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El-Sayad MH, El-Wakil ES, Moharam ZH, Abd El-Latif NF, Ghareeb MA, Elhadad H. Repurposing drugs to treat trichinellosis: in vitro analysis of the anthelmintic activity of nifedipine and Chrysanthemum coronarium extract. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:242. [PMID: 37461016 PMCID: PMC10351179 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Albendazole is the most common benzimidazole derivative used for trichinellosis treatment but has many drawbacks. The quest for alternative compounds is, therefore, a target for researchers. This work aims to assess the in vitro anthelmintic effect of nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, and a methanol extract of the flowers of Chrysanthemum coronarium as therapeutic repurposed drugs for treating different developmental stages of Trichinella spiralis in comparison with the reference drug, albendazole. Adult worms and muscle larvae of Trichinella spiralis were incubated with different concentrations of the studied drugs. Drug effects were evaluated by parasitological and electron microscopic examination.As a result, the effects of these drugs on muscle larvae were time and dose-dependent. Moreover, the LC50 after 48 h incubation was 81.25 µg/ml for albendazole, 1.24 µg/ml for nifedipine, and 229.48 µg/ml for C. coronarium. Also, the effects of the tested drugs were prominent on adult worms as the LC50 was 89.77 µg/ml for albendazole, 1.87 µg/ml for nifedipine, and 124.66 µg/ml for C. coronarium. SEM examination of the tegument of T. spiralis adult worms and larvae showed destruction of the adult worms' tegument in all treated groups. The tegument morphological changes were in the form of marked swellings or whole body collapse with the disappearance of internal contents. Furthermore, in silico studies showed that nifedipine might act as a T. spiralis β-tubulin polymerization inhibitor.Our results suggest that nifedipine and C. coronarium extract may be useful therapeutic agents for treating trichinellosis and warrant further assessment in animal disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Hasan El-Sayad
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horreya Avenue, El- Hadra (POB: 21561), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eman Sayed El-Wakil
- Department of Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | | | - Naglaa Fathi Abd El-Latif
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horreya Avenue, El- Hadra (POB: 21561), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mosad A Ghareeb
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba (P.O. 30), Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Heba Elhadad
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horreya Avenue, El- Hadra (POB: 21561), Alexandria, Egypt.
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Ravaynia PS, Biendl S, Grassi F, Keiser J, Hierlemann A, Modena MM. Real-time and automated monitoring of antischistosomal drug activity profiles for screening of compound libraries. iScience 2022; 25:104087. [PMID: 35378863 PMCID: PMC8976133 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects over 200 million people annually. As the antischistosomal drug pipeline is currently empty, repurposing of compound libraries has become a source for accelerating drug development, which demands the implementation of high-throughput and efficient screening strategies. Here, we present a parallelized impedance-based platform for continuous and automated viability evaluation of Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula in 128 microwells during 72 h to identify antischistosomal hits in vitro. By initially screening 57 repurposed compounds against larvae, five drugs are identified, which reduce parasite viability by more than 70%. The activity profiles of the selected drugs are then investigated via real-time dose-response monitoring, and four compounds reveal high potency and rapid action, which renders them suitable candidates for follow-up tests against adult parasites. The study shows that our device is a reliable tool for real-time drug screening analysis of libraries to identify new promising therapeutics against schistosomiasis. Scalable, plastic microwell chip with integrated platinum electrodes Automated impedance-based recording of 128 microwell units in parallel Continuous monitoring of in vitro drug library efficacy on schistosomula for 72 h Identification of four fast-acting antischistosomal drugs for in vivo testing
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo S Ravaynia
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Biendl
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, University of Basel, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Grassi
- Centre for Microsystems Technology, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, University of Basel, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mario M Modena
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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3
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Adel Madbouly N, Emam M, Ayman M, Ayman M, Rabia I, El Amir A. In vitro and in vivo impacts of nifedipine and diltiazem on praziquantel chemotherapy in murine Schistosoma mansoni. Exp Parasitol 2022; 236-237:108256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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4
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Sharaf OF, Ahmed AA, Ibrahim AF, Shariq A, Alkhamiss AS, Alghsham R, Althwab SA, Alghaniam SA, Alhumaydhi FA, Alghamdi R, Alshomar A, Alabdullatif T, Alkhulayfi A, Alghunaim AA, Abdulmonem WA. Modulation of mice immune responses against Schistosoma mansoni infection with anti-schistosomiasis drugs: Role of interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma. Int J Health Sci (Qassim) 2022; 16:3-11. [PMID: 35300269 PMCID: PMC8905037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) is endemic in Africa, the Middle East, South America, and the Caribbean. This study investigated the modulation of immune response against S. mansoni through estimation of interleukin-4 (IL-4) (Th2 cytokine) and interferon-gamma (INF-γ) (Th1 cytokine) under the effect of anti-schistosomal drugs. METHODS Laboratory bred female albino mice (n = 120) were divided into the following groups: untreated mice, S. mansoni infected mice, S. mansoni infected mice treated with artemisinin (ART), arachidonic acid (ARA), nifedipine or praziquantel (PZQ). Levels of IL-4 and INF-γ cytokines in the serum samples of treated and untreated mice were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the results were further validated by measuring the mRNA levels IL-4 and INF-γ using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Anti-schistosomiasis drugs ART and ARA increased the levels of Th2 cytokine IL-4 (P < 0.05), whereas PZQ drug decreased the response of IL-4 (P < 0.05). However, nifedipine was found to be ineffective in modulating the response of IL-4 (P > 0.05). As far as Th-1 cytokine IFN γ was concerned, only PZQ increased its levels (P < 0.05), whereas other tested anti-schistosomiasis drugs; ART, ARA, and nifedipine were found to be infective (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicated that anti-schistosomiasis drugs ART, ARA, and PZQ play a role in the modulation of expression of Th2 cytokines. Whereas, only PZQ may play a role in the modulation of Th1 cytokines. These findings provide a scope for the formulation of novel anti-schistosomal drugs as well as in the therapeutic management of patients infected with S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama F. Sharaf
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin Al kom, Al Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Ahmed
- Research Center, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asmaa F. Ibrahim
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin Al kom, Al Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Ali Shariq
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S. Alkhamiss
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ruqaih Alghsham
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami A. Althwab
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Qassim Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan A. Alghaniam
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A. Alhumaydhi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rana Alghamdi
- Department of Chemistry, Science and Arts College, Rabigh Campus, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Alshomar
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tasleem Alabdullatif
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia,Address for correspondence: Dr. Waleed Al Abdulmonem, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
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Dey P, Roy B, Mohanta R. A kaempferol derivative isolated from Lysimachia ramosa (Wall ex. Duby) induced alteration of acetyl cholinesterase and nitric oxide synthase in Raillietina echinobothrida. Vet Parasitol 2021; 296:109461. [PMID: 34214945 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Lysimachia ramosa has been used as a traditional medicine among the tribal population of Meghalaya, northeast India, for the control of helminthosis. The anthelmintic efficacy of L. ramosa has been documented earlier. In the present study, the active compound from L. ramosa has been isolated and identified using mass and NMR spectra. It's in vitro anthelmintic activity was evaluated against Raillietina echinobothrida, one of the most pathogenic cestode of domestic fowl. The isolated active compound was characterized to be a kaempferol derivative which showed potent anthelmintic activity against R. echinobothrida by changing surface ultrastructure and also inhibiting the activity of two neurotransmitter enzymes: acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), both of which are known to perform dynamic roles in the intracellular communication mediated through neuromuscular system. Motility reduction, deformation in the surface architecture, extensive ultrastructural alterations and reduced histochemical stain intensity in both AChE and NOS was observed in the treated parasites. Biochemical result also revealed alteration in the enzyme activities in the treated parasites. Further, depletion in the nitric oxide (NO) production in the bioactive component exposed tissues of R. echinobothrida was also detected. The results provided evidence that the bioactive compound could be further explored to control helminthosis at a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulomi Dey
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, India
| | - Bishnupada Roy
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, India.
| | - Rahul Mohanta
- Department of Chemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, India
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Zorn KM, Sun S, McConnon CL, Ma K, Chen EK, Foil DH, Lane TR, Liu LJ, El-Sakkary N, Skinner DE, Ekins S, Caffrey CR. A Machine Learning Strategy for Drug Discovery Identifies Anti-Schistosomal Small Molecules. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:406-420. [PMID: 33434015 PMCID: PMC7887754 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Schistosomiasis is a chronic and
painful disease of poverty caused
by the flatworm parasite Schistosoma. Drug discovery
for antischistosomal compounds predominantly employs in vitro whole organism (phenotypic) screens against two developmental stages
of Schistosoma mansoni, post-infective larvae (somules)
and adults. We generated two rule books and associated scoring systems
to normalize 3898 phenotypic data points to enable machine learning.
The data were used to generate eight Bayesian machine learning models
with the Assay Central software according to parasite’s developmental
stage and experimental time point (≤24, 48, 72, and >72
h).
The models helped predict 56 active and nonactive compounds from commercial
compound libraries for testing. When these were screened against S. mansoni in vitro, the prediction accuracy for active
and inactives was 61% and 56% for somules and adults, respectively;
also, hit rates were 48% and 34%, respectively, far exceeding the
typical 1–2% hit rate for traditional high throughput screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley M. Zorn
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Shengxi Sun
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Cecelia L. McConnon
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Kelley Ma
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Eric K. Chen
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Daniel H. Foil
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Thomas R. Lane
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Lawrence J. Liu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Nelly El-Sakkary
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Danielle E. Skinner
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals, 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0021, United States
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7
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Ammar AI, Afifi AF, Essa A, Galal-Khallaf A, Mokhtar MM, Shehab-Eldeen S, Rady AA. Cucurbita pepo Seed Oil Induces Microsatellite Instability and Tegumental Damage to Schistosoma mansoni Immature and Adult Worms In vitro. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:3469-3484. [PMID: 33116667 PMCID: PMC7549022 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s265699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic disease treated exclusively with praziquantel (PZQ). However, PZQ has low efficacy against schistosomula and juveniles. In addition, the emergence of PZQ resistance has prompted the search for new drugs. Methods This study investigated the effects of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)-seed oil (PSO) on Schistosoma mansoni adults, juveniles, and newly formed schistosomula in vitro by exposing the parasites to increasing concentrations of PSO (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µl/mL) with variable incubation periods (24, 48, and 72 hours). Dose-response effects of PSO on mortality rate, worm activity, and tegumental changes were studied. Also, effect on DNA were assessed with microsatellite analysis. Results All tested stages of S. mansoni were susceptible to PSO, which was more effective than PZQ on juvenile worms and schistosomula. Juveniles and schistosomula S. mansoni were more sensitive to the antischistosomal activity of PSO than adult worms. PSO showed evident changes in the integuments of adults, juveniles, and schistosomula. These changes were more evident with increased concentrations. At the genomic level, PSO induced clear qualitative and quantitative changes in the microsatellite loci R95529 and SMD57 of S. mansoni adults and schistosomula. This microsatellite instability is being reported through the current study for S. mansoni in response to PSO for the first time. Conclusion This study suggested that PSO possesses effective antischistosomal activity against various stages of S. mansoni. Further investigations are needed to figure out the mechanism of action of PSO on this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany Ibrahim Ammar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Amira Fathy Afifi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Abdallah Essa
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt.,Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsaa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asmaa Galal-Khallaf
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El- Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Mohamed Mokhtar
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Egypt
| | - Somaia Shehab-Eldeen
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt.,Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsaa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amany Ahmed Rady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
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8
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Ravaynia PS, Lombardo FC, Biendl S, Dupuch MA, Keiser J, Hierlemann A, Modena MM. Parallelized Impedance-Based Platform for Continuous Dose-Response Characterization of Antischistosomal Drugs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e1900304. [PMID: 32510834 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease caused by tropical parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma, which parasitizes annually over 200 million people worldwide. Screening of antischistosomal compounds is hampered by the low throughput and potential subjectivity of the visual evaluation of the parasite phenotypes, which affects the current drug assays. Here, an impedance-based platform, capable of assessing the viability of Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula exposed to drugs, is presented. This automated and parallelized platform enables unbiased and continuous measurements of dose-response relationships for more than 48 h. The platform performance is established by exposure of schistosomula to three test compounds, praziquantel, oxethazaine, and mefloquine, which are known to affect the larvae phenotypes. The system is thereafter used to investigate the response of schistosomula to methiothepine, an antipsychotic compound, which causes complex drug-induced effects. Continuous monitoring of the parasites reveals transient behavioral phenotypes and allows for extracting temporal characteristics of dose-response curves, which are essential for selecting drugs that feature high activity and fast kinetics of action. These measurements demonstrate that impedance-based detection provides a wealth of information for the in vitro characterization of candidate antischistosomals and, represents a promising tool for the identification of new lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo S Ravaynia
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
| | - Flavio C Lombardo
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, University of Basel, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Biendl
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, University of Basel, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
| | - Matthias A Dupuch
- Micro and Nanosystems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, Tannenstrasse 3, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, University of Basel, Socinstrasse 57, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
| | - Mario M Modena
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
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Thomas CM, Timson DJ. The Mechanism of Action of Praziquantel: Can New Drugs Exploit Similar Mechanisms? Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:676-696. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180926145537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for treating infection with worms from the
genus Schistosoma. The drug is effective, cheap and has few side effects. However, despite its
use in millions of patients for over 40 years its molecular mechanism of action remains elusive.
Early studies demonstrated that PZQ disrupts calcium ion homeostasis in the worm and
the current consensus is that it antagonises voltage-gated calcium channels. It is hypothesised
that disruption of these channels results in uncontrolled calcium ion influx leading to uncontrolled
muscle contraction and paralysis. However, other experimental studies have suggested
a role for myosin regulatory light chains and adenosine uptake in the drug’s mechanism of
action. Assuming voltage-gated calcium channels do represent the main molecular target of
PZQ, the precise binding site for the drug remains to be identified. Unlike other commonly
used anti-parasitic drugs, there are few definitive reports of resistance to PZQ in the literature.
The lack of knowledge about PZQ’s molecular mechanism(s) undermines our ability to predict
how resistance might arise and also hinder our attempts to develop alternative antischistosomal
drugs which exploit the same target(s). Some PZQ derivatives have been identified
which also kill or paralyse schistosomes in culture. However, none of these are in widespread
clinical use. There is a pressing need for fundamental research into the molecular mechanism(
s) of action of PZQ. Such research would enable new avenues for antischsistosomal
drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M. Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Timson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
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10
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Santos SS, de Araújo RV, Giarolla J, Seoud OE, Ferreira EI. Searching for drugs for Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis: a review. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 55:105906. [PMID: 31987883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.105906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis are neglected diseases (NDs) and are a considerable global challenge. Despite the huge number of people infected, NDs do not create interest from pharmaceutical companies because the associated revenue is generally low. Most of the research on these diseases has been conducted in academic institutions. The chemotherapeutic armamentarium for NDs is scarce and inefficient and better drugs are needed. Researchers have found some promising potential drug candidates using medicinal chemistry and computational approaches. Most of these compounds are synthetic but some are from natural sources or are semi-synthetic. Drug repurposing or repositioning has also been greatly stimulated for NDs. This review considers some potential drug candidates and provides details of their design, discovery and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Silva Santos
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Renan Vinicius de Araújo
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Jeanine Giarolla
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Omar El Seoud
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Igne Ferreira
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Chemotherapeutics Potentially Active in Neglected Diseases (LAPEN), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, Avenue Professor Lineu Prestes, 580-Building 13, São Paulo SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
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11
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McCusker P, Chan JD. Anti-schistosomal action of the calcium channel agonist FPL-64176. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2019; 11:30-38. [PMID: 31561039 PMCID: PMC6796685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Subversion of parasite neuromuscular function is a key strategy for anthelmintic drug development. Schistosome Ca2+ signaling has been an area of particular interest for decades, with a specific focus on L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (Cavs). However, the study of these channels has been technically challenging. One barrier is the lack of pharmacological probes that are active on flatworms, since the dihydropyridine (DHP) based ligands typically used to study Cavs are relatively ineffective on schistosomes. Here, we have characterized the effect of a structurally distinct putative L-type Cav agonist, FPL-64176, on schistosomes cultured ex vivo and in an in vivo murine model of infection. Unlike DHPs, FPL-64176 evokes rapid and sustained contractile paralysis of adult Schistosoma mansoni reminiscent of the anthelmintic praziquantel. This is accompanied by tegument disruption and an arrest of mitotic activity in somatic stem cells and germ line tissues. Interestingly, this strong ex vivo phenotype was temperature dependent, with FPL-64176 treatment being less potent at 37 °C than 23 °C. However, FPL-64176 caused intra-tegument lesions at the basement membrane of worms cultured ex vivo under both conditions, as well as an in vivo hepatic shift of parasites from the mesenteric vasculature of infected mice to the liver. Gene expression profiling of worms harvested following in vivo FPL-64176 exposure reveals differences in transcripts associated with muscle and extracellular matrix function, as well as female reproduction, which is consistent with the worm phenotypes observed following ex vivo drug treatment. These data advance FPL-64176 as a useful tool to study schistosome Ca2+ signaling, and the benzoyl pyrrole core as a hit compound that may be optimized to develop new parasite-selective leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul McCusker
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - John D Chan
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis affects millions globally. There is no vaccine, and treatment depends entirely on praziquantel (PZQ). Field isolates exhibit reduced susceptibility to PZQ, and resistance has been experimentally induced, suggesting that reliance on a single treatment is particularly dangerous. The present study investigated the value of cinnarizine and griseofulvin against Schistosoma mansoni through their in vitro effects on adult worms and oviposition as well as in vivo evaluation in early and late infection, compared to PZQ, in a preliminary experimental model. In vitro, both cinnarizine and griseofulvin showed uncoupling, sluggish worm movement and complete absence of ova at 100 μg/ml. In early infection, cinnarizine showed a significant reduction in the number of porto-mesenteric couples compared to the griseofulvin and control groups, a finding similar to PZQ. Remarkably, cinnarizine significantly exceeded PZQ and griseofulvin in reducing the total worm burden. In late infection, cinnarizine and griseofulvin showed results similar to PZQ by significantly reducing the numbers of hepatic and porto-mesenteric couples and total worm burden compared to controls. Cinnarizine performed better than griseofulvin by reducing hepatic and intestinal ovum counts, and it led to complete disappearance of the first two immature stages. The current work suggests the possibility of using cinnarizine and griseofulvin, mainly in late S. mansoni infection, especially cinnarizine, which showed similar results to PZQ and surpassed it in early infection. Further studies are required to elucidate their exact mechanisms of action and particularly their synergistic effect with PZQ.
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13
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Weber CJ, Hargan-Calvopiña J, Graef KM, Manner CK, Dent J. WIPO Re:Search-A Platform for Product-Centered Cross-Sector Partnerships for the Elimination of Schistosomiasis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:E11. [PMID: 30634429 PMCID: PMC6473617 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease that affects over 200 million people worldwide, and with over 700 million people estimated to be at risk of contracting this disease, it is a pressing issue in global health. However, research and development (R&D) to develop new approaches to preventing, diagnosing, and treating schistosomiasis has been relatively limited. Praziquantel, a drug developed in the 1970s, is the only agent used in schistosomiasis mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns, indicating a critical need for a diversified therapeutic pipeline. Further, gaps in the vaccine and diagnostic pipelines demonstrate a need for early-stage innovation in all areas of schistosomiasis product R&D. As a platform for public-private partnerships (PPPs), the WIPO Re:Search consortium engages the private sector in early-stage R&D for neglected diseases by forging mutually beneficial collaborations and facilitating the sharing of intellectual property (IP) assets between the for-profit and academic/non-profit sectors. The Consortium connects people, resources, and ideas to fill gaps in neglected disease product development pipelines by leveraging the strengths of these two sectors. Using WIPO Re:Search as an example, this article highlights the opportunities for the PPP model to play a key role in the elimination of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie J Weber
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
| | | | - Katy M Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
| | - Cathyryne K Manner
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
| | - Jennifer Dent
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
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Calixto NM, dos Santos DB, Bezerra JCB, Silva LDA. In silico repositioning of approved drugs against Schistosoma mansoni energy metabolism targets. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203340. [PMID: 30596650 PMCID: PMC6312253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected parasitosis caused by Schistosoma spp. Praziquantel is used for the chemoprophylaxis and treatment of this disease. Although this monotherapy is effective, the risk of resistance and its low efficiency against immature worms compromises its effectiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new schistosomicide drugs. However, the development of new drugs is a long and expensive process. The repositioning of approved drugs has been proposed as a quick, cheap, and effective alternative to solve this problem. This study employs chemogenomic analysis with use of bioinformatics tools to search, identify, and analyze data on approved drugs with the potential to inhibit Schistosoma mansoni energy metabolism enzymes. The TDR Targets Database, Gene DB, Protein, DrugBank, Therapeutic Targets Database (TTD), Promiscuous, and PubMed databases were used. Fifty-nine target proteins were identified, of which 18 had one or more approved drugs. The results identified 20 potential drugs for schistosomiasis treatment; all approved for use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Melo Calixto
- Department of Bioinformatics, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano—Campus Ceres, Ceres, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Daniela Braz dos Santos
- LAERPH- Laboratory of Parasite-Host Relationship Study, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública da Universidade Federal de Goiás Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - José Clecildo Barreto Bezerra
- LAERPH- Laboratory of Parasite-Host Relationship Study, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública da Universidade Federal de Goiás Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Lourival de Almeida Silva
- Department of Bioinformatics, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Goiano—Campus Ceres, Ceres, Goiás, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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15
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Calcium and Ca 2+/Calmodulin-dependent kinase II as targets for helminth parasite control. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1743-1751. [PMID: 30420417 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180480] [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] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, effective calcium homeostasis is critical for many key biological processes. There is an added level of complexity in parasites, particularly multicellular helminth worms, which modulate calcium levels while inhabiting the host microenvironment. Parasites ensure efficient calcium homeostasis through gene products, such as the calmodulin-dependent kinases (CaMK), the main focus of this review. The importance of CaMK is becoming increasingly apparent from recent functional studies of helminth and protozoan parasites. Investigations on the molecular regulation of calcium and the role of CaMK are important for both supplementing current drug regimens and finding new antiparasitic compounds. Whereas calcium regulators, including CaMK, are well characterised in mammalian systems, knowledge of their functional properties in parasites is increasing but is still in its infancy.
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D'Elia JA, Weinrauch LA. Calcium Ion Channels: Roles in Infection and Sepsis Mechanisms of Calcium Channel Blocker Benefits in Immunocompromised Patients at Risk for Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2465. [PMID: 30134544 PMCID: PMC6164603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppression may occur for a number of reasons related to an individual's frailty, debility, disease or from therapeutic iatrogenic intervention or misadventure. A large percentage of morbidity and mortality in immunodeficient populations is related to an inadequate response to infectious agents with slow response to antibiotics, enhancements of antibiotic resistance in populations, and markedly increased prevalence of acute inflammatory response, septic and infection related death. Given known relationships between intracellular calcium ion concentrations and cytotoxicity and cellular death, we looked at currently available data linking blockade of calcium ion channels and potential decrease in expression of sepsis among immunosuppressed patients. Notable are relationships between calcium, calcium channel, vitamin D mechanisms associated with sepsis and demonstration of antibiotic-resistant pathogens that may utilize channels sensitive to calcium channel blocker. We note that sepsis shock syndrome represents loss of regulation of inflammatory response to infection and that vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor, and klotho interact with sepsis defense mechanisms in which movement of calcium and phosphorus are part of the process. Given these observations we consider that further investigation of the effect of relatively inexpensive calcium channel blockade agents of infections in immunosuppressed populations might be worthwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A D'Elia
- E P Joslin Research Laboratory, Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston and Cambridge, 521 Mount Auburn Street Watertown, MA 02472, USA. jd'
| | - Larry A Weinrauch
- E P Joslin Research Laboratory, Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston and Cambridge, 521 Mount Auburn Street Watertown, MA 02472, USA.
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17
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Effects of Callistemon citrinus aqueous extract on prepatent and patent infections with Schistosoma mansoni in experimentally infected mice. J Helminthol 2018; 93:424-433. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x1800041x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AbstractSchistosomiasis is a chronic debilitating parasitic disease that causes hepatic damage and is known to be endemic in developing countries. Recent control strategies for schistosomiasis depend exclusively on chemotherapeutic agents, specifically praziquantel. Unfortunately, praziquantel has low efficacy in the early phase of infection, and resistance to treatment is increasingly reported. The aim of this work was to find an alternative treatment by assessing the in vivo activity of aqueous extract of Callistemon citrinus against Schistosoma mansoni in both prepatent and patent phases in experimentally infected mice. The study was conducted on 80 male BALB/c albino mice divided into eight groups. Callistemon was administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg on days 14 and 45 post infection as a single therapy and in combination with praziquantel. Porto-mesenteric worm burden, hepatic and intestinal egg counts, hepatic granuloma number and diameter, and oogram pattern were assessed to evaluate the anti-schistosomal properties of C. citrinus. Liver enzymes and total bilirubin were tested to assess hepatoprotective effects. Results revealed that the use of C. citrinus was associated with a significant decrease in worm burden and tissue egg load together with an increased percentage of dead eggs. In addition, there was a significant reduction in granuloma formation. Callistemon also led to a significant improvement in liver function. The best results were obtained when C. citrinus was given in the prepatent phase of infection and when combined with praziquantel. Although the effects of C. citrinus are considered to be promising, further studies using different extracts, active ingredients and doses are needed.
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18
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Xiao SH, Sun J, Chen MG. Pharmacological and immunological effects of praziquantel against Schistosoma japonicum: a scoping review of experimental studies. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:9. [PMID: 29409536 PMCID: PMC5801800 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy for schistosomiasis has been around for 100 years. During the past century, great efforts have been made to develop new antischistosomal drugs from antimonials to nonantimonials, and some of these have been used extensively in clinical treatment. With the exception of a few drugs, such as oxamniquine and metrifonate, most of the antischistosomals developed in the pre-praziquantel period have variable limitations with respect to safety and efficacy. Although oxamniquine and metrifonate have been used for schistosomiasis control, they are only effective against Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, respectively. Currently, praziquantel is the only drug used for treatment of all five species of human schistosomes. In this review, the pharmacological and immunological effects of praziquantel against S. japonicum are summarized and discussed. MAIN TEXT From the end of the 1970s until the 2000s, scientists have conducted a series of experimental studies on the effects of praziquantel against S. japonicum. These have included examining its unique pharmacological action on schistosomes, the characteristics in susceptibility of the different developmental stages of schistosomes to the drug, the relationship between plasma concentration of the drug and efficacy, the impact of host factors on cidal action of the drug, prevention and early treatment of schistosomal infection, as well as praziquantel-resistant schistosomiasis. CONCLUSION The effects of praziquantel against S. japonicum, as elucidated by the experimental studies that are reviewed in this paper, may have some reference significance for the development of new antischistosomals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hua Xiao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Sun
- Institute for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Gang Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
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Weinrauch LA, Liu J, Claggett B, Finn PV, Weir MR, D’Elia JA. Calcium channel blockade and survival in recipients of successful renal transplant: an analysis of the FAVORIT trial results. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis 2017; 11:1-7. [PMID: 29317843 PMCID: PMC5743121 DOI: 10.2147/ijnrd.s148517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Single-center and observational studies have suggested that calcium channel blocking agents may decrease the expression of sepsis in individual populations. In the renal transplant population, a role for calcium channel blockers in allograft protection and in prevention of sepsis has been postulated. We hypothesized that any important survival benefit or risk related to chronic use of calcium channel blocking agents should be discernable through an analysis of a large database of stable recipients of renal allografts who had enrolled in a large international trial. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 4,110 renal transplant recipients who enrolled in the international Folic Acid for Vascular Outcome Reduction in Transplantation trial between 2002 and 2007 and were followed until 2010 was undertaken comparing cohorts (FAVORIT) of patients either taking (n=1,436) or not taking (n=2,674) calcium channel blocking medications. The endpoint was all-cause mortality (cardiovascular, noncardiovascular mortality, or unknown). Results were adjusted for country, age, race, sex, smoker, systolic blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, low-density lipoprotein, and chronic kidney disease status. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in incidence rates of cardiovascular, noncardiovascular, and all-cause mortality between patients taking or not taking calcium channel blocking medications. CONCLUSION Although physiologic reasoning and small series results suggest a benefit for calcium channel blocking agents for allograft protection and sepsis prevention in immunosuppressed patients, we find no clear survival benefit in a large international renal transplant trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry A Weinrauch
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jiankang Liu
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
| | | | - Peter V Finn
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
| | - Matthew R Weir
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John A D’Elia
- Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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D'Elia JA, Gleason RE, Monaco AP, Weinrauch LA. Does calcium channel blockade have a role in prevention of expression of sepsis in renal transplant recipients? Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis 2016; 9:291-295. [PMID: 27920569 PMCID: PMC5125997 DOI: 10.2147/ijnrd.s121492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many antihypertensive agents have been demonstrated to assist in preservation of kidney function, among them those that modulate calcium channels. Calcium channel blockers may also be of value in protecting hemodialysis patients from complications of sepsis. In diabetic recipients of kidney transplant allografts treated with cyclosporine, calcium channel blockade has been retrospectively linked to improved graft preservation and to fewer episodes of sepsis. This brief review outlines clinical and experimental publications on potential protection from sepsis by addition of calcium channel blockers to standard antibiotic therapy in individuals who may or may not have normal kidney function, or in the presence or absence of immunosuppression. Such mechanisms include blockade of antibiotic cytosolic extrusion in the cases of Pneumococci, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Plasmodium falciparum malaria, or Schistosoma mansoni; blockade of the calcineurin/calmodulin pathway (in immunosuppressed patients allowing for lower dosage of cyclosporine); stabilization of calcium movement at the level of sarcoplasmic reticulum by which shock (vasopressor instability) is prevented; or of cytosolic calcium influx and cell death (in the case of allograft acute tubular necrosis). Given the high cost of development of new antibiotics, a role for generic calcium channel blockade in sepsis prevention should be pursued by additional studies to investigate potential links between blockade of calcium channels and expression of sepsis in at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A D'Elia
- Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA; Departments of Surgery and Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | | | - Anthony P Monaco
- Departments of Surgery and Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | - Larry A Weinrauch
- Kidney and Hypertension Section, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA; Departments of Surgery and Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston MA; Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Bais S, Greenberg RM. TRP channels in schistosomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2016; 6:335-342. [PMID: 27496302 PMCID: PMC5196486 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) is effectively the only drug currently available for treatment and control of schistosomiasis, a disease affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Many anthelmintics, likely including PZQ, target ion channels, membrane protein complexes essential for normal functioning of the neuromusculature and other tissues. Despite this fact, only a few classes of parasitic helminth ion channels have been assessed for their pharmacological properties or for their roles in parasite physiology. One such overlooked group of ion channels is the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily. TRP channels share a common core structure, but are widely diverse in their activation mechanisms and ion selectivity. They are critical to transducing sensory signals, responding to a wide range of external stimuli. They are also involved in other functions, such as regulating intracellular calcium and organellar ion homeostasis and trafficking. Here, we review current literature on parasitic helminth TRP channels, focusing on those in schistosomes. We discuss the likely roles of these channels in sensory and locomotor activity, including the possible significance of a class of TRP channels (TRPV) that is absent in schistosomes. We also focus on evidence indicating that at least one schistosome TRP channel (SmTRPA) has atypical, TRPV1-like pharmacological sensitivities that could potentially be exploited for future therapeutic targeting. We provide an overview of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in schistosomes and other parasitic helminths. TRP channels are important for sensory signaling, ion homeostasis, organellar trafficking, and a host of other functions. Very little work has been done on TRP channels in parasitic helminths. TRPV channels, found throughout the Metazoa, appear not to be present in parasitic platyhelminths. TRP channels in schistosomes appear to have atypical pharmacology, perhaps an entrée for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarna Bais
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Robert M Greenberg
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Panic G, Vargas M, Scandale I, Keiser J. Activity Profile of an FDA-Approved Compound Library against Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003962. [PMID: 26230921 PMCID: PMC4521867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As plans to expand mass drug treatment campaigns to fight schistosomiasis form, worries about reliance on praziquantel as the sole available treatment motivate the investigation for novel antischistosomal compounds. Drug repurposing might be an inexpensive and effective source of novel antischistosomal leads. METHODOLOGY 1600 FDA approved compounds were first assayed against Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula at a concentration of 10 µM. Active compounds identified from this screen were advanced to the adult worm screen at 33.33 µM, followed by hit characterization. Leads with complementary pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles were then selected for in vivo studies. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The in vitro screen identified 121 and 36 compounds active against the schistosomula and adult stage, respectively. Further, in vitro characterization and comparison with already available pharmacokinetic and toxicity data identified 11 in vivo candidates. Doramectin (10 mg/kg) and clofazimine (400 mg/kg) were found to be active in vivo with worm burden reductions of 60.1% and 82.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The work presented here expands the knowledge of antischistosomal properties of already approved compounds and underscores variations observed between target-based and phenotypic approaches and among laboratories. The two in vivo-active drugs identified in this study, doramectin and clofazimine are widely available and present as novel drug classes as starting points for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Panic
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mireille Vargas
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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23
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Neves BJ, Andrade CH, Cravo PVL. Natural products as leads in schistosome drug discovery. Molecules 2015; 20:1872-903. [PMID: 25625682 PMCID: PMC6272663 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20021872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected parasitic tropical disease that claims around 200,000 human lives every year. Praziquantel (PZQ), the only drug recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment and control of human schistosomiasis, is now facing the threat of drug resistance, indicating the urgent need for new effective compounds to treat this disease. Therefore, globally, there is renewed interest in natural products (NPs) as a starting point for drug discovery and development for schistosomiasis. Recent advances in genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and cheminformatics have brought about unprecedented opportunities for the rapid and more cost-effective discovery of new bioactive compounds against neglected tropical diseases. This review highlights the main contributions that NP drug discovery and development have made in the treatment of schistosomiasis and it discusses how integration with virtual screening (VS) strategies may contribute to accelerating the development of new schistosomidal leads, especially through the identification of unexplored, biologically active chemical scaffolds and structural optimization of NPs with previously established activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno J Neves
- LabMol-Laboratory for Drug Design and Molecular Modeling, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil.
| | - Carolina H Andrade
- LabMol-Laboratory for Drug Design and Molecular Modeling, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil.
| | - Pedro V L Cravo
- GenoBio-Laboratory of Genomics and Biotechnology, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74605-050, Brazil.
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Neves BJ, Braga RC, Bezerra JCB, Cravo PVL, Andrade CH. In silico repositioning-chemogenomics strategy identifies new drugs with potential activity against multiple life stages of Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e3435. [PMID: 25569258 PMCID: PMC4287566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Morbidity and mortality caused by schistosomiasis are serious public health problems in developing countries. Because praziquantel is the only drug in therapeutic use, the risk of drug resistance is a concern. In the search for new schistosomicidal drugs, we performed a target-based chemogenomics screen of a dataset of 2,114 proteins to identify drugs that are approved for clinical use in humans that may be active against multiple life stages of Schistosoma mansoni. Each of these proteins was treated as a potential drug target, and its amino acid sequence was used to interrogate three databases: Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), DrugBank and STITCH. Predicted drug-target interactions were refined using a combination of approaches, including pairwise alignment, conservation state of functional regions and chemical space analysis. To validate our strategy, several drugs previously shown to be active against Schistosoma species were correctly predicted, such as clonazepam, auranofin, nifedipine, and artesunate. We were also able to identify 115 drugs that have not yet been experimentally tested against schistosomes and that require further assessment. Some examples are aprindine, gentamicin, clotrimazole, tetrabenazine, griseofulvin, and cinnarizine. In conclusion, we have developed a systematic and focused computer-aided approach to propose approved drugs that may warrant testing and/or serve as lead compounds for the design of new drugs against schistosomes. Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by schistosome parasites that affects millions of people worldwide. The current reliance on a single drug (Praziquantel) for treatment and control of the disease calls for the urgent discovery of novel schistosomicidal agents. One approach that can expedite drug discovery is to find new uses for existing approved drugs, a practice known as drug repositioning. Currently, modern drug repositioning strategies entail the search for compounds that act on a specific target, often a protein known or suspected to be required for survival of the parasite. Drug repositioning approaches for schistosomiasis are now greatly facilitated by the availability of comprehensive schistosome genome data in user-friendly databases. Here, we report a drug repositioning computational strategy that involves identification of novel schistosomicidal drug candidates using similarity between schistosome proteins and known drug targets. Researchers can now use the list of predicted drugs as a basis for deciding which potential schistosomicidal candidates can be tested experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno J. Neves
- LabMol – Laboratory for Drug Design and Modeling, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Rodolpho C. Braga
- LabMol – Laboratory for Drug Design and Modeling, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiaânia, Brazil
| | - José C. B. Bezerra
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Pedro V. L. Cravo
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Centro de Malária e Doenças Tropicais, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carolina H. Andrade
- LabMol – Laboratory for Drug Design and Modeling, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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