1
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Dobrachinski L, Ferreira LL, Cirino ME, Andrade-de-Siqueira AI, Mafud AC, Mascarenhas YP, Andricopulo AD, Moraes JD. The 3D pharmacophore modeling to explore new antischistosomal agents among US FDA approved drugs. Future Med Chem 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39072451 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2024.2379231] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To identify potential antischistosomal agents through 3D pharmacophore-based virtual screening of US FDA approved drugs. Materials & methods: A comprehensive virtual screening was conducted on a dataset of 10,000 FDA approved drugs, employing praziquantel as a template. Promising candidates were selected and assessed for their impact on Schistosoma mansoni viability in vitro and in vivo using S. mansoni infected mice. Results & conclusion: Among the selected drugs, betamethasone and doxazosin demonstrated in vitro efficacy, with effective concentration 50% (EC50) values ranging from 35 to 60 μM. In vivo studies revealed significant (>50%) reductions in worm burden for both drugs. These findings suggest that betamethasone and doxazosin hold promise for repurposing in treating schistosomiasis. Additionally, the study showcases a useful approach for identifying new antischistosomal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Dobrachinski
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Lg Ferreira
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria E Cirino
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ana C Mafud
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Yvonne P Mascarenhas
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriano D Andricopulo
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Brasil, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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2
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Roquini D, Lemes BL, Kreutz ALB, Spoladore SC, Amaro MC, Lopes FB, Fernandes JP, de Moraes J. Antihistamines H 1 as Potential Anthelmintic Agents against the Zoonotic Parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:31159-31165. [PMID: 39035884 PMCID: PMC11256074 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c04773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Infections caused by parasitic helminths pose significant health concerns for both humans and animals. The limited efficacy of existing drugs underscores the urgent need for novel anthelmintic agents. Given the reported potential of antihistamines against various parasites, including worms, this study conducted a screening of clinically available antihistamines against Angiostrongylus cantonensis-a nematode with widespread implications for vertebrate hosts, including humans. Twenty-one anti-H1 antihistamines were screened against first-stage larvae (L1) of A. cantonensis obtained from the feces of infected rats. Standard anthelmintic drugs ivermectin and albendazole were employed for comparative analysis. The findings revealed four active compounds (promethazine, cinnarizine, desloratadine, and rupatadine), with promethazine demonstrating the highest potency (EC50 = 31.6 μM). Additionally, morphological analysis showed that antihistamines induced significant changes in larvae. To understand the mechanism of action, antimuscarinic activities were reported based on average pK i values for human muscarinic receptor (mAChR) subtypes of the evaluated compounds. Furthermore, an analysis of the physicochemical and pharmacodynamic properties of antihistamines revealed that their anthelmintic activity does not correlate with their activity at H1 receptors. This study marks the first documentation of antihistamines' activity against A. cantonensis, offering a valuable contribution to the quest for novel agents effective against zoonotic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel
B. Roquini
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, 07023-070 Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna L. Lemes
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, 07023-070 Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda L. B. Kreutz
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, 07023-070 Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Sophia C. Spoladore
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, 07023-070 Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Monique C. Amaro
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, 07023-070 Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Flavia B. Lopes
- Departamento
de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São
Paulo, 04023-062 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Departamento
de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 09913-030 Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - João Paulo
S. Fernandes
- Departamento
de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 09913-030 Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, 07023-070 Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Instituto Científico e Tecnológico, Universidade Brasil, 08230-030 São
Paulo, SP, Brazil
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3
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Pavani TFA, Cirino ME, Teixeira TR, de Moraes J, Rando DGG. Targeting the Schistosoma mansoni nutritional mechanisms to design new antischistosomal compounds. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19735. [PMID: 37957227 PMCID: PMC10643403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46959-3] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemical classes of semicarbazones, thiosemicarbazones, and hydrazones are present in various compounds, each demonstrating diverse biological activities. Extensive studies have revealed their potential as schistosomicidal agents. Thiosemicarbazones, in particular, have shown inhibitory effects on Schistosoma mansoni's cathepsin B1 enzyme (SmCB1), which plays a crucial role in hemoglobin degradation within the worm's gut and its nutrition processes. Consequently, SmCB1 has emerged as a promising target for novel schistosomiasis therapies. Moreover, chloroquinoline exhibits characteristics in its aromatic structure that hold promise for developing SmCB1 inhibitors, along with its interaction with hemoglobin's heme group, potentially synergizing against the parasite's gut. In this context, we report the synthesis of 22 hybrid analogs combining hydrazones and quinolines, evaluated against S. mansoni. Five of these hybrids demonstrated schistosomicidal activity in vitro, with GPQF-8Q10 being the most effective, causing worm mortality within 24 h at a concentration of 25 µM. GPQF-8Q8 proved to be the most promising in vivo, significantly reducing egg presence in feces (by 52.8%) and immature eggs in intestines (by 45.8%). These compounds exhibited low cytotoxicity in Vero cells and an in in vivo animal model (Caenorhabditis elegans), indicating a favorable selectivity index. This suggests their potential for the development of new schistosomiasis therapies. Further studies are needed to uncover specific target mechanisms, but these findings offer a promising starting point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís F A Pavani
- Grupo de Pesquisas Químico-Farmacêuticas, GPQFfesp, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua São Nicolau, 210, 2° Andar, Centro, Diadema, São Paulo, 09913-030, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Química da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria E Cirino
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Doenças Negligenciadas, NPDN, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Thainá R Teixeira
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Doenças Negligenciadas, NPDN, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Doenças Negligenciadas, NPDN, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela G G Rando
- Grupo de Pesquisas Químico-Farmacêuticas, GPQFfesp, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua São Nicolau, 210, 2° Andar, Centro, Diadema, São Paulo, 09913-030, Brazil.
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4
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Chen KY, Cheng CJ, Chen YJ, Chiu CH, Wang LC. Protective effect of benzaldehyde combined with albendazole against brain injury induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in mice. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2023; 62:106963. [PMID: 37666435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.106963] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis, also known as rat lungworm, is an important food-borne zoonotic parasite that causes severe neuropathological damage and symptoms, including eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis, in humans. At present, the therapeutic strategy for cerebral angiostrongyliasis remains controversial. Benzaldehyde, an important bioactive constituent of Gastrodia elata (Tianma), reduces oxidative stress by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of benzaldehyde in combination with albendazole on angiostrongyliasis in animal models. First, the data from body weight monitoring and behavioural analyses demonstrated that benzaldehyde improved body weight and cognitive function changes after A. cantonensis infection. Next, blood‒brain barrier breakdown and pathological changes were reduced after benzaldehyde and albendazole treatment in BALB/c mice infected with A. cantonensis. Subsequently, four RNA-seq datasets were established from mouse brains that had undergone different treatments: normal, infection, infection + albendazole, and infection + albendazole + 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde groups. Ultimately, benzaldehyde was found to regulate cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and Sonic Hedgehog signalling in mouse brains infected with A. cantonensis. This study evaluated the therapeutic effect of benzaldehyde on angiostrongyliasis, and provided a potential therapeutic strategy for human angiostrongyliasis in the clinical setting. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of benzaldehyde in mouse brains infected with A. cantonensis was elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yao Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Molecular Infectious Disease Research Centre, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Ju Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Chen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsun Chiu
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Centre, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Molecular Infectious Disease Research Centre, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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5
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Rocha V, Cajas RA, Andrade-de-Siqueira AI, Almeida RBP, Godoy-Silva J, Gonçalves MM, Lago JHG, de Moraes J. Evaluating the Antischistosomal Activity of Dehydrodieugenol B and Its Methyl Ether Isolated from Nectandra leucantha-A Preclinical Study against Schistosoma mansoni Infection. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:40890-40897. [PMID: 37929107 PMCID: PMC10620922 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease affecting nearly 250 million individuals globally, poses a significant health challenge. With praziquantel being the sole available treatment and its limited efficacy in early stage infections, the identification of novel bioactive compounds becomes imperative. This study examines the potential of dehydrodieugenol B (1) and its methyl ether (2), derived from the leaves of the Brazilian Nectandra leucantha plant (Lauraceae), in combatting Schistosoma mansoni infections through a preclinical approach. Initially, compound 1 displayed noteworthy in vitro antiparasitic activity with an EC50 of 31.9 μM, showcasing low toxicity in mammalian cells and an in vivo animal model (Caenorhabditis elegans). Conversely, compound 2 exhibited no activity. In silico predictions pointed to favorable oral bioavailability and the absence of PAINS similarities. Subsequently, a single oral dose of 400 mg/kg of compound 1 or praziquantel was administered to mice infected with adult (patent infection) or immature parasites (prepatent infection). Remarkably, in prepatent infections, 1 resulted in a significant reduction (approximately 50%) in both worm and egg burden, while praziquantel reduced worm and egg numbers by 30%. The superior efficacy of dehydrodieugenol B (1) compared to praziquantel in premature infections holds the potential to advance the development of new molecular prototypes for schistosomiasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius
C. Rocha
- Instituto
de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Rayssa A. Cajas
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, São Paulo 07023-070, Brazil
| | | | - Roberto B. P. Almeida
- Departamento
de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Julia Godoy-Silva
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, São Paulo 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Marina M. Gonçalves
- Centro
de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade
Federal do ABC, Santo
André, São Paulo 09210-180, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G. Lago
- Centro
de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade
Federal do ABC, Santo
André, São Paulo 09210-180, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo
de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, São Paulo 07023-070, Brazil
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6
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Roquini V, Mengarda AC, Cajas RA, Martins-da-Silva MF, Godoy-Silva J, Santos GA, Espírito-Santo MCC, Pavani TFA, Melo VA, Salvadori MC, Teixeira FS, Rando DGG, de Moraes J. The Existing Drug Nifuroxazide as an Antischistosomal Agent: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies of Macromolecular Targets. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0139323. [PMID: 37409934 PMCID: PMC10434008 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01393-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that afflicts approximately 250 million people worldwide. There is an urgent demand for new antiparasitic agents because praziquantel, the only drug available for the treatment of schistosomiasis, is not universally effective and may derail current progress toward the WHO goal of eliminating this disease as a public health problem by 2030. Nifuroxazide (NFZ), an oral nitrofuran antibiotic, has recently been explored to be repurposed for parasitic diseases. Here, in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies were conducted to evaluate the activity of NFZ on Schistosoma mansoni. The in vitro study showed significant antiparasitic activity, with 50% effective concentration (EC50) and 90% effective concentration (EC90) values of 8.2 to 10.8 and 13.7 to 19.3 μM, respectively. NFZ also affected worm pairing and egg production and induced severe damage to the tegument of schistosomes. In vivo, a single oral dose of NFZ (400 mg/kg of body weight) to mice harboring either prepatent or patent S. mansoni infection significantly reduced the total worm burden (~40%). In patent infection, NFZ achieved a high reduction in the number of eggs (~80%), but the drug caused a low reduction in the egg burden of animals with prepatent infection. Finally, results from in silico target fishing methods predicted that serine/threonine kinases could be one of the potential targets for NFZ in S. mansoni. Overall, the present study revealed that NFZ possesses antischistosomal properties, mainly in terms of egg burden reduction in animals with patent S. mansoni infection. IMPORTANCE The increasing recognition of the burden imposed by helminthiasis, associated with the limited therapeutic arsenal, has led to initiatives and strategies to research and develop new drugs for the treatment of schistosomiasis. One of these strategies is drug repurposing, which considers low-risk compounds with potentially reduced costs and shorter time for development. In this study, nifuroxazide (NFZ) was evaluated for its anti-Schistosoma mansoni potential through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. In vitro, NFZ affected worm pairing and egg production and induced severe damage to the tegument of schistosomes. In vivo, a single oral dose of NFZ (400 mg/kg) to mice harboring either prepatent or patent S. mansoni infection significantly reduced the total worm burden and egg production. In silico investigations have identified serine/threonine kinases as a molecular target for NFZ. Collectively, these results implied that NFZ might be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Roquini
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C. Mengarda
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rayssa A. Cajas
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Julia Godoy-Silva
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo A. Santos
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina C. Espírito-Santo
- Laboratory of Immunopathology of Schistosomiasis (LIM-06), Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thais F. A. Pavani
- Biological Chemistry Post-Graduate Course, Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanusa A. Melo
- Biological Chemistry Post-Graduate Course, Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria C. Salvadori
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela G. G. Rando
- Chemico-Pharmaceutical Research Group, Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
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7
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Costa DDS, Leal CM, Cajas RA, Gazolla MC, Silva LM, Carvalho LSAD, Lemes BL, Moura ROD, Almeida JD, de Moraes J, da Silva Filho AA. Antiparasitic properties of 4-nerolidylcatechol from Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. (Piperaceae) in vitro and in mice models with either prepatent or patent Schistosoma mansoni infections. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 313:116607. [PMID: 37149066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Roots of Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. are used in traditional medicine of Africa and South America for the treatment of malaria and helminthiasis. However, neither P. umbellata nor its isolated compounds have been evaluated against Schistosoma species. AIMS OF THIS STUDY To investigate the antischistosomal effects of P. umbellata root extracts and the isolated compound 4-nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) against Schistosoma mansoni ex vivo and in murine models of schistosomiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The crude hydroalcoholic (PuE) and hexane (PuH) extracts of P. umbellata roots were prepared and initially submitted to an ex vivo phenotypic screening against adult S. mansoni. PuH was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, characterized by UHPLC-HRMS/MS, and submitted to chromatographic fractionation, leading to the isolation of 4-NC. The anthelmintic properties of 4-NC were assayed ex vivo against adult schistosomes and in murine models of schistosomiasis for both patent and prepatent S. mansoni infections. Praziquantel (PZQ) was used as a reference compound. RESULTS PuE (EC50: 18.7 μg/mL) and PuH (EC50: 9.2 μg/mL) kill adult schistosomes ex vivo. The UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis of PuH, the most active extract, revealed the presence of 4-NC, peltatol A, and peltatol B or C. After isolation from PuH, 4-NC presented remarkable in vitro schistosomicidal activity with EC50 of 2.9 μM (0.91 μg/mL) and a selectivity index higher than 68 against Vero mammalian cells, without affecting viability of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In patent S. mansoni infection, the oral treatment with 4-NC decreased worm burden and egg production in 52.1% and 52.3%, respectively, also reducing splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. 4-NC, unlike PZQ, showed in vivo efficacy against juvenile S. mansoni, decreasing worm burden in 52.4%. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that P. umbellata roots possess antischistosomal activity, giving support for the medicinal use of this plant against parasites. 4-NC was identified from P. umbellata roots as one of the effective in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal compound and as a potential lead for the development of novel anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo de Souza Costa
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Carla Monteiro Leal
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Rayssa A Cajas
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Matheus Coutinho Gazolla
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Lívia Mara Silva
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Lara Soares Aleixo de Carvalho
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Bruna L Lemes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Renato Oliveira de Moura
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Juliana de Almeida
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Doenças Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
| | - Ademar A da Silva Filho
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, R. José Lourenço Kelmer s/n, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-900, Brazil.
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8
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de Souza RL, Mengarda AC, Roquini DB, Melo CO, de Morais MC, C Espírito-Santo MC, de Sousa DP, Moraes JD, Oliveira EE. Enhancing the antischistosomal activity of carvacryl acetate using nanoemulsion. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:331-342. [PMID: 37140262 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To formulate a carvacryl acetate nanoemulsion (CANE) and test its antischistosomal activity. Materials & methods: CANE was prepared and tested in vitro on Schistosoma mansoni adult worms and both human and animal cell lines. Next, CANE was administered orally to mice infected with either a prepatent infection or a patent infection of S. mansoni. Results: CANE was stable during 90 days of analysis. CANE showed in vitro anthelmintic activity, and no cytotoxic effects were observed. In vivo, CANE was more effective than the free compounds in reducing worm burden and egg production. Treatment with CANE was more effective for prepatent infections than praziquantel. Conclusion: CANE improves antiparasitic properties and may be a promising delivery system for schistosomiasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael L de Souza
- Laboratory of Synthesis & Drug Delivery, State University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58071-160, Brazil
| | - Ana C Mengarda
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Daniel B Roquini
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Camila O Melo
- Laboratory of Synthesis & Drug Delivery, State University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58071-160, Brazil
| | - Mayara C de Morais
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina C Espírito-Santo
- Laboratory of Immunopathology of Schistosomiasis (LIM-06), Department of Infectious & Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 01246903, Brazil
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Damião P de Sousa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Elquio E Oliveira
- Laboratory of Synthesis & Drug Delivery, State University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58071-160, Brazil
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9
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Mengarda AC, Silva TC, Silva AS, Roquini DB, Fernandes JPS, de Moraes J. Toward anthelmintic drug candidates for toxocariasis: Challenges and recent developments. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115268. [PMID: 36921525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115268] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Infections caused by parasitic helminths rank among the most prevalent infections of humans and animals. Toxocariasis, caused by nematodes of the genus Toxocara, is one of the most widespread and economically important zoonotic parasitic infections that humans share with dogs and cats. Despite the completion of the Toxocara canis draft genome project, which has been an important step towards advancing the understanding of this parasite and the search for drug targets, the treatment of toxocariasis has been dependent on a limited set of drugs, necessitating the search for novel anthelmintic agents, specially against Toxocara larvae in tissues. Given that research, development, and innovation are crucial to finding appropriate solutions in the fight against helminthiasis, this paper reviews the progress made in the discovery of anthelmintic drug candidates for toxocariasis. The main compounds reported in the recent years regards on analogues of albendazole, reactive quinone derivatives and natural produts and its analogues. Nanoparticles and formulations were also reviewed. The in vitro and/or in vivo anthelmintic properties of such alternatives are herein discussed as well as the opportunities and challenges for treatment of human toxocariasis. The performed review clarify that the scarcity of validated molecular targets and limited chemical space explored are the main bottlenecks for advancing in the field of anti-Toxocara agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Mengarda
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Tais C Silva
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Aline S Silva
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Daniel B Roquini
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
| | - João Paulo S Fernandes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, campus Diadema, Rua São Nicolau 210, 09913-030, Diadema, SP, Brazil.
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Praça Tereza Cristina 229, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil.
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10
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Jacob J, Steel A, Howe K, Jarvi S. Management of Rat Lungworm Disease (Neuroangiostrongyliasis) Using Anthelmintics: Recent Updates and Recommendations. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010023. [PMID: 36678371 PMCID: PMC9863536 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010023] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
While there have been legitimate concerns in the past regarding the use of anthelmintics for the management of neuroangiostrongyliasis (rat lungworm disease), recent studies demonstrate that they can be considered safe and efficacious, particularly albendazole, which is regarded as the choice anthelmintic for its management. However, physician hesitancy to prescribe, as well as problems of availability persist, at least in Hawaii, which is considered the epicenter of this disease in the US. As a result, many patients suffer a diminished quality of life or even death. Here, we discuss recent studies that provide insights into new treatments and preventative interventions, which can be more rigorously used for the management of neuroangiostrongyliasis. In summary, results from recent studies suggest that albendazole and avermectins are beneficial for post-exposure management, pyrantel pamoate is beneficial as a post-exposure prophylactic, and levamisole is deserving of further study for the treatment of neuroangiostrongyliasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Susan Jarvi
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(808)-932-7701; Fax: +1-(808)-932-8117
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11
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Brito JR, Wilairatana P, Roquini DB, Parra BC, Gonçalves MM, Souza DCS, Ferreira EA, Salvadori MC, Teixeira FS, Lago JHG, de Moraes J. Neolignans isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae) exhibit efficacy against Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19320. [PMID: 36369516 PMCID: PMC9652300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by the blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, affects over 230 million people, especially in developing countries. Despite the significant economic and public health consequences, only one drug is currently available for treatment of schistosomiasis, praziquantel. Thus, there is an urgent demand for new anthelmintic agents. Based on our continuous studies involving the chemical prospection of floristic biodiversity aiming to discover new bioactive compounds, this work reports the in vitro antiparasitic activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms of neolignans threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, both isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae). These neolignans showed a significant in vitro schistosomicidal activity, with EC50 values of 12.6-28.1 µM. Further analysis revealed a pronounced reduction in the number of S. mansoni eggs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed morphological alterations when schistosomes were exposed to either threo-austrobailignan-6 or verrucosin. These relevant antischistosomal properties were accompanied by low cytotoxicity potential against the animal (Vero) and human (HaCaT) cell lines, resulting in a high selectivity index. Considering the promising chemical and biological properties of threo-austrobailignan-6 and verrucosin, this research should be of interest to those in the area of neglected diseases and in particular antischistosomal drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana R Brito
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, SP, 09972-270, Brazil
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Daniel B Roquini
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Beatriz C Parra
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Marina M Gonçalves
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210-180, Brazil
| | - Dalete Christine S Souza
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210-180, Brazil
| | - Edgard A Ferreira
- School of Engineering, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, SP, 01302-907, Brazil
| | - Maria C Salvadori
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Fernanda S Teixeira
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210-180, Brazil.
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil.
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12
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N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)Pentanamide, a Simplified Derivative of Albendazole, Displays Anthelmintic Properties against the Nematode Toxocara canis. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0180722. [PMID: 35900089 PMCID: PMC9431031 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01807-22] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by parasitic helminths have enormous health, social, and economic impacts worldwide. The treatment and control of these diseases have been dependent on a limited set of drugs, many of which have become less effective, necessitating the search for novel anthelmintic agents. In this study, a simplified compound, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide (N4MP), based on the structure of the most widely used anthelmintic (albendazole), was chemically prepared using 4-anisidine and pentanoic acid. N-(4-Methoxyphenyl)pentanamide was evaluated in vitro against the nematode Toxocara canis, an ascarid roundworm of animals that can infect humans. Similar to albendazole, bioassays showed that N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide affected the viability of parasites in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Interestingly, N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide showed a profile of lower cytotoxicity to human and animal cell lines than albendazole. Pharmacokinetic, drug-likeness, and medicinal chemistry friendliness studies demonstrated an excellent drug-likeness profile for N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide as well as an adherence to major pharmaceutical companies’ filters. Collectively, the results of this study demonstrate that the molecular simplification of albendazole to give N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide may be an important pipeline in the discovery of novel anthelmintic agents. IMPORTANCE Infections caused by parasitic helminths have enormous health, social, and economic impacts worldwide. The treatment and control of these diseases have been dependent on a limited set of drugs, many of which have become less effective, necessitating the search for novel anthelmintic agents. Considering this scenario, the present study reports the preparation of N-(4-methoxyphenyl)pentanamide (N4MP), a simplified molecule based on the structure of the most widely used anthelmintic (albendazole). N4MP was evaluated in vitro against the nematode Toxocara canis, a common ascarid roundworm of domestic animals that can infect humans. Similar to albendazole, bioassays showed that N4MP affected the viability of parasites in a time- and concentration-dependent manner but displayed a profile of lower cytotoxicity to human and animal cell lines than albendazole. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the molecular simplification of albendazole to give N4MP may be an important pipeline in the discovery of novel anthelmintic agents.
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