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Melfi F, Carradori S, Campestre C, Haloci E, Ammazzalorso A, Grande R, D'Agostino I. Emerging compounds and therapeutic strategies to treat infections from Trypanosoma brucei: an overhaul of the last 5-years patents. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:247-263. [PMID: 36933190 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2193328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human African Trypanosomiasis is a neglected disease caused by infection from parasites belonging to the Trypanosoma brucei species. Only six drugs are currently available and employed depending on the stage of the infection: pentamidine, suramin, melarsoprol, eflornithine, nifurtimox, and fexinidazole. Joint research projects were launched in an attempt to find new therapeutic options for this severe and often lethal disease. AREAS COVERED After a brief description of the recent literature on the parasite and the disease, we searched for patents dealing with the proposal of new anti-trypanosomiasis agents and, following the PRISMA guidelines, we filtered the results to those published from 2018onwards returning suitable entries, which represent the contemporary landscape of compounds/strategies against Trypanosoma brucei. In addition, some relevant publications from the overall scientific literature were also discussed. EXPERT OPINION This review comprehensively covers and analyzes the most recent advances not only in the discovery of new inhibitors and their structure-activity relationships but also in the assessment of innovative biological targets opening new scenarios in the MedChem field. Lastly, also new vaccines and formulations recently patented were described. However, natural and synthetic compounds were analyzed in terms of inhibitory activity and selective toxicity against human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Melfi
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristina Campestre
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Entela Haloci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | | | - Rossella Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Agostino
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Boniface PK, Ferreira EI. Therapeutic potential of flavonoid derivatives for certain neglected tropical diseases. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:680-682. [PMID: 35264087 DOI: 10.2174/1389450123666220309093827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are infectious diseases that mostly affect people living in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in impoverished areas. Ubiquitously found in plants, flavonoids are a group of compounds which have been reported to exhibit a wide range of biological activities against parasites (Leishmania sp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Brugia malayi, etc.) that cause certain NTDs. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study aims to highlight and discuss our recent reports on the implication of flavonoids in drug development for NTDs, such as leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis, filariasis, among others. RESULTS Today, studies show that flavonoids exhibit in vitro antileishmanial, anti-trypanosomiasis, antifilarial activities, among others. Furthermore, the molecular hybridization of flavonoids with the triazole groups has led to the development of compounds with improved biological activity. The incorporation of chemical groups, such as NO2, F, and Cl groups during the process of design and synthesis lead to the enhancement of the pharmacological activity. CONCLUSION Flavonoids are useful metabolites which can be prospected as potential leads for the development of new agents against certain NTDs. However, research opportunities, including cytotoxicity and in vivo studies, mechanisms of action, bioavailability of these compounds remain to be investigated in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pone Kamdem Boniface
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Igne Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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El-Hawary SS, Mohammed R, Lithy NM, AbouZid SF, Mansour MA, Almahmoud SA, Huwaimel B, Amin E. Digalloyl Glycoside: A Potential Inhibitor of Trypanosomal PFK from Euphorbia abyssinica J.F. Gmel. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:173. [PMID: 35050063 PMCID: PMC8779944 DOI: 10.3390/plants11020173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis is an endemic infectious disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei via the bite of tsetse-fly. Most of the drugs used for the treatment, e.g., Suramin, have shown several problems, including the high level of toxicity. Accordingly, the discovery of anti-trypanosomal drugs from natural sources has become an urgent requirement. In our previous study on the anti-trypanosomal potential of Euphorbia species, Euphorbia abyssinica displayed significant anti-trypanosomal activity. Therefore, a phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of E. abyssinica was carried out. Twelve compounds, including two triterpenes (1, 2); one sterol-glucoside (4); three ellagic acid derivatives (3, 9, 11); three gallic acid derivatives (5, 6, 10); and three flavonoids (7, 8, 12), were isolated. The structures of isolated compounds were determined through different spectroscopic techniques. Compound (10) was obtained for the first time from genus Euphorbia while all other compounds except compound (4), were firstly reported in E. abyssinica. Consequently, an in silico study was used to estimate the anti-trypanosomal activity of the isolated compounds. Several compounds displayed interesting activity where 1,6-di-O-galloyl-d-glucose (10) appeared as the most potent inhibitor of trypanosomal phosphofructokinase (PFK). Moreover, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and ADMET calculations were performed for 1,6-di-O-galloyl-d-glucose. In conclusion, 1,6-di-O-galloyl-d-glucose revealed high binding free energy as well as desirable molecular dynamics and pharmacokinetic properties; therefore, it could be suggested for further in vitro and in vivo studies for trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seham S. El-Hawary
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt;
| | - Rabab Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt; (R.M.); (S.F.A.)
| | - Nadia M. Lithy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University Beni-Suef, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt;
| | - Sameh Fekry AbouZid
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt; (R.M.); (S.F.A.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Mostafa A. Mansour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University Beni-Suef, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt;
| | - Suliman A. Almahmoud
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Bader Huwaimel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 34464, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Elham Amin
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt; (R.M.); (S.F.A.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
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Modifications and hybrids of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridinium salts and their antiprotozoal potencies. MONATSHEFTE FUR CHEMIE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00706-021-02847-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe antiprotozoal activity of 1-benzyltetrahydropyridin-4-yliden iminium salts is reported. This paper describes the preparation of a series of analogs from dihydropyridines or dihydrothiopyrans as educts. The new compounds were investigated for their activity against Plasmodium falciparum NF54, a causative organism of Malaria tropica and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, the causative organism of Human African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). Several structure–activity relationships were detected. Both the substituents in ring positions 1 and 4 of the tetrahydropyridinium moiety had a strong impact on the antiprotozoal activities as well as on the cytotoxicity of compounds against L-6 cells (rat skeletal myoblasts). All new compounds were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, HRMS, and NMR spectroscopy.
Graphic abstract
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Kamdem BP, Elizabeth FI. The Role of Nitro (NO 2-), Chloro (Cl), and Fluoro (F) Substitution in the Design of Antileishmanial and Antichagasic Compounds. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:379-398. [PMID: 33371845 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666201228122239] [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: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are responsible for over 500,000 deaths annually and are characterized by multiple disabilities. Leishmaniasis and Chagas diseases are among the most severe NTDs, and are caused by the Leishmania sp and Trypanosoma cruzi, respectively. Glucantime, pentamidine, and miltefosine are commonly used to treat leishmaniasis, whereas nifurtimox, benznidazole are current treatments for Chagas disease. However, these treatments are associated with drug resistance and severe side effects. Hence, the development of synthetic products, especially those containing N02, F, or Cl, are known to improve biological activity. The present work summarizes the information on the antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activity of nitro-, chloro-, and fluorosynthetic derivatives. Scientific publications referring to halogenated derivatives in relation to antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities were hand-searched in databases such as SciFinder, Wiley, Science Direct, PubMed, ACS, Springer, Scielo, and so on. According to the literature information, more than 90 compounds were predicted as lead molecules with reference to their IC50/EC50 values in in vitro studies. It is worth mentioning that only active compounds with known cytotoxic effects against mammalian cells were considered in the present study. The observed activity was attributed to the presence of nitro-, fluoro-, and chloro-groups in the compound backbone. All in all, nitro and halogenated derivatives are active antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal compounds and can serve as the baseline for the development of new drugs against leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. However, efforts in in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies of the active synthetic compounds is still needed. Pharmacokinetic studies and the mechanism of action of the promising compounds need to be explored. The use of new catalysts and chemical transformation can afford unexplored halogenated compounds with improved antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boniface P Kamdem
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ferreira I Elizabeth
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Boniface PK, Elizabeth FI. An Insight into the Discovery of Potent Antifilarial Leads Against Lymphatic Filariasis. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 21:657-680. [PMID: 31800381 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666191204152415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by infection with filarial worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites. Globally, 120 million people are infected, with nearly 40 million people disfigured and disabled by complications such as severe swelling of the legs (elephantiasis) or scrotum (hydrocele). Current treatments (ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine) have limited effects on adult parasites and produce side effects; therefore, there is an urgent to search for new antifilarial agents. Numerous studies on the antifilarial activity of pure molecules have been reported accross the recent literature. The present study describes the current standings of potent antifilarial compounds against lymphatic filariasis. METHODS A literature search was conducted for naturally occurring and synthetic antifilarial compounds by referencing textbooks and scientific databases (SciFinder, PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, ACS, SciELO, Google Scholar, and Springer, among others) from their inception until September 2019. RESULTS Numerous compounds have been reported to exhibit antifilarial acitivity in adult and microfilariae forms of the parasites responsible for lymphatic filariasis. In silico studies of active antifilarial compounds (ligands) showed molecular interactions over the protein targets (trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase, thymidylate synthase, among others) of lymphatic filariasis, and supported the in vitro results. CONCLUSION With reference to in vitro antifilarial studies, there is evidence that natural and synthetic products can serve as basic scaffolds for the development of antifilarial agents. The optimization of the most potent antifilarial compounds can be further performed, followed by their in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pone Kamdem Boniface
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ferreira Igne Elizabeth
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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