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Registre C, Silva LM, Registre F, Soares RDDOA, Rubio KTS, Carneiro SP, Dos Santos ODH. Targeting Leishmania Promastigotes and Amastigotes Forms through Amino Acids and Peptides: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2467-2484. [PMID: 38950147 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00089] [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] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide are affected by leishmaniasis, caused by the Leishmania parasite. Effective treatment is challenging due to the biological complexity of the parasite, drug toxicity, and increasing resistance to conventional drugs. To combat this disease, the development of specific strategies to target and selectively eliminate the parasite is crucial. This Review highlights the importance of amino acids in the developmental stages of Leishmania as a factor determining whether the infection progresses or is suppressed. It also explores the use of peptides as alternatives in parasite control and the development of novel targeted treatments. While these strategies show promise for more effective and targeted treatment, further studies to address the remaining challenges are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmante Registre
- Phytotechnology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400000, Brazil
| | - Luciana Miranda Silva
- Phytotechnology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400000, Brazil
| | - Farah Registre
- School of Medicine, Goiás Federal University, Goiânia, Goiás 74605-050, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Dian de Oliveira Aguiar Soares
- Immunopathology Laboratory, Center for Research in Biological Sciences/NUPEB, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400000, Brazil
| | - Karina Taciana Santos Rubio
- Toxicology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais 35400000, Brazil
| | - Simone Pinto Carneiro
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Barazorda-Ccahuana HL, Cárcamo-Rodriguez EG, Centeno-Lopez AE, Galdino AS, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Giunchetti RC, Coelho EAF, Chávez-Fumagalli MA. Targeting with Structural Analogs of Natural Products the Purine Salvage Pathway in Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum by Computer-Aided Drug-Design Approaches. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:41. [PMID: 38393130 PMCID: PMC10891554 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9020041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) has a high death rate, with 500,000 new cases and 50,000 deaths occurring annually. Despite the development of novel strategies and technologies, there is no adequate treatment for the disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to find structural analogs of natural products as potential novel drugs to treat VL. We selected structural analogs from natural products that have shown antileishmanial activities, and that may impede the purine salvage pathway using computer-aided drug-design (CADD) approaches. For these, we started with the vastly studied target in the pathway, the adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (APRT) protein, which alone is non-essential for the survival of the parasite. Keeping this in mind, we search for a substance that can bind to multiple targets throughout the pathway. Computational techniques were used to study the purine salvage pathway from Leishmania infantum, and molecular dynamic simulations were used to gather information on the interactions between ligands and proteins. Because of its low homology to human proteins and its essential role in the purine salvage pathway proteins network interaction, the findings further highlight the significance of adenylosuccinate lyase protein (ADL) as a therapeutic target. An analog of the alkaloid Skimmianine, N,N-diethyl-4-methoxy-1-benzofuran-6-carboxamide, demonstrated a good binding affinity to APRT and ADL targets, no expected toxicity, and potential for oral route administration. This study indicates that the compound may have antileishmanial activity, which was granted in vitro and in vivo experiments to settle this finding in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Luz Barazorda-Ccahuana
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
| | - Eymi Gladys Cárcamo-Rodriguez
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
- Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Bioquímicas y Biotecnológicas, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
| | - Angela Emperatriz Centeno-Lopez
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
- Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Bioquímicas y Biotecnológicas, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
| | - Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, Universidade Federal São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis 35501-296, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais, INCT-DT, Salvador 40015-970, BA, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa 04000, Peru
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Salarkia E, Sharifi I, Keyhani A, Tavakoli Oliaee R, Khosravi A, Sharifi F, Bamorovat M, Babaei Z. In silico and in vitro potentials of crocin and amphotericin B on Leishmania major: Multiple synergistic mechanisms of actions. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291322. [PMID: 37682934 PMCID: PMC10490900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant barrier to optimal antileishmanial treatment is low efficacy and the emergence of drug resistance. Multiple approaches were used to monitor and assess crocin (a central component of saffron) mixed with amphotericin B (AmpB) potential in silico and in vitro consequences. The binding behavior of crocin and iNOS was the purpose of molecular docking. The results showed that crocin coupled with AmpB demonstrated a safe combination, extremely antileishmanial, suppressed Leishmania arginase absorption, and increased parasite death. This natural flower component is a robust antioxidant, significantly promoting the expression of the Th1-connected cytokines (IL12p40, IFN-γ, and TNF- α), iNOS, and transcription factors (Elk-1, c-Fos, and STAT-1). In comparison, the expression of the Th2-associated phenotypes (IL-10, IL-4, and TGF-β) was significantly reduced. The leishmanicidal effect of this combination was also mediated through programmed cell death (PCD), as confirmed by the manifestation of phosphatidylserine and cell cycle detention at the sub-GO/G1 phase. In conclusion, crocin with AmpB synergistically exerted in vitro antileishmanial action, generated nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, modulated Th1, and Th2 phenotypes and transfer factors, enhanced PCD profile and arrested the cell cycle of Leishmania major promastigotes. The main action of crocin and AmpB involved wide-ranging mechanistic insights for conducting other clinical settings as promising drug candidates for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Therefore, this combination could be esteemed as a basis for a potential bioactive component and a logical source for leishmanicidal drug development against CL in future advanced clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Salarkia
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Tavakoli Oliaee
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Barazorda-Ccahuana HL, Goyzueta-Mamani LD, Candia Puma MA, Simões de Freitas C, de Sousa Vieria Tavares G, Pagliara Lage D, Ferraz Coelho EA, Chávez-Fumagalli MA. Computer-aided drug design approaches applied to screen natural product's structural analogs targeting arginase in Leishmania spp. F1000Res 2023; 12:93. [PMID: 37424744 PMCID: PMC10323282 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.129943.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a disease with high mortality rates and approximately 1.5 million new cases each year. Despite the new approaches and advances to fight the disease, there are no effective therapies. Methods: Hence, this study aims to screen for natural products' structural analogs as new drug candidates against leishmaniasis. We applied Computer-aided drug design (CADD) approaches, such as virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) binding free estimation, and free energy perturbation (FEP) aiming to select structural analogs from natural products that have shown anti-leishmanial and anti-arginase activities and that could bind selectively against the Leishmania arginase enzyme. Results: The compounds 2H-1-benzopyran, 3,4-dihydro-2-(2-methylphenyl)-(9CI), echioidinin, and malvidin showed good results against arginase targets from three parasite species and negative results for potential toxicities. The echioidinin and malvidin ligands generated interactions in the active center at pH 2.0 conditions by MM-GBSA and FEP methods. Conclusions: This work suggests the potential anti-leishmanial activity of the compounds and thus can be further in vitro and in vivo experimentally validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Luz Barazorda-Ccahuana
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria de Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Luis Daniel Goyzueta-Mamani
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria de Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru
- Sustainable Innovative Biomaterials Department, Le Qara Research Center, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Mayron Antonio Candia Puma
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria de Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru
- Universidad Católica de Santa María, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Bioquímicas y Biotecnológicas, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Camila Simões de Freitas
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grasiele de Sousa Vieria Tavares
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela Pagliara Lage
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria de Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru
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Gupta VK, Park U, Siddiqi NJ, Huh YS, Sharma B. Amelioration of Hepatotoxic and Neurotoxic Effect of Cartap by Aloe vera in Wistar Rats. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050472. [PMID: 37235286 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide exposure can pose a serious risk to nontarget animals. Cartap is being broadly used in agricultural fields. The toxic effects of cartap on the levels of hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity have not been properly studied in mammalian systems. Therefore, the present work focused on the effect of cartap on the liver and brain of Wistar rats and made an assessment of the ameliorating potential of A. vera. The experimental animals were divided into 4 groups, comprising six rats in each: Group 1-Control; Group 2-A. vera; Group 3-Cartap; and Group 4-A. vera + Cartap. The animals orally given cartap and A. vera were sacrificed after 24 h of the final treatment and histological and biochemical investigations were conducted in liver and brain of Wistar rats. Cartap at sublethal concentrations caused substantial decreases in CAT, SOD, and GST levels in the experimental rats. The activity levels of transaminases and phosphatases in cartap group were also found to be substantially altered. The AChE activity was recorded as decreasing in RBC membrane and brain of the cartap-treated animals. The TNF-α and IL-6 level in serum were increased expressively in the cartap challenged groups. Histological investigation of liver showed disorganized hepatic cords and severely congested central veins due to cartap. However, the A. vera extract was observed to significantly protect against the effects of cartap toxicity. The protective impact of A. vera against cartap toxicity may be due to the existence of antioxidants in it. These findings suggest that A. vera may be developed as a potential supplement to the appropriate medication in the treatment of cartap toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Kumar Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, India
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Uichang Park
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Nikhat J Siddiqi
- FCSM-Department of Biochemistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yun Suk Huh
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Bechan Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, India
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Zahid S, Dafre AL, Currais A, Yu J, Schubert D, Maher P. The Geroprotective Drug Candidate CMS121 Alleviates Diabetes, Liver Inflammation, and Renal Damage in db/db Leptin Receptor Deficient Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6828. [PMID: 37047807 PMCID: PMC10095029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076828] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
db/db mice, which lack leptin receptors and exhibit hyperphagia, show disturbances in energy metabolism and are a model of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The geroneuroprotector drug candidate CMS121 has been shown to be effective in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and aging through the modulation of metabolism. Thus, the hypothesis was that CMS121 could protect db/db mice from metabolic defects and thereby reduce liver inflammation and kidney damage. The mice were treated with CMS121 in their diet for 6 months. No changes were observed in food and oxygen consumption, body mass, or locomotor activity compared to control db/db mice, but a 5% reduction in body weight was noted. Improved glucose tolerance and reduced HbA1c and insulin levels were also seen. Blood and liver triglycerides and free fatty acids decreased. Improved metabolism was supported by lower levels of fatty acid metabolites in the urine. Markers of liver inflammation, including NF-κB, IL-18, caspase 3, and C reactive protein, were lowered by the CMS121 treatment. Urine markers of kidney damage were improved, as evidenced by lower urinary levels of NGAL, clusterin, and albumin. Urine metabolomics studies provided further evidence for kidney protection. Mitochondrial protein markers were elevated in db/db mice, but CMS121 restored the renal levels of NDUFB8, UQCRC2, and VDAC. Overall, long-term CMS121 treatment alleviated metabolic imbalances, liver inflammation, and reduced markers of kidney damage. Thus, this study provides promising evidence for the potential therapeutic use of CMS121 in treating metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saadia Zahid
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Alcir L. Dafre
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Antonio Currais
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jingting Yu
- The Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - David Schubert
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Pamela Maher
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Majumder N, Banerjee A, Saha S. A review on new natural and synthetic anti-leishmanial chemotherapeutic agents and current perspective of treatment approaches. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106846. [PMID: 36720335 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniases are considered among the most neglected yet dangerous parasitic diseases worldwide. According to the recent WHO report (Weekly Epidemiological Record, Sep, 2021), 200 countries and territories reported leishmanises cases in 2020; of which 89 (45%) for CL, and 79 (40%) for VL were endemic. Indian subcontinent (India, Bangladesh and Nepal), one of the three eco-epidemiological hotspots of VL, currently reported 18% of the total cases of VL worldwide. Eastern Mediterranean region and the Region of the Americas together reported >90% of the new CL cases, of which >80% were from Afghanistan, Algeria, Brazil, Colombia, Iraq, Pakistan and the Syrian Arab Republic. While considering the current therapeutic options, conventional anti-leishmanial drugs have long been proved to be toxic and/or expensive and have resulted in extensive drug resistance in India. Recent searches for novel anti-leishmanial drugs have led to find out the prime cellular targets and metabolic pathways to bridge the gap between the known facts and unexplored data. Cutting edge knowledge based drug designing has simplified the search for novel molecules with leishmanicidal efficacy by identifying ligand-receptor interactions and has accelerated the cost effective primary discovery of molecules through computational validation against Leishmaniases. This review focuses on the limitations of conventional drugs, and discusses the chemotherapeutic potential of many novel natural and synthetic anti-leishmanial agents reported since the last decade. It is also interpreted that some of the reported molecules might be tested singly or as a part of combinatorial therapy on pre-clinical and clinical level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilanjana Majumder
- Department of Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, 731235 West Bengal, India
| | - Antara Banerjee
- Department of Zoology, Bangabasi College, 19 Rajkumar Chakraborty Sarani, Kolkata, 700009 West Bengal, India
| | - Samiran Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, 731235 West Bengal, India.
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Capparis spinosa inhibits Leishmania major growth through nitric oxide production in vitro and arginase inhibition in silico. Exp Parasitol 2023; 245:108452. [PMID: 36581148 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infectious disease, considered as a major public health problem in different regions of the world. The current treatments are limited due to their toxicity and treatment failures, which have increased the search for new substances of natural origin to control this infection. Capparis spinosa is an important medicinal plant, rich in biochemical compounds with a broad range of activities including antimicrobial effects. Nevertheless, more investigations are still needed to determine its effect on Leishmania parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of C. spinosa' extracts on Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes growth as well as on L-arginine metabolic pathways, especially the production of leishmanicidal molecules such as nitric oxide. Our results showed that C. spinosa' methanolic and aqueous extracts contained polyphenols and flavonoids at different concentrations. The methanolic extract of C. spinosa, compared to the aqueous extract, showed significantly higher amounts of total polyphenols (21.23 ± 1.08) mg GAE/g of dw (P < 0.05), as well as a higher antioxidant activity evaluated respectively by Reducing Power and DPPH (EC50: 0.31 ± 0.02 and 7.69 ± 1.28) mg/ml. Both extracts significantly inhibited L. major promastigotes and intra-macrophagic amastigotes growth in vitro in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.001) and induced NO production not only in Leishmania-infected macrophages but also in uninfected macrophages, without showing any cytotoxicity in vitro. Furthermore, in silico docking studies showed that C. spinosa compounds identified by RP-HPLC exhibited inhibitory activity against the arginase enzyme. The leishmanicidal effect of C. spinosa may be due to its phenolic content and its mechanism of action may be mediated by an increase in NO production and by the inhibition of arginase enzyme in silico. These findings support the hypothesis that C. spinosa might be a valuable source of new biomolecules for leishmaniasis treatment.
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Flavonoid Derivatives as New Potent Inhibitors of Cysteine Proteases: An Important Step toward the Design of New Compounds for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010225. [PMID: 36677517 PMCID: PMC9866541 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease, affecting more than 350 million people globally. However, there is currently no vaccine available against human leishmaniasis, and current treatment is hampered by high cost, side-effects, and painful administration routes. It has become a United Nations goal to end leishmaniasis epidemics by 2030, and multitarget drug strategy emerges as a promising alternative. Among the multitarget compounds, flavonoids are a renowned class of natural products, and a structurally diverse library can be prepared through organic synthesis, which can be tested for biological effectiveness. In this study, we synthesised 17 flavonoid analogues using a scalable, easy-to-reproduce, and inexpensive method. All synthesised compounds presented an impressive inhibition capacity against rCPB2.8, rCPB3, and rH84Y enzymes, which are highly expressed in the amastigote stage, the target form of the parasite. Compounds 3c, f12a, and f12b were found to be effective against all isoforms. Furthermore, their intermolecular interactions were also investigated through a molecular modelling study. These compounds were highly potent against the parasite and demonstrated low cytotoxic action against mammalian cells. These results are pioneering, representing an advance in the investigation of the mechanisms behind the antileishmanial action of flavonoid derivatives. Moreover, compounds have been shown to be promising leads for the design of other cysteine protease inhibitors for the treatment of leishmaniasis diseases.
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Gopu B, Kour P, Pandian R, Singh K. Insights into the drug screening approaches in leishmaniasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109591. [PMID: 36700771 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a tropically neglected disease, is responsible for the high mortality and morbidity ratio in poverty-stricken areas. Currently, no vaccine is available for the complete cure of the disease. Current chemotherapeutic regimens face the limitations of drug resistance and toxicity concerns indicating a great need to develop better chemotherapeutic leads that are orally administrable, potent, non-toxic, and cost-effective. The anti-leishmanial drug discovery process accelerated the desire for large-scale drug screening assays and high-throughput screening (HTS) technology to identify new chemo-types that can be used as potential drug molecules to control infection. Using the HTS approach, about one million compounds can be screened daily within the shortest possible time for biological activity using automation tools, miniaturized assay formats, and large-scale data analysis. Classical and modern in vitro screening assays have led to the progression of active compounds further to ex vivo and in vivo studies. In the present review, we emphasized on the HTS approaches employed in the leishmanial drug discovery program. Recent in vitro screening assays are widely explored to discover new chemical scaffolds. Developing appropriate experimental animal models and their related techniques is necessary to understand the pathophysiological processes and disease host responses, paving the way for unraveling novel therapies against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boobalan Gopu
- Animal House Facility, Pharmacology Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Parampreet Kour
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Ramajayan Pandian
- Animal House Facility, Pharmacology Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Kuljit Singh
- Infectious Diseases Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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Orabi MAA, Alqahtani OS, Alyami BA, Al Awadh AA, Abdel-Sattar ES, Matsunami K, Hamdan DI, Abouelela ME. Human Lung Cancer (A549) Cell Line Cytotoxicity and Anti- Leishmania major Activity of Carissa macrocarpa Leaves: A Study Supported by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS Metabolites Profiling and Molecular Docking. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121561. [PMID: 36559012 PMCID: PMC9784246 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer and cutaneous leishmaniasis are critical diseases with a relatively higher incidence in developing countries. In this research, the activity of Carissa macrocarpa leaf hydromethanolic extract and its solvent-fractions (n-hexane, EtOAc, n-butanol, and MeOH) against the lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) and Leishmania major was investigated. The MeOH fraction exhibited higher cytotoxic activity (IC50 1.57 ± 0.04 μg/mL) than the standard drug, etoposide (IC50 50.8 ± 3.16 μg/mL). The anti-L. major results revealed strong growth inhibitory effects of the EtOAc fraction against L. major promastigotes (IC50 27.52 ± 0.7 μg/mL) and axenic amastigotes (29.33 ± 4.86% growth inhibition at 100 μg/mL), while the butanol fraction exerted moderate activity against promastigotes (IC50 73.17 ± 1.62), as compared with miltefosine against promastigotes (IC50 6.39 ± 0.29 μg/mL) and sodium stibogluconate against axenic amastigotes (IC50 22.45 ± 2.22 μg/mL). A total of 102 compounds were tentatively identified using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of the total extract and its fractions. The MeOH fraction was found to contain several flavonoids and flavan-3-ol derivatives with known cytotoxic properties, whereas the EtOAc fractions contained triterpene, hydroxycinnamoyl, sterol, and flavanol derivatives with known antileishmanial activity. Molecular docking of various polyphenolics of the MeOH fraction with HDAC6 and PDK3 enzymes demonstrates high binding affinity of the epicatechin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and catechin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside toward HDAC6, and procyanidin C2, procyanidin B5 toward PDK3. These results are promising and encourage the pursuit of preclinical research using C. macrocarpa's MeOH fraction as anti-lung cancer and the EtOAc fraction as an anti-L. major drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. A. Orabi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University 1988, Najran 66454, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +966-557-398-835
| | - Omaish Salman Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University 1988, Najran 66454, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandar A. Alyami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Najran University 1988, Najran 66454, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Abdullah Al Awadh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University 1988, Najran 66454, Saudi Arabia
| | - El-Shaymaa Abdel-Sattar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Katsuyoshi Matsunami
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Dalia I. Hamdan
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Shibin Elkom 32511, Egypt
| | - Mohamed E. Abouelela
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut-Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
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12
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Abdeyazdan S, Mohajeri M, Saberi S, Mirzaei M, Ayatollahi SA, Saghaei L, Ghanadian M. Sb(V) Kaempferol and Quercetin Derivative Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization and Antileishmanial Activities. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2022; 21:e128379. [PMID: 36942069 PMCID: PMC10024330 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-128379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Recent studies on Leishmaniasis treatment have confirmed the antiparasitic effects of flavonols and organic antimony pentavalent [(Sb(V)] complexes. Objectives This study aimed to identify new Sb(V) complexes by combining the benefits of antimonials and flavonols as well as by optimizing their properties. Methods Kaempferol and quercetin peracetate were prepared using acetic anhydride in pyridine. By performing regioselective synthesis, 7-O-paramethylbenzyl as an electron-donating group and 7-O-paranitrobenzyl as an electron-withdrawing group were added to quercetin, and, then, the synthesis of Sb(V) kaempferol and quercetin derivative complexes were performed using SbCl5 solution in glacial acetic acid. The structures were confirmed by UV, ESI mass, IR, 1H-, and 13C-NMR spectral data, and the Stoichiometry of the ligand-metal complex by the mole ratio method. Computational molecular modeling was conducted using the Gaussian program. Results The structures were confirmed based on the results from UV, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass analyses (3-12). Among the produced compounds, 11 and 12 as newly described, and other compounds as pre-defined compounds were identified. According to the results from biological test, kaempferol triacetate with more lipophilicity showed the highest anti-promastigote activity with an IC50 value of 14.93 ± 2.21 µM. As for anti-amastigote activity, despite the differences, all antimony complexes showed anti-amastigote effects in vitro with IC50 values of 0.52 to 14.50 µM. Conclusions All flavonol Sb(V) complexes showed higher activity compared to meglumine antimonate in anti-amastigote effect. Inside the host macrophages, by breaking down the complex into antimony and quercetin or kaempferol analogs, the observed antiparasitic effects may have been related to both Sb(V)/Sb(III) conversion and flavonoid antileishmanial activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abdeyazdan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Mohajeri
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Saberi
- Department of Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Mirzaei
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdulmajid Ayatollahi
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Lotfollah Saghaei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mustafa Ghanadian
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Department of Pharmacognosy, Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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13
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Assouab A, El Filaly H, Akarid K. Inhibiting Human and Leishmania Arginases Using Cannabis sativa as a Potential Therapy for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Molecular Docking Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7120400. [PMID: 36548655 PMCID: PMC9783378 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7120400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania protozoan, is a serious public health problem in Morocco. The treatment of this disease is still based on pentavalent antimonials as the primary therapy, but these have associated side effects. Thus, the development of effective, risk-free alternative therapeutics based on natural compounds against leishmaniasis is urgent. Arginase, the key enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, plays a critical role in leishmaniasis outcome and has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. The objective of this study was to test Cannabis sativa's phytochemical components (cannabinoids and terpenoids) through molecular docking against Leishmania and human arginase enzymes. Our results showed that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) possessed the best binding energies of -6.02 and -6.35 kcal/mol with active sites of Leishmania and human arginases, respectively. Delta-9-THC interacted with Leishmania arginase through various amino acids including His139 and His 154 and linked to human arginase via His 126. In addition to delta-9-THC, caryophyllene oxide and cannabidiol (CBD) also showed a good inhibition of Leishmania and human arginases, respectively. Overall, the studied components were found to inhibit both arginases active sites via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. These components may serve as therapeutic agents or in co-administrated therapy for leishmaniasis.
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dos Santos DB, Lemos JA, Miranda SEM, Di Filippo LD, Duarte JL, Ferreira LAM, Barros ALB, Oliveira AEMFM. Current Applications of Plant-Based Drug Delivery Nano Systems for Leishmaniasis Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2339. [PMID: 36365157 PMCID: PMC9695113 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania is a trypanosomatid that causes leishmaniasis. It is transmitted to vertebrate hosts during the blood meal of phlebotomine sandflies. The clinical manifestations of the disease are associated with several factors, such as the Leishmania species, virulence and pathogenicity, the host-parasite relationship, and the host's immune system. Although its causative agents have been known and studied for decades, there have been few advances in the chemotherapy of leishmaniasis. The urgency of more selective and less toxic alternatives for the treatment of leishmaniasis leads to research focused on the study of new pharmaceuticals, improvement of existing drugs, and new routes of drug administration. Natural resources of plant origin are promising sources of bioactive substances, and the use of ethnopharmacology and folk medicine leads to interest in studying new medications from phytocomplexes. However, the intrinsic low water solubility of plant derivatives is an obstacle to developing a therapeutic product. Nanotechnology could help overcome these obstacles by improving the availability of common substances in water. To contribute to this scenario, this article provides a review of nanocarriers developed for delivering plant-extracted compounds to treat clinical forms of leishmaniasis and critically analyzing them and pointing out the future perspectives for their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darline B. dos Santos
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Rodovia Juscelino Kubitisheck, km 02, Macapá 68902-280, AP, Brazil
| | - Janaina A. Lemos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Sued E. M. Miranda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Leonardo D. Di Filippo
- Department of Drugs and Medicines, Sao Paulo State University, Rodovia Araraquara/Jaú, Km 01, Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Jonatas L. Duarte
- Department of Drugs and Medicines, Sao Paulo State University, Rodovia Araraquara/Jaú, Km 01, Araraquara 14800-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas A. M. Ferreira
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Andre L. B. Barros
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Anna E. M. F. M. Oliveira
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Rodovia Juscelino Kubitisheck, km 02, Macapá 68902-280, AP, Brazil
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EGCG Prevents the Transcriptional Reprogramming of an Inflammatory and Immune-Suppressive Molecular Signature in Macrophage-like Differentiated Human HL60 Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205065. [PMID: 36291849 PMCID: PMC9599716 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Scientists are increasingly harnessing the power of the immune system to prevent cancer. While macrophages are a major component of the tumor microenvironment where they orchestrate various aspects of immunity, dysregulated immune and inflammatory responses will play a key role in cancer initiation and progression. Depending on their activation status, macrophages can have a dual impact on tumorigenesis by either antagonising cytotoxic immune cells or enhancing antitumor responses. Increased infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages has long been associated with poor patient prognosis in most solid cancers, highlighting their value as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cancer. A variety of macrophage-centered approaches to cancer therapy have been investigated, including strategies to prevent tumor-promoting activities. In this study, we highlight the chemopreventive properties of EGCG derived from green tea that underpin its ability to re-program macrophage molecular signature and function. Abstract Background: The promyelocytic leukemia cell differentiation process enables recapitulation of the polarized M1 or M2 macrophage-like phenotype with inflammatory and immune-suppressive properties. While evidence supports the anti-inflammatory effect of dietary-derived epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), its impact on the onset of immune phenotype molecular signature remains unclear. Methods: Human HL60 promyelocytic cells grown in suspension were differentiated into CD11bHigh/CD14Low adherent macrophages with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Gelatin zymography was used to assess the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and total RNA was isolated for RNAseq and RT-qPCR assessment of differentially expressed gene levels involved in inflammation and immunity. Protein lysates were used to assess the phosphorylation status of signaling intermediates involved in macrophage-like cell differentiation. Results: Cell adhesion and induction of MMP-9 were indicative of HL60 cell differentiation into a macrophage-like phenotype. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3, p90 ribosomal S6 kinases (RSK), and cAMP-response-element-binding protein (CREB) were all phosphorylated, and EGCG reduced such phosphorylation status. Increases in inflammation and immunity genes included, among others, CCL22, CSF1, CSF2, IL1B, and TNF, which inductions were prevented by EGCG. This was corroborated by unbiased transcriptomic analysis which further highlighted the capacity of EGCG to downregulate the hematopoietic stem cell regulator CBFA2T3. Conclusion: EGCG inhibits inflammatory signaling crosstalk and prevents the onset of an immune phenotype in macrophage-like differentiated cells.
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Awada B, Hamie M, El Hajj R, Derbaj G, Najm R, Makhoul P, Ali DH, Abou Fayad AG, El Hajj H. HAS 1: A natural product from soil-isolated Streptomyces species with potent activity against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1023114. [PMID: 36299890 PMCID: PMC9589300 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1023114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease, classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most unrestrained diseases. The Syrian war and the significant displacement of refugees aggravated the spread of this ailment into several neighboring countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). In Syria, Leishmania tropica is identified as one of the most aggressive and endemic identified species, causing localized or generalized lesions, often chronic or relapsing. Pentavalent antimonial drugs are currently used as first line treatment against CL. Nonetheless, these drugs exhibit several limitations, including the repetitive painful injections, high cost, poor availability, and mainly systemic toxicity. Besides, the emergence of acquired parasitic resistance hinders their potency, stressing the need for new therapies to combat CL. Natural products (NPs) epitomize a valuable source in drug discovery. NPs are secondary metabolites (SMs) produced by plants, sponges, or a wide variety of organisms, including environmental microorganisms. The EMR is characterized by its immense biodiversity, yet it remains a relatively untapped area in drug discovery. NPs of the region were explored over the last 2 decades, but their discoveries lack biogeographical diversity and are limited to the Red Sea. Here, we isolated previously uncultured environmental soil-dwelling Streptomyces sp. HAS1, from Hasbaya region in southeast Lebanon. When fermented in one of our production media named INA, HAS1 produced a crude extract with significant potency against a clinical Leishmania tropica isolate. Using bio-guided fractionation, the bioactive compound was purified and the structure was elucidated by NMR and LC-HRMS. Our findings establish NPs as strong candidates for treating Leishmania tropica and further dwells on the importance of these natural sources to combat microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassel Awada
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Drug Discovery, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Drug Discovery, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana El Hajj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghada Derbaj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Drug Discovery, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rania Najm
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Perla Makhoul
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Drug Discovery, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dima Hajj Ali
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Antoine G. Abou Fayad
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Drug Discovery, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- *Correspondence: Antoine G. Abou Fayad, ; Hiba El Hajj,
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Drug Discovery, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- *Correspondence: Antoine G. Abou Fayad, ; Hiba El Hajj,
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Jain S, Sahu U, Kumar A, Khare P. Metabolic Pathways of Leishmania Parasite: Source of Pertinent Drug Targets and Potent Drug Candidates. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081590. [PMID: 36015216 PMCID: PMC9416627 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease caused by a protozoan parasite Leishmania that is transmitted via infected female sandflies. At present, leishmaniasis treatment mainly counts on chemotherapy. The currently available drugs against leishmaniasis are costly, toxic, with multiple side effects, and limitations in the administration route. The rapid emergence of drug resistance has severely reduced the potency of anti-leishmanial drugs. As a result, there is a pressing need for the development of novel anti-leishmanial drugs with high potency, low cost, acceptable toxicity, and good pharmacokinetics features. Due to the availability of preclinical data, drug repurposing is a valuable approach for speeding up the development of effective anti-leishmanial through pointing to new drug targets in less time, having low costs and risk. Metabolic pathways of this parasite play a crucial role in the growth and proliferation of Leishmania species during the various stages of their life cycle. Based on available genomics/proteomics information, known pathways-based (sterol biosynthetic pathway, purine salvage pathway, glycolysis, GPI biosynthesis, hypusine, polyamine biosynthesis) Leishmania-specific proteins could be targeted with known drugs that were used in other diseases, resulting in finding new promising anti-leishmanial therapeutics. The present review discusses various metabolic pathways of the Leishmania parasite and some drug candidates targeting these pathways effectively that could be potent drugs against leishmaniasis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Jain
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal 462026, Madhya Pradesh, India; (S.J.); (U.S.)
| | - Utkarsha Sahu
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal 462026, Madhya Pradesh, India; (S.J.); (U.S.)
- Division of Synthetic Biology, Absolute Foods, Plot 68, Sector 44, Gurugram 122003, Haryana, India
| | - Awanish Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur 492010, Chhattisgarh, India
- Correspondence: or (A.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Prashant Khare
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal 462026, Madhya Pradesh, India; (S.J.); (U.S.)
- Division of Synthetic Biology, Absolute Foods, Plot 68, Sector 44, Gurugram 122003, Haryana, India
- Correspondence: or (A.K.); (P.K.)
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18
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Carter NS, Kawasaki Y, Nahata SS, Elikaee S, Rajab S, Salam L, Alabdulal MY, Broessel KK, Foroghi F, Abbas A, Poormohamadian R, Roberts SC. Polyamine Metabolism in Leishmania Parasites: A Promising Therapeutic Target. Med Sci (Basel) 2022; 10:24. [PMID: 35645240 PMCID: PMC9149861 DOI: 10.3390/medsci10020024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites of the genus Leishmania cause a variety of devastating and often fatal diseases in humans and domestic animals worldwide. The need for new therapeutic strategies is urgent because no vaccine is available, and treatment options are limited due to a lack of specificity and the emergence of drug resistance. Polyamines are metabolites that play a central role in rapidly proliferating cells, and recent studies have highlighted their critical nature in Leishmania. Numerous studies using a variety of inhibitors as well as gene deletion mutants have elucidated the pathway and routes of transport, revealing unique aspects of polyamine metabolism in Leishmania parasites. These studies have also shed light on the significance of polyamines for parasite proliferation, infectivity, and host-parasite interactions. This comprehensive review article focuses on the main polyamine biosynthetic enzymes: ornithine decarboxylase, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, and spermidine synthase, and it emphasizes recent discoveries that advance these enzymes as potential therapeutic targets against Leishmania parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sigrid C. Roberts
- School of Pharmacy, Pacific University Oregon, Hillsboro, OR 97123, USA; (N.S.C.); (Y.K.); (S.S.N.); (S.E.); (S.R.); (L.S.); (M.Y.A.); (K.K.B.); (F.F.); (A.A.); (R.P.)
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19
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Islamuddin M, Ali A, Afzal O, Ali A, Ali I, Altamimi AS, Alamri MA, Kato K, Parveen S. Thymoquinone Induced Leishmanicidal Effect via Programmed Cell Death in Leishmania donovani. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:10718-10728. [PMID: 35382308 PMCID: PMC8973115 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar is a vector-borne dreaded protozoal infection that is caused by the parasite Leishmania donovani. With increases in the dramatic infection rates, present drug toxicity, resistance, and the absence of an approved vaccine, the development of new antileishmanial compounds from plant sources remains the keystone for the control of visceral leishmaniasis. In this study, we evaluated the leishmanicidal effect of thymoquinone against L. donovani with an in vitro and ex vivo model. Thymoquinone exhibited potent antipromastigote activity with IC50 and IC90 concentrations achieved at 6.33 ± 1.21 and 20.71 ± 2.15 μM, respectively, whereas the IC50 and IC90 concentrations were found to be 7.83 ± 1.65 and 27.25 ± 2.20 μM against the intramacrophagic form of amastigotes, respectively. Morphological changes in promastigotes and growth reversibility study following treatment confirmed the leishmanicidal effect of thymoquinone. Further, thymoquinone exhibited leishmanicidal activities against L. donovani promastigote through cytoplasmic shrinkage, membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, cellular and nuclear shrinkage, and DNA fragmentation, as observed under scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The antileishmanial activity was exerted via programmed cell death as proved by exposure of phosphatidylserine, DNA nicking by TUNEL assay, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Thymoquinone at a concentration of 200 μM was devoid of any cytotoxic effects against mammalian macrophage cells. Thymoquinone showed strong leishmanicidal activity against L. donovani, which is mediated via an apoptosis mode of parasitic cell death, and accordingly, thymoquinone may be the source of a new lead molecule for the cure of VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Islamuddin
- Molecular
Virology Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic
Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
- Laboratory
of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural
Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan
| | - Abuzer Ali
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Taif
University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Obaid Afzal
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amena Ali
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Intzar Ali
- Department
of Microbiology, Hamdard Institute of Medical
Sciences & Research, New Delhi 110062, India
| | | | - Mubarak A. Alamri
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kentaro Kato
- Laboratory
of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural
Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan
| | - Shama Parveen
- Molecular
Virology Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic
Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
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20
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Muller J, Attia R, Zedet A, Girard C, Pudlo M. An Update on Arginase Inhibitors and Inhibitory Assays. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 22:1963-1976. [PMID: 34967285 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666211229105703] [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: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Arginase, which converts arginine into ornithine and urea, is a promising therapeutic target. Arginase is involved in cardiovascular diseases, parasitic infections and, through a critical role in immunity, in some cancers. There is a need to develop effective arginase inhibitors and therefore efforts to identify and optimize new inhibitors are increasing. Several methods of evaluating arginase activity are available, but few directly measure the product. Radiometric assays need to separate urea and dying reactions require acidic conditions and sometimes heating. Hence, there are a variety of different approaches available, and each approach has its own limits and benefits. In this review, we provide an update on arginase inhibitors, followed by a discussion on available arginase assays and alternative methods, with a focus on the intrinsic biases and parameters that are likely to impact results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Muller
- PEPITE EA4267, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25030 Besançon, France
| | - Rym Attia
- PEPITE EA4267, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25030 Besançon, France
| | - Andy Zedet
- PEPITE EA4267, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25030 Besançon, France
| | - Corine Girard
- PEPITE EA4267, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25030 Besançon, France
| | - Marc Pudlo
- PEPITE EA4267, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25030 Besançon, France
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Segarra S. Nutritional Modulation of the Immune Response Mediated by Nucleotides in Canine Leishmaniosis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2601. [PMID: 34946204 PMCID: PMC8703464 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122601] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an emerging, uncontrolled, and neglected zoonotic disease. Climate change is contributing to its ongoing global expansion. The dog is the main reservoir; hence the importance of implementing effective treatment, prevention, and control measures in this animal species to protect public health. However, although the standard treatment for canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is effective, it does not provide full parasitological clearance, and side effects and drug resistance have been described. The host's immune system plays a key role in the establishment and evolution of leishmaniasis. Dietary nucleotides modulate the immune response and, given their reported efficacy and safety in sick and clinically healthy Leishmania-infected dogs and because they represent a sustainable option with no associated side effects or resistance, they could be included within the prevention, treatment, and control strategies for leishmaniasis. This article briefly summarizes the scientific literature on CanL management, including unresolved issues, and reviews the scientific evidence on immunomodulatory effects of dietary nucleotides in different animal species. It also proposes a CanL management algorithm, including nucleotides. It is concluded that nutritional modulation of the immune response with nucleotides can contribute to better management of leishmaniasis following a One Health approach, especially in the COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Segarra
- R&D Bioiberica S.A.U., 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
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