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Kaethner M, Rennar G, Gallinger T, Kämpfer T, Hemphill A, Mäder P, Luque-Gómez A, Schlitzer M, Lundström-Stadelmann B. In Vitro Activities of Dithiocarbamate Derivatives against Echinococcus multilocularis Metacestode Vesicles. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:517. [PMID: 38133449 PMCID: PMC10747736 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8120517] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The metacestode stage of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis causes the severe zoonotic disease alveolar echinococcosis. New treatment options are urgently needed. Disulfiram and dithiocarbamates were previously shown to exhibit activity against the trematode Schistosoma mansoni. As both parasites belong to the platyhelminths, here we investigated whether these compounds were also active against E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles in vitro. We used an in vitro drug-screening cascade for the identification of novel compounds against E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles with disulfiram and 51 dithiocarbamates. Five compounds showed activity against E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles after five days of drug incubation in a damage marker release assay. Structure-activity relationship analyses revealed that a S-2-hydroxy-5-nitro benzyl moiety was necessary for anti-echinococcal activity, as derivatives without this group had no effect on E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles. The five active compounds were further tested for potential cytotoxicity in mammalian cells. For two compounds with low toxicity (Schl-32.315 and Schl-33.652), IC50 values in metacestode vesicles and IC50 values in germinal layer cells were calculated. The compounds were not highly active on isolated GL cells with IC50 values of 27.0 ± 4.2 µM for Schl-32.315 and 24.7 ± 11.5 µM for Schl-33.652, respectively. Against metacestode vesicles, Schl-32.315 was not very active either with an IC50 value of 41.6 ± 3.2 µM, while Schl-33.652 showed a low IC50 of 4.3 ± 1 µM and should be further investigated in the future for its activity against alveolar echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Kaethner
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.K.); (T.K.); (A.H.)
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Georg Rennar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany (M.S.)
| | - Tom Gallinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany (M.S.)
| | - Tobias Kämpfer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.K.); (T.K.); (A.H.)
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.K.); (T.K.); (A.H.)
| | - Patrick Mäder
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany (M.S.)
| | - Ana Luque-Gómez
- Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea (ISQCH), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza-CSIC, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Martin Schlitzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany (M.S.)
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (M.K.); (T.K.); (A.H.)
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Stevens AJ, Abraham R, Young KA, Russell CC, McCluskey SN, Baker JR, Rusdi B, Page SW, O'Handley R, O'Dea M, Abraham S, McCluskey A. Antigiardial Activity of Novel Guanidine Compounds. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200341. [PMID: 36085254 PMCID: PMC9828538 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
From four focused compound libraries based on the known anticoccidial agent robenidine, 44 compounds total were synthesised and screened for antigiardial activity. All active compounds were counter-screened for antibiotic and cytotoxic action. Of the analogues examined, 21 displayed IC50 <5 μM, seven with IC50 <1.0 μM. Most active were 2,2'-bis{[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methylene}carbonimidic dihydrazide hydrochloride (30), 2,2'-bis{[4-(trifluoromethylsulfanyl)phenyl]methylene}carbonimidic dihydrazide hydrochloride (32), and 2,2'-bis[(2-bromo-4,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylene]carbonimidic dihydrazide hydrochloride (41) with IC50 =0.2 μM. The maximal observed activity was a 5 h IC50 value of 0.2 μM for 41. The clinically used metronidazole was inactive at this timepoint at a concentration of 25 μM. Robenidine off-target effects at bacteria and cell line toxicity were removed. Analogue 41 was well tolerated in mice treated orally (100 mg/kg). Following 5 h treatment with 41, no Giardia regrowth was noted after 48 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Stevens
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleUniversity DriveCallaghanNSW 2308Australia
| | - Rebecca Abraham
- Antimicrobial resistance and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Harry butler InstituteMurdoch University90 South StreetMurdochWA 6150Australia,School of Animal and Veterinary SciencesUniversity of Adelaide, Roseworthy CampusMudla Wirra RoadRoseworthySA 5371Australia
| | - Kelly A. Young
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleUniversity DriveCallaghanNSW 2308Australia
| | - Cecilia C. Russell
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleUniversity DriveCallaghanNSW 2308Australia
| | - Siobhann N. McCluskey
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleUniversity DriveCallaghanNSW 2308Australia
| | - Jennifer R. Baker
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleUniversity DriveCallaghanNSW 2308Australia
| | - Bertha Rusdi
- Antimicrobial resistance and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Harry butler InstituteMurdoch University90 South StreetMurdochWA 6150Australia
| | | | - Ryan O'Handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary SciencesUniversity of Adelaide, Roseworthy CampusMudla Wirra RoadRoseworthySA 5371Australia
| | - Mark O'Dea
- Antimicrobial resistance and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Harry butler InstituteMurdoch University90 South StreetMurdochWA 6150Australia
| | - Sam Abraham
- Antimicrobial resistance and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Harry butler InstituteMurdoch University90 South StreetMurdochWA 6150Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- School of Environmental & Life SciencesThe University of NewcastleUniversity DriveCallaghanNSW 2308Australia
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Cantilena S, Gasparoli L, Pal D, Heidenreich O, Klusmann J, Martens JHA, Faille A, Warren AJ, Karsa M, Pandher R, Somers K, Williams O, de Boer J. Direct targeted therapy for MLL-fusion-driven high-risk acute leukaemias. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e933. [PMID: 35730653 PMCID: PMC9214753 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving the poor prognosis of infant leukaemias remains an unmet clinical need. This disease is a prototypical fusion oncoprotein-driven paediatric cancer, with MLL (KMT2A)-fusions present in most cases. Direct targeting of these driving oncoproteins represents a unique therapeutic opportunity. This rationale led us to initiate a drug screening with the aim of discovering drugs that can block MLL-fusion oncoproteins. METHODS A screen for inhibition of MLL-fusion proteins was developed that overcomes the traditional limitations of targeting transcription factors. This luciferase reporter-based screen, together with a secondary western blot screen, was used to prioritize compounds. We characterized the lead compound, disulfiram (DSF), based on its efficient ablation of MLL-fusion proteins. The consequences of drug-induced MLL-fusion inhibition were confirmed by cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis assays, RT-qPCR, in vivo assays, RNA-seq and ChIP-qPCR and ChIP-seq analysis. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Drug-induced inhibition of MLL-fusion proteins by DSF resulted in a specific block of colony formation in MLL-rearranged cells in vitro, induced differentiation and impeded leukaemia progression in vivo. Mechanistically, DSF abrogates MLL-fusion protein binding to DNA, resulting in epigenetic changes and down-regulation of leukaemic programmes setup by the MLL-fusion protein. CONCLUSION DSF can directly inhibit MLL-fusion proteins and demonstrate antitumour activity both in vitro and in vivo, providing, to our knowledge, the first evidence for a therapy that directly targets the initiating oncogenic MLL-fusion protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Cantilena
- Cancer Section, Development Biology and Cancer ProgrammeUCL GOS Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
| | - Luca Gasparoli
- Cancer Section, Development Biology and Cancer ProgrammeUCL GOS Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
| | - Deepali Pal
- Newcastle Cancer Centre at the Northern Institute for Cancer ResearchNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Newcastle Cancer Centre at the Northern Institute for Cancer ResearchNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | | | - Joost H. A. Martens
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Alexandre Faille
- Cambridge Institute for Medical ResearchCambridgeUK
- Department of HaematologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Wellcome Trust–Medical Research Council Stem Cell InstituteUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Alan J. Warren
- Cambridge Institute for Medical ResearchCambridgeUK
- Department of HaematologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Wellcome Trust–Medical Research Council Stem Cell InstituteUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Mawar Karsa
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research InstituteUniversity of New South WalesRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's and Children's HealthUniversity of New South WalesRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ruby Pandher
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research InstituteUniversity of New South WalesRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's and Children's HealthUniversity of New South WalesRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Klaartje Somers
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research InstituteUniversity of New South WalesRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's and Children's HealthUniversity of New South WalesRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Owen Williams
- Cancer Section, Development Biology and Cancer ProgrammeUCL GOS Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
| | - Jasper de Boer
- Cancer Section, Development Biology and Cancer ProgrammeUCL GOS Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
- Present address:
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre AllianceMelbourneAustralia
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Custodio MM, Sparks J, Long TE. Disulfiram: A Repurposed Drug in Preclinical and Clinical Development for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases. ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS 2022; 20:e040122199856. [PMID: 35782673 PMCID: PMC9245773 DOI: 10.2174/2211352520666220104104747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews preclinical and clinical studies on the repurposed use of disulfiram (Antabuse) as an antimicrobial agent. Preclinical research covered on the alcohol sobriety aid includes uses as an anti-MRSA agent, a carbapenamase inhibitor, antifungal drug for candidiasis, and treatment for parasitic diseases due to protozoa (e.g., giardiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria) and helminthes (e.g., schistosomiasis, trichuriasis). Past, current, and pending clinical studies on disulfiram as a post-Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) therapy, an HIV latency reversal agent, and intervention for COVID-19 infections are also reviewed..
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco M. Custodio
- Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, 736 Battlefield Blvd. N Chesapeake, VA 23320, USA
| | - Jennifer Sparks
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Administration and Research, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington WV 24755-0001, USA
| | - Timothy E. Long
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, One John Marshall, Drive Huntington WV 24755-0001, USA
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Wang Q, Zhu T, Miao N, Qu Y, Wang Z, Chao Y, Wang J, Wu W, Xu X, Xu C, Xia L, Wang F. Disulfiram bolsters T-cell anti-tumor immunity through direct activation of LCK-mediated TCR signaling. EMBO J 2022; 41:e110636. [PMID: 35638332 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022110636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR)-CD3 complex is critical to induce the anti-tumor response of CD8+ T cells. Here, we found that disulfiram (DSF), an FDA-approved drug previously used to treat alcohol dependency, directly activates TCR signaling. Mechanistically, DSF covalently binds to Cys20/Cys23 residues of lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) and enhances its tyrosine 394 phosphorylation, thereby promoting LCK kinase activity and boosting effector T cell function, interleukin-2 production, metabolic reprogramming, and proliferation. Furthermore, our in vivo data revealed that DSF promotes anti-tumor immunity against both melanoma and colon cancer in mice by activating CD8+ T cells, and this effect was enhanced by anti-PD-1 co-treatment. We conclude that DSF directly activates LCK-mediated TCR signaling to induce strong anti-tumor immunity, providing novel molecular insights into the therapeutic effect of DSF on cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinlan Wang
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Research Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Pediatric infection, Immunity and Intensive Care Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Zhu
- Translational Medicine Center, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Naijun Miao
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Qu
- Translational Medicine Center, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuning Wang
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinong Chao
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenqi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Xia
- Core Facility of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Research Center of Translational Medicine, Institute of Pediatric infection, Immunity and Intensive Care Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Translational Medicine Center, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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6
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The antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects of Ionophores for the treatment of human infection. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 227:111661. [PMID: 34896767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ionophores are a diverse class of synthetic and naturally occurring ion transporter compounds which demonstrate both direct and in-direct antimicrobial properties against a broad panel of bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic pathogens. In addition, ionophores can regulate the host-immune response during communicable and non-communicable disease states. Although the clinical use of ionophores such as Amphotericin B, Bedaquiline and Ivermectin highlight the utility of ionophores in modern medicine, for many other ionophore compounds issues surrounding toxicity, bioavailability or lack of in vivo efficacy studies have hindered clinical development. The antimicrobial and immunomodulating properties of a range of compounds with characteristics of ionophores remain largely unexplored. As such, ionophores remain a latent therapeutic avenue to address both the global burden of antimicrobial resistance, and the unmet clinical need for new antimicrobial therapies. This review will provide an overview of the broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties of ionophores, and their potential uses in clinical medicine for combatting infection.
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Abstract
Purpose of review Here, we review recent progress made on the genetic characterization of Giardia duodenalis assemblages and their relationship with virulence. We also discuss the implications of virulence factors in the pathogenesis of giardiasis, and advances in the development of vaccines and drugs based on knowledge of virulence markers. Recent findings The use of transcriptomic and proteomic technologies as well as whole genome sequencing (WGS) from single cysts has allowed the assembly of the draft genome sequences for assemblages C and D of G. duodenalis. These findings, along with the published genomes for assemblages A, B, and E, have allowed comparative genomic investigations. In addition, the use of these methodologies for the characterization of the secretomes of trophozoite-epithelial cell interactions for assemblages A/B has led to the identification of virulence markers including energy metabolism enzymes, proteinases, high-cysteine membrane proteins (HCMPs), and variant surface proteins (VSPs). Recently, some drugs and vaccines, targeting virulence factors have been developed, offering possible alternatives to current treatment and prevention options against giardiasis. Summary Among the nine recognized species of Giardia, G. duodenalis stands out because of its broad spectrum of hosts and its socio-economic importance. This species comprises eight genetic assemblages (A to H), of which A and B are zoonotic, and the other assemblages have narrow host specificities. Assemblages A and B may be considered as the most virulent ones, but the existence of asymptomatic carriers and considerable genetic variability within and among these assemblages hampers the definition of common virulence factors. The attachment of Giardia trophozoites to epithelial cells and structural cytoskeleton components of the adhesive disk, such as giardins or tubulins, is proposed to play key roles, but toxins have not yet been precisely defined. However, recent transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of the secretomes of trophozoites representing assemblages A and B and interacting with particular epithelial cell lines have defined a series of virulence factors, including glycolytic (e.g., enolase) and arginolytic (e.g., arginine deiminase) enzymes, cysteine proteases (e.g., giardipain-1) and VSPs (e.g., VSP9B10A). Other factors, such as HCMPs and tenascins, have been consistently found to be excreted/secreted, but their role(s) in the pathogenesis of giardiasis has not yet been elucidated. Interestingly, recent investigations of single cysts representing assemblages C and D using advanced sequencing and informatic methods have suggested that the transcription/expression profiles of virulence factors vary both within and between assemblages, thus assemblage-specific molecules might allow adaptation to the microenvironment within the host. Importantly, some drugs active against cysteine-rich proteins of Giardia, including giardipain-1, VSPs and arginine deiminase, have been shown to be targeted by cysteine-modifying compounds as disulfiram, L-canavanin and allicin. On the other hand, VSPs are presently considered as key vaccine candidates because they induce protection against Giardia in rodents and dogs. Overall, this review reveals that much more work is needed to identify, characterize, and understand the roles of virulence factors in Giardia and to assess their validity as drug and vaccine targets. Clear, advanced omics and informatic tools should assist in this future endeavor, with a focus on targeting virulence factors that are common and/or unique to distinct assemblages to develop new and effective interventions against Giardia.
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Vázquez-Jiménez LK, Moreno-Herrera A, Juárez-Saldivar A, González-González A, Ortiz-Pérez E, Paz-González AD, Palos-Pizarro I, Ramírez-Moreno E, Rivera G. Recent Advances in the Development of Triose Phosphate Isomerase Inhibitors as Antiprotozoal Agents. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2504-2529. [PMID: 34517794 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210913090928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitic diseases caused by protozoa such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, African trypanosomiasis, amebiasis, trichomoniasis, and giardiasis are considered serious public health problems in developing countries. Drug-resistance among parasites justifies the search for new therapeutic drugs and the identification of new targets becomes a valuable approach. In this scenario, glycolysis pathway which consists of the conversion of glucose into pyruvate plays an important role in the protozoa energy supply and it is therefore considered as a promising target. In this pathway, triose phosphate isomerase (TIM) plays an essential role in efficient energy production. Furthermore, protozoa TIM show structural differences with human enzyme counterparts suggesting the possibility of obtaining selective inhibitors. Therefore, TIM is considered a valid approach to develop new antiprotozoal agents, inhibiting the glycolysis in the parasite. OBJECTIVE In this review, we discuss the drug design strategies, structure-activity relationship, and binding modes of outstanding TIM inhibitors against Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, Plasmodium falciparum, Giardia lamblia, Leishmania mexicana, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Entamoeba histolytica. RESULTS TIM inhibitors showed mainly aromatic systems and symmetrical structure, where the size and type of heteroatom are important for enzyme inhibition. This inhibition is mainly based on the interaction with i) the interfacial region of TIM inducing changes on the quaternary and tertiary structure or ii) with the TIM catalytic region were the main pathways that disabled the catalytic activity of the enzyme. CONCLUSION Benzothiazole, benzoxazole, benzimidazole, and sulfhydryl derivatives stand out as TIM inhibitors. In silico and in vitro studies demonstrate that the inhibitors bind mainly at the TIM dimer interface. In this review, the development of new TIM inhibitors as antiprotozoal drugs is demonstrated as an important pharmaceutical strategy that may lead to new therapies for these ancient parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenci K Vázquez-Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710 Reynosa. Mexico
| | - Antonio Moreno-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710 Reynosa. Mexico
| | - Alfredo Juárez-Saldivar
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710 Reynosa. Mexico
| | - Alonzo González-González
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710 Reynosa. Mexico
| | - Eyra Ortiz-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710 Reynosa. Mexico
| | - Alma D Paz-González
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710 Reynosa. Mexico
| | - Isidro Palos-Pizarro
- Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Reynosa-Rodhe, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, 88779 Reynosa. Mexico
| | - Esther Ramírez-Moreno
- Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 07320 Ciudad de México. Mexico
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710 Reynosa. Mexico
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Riches A, Hart CJS, Trenholme KR, Skinner-Adams TS. Anti- Giardia Drug Discovery: Current Status and Gut Feelings. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13330-13354. [PMID: 32869995 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Giardia parasites are ubiquitous protozoans of global importance that impact a wide range of animals including humans. They are the most common enteric pathogen of cats and dogs in developed countries and infect ∼1 billion people worldwide. While Giardia infections can be asymptomatic, they often result in severe and chronic diseases. There is also mounting evidence that they are linked to postinfection disorders. Despite growing evidence of the widespread morbidity associated with Giardia infections, current treatment options are limited to compound classes with broad antimicrobial activity. Frontline anti-Giardia drugs are also associated with increasing drug resistance and treatment failures. To improve the health and well-being of millions, new selective anti-Giardia drugs are needed alongside improved health education initiatives. Here we discuss current treatment options together with recent advances and gaps in drug discovery. We also propose criteria to guide the discovery of new anti-Giardia compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Riches
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Biomedical Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Christopher J S Hart
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Katharine R Trenholme
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Tina S Skinner-Adams
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
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10
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Drug resistance in Giardia: Mechanisms and alternative treatments for Giardiasis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 107:201-282. [PMID: 32122530 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of chemotherapeutic drugs is the main resource against clinical giardiasis due to the lack of approved vaccines. Resistance of G. duodenalis to the most used drugs to treat giardiasis, metronidazole and albendazole, is a clinical issue of growing concern and yet unknown impact, respectively. In the search of new drugs, the completion of the Giardia genome project and the use of biochemical, molecular and bioinformatics tools allowed the identification of ligands/inhibitors for about one tenth of ≈150 potential drug targets in this parasite. Further, the synthesis of second generation nitroimidazoles and benzimidazoles along with high-throughput technologies have allowed not only to define overall mechanisms of resistance to metronidazole but to screen libraries of repurposed drugs and new pharmacophores, thereby increasing the known arsenal of anti-giardial compounds to some hundreds, with most demonstrating activity against metronidazole or albendazole-resistant Giardia. In particular, cysteine-modifying agents which include omeprazole, disulfiram, allicin and auranofin outstand due to their pleiotropic activity based on the extensive repertoire of thiol-containing proteins and the microaerophilic metabolism of this parasite. Other promising agents derived from higher organisms including phytochemicals, lactoferrin and propolis as well as probiotic bacteria/fungi have also demonstrated significant potential for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes in giardiasis. In this context the present chapter offers a comprehensive review of the current knowledge, including commonly prescribed drugs, causes of therapeutic failures, drug resistance mechanisms, strategies for the discovery of new agents and alternative drug therapies.
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Anjaiah C, Nagamani M, Abraham Lincoln C, Ashok D. Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of 3-(Arylsulfanyl)-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-ones. RUSS J GEN CHEM+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1070363218100201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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12
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Gao MY, Xu W, Zhang SB, Li YS, Dong ZB. Synthesis of Phenyl Dithiocarbamates Starting from Sodium Dialkyldithiocarbamates and Aryl Boronic Acids: a Copper Catalyzed S
-Arylation. European J Org Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201801271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yuan Gao
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering; Wuhan Institute of Technology; 430205 Wuhan China
| | - Wan Xu
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering; Wuhan Institute of Technology; 430205 Wuhan China
| | - Shi-Bo Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering; Wuhan Institute of Technology; 430205 Wuhan China
| | - Yue-Sheng Li
- Nonpower Nuclear Technology Collaborative Innovation Center; Hubei University of Science & Technology; 437100 Xianning China
| | - Zhi-Bing Dong
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering; Wuhan Institute of Technology; 430205 Wuhan China
- Department of Chemistry; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität; Butenandtstrasse 5-13 81377 München Germany
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13
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Abstract
Giardia is the commonest parasitic diarrheal pathogen affecting humans and a frequent cause of waterborne/foodborne parasitic diseases worldwide. Prevalence of giardiasis is higher in children, living in poor, low hygiene settings in developing countries, and in travelers returning from highly endemic areas. The clinical picture of giardiasis is heterogeneous, with high variability in severity of clinical disease. It can become chronic or be followed by post-infectious sequelae. An alarming increase in cases refractory to the conventional treatment with nitroimidazoles (ie, metronidazole) has been reported in low prevalence settings, such as European Union countries, especially in patients returning from Asia. In view of its relevance, we aim in this review to recapitulate present clinical knowledge about Giardia, with a special focus on the challenge of treatment-refractory giardiasis. We propose a working definition of clinically drug-resistant giardiasis, summarize knowledge regarding resistance mechanisms, and discuss its clinical management according to research-based evidence and medical practice. Advances in development and identification of novel drugs and potential non-pharmacological alternatives are also reviewed with the overall aim to define knowledge gaps and suggest future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lalle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, European Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy,
| | - Kurt Hanevik
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Disulfiram as a novel inactivator of Giardia lamblia triosephosphate isomerase with antigiardial potential. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2017; 7:425-432. [PMID: 29197728 PMCID: PMC5727346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Giardiasis, the infestation of the intestinal tract by Giardia lamblia, is one of the most prevalent parasitosis worldwide. Even though effective therapies exist for it, the problems associated with its use indicate that new therapeutic options are needed. It has been shown that disulfiram eradicates trophozoites in vitro and is effective in vivo in a murine model of giardiasis; disulfiram inactivation of carbamate kinase by chemical modification of an active site cysteine has been proposed as the drug mechanism of action. The triosephosphate isomerase from G. lamblia (GlTIM) has been proposed as a plausible target for the development of novel antigiardial pharmacotherapies, and chemical modification of its cysteine 222 (C222) by thiol-reactive compounds is evidenced to inactivate the enzyme. Since disulfiram is a cysteine modifying agent and GlTIM can be inactivated by modification of C222, in this work we tested the effect of disulfiram over the recombinant and trophozoite-endogenous GlTIM. The results show that disulfiram inactivates GlTIM by modification of its C222. The inactivation is species-specific since disulfiram does not affect the human homologue enzyme. Disulfiram inactivation induces only minor conformational changes in the enzyme, but substantially decreases its stability. Recombinant and endogenous GlTIM inactivates similarly, indicating that the recombinant protein resembles the natural enzyme. Disulfiram induces loss of trophozoites viability and inactivation of intracellular GlTIM at similar rates, suggesting that both processes may be related. It is plausible that the giardicidal effect of disulfiram involves the inactivation of more than a single enzyme, thus increasing its potential for repurposing it as an antigiardial drug. Disulfiram inactivates efficiently the triosephosphate isomerase of Giardia lamblia. Inactivation is species-specific; the human enzyme is insusceptible to disulfiram. Recombinant and GlTIM extracted from trophozoites inactivates similarly. Disulfiram inhibits endogenous GlTIM and trophozoite viability simultaneously. Disulfiram is a promissory option for drug repurposing against giardiasis.
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Oxidative Stress Response Tips the Balance in Aspergillus terreus Amphotericin B Resistance. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.00670-17. [PMID: 28739793 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00670-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we characterize the impact of antioxidative enzymes in amphotericin B (AmB)-resistant (ATR) and rare AmB-susceptible (ATS) clinical Aspergillus terreus isolates. We elucidate expression profiles of superoxide dismutase (SOD)- and catalase (CAT)-encoding genes, enzymatic activities of SODs, and superoxide anion production and signaling pathways involved in the oxidative stress response (OSR) in ATS and ATR strains under AmB treatment conditions. We show that ATR strains possess almost doubled basal SOD activity compared to that of ATS strains and that ATR strains exhibit an enhanced OSR, with significantly higher sod2 mRNA levels and significantly increased cat transcripts in ATR strains upon AmB treatment. In particular, inhibition of SOD and CAT proteins renders resistant isolates considerably susceptible to the drug in vitro In conclusion, this study shows that SODs and CATs are crucial for AmB resistance in A. terreus and that targeting the OSR might offer new treatment perspectives for resistant species.
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16
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Antileishmanial Activity of Disulfiram and Thiuram Disulfide Analogs in an Ex Vivo Model System Is Selectively Enhanced by the Addition of Divalent Metal Ions. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:6463-70. [PMID: 26239994 DOI: 10.1128/aac.05131-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis are toxic, expensive, difficult to administer, and limited in efficacy and availability. Disulfiram has primarily been used to treat alcoholism. More recently, it has shown some efficacy as therapy against protozoan pathogens and certain cancers, suggesting a wide range of biological activities. We used an ex vivo system to screen several thiuram disulfide compounds for antileishmanial activity. We found five compounds (compound identifier [CID] 7188, 5455, 95876, 12892, and 3117 [disulfiram]) with anti-Leishmania activity at nanomolar concentrations. We further evaluated these compounds with the addition of divalent metal salts based on studies that indicated these salts could potentiate the action of disulfiram. In addition, clinical studies suggested that zinc has some efficacy in treating cutaneous leishmaniasis. Several divalent metal salts were evaluated at 1 μM, which is lower than the normal levels of copper and zinc in plasma of healthy individuals. The leishmanicidal activity of disulfiram and CID 7188 were enhanced by several divalent metal salts at 1 μM. The in vitro therapeutic index (IVTI) of disulfiram and CID 7188 increased 12- and 2.3-fold, respectively, against L. major when combined with ZnCl2. The combination of disulfiram with ZnSO4 resulted in a 1.8-fold increase in IVTI against L. donovani. This novel combination of thiuram disulfides and divalent metal ions salts could have application as topical and/or oral therapies for treatment of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis.
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Astiazarán-García H, Iñigo-Figueroa G, Quihui-Cota L, Anduro-Corona I. Crosstalk between Zinc Status and Giardia Infection: A New Approach. Nutrients 2015; 7:4438-52. [PMID: 26046395 PMCID: PMC4488794 DOI: 10.3390/nu7064438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence and prevalence of diarrhea; however, its anti-diarrheal effect remains only partially understood. There is now growing evidence that zinc can have pathogen-specific protective effects. Giardiasis is a common yet neglected cause of acute-chronic diarrheal illness worldwide which causes disturbances in zinc metabolism of infected children, representing a risk factor for zinc deficiency. How zinc metabolism is compromised by Giardia is not well understood; zinc status could be altered by intestinal malabsorption, organ redistribution or host-pathogen competition. The potential metal-binding properties of Giardia suggest unusual ways that the parasite may interact with its host. Zinc supplementation was recently found to reduce the rate of diarrhea caused by Giardia in children and to upregulate humoral immune response in Giardia-infected mice; in vitro and in vivo, zinc-salts enhanced the activity of bacitracin in a zinc-dose-dependent way, and this was not due to zinc toxicity. These findings reflect biological effect of zinc that may impact significantly public health in endemic areas of infection. In this paper, we shall explore one direction of this complex interaction, discussing recent information regarding zinc status and its possible contribution to the outcome of the encounter between the host and Giardia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Astiazarán-García
- Departamento de Nutrición y Metabolismo, Coordinación de Nutrición, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera a La Victoria Km 0.6, Hermosillo, Sonora, CP 83304, Mexico.
| | - Gemma Iñigo-Figueroa
- Departamento de Nutrición y Metabolismo, Coordinación de Nutrición, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera a La Victoria Km 0.6, Hermosillo, Sonora, CP 83304, Mexico.
| | - Luis Quihui-Cota
- Departamento de Nutrición Pública y Salud, Coordinación de Nutrición, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera a La Victoria Km 0.6, Hermosillo, Sonora, C.P. 83304, Mexico.
| | - Iván Anduro-Corona
- Departamento de Nutrición y Metabolismo, Coordinación de Nutrición, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera a La Victoria Km 0.6, Hermosillo, Sonora, CP 83304, Mexico.
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Lalli C, Guidi A, Gennari N, Altamura S, Bresciani A, Ruberti G. Development and validation of a luminescence-based, medium-throughput assay for drug screening in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003484. [PMID: 25635836 PMCID: PMC4312041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis, one of the world’s greatest neglected tropical diseases, is responsible for over 280,000 human deaths per annum. Praziquantel, developed in the 1970s, has high efficacy, excellent tolerability, few and transient side effects, simple administration procedures and competitive cost and it is currently the only recommended drug for treatment of human schistosomiasis. The use of a single drug to treat a population of over 200 million infected people appears particularly alarming when considering the threat of drug resistance. Quantitative, objective and validated methods for the screening of compound collections are needed for the discovery of novel anti-schistosomal drugs. Methodology/Principal Findings The present work describes the development and validation of a luminescence-based, medium-throughput assay for the detection of schistosomula viability through quantitation of ATP, a good indicator of metabolically active cells in culture. This validated method is demonstrated to be fast, highly reliable, sensitive and automation-friendly. The optimized assay was used for the screening of a small compound library on S. mansoni schistosomula, showing that the proposed method is suitable for a medium-throughput semi-automated screening. Interestingly, the pilot screening identified hits previously reported to have some anti-parasitic activity, further supporting the validity of this assay for anthelminthic drug discovery. Conclusions The developed and validated schistosomula viability luminescence-based assay was shown to be successful and suitable for the identification of novel compounds potentially exploitable in future schistosomiasis therapies. Schistosomiasis, one of the world’s greatest human neglected tropical diseases, is caused by a parasitic flatworm trematode of the genus Schistosoma. Among human parasitic diseases, schistosomiasis ranks second behind malaria in terms of socio-economic and public health importance in tropical and subtropical areas. More than 200 million people are currently infected in 77 countries, 85% of whom live in sub-Saharian Africa. To date no vaccine is available against schistosomiasis. As chemotherapy relies on a single drug, praziquantel, many initiatives have been promoted aiming to search for novel anti-schistosomal drugs that can represent a valid alternative to the current treatment or could be used in case of emerging resistance. Quantitative, objective and validated methods for compound collections screening are needed for the discovery of novel anti-schistosomal drugs. Here, we report the development and validation of a medium-throughput, luminescence-based assay for assessing viability at the schistosomulum stage of the human parasite S. mansoni. Our methodology enables a simple, reproducible, highly sensitive and objective quantitation of parasite viability. It is also automation compatible and enables the screening of compound collections thus hopefully contributing to the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Lalli
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Guidi
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Gennari
- Department of Biology, IRBM Science Park xSpA, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Altamura
- Department of Biology, IRBM Science Park xSpA, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Bresciani
- Department of Biology, IRBM Science Park xSpA, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail: (AB); (GR)
| | - Giovina Ruberti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, National Research Council, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail: (AB); (GR)
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Abstract
Giardiasis is a severe intestinal parasitic disease caused by Giardia lamblia, which inflicts many people in poor regions and is the most common parasitic infection in the United States. Current standard care drugs are associated with undesirable side effects, treatment failures, and an increasing incidence of drug resistance. As follow-up to a high-throughput screening of an approved drug library, which identified compounds lethal to G. lamblia trophozoites, we have determined the minimum lethal concentrations of 28 drugs and advanced 10 of them to in vivo studies in mice. The results were compared to treatment with the standard care drug, metronidazole, in order to identify drugs with equal or better anti-Giardia activities. Three drugs, fumagillin, carbadox, and tioxidazole, were identified. These compounds were also potent against metronidazole-resistant human G. lamblia isolates (assemblages A and B), as determined in in vitro assays. Of these three compounds, fumagillin is currently an orphan drug used within the European Union to treat microsporidiosis in immunocompromised individuals, whereas carbadox and tioxidazole are used in veterinary medicine. A dose-dependent study of fumagillin in a giardiasis mouse model revealed that the effective dose of fumagillin was ∼ 100-fold lower than the metronidazole dose. Therefore, fumagillin may be advanced to further studies as an alternative treatment for giardiasis when metronidazole fails.
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Shukla SN, Gaur P, Rai N. Complexes of tetraethylthiuram disulphide with group 12 metals: single-source precursor in metal sulphide nanoparticles’ synthesis. APPLIED NANOSCIENCE 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13204-014-0351-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Galkin A, Kulakova L, Lim K, Chen CZ, Zheng W, Turko IV, Herzberg O. Structural basis for inactivation of Giardia lamblia carbamate kinase by disulfiram. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:10502-10509. [PMID: 24558036 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.553123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbamate kinase from Giardia lamblia is an essential enzyme for the survival of the organism. The enzyme catalyzes the final step in the arginine dihydrolase pathway converting ADP and carbamoyl phosphate to ATP and carbamate. We previously reported that disulfiram, a drug used to treat chronic alcoholism, inhibits G. lamblia CK and kills G. lamblia trophozoites in vitro at submicromolar IC50 values. Here, we examine the structural basis for G. lamblia CK inhibition of disulfiram and its analog, thiram, their activities against both metronidazole-susceptible and metronidazole-resistant G. lamblia isolates, and their efficacy in a mouse model of giardiasis. The crystal structure of G. lamblia CK soaked with disulfiram revealed that the compound thiocarbamoylated Cys-242, a residue located at the edge of the active site. The modified Cys-242 prevents a conformational transition of a loop adjacent to the ADP/ATP binding site, which is required for the stacking of Tyr-245 side chain against the adenine moiety, an interaction seen in the structure of G. lamblia CK in complex with AMP-PNP. Mass spectrometry coupled with trypsin digestion confirmed the selective covalent thiocarbamoylation of Cys-242 in solution. The Giardia viability studies in the metronidazole-resistant strain and the G. lamblia CK irreversible inactivation mechanism show that the thiuram compounds can circumvent the resistance mechanism that renders metronidazole ineffectiveness in drug resistance cases of giardiasis. Together, the studies suggest that G. lamblia CK is an attractive drug target for development of novel antigiardial therapies and that disulfiram, an FDA-approved drug, is a promising candidate for drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Galkin
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Liudmila Kulakova
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Kap Lim
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850
| | - Catherine Z Chen
- Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Wei Zheng
- Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Illarion V Turko
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850; National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899
| | - Osnat Herzberg
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland 20850; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742.
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Redondo-Castro E, Romero R, Torres-Espín A, Utrera J, Duque D, Junyent F, Auladell C. Dithiocarb (N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate, DEDTC) decreases levels of biogenic monoamines in the adult mouse brain. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2013; 40:747-58. [PMID: 24033405 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12083] [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: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Dithiocarb (diethyldithiocarbamate, DEDTC) belongs to the group of dithiocarbamates and is the main metabolite of disulphiram, a drug of choice for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Its therapeutic potential relays on its ability to create an unpleasant aversive reaction following the ingestion of alcohol, and this effect is usually accompanied by neurobehavioural symptoms. Most of these can be attributed to the impaired metabolism of brain biogenic amines. METHODS To gain new insights into the dithiocarbamates and their effects on neurotransmitter systems, an in vivo experimental model based on daily injections of DEDTC in adult mice for 7 days was established. To this end, the concentrations of the three major brain monoamines, dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) were measured in whole brain extracts with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The levels of D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) were evaluated by Western blot and by immunohistochemical techniques the cell pattern of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopa beta hydroxylase (DBH) and choline acetyltransferase ChAT) were analysed. RESULTS A significant reduction in DA and 5-HT levels was observed, whereas NA was not affected. Moreover, decreases in D2R levels, as well as in enzymes such as TH, DBH and ChAT, were found. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that DEDTC provokes alterations in biogenic amines and in different substrates of neurotransmitter systems, which could explain some of the neurobehavioural effects observed in patients treated with disulphiram.
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A reprofiled drug, auranofin, is effective against metronidazole-resistant Giardia lamblia. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:2029-35. [PMID: 23403423 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01675-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardiasis is one of the most common causes of diarrheal disease worldwide. Treatment is primarily with 5-nitro antimicrobials, particularly metronidazole. Resistance to metronidazole has been described, and treatment failures can occur in up to 20% of cases, making development of alternative antigiardials an important goal. To this end, we have screened a chemical library of 746 approved human drugs and 164 additional bioactive compounds for activity against Giardia lamblia. We identified 56 compounds that caused significant inhibition of G. lamblia growth and attachment. Of these, 15 were previously reported to have antigiardial activity, 20 were bioactive but not approved for human use, and 21 were drugs approved for human use for other indications. One notable compound of the last group was the antirheumatic drug auranofin. Further testing revealed that auranofin was active in the low (4 to 6)-micromolar range against a range of divergent G. lamblia isolates representing both human-pathogenic assemblages A and B. Most importantly, auranofin was active against multiple metronidazole-resistant strains. Mechanistically, auranofin blocked the activity of giardial thioredoxin oxidoreductase, a critical enzyme involved in maintaining normal protein function and combating oxidative damage, suggesting that this inhibition contributes to the antigiardial activity. Furthermore, auranofin was efficacious in vivo, as it eradicated infection with different G. lamblia isolates in different rodent models. These results indicate that the approved human drug auranofin could be developed as a novel agent in the armamentarium of antigiardial drugs, particularly against metronidazole-resistant strains.
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Chen CZ, Southall N, Galkin A, Lim K, Marugan JJ, Kulakova L, Shinn P, van Leer D, Zheng W, Herzberg O. A homogenous luminescence assay reveals novel inhibitors for giardia lamblia carbamate kinase. CURRENT CHEMICAL GENOMICS 2012; 6:93-102. [PMID: 23400734 PMCID: PMC3565245 DOI: 10.2174/1875397301206010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 09/02/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The human pathogen Giardia lamblia is an anaerobic protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, one of the most common diarrheal diseases worldwide. Although several drugs are available for the treatment of giardisis, resistance to these drugs has been reported and is likely to increase. The Giardia carbamate kinase (glCK) plays an essential role in Giardia metabolism and has no homologs in humans, making it an attractive candidate for anti-Giardia drug development. We have developed a luminescent enzyme coupled assay to measure the activity of glCK by quantitating the amount of ATP produced by the enzyme. This assay is homogeneous and has been miniaturized into a 1536-well plate format. A pilot screen against 4,096 known compounds using this assay yielded a signal-to-basal ratio of 11.5 fold and Z’ factor of 0.8 with a hit rate of 0.9 % of inhibitors of glCK. Therefore, this Giardia lamblia carbamate kinase assay is useful for high throughput screening of large compound collection for identification of the inhibitors for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Z Chen
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Antitubercular activity of disulfiram, an antialcoholism drug, against multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:4140-5. [PMID: 22615274 DOI: 10.1128/aac.06445-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The antimycobacterial activities of disulfiram (DSF) and diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) against multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/XDR-TB) clinical isolates were evaluated in vitro. Both DSF and DDC exhibited potent antitubercular activities against 42 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis, including MDR/XDR-TB strains. Moreover, DSF showed remarkable bactericidal activity ex vivo and in vivo. Therefore, DSF might be a drug repurposed for the treatment of MDR/XDR-TB.
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Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the anti parasitic potential of silver, chitosan, and curcumin nanoparticles as anti-Giardia agents. Non-treated infected control rats were inoculated with Giardia lamblia cysts in a dose of 2 × 10(5) cysts/rat. Experimental group was infected then treated with curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles, chitosan, chitosan nanoparticles, and silver nanoparticles as single or combined therapy. The number of Giardia cysts in stools and trophozoites in intestinal sections were detected. Toxicity of nanoparticles was evaluated by comparing hematological and histopathological parameters of the normal control group and treated non-infected control group. The amount of silver was also measured in the liver, kidney, small intestine, lung, and brain of rats treated with silver nanoparticles. The number of the parasites in stool and small intestinal sections decreased in treated infected rats compared with infected non-treated ones. The effect in the single therapy was better with nanoparticles, and the best effect was detected in nano-silver. The combined therapy gave better results than single. Combination between nanoparticles was better than the combination of nano-forms and native chitosan and curcumin. The best effect was detected in combinations of nano-silver and nano-chitosan but with no full eradication. In conclusion, the highest effect and complete cure was gained by combining the three nano-forms. The parasite was successfully eradicated from stool and intestine. None of the treatments exhibited any toxicity. Accumulated silver in different organs was within the safe limits.
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Said DE, ElSamad LM, Gohar YM. Validity of silver, chitosan, and curcumin nanoparticles as anti-Giardia agents. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:545-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Kwolek-Mirek M, Zadrag-Tecza R, Bartosz G. Ascorbate and thiol antioxidants abolish sensitivity of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to disulfiram. Cell Biol Toxicol 2011; 28:1-9. [PMID: 21866320 PMCID: PMC3247666 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-011-9200-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Sensitivity of baker’s yeast to disulfiram (DSF) and hypersensitivity of a mutant devoid of Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase to this compound is reported, demonstrating that yeast may be a simple convenient eukaryotic model to study the mechanism of DSF toxicity. DSF was found to induce oxidative stress in yeast cells demonstrated by increased superoxide production and decrease of cellular glutathione content. Anoxic atmosphere and hydrophilic antioxidants (ascorbate, glutathione, dithiothreitol, cysteine, and N-acetylcysteine) ameliorated DSF toxicity to yeast indicating that oxidative stress plays a critical role in the cellular action of DSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kwolek-Mirek
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Rzeszow, ul. Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland.
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29
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Webster JP, Oliviera G, Rollinson D, Gower CM. Schistosome genomes: a wealth of information. Trends Parasitol 2010; 26:103-6. [PMID: 20083437 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2009.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The blood flukes Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma mansoni are the first major human platyhelminth pathogens to have their genome sequences published. The work of two large international consortia offers draft sequence information and detailed analyses presenting a wealth of information addressing, in particular, metabolic and signalling pathways, host-parasite interactions and potential new drug targets. We comment on these breakthroughs and their potential applications in the study and control of schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne P Webster
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK.
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30
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Celik O. Reply: Combating endometriosis by blocking proteasome and nuclear factor- B pathways. Hum Reprod 2009. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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31
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Berriman M, Haas BJ, LoVerde PT, Wilson RA, Dillon GP, Cerqueira GC, Mashiyama ST, Al-Lazikani B, Andrade LF, Ashton PD, Aslett MA, Bartholomeu DC, Blandin G, Caffrey CR, Coghlan A, Coulson R, Day TA, Delcher A, DeMarco R, Djikeng A, Eyre T, Gamble JA, Ghedin E, Gu Y, Hertz-Fowler C, Hirai H, Hirai Y, Houston R, Ivens A, Johnston DA, Lacerda D, Macedo CD, McVeigh P, Ning Z, Oliveira G, Overington JP, Parkhill J, Pertea M, Pierce RJ, Protasio AV, Quail MA, Rajandream MA, Rogers J, Sajid M, Salzberg SL, Stanke M, Tivey AR, White O, Williams DL, Wortman J, Wu W, Zamanian M, Zerlotini A, Fraser-Liggett CM, Barrell BG, El-Sayed NM. The genome of the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Nature 2009; 460:352-8. [PMID: 19606141 PMCID: PMC2756445 DOI: 10.1038/nature08160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 807] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis that affects 210 million people in 76 countries. We report here analysis of the 363 megabase nuclear genome of the blood fluke. It encodes at least 11,809 genes, with an unusual intron size distribution, and novel families of micro-exon genes that undergo frequent alternate splicing. As the first sequenced flatworm, and a representative of the lophotrochozoa, it offers insights into early events in the evolution of the animals, including the development of a body pattern with bilateral symmetry, and the development of tissues into organs. Our analysis has been informed by the need to find new drug targets. The deficits in lipid metabolism that make schistosomes dependent on the host are revealed, while the identification of membrane receptors, ion channels and more than 300 proteases, provide new insights into the biology of the life cycle and novel targets. Bioinformatics approaches have identified metabolic chokepoints while a chemogenomic screen has pinpointed schistosome proteins for which existing drugs may be active. The information generated provides an invaluable resource for the research community to develop much needed new control tools for the treatment and eradication of this important and neglected disease.
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32
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Busatti HGNO, Santos JFG, Gomes MA. The old and new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of giardiasis: where are we? Biologics 2009; 3:273-87. [PMID: 19707415 PMCID: PMC2726062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is the causative agent of giardiasis, one of the most common parasitic infections of the human intestinal tract. This disease most frequently affects children causing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, acute or chronic diarrhea, and malabsorption syndrome. In undernourished children, giardiasis is a determining factor in retarded physical and mental development. Antigiardial chemotherapy focuses on the trophozoite stage. Metronidazole and other nitroimidazoles have been used for decades as the therapy of choice against giardiasis. In recent years many other drugs have been proposed for the treatment of giardiasis. Therefore, several synthetic and natural substances have been tested in search of new giardicidal compounds. This study is a review of drugs used in in vitro and in vivo tests, and also drugs tested in clinical trials (nonrandomized and randomized).
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Affiliation(s)
- Haendel GNO Busatti
- Departmento de Parasitologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Joseph FG Santos
- Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Maria A Gomes
- Departmento de Parasitologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
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Abstract
Giardia lamblia, the cause of human giardiasis, is among the most common intestinal protozoa worldwide. Human infection may range from asymptomatic shedding of giardial cysts to symptomatic giardiasis, being responsible for abdominal cramps, nausea, acute or chronic diarrhoea, with malabsorption and failure of children to thrive. At present, treatment options include the nitroimidazoles derivatives; especially metronidazole, which has been the mainstay of treatment for decades and is still widely used. The increasing number of reports of refractory cases with this group of drugs and other antigiardial agents, has raised concern and led to a search for other compounds, some of which have arisen due to the introduction of drugs initially addressed to other diseases. The present article examines some of the most important points of antigiardial pharmacotherapy available at present and the future prospects of development of new agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel A Escobedo
- Jefe del departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Hospital Pediatrico Universitario Pedro Borrás, Ciudad de La Habana, CP, Cuba.
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34
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Burger AM, Gao Y, Amemiya Y, Kahn HJ, Kitching R, Yang Y, Sun P, Narod SA, Hanna WM, Seth AK. A novel RING-type ubiquitin ligase breast cancer-associated gene 2 correlates with outcome in invasive breast cancer. Cancer Res 2006; 65:10401-12. [PMID: 16288031 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-2103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The RING finger family of proteins possess ubiquitin ligase activity and play pivotal roles in protein degradation and receptor-mediated endocytosis. In this study, we examined whether the breast cancer-associated gene 2 (BCA2), a novel RING domain protein, has E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and investigated its expression status in breast tumors. The full-length BCA2 gene was cloned from the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468. It encodes an open reading frame of 304 amino acids and contains a RING-H2 domain. BCA2 maps to chromosome 1q21.1, a region known to harbor cytogenetic aberrations in breast cancers. We found that the BCA2 protein has an intrinsic autoubiquitination activity, the hallmark of E3 ligases, whereas mutant RING protein is not autoubiquitinated. This indicates that the BCA2 ubiquitin ligase activity is dependent on the RING-H2 domain. Using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry, we found strong to intermediate BCA2 staining in 56% of 945 invasive breast cancers cases, which was significantly correlated with positive estrogen receptor status [odds ratio (OR), 1.51; P = 0.004], negative lymph node status (OR, 0.73; P = 0.02), and an increase in disease-free survival for regional recurrence (OR, 0.45; P = 0.03). Overexpression of BCA2 increased proliferation and small interfering RNA inhibited growth of T47D human breast cancer cells and NIH3T3 mouse cells. The autoubiquitination activity of BCA2 indicates that it is a novel RING-type E3 ligase. Its association with clinical measures and its effects on cell growth indicate that BCA2 may be important for the ubiquitin modification of proteins crucial to breast carcinogenesis and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika M Burger
- Laboratories of Molecular Pathology, Department of Anatomic Pathology, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Shian SG, Kao YR, Wu FYH, Wu CW. Inhibition of invasion and angiogenesis by zinc-chelating agent disulfiram. Mol Pharmacol 2003; 64:1076-84. [PMID: 14573756 DOI: 10.1124/mol.64.5.1076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell invasion and angiogenesis are crucial processes in cancer metastasis that require extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Proteolytic degradation of the ECM components is a central event of invasion and angiogenesis processes. During these processes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) seem to be primarily responsible for much of the ECM degradation. Disulfiram is frequently used in the treatment of alcoholism and has been reported to possess antiretroviral activity and can eject intrinsic zinc out of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) nucleocapsid protein. In this report, we show that disulfiram inhibited invasion and angiogenesis in both tumor and endothelial cells at nontoxic concentrations. The 3H-labeled type IV collagen degradation assay suggested that disulfiram has type IV collagenase inhibitory activity, and this inhibition was responsible for blocking invasion and angiogenesis through cell-mediated and non-cell-mediated pathways. However, the mechanisms underlying cell-mediated signal pathways are not fully characterized. Our data demonstrate that the non-cell-mediated pathway is dominant. Thus, disulfiram could directly interact with MMP-2 and MMP-9 and inhibit their proteolytic activity through a zincchelating mechanism. Addition of zinc could reverse the inhibition of invasiveness and collagenase inhibition through disulfiram treatment. This finding implies that MMP-2 and MMP-9 may be the inhibitory targets for a potential disulfiram treatment. These observations raise the possibility clinical therapeutic applications for disulfiram used as a potential inhibitor of metastatic cell invasion and angiogenesis.
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Nash TE, Ohl CA, Thomas E, Subramanian G, Keiser P, Moore TA. Treatment of patients with refractory giardiasis. Clin Infect Dis 2001; 33:22-8. [PMID: 11389490 DOI: 10.1086/320886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2000] [Revised: 10/30/2000] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is one of the most common parasitic infections. Although standard treatments are usually curative, some immunocompromised patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome as well as healthy patients, have giardiasis that is refractory to recommended regimens. We report our experience with 6 patients with giardiasis, for whom therapy with a combination of quinacrine and metronidazole resulted in cures for 5 of the 6 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E Nash
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Abstract
Giardia lamblia is both the most common intestinal parasite in the United States and a frequent cause of diarrheal illness throughout the world. In spite of its recognition as an important human pathogen, there have been relatively few agents used in therapy. This paper discusses each class of drugs used in treatment, along with their mechanism of action, in vitro and clinical efficacy, and side effects and contraindications. Recommendations are made for the preferred treatment in different clinical situations. The greatest clinical experience is with the nitroimidazole drugs, i.e., metronidazole, tinidazole, and ornidazole, which are highly effective. A 5- to 7-day course of metronidazole can be expected to cure over 90% of individuals, and a single dose of tinidazole or ornidazole will cure a similar number. Quinacrine, which is no longer produced in the United States, has excellent efficacy but may be poorly tolerated, especially in children. Furazolidone is an effective alternative but must be administered four times a day for 7 to 10 days. Paromomycin may be used during early pregnancy, because it is not systematically absorbed, but it is not always effective. Patients who have resistant infection can usually be cured by a prolonged course of treatment with a combination of a nitroimidazole with quinacrine.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Gardner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030-3212, USA
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Khan IA, Avery MA, Burandt CL, Goins DK, Mikell JR, Nash TE, Azadegan A, Walker LA. Antigiardial activity of isoflavones from Dalbergia frutescens bark. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2000; 63:1414-1416. [PMID: 11076565 DOI: 10.1021/np000010d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Several isoflavones [formononetin (1), castanin (5), odoratin (6), glycitein (7), pseudobaptogenin (8), fujikinetin (9), and cuneatin (10)] were isolated from Dalbergia frutescens, and their antiprotozoal activities were determined against Giardia intestinalis. Among these compounds, formononetin (1) was the most potent antigiardial agent, with an IC(50) value of 30 ng/mL (approximately 0.1 microM), as compared to the value for metronidazole, the current drug of choice, of 100 ng/mL (approximately 0.6 microM). Three isoflavones closely related to formononetin [daidzein (2), biochanin A (3) and genistein (4)] were also evaluated, but they were at least 100 times less active than 1. Formononetin (1) may thus be an interesting lead for development of new antigiardial agents or as a probe for a new mechanistic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mississippi 38677, USA
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39
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Radwanska M, Couvreur B, Dumont N, Pays A, Vanhamme L, Pays E. A transcript encoding a proteasome beta-subunit and a zinc finger protein in Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Gene 2000; 255:43-50. [PMID: 10974563 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1119(00)00306-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
During the screening of a Trypanosoma brucei brucei (T. b. brucei) cDNA library constructed from bloodstream form mRNA, we identified a 2.3kb cDNA encoding a proteasome beta subunit (ORF1) and a putative zinc finger protein (ORF2). Northern blot analysis indicated the presence of a digenic transcript as well as the two individual messengers in both procyclic and bloodstream forms of the parasite. Southern blot analysis showed the relevant locus to be unique. ORF1 encoded a 22.7kDa protein sharing over 50% identity with the eukaryotic PRCE (aka beta5) proteasome beta subunit. This protein contained a beta amino acid signature and residues involved in the catalytic activity. Further phylogenetic analysis indicated that this subunit as well as those from other kinetoplastids could be confidentially assigned to extant eukaryotic subfamilies such as beta1, beta2, and beta5. ORF2 encoded a 14.6kDa putative zinc finger protein containing five repeats of a CCHC motif commonly present in retroviral nucleocapsid proteins as well as proteins involved in vertebrate embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Radwanska
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Free University of Brussels, rue des Professeurs Jeener et Brachet 12 B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium
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