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Behrens HM, Schmidt S, Henshall IG, López-Barona P, Peigney D, Sabitzki R, May J, Maïga-Ascofaré O, Spielmann T. Impact of different mutations on Kelch13 protein levels, ART resistance, and fitness cost in Plasmodium falciparum parasites. mBio 2024; 15:e0198123. [PMID: 38700363 PMCID: PMC11237660 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01981-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Reduced susceptibility to ART, the first-line treatment against malaria, is common in South East Asia (SEA). It is associated with point mutations, mostly in kelch13 (k13) but also in other genes, like ubp1. K13 and its compartment neighbors (KICs), including UBP1, are involved in endocytosis of host cell cytosol. We tested 135 mutations in KICs but none conferred ART resistance. Double mutations of k13C580Y with k13R539T or k13C580Y with ubp1R3138H, did also not increase resistance. In contrast, k13C580Y parasites subjected to consecutive RSAs did, but the k13 sequence was not altered. Using isogenic parasites with different k13 mutations, we found correlations between K13 protein amount, resistance, and fitness cost. Titration of K13 and KIC7 indicated that the cellular levels of these proteins determined resistance through the rate of endocytosis. While fitness cost of k13 mutations correlated with ART resistance, ubp1R3138H caused a disproportionately higher fitness cost. IMPORTANCE Parasites with lowered sensitivity to artemisinin-based drugs are becoming widespread. However, even in these "resistant" parasites not all parasites survive treatment. We found that the proportion of surviving parasites correlates with the fitness cost of resistance-inducing mutations which might indicate that the growth disadvantages prevents resistance levels where all parasites survive treatment. We also found that combining two common resistance mutations did not increase resistance levels. However, selection through repeated ART-exposure did, even-though the known resistance genes, including k13, were not further altered, suggesting other causes of increased resistance. We also observed a disproportionally high fitness cost of a resistance mutation in resistance gene ubp1. Such high fitness costs may explain why mutations in ubp1 and other genes functioning in the same pathway as k13 are rare. This highlights that k13 mutations are unique in their ability to cause resistance at a comparably low fitness cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Behrens
- Malaria Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Schmidt
- Malaria Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Isabelle G. Henshall
- Malaria Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patricia López-Barona
- Malaria Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Domitille Peigney
- Malaria Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ricarda Sabitzki
- Malaria Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen May
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, Epidemiology and Diagnostics, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oumou Maïga-Ascofaré
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, Epidemiology and Diagnostics, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Spielmann
- Malaria Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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Miatmoko A, Octavia RT, Araki T, Annoura T, Sari R. Advancing liposome technology for innovative strategies against malaria. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102085. [PMID: 38690211 PMCID: PMC11059525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102085] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the potential of liposomes as drug delivery systems for antimalarial therapies. Malaria continues to be a significant cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly among children and pregnant women. Drug resistance due to patient non-compliance and troublesome side effects remains a significant challenge in antimalarial treatment. Liposomes, as targeted and efficient drug carriers, have garnered attention owing to their ability to address these issues. Liposomes encapsulate hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic drugs, thus providing comprehensive and suitable therapeutic drug delivery. Moreover, the potential of passive and active drug delivery enables drug concentration in specific target tissues while reducing adverse effects. However, successful liposome formulation is influenced by various factors, including drug physicochemical characteristics and physiological barriers encountered during drug delivery. To overcome these challenges, researchers have explored modifications in liposome nanocarriers to achieve efficient drug loading, controlled release, and system stability. Computational approaches have also been adopted to predict liposome system stability, membrane integrity, and drug-liposome interactions, improving formulation development efficiency. By leveraging computational methods, optimizing liposomal drug delivery systems holds promise for enhancing treatment efficacy and minimizing side effects in malaria therapy. This review consolidates the current understanding and highlights the potential of liposome strategies against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andang Miatmoko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Campus C UNAIR Mulyorejo, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
- Stem Cell Research and Development Center, Universitas Airlangga, 2 Floor Institute of Tropical Disease Building, Campus C UNAIR Mulyorejo, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
- Nanotechnology and Drug Delivery System Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Campus C UNAIR Mulyorejo, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Rifda Tarimi Octavia
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Campus C UNAIR Mulyorejo, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
| | - Tamasa Araki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinju-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Takeshi Annoura
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinju-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Retno Sari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Campus C UNAIR Mulyorejo, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
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Kiss E, Kins S, Gorgas K, Venczel Szakács KH, Kirsch J, Kuhse J. Another Use for a Proven Drug: Experimental Evidence for the Potential of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives to Treat Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4165. [PMID: 38673751 PMCID: PMC11049906 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant-derived multitarget compounds may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for multifactorial diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Artemisinin and its derivatives were indicated to beneficially modulate various aspects of AD pathology in different AD animal models through the regulation of a wide range of different cellular processes, such as energy homeostasis, apoptosis, proliferation and inflammatory pathways. In this review, we aimed to provide an up-to-date overview of the experimental evidence documenting the neuroprotective activities of artemi-sinins to underscore the potential of these already-approved drugs for treating AD also in humans and propose their consideration for carefully designed clinical trials. In particular, the benefits to the main pathological hallmarks and events in the pathological cascade throughout AD development in different animal models of AD are summarized. Moreover, dose- and context-dependent effects of artemisinins are noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kiss
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.G.); (J.K.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mures, 540142 Târgu Mures, Romania;
| | - Stefan Kins
- Department of Human Biology and Human Genetics, University of Kaiserslautern, 69120 Kaiserslautern, Germany;
| | - Karin Gorgas
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Kinga Hajnal Venczel Szakács
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mures, 540142 Târgu Mures, Romania;
| | - Joachim Kirsch
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Jochen Kuhse
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.G.); (J.K.)
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Avalos-Padilla Y, Fernàndez-Busquets X. Nanotherapeutics against malaria: A decade of advancements in experimental models. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1943. [PMID: 38426407 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Malaria, caused by different species of protists of the genus Plasmodium, remains among the most common causes of death due to parasitic diseases worldwide, mainly for children aged under 5. One of the main obstacles to malaria eradication is the speed with which the pathogen evolves resistance to the drug schemes developed against it. For this reason, it remains urgent to find innovative therapeutic strategies offering sufficient specificity against the parasite to minimize resistance evolution and drug side effects. In this context, nanotechnology-based approaches are now being explored for their use as antimalarial drug delivery platforms due to the wide range of advantages and tuneable properties that they offer. However, major challenges remain to be addressed to provide a cost-efficient and targeted therapeutic strategy contributing to malaria eradication. The present work contains a systematic review of nanotechnology-based antimalarial drug delivery systems generated during the last 10 years. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunuen Avalos-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Fernàndez-Busquets
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
- Nanomalaria Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Pires CV, Oberstaller J, Wang C, Casandra D, Zhang M, Chawla J, Adapa SR, Otto TD, Ferdig MT, Rayner JC, Jiang RHY, Adams JH. Chemogenomic Profiling of a Plasmodium falciparum Transposon Mutant Library Reveals Shared Effects of Dihydroartemisinin and Bortezomib on Lipid Metabolism and Exported Proteins. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0501422. [PMID: 37067430 PMCID: PMC10269874 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05014-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The antimalarial activity of the frontline drug artemisinin involves generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative damage of parasite proteins. To achieve homeostasis and maintain protein quality control in the overwhelmed parasite, the ubiquitin-proteasome system kicks in. Even though molecular markers for artemisinin resistance like pfkelch13 have been identified, the intricate network of mechanisms driving resistance remains to be elucidated. Here, we report a forward genetic screening strategy that enables a broader identification of genetic factors responsible for altering sensitivity to dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and a proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib (BTZ). Using a library of isogenic piggyBac mutants in P. falciparum, we defined phenotype-genotype associations influencing drug responses and highlighted shared mechanisms between the two processes, which mainly included proteasome-mediated degradation and the lipid metabolism genes. Additional transcriptomic analysis of a DHA/BTZ-sensitive piggyBac mutant showed it is possible to find differences between the two response mechanisms on the specific components for regulation of the exportome. Our results provide further insight into the molecular mechanisms of antimalarial drug resistance. IMPORTANCE Malaria control is seriously threatened by the emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to the leading antimalarial, artemisinin. The potent killing activity of artemisinin results from oxidative damage unleashed by free heme activation released by hemoglobin digestion. Although the ubiquitin-proteasome system is considered critical for parasite survival of this toxicity, the diverse genetic changes linked to artemisinin resistance are complex and, so far, have not included the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In this study, we use a systematic forward genetic approach by screening a library of P. falciparum random piggyBac mutants to decipher the genetic factors driving malaria parasite responses to the oxidative stress caused by antimalarial drugs. This study compares phenotype-genotype associations influencing dihydroartemisinin responses with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib to delineate the role of ubiquitin-proteasome system. Our study highlights shared and unique pathways from the complex array of molecular processes critical for P. falciparum survival resulting from the oxidative damage of artemisinin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Valente Pires
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jenna Oberstaller
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Chengqi Wang
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Debora Casandra
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jyotsna Chawla
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Swamy Rakesh Adapa
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Thomas D. Otto
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Michael T. Ferdig
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Julian C. Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rays H. Y. Jiang
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - John H. Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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6
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Umumararungu T, Nkuranga JB, Habarurema G, Nyandwi JB, Mukazayire MJ, Mukiza J, Muganga R, Hahirwa I, Mpenda M, Katembezi AN, Olawode EO, Kayitare E, Kayumba PC. Recent developments in antimalarial drug discovery. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 88-89:117339. [PMID: 37236020 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Although malaria remains a big burden to many countries that it threatens their socio-economic stability, particularly in the countries where malaria is endemic, there have been great efforts to eradicate this disease with both successes and failures. For example, there has been a great improvement in malaria prevention and treatment methods with a net reduction in infection and mortality rates. However, the disease remains a global threat in terms of the number of people affected because it is one of the infectious diseases that has the highest prevalence rate, especially in Africa where the deadly Plasmodium falciparum is still widely spread. Methods to fight malaria are being diversified, including the use of mosquito nets, the target candidate profiles (TCPs) and target product profiles (TPPs) of medicine for malarial venture (MMV) strategy, the search for newer and potent drugs that could reverse chloroquine resistance, and the use of adjuvants such as rosiglitazone and sevuparin. Although these adjuvants have no antiplasmodial activity, they can help to alleviate the effects which result from plasmodium invasion such as cytoadherence. The list of new antimalarial drugs under development is long, including the out of ordinary new drugs MMV048, CDRI-97/78 and INE963 from South Africa, India and Novartis, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théoneste Umumararungu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda.
| | - Jean Bosco Nkuranga
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Gratien Habarurema
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Jean Baptiste Nyandwi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Marie Jeanne Mukazayire
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Janvier Mukiza
- Department of Mathematical Science and Physical Education, School of Education, College of Education, University of Rwanda, Rwanda; Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Nyarutarama Plaza, KG 9 Avenue, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Raymond Muganga
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda; Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Nyarutarama Plaza, KG 9 Avenue, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Innocent Hahirwa
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Matabishi Mpenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Alain Nyirimigabo Katembezi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda; Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Nyarutarama Plaza, KG 9 Avenue, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Emmanuel Oladayo Olawode
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, 18301 N Miami Ave #1, Miami, FL 33169, USA
| | - Egide Kayitare
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Pierre Claver Kayumba
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
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Kekani LN, Witika BA. Current advances in nanodrug delivery systems for malaria prevention and treatment. DISCOVER NANO 2023; 18:66. [PMID: 37382765 PMCID: PMC10409709 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03849-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening, blood-borne disease with over two hundred million cases throughout the world and is more prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world. Over the years, several treatment agents have been developed for malaria; however, most of these active pharmaceutical ingredients exhibit poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability and may result in drug-resistant parasites, thus increasing malaria cases and eventually, deaths. Factors such as these in therapeutics have led to a better appreciation of nanomaterials. The ability of nanomaterials to function as drug carriers with a high loading capacity and targeted drug delivery, good biocompatibility, and low toxicity renders them an appealing alternative to conventional therapy. Nanomaterials such as dendrimers and liposomes have been demonstrated to be capable of enhancing the efficacy of antimalarial drugs. This review discusses the recent development of nanomaterials and their benefits in drug delivery for the potential treatment of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda N Kekani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, 0208, South Africa
| | - Bwalya A Witika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, 0208, South Africa.
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Xu Q, Duan YY, Pan M, Jin QW, Tao JP, Huang SY. In Vitro Evaluation Reveals Effect and Mechanism of Artemether against Toxoplasma gondii. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040476. [PMID: 37110135 PMCID: PMC10145583 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the limited effectiveness of existing drugs for the treatment of toxoplasmosis, there is a dire need for the discovery of new therapeutic options. Artemether is an important drug for malaria and several studies have indicated that it also exhibits anti-T. gondii activity. However, its specific effect and mechanisms are still not clear. To elucidate its specific role and potential mechanism, we first evaluated its cytotoxicity and anti-Toxoplasma effect on human foreskin fibroblast cells, and then analyzed its inhibitory activity during T. gondii invasion and intracellular proliferation. Finally, we examined its effect on mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in T. gondii. The CC50 value of artemether was found to be 866.4 μM, and IC50 was 9.035 μM. It exhibited anti-T. gondii activity and inhibited the growth of T. gondii in a dose-dependent manner. We also found that the inhibition occurred primarily in intracellular proliferation, achieved by reducing the mitochondrial membrane integrity of T. gondii and stimulating ROS production. These findings suggest that the mechanism of artemether against T. gondii is related to a change in the mitochondrial membrane and the increase in ROS production, which may provide a theoretical basis for optimizing artemether derivatives and further improving their anti-Toxoplasma efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Xu
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yin-Yan Duan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ming Pan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qi-Wang Jin
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jian-Ping Tao
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence:
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9
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Taubenschmid-Stowers J, Orthofer M, Laemmerer A, Krauditsch C, Rózsová M, Studer C, Lötsch D, Gojo J, Gabler L, Dyczynski M, Efferth T, Hagelkruys A, Widhalm G, Peyrl A, Spiegl-Kreinecker S, Hoepfner D, Bian S, Berger W, Knoblich JA, Elling U, Horn M, Penninger JM. A whole-genome scan for Artemisinin cytotoxicity reveals a novel therapy for human brain tumors. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e16959. [PMID: 36740985 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The natural compound Artemisinin is the most widely used antimalarial drug worldwide. Based on its cytotoxicity, it is also used for anticancer therapy. Artemisinin and its derivates are endoperoxides that damage proteins in eukaryotic cells; their definite mechanism of action and host cell targets, however, have remained largely elusive. Using yeast and haploid stem cell screening, we demonstrate that a single cellular pathway, namely porphyrin (heme) biosynthesis, is required for the cytotoxicity of Artemisinins. Genetic or pharmacological modulation of porphyrin production is sufficient to alter its cytotoxicity in eukaryotic cells. Using multiple model systems of human brain tumor development, such as cerebral glioblastoma organoids, and patient-derived tumor spheroids, we sensitize cancer cells to dihydroartemisinin using the clinically approved porphyrin enhancer and surgical fluorescence marker 5-aminolevulinic acid, 5-ALA. A combination treatment of Artemisinins and 5-ALA markedly and specifically killed brain tumor cells in all model systems tested, including orthotopic patient-derived xenografts in vivo. These data uncover the critical molecular pathway for Artemisinin cytotoxicity and a sensitization strategy to treat different brain tumors, including drug-resistant human glioblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Taubenschmid-Stowers
- IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Anna Laemmerer
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center-Central Nervous System Tumor Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Krauditsch
- IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Daniela Lötsch
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center-Central Nervous System Tumor Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Gojo
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Gabler
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center-Central Nervous System Tumor Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Astrid Hagelkruys
- IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Widhalm
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Peyrl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Spiegl-Kreinecker
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kepler University Hospital GmbH, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Shan Bian
- IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Walter Berger
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center-Central Nervous System Tumor Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juergen A Knoblich
- IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich Elling
- IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Josef M Penninger
- IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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10
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Huţanu DE, Oprita G, Domocos D, Selescu T, Manolache A, Stratulat T, Sauer SK, Tunaru S, Babes A, Babes RM. The antimalarial artemisinin is a non-electrophilic agonist of the transient receptor potential ankyrin type 1 receptor-channel. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 939:175467. [PMID: 36543288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are the main therapeutic drugs against Plasmodium protists, the causative agents of malaria. While several putative mechanisms of action have been proposed, the precise molecular targets of these compounds have not been fully elucidated. In addition to their antimalarial properties, artemisinins have been reported to act as anti-tumour agents and certain antinociceptive effects have also been proposed. We investigated the effect of the parent compound, artemisinin, on a number of temperature-gated Transient Receptor Potential ion channels (so called thermoTRPs), given their demonstrated roles in pain-sensing and cancer. We report that artemisinin acts as an agonist of the Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1) receptor channel. Artemisinin was able to evoke calcium transients in HEK293T cells expressing recombinant human TRPA1, as well as in a subpopulation of mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons which also responded to the selective TRPA1 agonist allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and these responses were reversibly abolished by the selective TRPA1 antagonist A967079. Artemisinin also triggered whole-cell currents in HEK293T cells transiently transfected with human TRPA1, as well as in TRPA1-expressing DRG neurons, and these currents were inhibited by A967079. Interestingly, using human TRPA1 mutants, we demonstrate that artemisinin acts as a non-electrophilic agonist of TRPA1, activating the channel in a similar manner to carvacrol and menthol. These results may provide a better understanding of the biological actions of the very important antimalarial and anti-tumour agent artemisinin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora-Elena Huţanu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenţei 91-95, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - George Oprita
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenţei 91-95, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dan Domocos
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenţei 91-95, 050095, Bucharest, Romania; Cell Signalling Research Group, Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independenţei 296, 060031, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Tudor Selescu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenţei 91-95, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Manolache
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenţei 91-95, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Teodora Stratulat
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenţei 91-95, 050095, Bucharest, Romania; Cell Signalling Research Group, Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independenţei 296, 060031, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Susanne K Sauer
- Institute of Physiology and Experimental Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitaetsstrasse 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sorin Tunaru
- Cell Signalling Research Group, Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independenţei 296, 060031, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Babes
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independenţei 91-95, 050095, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Ramona-Madalina Babes
- Department of Biophysics, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Str. Dionisie Lupu 37, 020021, Bucharest, Romania
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11
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Red Blood Cell BCL-x L Is Required for Plasmodium falciparum Survival: Insights into Host-Directed Malaria Therapies. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040824. [PMID: 35456874 PMCID: PMC9027239 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of antimalarial drug resistance is an ongoing problem threatening progress towards the elimination of malaria, and antimalarial treatments are urgently needed for drug-resistant malaria infections. Host-directed therapies (HDT) represent an attractive strategy for the development of new antimalarials with untapped targets and low propensity for resistance. In addition, drug repurposing in the context of HDT can lead to a substantial decrease in the time and resources required to develop novel antimalarials. Host BCL-xL is a target in anti-cancer therapy and is essential for the development of numerous intracellular pathogens. We hypothesised that red blood cell (RBC) BCL-xL is essential for Plasmodium development and tested this hypothesis using six BCL-xL inhibitors, including one FDA-approved compound. All BCL-xL inhibitors tested impaired proliferation of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 parasites in vitro at low micromolar or sub-micromolar concentrations. Western blot analysis of infected cell fractions and immunofluorescence microscopy assays revealed that host BCL-xL is relocated from the RBC cytoplasm to the vicinity of the parasite upon infection. Further, immunoprecipitation of BCL-xL coupled with mass spectrometry analysis identified that BCL-xL forms unique molecular complexes with human μ-calpain in uninfected RBCs, and with human SHOC2 in infected RBCs. These results provide interesting perspectives for the development of host-directed antimalarial therapies and drug repurposing efforts.
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12
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Sugiarto SR, Page-Sharp M, Drinkwater JJ, Davis WA, Salman S, Davis TME. Pharmacokinetic properties of the antimalarial combination therapy artemether-lumefantrine in normal-weight, overweight and obese healthy male adults. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2021; 59:106482. [PMID: 34818520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2021.106482] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The component drugs in the widely used antimalarial artemisinin combination therapy artemether-lumefantrine are lipophilic, with the possibility that recommended fixed doses in adults may lead to subtherapeutic concentrations and consequent treatment failure in overweight/obese individuals with malaria. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties of artemether, lumefantrine and their active metabolites dihydroartemisinin and desbutyl-lumefantrine in 16 normal-weight, overweight and obese healthy male volunteers [body mass index (BMI) categories ≤25 kg/m², >25-≤30 kg/m² and >30 kg/m², respectively; absolute range 19.3-37.2 kg/m²]. Participants received the conventional six doses of artemether-lumefantrine over 3 days, each dose comprising 80 mg artemether plus 480 mg lumefantrine administered with 6.7 g fat, and blood samples were collected at pre-specified time-points over 14 days. Plasma drug/metabolite concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and included in multi-compartmental population pharmacokinetic models. There was a non-significant trend to a lower area under the plasma concentration-time curve with a higher body weight or BMI for dihydroartemisinin and especially artemether which was attenuated when normalized for mg/kg dose, but this relationship was not evident in the case of the more lipophilic lumefantrine and its metabolite desbutyl-lumefantrine. Simulated Day 7 plasma lumefantrine concentrations were >200 µg/L (the threshold at which Plasmodium falciparum recrudescences are minimized) in all participants. These results indicate that there is no need for artemether-lumefantrine dose modification in overweight and obese patients with malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Riyati Sugiarto
- University of Western Australia, Medical School, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Madhu Page-Sharp
- Curtin University, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jocelyn J Drinkwater
- University of Western Australia, Medical School, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Wendy A Davis
- University of Western Australia, Medical School, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sam Salman
- University of Western Australia, Medical School, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia; Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, PathWest, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy M E Davis
- University of Western Australia, Medical School, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia.
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13
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He W, Du Y, Li C, Wang J, Wang Y, Dogovski C, Hu R, Tao Z, Yao C, Li X. Dimeric artesunate-choline conjugate micelles coated with hyaluronic acid as a stable, safe and potent alternative anti-malarial injection of artesunate. Int J Pharm 2021; 609:121138. [PMID: 34592395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Artesunate (ARS) is the only artemisinin-based intravenous drug approved for treatment of malaria in the clinic. ARS is rapidly metabolized in vivo to short lived (∼30-45 min) but fast acting, dihydroartemisinin (DHA). The short half-life of DHA necessitates multiple dose administration to circumvent the risk of recrudescence and development of artemisinin resistance. In this work, we report a stable, safe and potent alternative artemisinin-based injectable nanocomplex consisting of dimeric artesunate-choline conjugate (dACC) micelles coated with hyaluronic acid (HA). Firstly, dACC was synthesized by one-step esterification of two artesunate molecules with 3-(dimethylamino)-1,2-propanediol followed by quaternization. After that, dACC was self-assembled into cationic nanomicelles and further coated with anionic small molecular weight HA. The HA-coated dACC nanocomplex (dACC/HA nanocomplex) has a narrow size distribution of about 30 nm. Hemolytic toxicity and cytotoxicity studies revealed a favorable bio-safety profile. Finally, in vitro and in vivo studies showed the dACC/HA nanocomplex possess superior safety and antimalarial efficacy compared to ARS. Taken together, the dACC/HA nanocomplex is a promising injectable alternative to the traditional clinically used artesunate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei He
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Yawei Du
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Chuncao Li
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Ji Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Yang Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Con Dogovski
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Rui Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Zhiyong Tao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Chen Yao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Xinsong Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China.
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14
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Kümpornsin K, Loesbanluechai D, de Cozar C, Kotanan N, Chotivanich K, White NJ, Wilairat P, Gomez-Lorenzo MG, Gamo FJ, Sanz LM, Lee MCS, Chookajorn T. Lumefantrine attenuates Plasmodium falciparum artemisinin resistance during the early ring stage. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2021; 17:186-190. [PMID: 34673330 PMCID: PMC8528645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Emerging artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria has the potential to become a global public health crisis. In Southeast Asia, this phenomenon clinically manifests in the form of delayed parasite clearance following artemisinin treatment. Reduced artemisinin susceptibility is limited to the early ring stage window, which is sufficient to allow parasites to survive the short half-life of artemisinin exposure. A screen of known clinically-implemented antimalarial drugs was performed to identify a drug capable of enhancing the killing activity of artemisinins during this critical resistance window. As a result, lumefantrine was found to increase the killing activity of artemisinin against an artemisinin-resistant clinical isolate harboring the C580Y kelch13 mutation. Isobologram analysis revealed synergism during the early ring stage resistance window, when lumefantrine was combined with artemether, an artemisinin derivative clinically partnered with lumefantrine. These findings suggest that lumefantrine should be clinically explored as a partner drug in artemisinin-based combination therapies to control emerging artemisinin resistance. Artemisinin booster compound screening targeting the early ring resistance window in Plasmodium falciparum was performed. Lumefantrine improves the activity of artesunate against the parasite during the resistance window. Artemether and lumefantrine are synergistic during the early ring stage resistance window.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Duangkamon Loesbanluechai
- Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine Unit (GEM), Centre of Excellence in Malaria Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Molecular Medicine Program, Multidisciplinary Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Namfon Kotanan
- Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine Unit (GEM), Centre of Excellence in Malaria Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kesinee Chotivanich
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Prapon Wilairat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Marcus C S Lee
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK.
| | - Thanat Chookajorn
- Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine Unit (GEM), Centre of Excellence in Malaria Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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15
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Qiao S, Zhang H, Sun F, Jiang Z. Molecular Basis of Artemisinin Derivatives Inhibition of Myeloid Differentiation Protein 2 by Combined in Silico and Experimental Study. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26185698. [PMID: 34577169 PMCID: PMC8469597 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin (also known as Qinghaosu), an active component of the Qinghao extract, is widely used as antimalarial drug. Previous studies reveal that artemisinin and its derivatives also have effective anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, but the direct molecular target remains unknown. Recently, several reports mentioned that myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2, also known as lymphocyte antigen 96) may be the endogenous target of artemisinin in the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide signaling. However, the exact interaction between artemisinin and MD-2 is still not fully understood. Here, experimental and computational methods were employed to elucidate the relationship between the artemisinin and its inhibition mechanism. Experimental results showed that artemether exhibit higher anti-inflammatory activity performance than artemisinin and artesunate. Molecular docking results showed that artemisinin, artesunate, and artemether had similar binding poses, and all complexes remained stable throughout the whole molecular dynamics simulations, whereas the binding of artemisinin and its derivatives to MD-2 decreased the TLR4(Toll-Like Receptor 4)/MD-2 stability. Moreover, artemether exhibited lower binding energy as compared to artemisinin and artesunate, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. Leu61, Leu78, and Ile117 are indeed key residues that contribute to the binding free energy. Binding free energy analysis further confirmed that hydrophobic interactions were critical to maintain the binding mode of artemisinin and its derivatives with MD-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sennan Qiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China;
| | - Hansi Zhang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China;
| | - Fei Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China;
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (Z.J.)
| | - Zhenyan Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China;
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (Z.J.)
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16
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Electrospun Nanofibers of Polycaprolactone/Collagen as a Sustained-Release Drug Delivery System for Artemisinin. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13081228. [PMID: 34452189 PMCID: PMC8402154 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of artemisinin (ART) in the treatment of malaria has been restricted to a certain degree due to its inherent limitations, such as short half-life, poor solubility, limited bioavailability, and re-crystallization. Electrospun nanofibers loaded with ART provide an excellent solution to these limitations and yield sustained drug release as well as inhibition of drug re-crystallization. In this study, ART-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL)/collagen (Col) nanofibers with different proportions of polymers were prepared. ART-loaded PCL/Col nanofibers were characterized, and further ART anti-crystallization and release behaviors were studied. SEM was used to observe the morphology of PCL/Col nanofibers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the physical state of ART in ART-loaded PCL/Col nanofibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle measurement, weight loss, degree of swelling, and drug release experiments can verify the differences in performance of ART-loaded PCL/Col nanofibers due to different polymer ratios. The release curve was analyzed by kinetics, showing sustained release for up to 48 h, and followed the Fickian release mechanism, which was shown by the diffusion index value obtained from the Korsmeyer-Peppas equation.
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17
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Behrens HM, Schmidt S, Spielmann T. The newly discovered role of endocytosis in artemisinin resistance. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2998-3022. [PMID: 34309894 DOI: 10.1002/med.21848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives (ART) are the cornerstone of malaria treatment as part of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). However, reduced susceptibility to artemisinin as well as its partner drugs threatens the usefulness of ACTs. Single point mutations in the parasite protein Kelch13 (K13) are necessary and sufficient for the reduced sensitivity of malaria parasites to ART but several alternative mechanisms for this resistance have been proposed. Recent work found that K13 is involved in the endocytosis of host cell cytosol and indicated that this is the process responsible for resistance in parasites with mutated K13. These studies also identified a series of further proteins that act together with K13 in the same pathway, including previously suspected resistance proteins such as UBP1 and AP-2μ. Here, we give a brief overview of artemisinin resistance, present the recent evidence of the role of endocytosis in ART resistance and discuss previous hypotheses in light of this new evidence. We also give an outlook on how the new insights might affect future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Michaela Behrens
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Section, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Schmidt
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Section, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Spielmann
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Section, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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18
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Woodley CM, Nixon GL, Basilico N, Parapini S, Hong WD, Ward SA, Biagini GA, Leung SC, Taramelli D, Onuma K, Hasebe T, O'Neill PM. Enantioselective Synthesis and Profiling of Potent, Nonlinear Analogues of Antimalarial Tetraoxanes E209 and N205. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1077-1085. [PMID: 34267877 PMCID: PMC8274084 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic endoperoxide antimalarials, such as 1,2,4-trioxolanes and 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes, are promising successors for current front-line antimalarials, semisynthetic artemisinin derivatives. However, limited solubility of second-generation analogues in biological-relevant media represents a barrier in clinical development. We present methodology for the synthesis of nonlinear analogues of second-generation tetraoxane antimalarials E209 and N205 to investigate reduced molecular symmetry on in vitro antimalarial activity and physicochemical properties. While maintaining good antimalarial activity and metabolic stability, head-to-head comparison of linear and nonlinear counterparts showed up to 10-fold improvement in FaSSIF solubility for three of the four analogues studied. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats comparing a selected nonlinear analogue 14a and its parent N205 showed improvement on oral absorption and exposure in vivo with more than double the AUC and a significant increase in oral bioavailability (76% versus 41%). These findings provide support for further in vivo efficacy studies in preclinical animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gemma L Nixon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy.,Affiliated to Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerche sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network (CIRM-IMN), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy.,Affiliated to Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerche sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network (CIRM-IMN), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Weiqian David Hong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A Ward
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics. Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Giancarlo A Biagini
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics. Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Suet C Leung
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy.,Affiliated to Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerche sulla Malaria/Italian Malaria Network (CIRM-IMN), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Keiko Onuma
- Eisai Co.,Ltd. Tsukuba Research Laboratories, 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukubashi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Takashi Hasebe
- Eisai Co.,Ltd. Tsukuba Research Laboratories, 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukubashi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Paul M O'Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
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19
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Egieyeh S, Malan SF, Christoffels A. Cheminformatics techniques in antimalarial drug discovery and development from natural products 2: Molecular scaffold and machine learning approaches. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2019-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
A large number of natural products, especially those used in ethnomedicine of malaria, have shown varying in-vitro antiplasmodial activities. Cheminformatics involves the organization, integration, curation, standardization, simulation, mining and transformation of pharmacology data (compounds and bioactivity) into knowledge that can drive rational and viable drug development decisions. This chapter will review the application of two cheminformatics techniques (including molecular scaffold analysis and bioactivity predictive modeling via Machine learning) to natural products with in-vitro and in-vivo antiplasmodial activities in order to facilitate their development into antimalarial drug candidates and design of new potential antimalarial compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Egieyeh
- School of Pharmacy , University of the Western Cape Faculty of Natural Science , Belville , South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute , University of the Western Cape Faculty of Natural Science , Belville , South Africa
| | - Sarel F. Malan
- School of Pharmacy , University of the Western Cape Faculty of Natural Science , Belville , South Africa
| | - Alan Christoffels
- South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute , University of the Western Cape Faculty of Natural Science , Belville , South Africa
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20
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Zhao Y, Sun P, Ma Y, Chang X, Chen X, Ji X, Bai Y, Zhang D, Yang L. Metabolite Profiling of Dihydroartemisinin in Blood of Plasmodium-Infected and Healthy Mice Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS E. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:614159. [PMID: 33536920 PMCID: PMC7848114 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.614159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and its’ derivatives have been employed as the most powerful first-line drugs for malarial treatment for several decades. The metabolism of DHA has not been studied clearly. Previous reports were focused on the pharmacokinetics procedure of DHA in healthy rats. The metabolites of DHA in red blood cells (RBC), especially in the RBC from Plasmodium-infected models, have rarely been studied. The Plasmodium species parasitize inside RBC, and these cells should be the final place where DHA performs its activity. In this study, the profile of DHA metabolites in biosample (blood, plasma, and RBC) of the infected and healthy mice was investigated with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and UNIFI platform to gain insight into DHA metabolism. Results show that a total of 25 metabolites were successfully identified in infected (30 in healthy) blood, 27 in infected (27 in healthy) plasma, and 15 in infected (22 in healthy) RBC. Results show that hydroxylation, OH-dehydration, and glucuronidation reactions were important in the metabolic pathway in vivo. Significantly, DHA metabolites inside RBC were identified for the first time. 8-Hydroxy (8-OH) DHA, 4α-OH deoxy ART, and 6β-OH deoxy ART were identified in vivo for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Chang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Ji
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Bai
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Artemisinin Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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21
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Portugaliza HP, Miyazaki S, Geurten FJ, Pell C, Rosanas-Urgell A, Janse CJ, Cortés A. Artemisinin exposure at the ring or trophozoite stage impacts Plasmodium falciparum sexual conversion differently. eLife 2020; 9:60058. [PMID: 33084568 PMCID: PMC7577739 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria transmission is dependent on the formation of gametocytes in the human blood. The sexual conversion rate, the proportion of asexual parasites that convert into gametocytes at each multiplication cycle, is variable and reflects the relative parasite investment between transmission and maintaining the infection. The impact of environmental factors such as drugs on sexual conversion rates is not well understood. We developed a robust assay using gametocyte-reporter parasite lines to accurately measure the impact of drugs on sexual conversion rates, independently from their gametocytocidal activity. We found that exposure to subcurative doses of the frontline antimalarial drug dihydroartemisinin (DHA) at the trophozoite stage resulted in a ~ fourfold increase in sexual conversion. In contrast, no increase was observed when ring stages were exposed or in cultures in which sexual conversion was stimulated by choline depletion. Our results reveal a complex relationship between antimalarial drugs and sexual conversion, with potential public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvie P Portugaliza
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Shinya Miyazaki
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Fiona Ja Geurten
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Christopher Pell
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anna Rosanas-Urgell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Chris J Janse
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alfred Cortés
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
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22
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Peatey C, Chen N, Gresty K, Anderson K, Pickering P, Watts R, Gatton ML, McCarthy J, Cheng Q. Dormant Plasmodium falciparum Parasites in Human Infections Following Artesunate Therapy. J Infect Dis 2020; 223:1631-1638. [PMID: 32901248 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa562] [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: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinin monotherapy of Plasmodium falciparum infection is frequently ineffective due to recrudescence. Artemisinin-induced dormancy, shown in vitro and in animal models, provides a plausible explanation. To date, direct evidence of artemisinin-induced dormancy in humans is lacking. METHODS Blood samples were collected from Plasmodium falciparum 3D7- or K13-infected participants before and 48-72 hours after single-dose artesunate (AS) treatment. Parasite morphology, molecular signature of dormancy, capability and dynamics of seeding in vitro cultures, and genetic mutations in the K13 gene were investigated. RESULTS Dormant parasites were observed in post-AS blood samples of 3D7- and K13-infected participants. The molecular signature of dormancy, an up-regulation of acetyl CoA carboxylase, was detected in 3D7 and K13 samples post-AS, but not in pre-AS samples. Posttreatment samples successfully seeded in vitro cultures, with a significant delay in time to reach 2% parasitemia compared to pretreatment samples. CONCLUSIONS This study provides strong evidence for the presence of artemisinin-induced dormant parasites in P. falciparum infections. These parasites are a likely reservoir for recrudescent infection following artemisinin monotherapy and artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). Combination regimens that target dormant parasites or remain at therapeutic levels for a sufficient time to kill recovering parasites will likely improve efficacy of ACTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Peatey
- Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nanhua Chen
- Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karryn Gresty
- Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,ADFMIDI laboratory, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karen Anderson
- Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,ADFMIDI laboratory, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul Pickering
- Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca Watts
- Clinical Tropical Medicine, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle L Gatton
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - James McCarthy
- Clinical Tropical Medicine, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Qin Cheng
- Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,ADFMIDI laboratory, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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23
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Mirbehbahani FS, Hejazi F, Najmoddin N, Asefnejad A. Artemisia annua L. as a promising medicinal plant for powerful wound healing applications. Prog Biomater 2020; 9:139-151. [PMID: 32989678 PMCID: PMC7544745 DOI: 10.1007/s40204-020-00138-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisia annua L. has been utilized for the first time in a nanofibrous wound dressing composition. The extract of this valuable plant provides anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties which can be considered as a promising medicinal component in therapeutic applications. In the present work, Artemisia annua L. was picked up from Gorgan forest area of Northern Iran and its extract was prepared by methanol as the extraction solvent. In the fabrication of wound dressing, Artemisia annua L. extract was mixed with gelatin and a nanofibrous structure was formed by electrospinning technique. To have a wound dressing with acceptable stability and optimum mechanical properties, this biologically active layer was formed on a PCL nanofibrous base layer. The fabricated double-layer wound dressing was analyzed chemically, structurally, mechanically and biologically. ATR-FTIR spectra of the prepared wound dressing contain functional groups of Artemisia annua L. as peroxide groups, etc. SEM micrographs of electrospun gelatin/Artemisia annua L. confirmed the successful electrospinning process for producing Artemisia annua L.-containing nanofibers with mean diameter of 242.00 ± 67.53 nm. In vitro Artemisia annua L. release study of the fabricated wound dressings suggests a sustain release over 7 days for the crosslinked sample. In addition, evaluation of the in vitro structural stability of the prepared wound dressings confirmed the stability of the crosslinked nanofibrous structures in PBS solution environment. Biological study of the Artemisia annua L.-containing wound dressing revealed no cytotoxicity, good proliferation and attachment of the seeded fibroblasts cells and acceptable antibacterial property against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sadat Mirbehbahani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hejazi
- Department of Advanced Technologies, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Najmeh Najmoddin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Azadeh Asefnejad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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24
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Moreira Souza AC, Grabe-Guimarães A, Cruz JDS, Santos-Miranda A, Farah C, Teixeira Oliveira L, Lucas A, Aimond F, Sicard P, Mosqueira VCF, Richard S. Mechanisms of artemether toxicity on single cardiomyocytes and protective effect of nanoencapsulation. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:4448-4463. [PMID: 32608017 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The artemisinin derivative, artemether, has antimalarial activity with potential neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects. Artemether in nanocapsules (NC-ATM) is more efficient than free artemether for reducing parasitaemia and increasing survival of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. NCs also prevent prolongation of the QT interval of the ECG. Here, we assessed cellular cardiotoxicity of artemether and how this toxicity was prevented by nanoencapsulation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mice were treated with NC-ATM orally (120 mg·kg-1 twice daily) for 4 days. Other mice received free artemether, blank NCs, and vehicle for comparison. We measured single-cell contraction, intracellular Ca2+ transient using fluorescent Indo-1AM Ca2+ dye, and electrical activity using the patch-clamp technique in freshly isolated left ventricular myocytes. The acute effect of free artemether was also tested on cardiomyocytes of untreated animals. KEY RESULTS Artemether prolonged action potentials (AP) upon acute exposure (at 0.1, 1, and 10 μM) of cardiomyocytes from untreated mice or after in vivo treatment. This prolongation was unrelated to blockade of K+ currents, increased Ca2+ currents or promotion of a sustained Na+ current. AP lengthening was abolished by the NCX inhibitor SEA-0400. Artemether promoted irregular Ca2+ transients during pacing and spontaneous Ca2+ events during resting periods. NC-ATM prevented all effects. Blank NCs had no effects compared with vehicle. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Artemether induced NCX-dependent AP lengthening (explaining QTc prolongation) and disrupted Ca2+ handling, both effects increasing pro-arrhythmogenic risks. NCs prevented these adverse effects, providing a safe alternative to the use of artemether alone, especially to treat malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Moreira Souza
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program (CiPharma), Pharmacy School, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrea Grabe-Guimarães
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program (CiPharma), Pharmacy School, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jader Dos Santos Cruz
- Department of Immunology and Biochemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Artur Santos-Miranda
- Department of Immunology and Biochemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Charlotte Farah
- Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Liliam Teixeira Oliveira
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program (CiPharma), Pharmacy School, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandre Lucas
- Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), Inserm/Université Paul Sabatier UMR1048, Toulouse, France
| | - Franck Aimond
- Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Sicard
- Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Vanessa Carla Furtado Mosqueira
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program (CiPharma), Pharmacy School, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sylvain Richard
- Physiologie et Médecine Expérimentale du Cœur et des Muscles (PhyMedExp), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, Montpellier, France
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25
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Abstract
As the first-line antimalarial drugs, artemisinins gained wide acceptance after the emergence of resistance to chloroquine in the 1950s. Artemisinin-based drugs have saved lives, especially in developing countries. The discovery of artemisinin was unique, timely, and fascinating, and the benefits of artemisinin were with far-reaching implications. Herein, we will give a brief description of various aspects of the development of artemisinin and discuss the position and perspectives of artemisinin-based drugs.
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26
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D'Alessandro S, Menegola E, Parapini S, Taramelli D, Basilico N. Safety of Artemisinin Derivatives in the First Trimester of Pregnancy: A Controversial Story. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25153505. [PMID: 32752056 PMCID: PMC7435965 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria both in adults and children. During pregnancy, ACT is considered safe only in the second and third trimester, since animal studies have demonstrated that artemisinin derivatives can cause foetal death and congenital malformation within a narrow time window in early embryogenesis. During this period, artemisinin derivatives induce defective embryonic erythropoiesis and vasculogenesis/angiogenesis in experimental models. However, clinical data on the safety profile of ACT in pregnant women have not shown an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital malformation, nor low birth weight, associated with exposure to artemisinins in the first trimester. Although further studies are needed, the evidence collected up to now is prompting the WHO towards a change in the guidelines for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, allowing the use of ACT also in the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D'Alessandro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Menegola
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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27
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Wu Y, Zeng Q, Qi Z, Deng T, Liu F. Recent Progresses in Cancer Nanotherapeutics Design Using Artemisinins as Free Radical Precursors. Front Chem 2020; 8:472. [PMID: 32626687 PMCID: PMC7311774 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00472] [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: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) are sort of important antimalarials, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities including anticancer effect. To solve the issues regarding poor solubility and limited bioavailability of ARTs, nanoformulation of ARTs has thus emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. A common consideration on nanoARTs design lies on ARTs' delivery and controlled release, where ARTs are commonly regarded as hydrophobic drugs. Based on the mechanism that ARTs' activation relies on ferrous ions (Fe2+) or Fe2+-bonded complexes, new designs to enhance ARTs' activation have thus attracted great interests for advanced cancer nanotherapy. Among these developments, the design of a nanoparticle that can accelerate ARTs' activation has become the major consideration, where ARTs have been regarded as radical precursors. This review mainly focused on the most recent developments of ARTs nanotherapeutics on the basis of advanced drug activation. The basic principles in those designs will be summarized, and a few excellent cases will be also discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Wu
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingping Zeng
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwen Qi
- Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF), Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Deng
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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28
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Li Y, Shan NN, Sui XH. Research Progress on Artemisinin and Its Derivatives against Hematological Malignancies. Chin J Integr Med 2020; 26:947-955. [PMID: 32048169 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-019-3207-3] [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] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although current therapeutic methods against hematological malignancies are effective in the early stage, they usually lose their effectiveness because of the development of drug resistances. Seeking new drugs with significant therapeutic effects is one of the current research hotspots. Artemisinin, an extract from the plant Artemisia annua Linne, and its derivatives have excellent antimalarial effects in clinical applications as well as excellent safety. Recent studies have documented that artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) also have significant effects against multiple types of tumours, including hematological malignancies. This review focuses on the latest research achievements of ARTs in the treatment of hematological malignancies as well as its mechanisms and future applications. The mechanisms of ARTs against different types of hematological malignancies mainly include cell cycle arrest, induction autophagy and apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, production of reactive oxygen species, and induction of differentiation. Additionally, the review also summarizes the anticancer effects of ARTs in many drug-resistant hematological malignancies and its synergistic effects with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China.
| | - Ning-Ning Shan
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Sui
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
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29
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Morita M, Hayashi K, Sato A, Hiramoto A, Kaneko O, Isogawa R, Kurosaki Y, Miyoshi SI, Chang KS, Wataya Y, Kim HS. Genomic and biological features of Plasmodium falciparum resistance against antimalarial endoperoxide N-89. Gene 2019; 716:144016. [PMID: 31377318 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.144016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance of malaria parasites remains a problem affecting antimalarial treatment and control of the disease. We previously synthesized an antimalarial endoperoxide, N-89, having high antimalarial effects in vitro and in vivo. In this study we seek to understand the resistant mechanism against N-89 by establishing a highly N-89-resistant clone, named NRC10H, of the Plasmodium falciparum FCR-3 strain. We describe gene mutations in the parent FCR-3 strain and the NRC10H clone using whole-genome sequencing and subsequently by expression profiling using quantitative real-time PCR. Seven genes related to drug resistance, proteolysis, glycophosphatidylinositol anchor biosynthesis, and phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis exhibited a single amino acid substitution in the NRC10H clone. Among these seven genes, the multidrug resistance protein 2 (mdr2) variant A532S was found only in NRC10H. The genetic status of the P. falciparum endoplasmic reticulum-resident calcium binding protein (PfERC), a potential target of N-89, was similar between the NRC10H clone and the parent FCR-3 strain. These findings suggest that the genetic alterations of the identified seven genes, in particular mdr2, in NRC10H could give rise to resistance of the antimalarial endoperoxide N-89.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Morita
- Division of International Infectious Diseases Control, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan
| | - Kosuke Hayashi
- Division of International Infectious Diseases Control, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Akira Sato
- Division of International Infectious Diseases Control, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Akiko Hiramoto
- Division of International Infectious Diseases Control, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Osamu Kaneko
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8423, Japan
| | - Rena Isogawa
- Division of International Infectious Diseases Control, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Yuji Kurosaki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Formulation Design, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Miyoshi
- Department of Sanitary Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Kyung-Soo Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Pusan, Busan 46252, Republic of Korea
| | - Yusuke Wataya
- Division of International Infectious Diseases Control, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Hye-Sook Kim
- Division of International Infectious Diseases Control, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
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30
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Synthesis of thymol-based pyrazolines: An effort to perceive novel potent-antimalarials. Bioorg Chem 2019; 88:102933. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.102933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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31
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Cheminformatics techniques in antimalarial drug discovery and development from natural products 1: basic concepts. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2018-0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
A large number of natural products, especially those used in ethnomedicine of malaria, have shown varying in vitro antiplasmodial activities. Facilitating antimalarial drug development from this wealth of natural products is an imperative and laudable mission to pursue. However, limited manpower, high research cost coupled with high failure rate during preclinical and clinical studies might militate against the pursuit of this mission. These limitations may be overcome with cheminformatic techniques. Cheminformatics involves the organization, integration, curation, standardization, simulation, mining and transformation of pharmacology data (compounds and bioactivity) into knowledge that can drive rational and viable drug development decisions. This chapter will review the application of cheminformatics techniques (including molecular diversity analysis, quantitative-structure activity/property relationships and Machine learning) to natural products with in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activities in order to facilitate their development into antimalarial drug candidates and design of new potential antimalarial compounds.
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32
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Possible Role of the Ca 2+/Mn 2+ P-Type ATPase Pmr1p on Artemisinin Toxicity through an Induction of Intracellular Oxidative Stress. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24071233. [PMID: 30934859 PMCID: PMC6480206 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinins are widely used to treat Plasmodium infections due to their high clinical efficacy; however, the antimalarial mechanism of artemisinin remains unresolved. Mutations in P. falciparum ATPase6 (PfATP6), a sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-transporting ATPase, are associated with increased tolerance to artemisinin. We utilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model to examine the involvement of Pmr1p, a functional homolog of PfATP6, on the toxicity of artemisinin. Our analysis demonstrated that cells lacking Pmr1p are less susceptible to growth inhibition from artemisinin and its derivatives. No association between sensitivity to artemisinin and altered trafficking of the drug efflux pump Pdr5p, calcium homeostasis, or protein glycosylation was found in pmr1∆ yeast. Basal ROS levels are elevated in pmr1∆ yeast and artemisinin exposure does not enhance ROS accumulation. This is in contrast to WT cells that exhibit a significant increase in ROS production following treatment with artemisinin. Yeast deleted for PMR1 are known to accumulate excess manganese ions that can function as ROS-scavenging molecules, but no correlation between manganese content and artemisinin resistance was observed. We propose that loss of function mutations in Pmr1p in yeast cells and PfATP6 in P. falciparum are protective against artemisinin toxicity due to reduced intracellular oxidative damage.
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Sharma UK, Mohanakrishnan D, Sharma N, Equbal D, Sahal D, Sinha AK. Facile synthesis of vanillin-based novel bischalcones identifies one that induces apoptosis and displays synergy with Artemisinin in killing chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 155:623-638. [PMID: 29929118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The inherent affinity of natural compounds for biological receptors has been comprehensively exploited with great success for the development of many drugs, including antimalarials. Here the natural flavoring compound vanillin has been used as an economical precursor for the synthesis of a series of novel bischalcones whose in vitro antiplasmodial activities have been evaluated against erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Bischalcones 9, 11 and 13 showed promising antiplasmodial activity {Chloroquine (CQ) sensitive Pf3D7 IC50 (μM): 2.0, 1.5 and 2.5 respectively}but only 13 displayed potent activities also against CQ resistant PfDd2 and PfIndo strains exhibiting resistance indices of 1.4 and 1.5 respectively. IC90 (8 μM) of 13 showed killing activity against ring, trophozoite and schizont stages. Further, 13 initiated the cascade of reactions that culminates in programmed cell death of parasites including translocation of phosphatidylserine from inner to outer membrane leaflet, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase like enzyme, DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation. The combinations of 13 + Artemisinin (ART) exhibited strong synergy (ΣFIC50:0.46 to 0.58) while 13 + CQ exhibited mild synergy (ΣFIC50: 0.7 to 0.98) to mild antagonism (ΣFIC50: 1.08 to 1.23) against PfIndo. In contrast, both combinations showed marked antagonism against Pf3D7(ΣFIC50: 1.33 to 3.34). These features of apoptosis and strong synergy with Artemisinin suggest that bischalcones possess promising antimalarial drug-like properties and may also act as a good partner drugs for artemisinin based combination therapies (ACTs) against Chloroquine resistant P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upendra K Sharma
- Natural Product Chemistry and Process Development Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, HP, India
| | - Dinesh Mohanakrishnan
- Malaria Research Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Nandini Sharma
- Natural Product Chemistry and Process Development Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, HP, India
| | - Danish Equbal
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension Sitapur Road, Lucknow, UP, India
| | - Dinkar Sahal
- Malaria Research Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Arun K Sinha
- Natural Product Chemistry and Process Development Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, HP, India; Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Jankipuram Extension Sitapur Road, Lucknow, UP, India.
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Zhang M, Gallego-Delgado J, Fernandez-Arias C, Waters NC, Rodriguez A, Tsuji M, Wek RC, Nussenzweig V, Sullivan WJ. Inhibiting the Plasmodium eIF2α Kinase PK4 Prevents Artemisinin-Induced Latency. Cell Host Microbe 2017; 22:766-776.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Zyad A, Tilaoui M, Jaafari A, Oukerrou MA, Mouse HA. More insights into the pharmacological effects of artemisinin. Phytother Res 2017; 32:216-229. [PMID: 29193409 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin is one of the most widely prescribed drugs against malaria and has recently received increased attention because of its other potential biological effects. The aim of this review is to summarize recent discoveries of the pharmaceutical effects of artemisinin in basic science along with its mechanistic action, as well as the intriguing results of recent clinical studies, with a focus on its antitumor activity. Scientific evidence indicates that artemisinin exerts its biological activity by generating reactive oxygen species that damage the DNA, mitochondrial depolarization, and cell death. In the present article review, scientific evidence suggests that artemisinin is a potential therapeutic agent for various diseases. Thus, this review is expected to encourage interested scientists to conduct further preclinical and clinical studies to evaluate these biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelmajid Zyad
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Mounir Tilaoui
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Abdeslam Jaafari
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Moulay Ali Oukerrou
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
| | - Hassan Ait Mouse
- Laboratory of Biological Engineering, Team of Natural Substances and Cellular and Molecular Immuno-pharmacology, Immuno-biology of Cancer Cells, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
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Claser C, Chang ZW, Russell B, Rénia L. Adaptive immunity is essential in preventing recrudescence ofPlasmodium yoeliimalaria parasites after artesunate treatment. Cell Microbiol 2017; 19. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Claser
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN); A*STAR; Singapore
| | - Zi Wei Chang
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN); A*STAR; Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore, National University Health System; Singapore
| | - Bruce Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore, National University Health System; Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Otago University; Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Laurent Rénia
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN); A*STAR; Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore, National University Health System; Singapore
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Murillo-Solano C, Dong C, Sanchez CG, Pizarro JC. Identification and characterization of the antiplasmodial activity of Hsp90 inhibitors. Malar J 2017; 16:292. [PMID: 28724415 PMCID: PMC5518105 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1940-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The recent reduction in mortality due to malaria is being threatened by the appearance of Plasmodium falciparum parasites that are resistant to artemisinin in Southeast Asia. To limit the impact of resistant parasites and their spread across the world, there is a need to validate anti-malarial drug targets and identify new leads that will serve as foundations for future drug development programmes targeting malaria. Towards that end, the antiplasmodial potential of several Hsp90 inhibitors was characterized. Because, the Hsp90 chaperone has been suggested as a good drug target against multiple parasitic infections including malaria. Results Chemically diverse sets of Hsp90 inhibitors, evaluated in clinical trials as anti-cancer agents, were tested against the malaria parasite. Most of the compounds showed strong antiplasmodial activity in growth inhibition assays against chloroquine sensitive and resistant strains. There was a good agreement between the compound in vitro anti-parasitic activity and their affinity against the Plasmodium chaperone. The two most potent Hsp90 inhibitors also showed cytocidal activity against two P. falciparum strains. Their antiplasmodial activity affected all parasite forms during the malaria blood cycle. However, the compounds activity against the parasite showed no synergy when combined with anti-malarial drugs, like chloroquine or DHA. Discussion The Hsp90 inhibitors anti-parasitic activity correlates with their affinity to their predicted target the P. falciparum chaperone Hsp90. However, the most effective compounds also showed high affinity for a close homologue, Grp94. This association points to a mode of action for Hsp90 inhibitors that correlate compound efficacy with multi-target engagement. Besides their ability to limit parasite replication, two compounds also significantly impacted P. falciparum viability in vitro. Finally, a structural analysis suggests that the best hit represents a promising scaffold to develop parasite specific leads according. Conclusion The results shown that Hsp90 inhibitors are lethal against the malaria parasite. The correlation between biochemical and in vitro data strongly supports Hsp90 as a drug target against the malaria parasite. Furthermore, at least one Hsp90 inhibitor developed as anticancer therapeutics could serve as starting point to generate P. falciparum-specific lead compounds. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1940-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claribel Murillo-Solano
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Chunmin Dong
- Section of Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Cecilia G Sanchez
- Section of Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Juan C Pizarro
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA. .,Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Choi JY, Desta KT, Saralamma VVG, Lee SJ, Lee SJ, Kim SM, Paramanantham A, Lee HJ, Kim YH, Shin HC, Shim JH, Warda M, Hacımüftüoğlu A, Jeong JH, Shin SC, Kim GS, Abd El-Aty AM. LC-MS/MS characterization, anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant activities of polyphenols from different tissues of Korean Petasites japonicus (Meowi). Biomed Chromatogr 2017. [PMID: 28623844 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Korean Petasites japonicus is a perennial plant used in folk medicine as a remedy for many diseases and popularly consumed as spring greens. Ten polyphenols were characterized from the leaves, stems and roots of this plant via high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Individual polyphenols were quantified for the first time using calibration curves of six structurally related external standards. Validation data indicated that coefficients of determinations (R2 ) were ≥0.9702 for all standards. Recoveries measured at 50 and 100 mg/L were 80.0-91.9 and 80.3-105.3%, respectively. Precisions at these two concentration levels were 0.7-6.1 and 1.1-5.5%, respectively. The total number of identified components was largest for the leaves and smallest for the stems. The leaf and root polyphenolic extracts showed anti-inflammatory effects by inducing LPS-activated COX-2 and iNOS protein levels in mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The antioxidant capacity of the polyphenols, when evaluated for DPPH (α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl)ˑ , ABTS+ [2-2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] and superoxide radical scavenging activities, and in ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays, was highest in the leaf and lowest in the stem. This trend suggests that the antioxidant capacities depend primarily on polyphenol concentration in each tissue. The current findings suggest that polyphenols derived from P. japonicas tissues could have potential as functional health foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kebede Taye Desta
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Venu Venkatarame Gowda Saralamma
- Research Institute of Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Joong Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jung Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Min Kim
- Research Institute of Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Anjugam Paramanantham
- Research Institute of Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Jeong Lee
- Research Institute of Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Hi Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Chul Shin
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Han Shim
- Natural Products Chemistry Laboratory, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohamad Warda
- Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ji Hoon Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Chul Shin
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Gon-Sup Kim
- Research Institute of Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - A M Abd El-Aty
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Wang J, Xu C, Lun ZR, Meshnick SR. Unpacking ‘Artemisinin Resistance’. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2017; 38:506-511. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Li Q, Xie LH, Si Y, Wong E, Upadhyay R, Yanez D, Weina PJ. Toxicokinetics and Hydrolysis of Artelinate and Artesunate in Malaria-Infected Rats. Int J Toxicol 2016; 24:241-50. [PMID: 16126618 DOI: 10.1080/10915810591007201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Comparative toxicokinetic (TK) and hydrolysis studies of intravenously administered two new antimalarial agents, artelinate (AL) and artesunate (AS), were performed in malaria-infected rats using three daily equimolar doses (96 μmoles/kg). The TK evaluation was related to select one drug for severe malaria treatment in U.S. Army. Drug concentration of AS with daily dose of 36.7 mg/kg was one-third less on day 3 than on day 1, which resembled its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), suggesting an autoinduction of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes for AS. The results were similar to other artemisinin drugs, but not for AL. TK parameters of AL were very comparable from day 1 to day 3 at same AS molecular dose at 40.6 mg/kg. AS is the prodrug of DHA with the DHA/AS ratio of 5.26 compared to the ratio of 0.01 for DHA/AL. Other TK parameters revealed that the total AUC1–3 days (84.4 μg · h ml−1) of AL was fivefold higher than that of AS (15.7 mu;g h ml−1 of AS plus DHA). The elimination half-life of AL (7.1 h) was much longer than that of AS (0.36 h) or DHA (0.72 h). The remarkable alteration of the TK shape of AL may be caused by poor conversion rates to DHA and an enterohepatic circulation, which is confirmed by the present TK and tissue distribution studies. Compared to AS, higher drug exposure levels and longer exposure time of AL in the rat blood may be the cause of its increased toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qigui Li
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-7500, USA.
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Razavi A, Nouri HR, Mehrabian F, Mirshafiey A. Treatment of Experimental Nephrotic Syndrome with Artesunate. Int J Toxicol 2016; 26:373-80. [PMID: 17661229 DOI: 10.1080/10915810701493293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to test the therapeutic effect of a new antimalarial drug, artesunate in experimental model of nephrotic syndrome. To induce this experimental model, Adriamycin was given once by a single intravenous injection (7.5 mg/kg) through the tail vein. Six days after injection of Adriamycin, therapeutic protocol was developed by intraperitoneally (IP) administration of 5 mg/kg artesunate (ARS). Total of IP injections were 14, of which 5 injections were made every day and 9 injections were carried out at regular 48-h intervals. Therapeutic protocol was terminated on day 28 and animals were killed on day 49. The results showed that treatment with ARS caused a significant reduction in the level of proteinuria, urine urea and urine sodium compared with nontreated controls. In addition, decrease in serum triglyceride and increase in the level of serum albumin was significant in treated group with ARS compared with nontreated controls. Moreover, treatment with ARS significantly reduced glomerular polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear cells infiltration, hypercellularity, karyorrhexis, wire loops, and hydropic change in capillary network within the renal cortex, as well as decreased hyalin casts. On the other hand, healthy controls receiving ARS showed a significant decrease in amounts of serum triglyceride, urine urea, and urine sodium and potassium compared with normal group. These data suggest that artesunate therapy can ameliorate proteinuria, and suppress the progression of glomerular lesions in experimental model of nephrotic syndrome; it may also be recommended as a lipid-lowering drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Razavi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Xie LH, Johnson TO, Weina PJ, Si Y, Haeberle A, Upadhyay R, Wong E, Li Q. Risk Assessment and Therapeutic Indices of Artesunate and Artelinate in Plasmodium berghei–Infected and Uninfected Rats. Int J Toxicol 2016; 24:251-64. [PMID: 16126619 DOI: 10.1080/10915810591007229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Artesunate (AS) is being developed as a potential agent for the treatment of severe and complicated malaria. A risk assessment of the therapeutic index and related hematological changes of AS and artelinate (AL) following daily intravenous injection for 3 days was conducted in Plasmodium berghei–infected and uninfected rats. The minimum doses of AS and AL for parasitemia suppression were 2.3 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively, and the suppressive doses for half parasitemia (SD50) were 7.4 and 8.6 mg/kg, respectively. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for AS was 240 mg/kg with a therapeutic index of 32.6. The MTD for AL was 80 mg/kg with a therapeutic index of 9.3. Hematological changes were studied on days 1 and 8 after the final dosing. In both AS- and AL-treated rats, dose-dependent and rapidly reversible hematological changes (significant reductions in RBC, HCT, Hb, and reticulocyte levels) were seen in the peripheral blood. Bone marrow evaluation revealed a statistically significant reduction in the myeloid/erythroid ratio only at the highest dose of AS (240 mg/kg), albeit still within the normal ratio range (1.0–1.5:1.0). Looking at the respective therapeutic indices the authors have concluded that AS is much safer than AL. Both drugs induced hematological changes in rats that parallel the dose-dependent, reversible anemia and reticulocytopenia previously reported in animals and humans. However, no significant bone marrow depression was seen for either agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa H Xie
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland 20307-5100, USA
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Sahr F, Willoughby VR, Gbakima AA, Bockarie MJ. Apparent drug failure following artesunate treatment ofPlasmodium falciparummalaria in Freetown, Sierra Leone: four case reports. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00034983.2001.11813658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Cheng YT, Yang CC, Shyur LF. Phytomedicine-Modulating oxidative stress and the tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2016; 114:128-143. [PMID: 27794498 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In spite of the current advances and achievements in systems biology and translational medicinal research, the current strategies for cancer therapy, such as radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy remain palliative or unsatisfactory due to tumor metastasis or recurrence after surgery/therapy, drug resistance, adverse side effects, and so on. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a critical role in chronic/acute inflammation, carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and tumor invasion/metastasis which is also attributed to the dynamic and complex properties and activities in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Re-educating or reprogramming tumor-associated stromal or immune cells in the TME provides an approach for restoring immune surveillance impaired by disease in cancer patients to increase overall survival and reduce drug resistance. Herbal medicines or plant-derived natural products have historically been a major source of anti-cancer drugs. Delving into the lore of herbal medicine may uncover new leads for anti-cancer drugs. Phytomedicines have been widely documented to directly or indirectly target multiple signaling pathways and networks in cancer cells. A combination of anti-cancer drugs and polypharmacological plant-derived extracts or compounds may offer a significant advantage in sensitizing the efficacy of monotherapy and overcoming drug-induced resistance in cancer patients. This review introduces several phytochemicals and phytoextracts derived from medicinal plants or dietary vegetables that have been studied for their efficacy in preclinical cancer models. We address the underlying modes of action of induction of OS and deregulation of TME-associated stromal cells, mediators and signaling pathways, and reference the related clinical investigations that look at the single or combination use of phytochemicals and phytoextracts to sensitize anti-cancer drug effects and/or overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Cheng
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chih Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taiwan
| | - Lie-Fen Shyur
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
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Zong Y, Yuan Y, Qian X, Huang Z, Yang W, Lin L, Zheng Q, Li Y, He H, Gao Q. Small Molecular-Sized Artesunate Attenuates Ocular Neovascularization via VEGFR2, PKCα, and PDGFR Targets. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30843. [PMID: 27480521 PMCID: PMC4969591 DOI: 10.1038/srep30843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular neovascularization (NV) is the primary cause of blindness in many ocular diseases. Large molecular weight anti- vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein drugs, such as Avastin and Lucentis, have saved the vision of millions. However, approximately 20-30% of patients respond poorly to anti-VEGF treatment. We found that artesunate (ART), a small molecular derivative of artemisinin, had a significant inhibitory effect on ocular NV by downregulating the expression of VEGFR2, PKCα, and PDGFR. ART significantly inhibited retinal NV in rabbits and macular edema in monkeys with greater anterior chamber penetrability and more durable efficacy than Avastin. Our pilot study showed that intravitreal injection of 80 μg ART significantly inhibited iris and corneal NV in a severe retinal detachment case. Our results suggest that ART might be a potential persistent small-molecule drug to manage ocular NV via multi-targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yongguang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiaobing Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Leilei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qishan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yujie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Huining He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qianying Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
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46
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Awad MI, Eltayeb IB, Baraka OZ, Behrens RH, Alkadru AMY. Pharmacokinetics of Artesunate following Oral and Rectal Administration in Healthy Sudanese Volunteers. Trop Doct 2016; 34:132-5. [PMID: 15267037 DOI: 10.1177/004947550403400302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of a single dose of 200 mg oral and rectal artesunate in healthy volunteers, and to suggest a rational dosage regimen for rectal administration. The study design was a randomized open cross- over study of 12 healthy volunteers; the analytical method used was a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography with post column derivatization and subsequent ultraviolet detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were derived from the main metabolite α-dihydroartemisinin data due to the rapid disappearance of artesunate from the plasma. Dihydroartemisinin following oral administration of artesunate had a significantly higher AUC0-∞ ( P<0.05 95% confidence interval (Cl) −1168.73, −667.61 ng.h/mL−1) and Cmax( P<0.05;95%Cl −419.73, −171.44 ng/mL− 1, and had shorter tmax ( P<0.05; 95% Cl −0.97, −0.10 h) than that following rectal artesunate. There was no statistically significant difference in the elimination halflife between both routes of administration ( P> 0.05; 95% Cl −0.14, 0.53 h). The relative bioavailability of rectal artesunate was [mean (coefficient of variation%)54.9(24.8%)%]. On the basis of these data an 8 hourly dosing regimen per day with rectal artesunate is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Awad
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.
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47
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Chang HH, Meibalan E, Zelin J, Daniels R, Eziefula AC, Meyer EC, Tadesse F, Grignard L, Joice RC, Drakeley C, Wirth DF, Volkman SK, Buckee C, Bousema T, Marti M. Persistence of Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia after artemisinin combination therapy: evidence from a randomized trial in Uganda. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26330. [PMID: 27197604 PMCID: PMC4873826 DOI: 10.1038/srep26330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin resistance is rapidly spreading in Southeast Asia. The efficacy of artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT) continues to be excellent across Africa. We performed parasite transcriptional profiling and genotyping on samples from an antimalarial treatment trial in Uganda. We used qRT-PCR and genotyping to characterize residual circulating parasite populations after treatment with either ACT or ACT-primaquine. Transcripts suggestive of circulating ring stage parasites were present after treatment at a prevalence of >25% until at least 14 days post initiation of treatment. Greater than 98% of all ring stage parasites were cleared within the first 3 days, but subsequently persisted at low concentrations until day 14 after treatment. Genotyping demonstrated a significant decrease in multiplicity of infection within the first 2 days in both ACT and ACT-primaquine arms. However, multiple clone infections persisted until day 14 post treatment. Our data suggest the presence of genetically diverse persisting parasite populations after ACT treatment. Although we did not demonstrate clinical treatment failures after ACT and the viability and transmissibility of persisting ring stage parasites remain to be shown, these findings are of relevance for the interpretation of parasite clearance transmission dynamics and for monitoring drug effects in Plasmodium falciparum parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Han Chang
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elamaran Meibalan
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Justin Zelin
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rachel Daniels
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Alice C Eziefula
- Immunology and Infection Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Evan C Meyer
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fitsum Tadesse
- Immunology and Infection Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Lynn Grignard
- Immunology and Infection Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Regina C Joice
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chris Drakeley
- Immunology and Infection Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Dyann F Wirth
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sarah K Volkman
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Simmons College, 300 Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Caroline Buckee
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Teun Bousema
- Immunology and Infection Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.,Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Geert Grooteplain Zuid 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias Marti
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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48
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Singh ND, Kumar S, Daniell H. Expression of β-glucosidase increases trichome density and artemisinin content in transgenic Artemisia annua plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2016; 14:1034-45. [PMID: 26360801 PMCID: PMC4767539 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin is highly effective against multidrug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the aetiological agent of the most severe form of malaria. However, a low level of accumulation of artemisinin in Artemisia annua is a major limitation for its production and delivery to malaria endemic areas of the world. While several strategies to enhance artemisinin have been extensively explored, enhancing storage capacity in trichome has not yet been considered. Therefore, trichome density was increased with the expression of β-glucosidase (bgl1) gene in A. annua through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transgene (bgl1) integration and transcript were confirmed by molecular analysis. Trichome density increased up to 20% in leaves and 66% in flowers of BGL1 transgenic plants than Artemisia control plants. High-performance liquid chromatography, time of flight mass spectrometer data showed that artemisinin content increased up to 1.4% in leaf and 2.56% in flowers (per g DW), similar to the highest yields achieved so far through metabolic engineering. Artemisinin was enhanced up to five-fold in BGL1 transgenic flowers. This study opens the possibility of increasing artemisinin content by manipulating trichomes' density, which is a major reservoir of artemisinin. Combining biosynthetic pathway engineering with enhancing trichome density may further increase artemisinin yield in A. annua. Because oral feeding of Artemisia plant cells reduced parasitemia more efficiently than the purified drug, reduced drug resistance and cost of prohibitively expensive purification process, enhanced expression should play a key role in making this valuable drug affordable to treat malaria in a large global population that disproportionally impacts low-socioeconomic areas and underprivileged children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Henry Daniell
- Corresponding Author, Henry Daniell, Ph. D., Professor and Director of Translational Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, , Tel : 215-746-2563, Fax: 215-898-3695
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49
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Djimde AA, Maiga AW, Ouologuem D, Fofana B, Sagara I, Dembele D, Toure S, Sanogo K, Dama S, Sidibe B, Doumbo OK. Gametocyte clearance dynamics following oral artesunate treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Malian children. Parasite 2016; 23:3. [PMID: 26839003 PMCID: PMC4738184 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2016003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin-based combination therapies decrease Plasmodium gametocyte carriage. However, the role of artesunate in monotherapy in vivo, the mechanisms involved, and the utility of gametocyte carriage as a potential tool for the surveillance of antimalarial resistance are poorly understood. In 2010-2011, we conducted an open-label, prospective efficacy study of artesunate as monotherapy in children 1-10 years of age with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Bougoula-Hameau, Mali. Standard oral doses of artesunate were administered for 7 days and patients were followed up for 28 days. The data were compared to a similar study conducted in 2002-2004. Of 100 children enrolled in the 2010-2011 study, 92 were analyzed and compared to 217 children enrolled in the 2002-2004 study. The proportion of gametocyte carriers was unchanged at the end of treatment (23% at baseline vs. 24% on day 7, p = 1.0) and did not significantly decline until day 21 of follow-up (23% vs. 6%, p = 0.003). The mean gametocyte density at inclusion remained unchanged at the end of treatment (12 gametocytes/μL vs. 16 gametocytes/μL, p = 0.6). Overall, 46% of the 71 initial non-carriers had gametocytes detected by day 7. Similar results were found in the 2002-2004 study. In both studies, although gametocyte carriage significantly decreased by the end of the 28-day follow-up, artesunate did not clear mature gametocytes during treatment and did not prevent the appearance of new stage V gametocytes as assessed by light microscopy. Baseline gametocyte carriage was significantly higher 6 years after the deployment of artemisinin-based combination therapies in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdoulaye A. Djimde
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Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako P.O. Box 1805 Mali
| | - Amelia W. Maiga
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN
37232 USA
| | - Dinkorma Ouologuem
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Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako P.O. Box 1805 Mali
| | - Bakary Fofana
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Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako P.O. Box 1805 Mali
| | - Issaka Sagara
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Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako P.O. Box 1805 Mali
| | - Demba Dembele
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Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako P.O. Box 1805 Mali
| | - Sekou Toure
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Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako P.O. Box 1805 Mali
| | - Kassim Sanogo
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Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako P.O. Box 1805 Mali
| | - Souleymane Dama
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Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako P.O. Box 1805 Mali
| | - Bakary Sidibe
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Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako P.O. Box 1805 Mali
| | - Ogobara K. Doumbo
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Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako P.O. Box 1805 Mali
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50
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Valecha N, Savargaonkar D, Srivastava B, Rao BHK, Tripathi SK, Gogtay N, Kochar SK, Kumar NBV, Rajadhyaksha GC, Lakhani JD, Solanki BB, Jalali RK, Arora S, Roy A, Saha N, Iyer SS, Sharma P, Anvikar AR. Comparison of the safety and efficacy of fixed-dose combination of arterolane maleate and piperaquine phosphate with chloroquine in acute, uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria: a phase III, multicentric, open-label study. Malar J 2016; 15:42. [PMID: 26818020 PMCID: PMC4728808 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chloroquine has been the treatment
of choice for acute vivax malaria for more than 60 years. Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax has recently shown resistance to chloroquine in some places. This study compared the efficacy and safety of fixed dose combination (FDC) of arterolane maleate and piperaquine phosphate (PQP) with chloroquine in the treatment of uncomplicated vivax malaria. Methods Patients aged 13–65 years with confirmed mono-infection of P. vivax along with fever or fever in the previous 48 h were included. The 317 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive FDC of arterolane maleate and PQP (n = 159) or chloroquine (n = 158) for 3 days. Primaquine was given as an anti-relapse measure on day 3 and continued for 14 consecutive days. Primary efficacy analysis included assessment of the proportion of aparasitaemic and afebrile patients at 72 h. Safety endpoints were analysis of adverse events, vital signs, laboratory data, and abnormalities on electrocardiograph. Patients participated in the study for at least 42 days. Results In per protocol population, the proportion of aparasitaemic and afebrile patients at 72 h was 100 % (140/140) in the FDC of arterolane maleate and PQP group, and 99.3 % (145/146) in the chloroquine group (Fisher, p > 0.9999). In intent to treat population, the corresponding value was reported to be 96.9 % (154/159) in the FDC of arterolane maleate and PQP group and 98.7 % (156/158) in the chloroquine group (Fisher, p = 0.4479). The median parasite clearance time was 24 h in FDC of arterolane maleate and PQP group and 26 h in chloroquine group (Log-rank, p = 0.2264). Similarly, median fever clearance time was 24 h in both the groups (Log-rank, p = 0.7750). In PP population, day 28 cure rates were 100 % in both the groups (95 % CI (96.52, 100.0 for FDC of arterolane maleate and PQP and 96.73, 100.0 in chloroquine group)). Incidence of adverse events was 82.4 % in the FDC of arterolane maleate and PQP group and 85.4 % in the chloroquine group. Most of the adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity. The commonly reported clinical adverse events in the FDC of arterolane maleate and PQP versus chloroquine group were vomiting (5.0 vs 5.1 %), headache (1.3 vs 3.2 %) and prolonged QT (1.9 vs 3.2 %). No deaths were reported. The pharmacokinetic analysis indicates that arterolane maleate is well absorbed and has a relatively short t1/2 of 3.2 h. Piperaquine is also well absorbed after oral administration with a t1/2 of about 228.33 h. Conclusions The study showed that FDC of arterolane maleate and PQP effectively cured vivax malaria and attained acceptable level of cure up to day 28. Both the groups showed similar safety profile. Trial Registration Clinical Trial Registry India: CTRI/2011/11/002129 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1084-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neena Valecha
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8 Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India.
| | - Deepali Savargaonkar
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8 Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India.
| | - Bina Srivastava
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8 Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India.
| | | | - Santanu K Tripathi
- Department of Pharmacology, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, India.
| | - Nithya Gogtay
- Department of Pharmacology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India.
| | | | - Nalli Babu Vijaya Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Andhra Medical College and King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam, India.
| | | | | | | | - Rajinder K Jalali
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (erstwhile Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, Gurgaon, India), Gurgaon, India.
| | - Sudershan Arora
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (erstwhile Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, Gurgaon, India), Gurgaon, India.
| | - Arjun Roy
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (erstwhile Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, Gurgaon, India), Gurgaon, India.
| | - Nilanjan Saha
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (erstwhile Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, Gurgaon, India), Gurgaon, India.
| | - Sunil S Iyer
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (erstwhile Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, Gurgaon, India), Gurgaon, India.
| | - Pradeep Sharma
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (erstwhile Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, Gurgaon, India), Gurgaon, India.
| | - Anupkumar R Anvikar
- National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8 Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India.
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