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San Nicolás-Hernández D, Hernández-Álvarez E, Bethencourt-Estrella CJ, López-Arencibia A, Sifaoui I, Bazzocchi IL, Lorenzo-Morales J, Jiménez IA, Piñero JE. Multi-target withaferin-A analogues as promising anti-kinetoplastid agents through the programmed cell death. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114879. [PMID: 37210899 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, two of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases, are a world health problem. The harsh reality of these infective diseases is the absence of effective and safe therapies. In this framework, natural products play an important role in overcoming the current need to development new antiparasitic agents. The present study reports the synthesis, antikinetoplastid screening, mechanism study of fourteen withaferin A derivatives (2-15). Nine of them (2-6, 8-10 and 12) showed a potent dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of Leishmania amazonensis and L. donovani promastigotes and Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes with IC50 values ranging from 0.19 to 24.01 µM. Outstandingly, the fully acetylated derivative 10 (4,27-diacetylwithaferin A) was the most potent compound showing IC50 values of 0.36, 2.82 and 0.19 µM against L. amazonensis, L. donovani and T. cruzi, respectively. Furthermore, analogue 10 exhibited approximately 18 and 36-fold greater antikinetoplastid activity, on L. amazonensis and T. cruzi, than the reference drugs. The activity was accompanied by significantly lower cytotoxicity on the murine macrophage cell line. Moreover, compounds 2, 3, 5-7, 9 and 10 showed more potent activity than the reference drug against the intracellular amastigotes forms of L. amazonensis and T.cruzi, with a good selectivity index on a mammalian cell line. In addition, withaferin A analogues 3, 5-7, 9 and 10 induce programmed cell death through a process of apoptosis-like and autophagy. These results strengthen the anti-parasitic potential of withaferin A-related steroids against neglected tropical diseases caused by Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée San Nicolás-Hernández
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Eduardo Hernández-Álvarez
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Carlos J Bethencourt-Estrella
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Isabel L Bazzocchi
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ignacio A Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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San Nicolás-Hernández D, Bethencourt-Estrella CJ, López-Arencibia A, Hernández-Álvarez E, Sifaoui I, Bazzocchi IL, Lorenzo-Morales J, Jiménez IA, Piñero JE. Withaferin A-silyl ether analogs as potential anti-kinetoplastid agents targeting the programmed cell death. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:114012. [PMID: 36399830 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Current therapies of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, two of the most widespread neglected tropical diseases, have limited efficacy and toxic side effects. In this regard, natural products play an important role in overcoming the current need for new antiparasitic agents. The present study reports the leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activities of twenty-four known silyl-ether derivatives of withaferin A. Eleven compounds from this series (4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22 and 25) showed a potent dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes respectively, even higher than the references drugs, miltefosine and benznidazole. Among them, the most promising compound, derivative 10, exhibited approximately 34-fold higher leishmanicidal activity and 49-fold higher trypanocidal activity compared to the reference drugs, as well as lower cytotoxicity. Moreover, compounds 4, 7, 10, 12 and 15 were more active than the reference drugs against the amastigote forms of L. amazonensis, presenting a high selectivity index. Assays performed to study the ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, plasma membrane permeability, chromatin condensation, reactive oxygen species and autophagy indicated that these withaferin A-silyl analogs appear to induce events characteristic of apoptosis-like and also autophagy leading to programmed cell death. These findings support the therapeutic potential of withaferin A-related steroids as anti-Leishmania and Trypanosoma agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée San Nicolás-Hernández
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofısico Fco. Sanchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carlos J Bethencourt-Estrella
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofısico Fco. Sanchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofısico Fco. Sanchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eduardo Hernández-Álvarez
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofısico Fco. Sanchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isabel L Bazzocchi
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofısico Fco. Sanchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ignacio A Jiménez
- Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofısico Fco. Sanchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Red de Investigación Cooperativa en Enfermedades Tropicales (RICET), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Inst. de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Pharmacological Screening of Venoms from Five Brazilian Micrurus Species on Different Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147714. [PMID: 35887062 PMCID: PMC9318628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral snake venoms from the Micrurus genus are a natural library of components with multiple targets, yet are poorly explored. In Brazil, 34 Micrurus species are currently described, and just a few have been investigated for their venom activities. Micrurus venoms are composed mainly of phospholipases A2 and three-finger toxins, which are responsible for neuromuscular blockade—the main envenomation outcome in humans. Beyond these two major toxin families, minor components are also important for the global venom activity, including Kunitz-peptides, serine proteases, 5′ nucleotidases, among others. In the present study, we used the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique to explore the crude venom activities of five different Micrurus species from the south and southeast of Brazil: M. altirostris, M. corallinus, M. frontalis, M. carvalhoi and M. decoratus. All five venoms induced full inhibition of the muscle-type α1β1δε nAChR with different levels of reversibility. We found M. altirostris and M. frontalis venoms acting as partial inhibitors of the neuronal-type α7 nAChR with an interesting subsequent potentiation after one washout. We discovered that M. altirostris and M. corallinus venoms modulate the α1β2 GABAAR. Interestingly, the screening on KV1.3 showed that all five Micrurus venoms act as inhibitors, being totally reversible after the washout. Since this activity seems to be conserved among different species, we hypothesized that the Micrurus venoms may rely on potassium channel inhibitory activity as an important feature of their envenomation strategy. Finally, tests on NaV1.2 and NaV1.4 showed that these channels do not seem to be targeted by Micrurus venoms. In summary, the venoms tested are multifunctional, each of them acting on at least two different types of targets.
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El-Dirany R, Shahrour H, Dirany Z, Abdel-Sater F, Gonzalez-Gaitano G, Brandenburg K, Martinez de Tejada G, Nguewa PA. Activity of Anti-Microbial Peptides (AMPs) against Leishmania and Other Parasites: An Overview. Biomolecules 2021; 11:984. [PMID: 34356608 PMCID: PMC8301979 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs), small biologically active molecules, produced by different organisms through their innate immune system, have become a considerable subject of interest in the request of novel therapeutics. Most of these peptides are cationic-amphipathic, exhibiting two main mechanisms of action, direct lysis and by modulating the immunity. The most commonly reported activity of AMPs is their anti-bacterial effects, although other effects, such as anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic, as well as anti-tumor mechanisms of action have also been described. Their anti-parasitic effect against leishmaniasis has been studied. Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease. Currently among parasitic diseases, it is the second most threating illness after malaria. Clinical treatments, mainly antimonial derivatives, are related to drug resistance and some undesirable effects. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic agents has become a priority, and AMPs constitute a promising alternative. In this work, we describe the principal families of AMPs (melittin, cecropin, cathelicidin, defensin, magainin, temporin, dermaseptin, eumenitin, and histatin) exhibiting a potential anti-leishmanial activity, as well as their effectiveness against other microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima El-Dirany
- ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
- Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath 1003, Lebanon; (H.S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - Hawraa Shahrour
- Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath 1003, Lebanon; (H.S.); (F.A.-S.)
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
| | - Zeinab Dirany
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (Z.D.); (G.G.-G.)
| | - Fadi Abdel-Sater
- Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath 1003, Lebanon; (H.S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - Gustavo Gonzalez-Gaitano
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (Z.D.); (G.G.-G.)
| | - Klaus Brandenburg
- Brandenburg Antiinfektiva GmbH, c/o Forschungszentrum Borstel, Leibniz Lungenzentrum, 23845 Borstel, Germany;
| | - Guillermo Martinez de Tejada
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
| | - Paul A. Nguewa
- ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
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Florencio M, Tomás Nery E, Rosa D, Auxiliadora Nascimento Ribeiro T, de Brito Braz Moraes J, Araujo Zuma A, da Silva Trindade JD, Dutra Barbosa da Rocha RF, Decote-Ricardo D, Pinto-da-Silva LH, M Motta MC, de Carvalho MG, Fampa P. The effect of the biflavonoid 2″,3″-dihydroochnaflavone on Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain. Parasitol Int 2020; 79:102180. [PMID: 32860937 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease which affects 8 million people in Latin America. The parasite possesses high capacity to evade host immune system and the available drugs to treat Chagas disease present low efficacy combined to serious side effects to patients. Therefore, the identification of alternative therapeutics is essential. Brazilian flora exhibits an immense diversity of metabolites with great potential to be developed into new drugs. We investigated the action of 2″,3″-dihydroochnaflavone a biflavonoid extracted from Luxemburgia nobilis Eichler ex Engl. (Ochnaceae) against T. cruzi (Y strain). Our experiments showed that this compound is effective against parasite epimastigote forms, presenting IC50 value of (2.5 ± 0.1) μM after 96 h of treatment. Ultrastructure alterations were also detected in treated epimastigotes especially mitochondrial enlargement at the kinetoplast region. At the concentration of 30 μM, the compound killed (61.6 ± 3.37)% of the parasite in its amastigote form. In addition, at the same concentration, the compound killed all trypamastigotes growing within murine macrophages after 7-9 days of infection. Nonetheless, the biflavonoid concentrations were harmless to murine enriched population of lymphocytes and peritoneal macrophages. These results indicate that 2″,3″- dihydroochnaflavone presents activity against T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Florencio
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil
| | - Eveliny Tomás Nery
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey - Stag Hill Campus, GU2 7TE Guildford, UK
| | - Dayana Rosa
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil
| | - Tereza Auxiliadora Nascimento Ribeiro
- Departamento de Química Orgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil; Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT 78060-900, Brazil
| | - Julliane de Brito Braz Moraes
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil
| | - Aline Araujo Zuma
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-540 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Joana D'Arc da Silva Trindade
- Departamento de Química Orgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil
| | - Raphael Francisco Dutra Barbosa da Rocha
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil; Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil
| | - Debora Decote-Ricardo
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil
| | - Lucia Helena Pinto-da-Silva
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina M Motta
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CEP 21941-540 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mario Geraldo de Carvalho
- Departamento de Química Orgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Fampa
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil.
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Al-Malki ES, Abdelsater N. In vitro Scolicidal effects of Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) venom against the protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:1760-1765. [PMID: 32565693 PMCID: PMC7296479 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Abstract
Capping and shedding of ectodomains in Trypanosoma cruzi may be triggered by different ligands. Here, we analysed the mobility and shedding of cell surface components of living trypomastigotes of the Y strain and the CL Brener clone in the presence of poly-L-lysine, cationized ferritin (CF) and Concanavalin A (Con A). Poly-L-lysine and CF caused intense shedding in Y strain parasites. Shedding was less intense in CL Brener trypomastigotes, and approximately 10% of these parasites did not show any decrease in poly L-lysine or CF labelling. Binding of Con A induced low-intensity shedding in Y strain and redistribution of Con A-binding sites in CL Brener parasites. Trypomastigotes of the Y strain showed intense labelling with anti-〈-galactosyl antibodies, resulting in the lysis of approximately 30% of their population, in contrast with what was observed in CL Brener parasites. Incubation with Con A and CF protected trypomastigotes of the Y strain from lysis by anti-αGal. The last treatment did not interfere with the survival of the CL Brener parasites. This study corroborates with the idea that a ligand can differentially modulate the cell surface of T. cruzi, depending on the strain used, resulting in variable immune system responses and recognition by host cells.
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Sabiá Júnior EF, Menezes LFS, de Araújo IFS, Schwartz EF. Natural Occurrence in Venomous Arthropods of Antimicrobial Peptides Active against Protozoan Parasites. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E563. [PMID: 31557900 PMCID: PMC6832604 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropoda is a phylum of invertebrates that has undergone remarkable evolutionary radiation, with a wide range of venomous animals. Arthropod venom is a complex mixture of molecules and a source of new compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Most AMPs affect membrane integrity and produce lethal pores in microorganisms, including protozoan pathogens, whereas others act on internal targets or by modulation of the host immune system. Protozoan parasites cause some serious life-threatening diseases among millions of people worldwide, mostly affecting the poorest in developing tropical regions. Humans can be infected with protozoan parasites belonging to the genera Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Plasmodium, and Toxoplasma, responsible for Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis. There is not yet any cure or vaccine for these illnesses, and the current antiprotozoal chemotherapeutic compounds are inefficient and toxic and have been in clinical use for decades, which increases drug resistance. In this review, we will present an overview of AMPs, the diverse modes of action of AMPs on protozoan targets, and the prospection of novel AMPs isolated from venomous arthropods with the potential to become novel clinical agents to treat protozoan-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Ferreira Sabiá Júnior
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Luis Felipe Santos Menezes
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Israel Flor Silva de Araújo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
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Araújo MV, Queiroz AC, Silva JFM, Silva AE, Silva JKS, Silva GR, Silva ECO, Souza ST, Fonseca EJS, Camara CA, Silva TMS, Alexandre-Moreira MS. Flavonoids induce cell death in Leishmania amazonensis: in vitro characterization by flow cytometry and Raman spectroscopy. Analyst 2019; 144:5232-5244. [PMID: 31360935 DOI: 10.1039/c9an00948e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis comprises a group of infectious diseases with worldwide distribution, of which both the visceral and cutaneous forms are caused by Leishmania parasites. In the absence of vaccines, efficacious chemotherapy remains the basis for leishmaniasis control. The available drugs are expensive and associated with several secondary adverse effects. Due to these limitations, the development of new antileishmanial compounds is imperative, and plants offer various perspectives in this regard. The present study evaluated the in vitro leishmanicidal activity of flavonoids isolated from Solanum paludosum Moric. and investigated the mechanisms of cell death induced by them. These compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antileishmanial activity against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and they showed prominent leishmanicidal activity. The EtOAc fraction, gossypetin 3,7,8,4'-tetra-O-methyl ether (1), and kaempferol 3,7-di-O-methyl ether (3) were selected to be used in an in vitro assay against L. amazonensis amastigotes and cell death assays. The flavonoids (1) and (3) presented significant activity against L. amazonensis amastigotes, exhibiting the IC50 values of 23.3 ± 4.5 μM, 34.0 ± 9.6 μM, and 10.5 ± 2.5 μM for the EtOAc fraction, (1), and (3), respectively, without toxic effects to the host cells. Moreover, (1) and (3) induced blocked cell cycle progression at the G1/S transition, ultimately leading to G1/G0 arrest. Flavonoid (3) also induced autophagy. Using Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with principal component analysis, the biochemical changes in the cellular components induced by flavonoids (1) and (3) were presented. The obtained results indicated that the mechanisms of action of (1) and (3) occurred through different routes. The results support that the flavonoids derived from S. paludosum can become lead molecules for the design of antileishmanial prototypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgana V Araújo
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Immunity, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, 57020-720, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
| | - Aline C Queiroz
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Immunity, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, 57020-720, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
| | - João F M Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Immunity, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, 57020-720, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
| | - Amanda E Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Immunity, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, 57020-720, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
| | - João K S Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Immunity, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, 57020-720, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
| | - Girliane R Silva
- Phytochemical Bioprospecting Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, 52171-900, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Elaine C O Silva
- Optics and Nanoscopy Group, Institute of Physics, Federal University of Alagoas, 57072-970, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Samuel T Souza
- Optics and Nanoscopy Group, Institute of Physics, Federal University of Alagoas, 57072-970, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Eduardo J S Fonseca
- Optics and Nanoscopy Group, Institute of Physics, Federal University of Alagoas, 57072-970, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Celso A Camara
- Phytochemical Bioprospecting Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, 52171-900, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Tania M S Silva
- Phytochemical Bioprospecting Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, 52171-900, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Magna S Alexandre-Moreira
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Immunity, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, 57020-720, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
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Nanoencapsulation of benznidazole in calcium carbonate increases its selectivity to Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitology 2018; 145:1191-1198. [PMID: 29642963 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018000197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a public health problem, affecting about 7 million people worldwide. Benznidazole (BZN) is the main treatment option, but it has limited effectiveness and can cause severe adverse effects. Drug delivery through nanoparticles has attracted the interest of the scientific community aiming to improve therapeutic options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of benznidazole-loaded calcium carbonate nanoparticles (BZN@CaCO3) on Trypanosoma cruzi strain Y. It was observed that BZN@CaCO3 was able to reduce the viability of epimastigote, trypomastigote and amastigote forms of T. cruzi with greater potency when compared with BZN. The amount of BZN necessary to obtain the same effect was up to 25 times smaller when loaded with CaCO3 nanoparticles. Also, it was observed that BZN@CaCO3 enhanced the selectivity index. Furthermore, the cell-death mechanism induced by both BZN and BZN@CaCO3 was evaluated, indicating that both substances caused necrosis and changed mitochondrial membrane potential.
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11
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Rehman A, Ullah R, Jaiswal N, Khan MAH, Rehman L, Beg MA, Malhotra SK, Abidi SMA. Low virulence potential and in vivo transformation ability in the honey bee venom treated Clinostomum complanatum. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:33-40. [PMID: 29069571 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The helminth parasites possess great capabilities to adapt themselves within their hosts and also develop strategies to render the commonly used anthelmintics ineffective leading to the development of resistance against these drugs. Besides using anthelmintics the natural products have also been tested for their anti-parasitic effects. Therapeutic efficacy of honey bee venom (HBV) has been tested in various ailments including some protozoal infections but very little is known about its anthelmintic properties. To investigate the anthelmintic effect of HBV the excysted progenetic metacercariae of Clinostomum complanatum, a heamophagic, digenetic trematode with zoonotic potential, infecting a wide variety of hosts, were obtained from Trichogaster fasciatus, a forage fish, which serves as the intermediate host. The metacercarial worms were in vitro incubated in RPMI-1640 medium containing HBV along with the controls which were devoid of HBV for the analysis of worm motility, enzyme activity, polypeptide profile and surface topographical changes. The motility of the worms was significantly reduced in a time dependent manner with an increase in the concentration of HBV. Following incubation of worms the release of cysteine proteases was inhibited in the presence of HBV as revealed by gelatine substrate gel zymography. As well as the polypeptide profile was also significantly influenced, particularly intensity/expression of Mr 19.4 kDa, 24 kDa and 34 kDa was significantly reduced upon HBV treatment. The HBV treatment also inhibited antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) significantly (p < 0.05) in the worms. The scanning electron microscopy of the HBV treated worms revealed tegumental disruptions and erosion of papillae as well as spines showing vacuolation in the tegument. The HBV treated worms also showed a marked decline in the transformation rate when introduced into an experimental host which further reflect the anthelmintic potential of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rehman
- Molecular and Immunoparasitology Research Laboratory, Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, India.
| | - Rizwan Ullah
- Molecular and Immunoparasitology Research Laboratory, Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, India
| | - Neeshma Jaiswal
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211 202, India
| | - M A Hannan Khan
- Molecular and Immunoparasitology Research Laboratory, Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, India
| | - Lubna Rehman
- Molecular and Immunoparasitology Research Laboratory, Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, India
| | - Mirza Ahmar Beg
- Molecular and Immunoparasitology Research Laboratory, Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, India
| | - Sandeep K Malhotra
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211 202, India
| | - S M A Abidi
- Molecular and Immunoparasitology Research Laboratory, Section of Parasitology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, India
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Vinhote JFC, Lima DB, Menezes RRPPBD, Mello CP, de Souza BM, Havt A, Palma MS, Santos RPD, Albuquerque ELD, Freire VN, Martins AMC. Trypanocidal activity of mastoparan from Polybia paulista wasp venom by interaction with TcGAPDH. Toxicon 2017; 137:168-172. [PMID: 28826757 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, considered a neglected disease, is a parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which is endemic throughout the world. Previously, the antimicrobial effect of Mastoparan (MP) from Polybia paulista wasp venom against bacteria was described. To continue the study, we report in this short communication the antimicrobial effect of MP against Trypanosoma cruzi. MP inhibits all T. cruzi developmental forms through the inhibition of TcGAPDH suggested by the molecular docking. In conclusion, we suggest there is an antimicrobial effect also on T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dânya Bandeira Lima
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Clarissa Perdigão Mello
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Havt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Mario Sérgio Palma
- Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, São Paulo State University, Brazil
| | | | - Eudenilson Lins de Albuquerque
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | | | - Alice Maria Costa Martins
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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Brasil PF, de Freitas JA, Barreto ALS, Adade CM, Reis de Sá LF, Constantino-Teles P, Toledo FT, de Sousa BA, Gonçalves AC, Romanos MTV, Comasseto JV, dos Santos AA, Tessis AC, Souto-Padrón T, Soares RMA, Ferreira-Pereira A. Antiproliferative and ultrastructural effects of phenethylamine derivatives on promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania ( Leishmania ) infantum chagasi. Parasitol Int 2017; 66:47-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Antiparasitic effect of Dinoponera quadriceps giant ant venom. Toxicon 2016; 120:128-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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15
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Mohamed AH, Hassab El-Nabi SE, Bayomi AE, Abdelaal AA. Effect of bee venom or proplis on molecular and parasitological aspects of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice. J Parasit Dis 2016; 40:390-400. [PMID: 27413311 PMCID: PMC4927498 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-014-0516-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was performed to elucidate the efficacy of Apis mellifera L bee venom (BV) or proplis (200 mg/kg orally for three consecutive days) on Schistosoma mansoni infected mice. The results recorded reduction in the total worm burden, numbers of immature eggs and the ova count in hepatic tissue in BV (sting or injection) or proplis treated groups as compared to the infected group. Histological examination illustrated a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the diameter of hepatic granuloma in BV treated groups (272.78 and 266.9, respectively) and a significant decrease in proplis treated mice (229.35) compared with the infected group (260.67). Electrophoretic pattern of RNA showed a decrease in mean of maximal optical density in liver and intestine of S. mansoni infected mice treated with bee venom (sting or injection) as compared with infected group. Flow cytometry analyses of RNA or apoptotic percentage of worms recovered from BV sting (19 and 49 % respectively); BV injected (20.5 and 51.17 %, respectively) and proplis (35 and 23.93 %, respectively) groups were compared with S. mansoni infected group (37.87 and 39.21 %, respectively). It can be concluded that administration of bee venom or proplis are effective in case of S. mansoni infection. Although bee venom cause increase of granuloma diameter and this might be due to venom concentration and further studies are required to avoid such harmful effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza H. Mohamed
- />Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | | | - Asmaa E. Bayomi
- />Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Abdelaal
- />Department of Economic Entomology and Agriculuture Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, Menufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
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16
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Pereira AV, de Barros G, Pinto EG, Tempone AG, Orsi RDO, Dos Santos LD, Calvi S, Ferreira RS, Pimenta DC, Barraviera B. Melittin induces in vitro death of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum by triggering the cellular innate immune response. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2016; 22:1. [PMID: 26752985 PMCID: PMC4706697 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-016-0055-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apis mellifera venom, which has already been recommended as an alternative anti-inflammatory treatment, may be also considered an important source of candidate molecules for biotechnological and biomedical uses, such as the treatment of parasitic diseases. METHODS Africanized honeybee venom from Apis mellifera was fractionated by RP-C18-HPLC and the obtained melittin was incubated with promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania (L.) infantum. Cytotoxicity to mice peritoneal macrophages was evaluated through mitochondrial oxidative activity. The production of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO and H2O2 by macrophages was determined. RESULTS Promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes were susceptible to melittin (IC50 28.3 μg.mL(-1) and 1.4 μg.mL(-1), respectively), but also showed mammalian cell cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 5.7 μg.mL(-1). Uninfected macrophages treated with melittin increased the production of IL-10, TNF-α, NO and H2O2. Infected melittin-treated macrophages increased IL-12 production, but decreased the levels of IL-10, TNF-α, NO and H2O2. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that melittin acts in vitro against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania (L.) infantum. Furthermore, they can act indirectly on intracellular amastigotes through a macrophage immunomodulatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Vieira Pereira
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Gustavo de Barros
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Erika Gracielle Pinto
- Department of Parasitology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo, SP Brazil ; Laboratory of Protozoology, Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo de Oliveira Orsi
- Department of Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil ; Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, 18610-307 Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Lucilene Delazari Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil ; Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, 18610-307 Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Sueli Calvi
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil ; Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, 18610-307 Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil ; Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, 18610-307 Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | | | - Benedito Barraviera
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil ; Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, 18610-307 Botucatu, SP Brazil
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The Potential Use of Natural and Structural Analogues of Antimicrobial Peptides in the Fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases. Molecules 2015; 20:15392-433. [PMID: 26305243 PMCID: PMC6332049 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200815392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, research into the development of new antimicrobial agents has been driven by the increase in resistance to traditional antibiotics and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates as alternatives to current antibiotics in the treatment and prevention of microbial infections. AMPs are produced by all known living species, displaying direct antimicrobial killing activity and playing an important role in innate immunity. To date, more than 2000 AMPs have been discovered and many of these exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and anti-parasitic activity. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are caused by a variety of pathogens and are particularly wide-spread in low-income and developing regions of the world. Alternative, cost effective treatments are desperately needed to effectively battle these medically diverse diseases. AMPs have been shown to be effective against a variety of NTDs, including African trypanosomes, leishmaniosis and Chagas disease, trachoma and leprosy. In this review, the potential of selected AMPs to successfully treat a variety of NTD infections will be critically evaluated.
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4-Nitrobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone: a new compound derived from S-(-)-limonene that induces mitochondrial alterations in epimastigotes and trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitology 2015; 142:978-88. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYTrypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas’ disease, a parasitic disease that remains a serious health concern with unsatisfactory treatment. Drugs that are currently used to treat Chagas’ disease are partially effective in the acute phase but ineffective in the chronic phase of the disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antitrypanosomal activity and morphological, ultrastructural and biochemical alterations induced by a new molecule, 4-nitrobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (BZTS), derived from S-(-)-limonene against epimastigote, trypomastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of T. cruzi. BZTS inhibited the growth of epimastigotes (IC50 = 9·2 μm), intracellular amastigotes (IC50 = 3·23 μm) and inhibited the viability of trypomastigotes (EC50 = 1·43 μm). BZTS had a CC50 of 37·45 μm in LLCMK2 cells. BZTS induced rounding and distortion of the cell body and severely damaged parasite mitochondria, reflected by extensive swelling and disorganization in the inner mitochondrial membrane and the presence of concentric membrane structures inside the organelle. Cytoplasmic vacuolization, endoplasmic reticulum that surrounded organelles, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased mitochondrial O2•ˉ production were also observed. Our results suggest that BZTS alters the ultrastructure and physiology of mitochondria, which could be closely related to parasite death.
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Crovirin, a snake venom cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP) with promising activity against Trypanosomes and Leishmania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3252. [PMID: 25330220 PMCID: PMC4199522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The neglected human diseases caused by trypanosomatids are currently treated with toxic therapy with limited efficacy. In search for novel anti-trypanosomatid agents, we showed previously that the Crotalus viridis viridis (Cvv) snake venom was active against infective forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Here, we describe the purification of crovirin, a cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP) from Cvv venom with promising activity against trypanosomes and Leishmania. Methodology/Principal Findings Crude venom extract was loaded onto a reverse phase analytical (C8) column using a high performance liquid chromatographer. A linear gradient of water/acetonitrile with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid was used. The peak containing the isolated protein (confirmed by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry) was collected and its protein content was measured. T. cruzi trypomastigotes and amastigotes, L. amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes and T. brucei rhodesiense procyclic and bloodstream trypomastigotes were challenged with crovirin, whose toxicity was tested against LLC-MK2 cells, peritoneal macrophages and isolated murine extensor digitorum longus muscle. We purified a single protein from Cvv venom corresponding, according to Nano-LC MS/MS sequencing, to a CRISP of 24,893.64 Da, henceforth referred to as crovirin. Human infective trypanosomatid forms, including intracellular amastigotes, were sensitive to crovirin, with low IC50 or LD50 values (1.10–2.38 µg/ml). A considerably higher concentration (20 µg/ml) of crovirin was required to elicit only limited toxicity on mammalian cells. Conclusions This is the first report of CRISP anti-protozoal activity, and suggests that other members of this family might have potential as drugs or drug leads for the development of novel agents against trypanosomatid-borne neglected diseases. The pathogenic trypanosomatid parasites of the genera Leishmania and Trypanosoma infect over 20 million people worldwide, with an annual incidence of ∼3 million new infections. An additional 400 million people are at risk of infection by exposure to parasite-infected insects which act as disease vectors. Trypanosomatid-borne diseases predominant in poorer nation and are considered neglected, having failed to attract the attention of the pharmaceutical industry. However, novel therapy is sorely needed for Trypanosoma and Leishmania infections, currently treated with ‘dated’ drugs that are often difficult to administer in resource-limiting conditions, have high toxicity and are by no means always successful, partly due to the emergence of drug resistance. The last few decades have witnessed a growing interest in examining the potential of bioactive toxins and poisons as drugs or drug leads, as well as for diagnostic applications. In this context, we isolated and purified crovirin, a protein from the Crotalus viridis viridis (Cvv) snake venom capable to inhibiting and/or lysing infective forms of trypanosomatid parasites, at concentrations that are not toxic to host cells. This feature makes crovirin a promising candidate protein for the development of novel therapy against neglected diseases caused by trypanosomatid pathogens.
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N-butyl-[1-(4-methoxy)phenyl-9H-β-carboline]-3-carboxamide prevents cytokinesis in Leishmania amazonensis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:7112-20. [PMID: 25224005 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03340-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a complex of diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, is endemic in 98 countries, affecting approximately 12 million people worldwide. Current treatments for leishmaniasis have many disadvantages, such as toxicity, high costs, and prolonged treatment, making the development of new treatment alternatives highly relevant. Several studies have verified the antileishmanial activity of β-carboline compounds. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro antileishmanial activity of N-butyl-[1-(4-methoxy)phenyl-9H-β-carboline]-3-carboxamide (β-CB) against Leishmania amazonensis. The compound was active against promastigote, axenic amastigote, and intracellular amastigote forms of L. amazonensis, exhibiting high selectivity for the parasite. Moreover, β-CB did not exhibit hemolytic or mutagenic potential. Promastigotes treated with the alkaloid presented rounding of the body cell, cell membrane projections, an increase in the number of promastigotes presenting two flagella, and parasites of abnormal phenotype, with three or more flagella and/or nuclei. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the subpopulation of cells in the G2/M stage of the cell cycle. Altogether, these results suggest that β-CB likely prevents cytokinesis, although it does not interfere with the duplication of cell structures. We also verified an increase in O2(·-) production and the accumulation of lipid storage bodies. Cell membrane integrity was maintained, in addition to the absence of phosphatidylserine externalization, DNA fragmentation, and autophagosomes. Although the possibility of an apoptotic process cannot be discarded, β-CB likely exerts its antileishmanial activity through a cytostatic effect, thus preventing cellular proliferation.
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Trypanosoma cruzi-secreted vesicles have acid and alkaline phosphatase activities capable of increasing parasite adhesion and infection. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:2961-72. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3958-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Adade CM, Oliveira IRS, Pais JAR, Souto-Padrón T. Melittin peptide kills Trypanosoma cruzi parasites by inducing different cell death pathways. Toxicon 2013; 69:227-39. [PMID: 23562368 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are components of the innate immune response that represent desirable alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals, as they have a fast mode of action, a low likelihood of resistance development and can act in conjunction with existing drug regimens. AMPs exhibit strong inhibitory activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses, metazoans and other parasites, such as the protozoan Leishmania. Melittin is a naturally occurring AMP, which comprises 40-50% of the dry weight of Apis mellifera venom. Our group has recently shown that crude A. mellifera venom is lethal to Trypanosoma cruzi, the Chagas disease etiologic agent, and generates a variety of cell death phenotypes among treated parasites. Here, we demonstrate that the melittin affected all of T. cruzi developmental forms, including the intracellular amastigotes. The ultrastructural changes induced by melittin suggested the occurrence of different programmed cell death pathways, as was observed in A. mellifera-treated parasites. Autophagic cell death appeared to be the main death mechanism in epimastigotes. In contrast, melittin-treated trypomastigotes appeared to be dying via an apoptotic mechanism. Our findings confirm the great potential of AMPs, including melittin, as a potential source of new drugs for the treatment of neglected diseases, such as Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila M Adade
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Ultraestrutura, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, bloco I, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil
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