1
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Soeiro MDNC, Sales-Junior PA, Pereira VRA, Vannier-Santos MA, Murta SMF, de Sousa AS, Sangenis LHC, Moreno AMH, Boechat N, Branco FSC, Holetz FB, Ávila AR, Pereira MCDS. Drug screening and development cascade for Chagas disease: an update of in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2024; 119:e240057. [PMID: 38958341 PMCID: PMC11218046 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760240057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a tropical neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide, still demanding a more effective and safer therapy, especially in its chronic phase which lacks a treatment that promotes substantial parasitological cure. The technical note of Romanha and collaborators published in 2010 aimed establish a guideline with the set of minimum criteria and decision gates for the development of new agents against Trypanosoma cruzi with the focus on developing new antichagasic drugs. In this sense, the present review aims to update this technical note, bringing the state of the art and new advances on this topic in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Policarpo Ademar Sales-Junior
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Imunologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia e Biologia Molecular, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Valeria Rêgo Alves Pereira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Departamento de Imunologia, Laboratório de Imunopatologia e Biologia Molecular, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Marcos André Vannier-Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Andrea Silvestre de Sousa
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Doença de Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Luiz Henrique Conde Sangenis
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Doença de Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Alejandro Marcel Hasslocher Moreno
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Doença de Chagas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Núbia Boechat
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos - Farmanguinhos, Departamento de Síntese de Fármacos e Bioativos, Laboratório de Síntese de Fármacos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Frederico Silva Castelo Branco
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos - Farmanguinhos, Departamento de Síntese de Fármacos e Bioativos, Laboratório de Síntese de Fármacos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Fabíola Barbieri Holetz
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Regulação da Expressão Gênica, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Andrea Rodrigues Ávila
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Apicomplexa, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
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2
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Júnior JNDS, da Silva AC, Oliveira KKDS, Moreira LR, Caires SDFFDS, da Silva AJ, Moura YAS, Marques DDAV, Bezerra RP, de Lorena VMB, Porto ALF. Green microalgae as a potential source of trypanocide compounds. Nat Prod Res 2024; 38:2329-2335. [PMID: 36661179 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2169688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Due to the limitations of Chagas disease therapy, microalgae can be promising in the search of new trypanocidal compounds, since these organisms produce bioactive compounds with large pharmaceutical applications, including antiparasitic effects. In this work, trypanocidal activity of aqueous extract of Tetradesmus obliquus and, for the first time, aqueous extract of Chlorella vulgaris, were evaluated against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. In addition, cytotoxic activity in Vero cells was evaluated. Our results showed that C. vulgaris and T. obliquus present trypanocidal activity (IC50 = 32.9 µg ml-1 and 36.4 µg ml-1, respectively), however, C. vulgaris did not present cytotoxic effects in Vero cells (CC50 > 600 µg ml-1) and displayed a higher selectivity against trypomastigotes forms of T. cruzi (SI > 18). Thus, microalgae extracts, such as aqueous extract of C. vulgaris, are promising potential candidates for the development of natural antichagasic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Carla da Silva
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Imunologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Insituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Leyllane Rafael Moreira
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Imunologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Insituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Aldeni José da Silva
- Laboratório de Tecnologia de Bioativos, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela de Araújo Viana Marques
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Aplicada a Doenças Infecto-Parasitárias, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Raquel Pedrosa Bezerra
- Laboratório de Tecnologia de Bioativos, Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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3
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Pagani E, Ropke CD, Soares CM, Perez SAC, Benevides PJC, Barbosa BS, Carvalho ACB, Behrens MD. Technology Readiness Level Roadmap for Developing Innovative Herbal Medicinal Products. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:703. [PMID: 38931370 PMCID: PMC11206302 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the vast global botanical diversity, the pharmaceutical development of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) remains underexploited. Of over 370,000 described plant species, only a few hundred are utilized in HMPs. Most of these have originated from traditional use, and only a minority come from megadiverse countries. Exploiting the pharmacological synergies of the hundreds of compounds found in poorly studied plant species may unlock new therapeutic possibilities, enhance megadiverse countries' scientific and socio-economic development, and help conserve biodiversity. However, extensive constraints in the development process of HMPs pose significant barriers to transforming this unsatisfactory socio-economic landscape. This paper proposes a roadmap to overcome these challenges, based on the technology readiness levels (TRLs) introduced by NASA to assess the maturity of technologies. It aims to assist research entities, manufacturers, and funding agencies from megadiverse countries in the discovery, development, and global market authorization of innovative HMPs that comply with regulatory standards from ANVISA, EMA, and FDA, as well as WHO and ICH guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Pagani
- Medical Department, Azidus Brasil, Valinhos 13271-130, SP, Brazil
- Centroflora Group, Innovation Department, Campinas 06460-040, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiane Mota Soares
- Project Management Office, Vice Direction of Education, Research and Innovation, Institute of Drug Technology Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandra Aurora Chavez Perez
- Project Management Office, Vice Direction of Education, Research and Innovation, Institute of Drug Technology Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Cecilia Bezerra Carvalho
- GMESP, Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency, Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), Brasília 71205-050, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria Dutra Behrens
- Natural Products Department, Vice Direction of Education, Research and Innovation, Institute of Drug Technology Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
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4
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Robledo SM, Pérez-Silanes S, Fernández-Rubio C, Poveda A, Monzote L, González VM, Alonso-Collado P, Carrión J. Neglected Zoonotic Diseases: Advances in the Development of Cell-Penetrating and Antimicrobial Peptides against Leishmaniosis and Chagas Disease. Pathogens 2023; 12:939. [PMID: 37513786 PMCID: PMC10383258 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, the WHO established the road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030, which aims to control and eradicate 20 diseases, including leishmaniosis and Chagas disease. In addition, since 2015, the WHO has been developing a Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. In this context, the achievement of innovative strategies as an alternative to replace conventional therapies is a first-order socio-sanitary priority, especially regarding endemic zoonoses in poor regions, such as those caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. infections. In this scenario, it is worth highlighting a group of natural peptide molecules (AMPs and CPPs) that are promising strategies for improving therapeutic efficacy against these neglected zoonoses, as they avoid the development of toxicity and resistance of conventional treatments. This review presents the novelties of these peptide molecules and their ability to cross a whole system of cell membranes as well as stimulate host immune defenses or even serve as vectors of molecules. The efforts of the biotechnological sector will make it possible to overcome the limitations of antimicrobial peptides through encapsulation and functionalization methods to obtain approval for these treatments to be used in clinical programs for the eradication of leishmaniosis and Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Robledo
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales PECET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Silvia Pérez-Silanes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, IdiSNA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Celia Fernández-Rubio
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, IdiSNA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Poveda
- DNA Replication and Genome Instability Unit, Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Zoonosis y Salud Pública (GIBCIZ), Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Lianet Monzote
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Apartado Postal No. 601, Marianao 13, La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - Víctor M González
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo Km. 9.100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Alonso-Collado
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Carrión
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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5
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Gabaldón-Figueira JC, Martinez-Peinado N, Escabia E, Ros-Lucas A, Chatelain E, Scandale I, Gascon J, Pinazo MJ, Alonso-Padilla J. State-of-the-Art in the Drug Discovery Pathway for Chagas Disease: A Framework for Drug Development and Target Validation. Res Rep Trop Med 2023; 14:1-19. [PMID: 37337597 PMCID: PMC10277022 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s415273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is the most important protozoan infection in the Americas, and constitutes a significant public health concern throughout the world. Development of new medications against its etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, has been traditionally slow and difficult, lagging in comparison with diseases caused by other kinetoplastid parasites. Among the factors that explain this are the incompletely understood mechanisms of pathogenesis of T. cruzi infection and its complex set of interactions with the host in the chronic stage of the disease. These demand the performance of a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays as part of any drug development effort. In this review, we discuss recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the parasite's life cycle and their implications in the search for new chemotherapeutics. For this, we present a framework to guide drug discovery efforts against Chagas disease, considering state-of-the-art preclinical models and recently developed tools for the identification and validation of molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Escabia
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Ros-Lucas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Pinazo
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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6
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Impact of Laboratory-Adapted Intracellular Trypanosoma cruzi Strains on the Activity Profiles of Compounds with Anti- T. cruzi Activity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020476. [PMID: 36838441 PMCID: PMC9967867 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020476] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease causes ~12,000 deaths annually and is one of the world's 20 neglected tropical diseases, as defined by the World Health Organisation. The drug discovery pipeline for Chagas disease currently has few new clinical candidates, with high attrition rates an ongoing issue. To determine if the Trypanosoma cruzi strain utilised to assess in vitro compound activity impacts activity, a comparison of laboratory-adapted T. cruzi strains from differing geographical locations was undertaken for a selection of compounds with anti-T. cruzi activity. To minimise the possible effect of differences in experimental methodology, the same host cell and multiplicity of infection were utilised. To determine whether the compound exposure time influenced results, activity was determined following exposure for 48 and 72 h of incubation. To ascertain whether replication rates affected outcomes, comparative rates of replication of the T. cruzi strains were investigated, using the nucleoside analogue, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine. Minimal differences in the in vitro activity of compounds between strains were observed following 48 h incubation, whereas significant differences were observed following 72 h incubation, in particular for the cytochrome P450 inhibitors tested and the cell cycle inhibitor, camptothecin. Thus, the use of panels of laboratory adapted strains in vitro may be dependent on the speed of action that is prioritised. For the identification of fast-acting compounds, an initial shorter duration assay using a single strain may be used. A longer incubation to identify compound activity may alternatively require profiling of compounds against multiple T. cruzi strains.
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7
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Ndlovu K, Kannigadu C, Aucamp J, van Rensburg HDJ, N'Da DD. Exploration of ethylene glycol linked nitrofurantoin derivatives against Leishmania: Synthesis and in vitro activity. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2200529. [PMID: 36759973 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that is caused by the Leishmania parasite. It is estimated that there are more than 350 million people at risk of infection annually. Current treatments that are in clinical use are expensive, have toxic side effects, and are facing parasitic resistance. Therefore, new drugs are urgently required. In the quest for new, safe, and cost-effective drugs, a series of novel ethylene glycol derivatives of nitrofurantoin was synthesised and the in vitro antileishmanial efficacy of the compounds tested against Leishmania donovani and Leishmania major strains. Arylated ethylene glycol derivatives were found to be the most potent, with submicromolar activity up to 294-fold greater than the parent compound nitrofurantoin. Analogues 2j and 2k had the best antipromastigote activities with submicromolar IC50 values against L. major IR-173 and antimonial-resistant L. donovani 9515 strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keitumetsi Ndlovu
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Christina Kannigadu
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Janine Aucamp
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | | | - David D N'Da
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Drug Repurposing in Chagas Disease: Chloroquine Potentiates Benznidazole Activity against Trypanosoma cruzi
In Vitro
and
In Vivo. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0028422. [PMID: 36314800 PMCID: PMC9664849 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00284-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug combinations and drug repurposing have emerged as promising strategies to develop novel treatments for infectious diseases, including Chagas disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the repurposed drugs chloroquine (CQ) and colchicine (COL), known to inhibit
Trypanosoma cruzi
infection in host cells, could boost the anti-
T. cruzi
effect of the trypanocidal drug benznidazole (BZN), increasing its therapeutic efficacy while reducing the dose needed to eradicate the parasite. The combination of BZN and COL exhibited cytotoxicity to infected cells and low antiparasitic activity.
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9
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Kent RS, Briggs EM, Colon BL, Alvarez C, Silva Pereira S, De Niz M. Paving the Way: Contributions of Big Data to Apicomplexan and Kinetoplastid Research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:900878. [PMID: 35734575 PMCID: PMC9207352 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.900878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the age of big data an important question is how to ensure we make the most out of the resources we generate. In this review, we discuss the major methods used in Apicomplexan and Kinetoplastid research to produce big datasets and advance our understanding of Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Trypanosoma and Leishmania biology. We debate the benefits and limitations of the current technologies, and propose future advancements that may be key to improving our use of these techniques. Finally, we consider the difficulties the field faces when trying to make the most of the abundance of data that has already been, and will continue to be, generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn S. Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Emma M. Briggs
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Beatrice L. Colon
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Catalina Alvarez
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sara Silva Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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10
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Kannigadu C, Aucamp J, N'Da DD. Exploring novel nitrofuranyl sulfonohydrazides as anti-Leishmania and anti-cancer agents: Synthesis, in vitro efficacy and hit identification. Chem Biol Drug Des 2022; 100:267-279. [PMID: 35648075 PMCID: PMC9546217 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis and cancer are two deadly diseases that plague the human population. There are a limited number of drugs available for the treatment of these diseases; however, their overuse has resulted in pathogenic resistance. Recent studies have indicated the repurposing of nitro‐containing compounds to be a new avenue into finding new treatments. In this study, new nitrofuranyl sulfonohydrazide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antileishmanial and anticancer activities. The analogue 2h, featuring biphenyl moiety exhibited selective (SI > 10) submicromolar activity (IC50 0.97 μM) against acute promyelocytic leukemia cells hence was identified anticancer hit. This study revealed no antileishmanial hit. However, several promising analogues were uncovered and are worthy of further structural modifications to improve their toxicity and bioactivity profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kannigadu
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Janine Aucamp
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - David D N'Da
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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11
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Kratz JM, Gonçalves KR, Romera LM, Moraes CB, Bittencourt-Cunha P, Schenkman S, Chatelain E, Sosa-Estani S. The translational challenge in Chagas disease drug development. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e200501. [PMID: 35613156 PMCID: PMC9128742 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. There is an urgent need for safe, effective, and accessible new treatments since the currently approved drugs have serious limitations. Drug development for Chagas disease has historically been hampered by the complexity of the disease, critical knowledge gaps, and lack of coordinated R&D efforts. This review covers some of the translational challenges associated with the progression of new chemical entities from preclinical to clinical phases of development, and discusses how recent technological advances might allow the research community to answer key questions relevant to the disease and to overcome hurdles in R&D for Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadel M Kratz
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karolina R Gonçalves
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Lavínia Md Romera
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Carolina Borsoi Moraes
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Diadema, SP, Brasil
| | - Paula Bittencourt-Cunha
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Sergio Schenkman
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland.,Epidemiology and Public Health Research Centre, CIESP-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Soeiro MDNC. Perspectives for a new drug candidate for Chagas disease therapy. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220004. [PMID: 35293439 PMCID: PMC8923671 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), a neglected tropical illness caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, affects more than 6 million people mostly in poor areas of Latin America. CD has two phases: an acute, short phase mainly oligosymptomatic followed to the chronic phase, a long-lasting stage that may trigger cardiac and/or digestive disorders and death. Only two old drugs are available and both present low efficacy in the chronic stage, display side effects and are inactive against parasite strains naturally resistant to these nitroderivatives. These shortcomings justify the search for novel therapeutic options considering the target product profile for CD that will be presently reviewed besides briefly revisiting the data on phosphodiesterase inhibitors upon T. cruzi.
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13
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Dantas RF, Torres-Santos EC, Silva FP. Past and future of trypanosomatids high-throughput phenotypic screening. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e210402. [PMID: 35293482 PMCID: PMC8920514 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by trypanosomatid parasites affect millions of people mainly living in developing countries. Novel drugs are highly needed since there are no vaccines and available treatment has several limitations, such as resistance, low efficacy, and high toxicity. The drug discovery process is often analogous to finding a needle in the haystack. In the last decades a so-called rational drug design paradigm, heavily dependent on computational approaches, has promised to deliver new drugs in a more cost-effective way. Paradoxically however, the mainstay of these computational methods is data-driven, meaning they need activity data for new compounds to be generated and available in databases. Therefore, high-throughput screening (HTS) of compounds still is a much-needed exercise in drug discovery to fuel other rational approaches. In trypanosomatids, due to the scarcity of validated molecular targets and biological complexity of these parasites, phenotypic screening has become an essential tool for the discovery of new bioactive compounds. In this article we discuss the perspectives of phenotypic HTS for trypanosomatid drug discovery with emphasis on the role of image-based, high-content methods. We also propose an ideal cascade of assays for the identification of new drug candidates for clinical development using leishmaniasis as an example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Ferreira Dantas
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental de Computacional de Fármacos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Eduardo Caio Torres-Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatídeos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Floriano Paes Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental de Computacional de Fármacos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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14
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Adegboye O, Field MA, Kupz A, Pai S, Sharma D, Smout MJ, Wangchuk P, Wong Y, Loiseau C. Natural-Product-Based Solutions for Tropical Infectious Diseases. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0034820. [PMID: 34494873 PMCID: PMC8673330 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00348-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
About half of the world's population and 80% of the world's biodiversity can be found in the tropics. Many diseases are specific to the tropics, with at least 41 diseases caused by endemic bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Such diseases are of increasing concern, as the geographic range of tropical diseases is expanding due to climate change, urbanization, change in agricultural practices, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. While traditional medicines have been used for centuries in the treatment of tropical diseases, the active natural compounds within these medicines remain largely unknown. In this review, we describe infectious diseases specific to the tropics, including their causative pathogens, modes of transmission, recent major outbreaks, and geographic locations. We further review current treatments for these tropical diseases, carefully consider the biodiscovery potential of the tropical biome, and discuss a range of technologies being used for drug development from natural resources. We provide a list of natural products with antimicrobial activity, detailing the source organisms and their effectiveness as treatment. We discuss how technological advancements, such as next-generation sequencing, are driving high-throughput natural product screening pipelines to identify compounds with therapeutic properties. This review demonstrates the impact natural products from the vast tropical biome have in the treatment of tropical infectious diseases and how high-throughput technical capacity will accelerate this discovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyelola Adegboye
- Public Health and Tropical Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Matt A. Field
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Garvin Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Andreas Kupz
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Saparna Pai
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Dileep Sharma
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- College of Medicine & Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael J. Smout
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Yide Wong
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Claire Loiseau
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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15
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Cardoso-Santos C, Ferreira de Almeida Fiuza L, França da Silva C, Mazzeti AL, Donola Girão R, Melo de Oliveira G, da Gama Jaen Batista D, Cruz Moreira O, Lins da Silva Gomes N, Maes L, Caljon G, Hulpia F, Calenbergh SV, Correia Soeiro MDN. 7-Aryl-7-deazapurine 3'-deoxyribonucleoside derivative as a novel lead for Chagas' disease therapy: in vitro and in vivo pharmacology. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2021; 3:dlab168. [PMID: 34806007 PMCID: PMC8599808 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlab168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi is auxotrophic for purines and causes Chagas’ disease (CD), a neglected illness affecting >6 million people. Combining the 3-deoxyribofuranose part of cordycepin with the modified purine ring of a nucleoside ‘hit’ led to the discovery of 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-N7-(3′-deoxy-β-d-ribofuranosyl)-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (Cpd1), revealing promising anti-T. cruzi activity. Objectives To further evaluate Cpd1 in vitro and in vivo to fully assess its therapeutic potential against CD, covering cell culture sterilization through washout assays, drug combination with benznidazole and long-term administration in T. cruzi-infected mice. Results Although less susceptible to Cpd1 than amastigotes, trypomastigotes present an impaired capacity to successfully establish intracellular infection of cardiac cultures. Combination of benznidazole with Cpd1 indicated no interaction (additive effect) (FIC index = 0.72) while administration to mice at one-tenth of the optimal dose (2.5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg for Cpd1 and benznidazole, respectively) suppressed parasitaemia but failed to avoid mortality. Long-term treatment (60 days) gave a rapid drop of the parasitaemia (>98% decline) and 100% mice survival but only 16% cure. In vitro washout experiments demonstrated that although parasite release into the supernatant of infected cardiac cultures was reduced by >94%, parasite recrudescence did occur after treatment. Conclusions Parasite recrudescence did occur after treatment corroborating the hypothesis of therapeutic failure due to subpopulations of dormant forms and/or genetic factors in persister parasites involved in natural drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Cardoso-Santos
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (LBC), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/FIOCRUZ), 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Cristiane França da Silva
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (LBC), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/FIOCRUZ), 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Lia Mazzeti
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (LBC), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/FIOCRUZ), 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Roberson Donola Girão
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (LBC), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/FIOCRUZ), 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Melo de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (LBC), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/FIOCRUZ), 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Denise da Gama Jaen Batista
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (LBC), Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/FIOCRUZ), 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Otacilio Cruz Moreira
- Real Time PCR Platform RPT09A, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endemic Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Natália Lins da Silva Gomes
- Real Time PCR Platform RPT09A, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endemic Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Serge V Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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16
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Pereira CG, Moraes CB, Franco CH, Feltrin C, Grougnet R, Barbosa EG, Panciera M, Correia CRD, Rodrigues MJ, Custódio L. In Vitro Anti- Trypanosoma cruzi Activity of Halophytes from Southern Portugal Reloaded: A Special Focus on Sea Fennel ( Crithmum maritimum L.). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:2235. [PMID: 34834598 PMCID: PMC8625203 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marine halophytes are an outstanding reservoir of natural products and several species have anti-infectious traditional uses. However, reports about their potential use against neglected tropical ailments, such as Chagas disease, are scarce. This work evaluated for the first time the in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of extracts from the aromatic and medicinal species Helichrysum italicum subsp. picardii (Boiss. & Reut.) Franco (Asteraceae, everlasting) and Crithmum maritimum L. (Apiaceae, sea fennel). For that purpose, decoctions, tinctures, and essential oils from everlasting's flowers and sea fennel's stems, leaves, and flowers were tested against intracellular amastigotes of two T. cruzi strains. The extract from the sea fennel flower decoction displayed significant anti-trypanosomal activity and no toxicity towards the host cell (EC50 = 17.7 µg/mL, selectivity index > 5.65). Subsequent fractionation of this extract afforded 5 fractions that were re-tested in the same model of anti-parasitic activity. Fraction 1 was the most active and selective (EC50 = 0.47 μg/mL, selectivity index = 59.6) and was submitted to preparative thin-layer chromatography. One major compound was identified, falcarindiol, which was likely the one responsible for the observed anti-trypanosomal activity. This was confirmed using a commercially sourced molecule. Target-fishing studies showed falcarindiol as a ligand of T. cruzi spermidine synthase, pointing to a potential enzyme-inhibiting anti-trypanosomal mechanism of action. Overall, this work shows that sea fennel can provide effective anti-parasitic molecule(s) with potential pharmacological applications in the treatment of CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina G. Pereira
- Centre of Marine Sciences CCMAR, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Ed. 7, Campus of Gambelas, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.G.P.); (M.J.R.)
| | - Carolina Borsoi Moraes
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil; (C.B.M.); (C.H.F.); (C.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio H. Franco
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil; (C.B.M.); (C.H.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Clarissa Feltrin
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil; (C.B.M.); (C.H.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Raphaël Grougnet
- Natural Products, Analysis, Synthesis, UMR CNRS 8038, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Paris, 4 Avenue de l’Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France;
| | | | - Michele Panciera
- Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, Josue de Castro St., Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil; (M.P.); (C.R.D.C.)
| | - Carlos Roque D. Correia
- Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, Josue de Castro St., Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil; (M.P.); (C.R.D.C.)
| | - Maria João Rodrigues
- Centre of Marine Sciences CCMAR, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Ed. 7, Campus of Gambelas, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.G.P.); (M.J.R.)
| | - Luísa Custódio
- Centre of Marine Sciences CCMAR, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Ed. 7, Campus of Gambelas, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (C.G.P.); (M.J.R.)
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17
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Proniewicz E, Burnat G, Domin H, Małuch I, Makowska M, Prahl A. Application of Alanine Scanning to Determination of Amino Acids Essential for Peptide Adsorption at the Solid/Solution Interface and Binding to the Receptor: Surface-Enhanced Raman/Infrared Spectroscopy versus Bioactivity Assays. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8410-8422. [PMID: 34110823 PMCID: PMC8279479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The article describes the application of the alanine-scanning technique used in combination with Raman, surface-enhanced Raman, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared, and surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopies, which allowed defining the role of individual amino acid residues in the C-terminal 6-14 fragment of the bombesin chain (BN6-14) on the path of its adsorption on the surface of Ag (AgNPs) and Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). A reliable analysis of the SEIRA spectra of these peptides was possible, thanks to a curve fitting of these spectra. By combining alanine-scanning with biological activity studies using cell lines overexpressing bombesin receptors and the intracellular inositol monophosphate assay, it was possible to determine which peptide side chains play a significant role in binding a peptide to membrane-bound G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Based on the analysis of spectral profiles and bioactivity results, conclusions for the specific peptide-metal and peptide-GPCR interactions were drawn and compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Proniewicz
- Faculty
of Foundry Engineering, AGH University of
Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Burnat
- Maj
Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, 31-343 Kraków, 12 Smętna Street, Poland
| | - Helena Domin
- Maj
Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, 31-343 Kraków, 12 Smętna Street, Poland
| | - Izabela Małuch
- Faculty
of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marta Makowska
- Faculty
of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Adam Prahl
- Faculty
of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
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18
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Lin C, Ferreira de Almeida Fiuza L, Cardoso Santos C, Ferreira Nunes D, Cruz Moreira O, Bouton J, Karalic I, Maes L, Caljon G, Hulpia F, de Nazaré C Soeiro M, Van Calenbergh S. 6-Methyl-7-Aryl-7-Deazapurine Nucleosides as Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Agents: Structure-Activity Relationship and in vivo Efficacy. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2231-2253. [PMID: 33856742 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a tropical infectious disease resulting in progressive organ-damage and currently lacks efficient treatment and vaccine options. The causative pathogen, Trypanosoma cruzi, requires uptake and processing of preformed purines from the host because it cannot synthesize these de novo, instigating the evaluation of modified purine nucleosides as potential trypanocides. By modifying the pyrimidine part of a previously identified 7-aryl-7-deazapurine nucleoside, we found that substitution of a 6-methyl for a 6-amino group allows retaining T. cruzi amastigote growth inhibitory activity but confers improved selectivity towards mammalian cells. By keeping the 6-methyl group unaltered, and introducing different 7-aryl groups, we identified several analogues with sub-micromolar antitrypanosomal activity. The 7-(4-chlorophenyl) analogue 14, which was stable in microsomes, was evaluated in an acute mouse model. Oral administration of 25 mg/kg b.i.d. suppressed peak parasitemia and protected mice from infection-related mortality, gave similar reductions as the reference drug of blood parasite loads determined by qPCR, but as benznidazole failed to induce sterile cure in the short time period of drug exposure (5 days).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Lin
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ludmila Ferreira de Almeida Fiuza
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camila Cardoso Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela Ferreira Nunes
- Plataforma de PCR em Tempo Real RPT09A-Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otacílio Cruz Moreira
- Plataforma de PCR em Tempo Real RPT09A-Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jakob Bouton
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Izet Karalic
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Fabian Hulpia
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Gent, Belgium.,Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Maria de Nazaré C Soeiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Serge Van Calenbergh
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry (Campus Heymans), Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000, Gent, Belgium
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19
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Toro PM, Peralta F, Oyarzo J, Wilkinson SR, Zavala M, Arancibia R, Moncada-Basualto M, Brito I, Cisterna J, Klahn AH, López C. Evaluation of trypanocidal properties of ferrocenyl and cyrhetrenyl N-acylhydrazones with pendant 5-nitrofuryl group. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 219:111428. [PMID: 33774450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Four N-acylhydrazones of general formulae [R1-C(O)-NH-N=C(R2)(5-nitrofuryl)] with (R1 = ferrocenyl or cyrhetrenyl and R2 = H or Me) are synthesized and characterized in solution and in the solid-state. Comparative studies of their stability in solution under different experimental conditions and their electrochemical properties are reported. NMR studies reveal that the four compounds are stable in DMSO‑d6 and complementary UV-Vis studies confirm that they also exhibit high stability in mixtures DMSO:H2O at 37 °C. Electrochemical studies show that the half-wave potential of the nitro group of the N-acylhydrazones is smaller than that of the standard drug nifurtimox and the reduction process follows a self-protonation mechanism. In vitro studies on the antiparasitic activities of the four complexes and the nifurtimox against Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei reveal that: i) the N-acylhydrazones have a potent inhibitory growth activity against both parasites [EC50 in the low micromolar (in T. cruzi) or even in the nanomolar (in T. brucei) range] and ii) cyrhetrenyl derivatives are more effective than their ferrocenyl analogs. Parallel studies on the L6 rat skeletal myoblast cell line have also been conducted, and the selectivity indexes determined. Three of the four N-acylhydrazones showed higher selectivity towards T. brucei than the standard drug nifurtimox. Additional studies suggest that the organometallic compounds are bioactivated by type I nitroreductase enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Toro
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andrés Bello, Quillota 980, Viña del Mar, Chile.
| | - Francisco Peralta
- Instituto de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Casilla 4059, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Juan Oyarzo
- Instituto de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Casilla 4059, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Shane R Wilkinson
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Mónica Zavala
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Rodrigo Arancibia
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mauricio Moncada-Basualto
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván Brito
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avda. Universidad de Antofagasta 02800, Campus Coloso, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Jonathan Cisterna
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avda. Universidad de Antofagasta 02800, Campus Coloso, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - A Hugo Klahn
- Instituto de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Casilla 4059, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Concepción López
- Departament de Química Inorgànica i Orgànica, Secció de Química Inorgànica, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franqués 1-11, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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20
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McCall LI. Quo vadis? Central Rules of Pathogen and Disease Tropism. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:640987. [PMID: 33718287 PMCID: PMC7947345 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.640987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding why certain people get sick and die while others recover or never become ill is a fundamental question in biomedical research. A key determinant of this process is pathogen and disease tropism: the locations that become infected (pathogen tropism), and the locations that become damaged (disease tropism). Identifying the factors that regulate tropism is essential to understand disease processes, but also to drive the development of new interventions. This review intersects research from across infectious diseases to define the central mediators of disease and pathogen tropism. This review also highlights methods of study, and translational implications. Overall, tropism is a central but under-appreciated aspect of infection pathogenesis which should be at the forefront when considering the development of new methods of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States
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21
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Martinez-Peinado N, Cortes-Serra N, Sherman J, Rodriguez A, Bustamante JM, Gascon J, Pinazo MJ, Alonso-Padilla J. Identification of Trypanosoma cruzi Growth Inhibitors with Activity In Vivo within a Collection of Licensed Drugs. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020406. [PMID: 33669310 PMCID: PMC7920067 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), affects more than six million people worldwide, with its greatest burden in Latin America. Available treatments present frequent toxicity and variable efficacy at the chronic phase of the infection, when the disease is usually diagnosed. Hence, development of new therapeutic strategies is urgent. Repositioning of licensed drugs stands as an attractive fast-track low-cost approach for the identification of safer and more effective chemotherapies. With this purpose we screened 32 licensed drugs for different indications against T. cruzi. We used a primary in vitro assay of Vero cells infection by T. cruzi. Five drugs showed potent activity rates against it (IC50 < 4 µmol L−1), which were also specific (selectivity index >15) with respect to host cells. T. cruzi inhibitory activity of four of them was confirmed by a secondary anti-parasitic assay based on NIH-3T3 cells. Then, we assessed toxicity to human HepG2 cells and anti-amastigote specific activity of those drugs progressed. Ultimately, atovaquone-proguanil, miltefosine, and verapamil were tested in a mouse model of acute T. cruzi infection. Miltefosine performance in vitro and in vivo encourages further investigating its use against T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.)
| | - Nuria Cortes-Serra
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.)
| | - Julian Sherman
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA; (J.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Ana Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA; (J.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Juan M. Bustamante
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.)
| | - Maria-Jesus Pinazo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (M.-J.P.); (J.A.-P.); Tel.: +1-0034-932275400 (ext. 1802) (M.-J.P.); +1-0034-932275400 (ext. 4569) (J.A.-P.)
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.M.-P.); (N.C.-S.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (M.-J.P.); (J.A.-P.); Tel.: +1-0034-932275400 (ext. 1802) (M.-J.P.); +1-0034-932275400 (ext. 4569) (J.A.-P.)
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22
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Koovits PJ, Dessoy MA, Matheeussen A, Maes L, Caljon G, Ferreira LLG, Chelucci RC, Michelan-Duarte S, Andricopulo AD, Campbell S, Kratz JM, Mowbray CE, Dias LC. Hit-to-lead optimization of a benzene sulfonamide series for potential antileishmanial agents. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:1267-1274. [PMID: 34085041 PMCID: PMC8126888 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00165a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of benzene sulphonamides with good potency and selectivity against Leishmania spp. intracellular amastigotes was identified by high-throughput screening. Approximately 200 compounds were synthesized as part of a hit-to-lead optimization program. The potency of the series appears to be strongly dependent on lipophilicity, making the identification of suitable orally available candidates challenging due to poor pharmacokinetics. Despite not identifying a clinical candidate, a likely solvent exposed area was found, best exemplified in compound 29. Ongoing detailed mode-of-action studies may provide an opportunity to use target-based medicinal chemistry to overcome the issues with the current series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Koovits
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Rua Josué de Castro, S/N, Cidade Universitária Campinas SP 13083-861 Brazil +55 19 3521 3097
| | - Marco A Dessoy
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Rua Josué de Castro, S/N, Cidade Universitária Campinas SP 13083-861 Brazil +55 19 3521 3097
| | - An Matheeussen
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp Universiteitsplein 1 2610 Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Leonardo L G Ferreira
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of Sao Carlos, University of Sao Paulo Av. Joao Dagnone 1100 13563-120 Sao Carlos-SP Brazil
| | - Rafael C Chelucci
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of Sao Carlos, University of Sao Paulo Av. Joao Dagnone 1100 13563-120 Sao Carlos-SP Brazil
| | - Simone Michelan-Duarte
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of Sao Carlos, University of Sao Paulo Av. Joao Dagnone 1100 13563-120 Sao Carlos-SP Brazil
| | - Adriano D Andricopulo
- Laboratory of Medicinal and Computational Chemistry, Physics Institute of Sao Carlos, University of Sao Paulo Av. Joao Dagnone 1100 13563-120 Sao Carlos-SP Brazil
| | - Simon Campbell
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) 15 Chemin Louis-Dunant 1202 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Jadel M Kratz
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) 15 Chemin Louis-Dunant 1202 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Charles E Mowbray
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) 15 Chemin Louis-Dunant 1202 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Luiz C Dias
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Rua Josué de Castro, S/N, Cidade Universitária Campinas SP 13083-861 Brazil +55 19 3521 3097
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Amlodipine Increases the Therapeutic Potential of Ravuconazole upon Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.02497-19. [PMID: 32423960 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02497-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mining existing agents that enhance the therapeutic potential of ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors (EBI) is a promising approach to improve Chagas disease chemotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ravuconazole, an EBI, combined with amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, upon Trypanosoma cruzi experimental infection. In vitro assays confirmed the trypanocidal activity of both compounds in monotherapy and demonstrated an additive effect (sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration [ΣFIC] > 0.5) of the combined treatment without additional toxicity to host cells. In vivo experiments, using a murine model of the T. cruzi Y strain in a short-term protocol, demonstrated that amlodipine, although lacking trypanocidal activity, dramatically increased the antiparasitic activity of underdosing ravuconazole regimens. Additional analysis using long-term treatment (20 days) showed that parasitemia relapse until 60 days after treatment was significatively lower in mice treated with the combination (4 out of 14 mice) than ravuconazole monotherapy (10 out of 14 mice), even in the presence of immunosuppressant pressure. Furthermore, the combined therapy was well tolerated and protected the mice from mortality. The treatments also impacted on the cellular and humoral immune response of infected animals, inducing a reduction of serum cytokine levels in all ravuconazole-treated mice. Our findings demonstrate that amlodipine is efficacious in enhancing the antiparasitic activity of ravuconazole in an experimental model of T. cruzi infection and indicates a potential strategy to be explored in Chagas disease treatment.
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Martínez-Peinado N, Cortes-Serra N, Losada-Galvan I, Alonso-Vega C, Urbina JA, Rodríguez A, VandeBerg JL, Pinazo MJ, Gascon J, Alonso-Padilla J. Emerging agents for the treatment of Chagas disease: what is in the preclinical and clinical development pipeline? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:947-959. [PMID: 32635780 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1793955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chagas disease treatment relies on the lengthy administration of benznidazole and/or nifurtimox, which have frequent toxicity associated. The disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is mostly diagnosed at its chronic phase when life-threatening symptomatology manifest in approximately 30% of those infected. Considering that both available drugs have variable efficacy by then, and there are over 6 million people infected, there is a pressing need to find safer, more efficacious drugs. AREAS COVERED We provide an updated view of the path to achieve the aforementioned goal. From state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo assays based on genetically engineered parasites that have allowed high throughput screenings of large chemical collections, to the unfulfilled requirement of having treatment-response biomarkers for the clinical evaluation of drugs. In between, we describe the most promising pre-clinical hits and the landscape of clinical trials with new drugs or new regimens of existing ones. Moreover, the use of monkey models to reduce the pre-clinical to clinical attrition rate is discussed. EXPERT OPINION In addition to the necessary research on new drugs and much awaited biomarkers of treatment efficacy, a key step will be to generalize access to diagnosis and treatment and maximize efforts to impede transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Martínez-Peinado
- Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Cortes-Serra
- Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Losada-Galvan
- Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Alonso-Vega
- Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio A Urbina
- Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research , Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Ana Rodríguez
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine , New York, NY, USA
| | - John L VandeBerg
- Department of Human Genetics, South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, and Center for Vector-Borne Diseases, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley , Brownsville/Harlingen/Edinburg, TX, USA
| | - Maria-Jesus Pinazo
- Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) , Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) , Barcelona, Spain
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25
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Franco CH, Warhurst DC, Bhattacharyya T, Au HYA, Le H, Giardini MA, Pascoalino BS, Torrecilhas AC, Romera LMD, Madeira RP, Schenkman S, Freitas-Junior LH, Chatelain E, Miles MA, Moraes CB. Novel structural CYP51 mutation in Trypanosoma cruzi associated with multidrug resistance to CYP51 inhibitors and reduced infectivity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 13:107-120. [PMID: 32688218 PMCID: PMC7369355 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors, such as posaconazole and ravuconazole, have been proposed as drug candidates for Chagas disease, a neglected infectious tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. To understand better the mechanism of action and resistance to these inhibitors, a clone of the T. cruzi Y strain was cultured under intermittent and increasing concentrations of ravuconazole until phenotypic stability was achieved. The ravuconazole-selected clone exhibited loss in fitness in vitro when compared to the wild-type parental clone, as observed in reduced invasion capacity and slowed population growth in both mammalian and insect stages of the parasite. In drug activity assays, the resistant clone was above 300-fold more tolerant to ravuconazole than the sensitive parental clone, when the half-maximum effective concentration (EC50) was considered. The resistant clones also showed reduced virulence in vivo, when compared to parental sensitive clones. Cross-resistance to posaconazole and other CYP51 inhibitors, but not to other antichagasic drugs that act independently of CYP51, such as benznidazole and nifurtimox, was also observed. A novel amino acid residue change, T297M, was found in the TcCYP51 gene in the resistant but not in the sensitive clones. The structural effects of the T297M, and of the previously described P355S residue changes, were modelled to understand their impact on interaction with CYP51 inhibitors. A ravuconazole-resistant T. cruzi clone presented reduced in vitro and in vivo fitness. The ravuconazole-resistant clone presented cross-resistance to other CYP51 inhibitors. There was no cross-resistance to benznidazole and nifurtimox. Resistance is associated with a novel structural mutation in the TcCYP51 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio H Franco
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, SP, Brazil; Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - David C Warhurst
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tapan Bhattacharyya
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ho Y A Au
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hai Le
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Miriam A Giardini
- Institut Pasteur Korea, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bruno S Pascoalino
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Lavinia M D Romera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Pedro Madeira
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Sergio Schenkman
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucio H Freitas-Junior
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Institut Pasteur Korea, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michael A Miles
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carolina B Moraes
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM), Campinas, SP, Brazil; Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Institut Pasteur Korea, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, SP, Brazil.
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26
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Martinez-Peinado N, Cortes-Serra N, Torras-Claveria L, Pinazo MJ, Gascon J, Bastida J, Alonso-Padilla J. Amaryllidaceae alkaloids with anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:299. [PMID: 32522289 PMCID: PMC7288428 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04171-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected disease that affects ~7 million people worldwide. Development of new drugs to treat the infection remains a priority since those currently available have frequent side effects and limited efficacy at the chronic stage. Natural products provide a pool of diversity structures to lead the chemical synthesis of novel molecules for this purpose. Herein we analyzed the anti-T. cruzi activity of nine alkaloids derived from plants of the family Amaryllidaceae. Methods The activity of each alkaloid was assessed by means of an anti-T. cruzi phenotypic assay. We further evaluated the compounds that inhibited parasite growth on two distinct cytotoxicity assays to discard those that were toxic to host cells and assure parasite selectivity. Results We identified a single compound (hippeastrine) that was selectively active against the parasite yielding selectivity indexes of 12.7 and 35.2 against Vero and HepG2 cells, respectively. Moreover, it showed specific activity against the amastigote stage (IC50 = 3.31 μM). Conclusions Results reported here suggest that natural products are an interesting source of new compounds for the development of drugs against Chagas disease.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Cortes-Serra
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Torras-Claveria
- Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l´Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria-Jesus Pinazo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Bastida
- Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l´Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
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Identification of Inhibitors to Trypanosoma cruzi Sirtuins Based on Compounds Developed to Human Enzymes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103659. [PMID: 32455951 PMCID: PMC7279216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is an illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affecting more than 7 million people in the world. Benznidazole and nifurtimox are the only drugs available for treatment and in addition to causing several side effects, are only satisfactory in the acute phase of the disease. Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent deacetylases involved in several biological processes, which have become drug target candidates in various disease settings. T. cruzi presents two sirtuins, one cytosolic (TcSir2rp1) and the latter mitochondrial (TcSir2rp3). Here, we characterized the effects of human sirtuin inhibitors against T. cruzi sirtuins as an initial approach to develop specific parasite inhibitors. We found that, of 33 compounds tested, two inhibited TcSir2rp1 (15 and 17), while other five inhibited TcSir2rp3 (8, 12, 13, 30, and 32), indicating that specific inhibitors can be devised for each one of the enzymes. Furthermore, all inhibiting compounds prevented parasite proliferation in cultured mammalian cells. When combining the most effective inhibitors with benznidazole at least two compounds, 17 and 32, demonstrated synergistic effects. Altogether, these results support the importance of exploring T. cruzi sirtuins as drug targets and provide key elements to develop specific inhibitors for these enzymes as potential targets for Chagas disease treatment.
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