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Emami S, Sadeghi M, Shahdin S, Daryani A, Khalilian A, Pirestani M, Hosseini SA, Montazeri M, Nejad ZH, Sarvi S. In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Parasitic Activities of Quinolone-Coumarin Hybrids Derived from Fluoroquinolones and Novobiocin Against Toxoplasma gondii. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1275-1283. [PMID: 38753101 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00852-9] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). In immunocompetent individuals, the infection is often asymptomatic; however, in expectant mothers and those with immune system deficiencies, complications may arise. Consequently, there is a need for new drugs that cause minimal damage to host cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro antiparasitic efficacy of quinolone-coumarin hybrids QC1-QC12, derived from quinolone antibacterials and novobiocin, against T. gondii. METHODS The derivatives were compared with novobiocin and ciprofloxacin during testing, with pyrimethamine used as a positive control. We conducted the MTT assay to examine the anti-toxoplasmic effects of the test compounds and novobiocin. Evaluation included the infection and proliferation indices, as well as the size and number of plaques, based on the viability of both healthy and infected cells. RESULTS The in vitro assays revealed that QC1, QC3, QC6, and novobiocin, with selectivity indices (SIs) of 7.27, 13.43, and 8.23, respectively, had the least toxic effect on healthy cells and the highest effect on infected cells compared to pyrimethamine (SI = 3.05). Compared to pyrimethamine, QC1, QC3, QC6, and novobiocin Without having a significant effect on cell viability, demonstrated a significant effect on reducing in both infection index and proliferation index, in addition to reducing the quantity and dimensions of plaques ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Based on our results, QC1, QC3, QC6, and novobiocin due to their significant therapeutic effects could be considered as potential new leads in the development of novel anti-Toxoplasma agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Emami
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mitra Sadeghi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Disease Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Shahdin
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Disease Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Disease Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Alireza Khalilian
- Biostatistics Department, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Tarbiat Modares University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Disease Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Disease Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Hosseini Nejad
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Disease Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Disease Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran.
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Sharma HN, Catrett J, Nwokeocha OD, Boersma M, Miller ME, Napier A, Robertson BK, Abugri DA. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity of Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom extract. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8667. [PMID: 37248277 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35676-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection continues to rise globally in humans and animals with high socioeconomic and public health challenges. Current medications used against T. gondii infection are limited in efficacy, safety, and affordability. This research was conducted to assess the higher fungi extract effect on T. gondii tachyzoites growth in vitro and possibly decipher its mechanism of action. Furthermore, we evaluated the extract's effect on human foreskin fibroblast viability. The methanol extracts of Turkey tail (TT) mushroom was tested against T. gondii tachyzoites growth using an RH-RFP type I strain that expresses red fluorescent protein throughout culture in a dose-dependent manner using a fluorescent plate reader. Similarly, we tested the effect of the extract on host cell viability. We observed that TT extract inhibited tachyzoites growth with a 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50s), IC50 = 5.98 ± 1.22 µg/mL, and 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50s), CC50 ≥ 100 µg/mL. It was discovered that TT extract induced strong mitochondria superoxide and reactive oxygen species production and disrupted mitochondria membrane potential in T. gondii tachyzoites. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy depicted that TT extract and pyrimethamine (PY) caused a morphological deformation of tachyzoites in vitro. In conclusion, TT methanol extract made up of phytosterols, bioactive sphingolipids, peptides, phenolic acids, and lactones could be a promising source of new compounds for the future development of anti-Toxoplasma gondii drugs. Extracts were non-cytotoxic, even at higher concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Nath Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | | | - Ogechi Destiny Nwokeocha
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA
- The School of Dentistry (SOD) Doctorate of Dentistry Program, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Melissa Boersma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science and Mathematics (COSAM), Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Michael E Miller
- Auburn University Research Instrumentation Facility, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Audrey Napier
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Boakai K Robertson
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Daniel A Abugri
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
- Microbiology Ph.D. Program, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
- Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
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In vitro activity of N-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline-2-amines against tachyzoites and bradyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 50:116467. [PMID: 34666274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondiiis an apicomplexan parasite, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, a common disease in the world. Toxoplasmosis could be severe, especially in immunocompromised patients. The current therapy is limited, where pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine are the best choices despite being associated with side effects and ineffective against the bradyzoites, the parasitic form present during the chronic phase of the infection. Thus, new therapies against both tachyzoites and bradyzoites from T. gondii are urgent. Herein, we present the anti-T. gondii effect of 1,10-phenanthroline and its N-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline-2-amine derivatives. The chemical modification of 1,10-phenanthroline tonew derivatives improved the anti-T. gondiiactivity 3.4 fold. The most active derivative presented ED50in the nanomolar range, the smallest value found was for Ph8, 0.1 µM for 96 h of treatment. The host cell viability was maintained after the treatment with the compounds, which were found to be highly selective presenting large selectivity indexes. Treatment with derivatives for 96 h was able to eliminate the T. gondii infection irreversibly. The ultrastructural alterations caused after the treatment with the most effective derivative (Ph8) included signs of cell death, specifically revealed by the Tunel assay for detection of DNA fragmentation. The Phen derivatives were also able to control the growth of the in vitro-derived bradyzoite forms of T. gondii EGS strain, causing its lysis and death. These findings promote the 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives as potential lead compounds for the development of a treatment for acute and chronic phases of toxoplasmosis.
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Work EM, Ferraudi G, Kiefer L, Liu G, Grigalunas M, Bhardwaj A, Kaur R, Dempsey JM, Wüstner D, Helquist P, Wiest O. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of a Luminescent Cholesterol Mimic. J Org Chem 2021; 86:1612-1621. [PMID: 33369429 PMCID: PMC8126345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c02460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The development of new chemical tools with improved properties is essential to chemical and cell biology. Of particular interest is the development of mimics of small molecules with important cellular function that allow the direct observation of their trafficking in a cell. To this end, a novel 15-azasterol has been designed and synthesized as a luminescent cholesterol mimic for the monitoring of cholesterol trafficking. The brightness of this probe, which is ∼32-times greater than the widely used dehydroergosterol probe, is combined with resistance to photobleaching in solution and in human fibroblasts and an exceptionally large Stokes-like shift of ∼150-200 nm. The photophysical properties of the probe have been studied experimentally and computationally, suggesting an intersystem crossing to the triplet excited state with subsequent phosphorescent decay. Molecular dynamics simulations show a similar binding mode of cholesterol and the azasterol probe to NPC proteins, demonstrating the structural similarity of the probe to cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Work
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46566, United States
| | - Guillermo Ferraudi
- Radiation Research Laboratory, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Luke Kiefer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46566, United States
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46566, United States
| | - Michael Grigalunas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46566, United States
| | - Atul Bhardwaj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46566, United States
| | - Rasmin Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Janel M. Dempsey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46566, United States
| | - Daniel Wüstner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Paul Helquist
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46566, United States
| | - Olaf Wiest
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46566, United States
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Salin NH, Noordin R, Al-Najjar BO, Kamarulzaman EE, Yunus MH, Karim IZA, Nasim NNM, Zakaria II, Wahab HA. Identification of potential dual -targets anti- toxoplasma gondii compounds through structure-based virtual screening and in-vitro studies. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0225232. [PMID: 32442170 PMCID: PMC7244133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease which can lead to morbidity and mortality of the fetus and immunocompromised individuals. Due to the limited effectiveness or side effects of existing drugs, the search for better drug candidates is still ongoing. In this study, we performed structure-based screening of potential dual-targets inhibitors of active sites of T. gondii drug targets such as uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (UPRTase) and adenosine kinase (AK). First screening of virtual compounds from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) was performed via molecular docking. Subsequently, the hit compounds were tested in-vitro for anti- T. gondii effect using cell viability assay with Vero cells as host to determine cytotoxicity effects and drug selectivities. Clindamycin, as positive control, showed a selectivity index (SI) of 10.9, thus compounds with SI > 10.9 specifically target T. gondii proliferation with no significant effect on the host cells. Good anti- T. gondii effects were observed with NSC77468 (7-ethoxy-4-methyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-thiopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2-amine) which showed SI values of 25. This study showed that in-silico selection can serve as an effective way to discover potentially potent and selective compounds against T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Hanim Salin
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Rahmah Noordin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Belal O. Al-Najjar
- Faculty of Pharmacy Al-Ahliyya Amman, University Amman Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Muhammad Hafiznur Yunus
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | | | - Nurul Nadieya Mohd Nasim
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Iffah Izzati Zakaria
- Synthetic Biology & Cell Factories, Malaysia Genome Institute, National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia, Selangor, Gelugor, Malaysia
| | - Habibah A. Wahab
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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A new iron(III) complex-containing sulfadiazine inhibits the proliferation and induces cystogenesis of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2795-2805. [PMID: 29934691 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5967-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that metallocomplexes can control the growth of Toxoplasma gondii, the agent that causes toxoplasmosis. In order to develop new metallodrugs to treat this disease, we investigated the influence of the coordination of sulfadiazine (SDZ), a drug used to treat toxoplasmosis, on the biological activity of the iron(III) complex [Fe(HBPClNOL)Cl2]·H2O, 1, (H2BPClNOL=N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)(3-chloro)(2-hydroxy)-propylamine). The new complex [(Cl)(SDZ)Fe(III)(μ-BPClNOL)2Fe(III)(SDZ)(Cl)]·2H2O, 2, which was obtained by the reaction between complex 1 and SDZ, was characterized using a range of physico-chemical techniques. The cytotoxic effect of the complexes and the ability of T. gondii to infect LLC-MK2 cells were assessed. It was found that both complexes reduced the growth of T. gondii while also causing low cytotoxicity in the host cells. After 48 h of treatment, complex 2 reduced the parasite's ability to proliferate by about 50% with an IC50 of 1.66 μmol/L. Meanwhile, complex 1 or SDZ alone caused a 40% reduction in proliferation, and SDZ displayed an IC50 of 5.3 μmol/L. In addition, complex 2 treatment induced distinct morphological and ultrastructural changes in the parasites and triggered the formation of cyst-like forms. These results show that the coordination of SDZ to the iron(III) complex is a good strategy for increasing the anti-toxoplasma activity of these compounds.
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Portes J, Motta C, Azeredo N, Fernandes C, Horn A, De Souza W, DaMatta R, Seabra S. In vitro treatment of Toxoplasma gondii with copper(II) complexes induces apoptosis-like and cellular division alterations. Vet Parasitol 2017; 245:141-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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da Silva RJ, Gomes AO, Franco PS, Pereira AS, Milian ICB, Ribeiro M, Fiorenzani P, dos Santos MC, Mineo JR, da Silva NM, Ferro EAV, de Freitas Barbosa B. Enrofloxacin and Toltrazuril Are Able to Reduce Toxoplasma gondii Growth in Human BeWo Trophoblastic Cells and Villous Explants from Human Third Trimester Pregnancy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:340. [PMID: 28798905 PMCID: PMC5526852 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical treatment for congenital toxoplasmosis is based on combination of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine plus folinic acid. Due to teratogenic effects and bone marrow suppression caused by pyrimethamine, the establishment of new therapeutic strategies is indispensable to minimize the side effects and improve the control of infection. Previous studies demonstrated that enrofloxacin and toltrazuril reduced the incidence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of enrofloxacin and toltrazuril in the control of T. gondii infection in human trophoblast cells (BeWo line) and in human villous explants from the third trimester. BeWo cells and villous were treated with several concentrations of enrofloxacin, toltrazuril, sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, or combination of sulfadiazine+pyrimethamine, and the cellular or tissue viability was verified. Next, BeWo cells were infected by T. gondii (2F1 clone or the ME49 strain), whereas villous samples were only infected by the 2F1 clone. Then, infected cells and villous were treated with all antibiotics and the T. gondii intracellular proliferation as well as the cytokine production were analyzed. Finally, we evaluated the direct effect of enrofloxacin and toltrazuril in tachyzoites to verify possible changes in parasite structure. Enrofloxacin and toltrazuril did not decrease the viability of cells and villous in lower concentrations. Both drugs were able to significantly reduce the parasite intracellular proliferation in BeWo cells and villous explants when compared to untreated conditions. Regardless of the T. gondii strain, BeWo cells infected and treated with enrofloxacin or toltrazuril induced high levels of IL-6 and MIF. In villous explants, enrofloxacin induced high MIF production. Finally, the drugs increased the number of unviable parasites and triggered damage to tachyzoite structure. Taken together, it can be concluded that enrofloxacin and toltrazuril are able to control T. gondii infection in BeWo cells and villous explants, probably by a direct action on the host cells and parasites, which leads to modifications of cytokine release and tachyzoite structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela J. da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of UberlândiaUberlândia, Brazil
| | - Angelica O. Gomes
- Departament of Morphology, Federal University of Triângulo MineiroUberaba, Brazil
| | - Priscila S. Franco
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of UberlândiaUberlândia, Brazil
| | - Ariane S. Pereira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of UberlândiaUberlândia, Brazil
| | - Iliana C. B. Milian
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of UberlândiaUberlândia, Brazil
| | - Mayara Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of UberlândiaUberlândia, Brazil
| | - Paolo Fiorenzani
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of SienaSiena, Italy
| | - Maria C. dos Santos
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of UberlândiaUberlândia, Brazil
| | - José R. Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of UberlândiaUberlândia, Brazil
| | - Neide M. da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of UberlandiaUberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa A. V. Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of UberlândiaUberlândia, Brazil
| | - Bellisa de Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of UberlândiaUberlândia, Brazil
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Montazeri M, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Mehrzadi S, Ahmadpour E, Daryani A. A Systematic Review of In vitro and In vivo Activities of Anti -Toxoplasma Drugs and Compounds (2006-2016). Front Microbiol 2017; 8:25. [PMID: 28163699 PMCID: PMC5247447 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The currently available anti-Toxoplasma agents have serious limitations. This systematic review was performed to evaluate drugs and new compounds used for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. Data was systematically collected from published papers on the efficacy of drugs/compounds used against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) globally during 2006-2016. The searched databases were PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, ISI Web of Science, EBSCO, and Scopus. One hundred and eighteen papers were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review, which were both in vitro and in vivo studies. Within this review, 80 clinically available drugs and a large number of new compounds with more than 39 mechanisms of action were evaluated. Interestingly, many of the drugs/compounds evaluated against T. gondii act on the apicoplast. Therefore, the apicoplast represents as a potential drug target for new chemotherapy. Based on the current findings, 49 drugs/compounds demonstrated in vitro half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of below 1 μM, but most of them were not evaluated further for in vivo effectiveness. However, the derivatives of the ciprofloxacin, endochin-like quinolones and 1-[4-(4-nitrophenoxy) phenyl] propane-1-one (NPPP) were significantly active against T. gondii tachyzoites both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, these compounds are promising candidates for future studies. Also, compound 32 (T. gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 inhibitor), endochin-like quinolones, miltefosine, rolipram abolish, and guanabenz can be repurposed into an effective anti-parasitic with a unique ability to reduce brain tissue cysts (88.7, 88, 78, 74, and 69%, respectively). Additionally, no promising drugs are available for congenital toxoplasmosis. In conclusion, as current chemotherapy against toxoplasmosis is still not satisfactory, development of well-tolerated and safe specific immunoprophylaxis in relaxing the need of dependence on chemotherapeutics is a highly valuable goal for global disease control. However, with the increasing number of high-risk individuals, and absence of a proper vaccine, continued efforts are necessary for the development of novel treatment options against T. gondii. Some of the novel compounds reviewed here may represent good starting points for the discovery of effective new drugs. In further, bioinformatic and in silico studies are needed in order to identify new potential toxoplasmicidal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbobeh Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences TehranIran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical SciencesTabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
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Review of Experimental Compounds Demonstrating Anti-Toxoplasma Activity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:7017-7034. [PMID: 27600037 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01176-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite capable of infecting humans and other animals. Current treatment options for T. gondii infection are limited and most have drawbacks, including high toxicity and low tolerability. Additionally, no FDA-approved treatments are available for pregnant women, a high-risk population due to transplacental infection. Therefore, the development of novel treatment options is needed. To aid this effort, this review highlights experimental compounds that, at a minimum, demonstrate inhibition of in vitro growth of T. gondii When available, host cell toxicity and in vivo data are also discussed. The purpose of this review is to facilitate additional development of anti-Toxoplasma compounds and potentially to extend our knowledge of the parasite.
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Portes JA, Souza TG, dos Santos TAT, da Silva LLR, Ribeiro TP, Pereira MD, Horn A, Fernandes C, DaMatta RA, de Souza W, Seabra SH. Reduction of Toxoplasma gondii Development Due to Inhibition of Parasite Antioxidant Enzymes by a Dinuclear Iron(III) Compound. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:7374-86. [PMID: 26392498 PMCID: PMC4649245 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00057-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is an obligate intracellular protozoan that can infect a wide range of vertebrate cells. Here, we describe the cytotoxic effects of the dinuclear iron compound [Fe(HPCINOL)(SO4)]2-μ-oxo, in which HPCINOL is the ligand 1-(bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amino)-3-chloropropan-2-ol, on T. gondii infecting LLC-MK2 host cells. This compound was not toxic to LLC-MK2 cells at concentrations of up to 200 μM but was very active against the parasite, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.6 μM after 48 h of treatment. Cyst formation was observed after treatment, as indicated by the appearance of a cyst wall, Dolichos biflorus lectin staining, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy characteristics. Ultrastructural changes were also seen in T. gondii, including membrane blebs and clefts in the cytoplasm, with inclusions similar to amylopectin granules, which are typically found in bradyzoites. An analysis of the cell death pathways in the parasite revealed that the compound caused a combination of apoptosis and autophagy. Fluorescence assays demonstrated that the redox environment in the LLC-MK2 cells becomes oxidant in the presence of the iron compound. Furthermore, a reduction in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the treated parasites and the presence of reactive oxygen species within the parasitophorous vacuoles were observed, indicating an impaired protozoan response against these radicals. These findings suggest that this compound disturbs the redox equilibrium of T. gondii, inducing cystogenesis and parasite death.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Portes
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - T G Souza
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - T A T dos Santos
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - L L R da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - T P Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Citotoxicidade e Genotoxicidade, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - M D Pereira
- Laboratório de Citotoxicidade e Genotoxicidade, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - A Horn
- Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia, UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - C Fernandes
- Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Centro de Ciência e Tecnologia, UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - R A DaMatta
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - W de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB) and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (CENABIO), UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, RJ, Brazil
| | - S H Seabra
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Exploitation of auxotrophies and metabolic defects in Toxoplasma as therapeutic approaches. Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:109-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Revised: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Targeting lipid biosynthesis and salvage in apicomplexan parasites for improved chemotherapies. Nat Rev Microbiol 2013; 11:823-35. [DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro3139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Enrofloxacin is able to control Toxoplasma gondii infection in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Vet Parasitol 2012; 187:44-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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