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Sudhakaran G. Artemisinin herbal combo breakers: navigating malaria treatment's double-edged sword. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-3. [PMID: 38824677 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2358524] [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: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have transformed malaria treatment, boasting high efficacy and tolerability. However, emerging resistance jeopardises their long-term effectiveness. ACTs' ability to target multiple parasite stages mitigates resistance risks, but severe malaria cases may require additional interventions. Research on combining ACTs with adjunctive therapies shows promise, but optimal regimens remain unclear. Vigilant resistance monitoring and innovative approaches are crucial to sustaining ACT efficacy. We highlight the ACTs' benefits, limitations, and potential synergies, emphasising the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat malaria's evolving challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Sudhakaran
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, India
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Tadege G, Dagne A, Kassahun G, Abebe D, Nureye D. Efficacy of Albizia malacophylla (A.Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) methanol (80%) leaf extract and solvent fractions against Plasmodium berghei-induced malaria in mice model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024:118413. [PMID: 38824975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Novel drugs are needed to address the issue of malarial infection resistance; natural items can be a different source of these medications. Albizia malacophylla (A. Rich.) Walp. (Leguminosae) is listed as one of the antimalarial medicinal plants in Ethiopian folk medicine. However, there are no reports regarding the biological activity or phytochemistry of the plant. AIM OF THE STUDY Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the A. malacophylla crude extract and solvent fractions' in vivo antimalarial activity utilizing 4-day suppressive, preventative, and curative tests in mice infected with P. berghei. MATERIALS AND METHODS The parasite Plasmodium berghei, which causes rodent malaria, was used to infect healthy male Swiss Albino mice, weighing 23-28 g and aged 6-8 weeks. Solvent fractions such as methanol, water, and chloroform were given in addition to an 80% methanolic extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses. A Conventional test such as parasitemia, survival time, body weight, temperature, and packed cell capacity were employed to ascertain factors such as the suppressive, curative, and preventive tests. RESULTS Every test substance dramatically reduced the number of parasites in every experiment. crude extract (with the highest percentage suppression of 67.78%) performs better antimalarial effect than the methanol fraction, which is the most efficient solvent fraction with a percentage suppression of 55.74%. With a suppression value of 64.83% parasitemia level, the therapeutic effects of 80% methanolic crude extract were greater than its curative and preventative effects in a four-day suppressive test. The survival period (17 days) was longer with the hydroalcoholic crude extract dose of 400 mg/kg than with other doses of the materials under investigation. CONCLUSIONS The results of this investigation validate the antimalarial characteristics of A. malacophylla leaf extract. The crude extract prevented weight loss, a decline in temperature, and a reduction in PCV. The results demonstrate that the plant has a promising antimalarial effect against P. berghei, hence supporting the traditional use of the plant. Therefore, it could serve as a foundation for the development of new antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getnet Tadege
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Northwest, Ethiopia.
| | - Abebe Dagne
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Northwest, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Kassahun
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, North, Ethiopia
| | - Dehnnet Abebe
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Northwest, Ethiopia
| | - Dejen Nureye
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia; School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Southwest, Ethiopia
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Schreidah C, Giesbrecht D, Gashema P, Young NW, Munyaneza T, Muvunyi CM, Thwai K, Mazarati JB, Bailey JA, Juliano JJ, Karema C. Expansion of artemisinin partial resistance mutations and lack of histidine rich protein-2 and -3 deletions in Plasmodium falciparum infections from Rukara, Rwanda. Malar J 2024; 23:150. [PMID: 38755607 PMCID: PMC11100144 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04981-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging artemisinin partial resistance and diagnostic resistance are a threat to malaria control in Africa. Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 (k13) propeller-domain mutations that confer artemisinin partial resistance have emerged in Africa. k13-561H was initially described at a frequency of 7.4% from Masaka in 2014-2015, but not present in nearby Rukara. By 2018, 19.6% of isolates in Masaka and 22% of isolates in Rukara contained the mutation. Longitudinal monitoring is essential to inform control efforts. In Rukara, an assessment was conducted to evaluate recent k13-561H prevalence changes, as well as other key mutations. Prevalence of hrp2/3 deletions was also assessed. METHODS Samples collected in Rukara in 2021 were genotyped for key artemisinin and partner drug resistance mutations using molecular inversion probe assays and for hrp2/3 deletions using qPCR. RESULTS Clinically validated k13 artemisinin partial resistance mutations continue to increase in prevalence with the overall level of mutant infections reaching 32% in Rwanda. The increase appears to be due to the rapid emergence of k13-675V (6.4%, 6/94 infections), previously not observed, rather than continued expansion of 561H (23.5% 20/85). Mutations to partner drugs and other anti-malarials were variable, with high levels of multidrug resistance 1 (mdr1) N86 (95.5%) associated with lumefantrine decreased susceptibility and dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) 164L (24.7%) associated with a high level of antifolate resistance, but low levels of amodiaquine resistance polymorphisms with chloroquine resistance transporter (crt) 76T: at 6.1% prevalence. No hrp2 or hrp3 gene deletions associated with diagnostic resistance were found. CONCLUSIONS Increasing prevalence of artemisinin partial resistance due to k13-561H and the rapid expansion of k13-675V is concerning for the longevity of artemisinin effectiveness in the region. False negative RDT results do not appear to be an issue with no hrp2 or hpr3 deletions detected. Continued molecular surveillance in this region and surrounding areas is needed to follow artemisinin partial resistance and provide early detection of partner drug resistance, which would likely compromise control and increase malaria morbidity and mortality in East Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kyaw Thwai
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan J Juliano
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Corine Karema
- Quality Equity Health Care, Kigali, Rwanda
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Cui J, Cai X, Qian R, Wu L, Qi X, Cao J, Shen S. Tween 80 Micelles Loaded with Fe 3O 4 Nanoparticles and Artemisinin for Combined Oxygen-Independent Ferroptosis Therapy of Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:639. [PMID: 38794301 PMCID: PMC11124998 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin has an endoperoxide bridge structure, which can be cleaved by ferrous ions to generate various carbonyl radicals in an oxygen-independent manner, highlighting its potential for treating hypoxic tumors. In our study, we fabricated Tween 80 micelles loaded with Fe3O4 nanoparticles and artemisinin for cancer therapy. The synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles and drug-loaded micelles have particle sizes of about 5 nm and 80 nm, respectively, both exhibiting excellent dispersibility and stability. After uptake by MCF-7 cells, drug-loaded micelles release Fe2+ and ART into the cytoplasm, effectively inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hypoxic conditions, thereby enhancing toxicity against cancer cells. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that ART and Fe3O4 nanoparticles are encapsulated in Tween 80 to form micelles, which effectively prevent premature release during circulation in the body. Although free ART and Fe3O4 nanoparticles can inhibit tumor growth, TW80-Fe3O4-ART micelles demonstrate a more pronounced inhibitory effect, with a tumor suppression rate of up to 85%. A novel strategy based on artemisinin and ferroptosis is thus offered, holding a favorable prospect for hypoxic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junming Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China; (J.C.); (X.C.); (R.Q.)
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Q.); (J.C.)
| | - Xinxi Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China; (J.C.); (X.C.); (R.Q.)
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Q.); (J.C.)
| | - Rui Qian
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China; (J.C.); (X.C.); (R.Q.)
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Q.); (J.C.)
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China; (J.C.); (X.C.); (R.Q.)
| | - Xueyong Qi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Q.); (J.C.)
| | - Jin Cao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Q.); (J.C.)
| | - Song Shen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; (X.Q.); (J.C.)
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Rahman SU, Weng TN, Qadeer A, Nawaz S, Ullah H, Chen CC. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their potential therapeutic role in protozoan infections. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339470. [PMID: 38633251 PMCID: PMC11022163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Protozoa exert a serious global threat of growing concern to human, and animal, and there is a need for the advancement of novel therapeutic strategies to effectively treat or mitigate the impact of associated diseases. Omega polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-PUFAs), including Omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6), are constituents derived from various natural sources, have gained significant attention for their therapeutic role in parasitic infections and a variety of essential structural and regulatory functions in animals and humans. Both ω-3 and ω-6 decrease the growth and survival rate of parasites through metabolized anti-inflammatory mediators, such as lipoxins, resolvins, and protectins, and have both in vivo and in vitro protective effects against various protozoan infections. The ω-PUFAs have been shown to modulate the host immune response by a commonly known mechanism such as (inhibition of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolic process, production of anti-inflammatory mediators, modification of intracellular lipids, and activation of the nuclear receptor), and promotion of a shift towards a more effective immune defense against parasitic invaders by regulation the inflammation like prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxane, are involved in controlling the inflammatory reaction. The immune modulation may involve reducing inflammation, enhancing phagocytosis, and suppressing parasitic virulence factors. The unique properties of ω-PUFAs could prevent protozoan infections, representing an important area of study. This review explores the clinical impact of ω-PUFAs against some protozoan infections, elucidating possible mechanisms of action and supportive therapy for preventing various parasitic infections in humans and animals, such as toxoplasmosis, malaria, coccidiosis, and chagas disease. ω-PUFAs show promise as a therapeutic approach for parasitic infections due to their direct anti-parasitic effects and their ability to modulate the host immune response. Additionally, we discuss current treatment options and suggest perspectives for future studies. This could potentially provide an alternative or supplementary treatment option for these complex global health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Ur Rahman
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Tzu-Nin Weng
- Department of Stomatology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Abdul Qadeer
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Saqib Nawaz
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanif Ullah
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- West China Hospital, School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Barmade MA, Agrawal P, Rajput SR, Murumkar PR, Rana B, Sahal D, Yadav MR. Novel quinolinepiperazinyl-aryltetrazoles targeting the blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:572-594. [PMID: 38389888 PMCID: PMC10880932 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00417a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug resistance against the frontline antimalarials is a major challenge in the treatment of malaria. In view of emerging reports on drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium against artemisinin combination therapy, a dire need is felt for the discovery of novel compounds acting against novel targets in the parasite. In this study, we identified a novel series of quinolinepiperazinyl-aryltetrazoles (QPTs) targeting the blood stage of Plasmodium. In vitro anti-plasmodial activity screening revealed that most of the compounds showed IC50 < 10 μM against chloroquine-resistant PfINDO strain, with the most promising lead compounds 66 and 75 showing IC50 values of 2.25 and 1.79 μM, respectively. Further, compounds 64-66, 68, 75-77 and 84 were found to be selective (selectivity index >50) in their action against Pf over a mammalian cell line, with compounds 66 and 75 offering the highest selectivity indexes of 178 and 223, respectively. Explorations into the action of lead compounds 66 and 75 revealed their selective cidal activity towards trophozoites and schizonts. In a ring-stage survival assay, 75 showed cidal activity against the early rings of artemisinin-resistant PfCam3.1R539T. Further, 66 and 75 in combination with artemisinin and pyrimethamine showed additive to weak synergistic interactions. Of these two in vitro lead molecules, only 66 restricted rise in the percentage of parasitemia to about 10% in P. berghei-infected mice with a median survival time of 28 days as compared to the untreated control, which showed the percentage of parasitemia >30%, and a median survival of 20 days. Promising antimalarial activity, high selectivity, and additive interaction with artemisinin and pyrimethamine indicate the potential of these compounds to be further optimized chemically as future drug candidates against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh A Barmade
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Vadodara-390001 Gujarat India
| | - Prakhar Agrawal
- Malaria Drug Discovery Laboratory, ICGEB Aruna Asaf Ali Marg New Delhi-110067 India
| | - Sweta R Rajput
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Vadodara-390001 Gujarat India
| | - Prashant R Murumkar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Vadodara-390001 Gujarat India
| | - Bhavika Rana
- Malaria Drug Discovery Laboratory, ICGEB Aruna Asaf Ali Marg New Delhi-110067 India
| | - Dinkar Sahal
- Malaria Drug Discovery Laboratory, ICGEB Aruna Asaf Ali Marg New Delhi-110067 India
| | - Mange Ram Yadav
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalabhavan Campus, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Vadodara-390001 Gujarat India
- Research and Development Cell, Parul University Waghodia Road, P. O. Limda Vadodara-391760 Gujarat India
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Zhang J, Shahbaz M, Ijaz M, Zhang H. Bibliometric analysis of antimalarial drug resistance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1270060. [PMID: 38410722 PMCID: PMC10895045 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1270060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria has always been a serious infectious disease prevalent in the world. Antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine and artemisinin have been the main compounds used to treat malaria. However, the massive use of this type of drugs accelerates the evolution and spread of malaria parasites, leading to the development of resistance. A large number of related data have been published by researchers in recent years. CiteSpace software has gained popularity among us researchers in recent years, because of its ability to help us obtain the core information we want in a mass of articles. In order to analyze the hotspots and develop trends in this field through visual analysis, this study used CiteSpace software to summarize the available data in the literature to provide insights. Method Relevant literature was collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) from 1 January 2015 to 29 March 2023. CiteSpace software and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze and present the data, respectively. Results A total of 2,561 literatures were retrieved and 2,559 literatures were included in the analysis after the removal of duplicates. An irrefutable witness of the ever-growing interest in the topic of antimalarial drug resistance could be expressed by the exponentially increased number of publications and related citations from 2015 to 2022, and its sustained growth trend by 2023. During the past 7 years, USA, Oxford University, and David A Fidock are the country, institution, and author with the most publications in this field of research, respectively. We focused on the references and keywords from literature and found that the research and development of new drugs is the newest hotspot in this field. A growing number of scientists are devoted to finding new antimalarial drugs. Conclusion This study is the first visual metrological analysis of antimalarial drug resistance, using bibliometric methods. As a baseline information, it is important to analyze research output published globally on antimalarial drug resistance. In order to better understand the current research situation and future research plan agenda, such baseline data are needed accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Zhang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Jinan, China
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese medicine analysis, Jinan, China
| | - Muhammad Shahbaz
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese medicine analysis, Jinan, China
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Digital Human Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Muhammad Ijaz
- The Faculty of Medicine, Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese medicine analysis, Jinan, China
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Rathi K, Shukla M, Hassam M, Shrivastava R, Rawat V, Prakash Verma V. Recent advances in the synthesis and antimalarial activity of 1,2,4-trioxanes. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107043. [PMID: 38134523 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107043] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The increasing resistance of various malarial parasite strains to drugs has made the production of a new, rapid-acting, and efficient antimalarial drug more necessary, as the demand for such drugs is growing rapidly. As a major global health concern, various methods have been implemented to address the problem of drug resistance, including the hybrid drug concept, combination therapy, the development of analogues of existing medicines, and the use of drug resistance reversal agents. Artemisinin and its derivatives are currently used against multidrug- resistant P. falciparum species. However, due to its natural origin, its use has been limited by its scarcity in natural resources. As a result, finding a substitute becomes more crucial, and the peroxide group in artemisinin, responsible for the drugs biological action in the form of 1,2,4-trioxane, may hold the key to resolving this issue. The literature suggests that 1,2,4-trioxanes have the potential to become an alternative to current malaria drugs, as highlighted in this review. This is why 1,2,4-trioxanes and their derivatives have been synthesized on a large scale worldwide, as they have shown promising antimalarial activity in vivo and in vitro against Plasmodium species. Consequently, the search for a more convenient, environment friendly, sustainable, efficient, and effective synthetic pathway for the synthesis of 1,2,4-trioxanes continues. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the synthesis and mechanism of action of 1,2,4-trioxanes. This systematic review highlights the most recent summaries of derivatives of 1,2,4-trioxane compounds and dimers with potential antimalarial activity from January 1988 to 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Rathi
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Monika Shukla
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Rahul Shrivastava
- Department of Chemistry, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur (Rajasthan), VPO- Dehmi-Kalan, Off Jaipur-Ajmer Express Way, Jaipur, Rajasthan 30300, India
| | - Varun Rawat
- School of Chemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Ved Prakash Verma
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022, Rajasthan, India.
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Kobpornchai P, Imwong M, Kulkeaw K. Trio fluorophore-based phenotypic assay for the detection of artemisinin-induced growth-arrested Plasmodium falciparum in human erythrocytes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1802. [PMID: 38245618 PMCID: PMC10799909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52414-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin combination therapy remains effective for the treatment of falciparum malaria. However, Plasmodium falciparum can escape the effects of artemisinin by arresting their growth. The growth-arrested parasites cannot be distinguished from nonviable parasites with standard microscopy techniques due to their morphological similarities. Here, we demonstrated the efficacy of a new laboratory assay that is compatible with the artemisinin susceptibility test. As a result of the differential cell permeabilities of two DNA-binding fluorophores, growth-arrested P. falciparum can be distinguished from parasites killed by artemisinin, since the latter lose cell membrane permeability. This fluorescence-based assay increased the sensitivity and specificity of the ring survival assay in the assessment of artemisinin susceptibility. When combined with a third fluorophore-conjugated anti-human leukocyte antibody, this trio fluorophore assay became more useful in identifying growth-arrested parasites in mock human blood samples. This novel assay is a simple and rapid technique for monitoring artemisinin resistance with greater sensitivity and accuracy compared with morphology-based observations under a light microscope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Porntida Kobpornchai
- Siriraj Integrative Center for Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Siriraj-Long Read Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Kasem Kulkeaw
- Siriraj Integrative Center for Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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Nemati S, Mottaghi M, Karami P, Mirjalali H. Development of solid lipid nanoparticles-loaded drugs in parasitic diseases. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:7. [PMID: 38175309 PMCID: PMC10767167 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03955-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Parasites cause illnesses with broad spectrum of symptoms from mild to severe, and are responsible for a significant number of outbreaks in the world. Current anti-parasitic drugs are toxic and have significant side effects. Nano-carriers are believed to obviate the limitations of conventional drugs via decreasing side effects and increasing target delivery and drug permeability with a controlled prolonged release of a drug. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which have frequently been practiced. Suitable release rate, stability, and target delivery make SLNs a good alternative for colloidal carriers. SLNs are supposed to have great potential to deliver natural products with anti-parasitic properties. Nanoparticles have employed to improve stability and capacity loading of SLNs, during recent years. This review describes development of SLNs, the methods of preparation, characterization, and loaded drugs into SLNs in parasitic diseases. In addition, we summarize recent development in anti-parasitic SLNs-loaded drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Mottaghi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Karami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Eisenberg SL, Krieger AE. A comprehensive approach to optimizing malaria prevention in pregnant women: evaluating the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and resistance of IPTp-SP and IPTp-DP. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2231257. [PMID: 37459385 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2231257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria during pregnancy is a major global health concern, with approximately 10,000 pregnant women dying from malaria-related anaemia each year. The World Health Organization has suggested intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) to avert malaria infection in pregnant women in malaria-endemic areas, but this intermittent preventive (IP) treatment is at risk of becoming ineffective due to parasite resistance and the contraindication in HIV-infected women. This paper argues that alternative IP treatments such as dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) should be explored, alongside the urgent need to investigate antimalarial cycling strategies. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of IPTp-DP should be evaluated, as well as potential barriers to IP treatment such as medication stockouts, late attendance at antenatal clinics, lack of autonomy and freedom among women, and lack of knowledge about malaria prevention. Health education focusing on malaria prevention should be incorporated into routine antenatal care programmes to improve patient compliance. A comprehensive approach that includes the administration of IPTp-DP alone along with other measures such as insecticide-treated nets and medical education is the key to addressing the devastating effects of malaria infection in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Leah Eisenberg
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Adam E Krieger
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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12
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Schreidah C, Giesbrecht D, Gashema P, Young N, Munyaneza T, Muvunyi CM, Thwai K, Mazarati JB, Bailey J, Juliano JJ, Karema C. Expansion of Artemisinin Partial Resistance Mutations and Lack of Histidine Rich Protein-2 and -3 Deletions in Plasmodium falciparum infections from Rukara, Rwanda. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.17.23300081. [PMID: 38196592 PMCID: PMC10775326 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.17.23300081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Emerging artemisinin resistance and diagnostic resistance are a threat to malaria control in Africa. Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 (K13) propeller-domain mutations that confer artemisinin partial resistance have emerged in Africa. K13-561H was initially described at a frequency of 7.4% from Masaka in 2014-2015 but not present in nearby Rukara. By 2018, 19.6% of isolates in Masaka and 22% of isolates in Rukara contained the mutation. Longitudinal monitoring is essential to inform control efforts. In Rukara, we sought to assess recent K13-561H prevalence changes, as well as for other key mutations. Prevalence of hrp2/3 deletions was also assessed. Methods We genotyped samples collected in Rukara in 2021 for key artemisinin and partner drug resistance mutations using molecular inversion probe assays and for hrp2/3 deletions using qPCR. Results Clinically validated K13 artemisinin partial resistance mutations continue to increase in prevalence with the overall level of artemisinin resistance mutant infections reaching 32% in Rwanda. The increase appears to be due to the rapid emergence of K13-675V (6.4%, 6/94 infections), previously not observed, rather than continued expansion of 561H (23.5% 20/85). Mutations to partner drugs and other antimalarials were variable, with high levels of multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) N86 (95.5%) associated with lumefantrine resistance and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) 164L (24.7%) associated with antifolate resistance, but low levels of amodiaquine resistance polymorphisms with chloroquine resistance transporter (CRT ) 76T: at 6.1% prevalence. No hrp2 or hrp3 gene deletions associated with diagnostic resistance were found. Conclusions Increasing prevalence of artemisinin partial resistance due to K13-561H and the rapid expansion of K13-675V is concerning for the longevity of artemisinin effectiveness in the region. False negative mRDT results do not appear to be an issue with no hrp2 or hpr3 deletions detected. Continued molecular surveillance in this region and surrounding areas is needed to follow artemisinin resistance and provide early detection of partner drug resistance, which would likely compromise control and increase malaria morbidity and mortality in East Africa.
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13
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Waithera MW, Sifuna MW, Kimani SK, Takei M. Drug selection pressure and fitness cost for artemether-resistant Plasmodium berghei ANKA parasites in vivo. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2023; 62:107012. [PMID: 37865152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.107012] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical use of artemisinin-based combination therapies is threatened by increasing failure rates due to the emergence and spread of multiple drug resistance genes in most human Plasmodium strains. The aim of this study was to generate artemether-resistant (AMR) parasites from Plasmodium berghei ANKA (AMS), and determine their fitness cost. METHODS Artemether resistance was generated by increasing drug pressure doses gradually for 9 months. Effective doses (ED50 and ED90) were determined using the 4-day suppressive test, and the indices of resistance (I) at 50% and 90% (I50 and I90) were determined using the ratio of either ED50 or ED90 of AMR to AMS, respectively. The stability of the AMR parasites was evaluated by: five drug-free passages (5DFPs), 3 months of cryopreservation (CP), and drug-free serial passages (DFSPs) for 4 months. Analysis of variance was used to compare differences in growth rates between AMR and AMS with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS ED50 and ED90 of AMS were 0.61 and 3.43 mg/kg/day respectively. I50 and I90 after 20 cycles of artemether selection pressure were 19.67 and 21.45, respectively; 5DFP values were 39.16 and 15.27, respectively; 3-month CP values were 29.36 and 10.79, respectively; and DFSP values were 31.34 and 12.29, respectively. The mean parasitaemia value of AMR (24.70% ± 3.60) relative to AMS (37.66% ± 3.68) at Day 7 post infection after DFSPs revealed a fitness cost of 34.41%. CONCLUSION A moderately stable AMRP. berghei line was generated. Known and unknown mutations may be involved in modulating artemether resistance, and therefore molecular investigations are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milka Wambui Waithera
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Division of Fundamental Engineering, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Martin Wekesa Sifuna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Division of Fundamental Engineering, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Masahiro Takei
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Division of Fundamental Engineering, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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14
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Jeje TO, Bando H, Azad MTA, Fukuda Y, Oluwafemi IE, Kato K. Antiplasmodial and interferon-gamma-modulating activities of the aqueous extract of stone breaker (Phyllanthus niruri Linn.) in malaria infection. Parasitol Int 2023; 97:102789. [PMID: 37473798 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum parasites are the primary cause of malaria across Africa. The problem of drug resistance to malaria is ever growing and novel therapeutic strategies need to be developed, particularly those targeting the parasite and also the host or host-pathogen interaction. Previous studies have shown that the development of cerebral malaria (CM) is related to dysregulation of the immune system in a murine malaria model of experimental cerebral malaria. It involves a complex interaction of events and interferon-gamma seems to be the unifying factor. Therefore, the antiplasmodial activity targeting the parasite and immunomodulatory strategies that reduce overall host inflammation, with IFN-γ in focus, could delay CM onset and prove beneficial in malaria infection therapy. Phyllanthus niruri is used to treat fever and other symptoms of malaria in Nigeria. Its modes of action as an anti-malarial remedy have not been exhaustively investigated. This study therefore examined the aqueous extract of P. niruri (PE) for its antiplasmodial activity in vitro using the Plasmodium falciparum HB3 strain. Furthermore, in vivo murine malaria model using the Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain was used to investigate its anti-malarial effects. We showed that PE has multiple anti-malarial effects, including anti-parasitic and host immunomodulatory activities. Co-culture of P. falciparum with PE and some of its phytoconstituents drastically reduced parasite number. PE also decreased parasitemia, and increased the survival of infected mice. We also observed that the integrity of the blood-brain barrier was maintained in the PE-treated mice. The results confirmed that PE showed moderate antiplasmodial activity. In vivo murine malaria model using P. berghei ANKA for experimental cerebral malaria revealed that PE suppressed parasite growth, and modulate the production of interferon-gamma. The findings demonstrate that PE affects malaria progression, targeting parasites and host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temitope Olawale Jeje
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, School of Science, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Hironori Bando
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan
| | - Md Thoufic Anam Azad
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan; Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Yasuhiro Fukuda
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan
| | | | - Kentaro Kato
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan.
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15
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Sidoryk K, Parapini S, Basilico N, Zaremba-Czogalla M, Kubiszewski M, Cybulski M, Gubernator J, Zagórska A, Jaromin A. Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of Novel Caffeic Acid Derivatives as Potential Antimalarials. J Parasitol Res 2023; 2023:6675081. [PMID: 38046256 PMCID: PMC10691883 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6675081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
New protocol for the preparation of the novel caffeic acid derivatives using the Wittig reaction has been applied to follow the principles of green chemistry. The compounds have been evaluated against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum strains. Their cytotoxicity to normal human dermal fibroblasts and their propensity to induce hemolysis have been also determined. Ethyl (2E)-3-(2,3,4-trihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpropenoate has exhibited the highest antiplasmodial activity against P. falciparum strains without the cytotoxic and hemolytic effects. This derivative is significantly more potent than caffeic acid parent structure. The application of our one-step procedure has been shown to be rapid and efficient. It allows for an easy increase of input data to refine the structure-activity relationship model of caffeates as the antimalarials. The one-step approach meets the conditions of "atom economy" and eliminates hazardous materials. Water has been used as the effective medium for the Wittig reaction to avoid toxic organic solvents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Sidoryk
- Pharmacy, Cosmetic Chemistry and Biotechnology Research Group, Łukasiewicz Research Network-Industrial Chemistry Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marek Kubiszewski
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Laboratory, Łukasiewicz Research Network-Industrial Chemistry Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Cybulski
- Pharmacy, Cosmetic Chemistry and Biotechnology Research Group, Łukasiewicz Research Network-Industrial Chemistry Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Gubernator
- Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Zagórska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Anna Jaromin
- Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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16
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Tan MH, Tiedje KE, Feng Q, Zhan Q, Pascual M, Shim H, Chan YB, Day KP. A paradoxical population structure of var DBLα types in Africa. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.05.565723. [PMID: 37986738 PMCID: PMC10659346 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.05.565723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The var multigene family encodes the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), which is important in host-parasite interaction as a virulence factor and major surface antigen of the blood stages of the parasite, responsible for maintaining chronic infection. Whilst important in the biology of P. falciparum, these genes (50 to 60 genes per parasite genome) are routinely excluded from whole genome analyses due to their hyper-diversity, achieved primarily through recombination. The PfEMP1 head structure almost always consists of a DBLα-CIDR tandem. Categorised into different groups (upsA, upsB, upsC), different head structures have been associated with different ligand-binding affinities and disease severities. We study how conserved individual DBLα types are at the country, regional, and local scales in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using publicly-available sequence datasets and a novel ups classification algorithm, cUps, we performed an in silico exploration of DBLα conservation through time and space in Africa. In all three ups groups, the population structure of DBLα types in Africa consists of variants occurring at rare, low, moderate, and high frequencies. Non-rare variants were found to be temporally stable in a local area in endemic Ghana. When inspected across different geographical scales, we report different levels of conservation; while some DBLα types were consistently found in high frequencies in multiple African countries, others were conserved only locally, signifying local preservation of specific types. Underlying this population pattern is the composition of DBLα types within each isolate DBLα repertoire, revealed to also consist of a mix of types found at rare, low, moderate, and high frequencies in the population. We further discuss the adaptive forces and balancing selection, including host genetic factors, potentially shaping the evolution and diversity of DBLα types in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mun Hua Tan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Bio21 Institute and Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, AU
| | - Kathryn E Tiedje
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Bio21 Institute and Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, AU
| | - Qian Feng
- School of Mathematics and Statistics / Melbourne Integrative Genomics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Qi Zhan
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mercedes Pascual
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago; Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Heejung Shim
- School of Mathematics and Statistics / Melbourne Integrative Genomics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yao-Ban Chan
- School of Mathematics and Statistics / Melbourne Integrative Genomics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karen P Day
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Bio21 Institute and Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, AU
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17
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Cavany S, Nanyonga S, Hauk C, Lim C, Tarning J, Sartorius B, Dolecek C, Caillet C, Newton PN, Cooper BS. The uncertain role of substandard and falsified medicines in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6153. [PMID: 37788991 PMCID: PMC10547756 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41542-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 10% of antimicrobials used by humans in low- and middle-income countries are estimated to be substandard or falsified. In addition to their negative impact on morbidity and mortality, they may also be important drivers of antimicrobial resistance. Despite such concerns, our understanding of this relationship remains rudimentary. Substandard and falsified medicines have the potential to either increase or decrease levels of resistance, and here we discuss a range of mechanisms that could drive these changes. Understanding these effects and their relative importance will require an improved understanding of how different drug exposures affect the emergence and spread of resistance and of how the percentage of active pharmaceutical ingredients in substandard and falsified medicines is temporally and spatially distributed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Cavany
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Stella Nanyonga
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Medicine Quality Research Group, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Cathrin Hauk
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Medicine Quality Research Group, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Cherry Lim
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joel Tarning
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Benn Sartorius
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Christiane Dolecek
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Céline Caillet
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Medicine Quality Research Group, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paul N Newton
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Medicine Quality Research Group, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ben S Cooper
- NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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18
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Sun G, Zhao S, Fan Z, Wang Y, Liu H, Cao H, Sun G, Huang T, Cai H, Pan H, Rong D, Gao Y, Tang W. CHSY1 promotes CD8 + T cell exhaustion through activation of succinate metabolism pathway leading to colorectal cancer liver metastasis based on CRISPR/Cas9 screening. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:248. [PMID: 37749638 PMCID: PMC10519095 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02803-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most common site of metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC) is the liver and liver metastases occur in more than 50% of patients during diagnosis or treatment. The occurrence of metastasis depends on a series of events known as the invasive-metastasis cascade. Currently, the underlying genes and pathways regulating metastasis initiation in the liver microenvironment are unknown. METHODS We performed systematic CRISPR/Cas9 screening using an in vivo mouse model of CRC liver metastasis to identify key regulators of CRC metastasis. We present the full results of this screen,which included a list of genes that promote or repress CRC liver colonization. By silencing these genes individually, we found that chondroitin sulfate synthase 1 (CHSY1) may be involved in CRC metastasis. We verified the function of CHSY1 and its involvement in liver metastasis of CRC through in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULT The results of TCGA and CRISPR/Cas9 showed that CHSY1 was overexpressed in CRC primary and liver metastasis tissues and indicated a worse clinical prognosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that CHSY1 facilitated the liver metastasis of CRC and CHSY1 induced CD8+ T cell exhaustion and upregulated PD-L1 expression. The metabolomic analysis indicated that CHSY1 promoted CD8+ T cell exhaustion by activating the succinate metabolism pathway leading to liver metastasis of CRC. Artemisinin as a CHSY1 inhibitor reduced liver metastasis and enhanced the effect of anti-PD1 in CRC. PLGA-loaded Artemisinin and ICG probe reduced liver metastasis and increased the efficiency of anti-PD1 treatment in CRC. CONCLUSION CHSY1 could promote CD8+ T cell exhaustion through activation of the succinate metabolic and PI3K/AKT/HIF1A pathway, leading to CRC liver metastasis. The combination of CHSY1 knockdown and anti-PD1 contributes to synergistic resistance to CRC liver metastasis. Artemisinin significantly inhibits CHSY1 activity and in combination with anti-PD1 could synergistically treat CRC liver metastases. This study provides new targets and specific strategies for the treatment of CRC liver metastases, bringing new hope and benefits to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshun Sun
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siqi Zhao
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongguo Fan
- Department of Cardiology Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuliang Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanyuan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hengsong Cao
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Guoqiang Sun
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Tian Huang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongzhou Cai
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital &The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University& Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hong Pan
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Dawei Rong
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yun Gao
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.
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Magwaza RN, Abubaker M, Hussain B, Haley M, Couper K, Freeman S, Nirmalan NJ. Evaluation of 4-Aminoquinoline Hydrazone Analogues as Potential Leads for Drug-Resistant Malaria. Molecules 2023; 28:6471. [PMID: 37764248 PMCID: PMC10534891 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of resistance to first-line antimalarial drugs calls for the development of new therapies for drug-resistant malaria. The efficacy of quinoline-based antimalarial drugs has prompted the development of novel quinolines. A panel of 4-aminoquinoline hydrazone analogues were tested on the multidrug-resistant K1 strain of Plasmodium falciparum: IC50 values after a 48 h cycle ranged from 0.60 to 49 µM, while the 72 h cycle ranged from 0.026 to 0.219 μM. Time-course assays were carried out to define the activity of the lead compounds, which inhibited over 50% growth in 24 h and 90% growth in 72 h. Cytotoxicity assays with HepG2 cells showed IC50 values of 0.87-11.1 μM, whereas in MDBK cells, IC50 values ranged from 1.66 to 11.7 μM. High selectivity indices were observed for the lead compounds screened at 72 h on P. falciparum. Analyses of stage specificity revealed that the ring stages of the parasite life cycle were most affected. Based on antimalarial efficacy and in vitro safety profiles, lead compound 4-(2-benzylidenehydrazinyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylquinoline 2 was progressed to drug combination studies for the detection of synergism, with a combinatory index of 0.599 at IC90 for the combination with artemether, indicating a synergistic antimalarial activity. Compound 2 was screened on different strains of P. falciparum (3D7, Dd2), which maintained similar activity to K1, suggesting no cross-resistance between multidrug resistance and sensitive parasite strains. In vivo analysis with 2 showed the suppression of parasitaemia with P. yoelii NL (non-lethal)-treated mice (20 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael N. Magwaza
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
| | - Muna Abubaker
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
| | - Buthaina Hussain
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 17138, Jordan;
| | - Michael Haley
- School of Biological Sciences, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Infection, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (M.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Kevin Couper
- School of Biological Sciences, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Infection, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (M.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Sally Freeman
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Niroshini J. Nirmalan
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
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Wang F, Xu S, Chen C, Wei C, Zhang CJ. Stereochemistry and antimalarial activity of C-10 carba analogues of artemisinin. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 93:129414. [PMID: 37494974 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129414] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin is an endoperoxide bond-containing sesquiterpene lactone showing potent antimalarial effect as well as antitumor and antivirus activities. Inspired by this unique pharmacorphore, researchers around the world developed numerous Artemisinin derivatives. Among these derivatives, the C-10 carba analogues of artemisinin are frequently reported. However, the stereochemistry of C-10 carba analogues of artemisinin is overlooked and the corresponding mixture of stereoisomers are used. Herein, we reported for the first time stereochemistry and antimalarial activity of C-10 carba analogues of artemisinin. We employed two approaches to obtain the pure isomer of C-10 carba analogues and presented an interesting observation about their antimalarial activities. The minor isomer with large-sized substitute and S configuration at C-10 position had much lower antimalarial effect than the major isomer with R configuration. The study will shed light on the development of effective antimalarial drugs based on ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengge Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 10005, China
| | - Shiqi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 10005, China
| | - Chen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 10005, China
| | - Chunyan Wei
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, 5# Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, 100005, China..
| | - Chong-Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 10005, China..
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21
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Chen J, Gao P, Xiao W, Cheng G, Krishna S, Wang J, Wong YK, Wang C, Gu L, Yang DH, Wang J. Multi-omics dissection of stage-specific artemisinin tolerance mechanisms in Kelch13-mutant Plasmodium falciparum. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 70:100978. [PMID: 37385107 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We investigated the stage-specific mechanisms of partial resistance to artemisinin (ART, an antimalarial drug) in Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) carrying the Kelch13 C580Y mutation. METHODS Using fluorescence labeling and activity-based protein profiling, we systematically profile the ART activation levels in P. falciparum during the entire intra-erythrocytic developmental cycle (IDC), and determined the ART-targets profile of the ART-sensitive and -resistant strains at different stages. We retrieved and integrated datasets of single-cell transcriptomics and label-free proteomics across three IDC stages of wild-type P. falciparum. We also employed lipidomics to validate lipid metabolic reprogramming in the resistant strain. RESULTS The activation and expression patterns of genes and proteins of ART-targets in both ART-sensitive and resistant strains varied at different stages and periods of P. falciparum development, with the late trophozoite stage harboring the largest number of ART targets. We identified and validated 36 overlapping targets, such as GAPDH, EGF-1a, and SpdSyn, during the IDC stages in both strains. We revealed the ART-insensitivity of fatty acid-associated activities in the partially resistant strain at both the early ring and early trophozoite stages. CONCLUSIONS Our multi-omics strategies provide novel insights into the mechanisms of ART partial resistance in Kelch13 mutant P. falciparum, demonstrating the stage-specific interaction between ART and malaria parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayun Chen
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Department of Critical Medicine, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Guangqing Cheng
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Sanjeev Krishna
- Clinical Academic Group in Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jianyou Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yin Kwan Wong
- Department of Critical Medicine, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Liwei Gu
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Dong Hua Yang
- New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Mineola, United States.
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China; Department of Critical Medicine, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China.
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22
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Yu H, Li JM, Deng K, Zhou W, Li KH, Wang CX, Wang Q, Wu M, Huang SW. GPX4 inhibition synergistically boosts mitochondria targeting nanoartemisinin-induced apoptosis/ferroptosis combination cancer therapy. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:5831-5845. [PMID: 37439624 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00601h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin, originally used for its antimalarial activity, has received much attention in recent years for cancer therapy. The anticancer mechanisms of artemisinin are complicated and debatable. Challenges in the delivery of artemisinin also persist because the anticancer effect of artemisinin alone is often not satisfactory when used with traditional nanocarriers. We herein report the mitochondrial delivery of artemisinin with extremely high anticancer capacity. The action mode of artemisinin in the mitochondria of cancer cells includes heme-participating and oxygen-independent conversion of artemisinin into a carbon-centered radical, which is partly converted into ROS in the presence of molecular oxygen. We reveal that artemisinin alone in the mitochondria can induce strong cancer cell apoptosis. In addition, due to the weak inhibition of GPX4 activity by artemisinin, weak ferroptosis is also observed. We further discover that GPX4 activity in MCF-7 cells is greatly inhibited by RSL3 to synergistically enhance the anticancer capacity of artemisinin via enhancing ferroptosis. The synergistic anticancer activity of artemisinin and RSL3 in the mitochondria not only improves cancer cell-killing ability, but also inhibits the re-proliferation of residual cancer cells. This study provides a new insight into developing highly efficient and practical artemisinin nanomedicines for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Modeling and Drug Screening for Human Diseases of Xiangyang City, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Jia-Mi Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Kai Deng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Kun-Heng Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Cai-Xia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Shi-Wen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
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23
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Guan L, Wang H, Xu X, Fan H. Therapeutical Utilization and Repurposing of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives: A Narrative Review. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300086. [PMID: 37178448 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300086] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives have great therapeutical utility as antimalarials and can be repurposed for other indications, such as viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic effects of ART-based drugs, beyond their antimalarial effects. This review also summarizes the information on their repurposing in other pathologies, with the hope that it will guide the future optimization of the use of ART-based drugs and of the treatment strategies for the listed diseases. By reviewing related literature, ART extraction and structure as well as the synthesis and structure of its derivatives are presented. Subsequently, the traditional roles of ART and its derivatives against malaria are reviewed, including antimalarial mechanism and occurrence of antimalarial resistance. Finally, the potential of ART and its derivatives to be repurposed for the treatment of other diseases are summarized. The great repurposing potential of ART and its derivatives may be useful for the control of emerging diseases with corresponding pathologies, and future research should be directed toward the synthesis of more effective derivatives or better combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Guan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Huiyong Wang
- Wuhan Humanwell Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Wuhan, 430206, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Xu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, P. R. China
| | - Huahao Fan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
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24
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Ma W, Balta VA, Pan W, Rimer JD, Sullivan DJ, Vekilov PG. Nonclassical mechanisms to irreversibly suppress β-hematin crystal growth. Commun Biol 2023; 6:783. [PMID: 37500754 PMCID: PMC10374632 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematin crystallization is an essential element of heme detoxification of malaria parasites and its inhibition by antimalarial drugs is a common treatment avenue. We demonstrate at biomimetic conditions in vitro irreversible inhibition of hematin crystal growth due to distinct cooperative mechanisms that activate at high crystallization driving forces. The evolution of crystal shape after limited-time exposure to both artemisinin metabolites and quinoline-class antimalarials indicates that crystal growth remains suppressed after the artemisinin metabolites and the drugs are purged from the solution. Treating malaria parasites with the same agents reveals that three- and six-hour inhibitor pulses inhibit parasite growth with efficacy comparable to that of inhibitor exposure during the entire parasite lifetime. Time-resolved in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM), complemented by light scattering, reveals two molecular-level mechanisms of inhibitor action that prevent β-hematin growth recovery. Hematin adducts of artemisinins incite copious nucleation of nonextendable nanocrystals, which incorporate into larger growing crystals, whereas pyronaridine, a quinoline-class drug, promotes step bunches, which evolve to engender abundant dislocations. Both incorporated crystals and dislocations are known to induce lattice strain, which persists and permanently impedes crystal growth. Nucleation, step bunching, and other cooperative behaviors can be amplified or curtailed as means to control crystal sizes, size distributions, aspect ratios, and other properties essential for numerous fields that rely on crystalline materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchuan Ma
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Victoria A Balta
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Weichun Pan
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 314423, China
| | - Jeffrey D Rimer
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
| | - David J Sullivan
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Peter G Vekilov
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
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25
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Tarama CW, Soré H, Siribié M, Débé S, Kinda R, Ganou A, Nonkani WG, Tiendrebeogo F, Bantango W, Yira K, Sagnon A, Ilboudo S, Hien EY, Guelbéogo MW, Sagnon NF, Traoré Y, Ménard D, Gansané A. Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance-associated mutations in isolates from children living in endemic areas of Burkina Faso. Malar J 2023; 22:213. [PMID: 37474966 PMCID: PMC10360335 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04645-9] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinin-based combinations therapy (ACT) is the current frontline curative therapy for uncomplicated malaria in Burkina Faso. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is used for the preventive treatment of pregnant women (IPTp), while SP plus amodiaquine (SP-AQ) is recommended for children under five in seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). This study aimed to assess the proportions of mutations in the P. falciparum multidrug-resistance 1 (Pfmdr1), P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt), P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr), and P. falciparum dihydropteroate synthase (pfdhps), genes from isolates collected during household surveys in Burkina Faso. METHODS Dried blood spots from Plasmodium falciparum-positive cases at three sites (Orodara, Gaoua, and Banfora) collected during the peak of transmission were analysed for mutations in Pfcrt (codons 72-76, 93, 97, 145, 218, 343, 350 and 353), Pfmdr-1 (codons 86, 184, 1034, 1042 and 1246) dhfr (codons 51, 59, 108, 164) and dhps (at codons 431, 436, 437, 540, 581, 613) genes using deep sequencing of multiplexed Polymerase chaine reaction (PCR) amplicons. RESULTS Of the 377 samples analysed, 346 (91.7%), 369 (97.9%), 368 (97.6%), and 374 (99.2%) were successfully sequenced for Pfcrt, Pfmdr-1, dhfr, and dhps, respectively. Most of the samples had a Pfcrt wild-type allele (89.3%). The 76T mutation was below 10%. The most frequent Pfmdr-1 mutation was detected at codon 184 (Y > F, 30.9%). The single mutant genotype (NFSND) predominated (66.7%), followed by the wild-type genotype (NYSND, 30.4%). The highest dhfr mutations were observed at codon 59R (69.8%), followed by codons 51I (66.6%) and 108 N (14.7%). The double mutant genotype (ACIRSI) predominated (52.4%). For mutation in the dhps gene, the highest frequency was observed at codon 437 K (89.3%), followed by codons 436 A (61.2%), and 613 S (14.4%). The double mutant genotype (IAKKAA) and the single mutant genotype (ISKKAA) were predominant (37.7% and 37.2%, respectively). The most frequent dhfr/dhps haplotypes were the triple mutant ACIRSI/IAKKAA (23%), the wild-type ACNCSI/ISKKAA (19%) and the double mutant ACIRSI/ISKKAA (14%). A septuple mutant ACIRNI/VAKKGA was observed in 2 isolates from Gaoua (0.5%). CONCLUSION The efficacy of ACT partner drugs and drugs used in IPTp and SMC does not appear to be affected by the low proportion of highly resistant mutants observed in this study. Continued monitoring, including molecular surveillance, is critical for decision-making on effective treatment policy in Burkina Faso.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harouna Soré
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Mafama Siribié
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Siaka Débé
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Réné Kinda
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Adama Ganou
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Wendyam Gérard Nonkani
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Farida Tiendrebeogo
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Winnie Bantango
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Kassoum Yira
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Aladari Sagnon
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Sonia Ilboudo
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - NFale Sagnon
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Yves Traoré
- Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Didier Ménard
- Malaria Genetic and Resistance Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1201, 75015, Paris, France
- Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, Université de Strasbourg, UR7292 Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, CHU Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Adama Gansané
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
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26
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Sharma B, Agarwal A, Awasthi SK. Is structural hybridization invoking new dimensions for antimalarial drug discovery research? RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1227-1253. [PMID: 37484560 PMCID: PMC10357931 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00083d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite effective prevention methods, malaria is a devastating, persistent infection caused by protozoal parasites that result in nearly half a million fatalities annually. Any progress made thus far in the eradication of the disease is jeopardized by the expansion of malaria parasites that have evolved to become resistant to a wide range of drugs, including first-line therapy. To surmount this significant obstacle, it is necessary to develop newly synthesized drugs with multiple modes of action that may have a novel target in various stages of Plasmodium parasite development and this is made possible by the hybridization concept. Hybridization is the combination of at least two diverse pharmacophore units with some linkers bringing about a single molecule with a diverse mode of action. It intensifies a drug's physiological and chemical characteristics, such as absorption, cellular target contact, metabolism, excretion, distribution, and toxicity. This review article outlines the currently published most potent hybrid drugs against the Plasmodium species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhawana Sharma
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi Delhi-110007 India
| | - Alka Agarwal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University Varanasi-221005 Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Satish Kumar Awasthi
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi Delhi-110007 India
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27
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Toepfer S, Lackner M, Keniya MV, Zenz LM, Friemert M, Bracher F, Monk BC. Clorgyline Analogs Synergize with Azoles against Drug Efflux in Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:663. [PMID: 37367600 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Concern about the global emergence of multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens led us to explore the use of combination therapy to combat azole resistance in Candida auris. Clorgyline had previously been shown to be a multi-target inhibitor of Cdr1 and Mdr1 efflux pumps of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. A screen for antifungal sensitizers among synthetic analogs of Clorgyline detected interactions with the C. auris efflux pump azole substrates Posaconazole and Voriconazole. Of six Clorgyline analogs, M19 and M25 were identified as potential sensitizers of azole resistance. M19 and M25 were found to act synergistically with azoles against resistant C. auris clade I isolates and recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains overexpressing C. auris efflux pumps. Nile Red assays with the recombinant strains showed M19 and M25 inhibited the activity of Cdr1 and Mdr1 efflux pumps that are known to play key roles in azole resistance in C. auris clades I, III, and IV. While Clorgyline, M19 and M25 uncoupled the Oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity of Cdr1 from C. albicans and C. auris, their mode of action is yet to be fully elucidated. The experimental combinations described herein provides a starting point to combat azole resistance dominated by overexpression of CauCdr1 in C. auris clades I and IV and CauMdr1 in C. auris clade III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Toepfer
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mikhail V Keniya
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Lisa-Maria Zenz
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marianne Friemert
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Bracher
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Brian C Monk
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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28
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Shibahara D, Akanuma N, Kobayashi IS, Heo E, Ando M, Fujii M, Jiang F, Prin PN, Pan G, Wong K, Costa DB, Bararia D, Tenen DG, Watanabe H, Kobayashi SS. TIP60 is required for tumorigenesis in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:2400-2413. [PMID: 36916958 PMCID: PMC10236639 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications play crucial roles in transcriptional activation, and aberrant epigenetic changes are associated with oncogenesis. Lysine (K) acetyltransferases 5 (TIP60, also known as KAT5) is reportedly implicated in cancer development and maintenance, although its function in lung cancer remains controversial. Here we demonstrate that TIP60 knockdown in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines decreased tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, analysis of a mouse lung cancer model with lung-specific conditional Tip60 knockout revealed suppressed tumor formation relative to controls, but no apparent effects on normal lung homeostasis. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analyses of inducible TIP60 knockdown H1975 cells relative to controls revealed transglutaminase enzyme (TGM5) as downstream of TIP60. Investigation of a connectivity map database identified several candidate compounds that decrease TIP60 mRNA, one that suppressed tumor growth in cell culture and in vivo. In addition, TH1834, a TIP60 acetyltransferase inhibitor, showed comparable antitumor effects in cell culture and in vivo. Taken together, suppression of TIP60 activity shows tumor-specific efficacy against lung cancer, with no overt effect on normal tissues. Our work suggests that targeting TIP60 could be a promising approach to treating lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Shibahara
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Naoki Akanuma
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ikei S. Kobayashi
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Eunyoung Heo
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineSMG‐SNU Boramae Medical CenterSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Mariko Ando
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Masanori Fujii
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Feng Jiang
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesTisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - P. Nicholas Prin
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Gilbert Pan
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Kwok‐Kin Wong
- Perlmutter Cancer CenterNYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Daniel B. Costa
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Deepak Bararia
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Daniel G. Tenen
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Hideo Watanabe
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesTisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Susumu S. Kobayashi
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Translational Genomics, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial CenterNational Cancer CenterKashiwaJapan
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Cripowellins Pause Plasmodium falciparum Intraerythrocytic Development at the Ring Stage. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062600. [PMID: 36985570 PMCID: PMC10056369 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cripowellins from Crinum erubescens are known pesticidal and have potent antiplasmodial activity. To gain mechanistic insights to this class of natural products, studies to determine the timing of action of cripowellins within the asexual intraerythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium falciparum were performed and led to the observation that this class of natural products induced reversible cytostasis in the ring stage within the first 24 h of treatment. The transcriptional program necessary for P. falciparum to progress through the asexual intraerythrocytic life cycle is well characterized. Whole transcriptome abundance analysis showed that cripowellin B “pauses” the transcriptional program necessary to progress through the intraerythrocytic life cycle coinciding with the lack of morphological progression of drug treated parasites. In addition, cripowellin B-treated parasites re-enter transcriptional progression after treatment was removed. This study highlights the use of cripowellins as chemical probes to reveal new aspects of cell cycle progression of the asexual ring stage of P. falciparum which could be leveraged for the generation of future antimalarial therapeutics.
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Biendl S, Häberli C, Chen G, Wang W, Zhong L, Saunders J, Pham T, Wang X, Wu J, Charman SA, Vennerstrom JL, Keiser J. In Vitro and In Vivo Antischistosomal Activity Profiling and Pharmacokinetics of Ozonide Carboxylic Acids. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:643-652. [PMID: 36794836 PMCID: PMC10858445 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Praziquantel, the only drug in clinical use for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis, is inactive against developing infections. Ozonides are synthetic peroxide derivatives inspired by the naturally occurring artemisinin and show particularly promising activity against juvenile schistosomes. We conducted an in-depth characterization of the in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal activity and pharmacokinetics of lead ozonide carboxylic acid OZ418 and four of its active analogs. In vitro, the ozonides featured rapid and consistent activity against schistosomula and adult schistosomes at double-digit micromolar EC50 values. Potency did not vary considerably between Schistosoma spp. The zwitterionic OZ740 and OZ772 were more active in vivo compared to their non-amphoteric carboxylic acids OZ418 and OZ748, despite their much lower systemic plasma exposure (AUC). The most active compound in vivo was ethyl ester OZ780, which was rapidly transformed to its parent zwitterion OZ740 and achieved ED50 values of 35 ± 2.4 and 29 ± 2.4 mg/kg against adult and juvenile Schistosoma mansoni, respectively. Ozonide carboxylic acids represent promising candidates for further optimization and development due to their good efficacy against both life stages together with their broad activity range against all relevant parasite species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Biendl
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gong Chen
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Wen Wang
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Longjin Zhong
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Jessica Saunders
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Thao Pham
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 986125, United States of America
| | - Jianbo Wu
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 986125, United States of America
| | - Susan A Charman
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Jonathan L Vennerstrom
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 986125, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
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Application of Minimal Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Model to Simulate Lung and Trachea Exposure of Pyronaridine and Artesunate in Hamsters. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030838. [PMID: 36986698 PMCID: PMC10058671 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A fixed-dose combination of pyronaridine and artesunate, one of the artemisinin-based combination therapies, has been used as a potent antimalarial treatment regimen. Recently, several studies have reported the antiviral effects of both drugs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus two (SARS-CoV-2). However, there are limited data on the pharmacokinetics (PKs), lung, and trachea exposures that could be correlated with the antiviral effects of pyronaridine and artesunate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, lung, and trachea distribution of pyronaridine, artesunate, and dihydroartemisinin (an active metabolite of artesunate) using a minimal physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. The major target tissues for evaluating dose metrics are blood, lung, and trachea, and the nontarget tissues were lumped together into the rest of the body. The predictive performance of the minimal PBPK model was evaluated using visual inspection between observations and model predictions, (average) fold error, and sensitivity analysis. The developed PBPK models were applied for the multiple-dosing simulation of daily oral pyronaridine and artesunate. A steady state was reached about three to four days after the first dosing of pyronaridine and an accumulation ratio was calculated to be 1.8. However, the accumulation ratio of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin could not be calculated since the steady state of both compounds was not achieved by daily multiple dosing. The elimination half-life of pyronaridine and artesunate was estimated to be 19.8 and 0.4 h, respectively. Pyronaridine was extensively distributed to the lung and trachea with the lung-to-blood and trachea-to-blood concentration ratios (=Cavg,tissue/Cavg,blood) of 25.83 and 12.41 at the steady state, respectively. Also, the lung-to-blood and trachea-to-blood AUC ratios for artesunate (dihydroartemisinin) were calculated to be 3.34 (1.51) and 0.34 (0.15). The results of this study could provide a scientific basis for interpreting the dose–exposure–response relationship of pyronaridine and artesunate for COVID-19 drug repurposing.
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Antimalarial activity of the 80%methanol extract and solvent fractions of Cucumis ficifolius A. rich roots against Plasmodium berghei in mice. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13690. [PMID: 36852070 PMCID: PMC9958454 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance Malaria is still a known health threat, especially in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the frequently mentioned issues with hospital admission and outpatient care in Ethiopia. Cucumis ficifolius A. Rich roots are historically used in Ethiopia to treat meningitis, inflammation, and malaria. However, the antimalarial activity of this plant has not been scientifically studied so far. Aim of the study This study aimed to determine the in vivo antimalarial activity of 80% methanol extract and solvent fractions of the roots of Cucumis ficifolius against Plasmodium berghei infection in mice. Methods The in vivo antimalarial activity of the 80% methanol extract and solvent fractions of Cucumis ficifolius A. Rich was evaluated by standard chemo suppressive, curative and repository tests using Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain) in Swiss albino mice at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day. The level of parasitemia, survival time, variation in weight, rectal temperature, and packed cell volume of mice were determined to establish the activity of the extracts. Result The 80% methanol extract of Cucumis ficifolius A. Rich roots had a promising suppression of parasitemia at 400 mg/kg with a chemosuppression value of 65.21 ± 1.20%. Among the solvent fractions, the chloroform fraction showed the highest antimalarial activity in the four-day suppressive test with a chemosuppression value of 55.9 ± 0.28%, followed by the n-butanol (42.9 ± 0.24%), and aqueous (40.57 ± 0.52%) fractions at a dose of 400 mg/kg. The highest survival times were observed with crude extract (15.4 ± 0.24 days) at 400 mg/kg, and chloroform fraction (13.4 + 0.24 days), though all extracts increased survival time. Conclusion The findings of the present study collectively indicate the root extract of Cucumis ficifolius has a promising antiplasmodial activity which substantiates the traditional claim of the plant.
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Carlucci R, Di Gresia G, Mediavilla MG, Cricco JA, Tekwani BL, Khan SI, Labadie GR. Expanding the scope of novel 1,2,3-triazole derivatives as new antiparasitic drug candidates. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:122-134. [PMID: 36760749 PMCID: PMC9890560 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00324d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that prenyl and aliphatic triazoles are interesting motifs to prepare new chemical entities for antiparasitic and antituberculosis drug development. In this opportunity a new series of prenyl-1,2,3-triazoles were prepared from isoprenyl azides and different alkynes looking for new antimalarial drug candidates. The compounds were prepared by copper(i) catalyzed dipolar cycloaddition of the isoprenyl azide equilibrium mixture providing exclusively 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles in a regiospecific fashion. The complete collection of 64 compounds was tested on chloroquine-sensitive (CQ sensitive), Sierra Leone (D6), and the chloroquine-resistant, Indochina (W2), strains of Plasmodium falciparum and those compounds which were not previously reported were also tested against Leishmania donovani, the causative agent for visceral leishmaniasis. Thirteen analogs displayed antimalarial activity with IC50 below 10 μM, while the antileishmanial activity of the newly reported analogs could not improve upon those previously reported. Compounds 1o and 1r were identified as the most promising antimalarial drug leads with IC50 below 3.0 μM for both CQ-sensitive and resistant P. falciparum strains with high selectivity index. Finally, a chemoinformatic in silico analysis was performed to evaluate physicochemical parameters, cytotoxicity risk and drug score. The validation of a bifunctional farnesyl/geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase PfFPPS/GGPPS as the potential target of the antimalarial activity of selected analogs should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzo Carlucci
- Instituto de Química Rosario (IQUIR) UNR, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario Suipacha 531 S2002LRK Rosario Argentina +54 341 4370477 +54 341 4370477
| | - Gabriel Di Gresia
- Instituto de Química Rosario (IQUIR) UNR, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario Suipacha 531 S2002LRK Rosario Argentina +54 341 4370477 +54 341 4370477
| | - María Gabriela Mediavilla
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR) Suipacha 531 S2002LRK Rosario Argentina
| | - Julia A Cricco
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR) Suipacha 531 S2002LRK Rosario Argentina
| | - Babu L Tekwani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Scientific Platforms, Southern Research Birmingham AL 35205 USA
| | - Shabana I Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research & Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi University MS 38677 USA
| | - Guillermo R Labadie
- Instituto de Química Rosario (IQUIR) UNR, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario Suipacha 531 S2002LRK Rosario Argentina +54 341 4370477 +54 341 4370477
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario Suipacha 531 S2002LRK Rosario Argentina
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Kucharski M, Wirjanata G, Nayak S, Boentoro J, Dziekan JM, Assisi C, van der Pluijm RW, Miotto O, Mok S, Dondorp AM, Bozdech Z. Short tandem repeat polymorphism in the promoter region of cyclophilin 19B drives its transcriptional upregulation and contributes to drug resistance in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011118. [PMID: 36696458 PMCID: PMC9901795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance of the human malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum, to artemisinins is now fully established in Southeast Asia and is gradually emerging in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although nonsynonymous SNPs in the pfk13 Kelch-repeat propeller (KREP) domain are clearly associated with artemisinin resistance, their functional relevance requires cooperation with other genetic factors/alterations of the P. falciparum genome, collectively referred to as genetic background. Here we provide experimental evidence that P. falciparum cyclophilin 19B (PfCYP19B) may represent one putative factor in this genetic background, contributing to artemisinin resistance via its increased expression. We show that overexpression of PfCYP19B in vitro drives limited but significant resistance to not only artemisinin but also piperaquine, an important partner drug in artemisinin-based combination therapies. We showed that PfCYP19B acts as a negative regulator of the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway by modulating levels of phosphorylated eIF2α (eIF2α-P). Curiously, artemisinin and piperaquine affect eIF2α-P in an inverse direction that in both cases can be modulated by PfCYP19B towards resistance. Here we also provide evidence that the upregulation of PfCYP19B in the drug-resistant parasites appears to be maintained by a short tandem repeat (SRT) sequence polymorphism in the gene's promoter region. These results support a model that artemisinin (and other drugs) resistance mechanisms are complex genetic traits being contributed to by altered expression of multiple genes driven by genetic polymorphism at their promoter regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kucharski
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Grennady Wirjanata
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Sourav Nayak
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Josephine Boentoro
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | - Christina Assisi
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Rob W. van der Pluijm
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olivo Miotto
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sachel Mok
- Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Zbynek Bozdech
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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Ngonghala CN. The impact of temperature and decay in insecticide-treated net efficacy on malaria prevalence and control. Math Biosci 2023; 355:108936. [PMID: 36356891 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2022.108936] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) have been useful and effective in mitigating the risk of malaria globally. However, due to misuse and normal/human-induced physical and chemical wear, the effectiveness of ITNs in combating malaria has been declining. Underlying heterogeneities in the nature of malaria, combined with environmental factors such as temperature lead to complex malaria transmission and control dynamics. In particular, temperature plays a significant role in determining the risk of malaria since it influences the growth and survival of mosquitoes and the malaria parasite. Here, a unifying mechanistic framework that integrates malaria dynamics with waning ITN-efficacy and temperature change is developed and used to assess the impact of interactions between significant sources of variation (e.g., temperature) and waning ITN-efficacy on the risk of malaria transmission and the success of ITN programs. The model exhibits a backward bifurcation when ITN-efficacy is constant implying that control efforts must be stepped up and sustained a bit longer even when the reproduction number is slightly less than one. The study shows that malaria is more effectively controlled with ITNs that have a longer lifespan and if ITNs are replaced before the end of their expiration period. Also, failing to account for waning ITN-efficacy leads to an underestimation of disease risk, burden, and effort level required to contain the disease. Local and global sensitivity analyses show that control and temperature-related parameters are primary drivers of the reproduction number and the human disease burden, highlighting the significance of temperature on malaria dynamics. Furthermore, the study shows that the human disease burden is optimal at a temperature of ≈28°C and that high seasonal variations can trigger major malaria outbreaks even in regions with low mean temperatures. Additionally, accounting for both seasonality and decay in ITN-efficacy leads to complex malaria patterns. To sum it up, insights into the sensitivity of malaria dynamics on temperature are useful in assessing the potential impact of changes in temperature on malaria risk. Also, a malaria control program, which ensures that ITNs are replaced regularly and early enough, and that educates at risk populations on proper use and care for ITNs is necessary for reducing the burden of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calistus N Ngonghala
- Department of Mathematics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Center for African Studies, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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An Overview of Malaria Transmission Mechanisms, Control, and Modeling. Med Sci (Basel) 2022; 11:medsci11010003. [PMID: 36649040 PMCID: PMC9844307 DOI: 10.3390/medsci11010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. As a result of the interplay between many factors, the control of this disease can be challenging. However, few studies have demonstrated malaria's complexity, control, and modeling although this perspective could lead to effective policy recommendations. This paper aims to be a didactic material providing the reader with an overview of malaria. More importantly, using a system approach lens, we intend to highlight the debated topics and the multifaceted thematic aspects of malaria transmission mechanisms, while showing the control approaches used as well as the model supporting the dynamics of malaria. As there is a large amount of information on each subject, we have attempted to provide a basic understanding of malaria that needs to be further developed. Nevertheless, this study illustrates the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach to designing next-generation malaria control policies.
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Ring-stage growth arrest: Metabolic basis of artemisinin tolerance in Plasmodium falciparum. iScience 2022; 26:105725. [PMID: 36579133 PMCID: PMC9791339 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence and spread of artemisinin-tolerant malaria parasites threatens malaria control programmes worldwide. Mutations in the propeller domain of the Kelch13 protein confer Plasmodium falciparum artemisinin resistance (ART-R). ART-R is linked to the reduced susceptibility of temporary growth-arrested ring-stage parasites, but the metabolic mechanisms remain elusive. We generated two PfKelch13 mutant lines via CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing which displayed a reduced susceptibility accompanied by an extended ring stage. The metabolome of ART-induced ring-stage growth arrest parasites carrying PfKelch13 mutations showed significant alterations in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis, and amino acids metabolism, pointing to altered energy and porphyrin metabolism with metabolic plasticity. The critical role of these pathways was further confirmed by altering metabolic flow or through chemical inhibition. Our findings uncover that the growth arrestment associated with ART-R is potentially attributed to the adaptative metabolic plasticity, indicating that the defined metabolic remodeling turns out to be the trigger for ART-R.
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Kong X, Feng J, Xu Y, Yan G, Zhou S. Molecular surveillance of artemisinin resistance-related Pfk13 and pfcrt polymorphisms in imported Plasmodium falciparum isolates reported in eastern China from 2015 to 2019. Malar J 2022; 21:369. [PMID: 36464686 PMCID: PMC9719650 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04398-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been recommended as the first-line treatment by the World Health Organization to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, the emergence and spread of P. falciparum resistant to artemisinins and their partner drugs is a significant risk for the global effort to reduce disease burden facing the world. Currently, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) is the most common drug used to treat P. falciparum, but little evidence about the resistance status targeting DHA (ACT drug) and its partner drug (PPQ) has been reported in Shandong Province, China. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted to explore the prevalence and spatial distribution of Pfk13 and Pfcrt polymorphisms (sites of 72-76, and 93-356) among imported P. falciparum isolates between years 2015-2019 in Shandong Province in eastern China. Individual epidemiological information was collected from a web-based reporting system were reviewed and analysed. RESULTS A total of 425 P. falciparum blood samples in 2015-2019 were included and 7.3% (31/425) carried Pfk13 mutations. Out of the isolates that carried Pfk13 mutations, 54.8% (17/31) were nonsynonymous polymorphisms. The mutant alleles A578S, Q613H, C469C, and S549S in Pfk13 were the more frequently detected allele, the mutation rate was the same as 9.7% (3/31). Another allele Pfk13 C580Y, closely associated with artemisinin (ART) resistance, was found as 3.2% (2/31), which was found in Cambodia. A total of 14 mutant isolates were identified in Western Africa countries (45.2%, 14/31). For the Pfcrt gene, the mutation rate was 18.1% (77/425). T76T356 and T76 were more frequent in all 13 different haplotypes with 26.0% (20/77) and 23.4% (18/77). The CVIET and CVIKT mutant at loci 72-76 have exhibited a prevalence of 19.5% (15/77) and 3.9% (3/77), respectively. The CVIET was mainly observed in samples from Congo (26.7%, 4/15) and Mozambique (26.7%, 4/15). No mutations were found at loci 97, 101 and 145. For polymorphisms at locus 356, a total of 24 isolates were identified and mainly from Congo (29.2%, 7/24). CONCLUSION These findings indicate a low prevalence of Pfk13 in the African isolates. However, the emergence and increase in the new alleles Pfcrt I356T, reveals a potential risk of drug pressure in PPQ among migrant workers returned from Africa. Therefore, continuous molecular surveillance of Pfcrt mutations and in vitro susceptibility tests related to PPQ are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangli Kong
- grid.508378.1National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China ,Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Feng
- grid.430328.eShanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Xu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ge Yan
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuisen Zhou
- grid.508378.1National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Akide Ndunge OB, Kilian N, Salman MM. Cerebral Malaria and Neuronal Implications of Plasmodium Falciparum Infection: From Mechanisms to Advanced Models. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202944. [PMID: 36300890 PMCID: PMC9798991 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Reorganization of host red blood cells by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum enables their sequestration via attachment to the microvasculature. This artificially increases the dwelling time of the infected red blood cells within inner organs such as the brain, which can lead to cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria is the deadliest complication patients infected with P. falciparum can experience and still remains a major public health concern despite effective antimalarial therapies. Here, the current understanding of the effect of P. falciparum cytoadherence and their secreted proteins on structural features of the human blood-brain barrier and their involvement in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria are highlighted. Advanced 2D and 3D in vitro models are further assessed to study this devastating interaction between parasite and host. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to neuronal and cognitive deficits in cerebral malaria will be pivotal in devising new strategies to treat and prevent blood-brain barrier dysfunction and subsequent neurological damage in patients with cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Bate Akide Ndunge
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of Infectious DiseasesYale University School of Medicine300 Cedar StreetNew HavenCT06510USA
| | - Nicole Kilian
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, ParasitologyHeidelberg University HospitalIm Neuenheimer Feld 32469120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Mootaz M. Salman
- Department of PhysiologyAnatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX1 3QUUK
- Kavli Institute for NanoScience DiscoveryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease CentreUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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40
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Okombo J, Mok S, Qahash T, Yeo T, Bath J, Orchard LM, Owens E, Koo I, Albert I, Llinás M, Fidock DA. Piperaquine-resistant PfCRT mutations differentially impact drug transport, hemoglobin catabolism and parasite physiology in Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood stages. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010926. [PMID: 36306287 PMCID: PMC9645663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum parasite resistance to dihydroartemisinin + piperaquine (PPQ) in Southeast Asia threatens plans to increase the global use of this first-line antimalarial combination. High-level PPQ resistance appears to be mediated primarily by novel mutations in the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT), which enhance parasite survival at high PPQ concentrations in vitro and increase the risk of dihydroartemisinin + PPQ treatment failure in patients. Using isogenic Dd2 parasites expressing contemporary pfcrt alleles with differential in vitro PPQ susceptibilities, we herein characterize the molecular and physiological adaptations that define PPQ resistance in vitro. Using drug uptake and cellular heme fractionation assays we report that the F145I, M343L, and G353V PfCRT mutations differentially impact PPQ and chloroquine efflux. These mutations also modulate proteolytic degradation of host hemoglobin and the chemical inactivation of reactive heme species. Peptidomic analyses reveal significantly higher accumulation of putative hemoglobin-derived peptides in the PPQ-resistant mutant PfCRT isoforms compared to parental PPQ-sensitive Dd2. Joint transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of late trophozoites from PPQ-resistant or -sensitive isogenic lines reveals differential expression of genes involved in protein translation and cellular metabolism. PPQ-resistant parasites also show increased susceptibility to an inhibitor of the P. falciparum M17 aminopeptidase that operates on short globin-derived peptides. These results reveal unique physiological changes caused by the gain of PPQ resistance and highlight the potential therapeutic value of targeting peptide metabolism in P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Okombo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sachel Mok
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tarrick Qahash
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Huck Center for Malaria Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Tomas Yeo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jade Bath
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lindsey M. Orchard
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Huck Center for Malaria Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Edward Owens
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Huck Center for Malaria Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Imhoi Koo
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Istvan Albert
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Manuel Llinás
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Huck Center for Malaria Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - David A. Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ng JPL, Han Y, Yang LJ, Birkholtz LM, Coertzen D, Wong HN, Haynes RK, Coghi P, Wong VKW. Antimalarial and antitumour activities of the steroidal quinone-methide celastrol and its combinations with artemiside, artemisone and methylene blue. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:988748. [PMID: 36120293 PMCID: PMC9479156 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.988748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin, isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant qīng hāo 青蒿 (Artemisia annua) and its derivatives are used for treatment of malaria. With treatment failures now being recorded for the derivatives and companion drugs used in artemisinin combination therapies new drug combinations are urgently required. The amino-artemisinins artemiside and artemisone display optimal efficacies in vitro against asexual and sexual blood stages of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and are active against tumour cell lines. In continuing the evolution of combinations of the amino-artemisinins with new drugs, we examine the triterpenoid quinone methide celastrol isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant léi gōng téng 雷公藤 (Tripterygium wilfordii). This compound is redox active, and has attracted considerable attention because of potent biological activities against manifold targets. We report that celastrol displays good IC50 activities ranging from 0.50–0.82 µM against drug-sensitive and resistant asexual blood stage Pf, and 1.16 and 0.28 µM respectively against immature and late stage Pf NF54 gametocytes. The combinations of celastrol with each of artemisone and methylene blue against asexual blood stage Pf are additive. Given that celastrol displays promising antitumour properties, we examined its activities alone and in combinations with amino-artemisinins against human liver HepG2 and other cell lines. IC50 values of the amino-artemisinins and celastrol against HepG2 cancer cells ranged from 0.55–0.94 µM. Whereas the amino-artemisinins displayed notable selectivities (SI > 171) with respect to normal human hepatocytes, in contrast, celastrol displayed no selectivity (SI < 1). The combinations of celastrol with artemiside or artemisone against HepG2 cells are synergistic. Given the promise of celastrol, judiciously designed formulations or structural modifications are recommended for mitigating its toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome P. L. Ng
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Yu Han
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Li Jun Yang
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Lyn-Marie Birkholtz
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria Institute Malaria for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Dina Coertzen
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria Institute Malaria for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Ho Ning Wong
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Richard K. Haynes, Paolo Coghi, Vincent Kam Wai Wong,
| | - Paolo Coghi
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- *Correspondence: Richard K. Haynes, Paolo Coghi, Vincent Kam Wai Wong,
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- *Correspondence: Richard K. Haynes, Paolo Coghi, Vincent Kam Wai Wong,
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Portugaliza HP, Natama HM, Guetens P, Rovira-Vallbona E, Somé AM, Millogo A, Ouédraogo DF, Valéa I, Sorgho H, Tinto H, van Hong N, Sitoe A, Varo R, Bassat Q, Cortés A, Rosanas-Urgell A. Plasmodium falciparum sexual conversion rates can be affected by artemisinin-based treatment in naturally infected malaria patients. EBioMedicine 2022; 83:104198. [PMID: 35961203 PMCID: PMC9385555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Kaur N, Korkor C, Mobin SM, Chibale K, Singh K. Fluorene-Chloroquine Hybrids: Synthesis, in vitro Antiplasmodial Activity, and Inhibition of Heme Detoxification Machinery of Plasmodium falciparum. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200414. [PMID: 36017666 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200414] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Fluorene-chloroquine hybrids have been identified as a new promising class of antiplasmodial agents. The most active compound 9d exhibited good in vitro antiplasmodial activity against a chloroquine-sensitive NF54 strain of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum with an IC50 value of 139 nM. UV-visible absorption, FTIR spectral and 1H NMR titration data corroborated the binding of 9d to monomeric and µ-oxodimeric heme as well as inhibition of β-hematin formation, which collectively supported the inhibition of heme detoxification machinery in P. falciparum. In silico docking studies revealed the binding interactions of the hybrids in the active site of the wild type as well as quadruple mutant of Pf-DHFR-TS dihydrofolate enzyme. Further, the ADMET parameters were predicted and were in good agreement with the expected values, suggesting the drug likeness of the synthesized hybrid molecules.Introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navpreet Kaur
- IIT Indore Discipline of Chemistry: Indian Institute of Technology Indore Discipline of Chemistry, Chemistry, INDIA
| | - Constance Korkor
- University of Cape Town Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Chemistry, INDIA
| | - Shaikh M Mobin
- IIT Indore: Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Chemistry, INDIA
| | - Kelly Chibale
- University of Cape Town Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Chemistry, INDIA
| | - Kamaljit Singh
- Guru Nanak Dev University, Department of Chemistry, Centre for Advanced Studies-II, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar-143005, 143005, Amritsar, INDIA
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Cho N, Kikuzato K, Futamura Y, Shimizu T, Hayase H, Kamisaka K, Takaya D, Yuki H, Honma T, Niikura M, Kobayashi F, Watanabe N, Osada H, Koyama H. New antimalarials identified by a cell-based phenotypic approach: Structure-activity relationships of 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-β-carboline derivatives possessing a 2-((coumarin-5-yl)oxy)alkanoyl moiety. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 66:116830. [PMID: 35594648 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116830] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The identification, structure-activity relationships (SARs), and biological effects of new antimalarials consisting of a 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-β-carboline core, a coumarin ring, and an oxyalkanoyl linker are described. A cell-based phenotypic approach was employed in this search for novel antimalarial drugs with unique modes of action. Our screening campaign of the RIKEN compound library succeeded in the identification of the known tetrahydro-β-carboline derivative (4e) as a hit compound showing significant in vitro activity. SAR studies on this chemical series led to the discovery of compound 4h having a (R)-methyl group on the oxyacetyl linker with potent inhibition of parasite growth (IC50 = 2.0 nM). Compound 4h was also found to exhibit significant in vivo antimalarial effects in mouse models. Furthermore, molecular modeling studies on 4e, 4h, and its diastereomer (4j) suggested that the (R)-methyl group of 4h forces the preferential adoption of a specific conformer which is considered to be an active conformer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuo Cho
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Ko Kikuzato
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yushi Futamura
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shimizu
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroki Hayase
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kikuko Kamisaka
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamic Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Daisuke Takaya
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamic Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hitomi Yuki
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamic Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Teruki Honma
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamic Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mamoru Niikura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan
| | - Fumie Kobayashi
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Life and Environmental Science, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Nobumoto Watanabe
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Osada
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroo Koyama
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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Piperaquine Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Profiles in Healthy Volunteers of Papua New Guinea after Administration of Three-Monthly Doses of Dihydroartemisinin–Piperaquine. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0018522. [DOI: 10.1128/aac.00185-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass drug administration (MDA) with monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQP) appears useful in malaria control and elimination strategies. Determining the relationship between consecutive piperaquine phosphate (PQP) exposure and its impact on QT interval prolongation is a key safety consideration for MDA campaigns.
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In Vitro Activity of the Arylaminoartemisinin GC012 against Helicobacter pylori and Its Effects on Biofilm. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070740. [PMID: 35889986 PMCID: PMC9324866 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the in vitro activity of the arylaminoartemisinin GC012, readily obtained from dihydroartemisinin (DHA), against clinical strains of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) with different antibiotic susceptibilities in the planktonic and sessile state. The activity was assessed in terms of bacteriostatic and bactericidal potential. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the broth microdilution method. After treatment with GC012, all bacterial strains showed significantly lower MIC and MBC values compared to those of DHA. The effect of combination of GC012 with antibiotics was examined using the checkerboard method. GC012 displayed synergistic interactions with metronidazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin in all the strains. The antibiofilm activity was evaluated via crystal violet staining, AlamarBlue® assay, colony-forming unit count, and fluorescence microscopy. At ½ MIC and ¼ MIC concentration, both GC012 and DHA inhibited biofilm formation, but only GC012 showed a minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) on mature biofilm. Furthermore, both compounds induced structural changes in the bacterial membrane, as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is thereby demonstrated that GC012 has the potential to be efficacious against H. pylori infection.
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Characterization of Domiphen Bromide as a New Fast-Acting Antiplasmodial Agent Inhibiting the Apicoplastidic Methyl Erythritol Phosphate Pathway. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071320. [PMID: 35890216 PMCID: PMC9319574 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of resistance by the malaria parasite to artemisinin, the key component of the combination therapy strategies that are at the core of current antimalarial treatments, calls for the urgent identification of new fast-acting antimalarials. The apicoplast organelle is a preferred target of antimalarial drugs because it contains biochemical processes absent from the human host. Fosmidomycin is the only drug in clinical trials targeting the apicoplast, where it inhibits the methyl erythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. Here, we characterized the antiplasmodial activity of domiphen bromide (DB), another MEP pathway inhibitor with a rapid mode of action that arrests the in vitro growth of Plasmodium falciparum at the early trophozoite stage. Metabolomic analysis of the MEP pathway and Krebs cycle intermediates in 20 µM DB-treated parasites suggested a rapid activation of glycolysis with a concomitant decrease in mitochondrial activity, consistent with a rapid killing of the pathogen. These results present DB as a model compound for the development of new, potentially interesting drugs for future antimalarial combination therapies.
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Jandova J, Park SL, Corenblum MJ, Madhavan L, Snell JA, Rounds L, Wondrak GT. Mefloquine induces ER stress and apoptosis in BRAFi-resistant A375-BRAF V600E /NRAS Q61K malignant melanoma cells targeting intracranial tumors in a bioluminescent murine model. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:603-614. [PMID: 35417045 PMCID: PMC9133119 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Molecularly targeted therapeutics have revolutionized the treatment of BRAFV600E -driven malignant melanoma, but the rapid development of resistance to BRAF kinase inhibitors (BRAFi) presents a significant obstacle. The use of clinical antimalarials for the investigational treatment of malignant melanoma has shown only moderate promise, attributed mostly to inhibition of lysosomal-autophagic adaptations of cancer cells, but identification of specific antimalarials displaying single-agent antimelanoma activity has remained elusive. Here, we have screened a focused library of clinically used artemisinin-combination therapeutic (ACT) antimalarials for the apoptotic elimination of cultured malignant melanoma cell lines, also examining feasibility of overcoming BRAFi-resistance comparing isogenic melanoma cells that differ only by NRAS mutational status (BRAFi-sensitive A375-BRAFV600E /NRASQ61 vs. BRAFi-resistant A375-BRAFV600E /NRASQ61K ). Among ACT antimalarials tested, mefloquine (MQ) was the only apoptogenic agent causing melanoma cell death at low micromolar concentrations. Comparative gene expression-array analysis (A375-BRAFV600E /NRASQ61 vs. A375-BRAFV600E /NRASQ61K ) revealed that MQ is a dual inducer of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and redox stress responses that precede MQ-induced loss of viability. ER-trackerTM DPX fluorescence imaging and electron microscopy indicated ER swelling, accompanied by rapid induction of ER stress signaling (phospho-eIF2α, XBP-1s, ATF4). Fluo-4 AM-fluorescence indicated the occurrence of cytosolic calcium overload observable within seconds of MQ exposure. In a bioluminescent murine model employing intracranial injection of A375-Luc2 (BRAFV600E /NRASQ61K ) cells, an oral MQ regimen efficiently antagonized brain tumor growth. Taken together, these data suggest that the clinical antimalarial MQ may be a valid candidate for drug repurposing aiming at chemotherapeutic elimination of malignant melanoma cells, even if metastasized to the brain and BRAFi-resistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jandova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RK Coit College of Pharmacy & UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sophia L. Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RK Coit College of Pharmacy & UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Mandi J. Corenblum
- Department of Neurology, Evelyn F McKnight Brain Institute and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Lalitha Madhavan
- Department of Neurology, Evelyn F McKnight Brain Institute and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Jeremy A. Snell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RK Coit College of Pharmacy & UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Liliana Rounds
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RK Coit College of Pharmacy & UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Georg T. Wondrak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RK Coit College of Pharmacy & UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Biotechnological Approaches for Production of Artemisinin, an Anti-Malarial Drug from Artemisia annua L. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27093040. [PMID: 35566390 PMCID: PMC9103073 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27093040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin is an anti-malarial sesquiterpene lactone derived from Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae family). One of the most widely used modes of treatment for malaria is an artemisinin-based combination therapy. Artemisinin and its associated compounds have a variety of pharmacological qualities that have helped achieve economic prominence in recent years. So far, research on the biosynthesis of this bioactive metabolite has revealed that it is produced in glandular trichomes and that the genes responsible for its production must be overexpressed in order to meet demand. Using biotechnological applications such as tissue culture, genetic engineering, and bioreactor-based approaches would aid in the upregulation of artemisinin yield, which is needed for the future. The current review focuses on the tissue culture aspects of propagation of A. annua and production of artemisinin from A. annua L. cell and organ cultures. The review also focuses on elicitation strategies in cell and organ cultures, as well as artemisinin biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of biosynthetic genes in Artemisia and plant model systems.
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50
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Potential of Triterpenic Natural Compound Betulinic Acid for Neglected Tropical Diseases New Treatments. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040831. [PMID: 35453582 PMCID: PMC9027248 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases are one of the most important public health problems in many countries around the world. Among them are leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and malaria, which contribute to more than 250 million infections worldwide. There is no validated vaccine to prevent these infections and the treatments available are obsolete, highly toxic, and non-effective due to parasitic drug resistance. Additionally, there is a high incidence of these diseases, and they may require hospitalization, which is expensive to the public health systems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new treatments to improve the management of infected people, control the spread of resistant strains, and reduce health costs. Betulinic acid (BA) is a triterpene natural product which has shown antiparasitic activity against Leishmania, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Plasmodium. Here, we review the main results regarding the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity of BA and its derivatives against these parasites. Some chemical modifications of BA have been shown to improve its activities against the parasites. Further improvement on studies of drug-derived, as well as structure–activity relationship, are necessary for the development of new betulinic acid-based treatments.
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