondria was not inhibited, but its half-life was reduced >4-fold due to TbTim62 KD. Blue-native gel electrophoresis revealed that TbTim62 is present primarily in ∼150-kDa and also in ∼1100-kDa protein complexes, whereas TbTim17 is present in multiple complexes within the range of ∼300 to ∼1100 kDa. TbTim62 KD reduced the levels of both TbTim62 as well as TbTim17 protein complexes. Interestingly, TbTim17 was accumulated as lower molecular mass complexes in TbTim62 KD mitochondria. Furthermore, depletion of TbTim62 hampered the assembly of the ectopically expressed TbTim17-2X-myc into TbTim17 protein complex. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that association of TbTim17 with mHSP70 was markedly reduced in TbTim62 KD mitochondria. All together our results demonstrate that TbTim62, a unique mitochondrial protein in T. brucei, is required for the formation of a stable TbTim17 protein complex. TbTim62 KD destabilizes this complex, and unassembled TbTim17 degrades. Therefore, TbTim62 acts as a novel regulatory factor to maintain the levels of TIM in T. brucei mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjal K Singha
- From the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee 37208
| | - VaNae Hamilton
- From the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee 37208
| | - Minu Chaudhuri
- From the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee 37208
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