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Kann S, Concha G, Frickmann H, Hagen RM, Warnke P, Molitor E, Hoerauf A, Backhaus J. Chagas Disease: Comparison of Therapy with Nifurtimox and Benznidazole in Indigenous Communities in Colombia. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2565. [PMID: 38731093 PMCID: PMC11084551 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: For indigenous people in Colombia, high infection rates with Chagas disease (CD) are known. Methods: In 2018 and 2020, nine villages were screened for CD. CD-positive patients could enter a drug observed treatment. While, in 2018, Benznidazole (BNZ) was provided as the first-line drug by the government, nifurtimox (NFX) was administered in 2020. Results: Of 121 individuals treated with BNZ, 79 (65%) suffered from at least one adverse event (AE). Of 115 treated with NFX, at least one AE occurred in 96 (84%) patients. In 69% of BNZ cases, the side effects did not last longer than one day; this applied to 31% of NFX cases. Excluding extreme outlier values, average duration of AEs differed highly significantly: BNZ (M = 0.7, SD = 1.4) and NFX (M = 1.7, SD = 1.5, p < 0.001). Using an intensity scale, AEs were highly significantly more severe for NFX (M = 2.1, SD = 0.58) compared to BZN (M = 1.1, SD = 0.38), p < 0.001. When analyzing the duration in relation to the intensity, the burden of AEs caused by NFX was significantly more pronounced. Dropouts (n = 2) due to AEs were in the NFX-group only. Conclusions: Side effects caused by BNZ were significantly fewer, as well as milder, shorter in duration, and more easily treatable, compared to NFX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Kann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, 56070 Koblenz, Germany;
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (E.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Gustavo Concha
- Organization Wiwa Yugumaiun Bunkauanarrua Tayrona (OWYBT), Department Health Advocacy, Valledupar 2000001, Colombia;
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Ralf Matthias Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, 56070 Koblenz, Germany;
| | - Philipp Warnke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Ernst Molitor
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (E.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (E.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Joy Backhaus
- Statistical Consulting, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany;
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Pardo-Rodriguez D, Lasso P, Santamaría-Torres M, Cala MP, Puerta CJ, Méndez Arteaga JJ, Robles J, Cuervo C. Clethra fimbriata hexanic extract triggers alteration in the energy metabolism in epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1206074. [PMID: 37818099 PMCID: PMC10561390 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1206074] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (ChD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is endemic in American countries and an estimated 8 million people worldwide are chronically infected. Currently, only two drugs are available for therapeutic use against T. cruzi and their use is controversial due to several disadvantages associated with side effects and low compliance with treatment. Therefore, there is a need to search for new tripanocidal agents. Natural products have been considered a potential innovative source of effective and selective agents for drug development to treat T. cruzi infection. Recently, our research group showed that hexanic extract from Clethra fimbriata (CFHEX) exhibits anti-parasitic activity against all stages of T. cruzi parasite, being apoptosis the main cell death mechanism in both epimastigotes and trypomastigotes stages. With the aim of deepening the understanding of the mechanisms of death induced by CFHEX, the metabolic alterations elicited after treatment using a multiplatform metabolomics analysis (RP/HILIC-LC-QTOF-MS and GC-QTOF-MS) were performed. A total of 154 altered compounds were found significant in the treated parasites corresponding to amino acids (Arginine, threonine, cysteine, methionine, glycine, valine, proline, isoleucine, alanine, leucine, glutamic acid, and serine), fatty acids (stearic acid), glycerophospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine), sulfur compounds (trypanothione) and carboxylic acids (pyruvate and phosphoenolpyruvate). The most affected metabolic pathways were mainly related to energy metabolism, which was found to be decrease during the evaluated treatment time. Further, exogenous compounds of the triterpene type (betulinic, ursolic and pomolic acid) previously described in C. fimbriata were found inside the treated parasites. Our findings suggest that triterpene-type compounds may contribute to the activity of CFHEX by altering essential processes in the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pardo-Rodriguez
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Fitoquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Productos Naturales, Universidad del Tolima, Tolima, Colombia
- Metabolomics Core Facility—MetCore, Vice-Presidency for Research, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paola Lasso
- Grupo de Inmunobiología y Biología Celular, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mary Santamaría-Torres
- Metabolomics Core Facility—MetCore, Vice-Presidency for Research, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mónica P. Cala
- Metabolomics Core Facility—MetCore, Vice-Presidency for Research, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Concepción J. Puerta
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Jorge Robles
- Grupo de Fitoquímica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Claudia Cuervo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Dowling J, Doig CL. Roles of ADP-Ribosylation during Infection Establishment by Trypanosomatidae Parasites. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050708. [PMID: 37242378 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050708] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
ADP-ribosylation is a reversible post-translational protein modification, which is evolutionarily conserved in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. It governs critical cellular functions, including, but not limited to cellular proliferation, differentiation, RNA translation, and genomic repair. The addition of one or multiple ADP-ribose moieties can be catalysed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes, while in eukaryotic organisms, ADP-ribosylation can be reversed through the action of specific enzymes capable of ADP-ribose signalling regulation. In several lower eukaryotic organisms, including Trypanosomatidae parasites, ADP-ribosylation is thought to be important for infection establishment. Trypanosomatidae encompasses several human disease-causing pathogens, including Trypanosoma cruzi, T. brucei, and the Leishmania genus. These parasites are the etiological agents of Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), and leishmaniasis, respectively. Currently, licenced medications for these infections are outdated and often result in harmful side effects, and can be inaccessible to those carrying infections, due to them being classified as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), meaning that many infected individuals will belong to already marginalised communities in countries already facing socioeconomic challenges. Consequently, funding to develop novel therapeutics for these infections is overlooked. As such, understanding the molecular mechanisms of infection, and how ADP-ribosylation facilitates infection establishment by these organisms may allow the identification of potential molecular interventions that would disrupt infection. In contrast to the complex ADP-ribosylation pathways in eukaryotes, the process of Trypanosomatidae is more linear, with the parasites only expressing one PARP enzyme, compared to the, at least, 17 genes that encode human PARP enzymes. If this simplified pathway can be understood and exploited, it may reveal new avenues for combatting Trypanosomatidae infection. This review will focus on the current state of knowledge on the importance of ADP-ribosylation in Trypanosomatidae during infection establishment in human hosts, and the potential therapeutic options that disrupting ADP-ribosylation may offer to combat Trypanosomatidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Dowling
- School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Craig L Doig
- School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
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Chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection activates the TWEAK/Fn14 axis in cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts driving structural and functional changes that affect the heart. Exp Parasitol 2023; 248:108491. [PMID: 36841467 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Sustained interaction between the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its functional receptor, fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), has been linked to cardiovascular disorders. Chagas cardiomyopathy, elicited by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is associated with chronic inflammation, fibrosis and hypertrophy. This study aimed to explore the involvement of the TWEAK/Fn 14 axis in development of Chagas heart disease. Parasite infection in vitro triggered Fn14 overexpression in atrial HL-1 myocytes and cardiac MCF fibroblasts. Fn14 levels were also increased in heart tissue from C57BL/6 mice at 130 days post-infection, particularly in myocytes and fibroblasts. Concurrently, TWEAK expression in circulating monocytes from this group was higher than that determined in uninfected controls. TWEAK/Fn14 interaction was functional in myocytes and fibroblasts isolated from infected hearts, leading to TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2)-mediated activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signaling. Ex vivo stimulation of both cell types with recombinant TWEAK for 24 h boosted the NFκB-regulated production of proinflammatory/profibrotic mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, CCL2, CCL5, MMP-2, MMP-9, ICAM-1, E-selectin) involved in chronic T. cruzi cardiomyopathy. We further evaluated the therapeutic potential of the soluble decoy receptor Fn14-Fc to interfere with TWEAK/Fn14-dependent pathogenic activity. Fn14-Fc treatment of chronically infected mice was effective in neutralizing the ligand and reverting electrocardiographic abnormalities, maladaptive inflammation, adverse remodeling and hypertrophy in myocardium. Altogether, these findings suggest that sustained TWEAK/Fn14 induction by persistent T. cruzi infection is implicated in cardiopathogenesis and make TWEAK/Fn14 axis a promising target for the treatment of chronic Chagas heart disease.
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Rigazio CS, Mariz-Ponte N, Caballero EP, Penas FN, Goren NB, Santamaría MH, Corral RS. Involvement of glycoinositolphospholipid from Trypanosoma cruzi and macrophage migration inhibitory factor in proinflammatory mechanisms promoting cardiovascular injury mechanisms promoting cardiovascular inflammation tThe combined action of glycoinositolphospholipid from Trypanosoma cruzi and macrophage migration inhibitory factor increases proinflammatory mediator production by cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelial cells. Microb Pathog 2022; 173:105881. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luise Lopes Chaves
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Recife-Pernambuco
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Fonseca KDS, Perin L, de Paiva NCN, da Silva BC, Duarte THC, Marques FDS, Costa GDP, Molina I, Correa-Oliveira R, Vieira PMDA, Carneiro CM. Benznidazole Treatment: Time- and Dose-Dependence Varies with the Trypanosoma cruzi Strain. Pathogens 2021; 10:729. [PMID: 34207764 PMCID: PMC8229751 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060729] [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: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
As the development of new drugs for Chagas disease is not a priority due to its neglected disease status, an option for increasing treatment adherence is to explore alternative treatment regimens, which may decrease the incidence of side effects. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of different therapeutic schemes with benznidazole (BNZ) on the acute and chronic phases of the disease, using mice infected with strains that have different BNZ susceptibilities. Our results show that the groups of animals infected by VL-10 strain, when treated in the chronic phase with a lower dose of BNZ for a longer period of time (40 mg/kg/day for 40 days) presented better treatment efficacy than with the standard protocol (100 mg/kg/day for 20 days) although the best result in the treatment of the animals infected by the VL-10 strain was with100 mg/kg/day for 40 days. In the acute infection by the Y and VL-10 strains of T. cruzi, the treatment with a standard dose, but with a longer time of treatment (100 mg/kg/day for 40 days) presented the best results. Given these data, our results indicate that for BNZ, the theory of dose and time proportionality does not apply to the phases of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kátia da Silva Fonseca
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (K.d.S.F.); (L.P.); (N.C.N.d.P.); (B.C.d.S.); (G.d.P.C.); (I.M.); (R.C.-O.); (P.M.d.A.V.)
| | - Luísa Perin
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (K.d.S.F.); (L.P.); (N.C.N.d.P.); (B.C.d.S.); (G.d.P.C.); (I.M.); (R.C.-O.); (P.M.d.A.V.)
| | - Nívia Carolina Nogueira de Paiva
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (K.d.S.F.); (L.P.); (N.C.N.d.P.); (B.C.d.S.); (G.d.P.C.); (I.M.); (R.C.-O.); (P.M.d.A.V.)
| | - Beatriz Cristiane da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (K.d.S.F.); (L.P.); (N.C.N.d.P.); (B.C.d.S.); (G.d.P.C.); (I.M.); (R.C.-O.); (P.M.d.A.V.)
| | - Thays Helena Chaves Duarte
- Laboratory of Morphopathology, Department of Biological Sciences, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (T.H.C.D.); (F.d.S.M.)
| | - Flávia de Souza Marques
- Laboratory of Morphopathology, Department of Biological Sciences, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (T.H.C.D.); (F.d.S.M.)
| | - Guilherme de Paula Costa
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (K.d.S.F.); (L.P.); (N.C.N.d.P.); (B.C.d.S.); (G.d.P.C.); (I.M.); (R.C.-O.); (P.M.d.A.V.)
| | - Israel Molina
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (K.d.S.F.); (L.P.); (N.C.N.d.P.); (B.C.d.S.); (G.d.P.C.); (I.M.); (R.C.-O.); (P.M.d.A.V.)
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, PROSICS Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Correa-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (K.d.S.F.); (L.P.); (N.C.N.d.P.); (B.C.d.S.); (G.d.P.C.); (I.M.); (R.C.-O.); (P.M.d.A.V.)
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, René Rachou Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Paula Melo de Abreu Vieira
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (K.d.S.F.); (L.P.); (N.C.N.d.P.); (B.C.d.S.); (G.d.P.C.); (I.M.); (R.C.-O.); (P.M.d.A.V.)
- Laboratory of Morphopathology, Department of Biological Sciences, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (T.H.C.D.); (F.d.S.M.)
| | - Cláudia Martins Carneiro
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Nucleus of Biological Sciences Research, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil; (K.d.S.F.); (L.P.); (N.C.N.d.P.); (B.C.d.S.); (G.d.P.C.); (I.M.); (R.C.-O.); (P.M.d.A.V.)
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil
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Barbosa H, Costa-Silva TA, Alves Conserva GA, Araujo AJ, Lordello ALL, Antar GM, Amaral M, Soares MG, Tempone AG, Lago JHG. Aporphine Alkaloids from Ocotea puberula with Anti-Trypanosoma Cruzi Potential - Activity of Dicentrine-β-N-Oxide in the Plasma Membrane Electric Potentials. Chem Biodivers 2021; 18:e2001022. [PMID: 33635585 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202001022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
One new aporphine, dicentrine-β-N-oxide (1), together with five related known alkaloids dehydrodicentrine (2), predicentrine (3), N-methyllaurotetanine (4), cassythicine (5), and dicentrine (6) were isolated from the leaves of Ocotea puberula (Lauraceae). Antiprotozoal activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated in vitro against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Among the tested compounds, alkaloid 1 exhibited higher potential with EC50 value of 18.2 μM and reduced toxicity against NCTC cells (CC50 >200 μM - SI>11.0), similar to positive control benznidazole (EC50 of 17.7 μM and SI=10.7). Considering the promising results of dicentrine-β-N-oxide (1) against trypomastigotes, the mechanism of parasite death caused by this alkaloid was investigated. As observed, this compound reached the plasma membrane electric potential directly after 2 h of incubation and triggered mitochondrial depolarization, which probably leads to trypomastigote death. Therefore, dicentrine-β-N-oxide (1), reported for the first time in this work, can contribute to future works for the development of new trypanocidal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Barbosa
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, 09210-580, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais A Costa-Silva
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, 09210-580, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
| | - Geanne A Alves Conserva
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, 09210-580, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
| | - Adelson J Araujo
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Ana Luísa L Lordello
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Paraná, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M Antar
- Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maiara Amaral
- Center for Parasitology and Mycology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, 01246-902, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marisi G Soares
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-001, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Andre G Tempone
- Center for Parasitology and Mycology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, 01246-902, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, 09210-580, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil
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Muraca G, Berti IR, Sbaraglini ML, Fávaro WJ, Durán N, Castro GR, Talevi A. Trypanosomatid-Caused Conditions: State of the Art of Therapeutics and Potential Applications of Lipid-Based Nanocarriers. Front Chem 2020; 8:601151. [PMID: 33324615 PMCID: PMC7726426 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.601151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatid-caused conditions (African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis) are neglected tropical infectious diseases that mainly affect socioeconomically vulnerable populations. The available therapeutics display substantial limitations, among them limited efficacy, safety issues, drug resistance, and, in some cases, inconvenient routes of administration, which made the scenarios with insufficient health infrastructure settings inconvenient. Pharmaceutical nanocarriers may provide solutions to some of these obstacles, improving the efficacy-safety balance and tolerability to therapeutic interventions. Here, we overview the state of the art of therapeutics for trypanosomatid-caused diseases (including approved drugs and drugs undergoing clinical trials) and the literature on nanolipid pharmaceutical carriers encapsulating approved and non-approved drugs for these diseases. Numerous studies have focused on the obtention and preclinical assessment of lipid nanocarriers, particularly those addressing the two currently most challenging trypanosomatid-caused diseases, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis. In general, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that delivering the drugs using such type of nanocarriers could improve the efficacy-safety balance, diminishing cytotoxicity and organ toxicity, especially in leishmaniasis. This constitutes a very relevant outcome, as it opens the possibility to extended treatment regimens and improved compliance. Despite these advances, last-generation nanosystems, such as targeted nanocarriers and hybrid systems, have still not been extensively explored in the field of trypanosomatid-caused conditions and represent promising opportunities for future developments. The potential use of nanotechnology in extended, well-tolerated drug regimens is particularly interesting in the light of recent descriptions of quiescent/dormant stages of Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi, which have been linked to therapeutic failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Muraca
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica (ANMAT), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Rivero Berti
- Laboratorio de Nanobiomateriales, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales (CINDEFI), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) -CONICET (CCT La Plata), La Plata, Argentina
| | - María L. Sbaraglini
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Wagner J. Fávaro
- Laboratory of Urogenital Carcinogenesis and Immunotherapy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Nelson Durán
- Laboratory of Urogenital Carcinogenesis and Immunotherapy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Nanomedicine Research Unit (Nanomed), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Guillermo R. Castro
- Laboratorio de Nanobiomateriales, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales (CINDEFI), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP) -CONICET (CCT La Plata), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Alan Talevi
- Laboratory of Bioactive Research and Development (LIDeB), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
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Juárez-Saldivar A, Schroeder M, Salentin S, Haupt VJ, Saavedra E, Vázquez C, Reyes-Espinosa F, Herrera-Mayorga V, Villalobos-Rocha JC, García-Pérez CA, Campillo NE, Rivera G. Computational Drug Repositioning for Chagas Disease Using Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiling. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124270. [PMID: 32560043 PMCID: PMC7348847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), affects nearly eight million people worldwide. There are currently only limited treatment options, which cause several side effects and have drug resistance. Thus, there is a great need for a novel, improved Chagas treatment. Bifunctional enzyme dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) has emerged as a promising pharmacological target. Moreover, some human dihydrofolate reductase (HsDHFR) inhibitors such as trimetrexate also inhibit T. cruzi DHFR-TS (TcDHFR-TS). These compounds serve as a starting point and a reference in a screening campaign to search for new TcDHFR-TS inhibitors. In this paper, a novel virtual screening approach was developed that combines classical docking with protein-ligand interaction profiling to identify drug repositioning opportunities against T. cruzi infection. In this approach, some food and drug administration (FDA)-approved drugs that were predicted to bind with high affinity to TcDHFR-TS and whose predicted molecular interactions are conserved among known inhibitors were selected. Overall, ten putative TcDHFR-TS inhibitors were identified. These exhibited a similar interaction profile and a higher computed binding affinity, compared to trimetrexate. Nilotinib, glipizide, glyburide and gliquidone were tested on T. cruzi epimastigotes and showed growth inhibitory activity in the micromolar range. Therefore, these compounds could lead to the development of new treatment options for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Juárez-Saldivar
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico; (A.J.-S.); (F.R.-E.); (V.H.-M.); (J.C.V.-R.)
| | - Michael Schroeder
- Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.S.); (S.S.); (V.J.H.)
| | - Sebastian Salentin
- Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.S.); (S.S.); (V.J.H.)
| | - V. Joachim Haupt
- Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (M.S.); (S.S.); (V.J.H.)
| | - Emma Saavedra
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico; (E.S.); (C.V.)
| | - Citlali Vázquez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de Mexico 14080, Mexico; (E.S.); (C.V.)
| | - Francisco Reyes-Espinosa
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico; (A.J.-S.); (F.R.-E.); (V.H.-M.); (J.C.V.-R.)
| | - Verónica Herrera-Mayorga
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico; (A.J.-S.); (F.R.-E.); (V.H.-M.); (J.C.V.-R.)
- Departamento de Ingeniería Bioquímica, Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Mante, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Mante 89840, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Villalobos-Rocha
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico; (A.J.-S.); (F.R.-E.); (V.H.-M.); (J.C.V.-R.)
| | - Carlos A. García-Pérez
- Scientific Computing Research Unit, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;
| | - Nuria E. Campillo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico; (A.J.-S.); (F.R.-E.); (V.H.-M.); (J.C.V.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-1-8991-601-356
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11
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Lychnopholide in Poly(d,l-Lactide)- Block-Polyethylene Glycol Nanocapsules Cures Infection with a Drug-Resistant Trypanosoma cruzi Strain at Acute and Chronic Phases. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01937-19. [PMID: 31988096 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01937-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease remains neglected, and current chemotherapeutics present severe limitations. Lychnopholide (LYC) at low doses loaded in polymeric poly(d,l-lactide)-block-polyethylene glycol (PLA-PEG) nanocapsules (LYC-PLA-PEG-NC) exhibits anti-Trypanosoma cruzi efficacy in mice infected with a partially drug-resistant strain. This study reports the efficacy of LYC-PLA-PEG-NC at higher doses in mice infected with a T. cruzi strain resistant to benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox (NF) treated at both the acute phase (AP) and the chronic phase (CP) of infection by the oral route. Mice infected with the T. cruzi VL-10 strain were treated by the oral route with free LYC (12 mg/kg of body weight/day), LYC-PLA-PEG-NC (8 or 12 mg/kg/day), or BZ at 100 mg/kg/day or were not treated (controls). Treatment efficacy was assessed by hemoculture (HC), PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), heart tissue quantitative PCR (qPCR), and histopathology. According to classical cure criteria, treatment with LYC-PLA-PEG-NC at 12 mg/kg/day cured 75% (AP) and 88% (CP) of the animals, while at a dose of 8 mg/kg/day, 43% (AP) and 43% (CP) were cured, showing dose-dependent efficacy. The negative qPCR results for heart tissue and the absence of inflammation/fibrosis agreed with the negative results obtained by HC and PCR. Thus, the mice treated with the highest dose could be considered 100% cured, in spite of a low ELISA reactivity in some animals. No cure was observed in animals treated with free LYC or BZ or the controls. These results are exceptional in terms of experimental Chagas disease chemotherapy and provide evidence of the outstanding contribution of nanotechnology in mice infected with a T. cruzi strain totally resistant to BZ and NF at both phases of infection. Therefore, LYC-PLA-PEG-NC has great potential as a new treatment for Chagas disease and deserves further investigations in clinical trials.
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12
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Benefits of Ascorbic Acid in Association with Low-Dose Benznidazole in Treatment of Chagas Disease. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00514-18. [PMID: 29987143 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00514-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The acute phase of Chagas disease (CD) is characterized by high parasitic proliferation and intense inflammation, exacerbating the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). These reactive molecules are also increased by the metabolism of the nitroheterocyclic compounds benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox, the only drugs available for the treatment of CD. This oxidative environment, associated with the intracellular multiplication of Trypanosoma cruzi, leads to tissue destruction, triggering the pathogenic process. Both drugs have limited efficacy and serious side effects, which demonstrates the need to seek alternative therapies. Due to the difficulty in developing new drugs, reviewing therapeutic regimens appears advantageous, and the use of BZ in low doses associated with antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (AA), would be a valid alternative to attenuate oxidative stress. In our in vivo studies, mice receiving the combination of 7.14 mg/kg of body weight/day AA and 10 mg/kg/day BZ10 (AA+BZ10) showed a reduction in parasitemia that was more effective than that with those receiving BZ or AA alone. The combined treatment was effective in decreasing intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation in cardiac tissue. Histological and PCR analyzes showed that AA also reduced the cardiac parasitism. However, the greatest benefit was seen in AA+BZ10 group, since cardiac inflammation was significantly reduced. In addition, the combined therapy prevented the hepatic damage induced by the infection. Our findings suggest that AA combined with a low dose of BZ may improve the trypanocidal activity and attenuate the toxic effects of BZ. The decrease in oxidative damage and inflammation observed in mice treated with AA+BZ10 could result in increased cardioprotection.
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13
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Moreno ÉM, Leal SM, Stashenko EE, García LT. Induction of programmed cell death in Trypanosoma cruzi by Lippia alba essential oils and their major and synergistic terpenes (citral, limonene and caryophyllene oxide). BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 18:225. [PMID: 30053848 PMCID: PMC6062979 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2293-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Chagas Disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases (NTD), without an effective therapy for the successful parasite eradication or for the blocking of the disease’s progression, in its advanced stages. Due to their low toxicity, wide pharmacologic spectrum, and potential synergies, medicinal plants as Lippia alba, offer a promising reserve of bioactive molecules. The principal goal of this work is to characterize the inhibitory properties and cellular effects of the Citral and Carvone L. alba chemotype essential oils (EOs) and their main bioactive terpenes (and the synergies among them) on T. cruzi forms. Methods Twelve L. alba EOs, produced under diverse environmental conditions, were extracted by microwave assisted hydrodistillation, and chemically characterized using gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry. Trypanocidal activity and cytotoxicity were determined for each oil, and their major compounds, on epimastigotes (Epi), trypomastigotes (Tryp), amastigotes (Amas), and Vero cells. Pharmacologic interactions were defined by a matrix of combinations among the most trypanocidal terpenes (limonene, carvone; citral and caryophyllene oxide). The treated cell phenotype was assessed by fluorescent and optic microscopy, flow cytometry, and DNA electrophoresis assays. Results The L. alba EOs displayed significant differences in their chemical composition and trypanocidal performance (p = 0.0001). Citral chemotype oils were more trypanocidal than Carvone EOs, with Inhibitory Concentration 50 (IC50) of 14 ± 1.5 μg/mL, 22 ± 1.4 μg/mL and 74 ± 4.4 μg/mL, on Epi, Tryp and Amas, respectively. Limonene exhibited synergistic interaction with citral, caryophyllene oxide and Benznidazole (decreasing by 17 times its IC50) and was the most effective and selective treatment. The cellular analysis suggested that these oils or their bioactive terpenes (citral, caryophyllene oxide and limonene) could be inducing T. cruzi cell death by an apoptotic-like mechanism. Conclusions EOs extracted from L. alba Citral chemotype demonstrated significant trypanocidal activity on the three forms of T. cruzi studied, and their composition and trypanocidal performance were influenced by production parameters. Citral, caryophyllene oxide, and limonene showed a possible induction of an apoptotic-like phenotype. The best selective anti-T. cruzi activity was achieved by limonene, the effects of which were also synergic with citral, caryophyllene oxide and benznidazole.
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14
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Dietrich R, Alberca L, Ruiz M, Palestro P, Carrillo C, Talevi A, Gavernet L. Identification of cisapride as new inhibitor of putrescine uptake in Trypanosoma cruzi by combined ligand- and structure-based virtual screening. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 149:22-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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Time and dose-dependence evaluation of nitroheterocyclic drugs for improving efficacy following Trypanosoma cruzi infection: A pre-clinical study. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 148:213-221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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16
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Chao MN, Storey M, Li C, Rodríguez MG, Di Salvo F, Szajnman SH, Moreno SN, Docampo R, Rodriguez JB. Selenium-containing analogues of WC-9 are extremely potent inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi proliferation. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6435-6449. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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17
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Biodegradable Polymeric Nanocapsules Prevent Cardiotoxicity of Anti-Trypanosomal Lychnopholide. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44998. [PMID: 28349937 PMCID: PMC5368638 DOI: 10.1038/srep44998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. New antitrypanosomal options are desirable to prevent complications, including a high rate of cardiomyopathy. Recently, a natural substance, lychnopholide, has shown therapeutic potential, especially when encapsulated in biodegradable polymeric nanocapsules. However, little is known regarding possible adverse effects of lychnopholide. Here we show that repeated-dose intravenous administration of free lychnopholide (2.0 mg/kg/day) for 20 days caused cardiopathy and mortality in healthy C57BL/6 mice. Echocardiography revealed concentric left ventricular hypertrophy with preserved ejection fraction, diastolic dysfunction and chamber dilatation at end-stage. Single cardiomyocytes presented altered contractility and Ca2+ handling, with spontaneous Ca2+ waves in diastole. Acute in vitro lychnopholide application on cardiomyocytes from healthy mice also induced Ca2+ handling alterations with abnormal RyR2-mediated diastolic Ca2+ release. Strikingly, the encapsulation of lychnopholide prevented the cardiac alterations induced in vivo by the free form repeated doses. Nanocapsules alone had no adverse cardiac effects. Altogether, our data establish lychnopholide presented in nanocapsule form more firmly as a promising new drug candidate to cure Chagas disease with minimal cardiotoxicity. Our study also highlights the potential of nanotechnology not only to improve the efficacy of a drug but also to protect against its adverse effects.
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18
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Russell S, Rahmani R, Jones AJ, Newson HL, Neilde K, Cotillo I, Rahmani Khajouei M, Ferrins L, Qureishi S, Nguyen N, Martinez-Martinez MS, Weaver DF, Kaiser M, Riley J, Thomas J, De Rycker M, Read KD, Flematti GR, Ryan E, Tanghe S, Rodriguez A, Charman SA, Kessler A, Avery VM, Baell JB, Piggott MJ. Hit-to-Lead Optimization of a Novel Class of Potent, Broad-Spectrum Trypanosomacides. J Med Chem 2016; 59:9686-9720. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Russell
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Raphaël Rahmani
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Amy J. Jones
- Eskitis
Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane Innovation Park, Don Young
Road, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Harriet L. Newson
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kevin Neilde
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- GlaxoSmithKline, 28760 Tres Cantos, Spain
| | | | - Marzieh Rahmani Khajouei
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lori Ferrins
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Sana Qureishi
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | | | - Donald F. Weaver
- Department
of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Marcel Kaiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petesplatz
1, 4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Riley
- Drug
Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery,
School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH Dundee, U.K
| | - John Thomas
- Drug
Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery,
School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH Dundee, U.K
| | - Manu De Rycker
- Drug
Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery,
School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH Dundee, U.K
| | - Kevin D. Read
- Drug
Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery,
School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, DD1 5EH Dundee, U.K
| | - Gavin R. Flematti
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Eileen Ryan
- Centre
for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Scott Tanghe
- Anti-Infectives
Screening Core, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10010, United States
| | - Ana Rodriguez
- Anti-Infectives
Screening Core, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10010, United States
| | - Susan A. Charman
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Centre
for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | | | - Vicky M. Avery
- Eskitis
Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane Innovation Park, Don Young
Road, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Jonathan B. Baell
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Matthew J. Piggott
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth 6009, Western Australia, Australia
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19
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Chagas Disease: A Solvable Problem, Ignored. Trends Mol Med 2016; 22:835-838. [PMID: 27523778 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is the highest impact parasitic disease in the Americas, yet remains virtually unknown and untreated, despite the fact that the infection is curable and the global problem of Chagas disease is manageable. The causes of this situation and how it can be changed are the focus of this communication.
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20
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Rodriguez JB, Falcone BN, Szajnman SH. Detection and treatment ofTrypanosoma cruzi: a patent review (2011-2015). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 26:993-1015. [DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2016.1209487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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21
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De Vita D, Moraca F, Zamperini C, Pandolfi F, Di Santo R, Matheeussen A, Maes L, Tortorella S, Scipione L. In vitro screening of 2-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1-phenylethanol derivatives as antiprotozoal agents and docking studies on Trypanosoma cruzi CYP51. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 113:28-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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22
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De Rycker M, Thomas J, Riley J, Brough SJ, Miles TJ, Gray DW. Identification of Trypanocidal Activity for Known Clinical Compounds Using a New Trypanosoma cruzi Hit-Discovery Screening Cascade. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004584. [PMID: 27082760 PMCID: PMC4833300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a significant health problem in Latin America and the available treatments have significant issues in terms of toxicity and efficacy. There is thus an urgent need to develop new treatments either via a repurposing strategy or through the development of new chemical entities. A key first step is the identification of compounds with anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity from compound libraries. Here we describe a hit discovery screening cascade designed to specifically identify hits that have the appropriate anti-parasitic properties to warrant further development. The cascade consists of a primary imaging-based assay followed by newly developed and appropriately scaled secondary assays to predict the cidality and rate-of-kill of the compounds. Finally, we incorporated a cytochrome P450 CYP51 biochemical assay to remove compounds that owe their phenotypic response to inhibition of this enzyme. We report the use of the cascade in profiling two small libraries containing clinically tested compounds and identify Clemastine, Azelastine, Ifenprodil, Ziprasidone and Clofibrate as molecules having appropriate profiles. Analysis of clinical derived pharmacokinetic and toxicity data indicates that none of these are appropriate for repurposing but they may represent suitable start points for further optimisation for the treatment of Chagas disease. Chagas disease is an important health problem in Latin America. The disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to people via insects of the Triatomine family. There are currently only two treatments available, Nifurtimox and Benznidazole. These have serious problems including poor efficacy, strain-dependent drug sensitivity, resistance and toxicity to the patients. There is thus a great need to find new drugs for this disease. The first step in a typical drug discovery project is to find compounds that kill the parasite by screening large amounts of compounds in the laboratory. To do this one requires assays in which the effect of the compounds on the parasites can be seen. In this paper we describe two assays that together try to identify compounds that kill T.cruzi parasites. Such compounds are good candidates for further development and may eventually become new drugs. We tested our assays against a library of compounds with known clinical activity and identified several interesting hits. As a great deal of data already exists for these compounds they could potentially be developed into new treatments much faster than completely new compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu De Rycker
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MDR); (DWG)
| | - John Thomas
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Riley
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J. Brough
- GlaxoSmithKline, Biological Sciences, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Tim J. Miles
- GlaxoSmithKline, Diseases of the Developing World, Parque Tecnologico de Madrid, Servero Ochoa, Madrid, Spain
| | - David W. Gray
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MDR); (DWG)
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23
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da Silva A Maciel D, Freitas VP, Conserva GAA, Alexandre TR, Purisco SU, Tempone AG, Melhem MSC, Kato MJ, Guimarães EF, Lago JHG. Bioactivity-guided isolation of laevicarpin, an antitrypanosomal and anticryptococcal lactam from Piper laevicarpu (Piperaceae). Fitoterapia 2016; 111:24-8. [PMID: 27083380 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Crude CH2Cl2 extract from leaves of Piper laevicarpu (Piperaceae) displayed antitrypanosomal activity against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (Y strain) and antimicrobial potential against Cryptococcus gattii (strain-type WM 178). Bioactivity-guided fractionation of crude extract afforded one new natural bioactive lactam derivative, named laevicarpin. The structure of isolated compound, which displayed a very rare ring system, was elucidated based on NMR, IR and MS spectral analysis. Using MTT assay, the trypomastigotes of T. cruzi demonstrated susceptibility to laevicarpin displaying IC50 value of 14.7μg/mL (49.6μM), about 10-fold more potent than the standard drug benznidazole. The mammalian cytotoxicity of laevicarpin was verified against murine fibroblasts (NCTC cells) and demonstrated a CC50 value of 100.3μg/mL (337.7μM-SI=7). When tested against Cryptococcus gattii, laevicarpin showed an IC50 value of 2.3μg/mL (7.9μM) and a MIC value of 7.4μg/mL (25μM). Based in the obtained results, laevicarpin could be used as a scaffold for future drug design studies against the Chagas disease and anti-cryptococosis agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayany da Silva A Maciel
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 09972-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Viviane P Freitas
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 09972-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Geanne A Alves Conserva
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 09972-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tatiana R Alexandre
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, 01246-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sonia U Purisco
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, 01246-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andre G Tempone
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, 01246-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia Souza C Melhem
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, 01246-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Massuo J Kato
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Elsie F Guimarães
- Instituto de Pesquisas do Jardim Botânico, 22460-030, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 09972-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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24
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Alberca LN, Sbaraglini ML, Balcazar D, Fraccaroli L, Carrillo C, Medeiros A, Benitez D, Comini M, Talevi A. Discovery of novel polyamine analogs with anti-protozoal activity by computer guided drug repositioning. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2016; 30:305-21. [PMID: 26891837 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-016-9903-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi that affects about 6 million people in Latin America. Despite its sanitary importance, there are currently only two drugs available for treatment: benznidazole and nifurtimox, both exhibiting serious adverse effects and limited efficacy in the chronic stage of the disease. Polyamines are ubiquitous to all living organisms where they participate in multiple basic functions such as biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, proliferation and cell differentiation. T. cruzi is auxotroph for polyamines, which are taken up from the extracellular medium by efficient transporters and, to a large extent, incorporated into trypanothione (bis-glutathionylspermidine), the major redox cosubstrate of trypanosomatids. From a 268-compound database containing polyamine analogs with and without inhibitory effect on T. cruzi we have inferred classificatory models that were later applied in a virtual screening campaign to identify anti-trypanosomal compounds among drugs already used for other therapeutic indications (i.e. computer-guided drug repositioning) compiled in the DrugBank and Sweetlead databases. Five of the candidates identified with this strategy were evaluated in cellular models from different pathogenic trypanosomatids (T. cruzi wt, T. cruzi PAT12, T. brucei and Leishmania infantum), and in vitro models of aminoacid/polyamine transport assays and trypanothione synthetase inhibition assay. Triclabendazole, sertaconazole and paroxetine displayed inhibitory effects on the proliferation of T. cruzi (epimastigotes) and the uptake of putrescine by the parasite. They also interfered with the uptake of others aminoacids and the proliferation of infective T. brucei and L. infantum (promastigotes). Trypanothione synthetase was ruled out as molecular target for the anti-parasitic activity of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas N Alberca
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds Research and Development (LIDeB), Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Biological Science, Exact Sciences College, National University of La Plata (UNLP), Argentina, 47 & 115, B1900AJI, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María L Sbaraglini
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds Research and Development (LIDeB), Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Biological Science, Exact Sciences College, National University of La Plata (UNLP), Argentina, 47 & 115, B1900AJI, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darío Balcazar
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein (ICT Milstein), Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Fraccaroli
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein (ICT Milstein), Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Carrillo
- Instituto de Ciencias y Tecnología Dr. César Milstein (ICT Milstein), Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Medeiros
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Diego Benitez
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcelo Comini
- Laboratory Redox Biology of Trypanosomes, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alan Talevi
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds Research and Development (LIDeB), Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Biological Science, Exact Sciences College, National University of La Plata (UNLP), Argentina, 47 & 115, B1900AJI, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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25
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Liu Q, Zhou XN. Preventing the transmission of American trypanosomiasis and its spread into non-endemic countries. Infect Dis Poverty 2015; 4:60. [PMID: 26715535 PMCID: PMC4693433 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-015-0092-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
American trypanosomiasis, commonly known as Chagas disease, is caused by the flagellate protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. An estimated eight million people infected with T. cruzi currently reside in the endemic regions of Latin America. However, as the disease has now been imported into many non-endemic countries outside of Latin America, it has become a global health issue. We reviewed the transmission patterns and current status of disease spread pertaining to American trypanosomiasis at the global level, as well as recent advances in research. Based on an analysis of the gaps in American trypanosomiasis control, we put forward future research priorities that must be implemented to stop the global spread of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Liu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health;, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health;, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China.
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26
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Gualdesi MS, Ortiz CS, Raviolo MA. Synthesis and pharmaceutical properties of N-acyloxymethyl prodrugs of Allop with potential anti-trypanosomal activity. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2015; 42:602-10. [DOI: 10.3109/03639045.2015.1061539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. S. Gualdesi
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - C. S. Ortiz
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M. A. Raviolo
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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27
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Trypanothione reductase inhibitors: Overview of the action of thioridazine in different stages of Chagas disease. Acta Trop 2015; 145:79-87. [PMID: 25733492 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thioridazine (TDZ) is a phenothiazine that has been shown to be one of the most potent phenothiazines to inhibit trypanothione reductase irreversibly. Trypanothione reductase is an essential enzyme for the survival of Trypanosoma cruzi in the host. Here, we reviewed the use of this drug for the treatment of T. cruzi experimental infection. In our laboratory, we have studied the effect of TDZ for the treatment of mice infected with different strains of T. cruzi and treated in the acute or in the chronic phases of the experimental infection, using two different schedules: TDZ at a dose of 80 mg/kg/day, for 3 days starting 1h after infection (acute phase), or TDZ 80 mg/kg/day for 12 days starting 180 days post infection (d.p.i.) (chronic phase). In our experience, the treatment of infected mice, in the acute or in the chronic phases of the infection, with TDZ led to a large reduction in the mortality rates and in the cardiac histological and electrocardiographical abnormalities, and modified the natural evolution of the experimental infection. These analyses reinforce the importance of treatment in the chronic phase to decrease, retard or stop the evolution to chagasic myocardiopathy. Other evidence leading to the use of this drug as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for Chagas disease treatment is also revised.
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28
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Bellera CL, Balcazar DE, Vanrell MC, Casassa AF, Palestro PH, Gavernet L, Labriola CA, Gálvez J, Bruno-Blanch LE, Romano PS, Carrillo C, Talevi A. Computer-guided drug repurposing: Identification of trypanocidal activity of clofazimine, benidipine and saquinavir. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 93:338-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.01.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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29
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Sánchez-Valdéz FJ, Pérez Brandán C, Ferreira A, Basombrío MÁ. Gene-deleted live-attenuated Trypanosoma cruzi parasites as vaccines to protect against Chagas disease. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 14:681-97. [PMID: 25496192 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.989989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This illness is now becoming global, mainly due to congenital transmission, and so far, there are no prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines available to either prevent or treat Chagas disease. Therefore, different approaches aimed at identifying new protective immunogens are urgently needed. Live vaccines are likely to be more efficient in inducing protection, but safety issues linked with their use have been raised. The development of improved protozoan genetic manipulation tools and genomic and biological information has helped to increase the safety of live vaccines. These advances have generated a renewed interest in the use of genetically attenuated parasites as vaccines against Chagas disease. This review discusses the protective capacity of genetically attenuated parasite vaccines and the challenges and perspectives for the development of an effective whole-parasite Chagas disease vaccine.
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30
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Ghobadifar MA, Kalani N, Gitiforouz M. Combined use of ascorbic acid and cyanocobalamin in clearance of Trypanosoma cruzi. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2014; 7:401-2. [PMID: 24857404 DOI: 10.1586/17512433.2014.922868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Amin Ghobadifar
- Department of Student Research Committee, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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