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Gao P, Wang J, Qiu C, Zhang H, Wang C, Zhang Y, Sun P, Chen H, Wong YK, Chen J, Zhang J, Tang H, Shi Q, Zhu Y, Shen S, Han G, Xu C, Dai L, Wang J. Photoaffinity probe-based antimalarial target identification of artemisinin in the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle of Plasmodium falciparum. IMETA 2024; 3:e176. [PMID: 38882489 PMCID: PMC11170969 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Malaria continues to pose a serious global health threat, and artemisinin remains the core drug for global malaria control. However, the situation of malaria resistance has become increasingly severe due to the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of action (MoA) of artemisinin. Prior research on the MoA of artemisinin mainly focused on covalently bound targets that are alkylated by artemisinin-free radicals. However, less attention has been given to the reversible noncovalent binding targets, and there is a paucity of information regarding artemisinin targets at different life cycle stages of the parasite. In this study, we identified the protein targets of artemisinin at different stages of the parasite's intraerythrocytic developmental cycle using a photoaffinity probe. Our findings demonstrate that artemisinin interacts with parasite proteins in vivo through both covalent and noncovalent modes. Extensive mechanistic studies were then conducted by integrating target validation, phenotypic studies, and untargeted metabolomics. The results suggest that protein synthesis, glycolysis, and oxidative homeostasis are critically involved in the antimalarial activities of artemisinin. In summary, this study provides fresh insights into the mechanisms underlying artemisinin's antimalarial effects and its protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics Shenzhen People's Hospital; First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen China
| | - Jianyou Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy Henan University Kaifeng China
| | - Chong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine Jinan China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Peng Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Honglin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy Henan University Kaifeng China
| | - Yin Kwan Wong
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Jiayun Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Junzhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Huan Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Qiaoli Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Yongping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Shengnan Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
| | - Guang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy Henan University Kaifeng China
| | - Chengchao Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics Shenzhen People's Hospital; First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen China
| | - Lingyun Dai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics Shenzhen People's Hospital; First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen China
| | - Jigang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medical China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics Shenzhen People's Hospital; First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen China
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy Henan University Kaifeng China
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine Jinan China
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Akafity G, Kumi N, Ashong J. Diagnosis and management of malaria in the intensive care unit. JOURNAL OF INTENSIVE MEDICINE 2024; 4:3-15. [PMID: 38263976 PMCID: PMC10800773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jointm.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Malaria is responsible for approximately three-quarters of a million deaths in humans globally each year. Most of the morbidity and mortality reported are from Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, where the disease is endemic. In non-endemic areas, malaria is the most common cause of imported infection and is associated with significant mortality despite recent advancements and investments in elimination programs. Severe malaria often requires intensive care unit admission and can be complicated by cerebral malaria, respiratory distress, acute kidney injury, bleeding complications, and co-infection. Intensive care management includes prompt diagnosis and early initiation of effective antimalarial therapy, recognition of complications, and appropriate supportive care. However, the lack of diagnostic capacities due to limited advances in equipment, personnel, and infrastructure presents a challenge to the effective diagnosis and management of malaria. This article reviews the clinical classification, diagnosis, and management of malaria as relevant to critical care clinicians, highlighting the role of diagnostic capacity, treatment options, and supportive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Akafity
- Department of Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Nicholas Kumi
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Critical Care and Anesthesia, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Joyce Ashong
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
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3
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Maafoh C, Onyedibe K. Alternative first-line malaria treatment. Ann Afr Med 2024; 23:5-12. [PMID: 38358164 PMCID: PMC10922181 DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_35_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a disease affecting millions of people, especially in Africa, Asia, and South America, and has become a substantial economic burden. Because malaria is contracted through the bite of a mosquito vector, it is very challenging to prevent. Bed nets and insect repellents are used in some homes; others do not have or use them even when available. Thus, treatment measures are crucial to controlling this disease. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is currently the first-line treatment for malaria. ACT has been used for decades, but recently, there has been evidence of potential resistance. This threat of resistance has led to the search for possible alternatives to ACT. In sub-Saharan Africa, Azadirachta indica, or simply neem, is a plant used to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria. Neem is effective against one of the more deadly malaria parasites Plasmodium falciparum. Reports show that neem inhibits microgametogenesis of P. falciparum and interferes with the parasite's ookinete development. Although there is substantial in vitro research on the biological activity of A. indica (neem), there is limited in vivo research. Herein, we discuss the in vivo effects of neem on malaria parasites. With A. indica, the future of malaria treatment is promising, especially for high-risk patients, but further research and clinical trials are required to confirm its biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Maafoh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia, USA
| | - Kenneth Onyedibe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia, USA
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Chen J, Gao P, Xiao W, Cheng G, Krishna S, Wang J, Wong YK, Wang C, Gu L, Yang DH, Wang J. Multi-omics dissection of stage-specific artemisinin tolerance mechanisms in Kelch13-mutant Plasmodium falciparum. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 70:100978. [PMID: 37385107 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100978] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We investigated the stage-specific mechanisms of partial resistance to artemisinin (ART, an antimalarial drug) in Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) carrying the Kelch13 C580Y mutation. METHODS Using fluorescence labeling and activity-based protein profiling, we systematically profile the ART activation levels in P. falciparum during the entire intra-erythrocytic developmental cycle (IDC), and determined the ART-targets profile of the ART-sensitive and -resistant strains at different stages. We retrieved and integrated datasets of single-cell transcriptomics and label-free proteomics across three IDC stages of wild-type P. falciparum. We also employed lipidomics to validate lipid metabolic reprogramming in the resistant strain. RESULTS The activation and expression patterns of genes and proteins of ART-targets in both ART-sensitive and resistant strains varied at different stages and periods of P. falciparum development, with the late trophozoite stage harboring the largest number of ART targets. We identified and validated 36 overlapping targets, such as GAPDH, EGF-1a, and SpdSyn, during the IDC stages in both strains. We revealed the ART-insensitivity of fatty acid-associated activities in the partially resistant strain at both the early ring and early trophozoite stages. CONCLUSIONS Our multi-omics strategies provide novel insights into the mechanisms of ART partial resistance in Kelch13 mutant P. falciparum, demonstrating the stage-specific interaction between ART and malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayun Chen
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Department of Critical Medicine, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Guangqing Cheng
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Sanjeev Krishna
- Clinical Academic Group in Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jianyou Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Critical Medicine, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Liwei Gu
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Dong Hua Yang
- New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Mineola, United States.
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Department of Critical Medicine, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China.
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Domes R, Frosch T. Molecular Interactions Identified by Two-Dimensional Analysis-Detailed Insight into the Molecular Interactions of the Antimalarial Artesunate with the Target Structure β-Hematin by Means of 2D Raman Correlation Spectroscopy. Anal Chem 2023; 95:12719-12731. [PMID: 37586701 PMCID: PMC10469332 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
A thorough understanding of the interaction of endoperoxide antimalarial agents with their biological target structures is of utmost importance for the tailored design of future efficient antimalarials. Detailed insights into molecular interactions between artesunate and β-hematin were derived with a combination of resonance Raman spectroscopy, two-dimensional correlation analysis, and density functional theory calculations. Resonance Raman spectroscopy with three distinct laser wavelengths enabled the specific excitation of different chromophore parts of β-hematin. The resonance Raman spectra of the artesunate-β-hematin complexes were thoroughly analyzed with the help of high-resolution and highly sensitive two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy. Spectral changes in the peak properties were found with increasing artesunate concentration. Changes in the low-frequency, morphology-sensitive Raman bands indicated a loss in crystallinity of the drug-target complexes. Differences in the high-wavenumber region were assigned to increased distortions of the planarity of the structure of the target molecule due to the appearance of various coexisting alkylation species. Evidence for the appearance of high-valent ferryl-oxo species could be observed with the help of differences in the peak properties of oxidation-state sensitive Raman modes. To support those findings, the relaxed ground-state structures of ten possible covalent mono- and di-meso(Cm)-alkylated hematin-dihydroartemisinyl complexes were calculated using density functional theory. A very good agreement with the experimental peak properties was achieved, and the out-of-plane displacements along the lowest-frequency normal coordinates were investigated by normal coordinate structural decomposition analysis. The strongest changes in all data were observed in vibrations with a high participation of Cm-parts of β-hematin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Domes
- Leibniz
Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert Einstein Strasse 9, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Torsten Frosch
- Biophotonics and
Biomedical Engineering Group, Technical
University Darmstadt, Merckstraße 25, 64283 Darmstadt, Germany
- Leibniz
Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert Einstein Strasse 9, D-07745 Jena, Germany
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Gao P, Chen J, Sun P, Wang J, Tang H, Xia F, Gu L, Zhang H, Wang C, Wong YK, Zhu Y, Xu C, Wang J. Chemical proteomic profiling with photoaffinity labeling strategy identifies antimalarial targets of artemisinin. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.108296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
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7
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Zou L, Yang Y, Wang Z, Fu X, He X, Song J, Li T, Ma H, Yu T. Lysine Malonylation and Its Links to Metabolism and Diseases. Aging Dis 2023; 14:84-98. [PMID: 36818560 PMCID: PMC9937698 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0711] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malonylation is a recently identified post-translational modification with malonyl-coenzyme A as the donor. It conserved both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Recent advances in the identification and quantification of lysine malonylation by bioinformatic analysis have improved our understanding of its role in the regulation of protein activity, interaction, and localization and have elucidated its involvement in many biological processes. Malonylation has been linked to diverse physiological processes, including metabolic disorders, inflammation, and immune regulation. This review discusses malonylation in theory, describes the underlying mechanism, and summarizes the recent progress in malonylation research. The latest findings point to novel functions of malonylation and highlight the mechanisms by which malonylation regulates a variety of cellular processes. Our review also marks the association between lysine malonylation, the enzymes involved, and various diseases, and discusses promising diagnostic and therapeutic biomolecular targets for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zou
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine School, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Zhibin Wang
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Xiuxiu Fu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Xiangqin He
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Jiayi Song
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Tianxiang Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Huibo Ma
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Tao Yu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Tao Yu, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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8
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Investigation of bioorganometallic artemisinins as antiplasmodials. J Organomet Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2023.122633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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9
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Salaroli R, Andreani G, Bernardini C, Zannoni A, La Mantia D, Protti M, Forni M, Mercolini L, Isani G. Anticancer activity of an Artemisia annua L. hydroalcoholic extract on canine osteosarcoma cell lines. Res Vet Sci 2022; 152:476-484. [PMID: 36156377 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Since ancient times, Artemisia annua (A. annua) has been used as a medicinal plant in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition, recent studies have investigated the cytotoxic effects of A. annua extracts towards cancer cells. The leading aim of the present research is to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of an hydroalcoholic extract of A. annua on two canine osteosarcoma (OSA) cell lines, OSCA-8 and OSCA-40, focusing on the possible involvement of ferroptosis. The quantitative determination of artemisinin concentration in the extract, culture medium and OSA cells was carried out through the use of an instrumental analytical method based on liquid chromatography coupled with spectrophotometric detection and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS/MS). OSCA-8 and OSCA-40 were exposed to different dilutions of the extract for the EC50 calculation then the uptake of artemisinin by the cells, the effects on the cell cycle, the intracellular iron level, the cellular morphology and the lipid oxidation state were evaluated. A concentration of artemisinin of 63.8 ± 3.4 μg/mL was detected in the extract. A dose-dependent cytotoxic effect was evidenced. In OSCA-40 alterations of the cell cycle and a significantly higher intracellular iron content were observed. In both cell lines the treatment with the extract was associated with lipid peroxidation and with the appearance of a "ballooning" phenotype suggesting the activation of ferroptosis. In conclusion the A. annua idroalcoholic extract utilized in this study showed anticancer activity on canine OSA cell lines that could be useful in treating drug resistant canine OSAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Salaroli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giulia Andreani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bernardini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Augusta Zannoni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Debora La Mantia
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Michele Protti
- Research Group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab), Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Monica Forni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Laura Mercolini
- Research Group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab), Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Gloria Isani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
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10
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Wang F, Song J, Yan Y, Zhou Q, Li X, Wang P, Yang Z, Zhang Q, Zhang H. Integrated Network Pharmacology Analysis and Serum Metabolomics to Reveal the Anti-malaria Mechanism of Artesunate. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:31482-31494. [PMID: 36092633 PMCID: PMC9453802 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Artesunate is a widely used drug in clinical treatment of malaria. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of artesunate on malaria using an integrated strategy of network pharmacology and serum metabolomics. The mice models of malaria were established using 2 × 107 red blood cells infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA injection. Giemsa and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to evaluate the efficacy of artesunate on malaria. Next, network pharmacology analysis was applied to identify target genes. Then, a metabolomics strategy has been developed to find the possible significant serum metabolites and metabolic pathways induced by artesunate. Additionally, two parts of the results were integrated to confirm each other. Giemsa and HE staining results showed that artesunate significantly inhibited the proliferation of Plasmodium and reduced liver and spleen inflammation. Based on metabolomics, 18 differential endogenous metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers related to the artesunate for treating malaria. These metabolites were mainly involved in the relevant pathways of biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids; aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis; valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis. The results of the network pharmacology analysis showed 125 potential target genes related to the treatment of malaria with artesunate. The functional enrichment was mainly associated with lipid and atherosclerosis; pathways of prostate cancer and proteoglycans in cancer; and PI3K-Akt, apoptosis, NF-κB, Th17 cell, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways. These findings were partly consistent with the findings of the metabolism. Our results further suggested that artesunate could correct the inflammatory response caused by malaria through Th17 cell and NF-κB pathways. Meanwhile, our work revealed that cholesterol needed by Plasmodium berghei came directly from serum. Cholesterol and palmitic acid may be essential in the growth and reproduction of Plasmodium berghei. In summary, artesunate may have an effect on anti-malarial properties through multiple targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiran Wang
- Shandong
University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
- Shandong
Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, P. R. China
| | - Jian Song
- Shandong
University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Yingying Yan
- Shandong
University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Shandong
Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- Shandong
Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, P. R. China
| | - Ping Wang
- Shandong
Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, P. R. China
| | - Zongtong Yang
- Shandong
Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, P. R. China
| | - Qiuhong Zhang
- Jinan
Center for Food and Drug Control, Jinan 250102, P. R. China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Shandong
Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, P. R. China
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11
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Amani B, Zareei S, Amani B, Zareei M, Zareei N, Shabestan R, Akbarzadeh A. Artesunate, imatinib, and infliximab in COVID‐19: A rapid review and meta‐analysis of current evidence. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:e628. [PMID: 35634954 PMCID: PMC9092000 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective Despite the pervasive vaccination program against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), people who got fully vaccinated are still contaminated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, making an effective and safe therapeutic intervention a crucial need for the patients' survival. The purpose of the present study is to seek available evidence for the efficacy and safety of three promising medications artesunate, imatinib, and infliximab against COVID‐19. Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, medRxive, and Google Scholar, and the relevant articles published up to January 2022 were found. Furthermore, the clinical trial databases were screened for finding more citations. Data analysis was carried out applying The Cochrane Collaboration tool and Newcastle–Ottawa scale to assess the included studies. Meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1. Results Five published studies were identified as eligible. Meta‐analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the infliximab and control groups in terms of mortality rate (risk ratio [RR]: 0.65; confidence interval [CI] 95%: 0.40–1.07; p = .09). However, a significant difference was observed between the two groups for the hospital discharge (RR: 1.37; CI 95%: 1.04–1.80; p = .03). No remarkable clinical benefit was observed for using imatinib in COVID‐19 patients. Artesunate showed significant improvement in patients with COVID‐19. Conclusion In the present, limited evidence exists for the efficacy and safety of artesunate, imatinib, and infliximab in patients with COVID‐19. The findings of WHO's Solidarity international trial will provide further information regarding these therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Amani
- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Sara Zareei
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences Kharazmi University Tehran Iran
| | - Behnam Amani
- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Mahsa Zareei
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Neda Zareei
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
| | - Rouhollah Shabestan
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Arash Akbarzadeh
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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12
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Gu C, She X, Zhou C, Su T, He S, Meng C, Gu Q, Luo D, Zheng Z, Qiu Q. Dihydroartemisinin ameliorates retinal vascular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus via the FASN/Kmal-mTOR/SREBP1 feedback loop. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105871. [PMID: 34619345 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microvascular dysfunction is the primary aetiology of visual impairment caused by diabetic retinopathy (DR). Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the active metabolite of the antimalarials artemisinins, exhibits antiangiogenic properties in numerous diseases. Here, we investigated the function and mechanisms of DHA as a vasculoprotective agent in DR. DHA exerted its protective effect on vascular injuries in diabetic mice and inhibited cell proliferation and tube formation in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells by decreasing the level of fatty acid synthase (FASN), enhancing the malonylation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) at lysine 1218 (K1218) and attenuating the activation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1). Impressively, a chemosynthetic small interfering RNA against FASN and mutagenesis of K1218 of mTOR showed therapeutic potential in suppressing cell proliferation and tube formation induced by high glucose. Notably, suppression of mTORC1 kinase activity further inhibited FASN by reducing p70S6K phosphorylation to subsequently reduce the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1, which interacted directly with the FASN promoter at nucleotide positions -64 and -55. In conclusion, our study elucidated the promising effects of FASN and malonylation on vascular injuries of DR and indicated the great potential of DHA as a therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chufeng Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xinping She
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chuandi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Shuai He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chunren Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qing Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Dawei Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Qinghua Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, PR China; Department of Ophthalmology, Shigatse People's Hospital, Shigatse, Xizang, PR China.
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13
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Akintunde JK, Ajiboye JA, Siemuri EO, Olabisi OO. Fansidar drug induces cytotoxicity in some vital tissues in a rat model: combination defensive effect of selenium and zinc capsules. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2021; 12:20420986211027101. [PMID: 34349977 PMCID: PMC8287264 DOI: 10.1177/20420986211027101] [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: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Fansidar (FAN) is widely used as an antimalarial drug, but it may cause hepatoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. Hence, the study examines the cytoprotection of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) tablets against FAN induced toxicity. METHOD Group I was given distilled water. Groups II, III, IV, and V received 50 mg/kg FAN by gavage. Group III was co-treated with a 50 mg/kg Se tablet. Group IV was co-treated with a 50 mg/kg Zn tablet. Group V was co-treated with a 50 mg/kg Se tablet + 50 mg/kg Zn tablet. The exposure lasted for 7 days (sub-acute exposure). RESULT FAN causes cytotoxicity through significant (p < 0.05) alteration of antioxidant molecules and hepatic enzymes. It also significantly (p < 0.05) induces renal, hepatocyte, and purkinje cell damage, but no visible lesion on testicular cells. The FAN induced cytotoxicity was significantly (p < 0.05) reversed on treatment with both single and combined antioxidant tablets. CONCLUSION Our study supports the view that antioxidant micronutrient (Se and Zn) tablets may be a useful modulator in alleviating FAN induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in male rats. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Combined selenium and zinc capsules: better therapy against cytotoxicity Fansidar was approved by United States' Food and Drug Administration as an anti-malarial drug to treat acute and complicated malaria fever among patients in West Africa; however, its usage elicits toxicity to several organs of the body. It was elucidated that the combination of selenium and zinc capsules promotes organ wellness on co-treatment with Fansidar.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. K Akintunde
- Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Toxicology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - J. A Ajiboye
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry unit, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - E. O Siemuri
- Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Toxicology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - O. O. Olabisi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry unit, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
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14
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Louvel D, De Dios Miguel T, Duc Vu N, Duguet N. The Chemistry of β‐Hydroxy Hydroperoxides. European J Org Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.202100343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Louvel
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon Institut de Chimie et Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, ICBMS UMR 5246, Equipe CAtalyse, SYnthèse et ENvironnement (CASYEN), Bâtiment Lederer 1 rue Victor Grignard 69100 Villeurbanne cedex France
| | - Thomas De Dios Miguel
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon Institut de Chimie et Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, ICBMS UMR 5246, Equipe CAtalyse, SYnthèse et ENvironnement (CASYEN), Bâtiment Lederer 1 rue Victor Grignard 69100 Villeurbanne cedex France
| | - Nam Duc Vu
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon Institut de Chimie et Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, ICBMS UMR 5246, Equipe CAtalyse, SYnthèse et ENvironnement (CASYEN), Bâtiment Lederer 1 rue Victor Grignard 69100 Villeurbanne cedex France
| | - Nicolas Duguet
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon Institut de Chimie et Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires, ICBMS UMR 5246, Equipe CAtalyse, SYnthèse et ENvironnement (CASYEN), Bâtiment Lederer 1 rue Victor Grignard 69100 Villeurbanne cedex France
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15
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δ-Lactones-A New Class of Compounds That Are Toxic to E. coli K12 and R2-R4 Strains. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14112956. [PMID: 34070884 PMCID: PMC8199173 DOI: 10.3390/ma14112956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Lactones are among the well-known organic substances with a specific taste and smell. They are characterized by antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. In recent years, among this group of compounds, new biologically active substances have been searched by modifying the main (leading) structure with new analogs with stronger or different responses that may have a toxic effect on the cells of pathogenic bacteria and constitute an alternative to commonly used antibiotics. A preliminary study of δ-lactone derivatives as new potential candidates for antibacterial drugs was conducted. Particular emphasis was placed on the selection of the structure of lactones with the highest biological activity, especially those with fluorine in their structure as a substituent in terms of action on bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the model strains of Escherichia coli K12 (without LPS in its structure) and R2–R4 (LPS of different lengths in its structure). In the presented studies, on the basis of the conducted MIC and MBC tests, it was shown that the antibacterial (toxic) activity of lactones depends on their structure and the length of the bacterial LPS in the membrane of specific strains. Moreover, oxidative damage of bacterial DNA isolated from bacteria after modification with newly synthesized compounds after application of the repair enzyme Fpg glycosylase was analyzed. The analyzed damage values were compared with the modification with appropriate antibiotics: ciprofloxacin, bleomycin, and cloxacillin. The presented research clearly shows that lactone derivatives can be potential candidates as substitutes for drugs, e.g., the analyzed antibiotics. Their chemical and biological activity is related to coumarin derivatives and the corresponding δ-lactone groups in the structure of the substituent. The observed results are of particular importance in the case of increasing bacterial resistance to various drugs and antibiotics, especially in nosocomial infections and neoplasms, and in the era of a microbial pandemic.
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16
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Allegra A, Imbesi C, Bitto A, Ettari R. Drug Repositioning for the Treatment of Hematologic Disease: Limits, Challenges and Future Perspectives. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2195-2217. [PMID: 33138750 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200817102154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Drug repositioning is a strategy to identify new uses for approved or investigational drugs that are used off-label outside the scope of the original medical indication. In this review, we report the most relevant studies about drug repositioning in hematology, reporting the signalling pathways and molecular targets of these drugs, and describing the biological mechanisms which are responsible for their anticancer effects. Although the majority of studies on drug repositioning in hematology concern acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma, numerous studies are present in the literature on the possibility of using these drugs also in other hematological diseases, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and lymphomas. Numerous anti-infectious drugs and chemical entities used for the therapy of neurological or endocrine diseases, oral antidiabetics, statins and medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, bisphosphonate and natural substance such as artemisin and curcumin, have found a place in the treatment of hematological diseases. Moreover, several molecules drastically reversed the resistance of the tumor cells to the chemotherapeutic drugs both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Chiara Imbesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Chemistry, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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17
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Chellan P, Avery VM, Duffy S, Land KM, Tam CC, Kim JH, Cheng LW, Romero-Canelón I, Sadler PJ. Bioactive half-sandwich Rh and Ir bipyridyl complexes containing artemisinin. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 219:111408. [PMID: 33826972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Reaction of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) with 4-methyl-4'-carboxy-2,2'-bipyridine yielded the new ester derivative L1. Six novel organometallic half-sandwich chlorido Rh(III) and Ir(III) complexes (1-6) containing pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, (Cp*), tetramethylphenylcyclopentadienyl (Cpxph), or tetramethylbiphenylcyclopentadienyl (Cpxbiph), and N,N-chelated bipyridyl group of L1, have been synthesized and characterized. The complexes were screened for inhibitory activity against the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (sensitive), Dd2 (multi-drug resistant) and NF54 late stage gametocytes (LSGNF54), the parasite strain Trichomonas vaginalis G3, as well as A2780 (human ovarian carcinoma), A549 (human alveolar adenocarcinoma), HCT116 (human colorectal carcinoma), MCF7 (human breast cancer) and PC3 (human prostate cancer) cancer cell lines. They show nanomolar antiplasmodial activity, outperforming chloroquine and artemisinin. Their activities were also comparable to dihydroartemisinin. As anticancer agents, several of the complexes showed high inhibitory effects, with Ir(III) complex 3, containing the tetramethylbiphenylcyclopentadienyl ligand, having similar IC50 values (concentration for 50% of maximum inhibition of cell growth) as the clinical drug cisplatin (1.06-9.23 μM versus 0.24-7.2 μM, respectively). Overall, the iridium complexes (1-3) are more potent compared to the rhodium derivatives (4-6), and complex 3 emerges as the most promising candidate for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prinessa Chellan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Vicky M Avery
- Discovery Biology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Sandra Duffy
- Discovery Biology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Kirkwood M Land
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, United States of America
| | - Christina C Tam
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, United States of America
| | - Jong H Kim
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, United States of America
| | - Luisa W Cheng
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, United States of America
| | | | - Peter J Sadler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
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Kshirsagar SG, Rao RV. Antiviral and Immunomodulation Effects of Artemisia. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:217. [PMID: 33673527 PMCID: PMC7997252 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57030217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Artemisia is one of the most widely distributed genera of the family Astraceae with more than 500 diverse species growing mainly in the temperate zones of Europe, Asia and North America. The plant is used in Chinese and Ayurvedic systems of medicine for its antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, insecticidal, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective properties. Research based studies point to Artemisia's role in addressing an entire gamut of physiological imbalances through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. Terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, caffeoylquinic acids, sterols and acetylenes are some of the major phytochemicals of the genus. Notable among the phytochemicals is artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) that represent a new class of recommended drugs due to the emergence of bacteria and parasites that are resistant to quinoline drugs. This manuscript aims to systematically review recent studies that have investigated artemisinin and its derivatives not only for their potent antiviral actions but also their utility against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Materials andMethods: PubMed Central, Scopus and Google scholar databases of published articles were collected and abstracts were reviewed for relevance to the subject matter. Conclusions: The unprecedented impact that artemisinin had on public health and drug discovery research led the Nobel Committee to award the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 to the discoverers of artemisinin. Thus, it is clear that Artemisia's importance in indigenous medicinal systems and drug discovery systems holds great potential for further investigation into its biological activities, especially its role in viral infection and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhas G. Kshirsagar
- College of Ayurveda, Mount Madonna Institute, 445 Summit Road, Watsonville, CA 95076, USA
| | - Rammohan V. Rao
- California College of Ayurveda, 700 Zion Street, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
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He Y, Hua Liu S, Yin J, Yoon J. Sonodynamic and chemodynamic therapy based on organic/organometallic sensitizers. Coord Chem Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2020.213610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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20
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Dolivo D, Weathers P, Dominko T. Artemisinin and artemisinin derivatives as anti-fibrotic therapeutics. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:322-339. [PMID: 33643815 PMCID: PMC7893118 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological reparative process that can occur in most organs and is responsible for nearly half of deaths in the developed world. Despite considerable research, few therapies have proven effective and been approved clinically for treatment of fibrosis. Artemisinin compounds are best known as antimalarial therapeutics, but they also demonstrate antiparasitic, antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-fibrotic effects. Here we summarize literature describing anti-fibrotic effects of artemisinin compounds in in vivo and in vitro models of tissue fibrosis, and we describe the likely mechanisms by which artemisinin compounds appear to inhibit cellular and tissue processes that lead to fibrosis. To consider alternative routes of administration of artemisinin for treatment of internal organ fibrosis, we also discuss the potential for more direct oral delivery of Artemisia plant material to enhance bioavailability and efficacy of artemisinin compared to administration of purified artemisinin drugs at comparable doses. It is our hope that greater understanding of the broad anti-fibrotic effects of artemisinin drugs will enable and promote their use as therapeutics for treatment of fibrotic diseases.
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Key Words
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase
- ASP, aspartate aminotransferase
- Artemisia
- Artemisinin
- Artesunate
- BAD, BCL-2-associated agonist of cell death
- BDL, bile duct ligation
- BSA, bovine serum albumin
- BUN, blood urea nitrogen
- CCl4, carbon tetrachloride
- CTGF, connective tissue growth factor
- Col I, type I collagen
- DHA, dihydroartemisinin
- DLA, dried leaf Artemisia
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EMT, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
- FLS, fibroblast-like synoviocyte
- Fibroblast
- Fibrosis
- HA, hyaluronic acid
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- HUVEC, human umbilical vein endothelial cell
- LAP, latency-associated peptide
- LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
- MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase
- MI, myocardial infarction
- MMP, matrix metalloproteinase
- Myofibroblast
- NAG, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase
- NICD, Notch intracellular domain
- PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen
- PHN, passive heymann nephritis
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- STZ, streptozotocin
- Scar
- TGF, β-transforming growth factor-β
- TGF-β
- TIMP, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase
- UUO, unilateral ureteral obstruction
- i.p., intraperitoneal
- mTOR, mechanistic target of rapamycin
- sCr, serum creatinine
- α-SMA, smooth muscle α-actin
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dolivo
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Pamela Weathers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - Tanja Dominko
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
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Abamecha A, Yilma D, Addisu W, El-Abid H, Ibenthal A, Noedl H, Yewhalaw D, Moumni M, Abdissa A. Therapeutic efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Chewaka District, Ethiopia. Malar J 2020; 19:240. [PMID: 32650784 PMCID: PMC7350688 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in south-western Ethiopia is poorly documented. Regular monitoring of drug efficacy is an important tool for supporting national treatment policies and practice. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of AL for the treatment of P. falciparum malaria in Ethiopia. Methods The study was a one-arm, prospective, evaluation of the clinical and parasitological, responses to directly observed treatment with AL among participants 6 months and older with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR reaction methods were used to quantify and genotype P. falciparum. A modified protocol based on the World Health Organization 2009 recommendations for the surveillance of anti-malarial drug efficacy was used for the study with primary outcomes, clinical and parasitological cure rates at day-28. Secondary outcomes assessed included patterns of fever and parasite clearance. Cure rate on day-28 was assessed by intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analysis. Parasite genotyping was also performed at baseline and at the time of recurrence of parasitaemia to differentiate between recrudescence and new infection. Results Of the 80 study participants enrolled, 75 completed the follow-up at day-28 with ACPR. For per protocol (PP) analysis, PCR-uncorrected and-corrected cure rate of AL among the study participants was 94.7% (95% CI 87.1–98.5) and 96% (95% CI 88.8–99.2), respectively. For intention to treat (ITT) analysis, the cure rate was 90% (95% CI 88.8–99.2). Based on Kaplan–Meier survival estimate, the cumulative incidence of failure rate of AL was 3.8% (95% CI 1.3–11.4). Only three participants 3.8% (95% CI 0.8–10.6) of the 80 enrolled participants were found to be positive on day-3. The day three-positive participants were followed up to day 28 and did not correspond to treatment failures observed during follow-up. Only 7.5% (6/80) of the participants were gametocyte-positive on enrollment and gametocytaemia was absent on day-2 following treatment with AL. Conclusions The therapeutic efficacy of AL is considerably high (above 90%). AL remained highly efficacious in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in the study area resulted in rapid fever and parasite clearance as well as low gametocyte carriage rates despite the use of this combination for more than 15 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhakim Abamecha
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia. .,Department of Biomedical, College of Public Health and Medical Science, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia. .,Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Daniel Yilma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Wondimagegn Addisu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Hassan El-Abid
- Biotechnology and Bio-Resources Development Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Achim Ibenthal
- Faculty of Science and Art, HAWK University, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Harald Noedl
- Malaria Research Initiative Bandarban (MARIB), Vienna, Austria
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.,Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mohieddine Moumni
- Biotechnology and Bio-Resources Development Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Alemseged Abdissa
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.,Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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22
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Adebayo JO, Tijjani H, Adegunloye AP, Ishola AA, Balogun EA, Malomo SO. Enhancing the antimalarial activity of artesunate. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2749-2764. [PMID: 32638101 PMCID: PMC7340003 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06786-1] [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: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The global challenge to the treatment of malaria is mainly the occurrence of resistance of malaria parasites to conventionally used antimalarials. Artesunate, a semisynthetic artemisinin compound, and other artemisinin derivatives are currently used in combination with selected active antimalarial drugs in order to prevent or delay the emergence of resistance to artemisinin derivatives. Several methods, such as preparation of hybrid compounds, combination therapy, chemical modification and the use of synthetic materials to enhance solubility and delivery of artesunate, have been employed over the years to improve the antimalarial activity of artesunate. Each of these methods has advantages it bestows on the efficacy of artesunate. This review discussed the various methods employed in enhancing the antimalarial activity of artesunate and delaying the emergence of resistance of parasite to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Adebayo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
| | - H Tijjani
- Department of Biochemistry, Bauchi State University, Gadau, Bauchi State, Nigeria
| | - A P Adegunloye
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - A A Ishola
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - E A Balogun
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - S O Malomo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
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Raj S, Sasidharan S, Balaji SN, Dubey VK, Saudagar P. Review on natural products as an alternative to contemporary anti-leishmanial therapeutics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42485-020-00035-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Xia M, Liu D, Liu Y, Liu H. The Therapeutic Effect of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives in Kidney Disease. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:380. [PMID: 32296335 PMCID: PMC7136752 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00380] [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: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin (ARS) and its derivatives (ARSs) are recommended as the first-line antimalarial drugs for the treatment of malaria. Besides antimalarial function, its potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, as well as the ability to regulate oxidative stress have brought them to a prominent position. As researchers around the world are continually exploring the unknown biological activities of ARS derivatives, experimental studies have shown much progress in renal therapy. This review aims to give a brief overview of the current research on ARSs applications for kidney treatment with the evaluation of therapeutic properties and potential molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xia
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
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25
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Guo S, Yao X, Jiang Q, Wang K, Zhang Y, Peng H, Tang J, Yang W. Dihydroartemisinin-Loaded Magnetic Nanoparticles for Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:226. [PMID: 32210814 PMCID: PMC7076125 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has represented a new approach for cancer treatment with low toxicity and side effects. Nonetheless, it has been a challenge to improve the therapeutic effect through increasing the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, we increased the amount of ROS agents in the Fenton-like reaction by loading dihydroartemisinin (DHA) which was an artemisinin (ART) derivative containing peroxide groups, into magnetic nanoparticles (MNP), thereby improving the therapeutic effect of CDT. Blank MNP were almost non-cytotoxic, whereas three MNP loading ART-based drugs, MNP-ART, MNP-DHA, and MNP-artesunate (MNP-AS), all showed significant killing effect on breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cells), in which MNP-DHA were the most potent. What's more, the MNP-DHA showed high toxicity to drug-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/ADR cells), demonstrating its ability to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR). The study revealed that MNP could produce ferrous ions under the acidic condition of tumor microenvironment, which catalyzed DHA to produce large amounts of ROS, leading to cell death. Further experiments also showed that the MNP-DHA had significant inhibitory effect on another two aggressive breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-453 cells), which indicated that the great potential of MNP-DHA for the treatment of intractable breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengdi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianxian Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibao Peng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Wuli Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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26
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Helton LG, Kennedy EJ. Targeting Plasmodium with constrained peptides and peptidomimetics. IUBMB Life 2020; 72:1103-1114. [PMID: 32037730 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2244] [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: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Malaria remains a worldwide health concern with an estimated quarter of a billion people infected and nearly half a million deaths annually. Malaria is caused by a parasite infection from Plasmodium strains which are transmitted from mosquitoes into the human host. Although several small molecule inhibitors have been found to target the early stages of transmission and prevent parasite proliferation, multiple drug resistant parasite strains have emerged and drug resistance remains a major hurdle. As an alternative to small molecule inhibition, several peptide-based therapeutics have been explored for their potential as antimalarial compounds. Chemically constrained peptides or peptidomimetics were developed to target large binding interfaces of parasite-based proteins that have historically been difficult to selectively inhibit using small molecules. Here, we review ongoing research aimed at developing constrained peptides targeting protein-protein interactions pertinent to malaria pathogenesis. These targets include Falcipain-2, the J domain of CDPK1, myosin A tail domain interacting protein, the PKA signaling pathway, and an unclear signaling pathway involving angiotensin-derived peptides. Diverse synthetic methods were also used for each target. Merging parasite biology with synthetic strategies may provide new opportunities to develop alternative methods for uncovering novel antimalarials and may offer an alternate source for targeting drug-resistant parasite strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah G Helton
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Eileen J Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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27
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Chen GQ, Benthani FA, Wu J, Liang D, Bian ZX, Jiang X. Artemisinin compounds sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis by regulating iron homeostasis. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:242-254. [PMID: 31114026 PMCID: PMC7205875 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The antimalarial drug artemisinin and its derivatives have been explored as potential anticancer agents, but their underlying mechanisms are controversial. In this study, we found that artemisinin compounds can sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis, a new form of programmed cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Mechanistically, dihydroartemisinin (DAT) can induce lysosomal degradation of ferritin in an autophagy-independent manner, increasing the cellular free iron level and causing cells to become more sensitive to ferroptosis. Further, by associating with cellular free iron and thus stimulating the binding of iron-regulatory proteins (IRPs) with mRNA molecules containing iron-responsive element (IRE) sequences, DAT impinges on IRP/IRE-controlled iron homeostasis to further increase cellular free iron. Importantly, in both in vitro and a mouse xenograft model in which ferroptosis was triggered in cancer cells by the inducible knockout of GPX4, we found that DAT can augment GPX4 inhibition-induced ferroptosis in a cohort of cancer cells that are otherwise highly resistant to ferroptosis. Collectively, artemisinin compounds can sensitize cells to ferroptosis by regulating cellular iron homeostasis. Our findings can be exploited clinically to enhance the effect of future ferroptosis-inducing cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qing Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Fahad A Benthani
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jiao Wu
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, 10065, USA
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Deguang Liang
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xuejun Jiang
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, 10065, USA.
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Exploring Antimalarial Herbal Plants across Communities in Uganda Based on Electronic Data. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:3057180. [PMID: 31636682 PMCID: PMC6766105 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3057180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most rampant diseases today not only in Uganda but also throughout Africa. Hence, it needs very close attention as it can be severe, causing many deaths, especially due to the rising prevalence of pathogenic resistance to current antimalarial drugs. The majority of the Ugandan population relies on traditional herbal medicines for various health issues. Thus, herein, we review various plant resources used to treat malaria across communities in Uganda so as to provide comprehensive and valuable ethnobotanical data about these plants. Approximately 182 plant species from 63 different plant families are used for malaria treatment across several communities in Uganda, of which 112 plant species have been investigated for antimalarial activities and 96% of the plant species showing positive results. Some plants showed very strong antimalarial activities and could be investigated further for the identification and validation of potentially therapeutic antimalarial compounds. There is no record of an investigation of antimalarial activity for approximately 39% of the plant species used for malaria treatment, yet these plants could be potential sources for potent antimalarial remedies. Thus, the review provides guidance for areas of further research on potential plant resources that could be sources of compounds with therapeutic properties for the treatment of malaria. Some of the plants were investigated for antimalarial activities, and their efficacy, toxicity, and safety aspects still need to be studied.
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D'Alessandro S, Alfano G, Di Cerbo L, Brogi S, Chemi G, Relitti N, Brindisi M, Lamponi S, Novellino E, Campiani G, Gemma S, Basilico N, Taramelli D, Baratto MC, Pogni R, Butini S. Bridged bicyclic 2,3-dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes as antiplasmodial agents: Synthesis, structure-activity relationships and studies on their biomimetic reaction with Fe(II). Bioorg Chem 2019; 89:103020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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30
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de Lima DA, Andreotti CEL, Antiquera Ferreira F, Pauli KB, da Silva GR, Ribeiro RDCL, Dalsenter PR, Boechat N, Gasparotto Junior A, Lourenço ELB, Lívero FADR. Safety assessment of MEFAS: an innovative hybrid salt of mefloquine and artesunate for malaria treatment. Drug Chem Toxicol 2019; 44:380-385. [PMID: 31060457 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2019.1607371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a global public health problem that causes approximately 445 000 deaths annually worldwide, especially in underdeveloped countries. Because of the high prevalence and mortality of the disease, new and less toxic therapeutic agents need to be developed, such as MEFAS, a low-cost hybrid salt that consists of artesunate and mefloquine. However, the efficacy of MEFAS has been systematically demonstrated, its safety requires further investigation. This study investigated the acute toxicity of MEFAS and its precursors, artesunate, and mefloquine. A total of 42 female Swiss mice were divided into seven groups (n = 6/group) that were treated orally by gavage with vehicle (filtered water, negative control), MEFAS (50, 500, and 1000 mg/kg), and 1:1 concentrations of artesunate + mefloquine (50, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). Clinical signs of toxicity were observed for 14 d after treatment. On day 15, the animals were weighed, deeply anesthetized with isoflurane, and euthanized for subsequent collection of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. The relative organ weights were determined, followed by histopathological analysis. Artesunate + mefloquine produced toxic effects compared with the negative control group, reflected by changes in clinical signs, relative organ weights, and histopathological alterations. In MEFAS-treated animals, no changes were observed compared with the negative control group. These findings demonstrate that MEFAS is safer than artesunate + mefloquine after acute administration in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniely Alves de Lima
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | | | | | - Karoline Bach Pauli
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ratti da Silva
- Laboratory of Preclinical Research of Natural Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nubia Boechat
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis, Institute of Technology and Pharmaceuticals, FIOCRUZ Farmanguinhos/RJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Arquimedes Gasparotto Junior
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Brazil
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31
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Possible Role of the Ca 2+/Mn 2+ P-Type ATPase Pmr1p on Artemisinin Toxicity through an Induction of Intracellular Oxidative Stress. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24071233. [PMID: 30934859 PMCID: PMC6480206 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinins are widely used to treat Plasmodium infections due to their high clinical efficacy; however, the antimalarial mechanism of artemisinin remains unresolved. Mutations in P. falciparum ATPase6 (PfATP6), a sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-transporting ATPase, are associated with increased tolerance to artemisinin. We utilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model to examine the involvement of Pmr1p, a functional homolog of PfATP6, on the toxicity of artemisinin. Our analysis demonstrated that cells lacking Pmr1p are less susceptible to growth inhibition from artemisinin and its derivatives. No association between sensitivity to artemisinin and altered trafficking of the drug efflux pump Pdr5p, calcium homeostasis, or protein glycosylation was found in pmr1∆ yeast. Basal ROS levels are elevated in pmr1∆ yeast and artemisinin exposure does not enhance ROS accumulation. This is in contrast to WT cells that exhibit a significant increase in ROS production following treatment with artemisinin. Yeast deleted for PMR1 are known to accumulate excess manganese ions that can function as ROS-scavenging molecules, but no correlation between manganese content and artemisinin resistance was observed. We propose that loss of function mutations in Pmr1p in yeast cells and PfATP6 in P. falciparum are protective against artemisinin toxicity due to reduced intracellular oxidative damage.
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32
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Numonov S, Sharopov F, Salimov A, Sukhrobov P, Atolikshoeva S, Safarzoda R, Habasi M, Aisa HA. Assessment of Artemisinin Contents in Selected Artemisia Species from Tajikistan (Central Asia). MEDICINES 2019; 6:medicines6010023. [PMID: 30709043 PMCID: PMC6473495 DOI: 10.3390/medicines6010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Central Asia is the center of origin and diversification of the Artemisia genus. The genus Artemisia is known to possess a rich phytochemical diversity. Artemisinin is the shining example of a phytochemical isolated from Artemisia annua, which is widely used in the treatment of malaria. There is great interest in the discovery of alternative sources of artemisinin in other Artemisia species. Methods: The hexane extracts of Artemisia plants were prepared with ultrasound-assisted extraction procedures. Silica gel was used as an adsorbent for the purification of Artemisia annua extract. High-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection was performed for the quantification of underivatized artemisinin from hexane extracts of plants. Results: Artemisinin was found in seven Artemisia species collected from Tajikistan. Content of artemisinin ranged between 0.07% and 0.45% based on dry mass of Artemisia species samples. Conclusions: The artemisinin contents were observed in seven Artemisia species. A. vachanica was found to be a novel plant source of artemisinin. Purification of A. annua hexane extract using silica gel as adsorbent resulted in enrichment of artemisinin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sodik Numonov
- Research Institution "Chinese-Tajik Innovation Center for Natural Products" of the Tajikistan Academy of Sciences, Ayni str. 299/2, Dushanbe 734063, Tajikistan.
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China.
- Center for Research in Innovative Technologies, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan, Dushanbe 734062, Tajikistan.
| | - Farukh Sharopov
- Research Institution "Chinese-Tajik Innovation Center for Natural Products" of the Tajikistan Academy of Sciences, Ayni str. 299/2, Dushanbe 734063, Tajikistan.
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, Rudaki 139, Dushanbe 734003, Tajikistan.
| | - Aminjon Salimov
- V.I. Nikitin Institute of Chemistry of the Tajikistan Academy of Sciences, Ayni str. 299/2, Dushanbe 734063, Tajikistan.
| | - Parviz Sukhrobov
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China.
| | - Sunbula Atolikshoeva
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China.
| | - Ramazon Safarzoda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, Rudaki 139, Dushanbe 734003, Tajikistan.
| | - Maidina Habasi
- Research Institution "Chinese-Tajik Innovation Center for Natural Products" of the Tajikistan Academy of Sciences, Ayni str. 299/2, Dushanbe 734063, Tajikistan.
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China.
| | - Haji Akber Aisa
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry in Arid Regions, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China.
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33
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Tang Z, Liu Y, He M, Bu W. Chemodynamic Therapy: Tumour Microenvironment‐Mediated Fenton and Fenton‐like Reactions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:946-956. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201805664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 920] [Impact Index Per Article: 184.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongmin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institute of CeramicsChinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 200050 P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical ProcessesSchool of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringEast China Normal University Shanghai 200062 P.R. China
| | - Mingyuan He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical ProcessesSchool of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringEast China Normal University Shanghai 200062 P.R. China
| | - Wenbo Bu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institute of CeramicsChinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 200050 P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical ProcessesSchool of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringEast China Normal University Shanghai 200062 P.R. China
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Kumari A, Karnatak M, Singh D, Shankar R, Jat JL, Sharma S, Yadav D, Shrivastava R, Verma VP. Current scenario of artemisinin and its analogues for antimalarial activity. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 163:804-829. [PMID: 30579122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human malaria, one of the most striking, reemerging infectious diseases, is caused by several types of Plasmodium parasites. Whilst advances have been made in lowering the numbers of cases and deaths, it is clear that a strategy based solely on disease control year on year, without reducing transmission and ultimately eradicating the parasite, is unsustainable. Natural products have served as a template for the design and development of antimalarial drugs currently in the clinic or in the development phase. Artemisinin combine potent, rapid antimalarial activity with a wide therapeutic index and an absence of clinically important resistance. The alkylating ability of artemisinin and its semi-synthetic analogues toward heme related to their antimalarial efficacy are underlined. Although impressive results have already been achieved in malaria research, more systematization and concentration of efforts are required if real breakthroughs are to be made. This review will concisely cover the clinical, preclinical antimalarial and current updates in artemisinin based antimalarial drugs. Diverse classes of semi-synthetic analogs of artemisinin reported in the last decade have also been extensively studied. The experience gained in this respect is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akriti Kumari
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Manvika Karnatak
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai, 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Davinder Singh
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ravi Shankar
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, 180001, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Jawahar L Jat
- Department of Applied Chemistry, BabaSaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025, India
| | - Siddharth Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, 313001, India
| | - Dinesh Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, 313001, India
| | - Rahul Shrivastava
- Department of Chemistry, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur, 303007, India
| | - Ved Prakash Verma
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai, 304022, Rajasthan, India.
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35
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Tang Z, Liu Y, He M, Bu W. Chemodynamic Therapy: Tumour Microenvironment‐Mediated Fenton and Fenton‐like Reactions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201805664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongmin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institute of CeramicsChinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 200050 P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical ProcessesSchool of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringEast China Normal University Shanghai 200062 P.R. China
| | - Mingyuan He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical ProcessesSchool of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringEast China Normal University Shanghai 200062 P.R. China
| | - Wenbo Bu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institute of CeramicsChinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 200050 P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical ProcessesSchool of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringEast China Normal University Shanghai 200062 P.R. China
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36
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Mvango S, Matshe WMR, Balogun AO, Pilcher LA, Balogun MO. Nanomedicines for Malaria Chemotherapy: Encapsulation vs. Polymer Therapeutics. Pharm Res 2018; 35:237. [PMID: 30324329 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-018-2517-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the oldest infectious diseases that afflict humans and its history extends back for millennia. It was once prevalent throughout the globe but today it is mainly endemic to tropical regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South-east Asia. Ironically, treatment for malaria has existed for centuries yet it still exerts an enormous death toll. This contradiction is attributed in part to the rapid development of resistance by the malaria parasite to chemotherapeutic drugs. In turn, resistance has been fuelled by poor patient compliance to the relatively toxic antimalarial drugs. While drug toxicity and poor pharmacological potentials have been addressed or ameliorated with various nanomedicine drug delivery systems in diseases like cancer, no clinically significant success story has been reported for malaria. There have been several reviews on the application of nanomedicine technologies, especially drug encapsulation, to malaria treatment. Here we extend the scope of the collation of the nanomedicine research literature to polymer therapeutics technology. We first discuss the history of the disease and how a flurry of scientific breakthroughs in the latter part of the nineteenth century provided scientific understanding of the disease. This is followed by a review of the disease biology and the major antimalarial chemotherapy. The achievements of nanomedicine in cancer and other infectious diseases are discussed to draw parallels with malaria. A review of the current state of the research into malaria nanomedicines, both encapsulation and polymer therapeutics polymer-drug conjugation technologies, is covered and we conclude with a consideration of the opportunities and challenges offered by both technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindisiwe Mvango
- Biopolymer Modification & Therapeutics Lab, Polymers & Composites, Materials Science & Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.,Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - William M R Matshe
- Biopolymer Modification & Therapeutics Lab, Polymers & Composites, Materials Science & Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Abideen O Balogun
- Department of Medicine, Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lynne A Pilcher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - Mohammed O Balogun
- Biopolymer Modification & Therapeutics Lab, Polymers & Composites, Materials Science & Manufacturing, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
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The Antimalarial Drug Artesunate Attenuates Cardiac Injury in A Rodent Model of Myocardial Infarction. Shock 2018; 49:675-681. [DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000000963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Wong YK, Xu C, Kalesh KA, He Y, Lin Q, Wong WSF, Shen HM, Wang J. Artemisinin as an anticancer drug: Recent advances in target profiling and mechanisms of action. Med Res Rev 2017. [PMID: 28643446 DOI: 10.1002/med.21446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives (collectively termed as artemisinins) are among the most important and effective antimalarial drugs, with proven safety and efficacy in clinical use. Beyond their antimalarial effects, artemisinins have also been shown to possess selective anticancer properties, demonstrating cytotoxic effects against a wide range of cancer types both in vitro and in vivo. These effects appear to be mediated by artemisinin-induced changes in multiple signaling pathways, interfering simultaneously with multiple hallmarks of cancer. Great strides have been taken to characterize these pathways and to reveal their anticancer mechanisms of action of artemisinin. Moreover, encouraging data have also been obtained from a limited number of clinical trials to support their anticancer property. However, there are several key gaps in knowledge that continue to serve as significant barriers to the repurposing of artemisinins as effective anticancer agents. This review focuses on important and emerging aspects of this field, highlighting breakthroughs in unresolved questions as well as novel techniques and approaches that have been taken in recent studies. We discuss the mechanism of artemisinin activation in cancer, novel and significant findings with regards to artemisinin target proteins and pathways, new understandings in artemisinin-induced cell death mechanisms, as well as the practical issues of repurposing artemisinin. We believe these will be important topics in realizing the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives as safe and potent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chengchao Xu
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karunakaran A Kalesh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yingke He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qingsong Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - W S Fred Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han-Ming Shen
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Abd-Elkhal A. Improvement of Anti-malarial Artemisinin and Essential Oil Production in Response to Optimization of Irrigation and Nitrogen Supply to Artemisia annua L. Plant. RESEARCH JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL PLANTS 2017; 11:68-76. [DOI: 10.3923/rjmp.2017.68.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Computer-Aided Drug Discovery from Marine Compounds: Identification of the Three-Dimensional Structural Features Responsible for Antimalarial Activity. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2017. [PMID: 28238037 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-51284-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
An integrated computational approach, based on molecular dynamics/mechanics, semi-empirical, and DFT calculations as well as dynamic docking studies, has been employed to gain insight into the mechanism of action of new antimalarial agents characterized by the scaffold of the marine compounds plakortin and aplidinone. The results of this approach show that these molecules, after interaction with Fe(II), likely coming from the heme molecule, give rise to the formation of radical species, that should represent the toxic intermediates responsible for subsequent reactions leading to plasmodium death. The three-dimensional structural requirements necessary for the activity of these new classes of antimalarial agents have been identified and discussed throughout the chapter.
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4-Nitro styrylquinoline is an antimalarial inhibiting multiple stages of Plasmodium falciparum asexual life cycle. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2017; 7:120-129. [PMID: 28285258 PMCID: PMC5350499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Drugs against malaria are losing their effectiveness because of emerging drug resistance. This underscores the need for novel therapeutic options for malaria with mechanism of actions distinct from current antimalarials. To identify novel pharmacophores against malaria we have screened compounds containing structural features of natural products that are pharmacologically relevant. This screening has identified a 4-nitro styrylquinoline (SQ) compound with submicromolar antiplasmodial activity and excellent selectivity. SQ exhibits a cellular action distinct from current antimalarials, acting early on malaria parasite's intraerythrocytic life cycle including merozoite invasion. The compound is a fast-acting parasitocidal agent and also exhibits curative property in the rodent malaria model when administered orally. In this report, we describe the synthesis, preliminary structure-function analysis, and the parasite developmental stage specific action of the SQ scaffold.
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Ma P, Xiao H, Yu C, Liu J, Cheng Z, Song H, Zhang X, Li C, Wang J, Gu Z, Lin J. Enhanced Cisplatin Chemotherapy by Iron Oxide Nanocarrier-Mediated Generation of Highly Toxic Reactive Oxygen Species. NANO LETTERS 2017; 17:928-937. [PMID: 28139118 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b04269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 442] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in therapeutic effects as well as side effects of platinum drugs. Cisplatin mediates activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX), which triggers oxygen (O2) to superoxide radical (O2•-) and its downstream H2O2. Through the Fenton's reaction, H2O2 could be catalyzed by Fe2+/Fe3+ to the toxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which cause oxidative damages to lipids, proteins, and DNA. By taking the full advantage of Fenton's chemistry, we herein demonstrated tumor site-specific conversion of ROS generation induced by released cisplatin and Fe2+/Fe3+ from iron-oxide nanocarriers with cisplatin(IV) prodrugs for enhanced anticancer activity but minimized systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping'an Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Haihua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Chang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun 130041, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University , Changchun 130012, P. R. China
| | - Ziyong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Haiqin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Xinyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Chunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Jinqiang Wang
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Zhen Gu
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Jun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, P. R. China
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Assrir N, Malard F, Lescop E. Structural Insights into TCTP and Its Interactions with Ligands and Proteins. Results Probl Cell Differ 2017; 64:9-46. [PMID: 29149402 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-67591-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The 19-24 kDa Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) is involved in a wide range of molecular interactions with biological and nonbiological partners of various chemical compositions such as proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, or small molecules. TCTP is therefore an important and versatile binding platform. Many of these protein-protein interactions have been validated, albeit only few received an in-depth structural characterization. In this chapter, we will focus on the structural analysis of TCTP and we will review the available literature regarding its interaction network from a structural perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Assrir
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR2301, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 1 avenue de la Terrasse, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Florian Malard
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR2301, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 1 avenue de la Terrasse, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Ewen Lescop
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR2301, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 1 avenue de la Terrasse, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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Ajiboye JA, Erukainure OL, Okoro EE, Asieba G. Artesunate-induced testicular injury: Oil from selected spices blend modulates redox homeostasis and exacerbates steroidogenesis in rat models. CLINICAL NUTRITION EXPERIMENTAL 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yclnex.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sidhaye AA, Bhuran KC, Zambare S, Abubaker M, Nirmalan N, Singh KK. Bio-inspired artemether-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles for effective control of malaria-infected erythrocytes. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 11:2809-2828. [PMID: 27759489 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2016-0235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The intra-erythrocytic development of the malarial parasite is dependent on active uptake of nutrients, including human serum albumin (HSA), into parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs). We have designed HSA-based nanoparticles as a potential drug-delivery option for antimalarials. METHODS Artemether-loaded nanoparticles (AANs) were designed and antimalarial activity evaluated in vitro/in vivo using Plasmodium falciparum/Plasmodium berghei species, respectively. RESULTS Selective internalization of AAN into Plasmodium-infected RBCs in preference to healthy erythrocytes was observed using confocal imaging. In vitro studies showed 50% dose reduction for AAN as compared with drug-only controls to achieve IC50 levels of inhibition. The nanoparticles exhibited twofold higher peak drug concentrations in RBCs with antimalarial activity at 50% of therapeutic doses in P. bergei infected mice. CONCLUSION Novel HSA-based nanoparticles offer safe and effective approach for selective targeting of antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi A Sidhaye
- CU Shah College of Pharmacy, SNDT Women's University, Santacruz (W), Mumbai 400049, India
| | - Kanchan C Bhuran
- CU Shah College of Pharmacy, SNDT Women's University, Santacruz (W), Mumbai 400049, India
| | - Sneha Zambare
- CU Shah College of Pharmacy, SNDT Women's University, Santacruz (W), Mumbai 400049, India
| | - Munna Abubaker
- School of Environment & Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Niroshini Nirmalan
- School of Environment & Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Kamalinder K Singh
- CU Shah College of Pharmacy, SNDT Women's University, Santacruz (W), Mumbai 400049, India.,School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
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Zuma NH, Smit FJ, de Kock C, Combrinck J, Smith PJ, N'Da DD. Synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of non-hemiacetal ester derivatives of artemisinin. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 122:635-646. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Tilley L, Straimer J, Gnädig NF, Ralph SA, Fidock DA. Artemisinin Action and Resistance in Plasmodium falciparum. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:682-696. [PMID: 27289273 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The worldwide use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) has contributed in recent years to a substantial reduction in deaths resulting from Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Resistance to artemisinins, however, has emerged in Southeast Asia. Clinically, resistance is defined as a slower rate of parasite clearance in patients treated with an artemisinin derivative or an ACT. These slow clearance rates associate with enhanced survival rates of ring-stage parasites briefly exposed in vitro to dihydroartemisinin. We describe recent progress made in defining the molecular basis of artemisinin resistance, which has identified a primary role for the P. falciparum K13 protein. Using K13 mutations as molecular markers, epidemiological studies are now tracking the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance. Mechanistic studies suggest potential ways to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Judith Straimer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nina F Gnädig
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stuart A Ralph
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
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Nega D, Assefa A, Mohamed H, Solomon H, Woyessa A, Assefa Y, Kebede A, Kassa M. Therapeutic Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem®) in Treating Uncomplicated P. falciparum Malaria in Metehara, Eastern Ethiopia: Regulatory Clinical Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154618. [PMID: 27128799 PMCID: PMC4851404 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As per the WHO recommendation, the development of resistance by P. falciparum to most artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) triggered the need for routine monitoring of the efficacy of the drugs every two years in all malaria endemic countries. Hence, this study was carried out to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem®) in treating the uncomplicated falciparum malaria, after 9 years of its introduction in the Metehara, Eastern Ethiopia. METHOD This is part of the therapeutic efficacy studies by the Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia, which were conducted in regionally representative sentinel sites in the country from October 2014 to January 2015. Based on the study criteria set by WHO, febrile and malaria suspected outpatients in the health center were consecutively recruited to study. A standard six-dose regimen of AL was administered over three days and followed up for measuring therapeutic responses over 28 days. Data entry and analysis was done by using the WHO designed Excel spreadsheet and SPSS version 20 for Windows. Statistical significant was considered for P-value less than 0.05. RESULT Of the 91 patients enrolled, the day-28 analysis showed 83 adequate clinical and parasitological responses (ACPRs). Per protocol analysis, PCR-uncorrected & corrected cure rates of Coartem® among the study participants were 97.6% (95%CI: 93.6-99.5) and 98.8% (CI: 93.5-100%), respectively. No parasite detected on day 3 and onwards. Fever clearance was above 91% on day-3. Mean hemoglobin was significantly increased (P<0.000) from 12.39 g/dl at day 0 to 13.45 g/dl on day 28. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed among the study participants. CONCLUSION This study showed high efficacy of AL in the study area, which suggests the continuation of AL as first line drug for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in the study area. This study recommends further studies on drug toxicity, particularly on repeated cough and oral ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desalegn Nega
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Ashenafi Assefa
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hussein Mohamed
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwot Solomon
- Malaria research team, disease prevention and control directorate, Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adugna Woyessa
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Amha Kebede
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Moges Kassa
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Drenberg CD, Buaboonnam J, Orwick SJ, Hu S, Li L, Fan Y, Shelat AA, Guy RK, Rubnitz J, Baker SD. Evaluation of artemisinins for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 77:1231-43. [PMID: 27125973 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3038-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigate antileukemic activity of artemisinins, artesunate (ART), and dihydroartemisinin (DHA), in combination with cytarabine, a key component of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) chemotherapy using in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS Using ten human AML cell lines, we conducted a high-throughput screen to identify antimalarial agents with antileukemic activity. We evaluated effects of ART and DHA on cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, lysosomal integrity, and combination effects with cytarabine in cell lines and primary patient blasts. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies and efficacy of single-agent ART or combination with cytarabine were evaluated in three xenograft models. RESULTS ART and DHA had the most potent activity in a panel of AML cell lines, with selectivity toward samples harboring MLL rearrangements and FLT3-ITD mutations. Combination of ART or DHA was synergistic with cytarabine. Single-dose ART (120 mg/kg) produced human equivalent exposures, but multiple dose daily administration required for in vivo efficacy was not tolerated. Combination treatment produced initial regression, but did not prolong survival in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The pharmacology of artemisinins is problematic and should be considered in designing AML treatment strategies with currently available agents. Artemisinins with improved pharmacokinetic properties may offer therapeutic benefit in combination with conventional therapeutic strategies in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina D Drenberg
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 500 W. 12th St., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jassada Buaboonnam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Shelley J Orwick
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Shuiying Hu
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 500 W. 12th St., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Lie Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yiping Fan
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Anang A Shelat
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - R Kiplin Guy
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey Rubnitz
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sharyn D Baker
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 500 W. 12th St., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Sun C, Zhou B. The molecular and cellular action properties of artemisinins: what has yeast told us? MICROBIAL CELL 2016; 3:196-205. [PMID: 28357355 PMCID: PMC5349147 DOI: 10.15698/mic2016.05.498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) or Qinghaosu is a natural compound possessing superior anti-malarial activity. Although intensive studies have been done in the medicinal chemistry field to understand the structure-effect relationship, the biological actions of artemisinin are poorly understood and controversial. Due to the current lack of a genetic amiable model to address this question, and an accidental finding made more than a decade ago during our initial exploratory efforts that yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be inhibited by artemisinin, we have since been using the baker's yeast as a model to probe the molecular and cellular properties of artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) in living cells. ARTs were found to possess potent and specific anti-mitochondrial properties and, to a lesser extent, the ability to generate a relatively general oxidative damage. The anti-mitochondrial effects of artemisinin were later confirmed with purified mitochondria from malaria parasites. Inside some cells heme appears to be a primary reducing agent and reduction of ARTs by heme can induce a relatively nonspecific cellular damage. The molecular basis of the anti-mitochondrial properties of ARTs remains not well elucidated yet. We propose that the anti-mitochondrial and heme-mediated ROS-generating properties constitute two cellcidal actions of ARTs. This review summarizes what we have learned from yeast about the basic biological properties of ARTs, as well as some key unanswered questions. We believe yeast could serve as a window through which to peek at some of the biological action secrets of ARTs that might be difficult for us to learn otherwise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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