1
|
TZD-Based Hybrid Molecules Act as Dual Anti- Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032069. [PMID: 36768392 PMCID: PMC9916616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Two distinct intracellular pathogens, namely Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and Toxoplasma gondii (Tg), cause major public health problems worldwide. In addition, serious and challenging health problems of co-infections of Tg with Mtb have been recorded, especially in developing countries. Due to this fact, as well as the frequent cases of resistance to the current drugs, novel anti-infectious therapeutics, especially those with dual (anti-Tg and anti-Mtb) modes of action, are needed. To address this issue, we explored the anti-Tg potential of thiazolidinedione-based (TZD-based) hybrid molecules with proven anti-Mtb potency. Several TZD hybrids with pyridine-4-carbohydrazone (PCH) or thiosemicarbazone (TSC) structural scaffolds were more effective and more selective than sulfadiazine (SDZ) and trimethoprim (TRI). Furthermore, all of these molecules were more selective than pyrimethamine (PYR). Further studies for the most potent TZD-TSC hybrids 7, 8 and 10 and TZD-PCH hybrid molecule 2 proved that these compounds are non-cytotoxic, non-genotoxic and non-hemolytic. Moreover, they could cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is a critical factor linked with ideal anti-Tg drug development. Finally, since a possible link between Tg infection and the risk of glioblastoma has recently been reported, the cytotoxic potential of TZD hybrids against human glioblastoma cells was also evaluated. TZD-PCH hybrid molecule 2 was found to be the most effective, with an IC50 of 19.36 ± 1.13 µg/mL against T98G cells.
Collapse
|
2
|
Węglińska L, Bekier A, Trotsko N, Kaproń B, Plech T, Dzitko K, Paneth A. Inhibition of Toxoplasma gondii by 1,2,4-triazole-based compounds: marked improvement in selectivity relative to the standard therapy pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:2621-2634. [PMID: 36165032 PMCID: PMC9518248 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2112576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A safer treatment for toxoplasmosis would be achieved by improving the selectivity profile of novel chemotherapeutics compared to the standard therapy pyrimethamine (PYR) and sulfadiazine (SDZ). We previously reported on the identification of the compounds with imidazole-thiosemicarbazide scaffold as potent and selective anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) agents. In our current research, we report on the optimisation of this chemical scaffold leading to the discovery cyclic analogue 20 b with s-triazole core structure. This compound displayed prominent CC30 to IC50 selectivity index (SI) of 70.72, making it 160-fold more selective than SDZ, 11-fold more selective than PYR, and 4-fold more selective than trimethoprim (TRI). Additionally, this compound possesses prerequisite drug-like anti-Toxoplasma properties to advance into preclinical development; it showed ability to cross the BBB, did not induce genotoxic and haemolytic changes in human cells, and as well as it was characterised by low cellular toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Węglińska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adrian Bekier
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Nazar Trotsko
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Kaproń
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dzitko
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Agata Paneth
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van Dyk H, Jacobs FJF, Kroon RE, Makhafola TJ, Brink A. Characterisation, structural investigations and biological activity of substituted salicylidene-based compounds. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
|
4
|
Bekier A, Gatkowska J, Chyb M, Sokołowska J, Chwatko G, Głowacki R, Paneth A, Dzitko K. 4-Arylthiosemicarbazide derivatives – Pharmacokinetics, toxicity and anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity in vivo. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114812. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
5
|
Bekier A, Brzostek A, Paneth A, Dziadek B, Dziadek J, Gatkowska J, Dzitko K. 4-Arylthiosemicarbazide Derivatives as Toxoplasmic Aromatic Amino Acid Hydroxylase Inhibitors and Anti-inflammatory Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063213. [PMID: 35328634 PMCID: PMC8955734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately one-third of the human population is infected with the intracellular cosmopolitan protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (Tg), and a specific treatment for this parasite is still needed. Additionally, the increasing resistance of Tg to drugs has become a challenge for numerous research centers. The high selectivity of a compound toward the protozoan, along with low cytotoxicity toward the host cells, form the basis for further research, which aims at determining the molecular targets of the active compounds. Thiosemicarbazide derivatives are biologically active organic compounds. Previous studies on the initial preselection of 58 new 4-arylthiosemicarbazide derivatives in terms of their anti-Tg activity and selectivity made it possible to select two promising derivatives for further research. One of the important amino acids involved in the proliferation of Tg and the formation of parasitophorous vacuoles is tyrosine, which is converted by two unique aromatic amino acid hydroxylases to levodopa. Enzymatic studies with two derivatives (R: para-nitro and meta-iodo) and recombinant aromatic amino acid hydroxylase (AAHs) obtained in the E. coli expression system were performed, and the results indicated that toxoplasmic AAHs are a molecular target for 4-arylthiosemicarbazide derivatives. Moreover, the drug affinity responsive target stability assay also confirmed that the selected compounds bind to AAHs. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity of these derivatives was tested using THP1-Blue™ NF-κB reporter cells due to the similarity of the thiosemicarbazide scaffold to thiosemicarbazone, both of which are known NF-κB pathway inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Bekier
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (A.B.); (B.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Anna Brzostek
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology of Mycobacterium, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 93-232 Lodz, Poland; (A.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Agata Paneth
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Bożena Dziadek
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (A.B.); (B.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Jarosław Dziadek
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology of Mycobacterium, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 93-232 Lodz, Poland; (A.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Justyna Gatkowska
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (A.B.); (B.D.); (J.G.)
| | - Katarzyna Dzitko
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (A.B.); (B.D.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The Current Directions of Searching for Antiparasitic Drugs. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27051534. [PMID: 35268635 PMCID: PMC8912034 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases are still a huge problem for mankind. They are becoming the main cause of chronic diseases in the world. Migration of the population, pollution of the natural environment, and climate changes cause the rapid spread of diseases. Additionally, a growing resistance of parasites to drugs is observed. Many research groups are looking for effective antiparasitic drugs with low side effects. In this work, we present the current trends in the search for antiparasitic drugs. We report known drugs used in other disease entities with proven antiparasitic activity and research on new chemical structures that may be potential drugs in parasitic diseases. The described investigations of antiparasitic compounds can be helpful for further drug development.
Collapse
|
7
|
Biological Activity, Lipophilicity and Cytotoxicity of Novel 3-Acetyl-2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazolines. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413669. [PMID: 34948461 PMCID: PMC8704594 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is now a global problem, and the lack of effective antimicrobial agents for the treatment of diseases caused by resistant microbes is increasing. The 3-acetyl-2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazolines presented in this article may provide a good starting point for the development of potential new effective antimicrobial agents useful in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections. Particular attention is drawn to the 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivative marked with the number 29 with 5-nitrofuran-2-yl substituent in its chemical structure. This substance showed a strong bactericidal effect, especially against Staphylococcus spp., and no cytotoxicity to the L929 normal cell line.
Collapse
|
8
|
Imidazole-Thiosemicarbazide Derivatives as Potent Anti- Mycobacterium tuberculosis Compounds with Antibiofilm Activity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123476. [PMID: 34943984 PMCID: PMC8700351 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an intracellular pathogenic bacterium and the causative agent of tuberculosis. This disease is one of the most ancient and deadliest bacterial infections, as it poses major health, social and economic challenges at a global level, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. The lack of an effective vaccine, the long and expensive drug therapy, and the rapid spread of drug-resistant strains of Mtb have led to the re-emergence of tuberculosis as a global pandemic. Here, we assessed the in vitro activity of new imidazole-thiosemicarbazide derivatives (ITDs) against Mtb infection and their effects on mycobacterial biofilm formation. Cytotoxicity studies of the new compounds in cell lines and human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were performed. The anti-Mtb activity of ITDs was evaluated by determining minimal inhibitory concentrations of resazurin, time-kill curves, bacterial intracellular growth and the effect on biofilm formation. Mutation frequency and whole-genome sequencing of mutants that were resistant to ITDs were performed. The antimycobacterial potential of ITDs with the ability to penetrate Mtb-infected human macrophages and significantly inhibit the intracellular growth of tubercle bacilli and suppress Mtb biofilm formation was observed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Bekier A, Węglińska L, Paneth A, Paneth P, Dzitko K. 4-Arylthiosemicarbazide derivatives as a new class of tyrosinase inhibitors and anti- Toxoplasma gondii agents. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:1145-1164. [PMID: 34074198 PMCID: PMC8174488 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1931164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We report herein anti-proliferation effects of 4-arylthiosemicarbazides, with a cyclopentane substitution at N1 position, on highly virulent RH strain of Toxoplasma gondii. Among them, the highest in vitro anti-Toxoplasma activity was found with the meta-iodo derivative. Further experiments demonstrated inhibitory effects of thiosemicarbazides on tyrosinase (Tyr) activity, and good correlation was found between percentage of Tyr inhibition and IC50Tg. To confirm the concept that thiosemicarbazides are able to disrupt tyrosine metabolism in Toxoplasma tachyzoites, the most potent Tyr inhibitors were tested for their efficacy of T. gondii growth inhibition. All of them significantly reduced the number of tachyzoites in the parasitophorous vacuoles (PVs) compared to untreated cells, as well as inhibited tachyzoites growth by impeding cell division. Collectively, these results indicate that compounds with the thiosemicarbazide scaffold are able to disrupt tyrosine metabolism in Toxoplasma tachyzoites by deregulation of their crucial enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TyrH).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Bekier
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Lidia Węglińska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agata Paneth
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Paneth
- Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland.,Institute Center for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials (ICRI-BioM) - International Research Agenda, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dzitko
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Węglińska L, Bekier A, Dzitko K, Pacholczyk-Sienicka B, Albrecht Ł, Plech T, Paneth P, Paneth A. 1,3,4-Thiadiazoles Effectively Inhibit Proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii. Cells 2021; 10:1053. [PMID: 33946881 PMCID: PMC8145641 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital and acquired toxoplasmosis caused by the food- and water-born parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most prevalent zoonotic infection of global importance. T. gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite with limited capacity for extracellular survival, thus a successful, efficient and robust host cell invasion process is crucial for its survival, proliferation and transmission. In this study, we screened a series of novel 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-halophenylamines functionalized at the C5 position with the imidazole ring (1b-12b) for their effects on T. gondii host cell invasion and proliferation. To achieve this goal, these compounds were initially subjected to in vitro assays to assess their cytotoxicity on human fibroblasts and then antiparasitic efficacy. Results showed that all of them compare favorably to control drugs sulfadiazine and trimethoprim in terms of T. gondii growth inhibition (IC50) and selectivity toward the parasite, expressed as selectivity index (SI). Subsequently, the most potent of them with meta-fluoro 2b, meta-chloro 5b, meta-bromo 8b, meta-iodo 11b and para-iodo 12b substitution were tested for their efficacy in inhibition of tachyzoites invasion and subsequent proliferation by direct action on established intracellular infection. All the compounds significantly inhibited the parasite invasion and intracellular proliferation via direct action on both tachyzoites and parasitophorous vacuoles formation. The most effective was para-iodo derivative 12b that caused reduction in the percentage of infected host cells by 44% and number of tachyzoites per vacuole by 93% compared to non-treated host cells. Collectively, these studies indicate that 1,3,4-thiadiazoles 1b-12b, especially 12b with IC50 of 4.70 µg/mL and SI of 20.89, could be considered as early hit compounds for future design and synthesis of anti-Toxoplasma agents that effectively and selectively block the invasion and subsequent proliferation of T. gondii into host cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Węglińska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Adrian Bekier
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Dzitko
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Barbara Pacholczyk-Sienicka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (B.P.-S.); (Ł.A.)
| | - Łukasz Albrecht
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (B.P.-S.); (Ł.A.)
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Piotr Paneth
- Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland;
- International Centre for Research on Innovative Biobased Materials (ICRI-BioM)—International Research Agenda, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Agata Paneth
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Docking and QSAR of Aminothioureas at the SARS-CoV-2 S-Protein-Human ACE2 Receptor Interface. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204645. [PMID: 33053830 PMCID: PMC7656307 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Docking of over 160 aminothiourea derivatives at the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein–human ACE2 receptor interface, whose structure became available recently, has been evaluated for its complex stabilizing potency and subsequently subjected to quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis. The structural variety of the studied compounds, that include 3 different forms of the N–N–C(S)–N skeleton and combinations of 13 different substituents alongside the extensive length of the interface, resulted in the failure of the QSAR analysis, since different molecules were binding to different parts of the interface. Subsequently, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) analysis on all studied compounds, followed by a toxicity analysis using statistical models for selected compounds, was carried out to evaluate their potential use as lead compounds for drug design. Combined, these studies highlighted two molecules among the studied compounds, i.e., 5-(pyrrol-2-yl)-2-(2-methoxyphenylamino)-1,3,4-thiadiazole and 1-(cyclopentanoyl)-4-(3-iodophenyl)-thiosemicarbazide, as the best candidates for the development of future drugs.
Collapse
|
12
|
Synthesis and Anthelmintic Activity of New Thiosemicarbazide Derivatives-A Preliminary Study. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25122770. [PMID: 32560032 PMCID: PMC7355614 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections caused by different species of intestinal helminths still poses a threat to public health. There is a need to search for new, effective anthelmintic drugs. A series of novel thiosemicarbazides were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro anthelmintic activity. The preliminary results showed that the most of synthesized compounds were very active. 4-Phenyl-1-[(1-methyl-4-nitroimidazol-2-yl)carbonyl]thiosemicarbazide and 4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-[(1-methyl-4-nitroimidazol-2-yl)carbonyl]thiosemicarbazide showed a 100% mortality of nematodes and a high anthelmintic activity in both tested concentrations.
Collapse
|
13
|
Machado NI, Dos Santos TAT, de Souza W, DaMatta RA, Seabra SH. Treatment with melatonin induces a reduction of Toxoplasma gondii development in LLC-MK2 cells. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2703-2711. [PMID: 32537718 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06766-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It is known that the current treatment for toxoplasmosis causes side effects. Thus, it is essential to develop new therapies with reduced adverse effects while concurrently maintaining broad coverage and prophylactic therapy. Melatonin is a hormone that participates in the circadian cycle in vertebrates and has antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antitumoral functions. In addition, it has been shown that melatonin can modulate immune responses and parasitic development during infection by Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. Furthermore, studies indicate that melatonin increases the number of lymphocytes in rats infected by Toxoplasma gondii. However, there is no information on the possible effects of melatonin in T. gondii-infected host cells in vitro. This study analyzed the effects of melatonin treatment in the monkey kidney cell epithelial cell line, LLC-MK2, after infection with T. gondii. LLC-MK2 cells were infected and treated/not treated with melatonin, and the infection index was then quantified. Melatonin treatment did not alter host cell viability and was able to reduce parasite proliferation in LLC-MK2 cells at 24 and 48 h and at 6 days. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy confirmed reduction of parasite proliferation and alterations of tachyzoite shapes. Transmission electron microscopy images showed parasites with ruptured plasma membranes and cytoplasmic leakage. After treatment, parasites showed positive staining for apoptotic-like cell death. These results suggest that the use of melatonin as the lead compound for the synthesis of new compounds may constitute an alternative treatment for toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Inocencio Machado
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1203, Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 23070-200, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Thiago Alves Teixeira Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1203, Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 23070-200, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
- Centro Universitário IBMR, Avenida das Américas, 2603, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 22631-002, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21941-170, Brazil
| | - Renato Augusto DaMatta
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Sergio Henrique Seabra
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1203, Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 23070-200, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Simoben CV, Ntie-Kang F, Robaa D, Sippl W. Case studies on computer-based identification of natural products as lead molecules. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2018-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe development and application of computer-aided drug design/discovery (CADD) techniques (such as structured-base virtual screening, ligand-based virtual screening and neural networks approaches) are on the point of disintermediation in the pharmaceutical drug discovery processes. The application of these CADD methods are standing out positively as compared to other experimental approaches in the identification of hits. In order to venture into new chemical spaces, research groups are exploring natural products (NPs) for the search and identification of new hits and more efficient leads as well as the repurposing of approved NPs. The chemical space of NPs is continuously increasing as a result of millions of years of evolution of species and these data are mainly stored in the form of databases providing access to scientists around the world to conduct studies using them. Investigation of these NP databases with the help of CADD methodologies in combination with experimental validation techniques is essential to identify and propose new drug molecules. In this chapter, we highlight the importance of the chemical diversity of NPs as a source for potential drugs as well as some of the success stories of NP-derived candidates against important therapeutic targets. The focus is on studies that applied a healthy dose of the emerging CADD methodologies (structure-based, ligand-based and machine learning).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conrad V. Simoben
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry (AG Sippl), Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Fidele Ntie-Kang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry (AG Sippl), Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Dina Robaa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry (AG Sippl), Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry (AG Sippl), Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Deng Y, Wu T, Zhai SQ, Li CH. Recent progress on anti-Toxoplasma drugs discovery: Design, synthesis and screening. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 183:111711. [PMID: 31585276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii severely threaten the health of immunocompromised patients and pregnant women as this parasite can cause several disease, including brain and eye disease. Current treatment for toxoplasmosis commonly have high cytotoxic side effects on host and require long durations ranging from one week to more than one year. The regiments lack efficacy to eradicate T. gondii tissue cysts to cure chromic infection results in the needs for long treatment and relapsing disease. In addition, there has not been approved drugs for treating the pregnant women infected by T. gondii. Moreover, Toxoplasma vaccine researches face a wide variety of challenges. Developing high efficient and low toxic agents against T. gondii is urgent and important. Over the last decade, tremendous progress have been made in identifying and developing novel compounds for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. This review summarized and discussed recent advances between 2009 and 2019 in exploring effective agents against T. gondii from five aspects of drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Deng
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences & Pharmaceuticals, Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, 402460, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences & Pharmaceuticals, Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, 402460, China
| | - Shao-Qin Zhai
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences & Pharmaceuticals, Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, 402460, China
| | - Cheng-Hong Li
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences & Pharmaceuticals, Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang, 402460, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Synthesis and In Vitro Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Activity of Novel Thiazolidin-4-one Derivatives. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24173029. [PMID: 31438527 PMCID: PMC6749389 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24173029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent findings on the biological activity of thiazolidin-4-ones and taking into account the lack of effective drugs used in the treatment of toxoplasmosis, their numerous side effects, as well as the problem of drug resistance of parasites prompted us to look for new agents. We designed and synthesized a series of new thiazolidin-4-one derivatives through a two-step reaction between 4-substituted thiosemicarbazides with hydroxybenzaldehydes followed by the treatment with ethyl bromoacetate; maleic anhydride and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate afforded target compounds. The thiazolidin-4-one derivatives were used to assess the inhibition of Toxoplasma gondii growth in vitro. All active thiazolidine-4-one derivatives (12 compounds) inhibited T. gondii proliferation in vitro much better than used references drugs both sulfadiazine as well as the synergistic effect of sulfadiazine + trimethoprim (weight ratio 5:1). Most active among them derivatives 94 and 95 showed inhibition of proliferation at about 392-fold better than sulfadiazine and 18-fold better than sulfadiazine with trimethoprim. All active compounds (82–88 and 91–95) against T. gondii represent values from 1.75 to 15.86 (CC30/IC50) lower than no cytotoxic value (CC30).
Collapse
|