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Michener CM, Ricci S, AlHilli M, Beffa L, Debernardo R, Waggoner SE, Brainard J, Plesa M, Belinson JL, Trimble CL. Safety and efficacy of topical artesunate for the treatment of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia 2/3. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 178:102-109. [PMID: 37839312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.10.003] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of topical artesunate ointment for treatment of biopsy-confirmed Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) 2/3. METHODS Participants were enrolled on a prospective, IRB-approved, dose-escalation phase I trial testing either 1, 2 or 3 treatment cycles (5 days), every other week, as applicable. Clinical assessments were completed prior to each dose cycle and included exam and review of adverse event (AE) diary cards. HPV testing and colposcopy was completed at 15 and 28 weeks. AEs were assessed according to CTCAE 4.0 criteria. Complete responders (CR) underwent biopsy of the treated site at the 28-weeks while partial (PR) and non (NR)-responders underwent surgical resection or biopsy and ablation. RESULTS Fifteen patients consented to and began treatment. Per-protocol assessments were completed in 100% at 15- and 80% at 28-weeks. All patients completed prescribed cycles with no grade 3 or 4 AEs. Vulvovaginal burning/ was the most common AE occurring in 93.3%. AEs were grade 2 in 23.7% and included vulvovaginal pruritus (n = 3), swelling (n = 3) and candidiasis (n = 2). The highest ORR was in the 3-cycle group (88.9% with 55.6% CR). HPV-16 was detected either alone (46.7%) or with other subtypes (33.3%) in 80% of lesions and 5 of 8 (62.5%) with CR had complete viral clearance. CONCLUSIONS Topical artesunate for treatment of high-grade VIN shows high tolerability, low toxicity and evidence for clinical response in this initial small series. The safety and observed responses support further study in a Phase II trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M Michener
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
| | - Stephanie Ricci
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Mariam AlHilli
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Lindsey Beffa
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Robert Debernardo
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Steven E Waggoner
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jennifer Brainard
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Mihaela Plesa
- Frantz Medical Group, 7740 Metric Dr., Mentor, OH 44060, USA
| | - Jerome L Belinson
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Preventive Oncology International, 19601 Van Aken Blvd, Apt P5, Shaker Heights, OH 44122-3508, USA
| | - Cornelia L Trimble
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Oncology, and Pathology, USA
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Zhang J, Li Y, Wan J, Zhang M, Li C, Lin J. Artesunate: A review of its therapeutic insights in respiratory diseases. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154259. [PMID: 35849970 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artesunate, as a semi-synthetic artemisinin derivative of sesquiterpene lactone, is widely used in clinical antimalarial treatment due to its endoperoxide group. Recent studies have found that artesunate may have multiple pharmacological effects, indicating its significant therapeutic potential in multiple respiratory diseases. PURPOSE This review aims to summarize proven and potential therapeutic effects of artesunate in common respiratory disorders. STUDY DESIGN This review summarizes the pharmacological properties of artesunate and then interprets the function of artesunate in various respiratory diseases in detail, such as bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung injury, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, coronavirus disease 2019, etc., on different target cells and receptors according to completed and ongoing in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies (including clinical trials). METHODS Literature was searched in electronic databases, including Pubmed, Web of Science and CNKI with the primary keywords of 'artesunate', 'pharmacology', 'pharmacokinetics', 'respiratory disorders', 'lung', 'pulmonary', and secondary search terms of 'Artemisia annua L.', 'artemisinin', 'asthma', 'chronic obstructive lung disease', 'lung injury', 'lung cancer', 'pulmonary fibrosis', 'COVID-19' and 'virus' in English and Chinese. All experiments were included. Reviews and irrelevant studies to the therapeutic effects of artesunate on respiratory diseases were excluded. Information was sort out according to study design, subject, intervention, and outcome. RESULTS Artesunate is promising to treat multiple common respiratory disorders via various mechanisms, such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-hyperresponsiveness, anti-proliferation, airway remodeling reverse, induction of cell death, cell cycle arrest, etc. CONCLUSION: Artesunate has great potential to treat various respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Zhang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100-730, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100-029, China
| | - Jingxuan Wan
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100-730, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100-730, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China
| | - Chunxiao Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China; Peking University China‑Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing 100-029, China
| | - Jiangtao Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100-029, China.
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Artesunate as a glycoprotein VI antagonist for preventing platelet activation and thrombus formation. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113531. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Conroy AL, Opoka RO, Bangirana P, Namazzi R, Okullo AE, Georgieff MK, Cusick S, Idro R, Ssenkusu JM, John CC. Parenteral artemisinins are associated with reduced mortality and neurologic deficits and improved long-term behavioral outcomes in children with severe malaria. BMC Med 2021; 19:168. [PMID: 34315456 PMCID: PMC8317420 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2011, the World Health Organization recommended injectable artesunate as the first-line therapy for severe malaria (SM) due to its superiority in reducing mortality compared to quinine. There are limited data on long-term clinical and neurobehavioral outcomes after artemisinin use for treatment of SM. METHODS From 2008 to 2013, 502 Ugandan children with two common forms of SM, cerebral malaria and severe malarial anemia, were enrolled in a prospective observational study assessing long-term neurobehavioral and cognitive outcomes following SM. Children were evaluated a week after hospital discharge, and 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up, and returned to hospital for any illness. In this study, we evaluated the impact of artemisinin derivatives on survival, post-discharge hospital readmission or death, and neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes over 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS 346 children received quinine and 156 received parenteral artemisinin therapy (artemether or artesunate). After adjustment for disease severity, artemisinin derivatives were associated with a 78% reduction in in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07-0.67). Among cerebral malaria survivors, children treated with artemisinin derivatives also had reduced neurologic deficits at discharge (quinine, 41.7%; artemisinin derivatives, 23.7%, p=0.007). Over a 2-year follow-up, artemisinin derivatives as compared to quinine were associated with better adjusted scores (negative scores better) in internalizing behavior and executive function in children irrespective of the age at severe malaria episode. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, artemisinin derivatives were associated with better adjusted scores in behavior and executive function in children <6 years of age at severe malaria exposure following adjustment for child age, sex, socioeconomic status, enrichment in the home environment, and the incidence of hospitalizations over follow-up. Children receiving artesunate had the greatest reduction in mortality and benefit in behavioral outcomes and had reduced inflammation at 1-month follow-up compared to children treated with quinine. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of severe malaria with artemisinin derivatives, particularly artesunate, results in reduced in-hospital mortality and neurologic deficits in children of all ages, reduced inflammation following recovery, and better long-term behavioral outcomes. These findings suggest artesunate has long-term beneficial effects in children surviving severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4 402C 1044 West Walnut St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruth Namazzi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Allen E Okullo
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Sarah Cusick
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4 402C 1044 West Walnut St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Division of Global Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA
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Karbwang J, Na‐Bangchang K. The Role of Clinical Pharmacology in Chemotherapy of Multidrug‐Resistant
Plasmodium falciparum. J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 60:830-847. [DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juntra Karbwang
- Graduate Program in Bioclinical SciencesChulabhorn International College of MedicineThammasat University (Rangsit Campus) Pathumthani Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria and CholangiocarcinomaThammasat University (Rangsit Campus) Pathumthani Thailand
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Office of Advanced Science and TechnologyThammasat University (Rangsit Campus) Pathumthani Thailand
- Department of Clinical Product developmentNagasaki Institute of Tropical MedicineNagasaki University Nagasaki Japan
| | - Kesara Na‐Bangchang
- Graduate Program in Bioclinical SciencesChulabhorn International College of MedicineThammasat University (Rangsit Campus) Pathumthani Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria and CholangiocarcinomaThammasat University (Rangsit Campus) Pathumthani Thailand
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Office of Advanced Science and TechnologyThammasat University (Rangsit Campus) Pathumthani Thailand
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Dihydroartemisinin inhibits endothelial cell tube formation by suppression of the STAT3 signaling pathway. Life Sci 2019; 242:117221. [PMID: 31881224 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Endothelial cell (EC) tube formation is crucial for tumor angiogenesis, which becomes a target for chemotherapy. The anti-malaria agent dihydroartemisinin (DHA) inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DHA on EC tube formation and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with different concentrations of DHA, and the tube formation was measured by in vitro angiogenesis assay. The protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3), phosphorylated STAT3 and fatty acid synthase (FASN) were detected by Western blotting. The gene expression of FASN was determined by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The FASN siRNA and STAT3 (Y705D) vector were introduced into HUVECs by lipofectin transfection. KEY FINDINGS DHA treatment inhibited tube formation, and the phosphorylation of STAT3 on Y705 of HUVECs. The expression of FASN was down-regulated by DHA and STAT3 inhibitor. The inhibitory effect of DHA on FASN expression in HUVECs was eliminated by co-treatment with the STAT3 inhibitor. Over-expression of STAT3 (Y705D) relieved the inhibitory effect of DHA on tube-formation and FASN expression. Under hypoxia condition, expression of FASN was up-regulated but inhibited by DHA treatment in HUVECs through suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation. SIGNIFICANCE We demonstrate that DHA inhibits the protein level of FASN via attenuation of the Y705 phosphorylation of STAT3, and subsequently inhibits tube formation of HUVECs. Our results support the therapeutic potential of DHA on angiogenesis.
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Systematic review of artesunate pharmacokinetics: Implication for treatment of resistant malaria. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 89:30-44. [PMID: 31491558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artesunate (ART) is an artemisinin derivative used as monotherapy for the treatment of severe malaria and in combination with a partner drug for non-severe malaria. Resistance of malaria parasites to artemisinins have emerged in Southeast Asia. Adjustment of drug regimen may be an option to prevent therapeutic failures considering the relative favourable safety profile of ART high doses. METHODS For that purpose, a systematic review was done using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. All studies on ART and DHA pharmacokinetic post-administration of artesunate in human patients or volunteers were included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist 2009 was used. FINDINGS Fifty studies exploring oral, intravenous, rectal, and intramuscular route (1470 persons, volunteers and patients) were included. Correlations between artesunate doses and Cmax or AUC0-∞ of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and DHA+ART were evaluated. This correlation was good (R2>0.9) using intravenous (IV) route. DHA and ART+DHA average concentrations (Cav) were well above estimated in vivo half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) for intravenous route, but this was not the case for oral route. INTERPRETATION The favorable Cav/EC50 ratio for IV route provides evidence that IV ART will remain efficient even in the case of increased resistance level, whereas for the oral route, a two-fold increase in EC50 may lead to therapeutic failures, thus providing a rationale for oral dose escalation. Considering the inter-individual variability of ART pharmacokinetic, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring through antimalarial stewardship activities is needed to optimize drug exposure and avoid resistance development.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2011 the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended parenteral artesunate in preference to quinine as first-line treatment for people with severe malaria. Prior to this recommendation many countries, particularly in Africa, had begun to use artemether, an alternative artemisinin derivative. This Cochrane Review evaluates intramuscular artemether compared with both quinine and artesunate. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of intramuscular artemether versus any other parenteral medication in the treatment of severe malaria in adults and children. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS, ISI Web of Science, conference proceedings, and reference lists of articles. We also searched the WHO International Clinical Trial Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) for ongoing trials up to 7 September 2018. We checked the reference lists of all studies identified by the search. We examined references listed in review articles and previously compiled bibliographies to look for eligible studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intramuscular artemether with intravenous/intramuscular quinine or artesunate for treating severe malaria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The primary outcome was all-cause death. Two review authors independently screened each article by title and abstract, and examined potentially relevant studies for inclusion using an eligibility form. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. We summarized dichotomous outcomes using risk ratios (RRs) and continuous outcomes using mean differences (MDs), and have presented both measures with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Where appropriate, we combined data in meta-analyses and used the GRADE approach to summarize the certainty of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS We included 19 RCTs, enrolling 2874 adults and children with severe malaria, carried out in Africa (12 trials) and in Asia (7 trials).Artemether versus quinineFor children, there is probably little or no difference in the risk of death between intramuscular artemether and quinine (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.21; 13 trials, 1659 participants, moderate-certainty evidence). Coma resolution time may be about five hours shorter with artemether (MD -5.45, 95% CI -7.90 to -3.00; six trials, 358 participants, low-certainty evidence). Artemether may make little difference to neurological sequelae (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.07; seven trials, 968 participants, low-certainty evidence). Compared to quinine, artemether probably shortens the parasite clearance time by about nine hours (MD -9.03, 95% CI -11.43 to -6.63; seven trials, 420 participants, moderate-certainty evidence), and may shorten the fever clearance time by about three hours (MD -3.73, 95% CI -6.55 to -0.92; eight trials, 457 participants, low-certainty evidence).For adults, treatment with intramuscular artemether probably results in fewer deaths than treatment with quinine (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.83; four trials, 716 participants, moderate-certainty evidence).Artemether versus artesunateArtemether and artesunate have not been directly compared in randomized trials in children.For adults, mortality is probably higher with intramuscular artemether (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.97; two trials, 494 participants, moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Artemether appears to be more effective than quinine in children and adults. Artemether compared to artesunate has not been extensively studied, but in adults it appears inferior. These findings are consistent with the WHO recommendations that artesunate is the drug of choice, but artemether is acceptable when artesunate is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekpereonne B Esu
- College of Medical Sciences, University of CalabarDepartment of Public HealthCalabarCross River StateNigeria
| | - Emmanuel E Effa
- College of Medical Sciences, University of CalabarInternal MedicinePMB 1115CalabarCross River StateNigeria540001
| | - Oko N Opie
- Federal College of EducationDepartment of General StudiesObuduCross River StateNigeria
| | - Martin M Meremikwu
- University of Calabar Teaching HospitalDepartment of PaediatricsPMB 1115CalabarCross River StateNigeria
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Tsuda K, Miyamoto L, Hamano S, Morimoto Y, Kangawa Y, Fukue C, Kagawa Y, Horinouchi Y, Xu W, Ikeda Y, Tamaki T, Tsuchiya K. Mechanisms of the pH- and Oxygen-Dependent Oxidation Activities of Artesunate. Biol Pharm Bull 2018; 41:555-563. [PMID: 29607928 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b17-00855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin was discovered in 1971 as a constituent of the wormwood genus plant (Artemisia annua). This plant has been used as an herbal medicine to treat malaria since ancient times. The compound artemisinin has a sesquiterpene lactone bearing a peroxide group that offers its biological activity. In addition to anti-malarial activity, artemisinin derivatives have been reported to exert antitumor activity in cancer cells, and have attracted attention as potential anti-cancer drugs. Mechanisms that might explain the antitumor activities of artemisinin derivatives reportedly induction of apoptosis, angiogenesis inhibitory effects, inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) activation, and direct DNA injury. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is involved in many cases. However, little is known about the mechanism of ROS formation from artemisinin derivatives and what types of ROS are produced. Therefore, we investigated the iron-induced ROS formation mechanism by using artesunate, a water-soluble artemisinin derivative, which is thought to be the underlying mechanism involved in artesunate-mediated cell death. The ROS generated by the coexistence of iron(II), artesunate, and molecular oxygen was a hydroxyl radical or hydroxyl radical-like ROS. Artesunate can reduce iron(III) to iron(II), which enables generation of ROS irrespective of the iron valence. We found that reduction from iron(III) to iron(II) was activated in the acidic rather than the neutral region and was proportional to the hydrogen ion concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsunori Tsuda
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Licht Miyamoto
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Shuichi Hamano
- Department of Cell and Immunity Analytics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Yuri Morimoto
- Major in Laboratory Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tokushima University
| | - Yumi Kangawa
- Major in Laboratory Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tokushima University
| | - Chika Fukue
- Major in Laboratory Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tokushima University
| | - Yoko Kagawa
- Major in Laboratory Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tokushima University
| | - Yuya Horinouchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Wenting Xu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Yasumasa Ikeda
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Toshiaki Tamaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School
| | - Koichiro Tsuchiya
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School
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Tjahjani S. Antimalarial activity of Garcinia mangostana L rind and its synergistic effect with artemisinin in vitro. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:131. [PMID: 28241761 PMCID: PMC5329916 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1649-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Malaria especially falciparum malaria still causes high morbidity and mortality in tropical countries. Several factors have been linked to this situation and the most important one is the rapid spread of parasite resistance to the currently available antimalarials, including artemisinin. Artemisinin is the main component of the currently recommended antimalarial, artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT), and it is a free radical generating antimalarial. Garcinia mangostana L (mangosteen) rind contain a lot of xanthone compounds acting as an antioxidant and exhibited antimalarial activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimalarial activity of mangosteen rind extract and its fractions and their interaction with artemisinin against the 3D7 clone of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Methods Dry ripe mangosteen rind was extracted with ethanol followed by fractionation with hexane, ethylacetate, buthanol, and water consecutively to get ethanol extract, hexane, athylacetate, buthanol, and water fractions. Each of these substances was diluted in DMSO and examined for antimalarial activity either singly or in combination with artemisinin in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 clone. Synergism between these substances with artemisinin was evaluated according to certain formula to get the sum of fractional inhibitory concentration 50 (∑FIC50). Results Analysis of the parasite growth in vitro indicated that IC50 of these mangosteen rind extract, hexane, ethylacetate, buthanol, and water fraction ranged from 0.41 to > 100 μg/mL. All of the ∑FIC50 were <1. Conclusions This study demonstrated a promising antimalarial activity of the extract and fractions of G.mangostana L rind and its synergistic effect with artemisinin. Further study using lead compound(s) isolated from extract and fractions should be performed to identify more accurately their mechanism of antimalarial activities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1649-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Kefyalew T, Kebede Z, Getachew D, Mukanga D, Awano T, Tekalegne A, Batisso E, Edossa W, Mekonnen E, Tibenderana J, Baba ES, Shumba C, Nankabirwa JI, Hamade P. Health worker and policy-maker perspectives on use of intramuscular artesunate for pre-referral and definitive treatment of severe malaria at health posts in Ethiopia. Malar J 2016; 15:507. [PMID: 27756301 PMCID: PMC5070158 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends injectable artesunate given either intravenously or by the intramuscular route for definitive treatment for severe malaria and recommends a single intramuscular dose of intramuscular artesunate or intramuscular artemether or intramuscular quinine, in that order of preference as pre-referral treatment when definitive treatment is not possible. Where intramuscular injections are not available, children under 6 years may be administered a single dose of rectal artesunate. Although the current malaria treatment guidelines in Ethiopia recommend intra-rectal artesunate or alternatively intramuscular artemether or intramuscular quinine as pre-referral treatment for severe malaria at the health posts, there are currently no WHO prequalified suppliers of intra-rectal artesunate and when available, its use is limited to children under 6 years of age leaving a gap for the older age groups. Intramuscular artesunate is not part of the drugs recommended for pre-referral treatment in Ethiopia. This study assessed the perspectives of health workers, and policy-makers on the use of intramuscular artesunate as a pre-referral and definitive treatment for severe malaria at the health post level. Methods In-depth interviews were held with 101 individuals including health workers, malaria focal persons, and Regional Health Bureaus from Oromia and southern nations, nationalities, and peoples’ region, as well as participants from the Federal Ministry of Health and development partners. An interview guide was used in the data collection and thematic content analysis was employed for analysis. Results Key findings from this study are: (1) provision of intramuscular artesunate as pre-referral and definitive treatment for severe malaria at health posts could be lifesaving; (2) with adequate training, and provision of facilities including beds, health posts can provide definitive treatment for severe malaria using intramuscular artesunate where referral is delayed or not possible; (3) health workers at health centres and hospitals frequently use the intravenous route because it allows for co-administration of other drugs, but they find the intramuscular route easier to use at the health post level; (4) the reasons commonly cited against the management of severe malaria using intramuscular artesunate at health post level were: lack of capacity to manage complications and fear of irrational drug use; (5) use of intramuscular artesunate at health post level will require evidence on safety and feasibility before policy shift. Conclusion From the perspective of health workers, use of intramuscular artesunate as pre-referral treatment of severe malaria cases at the health post is possible but dependent on training and availability of skilled workers. Use of intramuscular artesunate as definitive treatment at health posts was not supported, however, operational research to establish its feasibility, safety and efficacy was recommended to guide any implementation of such an intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Esey Batisso
- Malaria Consortium Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joaniter I Nankabirwa
- Malaria Consortium Uganda, Kampala, Uganda. .,Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
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Adesoro O, Shumba C, Kpamor J, Achan J, Kivumbi H, Dada J, Maxwell K, Tibenderana J, Marasciulo M, Hamade P, Oresanya O, Nankabirwa J, Baba E. Health worker perspectives on the possible use of intramuscular artesunate for the treatment of severe malaria at lower-level health facilities in settings with poor access to referral facilities in Nigeria: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:566. [PMID: 27729076 PMCID: PMC5059903 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1811-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Innovative strategies are needed to reduce malaria mortality in high burden countries like Nigeria. Given that one of the important reasons for this high malaria mortality is delay in receiving effective treatment, improved access to such treatment is critical. Intramuscular artesunate could be used at lower-level facilities given its proven efficacy, ease of use and excellent safety profile. The objective of this study was therefore to explore health workers’ perspectives on the possible use of intramuscular artesunate as definitive treatment for severe malaria at lower-level facilities, especially when access to referral facilities is challenging. The study was to provide insight as a formative step into the conduct of future experimental studies to ascertain the feasibility of the use of intramuscular artesunate for definitive treatment of severe malaria in lower level facilities where access to referral care is limited. Methods This qualitative study was done across three southern States in Nigeria (Oyo, Cross River and Enugu). Key informant interviews were conducted over a period of three months between October and December 2014 among 90 purposively selected health workers with different roles in malaria case management from primary care to policy level. A thematic content analysis was used to analyse data. Results Overall, most of health workers and other key informant groups thought that the use of intramuscular artesunate for definitive treatment of severe malaria at lower-level facilities was possible. They however reported human resource and infrastructure constraints as factors affecting the feasibility of intramuscular artesunate use as definitive treatment for severe malaria in lower-level facilities.. Specifically identified barriers included limited numbers of skilled health workers available to manage potential complications of severe malaria and poorly equipped facilities for supportive treatment. Intramuscular artesunate was considered easy to administer and the proximity of lower-level facilities to communities was deemed important in considering the possibility of its use at lower-level facilities. Health workers also emphasised the important role of operational research to provide additional evidence to guide the implementation of existing policy recommendations and inform future policy revisions. Conclusions From the perspective of health workers, use of intramuscular artesunate for definitive treatment of severe malaria at lower-level health facilities in Nigeria is possible but dependent on availability of skilled workers, well-equipped lower-level facilities to provide supportive treatment There is need for further operational research to establish feasibility and guide the implementation of such an intervention. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1811-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olatunde Adesoro
- Malaria Consortium Nigeria, 3rd Floor, Abia House, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Central Business District, Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria.
| | | | - John Kpamor
- Malaria Consortium Nigeria, 3rd Floor, Abia House, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Central Business District, Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria
| | - Jane Achan
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, P.O Box 273, Serrekunda, The Gambia
| | - Harriet Kivumbi
- Malaria Consortium Africa Region, P.O Box 8045, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Dada
- Malaria Consortium Nigeria, 3rd Floor, Abia House, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Central Business District, Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria
| | - Kolawole Maxwell
- Malaria Consortium Nigeria, 3rd Floor, Abia House, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Central Business District, Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria
| | | | - Madeline Marasciulo
- Malaria Consortium, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4LT, UK
| | - Prudence Hamade
- Malaria Consortium, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4LT, UK
| | - Olusola Oresanya
- Malaria Consortium Nigeria, 3rd Floor, Abia House, Off Ahmadu Bello Way, Central Business District, Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria
| | | | - Ebenezer Baba
- Malaria Consortium Africa Region, P.O Box 8045, Kampala, Uganda
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Kremsner PG, Adegnika AA, Hounkpatin AB, Zinsou JF, Taylor TE, Chimalizeni Y, Liomba A, Kombila M, Bouyou-Akotet MK, Mawili Mboumba DP, Agbenyega T, Ansong D, Sylverken J, Ogutu BR, Otieno GA, Wangwe A, Bojang KA, Okomo U, Sanya-Isijola F, Newton CR, Njuguna P, Kazungu M, Kerb R, Geditz M, Schwab M, Velavan TP, Nguetse C, Köhler C, Issifou S, Bolte S, Engleitner T, Mordmüller B, Krishna S. Intramuscular Artesunate for Severe Malaria in African Children: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS Med 2016; 13:e1001938. [PMID: 26757276 PMCID: PMC4710539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current artesunate (ARS) regimens for severe malaria are complex. Once daily intramuscular (i.m.) injection for 3 d would be simpler and more appropriate for remote health facilities than the current WHO-recommended regimen of five intravenous (i.v.) or i.m. injections over 4 d. We compared both a three-dose i.m. and a three-dose i.v. parenteral ARS regimen with the standard five-dose regimen using a non-inferiority design (with non-inferiority margins of 10%). METHODS AND FINDINGS This randomized controlled trial included children (0.5-10 y) with severe malaria at seven sites in five African countries to assess whether the efficacy of simplified three-dose regimens is non-inferior to a five-dose regimen. We randomly allocated 1,047 children to receive a total dose of 12 mg/kg ARS as either a control regimen of five i.m. injections of 2.4 mg/kg (at 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h) (n = 348) or three injections of 4 mg/kg (at 0, 24, and 48 h) either i.m. (n = 348) or i.v. (n = 351), both of which were the intervention arms. The primary endpoint was the proportion of children with ≥ 99% reduction in parasitemia at 24 h from admission values, measured by microscopists who were blinded to the group allocations. Primary analysis was performed on the per-protocol population, which was 96% of the intention-to-treat population. Secondary analyses included an analysis of host and parasite genotypes as risks for prolongation of parasite clearance kinetics, measured every 6 h, and a Kaplan-Meier analysis to compare parasite clearance kinetics between treatment groups. A post hoc analysis was performed for delayed anemia, defined as hemoglobin ≤ 7 g/dl 7 d or more after admission. The per-protocol population was 1,002 children (five-dose i.m.: n = 331; three-dose i.m.: n = 338; three-dose i.v.: n = 333); 139 participants were lost to follow-up. In the three-dose i.m. arm, 265/338 (78%) children had a ≥ 99% reduction in parasitemia at 24 h compared to 263/331 (79%) receiving the five-dose i.m. regimen, showing non-inferiority of the simplified three-dose regimen to the conventional five-dose regimen (95% CI -7, 5; p = 0.02). In the three-dose i.v. arm, 246/333 (74%) children had ≥ 99% reduction in parasitemia at 24 h; hence, non-inferiority of this regimen to the five-dose control regimen was not shown (95% CI -12, 1; p = 0.24). Delayed parasite clearance was associated with the N86YPfmdr1 genotype. In a post hoc analysis, 192/885 (22%) children developed delayed anemia, an adverse event associated with increased leukocyte counts. There was no observed difference in delayed anemia between treatment arms. A potential limitation of the study is its open-label design, although the primary outcome measures were assessed in a blinded manner. CONCLUSIONS A simplified three-dose i.m. regimen for severe malaria in African children is non-inferior to the more complex WHO-recommended regimen. Parenteral ARS is associated with a risk of delayed anemia in African children. TRIAL REGISTRATION Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201102000277177.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G. Kremsner
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon
- * E-mail: (PGK); (SK)
| | - Akim A. Adegnika
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Aurore B. Hounkpatin
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Jeannot F. Zinsou
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Terrie E. Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Yamikani Chimalizeni
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alice Liomba
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Maryvonne Kombila
- Department of Parasitology Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Marielle K. Bouyou-Akotet
- Department of Parasitology Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Denise P. Mawili Mboumba
- Department of Parasitology Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Tsiri Agbenyega
- Department of Physiology, University of Science and Technology, School of Medical Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana
- Departments of Child Health and Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Daniel Ansong
- Department of Physiology, University of Science and Technology, School of Medical Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana
- Departments of Child Health and Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Justice Sylverken
- Department of Physiology, University of Science and Technology, School of Medical Sciences, Kumasi, Ghana
- Departments of Child Health and Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bernhards R. Ogutu
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Godfrey A. Otieno
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Anne Wangwe
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Uduak Okomo
- Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, The Gambia
| | | | - Charles R. Newton
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Patricia Njuguna
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Michael Kazungu
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Reinhold Kerb
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Stuttgart, Germany
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mirjam Geditz
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Stuttgart, Germany
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Stuttgart, Germany
- Abteilung Klinische Pharmakologie, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Christian Nguetse
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carsten Köhler
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Saadou Issifou
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Stefanie Bolte
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Engleitner
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Sanjeev Krishna
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (PGK); (SK)
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Prediction of Antimalarial Drug Clearance in Children: A Comparison of Three Different Interspecies Scaling Methods. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2015; 41:767-775. [DOI: 10.1007/s13318-015-0305-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Wang C, Xuan X, Yao W, Huang G, Jin J. Anti-profibrotic effects of artesunate on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in Sprague Dawley rats. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:1291-7. [PMID: 25816117 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine whether artesunate has beneficial effects on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats and to examine the possible mechanisms underlying these effects. All experiments were performed with male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 180-250 g. Animals were randomly divided into four experimental groups that were administered either saline alone, artesunate alone, bleomycin alone or bleomycin + artesunate. Lung histopathology was investigated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining. Lung profibrotic molecules were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. In rats treated with artesunate, pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin was significantly reduced. Administration of artesunate significantly improved bleomycin-induced morphological alterations. Profibrotic molecules, including transforming growth factor-β1, Smad3, heat shock protein 47, α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I were also reduced by artesunate. These findings suggest that artesunate improves bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis pathology in rats possibly by inhibiting profibrotic molecules associated with pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changming Wang
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, P.R. China
| | - Xiuping Xuan
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, P.R. China
| | - Wenmin Yao
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, P.R. China
| | - Guojin Huang
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, P.R. China
| | - Junfei Jin
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541001, P.R. China
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Abstract
Over 90% of the world's severe and fatal Plasmodium falciparum malaria is estimated to affect young children in sub-Sahara Africa, where it remains a common cause of hospital admission and inpatient mortality. Few children will ever be managed on high dependency or intensive care units and, therefore, rely on simple supportive treatments and parenteral anti-malarials. There has been some progress on defining best practice for antimalarial treatment with the publication of the AQUAMAT trial in 2010, involving 5,425 children at 11 centres across 9 African countries, showing that in artesunate-treated children, the relative risk of death was 22.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.1 to 36.9) lower than in those receiving quinine. Human trials of supportive therapies carried out on the basis of pathophysiology studies, have so far made little progress on reducing mortality; despite appearing to reduce morbidity endpoints, more often than not they have led to an excess of adverse outcomes. This review highlights the spectrum of complications in African children with severe malaria, the therapeutic challenges of managing these in resource-poor settings and examines in-depth the results from clinical trials with a view to identifying the treatment priorities and a future research agenda.
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A Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of Oral Artesunate Therapy for Colorectal Cancer. EBioMedicine 2014; 2:82-90. [PMID: 26137537 PMCID: PMC4484515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artesunate is an antimalarial agent with broad anti-cancer activity in in vitro and animal experiments and case reports. Artesunate has not been studied in rigorous clinical trials for anticancer effects. AIM To determine the anticancer effect and tolerability of oral artesunate in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS This was a single centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients planned for curative resection of biopsy confirmed single primary site CRC were randomised (n = 23) by computer-generated code supplied in opaque envelopes to receive preoperatively either 14 daily doses of oral artesunate (200 mg; n = 12) or placebo (n = 11). The primary outcome measure was the proportion of tumour cells undergoing apoptosis (significant if > 7% showed Tunel staining). Secondary immunohistochemical outcomes assessed these tumour markers: VEGF, EGFR, c-MYC, CD31, Ki67 and p53, and clinical responses. FINDINGS 20 patients (artesunate = 9, placebo = 11) completed the trial per protocol. Randomization groups were comparable clinically and for tumour characteristics. Apoptosis in > 7% of cells was seen in 67% and 55% of patients in artesunate and placebo groups, respectively. Using Bayesian analysis, the probabilities of an artesunate treatment effect reducing Ki67 and increasing CD31 expression were 0.89 and 0.79, respectively. During a median follow up of 42 months 1 patient in the artesunate and 6 patients in the placebo group developed recurrent CRC. INTERPRETATION Artesunate has anti-proliferative properties in CRC and is generally well tolerated.
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Zaloumis SG, Tarning J, Krishna S, Price RN, White NJ, Davis TME, McCaw JM, Olliaro P, Maude RJ, Kremsner P, Dondorp A, Gomes M, Barnes K, Simpson JA. Population pharmacokinetics of intravenous artesunate: a pooled analysis of individual data from patients with severe malaria. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2014; 3:e145. [PMID: 25372510 PMCID: PMC4259998 DOI: 10.1038/psp.2014.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There are ~660,000 deaths from severe malaria each year. Intravenous artesunate (i.v. ARS) is the first-line treatment in adults and children. To optimize the dosing regimen of i.v. ARS, the largest pooled population pharmacokinetic study to date of the active metabolite dihydroartemisinin (DHA) was performed. The pooled dataset consisted of 71 adults and 195 children with severe malaria, with a mixture of sparse and rich sampling within the first 12 h after drug administration. A one-compartment model described the population pharmacokinetics of DHA adequately. Body weight had the greatest impact on DHA pharmacokinetics, resulting in lower DHA exposure for smaller children (6–10 kg) than adults. Post hoc estimates of DHA exposure were not significantly associated with parasitological outcomes. Comparable DHA exposure in smaller children and adults after i.v. ARS was achieved under a dose modification for intramuscular ARS proposed in a separate analysis of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Zaloumis
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Tarning
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - S Krishna
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - R N Price
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - N J White
- 1] Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand [2] Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - T M E Davis
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, Fremantle Hospital, University of Western Australia, Fremantle, Australia
| | - J M McCaw
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - P Olliaro
- 1] Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK [2] World Health Organization, Genève, Switzerland
| | - R J Maude
- 1] Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand [2] Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - P Kremsner
- 1] Medical Research Unit, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Lambaréné, Gabon [2] Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Parasitology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - A Dondorp
- 1] Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK [2] Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - M Gomes
- World Health Organization, Genève, Switzerland
| | - K Barnes
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J A Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2011 the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended parenteral artesunate in preference to quinine as first-line treatment for people with severe malaria. Prior to this recommendation, many countries, particularly in Africa, had begun to use artemether, an alternative artemisinin derivative. This review evaluates intramuscular artemether compared with both quinine and artesunate. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of intramuscular artemether versus any other parenteral medication in treating severe malaria in adults and children. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS, ISI Web of Science, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles. We also searched the WHO clinical trial registry platform, ClinicalTrials.gov and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) for ongoing trials up to 9 April 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intramuscular artemether with intravenous or intramuscular antimalarial for treating severe malaria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The primary outcome was all-cause death.Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility, risk of bias and extracted data. We summarized dichotomous outcomes using risk ratios (RR) and continuous outcomes using mean differences (MD), and presented both measures with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Where appropriate, we combined data in meta-analyses and assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 18 RCTs, enrolling 2662 adults and children with severe malaria, carried out in Africa (11) and in Asia (7). Artemether versus quinine For children in Africa, there is probably little or no difference in the risk of death between intramuscular artemether and quinine (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.20; 12 trials, 1447 participants, moderate quality evidence). Coma recovery may be about five hours shorter with artemether (MD -5.45, 95% CI -7.90 to -3.00; six trials, 358 participants, low quality evidence), and artemether may result in fewer neurological sequelae, but larger trials would be needed to confirm this (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.07; seven trials, 968 participants, low quality evidence). Artemether probably shortens the parasite clearance time by about nine hours (MD -9.03, 95% CI -11.43 to -6.63; seven trials, 420 participants, moderate quality evidence), and may shorten the fever clearance time by about three hours (MD -3.73, 95% CI -6.55 to -0.92; eight trials, 457 participants, low quality evidence).For adults in Asia, treatment with intramuscular artemether probably results in fewer deaths than treatment with quinine (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.83; four trials, 716 participants, moderate quality evidence). Artemether versus artesunate Artemether and artesunate have not been directly compared in randomized trials in African children.For adults in Asia, mortality is probably higher with intramuscular artemether (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.97, two trials,494 participants, moderate quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Although there is a lack of direct evidence comparing artemether with artesunate, artemether is probably less effective than artesunate at preventing deaths from severe malaria. In circumstances where artesunate is not available, artemether is an alternative to quinine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekpereonne Esu
- University of CalabarDepartment of Public HealthCalabarNigeria540271
| | - Emmanuel E Effa
- College of Medical Sciences, University of CalabarInternal MedicinePMB 1115CalabarNigeria540001
| | - Oko N Opie
- Federal College of EducationDepartment of General StudiesObuduNigeria
| | - Amirahobu Uwaoma
- University of Calabar Teaching HospitalDepartment of PaediatricsPMB 1115CalabarCross River StateNigeria
| | - Martin M Meremikwu
- University of Calabar Teaching HospitalDepartment of PaediatricsPMB 1115CalabarNigeria
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Interspecies allometric scaling of antimalarial drugs and potential application to pediatric dosing. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:6068-78. [PMID: 25092696 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02538-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacopeial recommendations for administration of antimalarial drugs are the same weight-based (mg/kg of body weight) doses for children and adults. However, linear calculations are known to underestimate pediatric doses; therefore, interspecies allometric scaling data may have a role in predicting doses in children. We investigated the allometric scaling relationships of antimalarial drugs using data from pharmacokinetic studies in mammalian species. Simple allometry (Y = a × W(b)) was utilized and compared to maximum life span potential (MLP) correction. All drugs showed a strong correlation with clearance (CL) in healthy controls. Insufficient data from malaria-infected species other than humans were available for allometric scaling. The allometric exponents (b) for CL of artesunate, dihydroartemisinin (from intravenous artesunate), artemether, artemisinin, clindamycin, piperaquine, mefloquine, and quinine were 0.71, 0.85, 0.66, 0.83, 0.62, 0.96, 0.52, and 0.40, respectively. Clearance was significantly lower in malaria infection than in healthy (adult) humans for quinine (0.07 versus 0.17 liter/h/kg; P = 0.0002) and dihydroartemisinin (0.81 versus 1.11 liters/h/kg; P = 0.04; power = 0.6). Interpolation of simple allometry provided better estimates of CL for children than MLP correction, which generally underestimated CL values. Pediatric dose calculations based on simple allometric exponents were 10 to 70% higher than pharmacopeial (mg/kg) recommendations. Interpolation of interspecies allometric scaling could provide better estimates than linear scaling of adult to pediatric doses of antimalarial drugs; however, the use of a fixed exponent for CL was not supported in the present study. The variability in allometric exponents for antimalarial drugs also has implications for scaling of fixed-dose combinations.
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Li Q, Remich S, Miller SR, Ogutu B, Otieno W, Melendez V, Teja-Isavadharm P, Weina PJ, Hickman MR, Smith B, Polhemus M. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of intravenous artesunate in adults with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Kenya: a phase II study. Malar J 2014; 13:281. [PMID: 25047305 PMCID: PMC4112823 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alternatives to treatment for malaria treatment of travellers are needed in the USA and in Europe for travellers who return with severe malaria infections. The objective of this study is to show the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of intravenous artesunate (AS), which was manufactured under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions, in adults with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Kenya. Methods The PK parameters of intravenous AS manufactured under current cGMP were evaluated after a single dose of drug at 2.4 mg/kg infused over 2 min in 28 adults with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Plasma concentrations of AS and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) were measured using a validated liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodology. Pharmacokinetic data were analysed with a compartmental analysis for AS and DHA. Results The results suggest there were no drug-related adverse events in any of the patients. After intravenous infusion, the concentration of the parent drug rapidly declined, and the AS was converted to DHA. AS and DHA showed mean elimination half-lives of 0.17 hours and 1.30 hours, respectively. The high mean peak concentration (Cmax) of AS was shown to be 28,558 ng/mL while the Cmax of DHA was determined to be 2,932 ng/mL. Significant variability was noted in the PK profiles of the 28 patients tested. For example, Cmax values of AS were calculated to range from 3,362 to 55,873 ng/mL, and the Cmax value of DHA was noted to vary from 1,493 to 5,569 ng/mL. The mean area under the curve (AUC) of AS was shown to be approximately half that of DHA (1,878 ng·h/mL vs 3,543 ng·h/mL). The DHA/AS ratio observed was 1.94 during the one-day single treatment, and the AUC and half- life measured for DHA were significantly larger and longer than for AS. Conclusions Intravenous AS can provide much higher peak concentrations of AS when compared to concentrations achieved with oral therapy; this may be crucial for the rapid elimination of parasites in patients with severe malaria. Given the much longer half-life of DHA compared to the short half-life of AS, DHA also plays a significant role in treatment of severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qigui Li
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910-7500, USA.
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Krishna S, Pulcini S, Moore CM, Teo BHY, Staines HM. Pumped up: reflections on PfATP6 as the target for artemisinins. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2014; 35:4-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Rolling T, Agbenyega T, Issifou S, Adegnika AA, Sylverken J, Spahlinger D, Ansong D, Löhr SJZ, Burchard GD, May J, Mordmüller B, Krishna S, Kremsner PG, Cramer JP. Delayed hemolysis after treatment with parenteral artesunate in African children with severe malaria--a double-center prospective study. J Infect Dis 2013; 209:1921-8. [PMID: 24376273 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parenteral artesunate is recommended as first-line therapy for severe malaria. While its efficacy is firmly established, data on safety are still incomplete. Delayed hemolysis has been described in hyperparasitemic nonimmune travelers, but it is unknown if African children are equally at risk. METHODS Children aged 6 to 120 months with severe malaria were followed up after treatment with parenteral artesunate in Lambaréné, Gabon, and Kumasi, Ghana. The primary outcome was incidence of delayed hemolysis on day 14. RESULTS In total, 72 children contributed complete data sets necessary for primary outcome assessment. Delayed hemolysis was detected in 5 children (7%), with 1 child reaching a nadir in hemoglobin of 2.8 g/dL. Patients with delayed hemolysis had higher parasite counts on admission (geometric mean parasite densities (GMPD) 306 968/µL vs 92 642/µL, P = .028) and were younger (median age: 24 months vs 43 months, P = .046) than the rest of the cohort. No correlation with sickle cell trait or glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency was observed. CONCLUSIONS Delayed hemolysis is a frequent and relevant complication in hyperparasitemic African children treated with parenteral artesunate for severe malaria. Physicians should be aware of this complication and consider prolonged follow-up. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry: PACTR201102000277177 (www.pactr.org).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Rolling
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Section Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany Department of Clinical Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Tsiri Agbenyega
- School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Saadou Issifou
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ayola Akim Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Justice Sylverken
- School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Paediatric Emergency Unit, Department of Child Health, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Dorothee Spahlinger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Section Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany Department of Clinical Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Ansong
- School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Paediatric Emergency Unit, Department of Child Health, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sascha J Z Löhr
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gerd D Burchard
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Section Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany Department of Clinical Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen May
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sanjeev Krishna
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany Centre for Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Sciences, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon Institute of Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jakob P Cramer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Section Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany Department of Clinical Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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Effects of body size and gender on the population pharmacokinetics of artesunate and its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin in pediatric malaria patients. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:5889-900. [PMID: 24041884 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00635-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the important role of the antimalarial artesunate and its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in malaria treatment efforts, there are limited data on the pharmacokinetics of these agents in pediatric patients. This study evaluated the effects of body size and gender on the pharmacokinetics of artesunate-DHA using data from pediatric and adult malaria patients. Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling was used to obtain a base model consisting of first-order artesunate absorption and one-compartment models for artesunate and for DHA. Various methods of incorporating effects of body size descriptors on clearance and volume parameters were tested. An allometric scaling model for weight and a linear body surface area (BSA) model were deemed optimal. The apparent clearance and volume of distribution of DHA obtained with the allometric scaling model, normalized to a 38-kg patient, were 63.5 liters/h and 65.1 liters, respectively. Estimates for the linear BSA model were similar. The 95% confidence intervals for the estimated gender effects on clearance and volume parameters for artesunate fell outside the predefined no-relevant-clinical-effect interval of 0.75 to 1.25. However, the effect of gender on apparent DHA clearance was almost entirely contained within this interval, suggesting a lack of an influence of gender on this parameter. Overall, the pharmacokinetics of artesunate and DHA following oral artesunate administration can be described for pediatric patients using either an allometric scaling or linear BSA model. Both models predict that, for a given artesunate dose in mg/kg of body weight, younger children are expected to have lower DHA exposure than older children or adults.
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Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations in antimalarial dose optimization. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:5792-807. [PMID: 24002099 PMCID: PMC3837842 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00287-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimalarial drugs have usually been first deployed in areas of malaria endemicity at doses which were too low, particularly for high-risk groups such as young children and pregnant women. This may accelerate the emergence and spread of resistance, thereby shortening the useful life of the drug, but it is an inevitable consequence of the current imprecise method of dose finding. An alternative approach to dose finding is suggested in which phase 2 studies concentrate initially on pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) characterization and in vivo calibration of in vitro susceptibility information. PD assessment is facilitated in malaria because serial parasite densities are readily assessed by microscopy, and at low densities by quantitative PCR, so that initial therapeutic responses can be quantitated accurately. If the in vivo MIC could be characterized early in phase 2 studies, it would provide a sound basis for the choice of dose in all target populations in subsequent combination treatments. Population PK assessments in phase 2b and phase 3 studies which characterize PK differences between different age groups, clinical disease states, and human populations can then be combined with the PK-PD observations to provide a sound evidence base for dose recommendations in different target groups.
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Obach RS. Pharmacologically active drug metabolites: impact on drug discovery and pharmacotherapy. Pharmacol Rev 2013; 65:578-640. [PMID: 23406671 DOI: 10.1124/pr.111.005439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolism represents the most prevalent mechanism for drug clearance. Many drugs are converted to metabolites that can retain the intrinsic affinity of the parent drug for the pharmacological target. Drug metabolism redox reactions such as heteroatom dealkylations, hydroxylations, heteroatom oxygenations, reductions, and dehydrogenations can yield active metabolites, and in rare cases even conjugation reactions can yield an active metabolite. To understand the contribution of an active metabolite to efficacy relative to the contribution of the parent drug, the target affinity, functional activity, plasma protein binding, membrane permeability, and pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite and parent drug must be known. Underlying pharmacokinetic principles and clearance concepts are used to describe the dispositional behavior of metabolites in vivo. A method to rapidly identify active metabolites in drug research is described. Finally, over 100 examples of drugs with active metabolites are discussed with regard to the importance of the metabolite(s) in efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Scott Obach
- Pfizer Inc., Eastern Point Rd., Groton, CT 06340, USA.
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Population pharmacokinetics of intramuscular artesunate in African children with severe malaria: implications for a practical dosing regimen. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2013; 93:443-50. [PMID: 23511715 PMCID: PMC3630454 DOI: 10.1038/clpt.2013.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Parenteral artesunate (ARS) is the drug of choice for the treatment of severe malaria. Pharmacokinetics data on intramuscular ARS are limited with respect to the main treatment group that carries the highest mortality, namely, critically ill children with severe malaria. A population pharmacokinetic study of ARS and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) was conducted from sparse sampling in 70 Tanzanian children of ages 6 months to 11 years. All the children had been admitted with severe falciparum malaria and were treated with intramuscular ARS (2.4 mg/kg at 0, 12, and 24 h). Venous plasma concentration-time profiles were characterized using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling (NONMEM). A one-compartment disposition model accurately described first-dose population pharmacokinetics of ARS and DHA. Body weight significantly affected clearance and apparent volume of distribution (P < 0.001), resulting in lower ARS and DHA exposure levels in smaller children. An adapted dosing regimen including a practical dosing table per weight band is proposed for young children based on the pharmacokinetic model.
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Pharmacokinetic Profile of Artemisinin Derivatives and Companion Drugs Used in Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies for the Treatment of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Children. Clin Pharmacokinet 2013; 52:153-67. [DOI: 10.1007/s40262-012-0026-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Olupot-Olupot P, Maitland K. Management of severe malaria: results from recent trials. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 764:241-50. [PMID: 23654072 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-4726-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Globally, malaria remains a substantial public health burden with an estimated 349-552 million clinical cases of P. falciparum malaria each year--leading to 780,000 deaths directly attributable to the disease. Whilst the outcome from severe malaria in Africa children remains poor, recent developments in the management of malaria have come from two key sources--the introduction of new, safe and rapidly-effective anti-malarials and high quality evidence from two of the largest clinical trials ever conducted in African children with severe malaria. As a result, the time-honoured anti-malarial treatment for severe malaria, quinine, will now be replaced by artesunate, a water-soluble artemisinin derivative. Supportive care, specifically the management of shock, has been informed by a large late phase clinical trial which concluded that bolus resuscitation is harmful and therefore should be avoided in children with severe malaria, including the high risk group with severe metabolic acidosis and advanced shock.
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Abstract
Malaria chemotherapy is under constant threat from the emergence and spread of multidrug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum. Resistance has been observed to almost all currently used antimalarials. Some drugs are also limited by toxicity. A fundamental component of the strategy for malaria chemotherapy is based on prompt, effective and safe antimalarial drugs. To counter the threat of resistance of P. falciparum to existing monotherapeutic regimens, current malaria treatment is based principally on the artemisinin group of compounds, either as monotherapy or artemisinin-based combination therapies for treatment of both uncomplicated and severe falciparum malaria. Key advantages of artemisinins over the conventional antimalarials include their rapid and potent action, with good tolerability profiles. Their action also covers transmissible gametocytes, resulting in decreased disease transmission. Up to now there has been no prominent report of drug resistance to this group of compounds. Treatment of malaria in pregnant women requires special attention in light of limited treatment options caused by potential teratogenicity coupled with a paucity of safety data for the mother and fetus. Treatment of other malaria species is less problematic and chloroquine is still the drug of choice, although resistance of P. vivax to chloroquine has been reported. Multiple approaches to the identification of new antimalarial targets and promising antimalarial drugs are being pursued in order to cope with drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesara Na-Bangchang
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University (Rangsit Campus), Paholyothin Road, Klong Luang District, Pathumtanee 12121, Thailand.
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Kremsner PG, Taylor T, Issifou S, Kombila M, Chimalizeni Y, Kawaza K, Bouyou Akotet MK, Duscha M, Mordmuller B, Kosters K, Humberg A, Scott Miller R, Weina P, Duparc S, Mohrle J, Kun JFJ, Planche T, Teja-Isavadharm P, Simpson JA, Kohler C, Krishna S. A Simplified Intravenous Artesunate Regimen for Severe Malaria-Reply. J Infect Dis 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe malaria results in over a million deaths every year, most of them in children aged under five years and living in sub-Saharan Africa. This review examines whether treatment with artesunate, instead of the standard treatment quinine, would result in fewer deaths and better treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVES To compare artesunate with quinine for treating severe malaria. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, ISI Web of Science, the metaRegister of Controlled trials (mRCT), conference proceedings, and reference lists of articles to November 2010. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials comparing intravenous, intramuscular, or rectal artesunate with intravenous or intramuscular quinine for treating adults and children with severe malaria who are unable to take medication by mouth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed the eligibility and risk of bias of trials, and extracted and analysed data. The primary outcome was all-cause death. Dichotomous outcomes were summarized using risk ratios (RR) and continuous outcomes by mean differences (MD). Where appropriate, we combined data in meta-analyses. MAIN RESULTS Eight trials enrolling 1664 adults and 5765 children are included in this review.Treatment with artesunate significantly reduced the risk of death both in adults (RR 0.61, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.50 to 0.75; 1664 participants, five trials) and children (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.90; 5765 participants, four trials)In children, treatment with artesunate increased the incidence of neurological sequelae at the time of hospital discharge. The majority of these sequelae were transient and no significant difference between treatments was seen at later follow up. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence clearly supports the superiority of parenteral artesunate over quinine for the treatment of severe malaria in both adults and children and in different regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sinclair
- International Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool,
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Kremsner PG, Taylor T, Issifou S, Kombila M, Chimalizeni Y, Kawaza K, Bouyou Akotet MK, Duscha M, Mordmüller B, Kösters K, Humberg A, Miller RS, Weina P, Duparc S, Möhrle J, Kun JFJ, Planche T, Teja-Isavadharm P, Simpson JA, Köhler C, Krishna S. A Simplified Intravenous Artesunate Regimen for Severe Malaria. J Infect Dis 2011; 205:312-9. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Morris CA, Duparc S, Borghini-Fuhrer I, Jung D, Shin CS, Fleckenstein L. Review of the clinical pharmacokinetics of artesunate and its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin following intravenous, intramuscular, oral or rectal administration. Malar J 2011; 10:263. [PMID: 21914160 PMCID: PMC3180444 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-10-263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Artesunate (AS) is a clinically versatile artemisinin derivative utilized for the treatment of mild to severe malaria infection. Given the therapeutic significance of AS and the necessity of appropriate AS dosing, substantial research has been performed investigating the pharmacokinetics of AS and its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin (DHA). In this article, a comprehensive review is presented of AS clinical pharmacokinetics following administration of AS by the intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), oral or rectal routes. Intravenous AS is associated with high initial AS concentrations which subsequently decline rapidly, with typical AS half-life estimates of less than 15 minutes. AS clearance and volume estimates average 2 - 3 L/kg/hr and 0.1 - 0.3 L/kg, respectively. DHA concentrations peak within 25 minutes post-dose, and DHA is eliminated with a half-life of 30 - 60 minutes. DHA clearance and volume average between 0.5 - 1.5 L/kg/hr and 0.5 - 1.0 L/kg, respectively. Compared to IV administration, IM administration produces lower peaks, longer half-life values, and higher volumes of distribution for AS, as well as delayed peaks for DHA; other parameters are generally similar due to the high bioavailability, assessed by exposure to DHA, associated with IM AS administration (> 86%). Similarly high bioavailability of DHA (> 80%) is associated with oral administration. Following oral AS, peak AS concentrations (Cmax) are achieved within one hour, and AS is eliminated with a half-life of 20 - 45 minutes. DHA Cmax values are observed within two hours post-dose; DHA half-life values average 0.5 - 1.5 hours. AUC values reported for AS are often substantially lower than those reported for DHA following oral AS administration. Rectal AS administration yields pharmacokinetic results similar to those obtained from oral administration, with the exceptions of delayed AS Cmax and longer AS half-life. Drug interaction studies conducted with oral AS suggest that AS does not appreciably alter the pharmacokinetics of atovaquone/proguanil, chlorproguanil/dapsone, or sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine, and mefloquine and pyronaridine do not alter the pharmacokinetics of DHA. Finally, there is evidence suggesting that the pharmacokinetics of AS and/or DHA following AS administration may be altered by pregnancy and by acute malaria infection, but further investigation would be required to define those alterations precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A Morris
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, 115 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe malaria results in over a million deaths every year, most of them in children aged under five years and living in sub-Saharan Africa. This review examines whether treatment with artesunate, instead of the standard treatment quinine, would result in fewer deaths and better treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVES To compare artesunate with quinine for treating severe malaria. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, ISI Web of Science, the metaRegister of Controlled trials (mRCT), conference proceedings, and reference lists of articles to November 2010. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials comparing intravenous, intramuscular, or rectal artesunate with intravenous or intramuscular quinine for treating adults and children with severe malaria who are unable to take medication by mouth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed the eligibility and risk of bias of trials, and extracted and analysed data. The primary outcome was all-cause death. Dichotomous outcomes were summarized using risk ratios (RR) and continuous outcomes by mean differences (MD). Where appropriate, we combined data in meta-analyses. MAIN RESULTS Eight trials enrolling 1664 adults and 5765 children are included in this review.Treatment with artesunate significantly reduced the risk of death both in adults (RR 0.61, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.50 to 0.75; 1664 participants, five trials) and children (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.90; 5765 participants, four trials)In children, treatment with artesunate increased the incidence of neurological sequelae at the time of hospital discharge. The majority of these sequelae were transient and no significant difference between treatments was seen at later follow up. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence clearly supports the superiority of parenteral artesunate over quinine for the treatment of severe malaria in both adults and children and in different regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sinclair
- International Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK, L3 5QA
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Dondorp AM, Fanello CI, Hendriksen ICE, Gomes E, Seni A, Chhaganlal KD, Bojang K, Olaosebikan R, Anunobi N, Maitland K, Kivaya E, Agbenyega T, Nguah SB, Evans J, Gesase S, Kahabuka C, Mtove G, Nadjm B, Deen J, Mwanga-Amumpaire J, Nansumba M, Karema C, Umulisa N, Uwimana A, Mokuolu OA, Adedoyin OT, Johnson WBR, Tshefu AK, Onyamboko MA, Sakulthaew T, Ngum WP, Silamut K, Stepniewska K, Woodrow CJ, Bethell D, Wills B, Oneko M, Peto TE, von Seidlein L, Day NPJ, White NJ. Artesunate versus quinine in the treatment of severe falciparum malaria in African children (AQUAMAT): an open-label, randomised trial. Lancet 2010; 376:1647-57. [PMID: 21062666 PMCID: PMC3033534 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)61924-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 637] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe malaria is a major cause of childhood death and often the main reason for paediatric hospital admission in sub-Saharan Africa. Quinine is still the established treatment of choice, although evidence from Asia suggests that artesunate is associated with a lower mortality. We compared parenteral treatment with either artesunate or quinine in African children with severe malaria. METHODS This open-label, randomised trial was undertaken in 11 centres in nine African countries. Children (<15 years) with severe falciparum malaria were randomly assigned to parenteral artesunate or parenteral quinine. Randomisation was in blocks of 20, with study numbers corresponding to treatment allocations kept inside opaque sealed paper envelopes. The trial was open label at each site, and none of the investigators or trialists, apart from for the trial statistician, had access to the summaries of treatment allocations. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality, analysed by intention to treat. This trial is registered, number ISRCTN50258054. FINDINGS 5425 children were enrolled; 2712 were assigned to artesunate and 2713 to quinine. All patients were analysed for the primary outcome. 230 (8·5%) patients assigned to artesunate treatment died compared with 297 (10·9%) assigned to quinine treatment (odds ratio [OR] stratified for study site 0·75, 95% CI 0·63-0·90; relative reduction 22·5%, 95% CI 8·1-36·9; p=0·0022). Incidence of neurological sequelae did not differ significantly between groups, but the development of coma (65/1832 [3·5%] with artesunate vs 91/1768 [5·1%] with quinine; OR 0·69 95% CI 0·49-0·95; p=0·0231), convulsions (224/2712 [8·3%] vs 273/2713 [10·1%]; OR 0·80, 0·66-0·97; p=0·0199), and deterioration of the coma score (166/2712 [6·1%] vs 208/2713 [7·7%]; OR 0·78, 0·64-0·97; p=0·0245) were all significantly less frequent in artesunate recipients than in quinine recipients. Post-treatment hypoglycaemia was also less frequent in patients assigned to artesunate than in those assigned to quinine (48/2712 [1·8%] vs 75/2713 [2·8%]; OR 0·63, 0·43-0·91; p=0·0134). Artesunate was well tolerated, with no serious drug-related adverse effects. INTERPRETATION Artesunate substantially reduces mortality in African children with severe malaria. These data, together with a meta-analysis of all trials comparing artesunate and quinine, strongly suggest that parenteral artesunate should replace quinine as the treatment of choice for severe falciparum malaria worldwide. FUNDING The Wellcome Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical MedicineResearch Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Caterina I Fanello
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical MedicineResearch Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ilse CE Hendriksen
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical MedicineResearch Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Amir Seni
- Hospital Central da Beira, Beira, Mozambique
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Samwel Gesase
- Magunga District Hospital, NIMR-Korogwe Research Laboratory, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Catherine Kahabuka
- Magunga District Hospital, NIMR-Korogwe Research Laboratory, Tanga, Tanzania
| | | | - Behzad Nadjm
- Teule Designated District Hospital, Muheza, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Margaret Nansumba
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Epicentre Research Base, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Corine Karema
- Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Noella Umulisa
- Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Aline Uwimana
- Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | | | - Antoinette K Tshefu
- Kinshasa School of Public Health—Kingasani Research Centre, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Marie A Onyamboko
- Kinshasa School of Public Health—Kingasani Research Centre, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Tharisara Sakulthaew
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical MedicineResearch Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wirichada Pan Ngum
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical MedicineResearch Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kamolrat Silamut
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical MedicineResearch Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical MedicineResearch Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Charles J Woodrow
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical MedicineResearch Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Delia Bethell
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bridget Wills
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Tim E Peto
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Nicholas PJ Day
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical MedicineResearch Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical MedicineResearch Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Correspondence to: Prof N J White, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Li Q, Weina P. Artesunate: The Best Drug in the Treatment of Severe and Complicated Malaria. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:2322-2332. [PMID: 27713355 PMCID: PMC4036668 DOI: 10.3390/ph3072322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes progress in treating severe and complicated malaria, which are global problems, claiming at least one million lives annually, and have been accompanied by advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of severe malaria complications. New drugs such as intravenous artesunate (AS) and intramuscular artemether (AM) are improving outcomes and decreasing malaria deaths. Trials comparing AM to the traditional parenteral drug, quinine, have not demonstrated however convincing evidence of a mortality advantage for AM. The South East Asian Quinine Artesunate Malaria Trials (SEAQUAMAT), a multicenter, randomized, open-label study comparing AS with quinine showed that parenteral AS was shown to be associated with a 35% reduction in the risk of mortality compare to quinine, and is now the recommended treatment by the WHO for severe and complicated malaria in low-transmission areas and in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, with almost all the benefit reported in those with high parasite counts. Artesunate is a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin whose water solubility facilitates absorption and provides an advantage over other artemisinins because it can be formulated as oral, rectal, intramuscular, and intravenous preparations. Artesunate is rapidly hydrolyzed to dihydroartemisinin, which is the most active schizonticidal metabolite. Injectable AS results in a more rapid systemic availability of AS compared with intramuscular AM. This pharmacokinetic advantage may provide a clinical advantage in the treatments of severe and complicated malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qigui Li
- Department of Drug Discovery, Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910-7500, USA.
| | - Peter Weina
- Department of Drug Discovery, Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910-7500, USA.
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Phu NH, Tuan PQ, Day N, Mai NTH, Chau TTH, Chuong LV, Sinh DX, White NJ, Farrar J, Hien TT. Randomized controlled trial of artesunate or artemether in Vietnamese adults with severe falciparum malaria. Malar J 2010; 9:97. [PMID: 20398339 PMCID: PMC2873528 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-9-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2010] [Accepted: 04/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Both artemether and artesunate have been shown to be superior to quinine for the treatment of severe falciparum malaria in Southeast Asian adults, although the magnitude of the superiority has been greater for artesunate than artemether. These two artemisinin derivatives had not been compared in a randomized trial. Methods A randomized double blind trial in 370 adults with severe falciparum malaria; 186 received intramuscular artesunate (2.4 mg/kg immediately followed by 1.2 mg/kg at 12 hours then 24 hours then daily) and 184 received intramuscular artemether (3.6 mg per kilogram immediately followed by 1.8 mg per kilogram daily) was conducted in Viet Nam. Both drugs were given for a minimum of 72 hours. Results There were 13 deaths in the artesunate group (7 percent) and 24 in the artemether group (13 percent); P = 0.052; relative risk of death in the patients given artesunate, 0.54; (95 percent confidence interval 0.28-1.02). Parasitaemia declined more rapidly in the artesunate group. Both drugs were very well tolerated. Conclusions Intramuscular artesunate may be superior to intramuscular artemether for the treatment of severe malaria in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen H Phu
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, 190 Ham Tu, Quan 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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Efferth T, Kaina B. Toxicity of the antimalarial artemisinin and its dervatives. Crit Rev Toxicol 2010; 40:405-21. [DOI: 10.3109/10408441003610571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Krishna S, Bustamante L, Haynes RK, Staines HM. Artemisinins: their growing importance in medicine. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2008; 29:520-7. [PMID: 18752857 PMCID: PMC2758403 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2008.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2008] [Revised: 07/11/2008] [Accepted: 07/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinins are derived from extracts of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) and are well established for the treatment of malaria, including highly drug-resistant strains. Their efficacy also extends to phylogenetically unrelated parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis. More recently, they have also shown potent and broad anticancer properties in cell lines and animal models. In this review, we discuss recent advances in defining the role of artemisinins in medicine, with particular focus on their controversial mechanisms of action. This safe and cheap drug class that saves lives at risk from malaria can also have important potential in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Krishna
- Centre for Infection, Division of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK.
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Sinou V, Taudon N, Mosnier J, Aglioni C, Bressolle FMM, Parzy D. Pharmacokinetics of artesunate in the domestic pig. J Antimicrob Chemother 2008; 62:566-74. [PMID: 18559353 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkn231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to study the pharmacokinetic profile of artesunate and its metabolite dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in a pig model. METHODS Thirteen pigs received either intravenous (iv) or intramuscular (im) artesunate (60 mg), with the alternative preparation given 24 h later in an open crossover design. Five of them also received an additional intra-arterial (ia) artesunate dose (60 mg). The plasma concentrations of artesunate and DHA were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Population modelling was performed with NONMEM, using a two-compartment model. RESULTS Plasma concentration-time profiles were comparable to those observed in humans, with a rapid and biphasic decline for both artesunate and DHA. Following an iv bolus, artesunate had a median maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) of 13.8 microM [interquartile range (IQR), 10.4-22.1 microM], elimination half-life (t(1/2)) = 18 min (IQR, 16-22 min), total plasma clearance (CL) = 5.58 L/h/kg (IQR, 3.31-5.91 L/h/kg) and volume of distribution (V(d)) = 1.85 L/kg (IQR, 1.27-3.20 L/kg). The median C(max) value for DHA was 3.30 microM (IQR, 2.08-5.95 microM), t(1/2) = 26 min (IQR, 23-31 min), CL/Fm = 4.37 L/h/kg (IQR, 3.29-6.87 L/h/kg) and V(d)/Fm = 2.56 L/kg (IQR, 1.93-4.49 L/kg). Artesunate and DHA pharmacokinetic parameters were similar after ia administration. Following im dosing, median artesunate C(max) was 4.81 microM (IQR, 3.74-5.40 microM), t(1/2) = 18 min (IQR, 16-28 min), CL = 4.37 L/h/kg (IQR, 4.13-4.68 L/h/kg) and V(d) = 2.07 L/kg (IQR, 1.83-2.79 L/kg); the bioavailability was 100%. For DHA, median C(max) was 1.43 microM (IQR, 1.00-1.92 microM), t(1/2) = 27 min (IQR, 25-37 min), CL/Fm = 4.68 L/h/kg (IQR, 3.35-6.73 L/h/kg) and V(d)/Fm = 3.31 L/kg (IQR, 2.89-4.27 L/kg). CONCLUSIONS The pharmacokinetic properties of artesunate and DHA in pigs were similar to those reported in humans, suggesting that the swine model is suitable for determining the preclinical pharmacokinetics of artemisinin derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Sinou
- Physiopathology and Parasitical Pharmacology Research Unit, Institut de Médecine Tropicale du Service de Santé des Armées and UMR-MD3, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe malaria kills over a million people every year. We sought evidence of superiority of artesunate compared with the standard treatment quinine. OBJECTIVES To compare artesunate with quinine for treating severe malaria. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register (January 2007), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2007), EMBASE (1974 to January 2007), LILACS (1982 to January 2007), ISI Web of Science (1945 to January 2007), the metaRegister of Controlled trials (mRCT), conference proceedings, and reference lists of articles. We contacted researchers and the World Health Organization. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials comparing intravenous, intramuscular, or rectal artesunate with intravenous or intramuscular quinine for treating adults and children with severe malaria who are unable to take medication by mouth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors assessed the eligibility and methodological quality of trials, extracted and analysed data, and drafted the review. The third author contributed to the design and writing of the review. Death was the primary outcome. Dichotomous outcomes were summarized using relative risks and continuous outcomes by mean differences. Where appropriate, we combined data in meta-analyses. Heterogeneity was investigated for the primary outcome using subgroup analyses. MAIN RESULTS Six trials enrolling 1938 participants (1664 adults and 274 children) met our inclusion criteria. All six trials were conducted in Asia, and only one small trial enrolled only children. Five trials used intravenous artesunate and one trial intramuscular artesunate; all six used intravenous quinine. Treatment with artesunate significantly reduced the risk of death (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.75; 1938 participants, 6 trials), reduced parasite clearance time (WMD 8.14 h, 95% CI 11.55 to 4.73; 292 participants, 3 trials), and hypoglycaemia detected by routine monitoring (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.87; 185 participants, 2 trials). There was no evidence of a difference in neurological sequelae, coma recovery time, time to hospital discharge, fever clearance time, or adverse effects other than hypoglycaemia. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Intravenous artesunate is the drug of choice for adults with severe malaria, particularly if acquired in Asia. This review did not identify sufficient data to make firm conclusions about the treatment of children or the effectiveness of intramuscular artesunate. There is an urgent need to compare the effects of artesunate with quinine in African children with severe malaria. The applicability of these results to Asian children and the ethics of further research are points of debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Jones
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, International Health Group, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK, L3 5QA.
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Simpson JA, Agbenyega T, Barnes KI, Di Perri G, Folb P, Gomes M, Krishna S, Krudsood S, Looareesuwan S, Mansor S, McIlleron H, Miller R, Molyneux M, Mwenechanya J, Navaratnam V, Nosten F, Olliaro P, Pang L, Ribeiro I, Tembo M, van Vugt M, Ward S, Weerasuriya K, Win K, White NJ. Population pharmacokinetics of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin following intra-rectal dosing of artesunate in malaria patients. PLoS Med 2006; 3:e444. [PMID: 17132053 PMCID: PMC1664603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0030444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2005] [Accepted: 09/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intra-rectal artesunate has been developed as a potentially life-saving treatment of severe malaria in rural village settings where administration of parenteral antimalarial drugs is not possible. We studied the population pharmacokinetics of intra-rectal artesunate and the relationship with parasitological responses in patients with moderately severe falciparum malaria. METHODS AND FINDINGS Adults and children in Africa and Southeast Asia with moderately severe malaria were recruited in two Phase II studies (12 adults from Southeast Asia and 11 children from Africa) with intensive sampling protocols, and three Phase III studies (44 children from Southeast Asia, and 86 children and 26 adults from Africa) with sparse sampling. All patients received 10 mg/kg artesunate as a single intra-rectal dose of suppositories. Venous blood samples were taken during a period of 24 h following dosing. Plasma artesunate and dihydroartemisinin (DHA, the main biologically active metabolite) concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The pharmacokinetic properties of DHA were determined using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. Artesunate is rapidly hydrolysed in vivo to DHA, and this contributes the majority of antimalarial activity. For DHA, a one-compartment model assuming complete conversion from artesunate and first-order appearance and elimination kinetics gave the best fit to the data. The mean population estimate of apparent clearance (CL/F) was 2.64 (l/kg/h) with 66% inter-individual variability. The apparent volume of distribution (V/F) was 2.75 (l/kg) with 96% inter-individual variability. The estimated DHA population mean elimination half-life was 43 min. Gender was associated with increased mean CL/F by 1.14 (95% CI: 0.36-1.92) (l/kg/h) for a male compared with a female, and weight was positively associated with V/F. Larger V/Fs were observed for the patients requiring early rescue treatment compared with the remainder, independent of any confounders. No associations between the parasitological responses and the posterior individual estimates of V/F, CL/F, and AUC0-6h were observed. CONCLUSIONS The pharmacokinetic properties of DHA were affected only by gender and body weight. Patients with the lowest area under the DHA concentration curve did not have slower parasite clearance, suggesting that rectal artesunate is well absorbed in most patients with moderately severe malaria. However, a number of modelling assumptions were required due to the large intra- and inter-individual variability of the DHA concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Idro R, Aketch S, Gwer S, Newton CRJC, Maitland K. Research priorities in the management of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2006; 100:95-108. [PMID: 16492357 DOI: 10.1179/136485906x91459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Severe malaria is a common reason for admission to paediatric wards in hospitals across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite over 100 years of research, mortality remains high. Deaths are associated with severe metabolic acidosis, shock, severe anaemia, hypoglycaemia, impaired consciousness, raised intracranial pressure, and status epilepticus. Most inpatient deaths occur within 24 h of admission to hospital, before the beneficial effects of treatment with antimalarial drugs are achieved. This review covers the priority areas for research in the care of children with severe malaria, addressing each of the main risk factors associated with death, in a bid to reduce the inpatient mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Idro
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research - Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya.
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Jones KL, Donegan S, Lalloo D. Artesunate versus quinine for treating severe malaria. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Planche T. Malaria and fluids – balancing acts. Trends Parasitol 2005; 21:562-7. [PMID: 16236551 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2005.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2005] [Revised: 08/10/2005] [Accepted: 09/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Severe malaria has many manifestations, of which coma and lactic acidosis are the best independent predictors of a fatal outcome. Most deaths from malaria occur within the first 24 h of admission, despite appropriate antimalarial chemotherapy. Adjunctive therapy for severe malaria has been seen as a way to improve survival by 'buying time' until antimalarials can act. Several adjunctive therapies have undergone clinical trials in the past 25 years but all of these trials showed worsened outcome or no benefit to patients receiving adjuncts compared with those receiving placebo. Although metabolic acidosis occurs in both hypovolaemia and malaria, the contribution of the former to the pathophysiology of severe malaria is unclear. I suggest that lactic acidosis due to malaria can be explained primarily by factors that are independent of volume depletion. Lactic acidosis in malaria can be treated safely with dichloroacetate. This intervention could prove useful as an adjunctive therapy aimed at reducing mortality rates in severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Planche
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Infectious Diseases, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK, SW17 0RE.
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Abstract
Artemisinins were discovered to be highly effective antimalarial drugs shortly after the isolation of the parent artemisinin in 1971 in China. These compounds combine potent, rapid antimalarial activity with a wide therapeutic index and an absence of clinically important resistance. Artemisinin containing regimens meet the urgent need to find effective treatments for multidrug resistant malaria and have recently been advocated for widespread deployment. Comparative trials of artesunate and quinine for severe malaria are in progress to see if the persistently high mortality of this condition can be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Woodrow
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Infectious Diseases, St George's Hospital Medical School, Tooting, London, UK
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Severe falciparum malaria in Gabonese children: clinical and laboratory features. Malar J 2005; 4:1. [PMID: 15638948 PMCID: PMC546207 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-4-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2004] [Accepted: 01/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria continues to claim one to two million lives a year, mainly those of children in sub-Saharan Africa. Reduction in mortality depends, in part, on improving the quality of hospital care, the training of healthcare workers and improvements in public health. This study examined the prognostic indicators of severe falciparum malaria in Gabonese children. METHODS An observational study examining the clinical presentations and laboratory features of severe malaria was conducted at the Centre Hospitalier de Libreville, Gabon over two years. Febrile children aged from 0 to 10 years with Plasmodium falciparum infection and one or more features of severe malaria were enrolled. RESULTS Most children presenting with severe falciparum malaria were less than 5 years (92.3% of 583 cases). Anaemia was the most frequent feature of severe malaria (67.8% of cases), followed by respiratory distress (31%), cerebral malaria (24%) hyperlactataemia (16%) and then hypoglycaemia (10%). Anaemia was more common in children under 18 months old, while cerebral malaria usually occurred in those over 18 months. The overall case fatality rate was 9%. The prognostic indicators with the highest case fatality rates were coma/seizures, hyperlactataemia and hypoglycaemia, and the highest case fatality rate was in children with all three of these features. CONCLUSIONS Prompt and appropriate, classification and treatment of malaria helps identify the most severely ill children and aids early and appropriate management of the severely ill child.
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Abstract
Multidrug-resistant malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum has severely limited treatment options over recent years. Artemisinins are still effective for treating uncomplicated as well as severe malaria, because resistance is not yet clinically apparent. This article reviews some clinically useful properties of artemisinins and how they might work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K Haynes
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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