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Rathi K, Hassam M, Singh C, Puri SK, Jat JL, Prakash Verma V. Novel ether derivatives of 11-azaartemisinins with high order antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii in Swiss mice. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 103:129700. [PMID: 38479483 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129700] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates cutting-edge synthetic chemistry approaches for designing and producing innovative antimalarial drugs with improved efficacy and fewer adverse effects. Novel amino (-NH2) and hydroxy (-OH) functionalized 11-azaartemisinins 9, 12, and 14 were synthesized along with their derivatives 11a, 13a-e, and 15a-b through ART and were tested for their AMA (antimalarial activity) against Plasmodium yoelii via intramuscular (i.m.) and oral routes in Swiss mice. Ether derivative 13c was the most active compound by i.m. route, it has shown 100 % protection at the dose of 12 mg/kg × 4 days and showed 100 % clearance of parasitaemia on day 4 at dose of 6 mg/kg. Amine 11a, ether derivatives 13d, 13e and ether 15a also showed promising antimalarial activity. β-Arteether gave 100 % protection at the dose of 48 mg/kg × 4 days and 20 % protection at 24 mg/kg × 4 days dose by oral route, while it showed 100 % protection at 6 mg/kg × 4 days and no protection at 3 mg/kg × 4 days by i.m. route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Rathi
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mohammad Hassam
- Medicinal & Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Chandan Singh
- Medicinal & Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sunil K Puri
- Parasitology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Jawahar L Jat
- Department of Chemistry, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University) Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ved Prakash Verma
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022, Rajasthan, India; Department of Education in Science and Mathematics (DESM), Regional Institute of Education, Bhubaneshwar 751022, India.
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2
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Cassiano GC, Martinelli A, Mottin M, Neves BJ, Andrade CH, Ferreira PE, Cravo P. Whole genome sequencing identifies novel mutations in malaria parasites resistant to artesunate (ATN) and to ATN + mefloquine combination. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1353057. [PMID: 38495651 PMCID: PMC10940360 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1353057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The global evolution of resistance to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) by malaria parasites, will severely undermine our ability to control this devastating disease. Methods Here, we have used whole genome sequencing to characterize the genetic variation in the experimentally evolved Plasmodium chabaudi parasite clone AS-ATNMF1, which is resistant to artesunate + mefloquine. Results and discussion Five novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, one of which was a previously undescribed E738K mutation in a 26S proteasome subunit that was selected for under artesunate pressure (in AS-ATN) and retained in AS-ATNMF1. The wild type and mutated three-dimensional (3D) structure models and molecular dynamics simulations of the P. falciparum 26S proteasome subunit Rpn2 suggested that the E738K mutation could change the toroidal proteasome/cyclosome domain organization and change the recognition of ubiquitinated proteins. The mutation in the 26S proteasome subunit may therefore contribute to altering oxidation-dependent ubiquitination of the MDR-1 and/or K13 proteins and/or other targets, resulting in changes in protein turnover. In light of the alarming increase in resistance to artemisin derivatives and ACT partner drugs in natural parasite populations, our results shed new light on the biology of resistance and provide information on novel molecular markers of resistance that may be tested (and potentially validated) in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Capatti Cassiano
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Melina Mottin
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design (LabMol), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Bruno Junior Neves
- Laboratory or Cheminformatics (LabChem), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Carolina Horta Andrade
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling and Drug Design (LabMol), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
- Center for the Research and Advancement in Fragments and Molecular Targets (CRAFT), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Pedro Eduardo Ferreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Cravo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, (UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
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3
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Rathi K, Shukla M, Hassam M, Shrivastava R, Rawat V, Prakash Verma V. Recent advances in the synthesis and antimalarial activity of 1,2,4-trioxanes. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107043. [PMID: 38134523 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The increasing resistance of various malarial parasite strains to drugs has made the production of a new, rapid-acting, and efficient antimalarial drug more necessary, as the demand for such drugs is growing rapidly. As a major global health concern, various methods have been implemented to address the problem of drug resistance, including the hybrid drug concept, combination therapy, the development of analogues of existing medicines, and the use of drug resistance reversal agents. Artemisinin and its derivatives are currently used against multidrug- resistant P. falciparum species. However, due to its natural origin, its use has been limited by its scarcity in natural resources. As a result, finding a substitute becomes more crucial, and the peroxide group in artemisinin, responsible for the drugs biological action in the form of 1,2,4-trioxane, may hold the key to resolving this issue. The literature suggests that 1,2,4-trioxanes have the potential to become an alternative to current malaria drugs, as highlighted in this review. This is why 1,2,4-trioxanes and their derivatives have been synthesized on a large scale worldwide, as they have shown promising antimalarial activity in vivo and in vitro against Plasmodium species. Consequently, the search for a more convenient, environment friendly, sustainable, efficient, and effective synthetic pathway for the synthesis of 1,2,4-trioxanes continues. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the synthesis and mechanism of action of 1,2,4-trioxanes. This systematic review highlights the most recent summaries of derivatives of 1,2,4-trioxane compounds and dimers with potential antimalarial activity from January 1988 to 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Rathi
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Monika Shukla
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Rahul Shrivastava
- Department of Chemistry, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur (Rajasthan), VPO- Dehmi-Kalan, Off Jaipur-Ajmer Express Way, Jaipur, Rajasthan 30300, India
| | - Varun Rawat
- School of Chemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
| | - Ved Prakash Verma
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022, Rajasthan, India.
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Chung IY, Choi SY, Bae HW, Cho YH. A TetR family regulator of an RND efflux system that directs artemisinin resistance in Vibrio cholerae. mSystems 2024; 9:e0085123. [PMID: 38112429 PMCID: PMC10805010 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00851-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin (ARS) displayed bactericidal activity against Vibrio cholerae. To assess the mechanistic details of its antibacterial action, we have isolated V. cholerae mutants with enhanced ARS resistance and identified a gene (VCA0767) whose loss-of-function resulted in the ARS resistance phenotypes. This gene (atrR) encodes a TetR family transcriptional regulator, and its deletion mutant displayed the reduction in ARS-induced ROS formation and DNA damage. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the genes encoding a resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) efflux pump operon (vexRAB) and the outer membrane component (tolC) were highly upregulated in the artR mutant, suggesting that AtrR might act as a negative regulator of this operon and tolC. Gene deletion of vexR, vexB, or tolC abrogated the ARS resistance of the atrR mutant, and more importantly, the ectopic expression of VexAB-TolC was sufficient for the ARS resistance, indicating that the increased expression of the VexAB-TolC efflux system is necessary and sufficient for the ARS resistance of the atrR mutant. The cytoplasmic accumulation of ARS was compromised in the vexBtolC mutant, suggesting that the VexAB-TolC might be the primary efflux system exporting ARS to reduce its toxicity inside of the bacterial cells. The atrR mutant displayed resistance to erythromycin as well in a VexR-dependent manner. This result suggests that AtrR may act as a global regulator responsible for preventing intracellular accumulation of toxic chemicals by enhancing the RND efflux system.IMPORTANCEDrug efflux protein complexes or efflux pumps are considered as the major determinants of multiple antimicrobial resistance by exporting a wide range of structurally diverse antibiotics in bacterial pathogens. Despite the clinical significance of the increased expression of the efflux pumps, their substrate specificity and regulation mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that VexAB-TolC, a resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) efflux pump of V. cholerae, is responsible for the resistance to artemisinin (ARS), an antimalarial drug with bactericidal activity. Furthermore, we newly identified AtrR, a TetR family repressor, as a global regulator for VexRAB and the common outer membrane channel, TolC, where VexR functions as the pathway-specific regulator of the vexAB operon. Our findings will help improve our insight into a broad range of substrate specificity of the VexAB-TolC system and highlight the complex regulatory networks of the multiple RND efflux systems during V. cholerae pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Young Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - Shin-Yae Choi
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - Hee-Won Bae
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - You-Hee Cho
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam-si, South Korea
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Hildebrand A, Merchant M, O'Hare D. Voltammetric methods for electrochemical characterization and quantification of artemether-based antimalarials. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:161-169. [PMID: 38088798 PMCID: PMC10765968 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01837g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Every year substandard and falsified (SF) artemisinin derivative-based antimalarials are responsible for the loss of 450 000 deaths and billions of GBP. The lack of infrastructure and funds to support pharmaceutical quality control in many low-and-middle-income countries contributes to this problem. This work assesses fitness for purpose of voltammetric methods for identification and quantification of artemether in the presence of excipients. Electrochemical characterization of artemether using cyclic voltammetry shows that the reduction of artemether is chemically irreversible within the potential range of -0.4 V to -1.4 V. A chronocoulometric quantification algorithm for artemether is created and tested with pure artemether, as well as filtered and unfiltered Riamet® tablets. Filtration of Riamet® tablets provides no additional benefit for the quantification of artemether in Riamet®. In addition, artemether's response to pH indicates possible protonation and coupled homogeneous chemistry. Finally, sodium sulfite is an effective means of removing dissolved oxygen and improving artemether signal resolution in air-equilibrated PBS. This concludes that electrochemical analysis is a promising method for artemether identification and quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hildebrand
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Mariam Merchant
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Danny O'Hare
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
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Shukla M, Rathi K, Hassam M, Yadav DK, Karnatak M, Rawat V, Verma VP. An overview on the antimalarial activity of 1,2,4-trioxanes, 1,2,4-trioxolanes and 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:66-137. [PMID: 37222435 DOI: 10.1002/med.21979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The demand for novel, fast-acting, and effective antimalarial medications is increasing exponentially. Multidrug resistant forms of malarial parasites, which are rapidly spreading, pose a serious threat to global health. Drug resistance has been addressed using a variety of strategies, such as targeted therapies, the hybrid drug idea, the development of advanced analogues of pre-existing drugs, and the hybrid model of resistant strains control mechanisms. Additionally, the demand for discovering new potent drugs grows due to the prolonged life cycle of conventional therapy brought on by the emergence of resistant strains and ongoing changes in existing therapies. The 1,2,4-trioxane ring system in artemisinin (ART) is the most significant endoperoxide structural scaffold and is thought to be the key pharmacophoric moiety required for the pharmacodynamic potential of endoperoxide-based antimalarials. Several derivatives of artemisinin have also been found as potential treatments for multidrug-resistant strain in this area. Many 1,2,4-trioxanes, 1,2,4-trioxolanes, and 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes derivatives have been synthesised as a result, and many of these have shown promise antimalarial activity both in vivo and in vitro against Plasmodium parasites. As a consequence, efforts to develop a functionally straight-forward, less expensive, and vastly more effective synthetic pathway to trioxanes continue. This study aims to give a thorough examination of the biological properties and mode of action of endoperoxide compounds derived from 1,2,4-trioxane-based functional scaffolds. The present system of 1,2,4-trioxane, 1,2,4-trioxolane, and 1,2,4,5-tetraoxane compounds and dimers with potentially antimalarial activity will be highlighted in this systematic review (January 1963-December 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Shukla
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Newai, Rajasthan, India
| | - Komal Rathi
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Newai, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mohammad Hassam
- Department of Chemistry, Chemveda Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Manvika Karnatak
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Newai, Rajasthan, India
| | - Varun Rawat
- School of Chemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ved Prakash Verma
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Newai, Rajasthan, India
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Wang J, Zhang J, Guo Z, Hua H, Zhang H, Liu Y, Jiang Y. Targeting HSP70 chaperones by rhein sensitizes liver cancer to artemisinin derivatives. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 122:155156. [PMID: 37897861 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is one of common types of cancer with poor prognosis and limited therapies. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are molecular chaperones that have important roles in tumorigenesis, and emerging as therapeutic targets. Artemisinin and rhein are natural agents from Artemisia annua L. and Rheum undulatum L., respectively. Both rhein and artemisinin have anticancer effects; however, the molecular targets of rhein remain to be identified. It is also unclear whether rhein can synergize with artemisinin derivatives to inhibit liver cancer. PURPOSE We aim to identify the targets of rhein in the treatment of hepatocarcinoma and determine the effects of combining rhein and artemisinin derivatives on liver cancer cells. METHODS The targets of rhein were detected by mass spectrometry and validated by rhein-proteins interaction assays. The effects of rhein on the chaperone activity of HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 were determined by luciferase refolding assays. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by CCK8 and flow cytometry assays. For in vivo study, xenograft tumor models were established and treated with rhein and artesunate. Tumor growth was monitored regularly. RESULTS Mass spectrometry analysis of rhein-binding proteins in HepG2 cells revealed that HSP72, HSC70 and GRP78 were more profoundly pulled down by rhein-crosslinked sepharose 4B beads compared to the control beads. Further experiments demonstrated that rhein directly interacted with HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 proteins, and inhibit their activity of refolding denatured luciferase. Meanwhile, rhein induced proteasomal degradation of HIF1α and β-catenin. Artesunate or dihydroartemisinin in combination with knockdown of both HSP72 and HSC70 significantly inhibited cell viability. The HSP70/HSC70/GRP78 inhibitors VER-155,008 and rhein phenocopied HSP72/HSC70 knockdown, synergizing with artesunate or dihydroartemisinin to inhibit hepatocarcinoma cell viability. Combinatorial treatment with rhein and artemisinin derivatives significantly induced hepatocarcinoma cell apoptosis, and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrates that rhein is a novel HSP72/HSC70/GRP78 inhibitor that suppresses the chaperone activity of HSP70s. Dual inhibition of HSP72 and HSC70 can enhance the sensitivity of hepatocarcinoma cells to artemisinin derivatives. Combined treatment with artemisinin derivative and rhein significantly inhibits hepatocarcinoma. Artemisinin derivatives in combination with dual inhibition of HSP72 and HSC70 represents a new approach to improve cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China; School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Zeyu Guo
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- Cancer center, Laboratory of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
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Magwaza RN, Abubaker M, Hussain B, Haley M, Couper K, Freeman S, Nirmalan NJ. Evaluation of 4-Aminoquinoline Hydrazone Analogues as Potential Leads for Drug-Resistant Malaria. Molecules 2023; 28:6471. [PMID: 37764248 PMCID: PMC10534891 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of resistance to first-line antimalarial drugs calls for the development of new therapies for drug-resistant malaria. The efficacy of quinoline-based antimalarial drugs has prompted the development of novel quinolines. A panel of 4-aminoquinoline hydrazone analogues were tested on the multidrug-resistant K1 strain of Plasmodium falciparum: IC50 values after a 48 h cycle ranged from 0.60 to 49 µM, while the 72 h cycle ranged from 0.026 to 0.219 μM. Time-course assays were carried out to define the activity of the lead compounds, which inhibited over 50% growth in 24 h and 90% growth in 72 h. Cytotoxicity assays with HepG2 cells showed IC50 values of 0.87-11.1 μM, whereas in MDBK cells, IC50 values ranged from 1.66 to 11.7 μM. High selectivity indices were observed for the lead compounds screened at 72 h on P. falciparum. Analyses of stage specificity revealed that the ring stages of the parasite life cycle were most affected. Based on antimalarial efficacy and in vitro safety profiles, lead compound 4-(2-benzylidenehydrazinyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylquinoline 2 was progressed to drug combination studies for the detection of synergism, with a combinatory index of 0.599 at IC90 for the combination with artemether, indicating a synergistic antimalarial activity. Compound 2 was screened on different strains of P. falciparum (3D7, Dd2), which maintained similar activity to K1, suggesting no cross-resistance between multidrug resistance and sensitive parasite strains. In vivo analysis with 2 showed the suppression of parasitaemia with P. yoelii NL (non-lethal)-treated mice (20 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael N. Magwaza
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
| | - Muna Abubaker
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
| | - Buthaina Hussain
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 17138, Jordan;
| | - Michael Haley
- School of Biological Sciences, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Infection, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (M.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Kevin Couper
- School of Biological Sciences, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Infection, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (M.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Sally Freeman
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Niroshini J. Nirmalan
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
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Maehara S, Fathoni A, Tagawa M, Shiose M, Yamasaki H, Kikuchi M, Evana E, Ilyas M, Adriyani M, Hata T, Agusta A. Environmental differences between Japan and Indonesia provide endophyte diversity associated with Artemisia plant and variety of artemisinin derivatives in microbial conversion. J Nat Med 2023; 77:916-927. [PMID: 37247107 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01709-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We compared the endophytic compositions of Artemisia plant from different environments (Japan and Indonesia) to demonstrate that the endophytic filamentous fungi in both species differed based on their environments. To prove that the species were identical, both Artemisia plants were identified by comparing the scanning electron micrographs of their pollens, as well as the nucleotide sequences (ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and mitochondrial maturase K) of the two gene regions. After isolating the endophytic filamentous fungi from each plant, we observed that those from Japan and Indonesia comprised 14 and 6 genera, respectively. We assumed that the genera, Arthrinium and Colletotrichum, which exist in both Artemisia species, were species-specific filamentous fungi, while the other genera were environment-dependent. In the microbial-conversion reaction with artemisinin as a substrate using Colletotrichum sp., the peroxy bridge of artemisinin, which is an active site for achieving antimalarial effect, was converted into an ether bond. However, the reaction using the environment-dependent endophyte did not eliminate the peroxy bridge. These endophytic reactions indicated the different roles of endophytes within Artemisia plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoji Maehara
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuyama University, Sanzo,1 Gakuen-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, 729-0292, Japan.
| | - Ahmad Fathoni
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Traditional Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Mio Tagawa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuyama University, Sanzo,1 Gakuen-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, 729-0292, Japan
| | - Mako Shiose
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuyama University, Sanzo,1 Gakuen-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, 729-0292, Japan
| | - Hibiki Yamasaki
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuyama University, Sanzo,1 Gakuen-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, 729-0292, Japan
| | - Misato Kikuchi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuyama University, Sanzo,1 Gakuen-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, 729-0292, Japan
| | - Evana Evana
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Traditional Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Ilyas
- Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Marlina Adriyani
- Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Toshiyuki Hata
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuyama University, Sanzo,1 Gakuen-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, 729-0292, Japan
| | - Andria Agusta
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Traditional Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jalan Raya Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
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Domes R, Frosch T. Molecular Interactions Identified by Two-Dimensional Analysis-Detailed Insight into the Molecular Interactions of the Antimalarial Artesunate with the Target Structure β-Hematin by Means of 2D Raman Correlation Spectroscopy. Anal Chem 2023; 95:12719-12731. [PMID: 37586701 PMCID: PMC10469332 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
A thorough understanding of the interaction of endoperoxide antimalarial agents with their biological target structures is of utmost importance for the tailored design of future efficient antimalarials. Detailed insights into molecular interactions between artesunate and β-hematin were derived with a combination of resonance Raman spectroscopy, two-dimensional correlation analysis, and density functional theory calculations. Resonance Raman spectroscopy with three distinct laser wavelengths enabled the specific excitation of different chromophore parts of β-hematin. The resonance Raman spectra of the artesunate-β-hematin complexes were thoroughly analyzed with the help of high-resolution and highly sensitive two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy. Spectral changes in the peak properties were found with increasing artesunate concentration. Changes in the low-frequency, morphology-sensitive Raman bands indicated a loss in crystallinity of the drug-target complexes. Differences in the high-wavenumber region were assigned to increased distortions of the planarity of the structure of the target molecule due to the appearance of various coexisting alkylation species. Evidence for the appearance of high-valent ferryl-oxo species could be observed with the help of differences in the peak properties of oxidation-state sensitive Raman modes. To support those findings, the relaxed ground-state structures of ten possible covalent mono- and di-meso(Cm)-alkylated hematin-dihydroartemisinyl complexes were calculated using density functional theory. A very good agreement with the experimental peak properties was achieved, and the out-of-plane displacements along the lowest-frequency normal coordinates were investigated by normal coordinate structural decomposition analysis. The strongest changes in all data were observed in vibrations with a high participation of Cm-parts of β-hematin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Domes
- Leibniz
Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert Einstein Strasse 9, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Torsten Frosch
- Biophotonics and
Biomedical Engineering Group, Technical
University Darmstadt, Merckstraße 25, 64283 Darmstadt, Germany
- Leibniz
Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert Einstein Strasse 9, D-07745 Jena, Germany
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11
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Osborne A, Phelan JE, Kaneko A, Kagaya W, Chan C, Ngara M, Kongere J, Kita K, Gitaka J, Campino S, Clark TG. Drug resistance profiling of asymptomatic and low-density Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections on Ngodhe island, Kenya, using custom dual-indexing next-generation sequencing. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11416. [PMID: 37452073 PMCID: PMC10349106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38481-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria control initiatives require rapid and reliable methods for the detection and monitoring of molecular markers associated with antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Ngodhe island, Kenya, presents a unique malaria profile, with lower P. falciparum incidence rates than the surrounding region, and a high proportion of sub-microscopic and low-density infections. Here, using custom dual-indexing and Illumina next generation sequencing, we generate resistance profiles on seventy asymptomatic and low-density P. falciparum infections from a mass drug administration program implemented on Ngodhe island between 2015 and 2016. Our assay encompasses established molecular markers on the Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfdhps, Pfdhfr, and Pfk13 genes. Resistance markers for sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine were identified at high frequencies, including a quintuple mutant haplotype (Pfdhfr/Pfdhps: N51I, C59R, S108N/A437G, K540E) identified in 62.2% of isolates. The Pfdhps K540E biomarker, used to inform decision making for intermittent preventative treatment in pregnancy, was identified in 79.2% of isolates. Several variants on Pfmdr1, associated with reduced susceptibility to quinolones and lumefantrine, were also identified (Y184F 47.1%; D1246Y 16.0%; N86 98%). Overall, we have presented a low-cost and extendable approach that can provide timely genetic profiles to inform clinical and surveillance activities, especially in settings with abundant low-density infections, seeking malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Osborne
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Jody E Phelan
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Akira Kaneko
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wataru Kagaya
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chim Chan
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mtakai Ngara
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James Kongere
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
- Centre for Research in Tropical Medicine and Community Development (CRTMCD), Hospital Road Next to Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kiyoshi Kita
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Jesse Gitaka
- Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- Centre for Malaria Elimination, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Susana Campino
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Taane G Clark
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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12
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Asahi H, Niikura M, Inoue SI, Sendo F, Kobayashi F, Wada A. Dihydroartemisinin Disrupts Zinc Homeostasis in Plasmodium falciparum To Potentiate Its Antimalarial Action via Pyknosis. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1303-1309. [PMID: 37321567 PMCID: PMC10353546 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinins have been used as first-line drugs worldwide to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum; however, its underlying mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to identify the factors inducing growth inhibition via pyknosis, a state of intraerythrocytic developmental arrest, when exposing the parasite to dihydroartemisinin (DHA). Changes in the expression of genome-wide transcripts were assessed in the parasites treated with antimalarials, revealing the specific downregulation of zinc-associated proteins by DHA. The quantification of zinc levels in DHA-treated parasite indicated abnormal zinc depletion. Notably, the zinc-depleted condition in the parasite produced by a zinc chelator induced the generation of a pyknotic form and the suppression of its proliferation. The evaluation of the antimalarial activity of DHA or a glutathione-synthesis inhibitor in the zinc-depleted state showed that the disruption of zinc and glutathione homeostasis synergistically potentiated the growth inhibition of P. falciparum through pyknosis. These findings could help further understand the antimalarial actions of artemisinins for advancing malaria therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Asahi
- Laboratory
for Nonnatural Amino Acid Technology, RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mamoru Niikura
- Division
of Tropical Diseases and Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Inoue
- Division
of Immunology, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology,
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Fujiro Sendo
- Kojunosato,
Geriatric Health Service Facilities, 8-1 Azahonmaru, Oazamizonobe, Kahoku-cho, Yamagata 999-3522, Japan
| | - Fumie Kobayashi
- Department
of Environmental Science, School of Life and Environmental Science, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Akira Wada
- Laboratory
for Nonnatural Amino Acid Technology, RIKEN
Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
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13
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Kajla M, Roy A, Singh IK, Singh A. Regulation of the regulators: Transcription factors controlling biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites during biotic stresses and their regulation by miRNAs. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1126567. [PMID: 36938003 PMCID: PMC10017880 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1126567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biotic stresses threaten to destabilize global food security and cause major losses to crop yield worldwide. In response to pest and pathogen attacks, plants trigger many adaptive cellular, morphological, physiological, and metabolic changes. One of the crucial stress-induced adaptive responses is the synthesis and accumulation of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs). PSMs mitigate the adverse effects of stress by maintaining the normal physiological and metabolic functioning of the plants, thereby providing stress tolerance. This differential production of PSMs is tightly orchestrated by master regulatory elements, Transcription factors (TFs) express differentially or undergo transcriptional and translational modifications during stress conditions and influence the production of PSMs. Amongst others, microRNAs, a class of small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, also play a vital role in controlling the expression of many such TFs. The present review summarizes the role of stress-inducible TFs in synthesizing and accumulating secondary metabolites and also highlights how miRNAs fine-tune the differential expression of various stress-responsive transcription factors during biotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohini Kajla
- Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amit Roy
- Excellent Team for Mitigation (ETM), Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Indrakant K. Singh
- Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Singh
- Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- Jagdish Chandra Bose Center for Plant Genomics, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- Delhi School of Climate Change and Sustainability, Institution of Eminence, Maharishi Karnad Bhawan, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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14
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Wei X, Niu X. T follicular helper cells in autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2023; 134:102976. [PMID: 36525939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells with the phenotype of mainly expressing surface molecules C-X-C motif chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5), inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), secreting cytokine interleukin-21 (IL-21) and requiring the transcription factor B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL-6) have been recently defined as a new subset of CD4+ T cells. They exist in germinal centers (GCs) of lymphoid organs and in peripheral blood. With the ability to promote B cell development, GC formation and antibody production, Tfh cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), etc. The aberrant proliferation and function of Tfh cells will cause the pathological process like autoantibody production and tissue injury. In this paper, we review the recent advances in Tfh cell biology and their roles in autoimmune diseases, with a mention of their use as therapeutic targets, which will shed more light on the pathogenesis and treatment of certain autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xindi Wei
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai, 200025, China; Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial Implantology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoyin Niu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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15
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LC-MS/TOF Characterization and Stability Study of Artesunate in Different Solvent Systems. SEPARATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/separations9080218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) is a sesquiterpene lactone and a popular malaria drug used in many parts of the world. Artesunate (ARTS) is a semi-synthetic derivative of ART with improved pharmacokinetic properties. However, the half-life of ARTS is less than an hour in vivo. The analysis of this drug in vitro in different solvent systems using LC-MS/TOF showed a solvent-driven breakdown. ARTS breakdown formed several derivatives, including dihydroartemisinin (DHA), artemether (ARTM) and DHA-dimer among others, at different rates in different solvent composition systems. The change in temperature from room temperature to physiological temperature (37 °C) was found to enhance the rate of the ARTS breakdown. In methanol, ARTS mainly formed ARTM with a chromatographic peak decrease of about 3.13%, while methanol and water (90:10) v/v mainly gave rise to DHA and ARTM with about an 80% chromatographic peak decrease. On the other hand, ARTS in methanol and ammonium acetate (85:15) v/v formed DHA, ARTM, DHA-dimer and other reaction peaks with about a 97% peak decrease and the formation of an orange solution pointing to a molecular re-arrangement reaction. These results have an important bearing on research on the analysis of artemisinin drugs conducted on these common solvents.
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16
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Kumari A, Karnatak M, Singh AS, Hassam M, Rawat V, Islam MS, Al-Majid AM, Singh M, Verma VP. Mechanistic Evaluation of the Stability of Arylvinyl-1,2,4-trioxanes under Acidic Conditions for Their Oral Administration as an Antimalarial Drug. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:17984-17994. [PMID: 35664617 PMCID: PMC9161402 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A mechanistic approach to understand the course of metabolism for synthetic 1,2,4-trioxanes, potent antimalarial compounds, to evaluate their bioavailability for antimalarial action has been studied in the present work. It is an important parameter to study the course of metabolism of a drug candidate molecule when administered via oral route during its journey from oral intake to its target site. From the pharmacokinetics point of view, it determines the bioavailability of an active drug or a prodrug at the target point. In this work, synthetic arylvinyl-1,2,4-trioxanes 1a-u have been evaluated under various acidic conditions to mimic the milieu of the stomach (pH between 1.5 and 3.5) through which they have to pass when administered orally. The effect of acid on trioxanes led to their degradation into corresponding ketones and glyoxal. Under such acidic conditions glyoxal polymerized to form a nonisolable condensate product. The study indicates that the actual bioavailability of the drug is far less than the administered dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akriti Kumari
- Department
of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Manvika Karnatak
- Department
of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ajit Shankar Singh
- Defence
Materials and Stores Research Development Establishment, G.T. Road, Kanpur 208013, India
| | | | - Varun Rawat
- Amity
School of Applied Sciences, Amity University
Haryana, Gurugram 122413, India
| | - Mohammad Shahidul Islam
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud
University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Mohammed Al-Majid
- Department
of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud
University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mandeep Singh
- Nuchem
Sciences, Saint-Laurent, Quebec H4R2N6, Canada
| | - Ved Prakash Verma
- Department
of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022, Rajasthan, India
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17
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Koltai T, Reshkin SJ, Carvalho TMA, Di Molfetta D, Greco MR, Alfarouk KO, Cardone RA. Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Physiopathologic and Pharmacologic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2486. [PMID: 35626089 PMCID: PMC9139729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and inadequate response to treatment. Many factors contribute to this therapeutic failure: lack of symptoms until the tumor reaches an advanced stage, leading to late diagnosis; early lymphatic and hematic spread; advanced age of patients; important development of a pro-tumoral and hyperfibrotic stroma; high genetic and metabolic heterogeneity; poor vascular supply; a highly acidic matrix; extreme hypoxia; and early development of resistance to the available therapeutic options. In most cases, the disease is silent for a long time, andwhen it does become symptomatic, it is too late for ablative surgery; this is one of the major reasons explaining the short survival associated with the disease. Even when surgery is possible, relapsesare frequent, andthe causes of this devastating picture are the low efficacy ofand early resistance to all known chemotherapeutic treatments. Thus, it is imperative to analyze the roots of this resistance in order to improve the benefits of therapy. PDAC chemoresistance is the final product of different, but to some extent, interconnected factors. Surgery, being the most adequate treatment for pancreatic cancer and the only one that in a few selected cases can achieve longer survival, is only possible in less than 20% of patients. Thus, the treatment burden relies on chemotherapy in mostcases. While the FOLFIRINOX scheme has a slightly longer overall survival, it also produces many more adverse eventsso that gemcitabine is still considered the first choice for treatment, especially in combination with other compounds/agents. This review discusses the multiple causes of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Joel Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago M. A. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Khalid Omer Alfarouk
- Zamzam Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan;
- Alfarouk Biomedical Research LLC, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
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18
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Varela K, Al Mahmud H, Arman HD, Martinez LR, Wakeman CA, Yoshimoto FK. Autoxidation of a C2-Olefinated Dihydroartemisinic Acid Analogue to Form an Aromatic Ring: Application to Serrulatene Biosynthesis. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:951-962. [PMID: 35357832 PMCID: PMC9035337 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c01101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinic acid (DHAA) is a plant natural product that undergoes a spontaneous endoperoxide-forming cascade reaction to yield artemisinin in the presence of air. The endoperoxide functional group gives artemisinin its biological activity that kills Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. To enhance our understanding of the mechanism of this cascade reaction, 2,3-didehydrodihydroartemisinic acid (2,3-didehydro-DHAA), a DHAA derivative with a double bond at the C2-position, was synthesized. When 2,3-didehydro-DHAA was exposed to air over time, instead of forming an endoperoxide, this compound predominantly underwent aromatization. This olefinated DHAA analogue reveals the requirement of a monoalkene functional group to initiate the endoperoxide-forming cascade reaction to yield artemisinin from DHAA. In addition, this aromatization process was exploited to illustrate the autoxidation process of a different plant natural product, dihydroserrulatene, to form the aromatic ring in serrulatene. This spontaneous aromatization process has applications in other natural products such as leubethanol and erogorgiaene. Due to their similarity in structure to antimicrobial natural products, the synthesized compounds in this study were tested for biological activity. A group of the tested compounds had minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 12.5 to 25 μg/mL against the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Varela
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Hafij Al Mahmud
- Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Hadi D Arman
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Luis R Martinez
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Center for Immunology and Transplantation, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, and The Emerging Pathogens Institute, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Catherine A Wakeman
- Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Francis K Yoshimoto
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
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19
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Chung IY, Jang HJ, Yoo YJ, Hur J, Oh HY, Kim SH, Cho YH. Artemisinin displays bactericidal activity via copper-mediated DNA damage. Virulence 2022; 13:149-159. [PMID: 34983312 PMCID: PMC8741286 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.2021643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin (ARS) and its semi-synthetic derivatives are effective drugs to treat malaria and possess multiple therapeutic activities based on their endoperoxide bridge. Here, we showed that ARS displayed antibacterial efficacy in Drosophila systemic infections caused by bacterial pathogens but killed only Vibrio cholerae (VC) in vitro, involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and/or DNA damage. This selective antibacterial activity of ARS was attributed to the higher intracellular copper levels in VC, in that the antibacterial activity was observed in vitro upon addition of cuprous ions even against other bacteria and was compromised by the copper-specific chelators neocuproine (NC) and triethylenetetramine (TETA) in vitro and in vivo. We suggest that copper can enhance or reinforce the therapeutic activities of ARS to be repurposed as an antibacterial drug for the treatment of bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Young Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cha University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hye-Jeong Jang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cha University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Yeon-Ji Yoo
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cha University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Joonseong Hur
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cha University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hyo-Young Oh
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cha University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cha University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - You-Hee Cho
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cha University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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20
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Kingston DGI, Cassera MB. Antimalarial Natural Products. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 117:1-106. [PMID: 34977998 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89873-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural products have made a crucial and unique contribution to human health, and this is especially true in the case of malaria, where the natural products quinine and artemisinin and their derivatives and analogues, have saved millions of lives. The need for new drugs to treat malaria is still urgent, since the most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, has become resistant to quinine and most of its derivatives and is becoming resistant to artemisinin and its derivatives. This volume begins with a short history of malaria and follows this with a summary of its biology. It then traces the fascinating history of the discovery of quinine for malaria treatment and then describes quinine's biosynthesis, its mechanism of action, and its clinical use, concluding with a discussion of synthetic antimalarial agents based on quinine's structure. The volume then covers the discovery of artemisinin and its development as the source of the most effective current antimalarial drug, including summaries of its synthesis and biosynthesis, its mechanism of action, and its clinical use and resistance. A short discussion of other clinically used antimalarial natural products leads to a detailed treatment of other natural products with significant antiplasmodial activity, classified by compound type. Although the search for new antimalarial natural products from Nature's combinatorial library is challenging, it is very likely to yield new antimalarial drugs. The chapter thus ends by identifying over ten natural products with development potential as clinical antimalarial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G I Kingston
- Department of Chemistry and the Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Maria Belen Cassera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases (CTEGD), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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21
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Karnatak M, Hassam M, Singh AS, Yadav DK, Singh C, Puri SK, Verma VP. Novel hydrazone derivatives of N-amino-11-azaartemisinin with high order of antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in Swiss mice via intramuscular route. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 58:128522. [PMID: 34974111 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Novel hydrazone derivatives 10a-m were prepared from N-Amino-11-azaartemisinin (9) and screened for their antimalarial activity by oral and intramuscular (i.m.) routes against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii in Swiss mice model. Several of the hydrazone derivatives showed higher order of antimalarial activity. Compounds 10b, 10g, 10m provided 100% protection to the infected mice at the dose of 24 mg/kg × 4 days via oral route. Fluorenone based hydrazone 10m the most active compound of the series, provided 100% protection at the dose of 6 mg/kg × 4 days via intramuscular route and also provided 100% protection at the dose of 12 mg/kg × 4 days via oral route. While artemisinin gave 100% protection at 48 mg/kg × 4 days and only 60% protection at 24 mg/kg × 4 days via intramuscular (i.m.) route. Compound 10m found to be four-fold more active than artemisinin via intramuscular route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manvika Karnatak
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022 Rajasthan, India
| | - Mohammad Hassam
- Medicinal & Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Ajit Shankar Singh
- Medicinal & Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur 313001, India
| | - Chandan Singh
- Medicinal & Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sunil K Puri
- Parasitology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Ved Prakash Verma
- Medicinal & Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India; Department of Chemistry, Banasthali University, Banasthali Newai 304022 Rajasthan, India.
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22
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McKenna SM, Fay EM, McGouran JF. Flipping the Switch: Innovations in Inducible Probes for Protein Profiling. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2719-2730. [PMID: 34779621 PMCID: PMC8689647 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Over the past two
decades, activity-based probes have enabled a
range of discoveries, including the characterization of new enzymes
and drug targets. However, their suitability in some labeling experiments
can be limited by nonspecific reactivity, poor membrane permeability,
or high toxicity. One method for overcoming these issues is through
the development of “inducible” activity-based probes.
These probes are added to samples in an unreactive state and require in situ transformation to their active form before labeling
can occur. In this Review, we discuss a variety of approaches to inducible
activity-based probe design, different means of probe activation,
and the advancements that have resulted from these applications. Additionally,
we highlight recent developments which may provide opportunities for
future inducible activity-based probe innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. McKenna
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse St, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC), Bernal Institute, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Ellen M. Fay
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse St, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Joanna F. McGouran
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse St, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC), Bernal Institute, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
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23
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Nordmann T, Borrmann S, Ramharter M. Drug-induced hypersensitivity to artemisinin-based therapies for malaria. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:136-146. [PMID: 34561157 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the early 2000s, artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) was introduced as first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in virtually all endemic countries. However, despite the well-known excellent tolerability of ACTs, hypersensitivity to artemisinin derivatives remains a repeatedly documented adverse drug reaction of still unknown frequency. The clinical features of an artemisinin-induced hypersensitivity reaction range from mild to life-threatening severity, and a significant number of cases may pass unnoticed. In this review, we discuss the medical importance of hypersensitivity to artemisinin derivatives and we review data on the presumed frequency and its potential underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we advocate to make alternative non-artemisinin-based drugs available for patients who do not tolerate artemisinin derivatives and to continue investing in the development of novel non-artemisinin-based combination regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Nordmann
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Borrmann
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Centre de Recherches Médicale de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany; Centre de Recherches Médicale de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon.
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24
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Artemisinin DNA Base Interaction Studies in Presence of Fe(II): LC/TOF MS Separation of Reaction Products. SEPARATIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/separations8090161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) is a sesquiterpene lactone and a popular malaria drug with potential anticancer properties. In this work, LC/TOF/MS, was used to investigate the reaction of ART with DNA bases. ART-deoxyadenosine and ART-deoxycytidine interactions, were studied in the presence of iron II ions. ART-deoxyadenosine and ART-deoxycytidine reaction mixtures gave chromatographic signatures that remained fairly unchanged at room temperature but grew after incubation at 37 °C. The change in temperature from room temperature to 37 °C was the main driver of adduct formation in these reactions. ART was found to react with Fe(II) ions as observed from several new chromatographic peaks. ART-deoxyadenosine as well as ART-deoxycytidine in the presence of Fe(II) ions resulted in formation of new chromatographic signatures of adducts consisting of DNA bases and ART. It was clear that addition of iron (II) to DNA base-ART mixtures gave rise to new reaction products mediated by a different reaction mechanism. Studies of ART reactions with DNA in vitro is key in elucidating elusive mechanism of this drug.
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25
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Medeiros M, Candido MF, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. The multifaceted NF-kB: are there still prospects of its inhibition for clinical intervention in pediatric central nervous system tumors? Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6161-6200. [PMID: 34333711 PMCID: PMC11072991 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03906-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the basic biology and pathogenesis of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, patients still have an extremely unfavorable prognosis. Over the years, a plethora of natural and synthetic compounds has emerged for the pharmacologic intervention of the NF-kB pathway, one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling cascades in human cancer with key roles in cell growth, survival, and therapy resistance. Here, we provide a review about the state-of-the-art concerning the dysregulation of this hub transcription factor in the most prevalent pediatric CNS tumors: glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma. Moreover, we compile the available literature on the anti-proliferative effects of varied NF-kB inhibitors acting alone or in combination with other therapies in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. As the wealth of basic research data continues to accumulate, recognizing NF-kB as a therapeutic target may provide important insights to treat these diseases, hopefully contributing to increase cure rates and lower side effects related to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Medeiros
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, FFCLRP-USP, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Bairro Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, CEP 14040-901, Brazil.
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26
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Xiong Y, Huang J. Anti-malarial drug: the emerging role of artemisinin and its derivatives in liver disease treatment. Chin Med 2021; 16:80. [PMID: 34407830 PMCID: PMC8371597 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00489-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives belong to a family of drugs approved for the treatment of malaria with known clinical safety and efficacy. In addition to its anti-malarial effect, artemisinin displays anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects in vivo and in vitro. Recently, much attention has been paid to the therapeutic role of artemisinin in liver diseases. Several studies suggest that artemisinin and its derivatives can protect the liver through different mechanisms, such as those pertaining to inflammation, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and induction of apoptosis and autophagy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of artemisinin and its derivatives in treating liver diseases. Further pharmacological research will aid in determining whether artemisinin and its derivatives may serve as promising medicines for the treatment of liver diseases in the future. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xiong
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jianrong Huang
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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27
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Woodley CM, Amado PSM, Cristiano MLS, O'Neill PM. Artemisinin inspired synthetic endoperoxide drug candidates: Design, synthesis, and mechanism of action studies. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:3062-3095. [PMID: 34355414 DOI: 10.1002/med.21849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) have been used as the first-line treatments against Plasmodium falciparum malaria for decades. Recent advances in chemical proteomics have shed light on the complex mechanism of action of semi-synthetic artemisinin (ARTs), particularly their promiscuous alkylation of parasite proteins via previous heme-mediated bioactivation of the endoperoxide bond. Alarmingly, the rise of resistance to ART in South East Asia and the synthetic limitations of the ART scaffold have pushed the course for the necessity of fully synthetic endoperoxide-based antimalarials. Several classes of synthetic endoperoxide antimalarials have been described in literature utilizing various endoperoxide warheads including 1,2-dioxanes, 1,2,4-trioxanes, 1,2,4-trioxolanes, and 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes. Two of these classes, the 1,2,4-trioxolanes (arterolane and artefenomel) and the 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes (N205 and E209) based antimalarials, have been explored extensively and are still in active development. In contrast, the most recent publication pertaining to the development of the 1,2-dioxane, Arteflene, and 1,2,4-trioxanes fenozan-50F, DU1301, and PA1103/SAR116242 was published in 2008. This review summarizes the synthesis, biological and clinical evaluation, and mechanistic studies of the most developed synthetic endoperoxide antimalarials, providing an update on those classes still in active development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrícia S M Amado
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Maria L S Cristiano
- Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Paul M O'Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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28
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Güiza J, Arriagada J, Rodríguez L, Gutiérrez C, Duarte Y, Sáez JC, Vega JL. Anti-parasitic drugs modulate the non-selective channels formed by connexins or pannexins. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166188. [PMID: 34102257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The proteins connexins, innexins, and pannexins are the subunits of non-selective channels present in the cell membrane in vertebrates (connexins and pannexins) and invertebrates (innexins). These channels allow the transfer of ions and molecules across the cell membrane or, and in many cases, between the cytoplasm of neighboring cells. These channels participate in various physiological processes, particularly under pathophysiological conditions, such as bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Interestingly, some anti-parasitic drugs also block connexin- or pannexin-formed channels. Their effects on host channels permeable to molecules that favor parasitic infection can further explain the anti-parasitic effects of some of these compounds. In this review, the effects of drugs with known anti-parasitic activity that modulate non-selective channels formed by connexins or pannexins are discussed. Previous studies that have reported the presence of these proteins in worms, ectoparasites, and protozoa that cause parasitic infections have also been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Güiza
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Javiera Arriagada
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Luis Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Camila Gutiérrez
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Yorley Duarte
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República 330, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - José L Vega
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile.
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29
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Ozok O, Kavak E, Kivrak A. Synthesis of novel artesunate-benzothiophene and artemisinin-benzothiophene derivatives. Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:5228-5234. [PMID: 34024198 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1928116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural products are used for the treatment of a variety of diseases for many years. Last decades, design and synthesis of novel biologically active hybrid molecules including natural product is gained big importance due to their unique and new biological properties. In the present study, novel artemisinin-benzothiophene derivatives (12 A-F) are synthesised. Initially, benzothiophene derivatives (4 A-4F) are prepared via the Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions and iodocyclisation reactions. Then, Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions were used for the formation of intermediates 6 A-6F (between 64% and 91% yields). Finally, the Steglich esterification reaction between intermediate 6 and artesunate formed the artemisinin-benzothiophene hybrids (9 A-9F) in moderate to excellent yields under very mild reaction conditions. When intermediate 6 was reacted with dihydroartemisinin, product 12 A-12F was also obtained with high yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omruye Ozok
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, Van, Turkey.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Emrah Kavak
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Arif Kivrak
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, Van, Turkey.,Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Department of Chemistry, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
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30
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Sharma B, Singh P, Singh AK, Awasthi SK. Advancement of chimeric hybrid drugs to cure malaria infection: An overview with special emphasis on endoperoxide pharmacophores. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 219:113408. [PMID: 33989911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistant to artemisinin-based combination therapy has led to a situation of haste in the scientific and pharmaceutical communities. Sincere efforts are redirected towards finding alternative chemotherapeutic agents that are capable of combating multidrug-resistant parasite strains. Extensive research yielded the concept of "Chimeric Bitherapy (CB)" which involves the linking of two molecules with individual pharmacological activity and exhibit dual mode of action into a single hybrid molecule. Current research in this field seems to endorse hybrid molecules as the next-generation antimalarial drugs and are more effective compared to the multi-component drugs because of the lower occurrence of drug-drug adverse effects. This review is an attempt to congregate complete survey on endoperoxide based hybrid antiplasmodial molecules that will give glimpse on the future directions for successful development and discovery of useful antimalarial hybrid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhawana Sharma
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Preeti Singh
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Ashawani Kumar Singh
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Satish K Awasthi
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
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31
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Zhang Y, Alvarez-Manzo H, Leone J, Schweig S, Zhang Y. Botanical Medicines Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Artemisia annua, Scutellaria baicalensis, Polygonum cuspidatum, and Alchornea cordifolia Demonstrate Inhibitory Activity Against Babesia duncani. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:624745. [PMID: 33763384 PMCID: PMC7982592 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.624745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human babesiosis is a CDC reportable disease in the United States and is recognized as an emerging health risk in multiple parts of the world. The current treatment for human babesiosis is suboptimal due to treatment failures and unwanted side effects. Although Babesia duncani was first described almost 30 years ago, further research is needed to elucidate its pathogenesis and clarify optimal treatment regimens. Here, we screened a panel of herbal medicines and identified Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Artemisia annua, Scutellaria baicalensis, Alchornea cordifolia, and Polygonum cuspidatum to have good in vitro inhibitory activity against B. duncani in the hamster erythrocyte model. Furthermore, we found their potential bioactive compounds, cryptolepine, artemisinin, artesunate, artemether, and baicalein, to have good activity against B. duncani, with IC50 values of 3.4 μM, 14 μM, 7.4 μM, 7.8 μM, and 12 μM, respectively, which are comparable or lower than that of the currently used drugs quinine (10 μM) and clindamycin (37 μM). B. duncani treated with cryptolepine and quinine at their respective 1×, 2×, 4× and 8× IC50 values, and by artemether at 8× IC50 for three days could not regrow in subculture. Additionally, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta 90% ethanol extract also exhibited no regrowth after 6 days of subculture at doses of 2×, 4×, and 8× IC50 values. Our results indicate that some botanical medicines and their active constituents have potent activity against B. duncani in vitro and may be further explored for more effective treatment of babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hector Alvarez-Manzo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jacob Leone
- FOCUS Health Group, Naturopathic, Novato, CA, United States
| | - Sunjya Schweig
- California Center for Functional Medicine, Kensington, CA, United States
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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32
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Kayode AT, Akano K, Ajogbasile FV, Uwanibe JN, Oluniyi PE, Bankole BE, Eromon PJ, Sowunmi A, Folarin OA, Volkman SK, McInnis B, Sabeti P, Wirth DF, Happi CT. Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt) and multidrug-resistant gene 1 (Pfmdr-1) in Nigerian children 10 years post-adoption of artemisinin-based combination treatments. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:301-310. [PMID: 33359205 PMCID: PMC7940560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to artemisinin derivatives and their partners in southeastern Asia threatens malaria control and elimination efforts, and heightens the need for an alternative therapy. We have explored the distribution of P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt) and multidrug-resistant gene 1 (Pfmdr-1) haplotypes 10 years following adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapies in a bid to investigate the possible re-emergence of Chloroquine-sensitive parasites in Nigeria, and investigated the effect of these P. falciparum haplotypes on treatment outcomes of patients treated with artemisinin-based combination therapies. A total of 271 children aged <5 years with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were included in this study. Polymorphisms on codons 72-76 of the Pfcrt gene and codon 86 and 184 of Pfmdr-1 were determined using the high resolution melting assay. Of 240 (88.6%) samples successfully genotyped with HRM for Pfcrt, wildtype C72M74N75K76 (42.9%) and mutant C72I74E75T76 (53.8%) were observed. Also, wildtype N86Y184 (62.9%) and mutant N86F184 (21.1%), Y86Y184 (6.4%), and Y86F184 (0.4%) haplotypes of Pfmdr-1 were observed. Measures of responsiveness to ACTs were similar in children infected with P. falciparum crt haplotypes (C72I74E75T76 and C72M74N75K76) and major mdr-1 haplotypes (N86Y184, N86F184 and Y86Y184). Despite a 10 year gap since the malaria treatment policy changed to ACTs, over 50% of the P. falciparum parasites investigated in this study harboured the Chloroquine-resistant C72I74E75T76 haplotype, however this did not compromise the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies. Should complete artemisinin resistance emerge from or spread to Nigeria, chloroquine might not be a good alternative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeyemi T Kayode
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Kazeem Akano
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Fehintola V Ajogbasile
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Jessica N Uwanibe
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Paul E Oluniyi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Bolajoko E Bankole
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Philomena J Eromon
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Akintunde Sowunmi
- Institute of Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Onikepe A Folarin
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Sarah K Volkman
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Pardis Sabeti
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dyann F Wirth
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christian T Happi
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Nigeria; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Wang P, Tian X, Tang J, Duan X, Wang J, Cao H, Qiu X, Wang W, Mai M, Yang Q, Liao R, Yan F. Artemisinin protects endothelial function and vasodilation from oxidative damage via activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. Exp Gerontol 2021; 147:111270. [PMID: 33556535 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies showed that artemisinin (ART) may be useful in the protection against the early development of atherosclerosis, but the effects of ART on vasodilation and eNOS remained unclear. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS In the current study, we investigated the protective effect of ART on endothelial cell injury induced by oxidative stress and its underlying mechanism via MTT assay, Flow Cytometry Assay, Vasodilation study, Western blotting and vivo assay. RESULTS We found that pretreatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with ART significantly suppressed H2O2-induced cell death by decreasing the extent of oxidation and MDA activity, activating SOD, increasing NO production and inhibiting caspase 3/7 activity. Meanwhile, we also found that ART was able to activate PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or Akt kinase specific inhibitor Akt inhibitor VIII blocked the protective effect of ART. To explore the effect of ART in the damage of vasodilation induced by H2O2 in mice, we treated the aortic ring from C57BL/6 mice with H2O2 with or without ART, the results demonstrated that ART ameliorated endothelium-dependent vasodilation damage induced by H2O2. CONCLUSION Taken together, these data suggest that ART is able to protect endothelial function and vasodilation from oxidative damage, at least in part through activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. Our findings indicate that artemisinin maybe as a potential therapeutic agent for patients with atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Tian
- School of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juxian Tang
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Xiao Duan
- Department of Rehabilitation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinying Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huan Cao
- School of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Qiu
- School of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxuan Wang
- School of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengfei Mai
- School of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiaohong Yang
- School of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Rifang Liao
- Department of pharmacy, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Fengxia Yan
- School of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Patel OPS, Beteck RM, Legoabe LJ. Exploration of artemisinin derivatives and synthetic peroxides in antimalarial drug discovery research. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 213:113193. [PMID: 33508479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by protozoal parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium. It caused an estimated 405,000 deaths and 228 million malaria cases globally in 2018 as per the World Malaria Report released by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019. Artemisinin (ART), a "Nobel medicine" and its derivatives have proven potential application in antimalarial drug discovery programs. In this review, antimalarial activity of the most active artemisinin derivatives modified at C-10/C-11/C-16/C-6 positions and synthetic peroxides (endoperoxides, 1,2,4-trioxolanes, 1,2,4-trioxanes, and 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes) are systematically summarized. The developmental trend of ART derivatives, and cyclic peroxides along with their antimalarial activity and how the activity is affected by structural variations on different sites of the compounds are discussed. This compilation would be very useful towards scaffold hopping aimed at avoiding the unnecessary complexity in cyclic peroxides, and ultimately act as a handy resource for the development of potential chemotherapeutics against Plasmodium species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Om P S Patel
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Richard M Beteck
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Lesetja J Legoabe
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
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35
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Kavak E, Mutlu D, Ozok O, Arslan S, Kivrak A. Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel Artemisinin-Thymol. Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:3511-3519. [PMID: 33416016 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1865954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A molecular hybridization of natural products is a new concept in drug discovery and having critical roles to design new molecules with improved biological properties. Hybrid molecules display higher biological activities when compared to the parent drugs. In the present study, two natural products (thymol and artemisinin (ART)) are used for the synthesis of new hybrid thymol-artemisinin. After characterization, the cytotoxic activity of ART-thymol was tested against different cancer cell lines and non-cancerous human cell line. ART-Thymol show the cytotoxic effect with EC50 values 70,96μM for HepG2, 97,31μM for LnCap, 6,03μM for Caco-2, 77,98μM for HeLa and 62,28μM for HEK293 cells, respectively. Moreover, ART-Thymol was checked for drug-likeness, and the kinase inhibitory activity. ART-Thymol is investigated by using molecular docking. The results of qPCR was indicated CDK2 and P38 were inhibited by ART-Thymol. These results improved that thymol-artemisinin may be new candidates as an anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emrah Kavak
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Dogukan Mutlu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Omruye Ozok
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, Van, Turkey.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Sevki Arslan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Arif Kivrak
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Van Yüzüncü Yil University, Van, Turkey
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36
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Trendafilova A, Moujir LM, Sousa PMC, Seca AML. Research Advances on Health Effects of Edible Artemisia Species and Some Sesquiterpene Lactones Constituents. Foods 2020; 10:E65. [PMID: 33396790 PMCID: PMC7823681 DOI: 10.3390/foods10010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Artemisia, often known collectively as "wormwood", has aroused great interest in the scientific community, pharmaceutical and food industries, generating many studies on the most varied aspects of these plants. In this review, the most recent evidence on health effects of edible Artemisia species and some of its constituents are presented and discussed, based on studies published until 2020, available in the Scopus, Web of Sciences and PubMed databases, related to food applications, nutritional and sesquiterpene lactones composition, and their therapeutic effects supported by in vivo and clinical studies. The analysis of more than 300 selected articles highlights the beneficial effect on health and the high clinical relevance of several Artemisia species besides some sesquiterpene lactones constituents and their derivatives. From an integrated perspective, as it includes therapeutic and nutritional properties, without ignoring some adverse effects described in the literature, this review shows the great potential of Artemisia plants and some of their constituents as dietary supplements, functional foods and as the source of new, more efficient, and safe medicines. Despite all the benefits demonstrated, some gaps need to be filled, mainly related to the use of raw Artemisia extracts, such as its standardization and clinical trials on adverse effects and its health care efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoaneta Trendafilova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 9, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Laila M. Moujir
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics and Cell Biology, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de La Laguna, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Pedro M. C. Sousa
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Azores, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal;
| | - Ana M. L. Seca
- cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group & Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 9500-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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37
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Smith KH, Budhraja A, Lynch J, Roberts K, Panetta JC, Connelly JP, Turnis ME, Pruett-Miller SM, Schuetz JD, Mullighan CG, Opferman JT. The Heme-Regulated Inhibitor Pathway Modulates Susceptibility of Poor Prognosis B-Lineage Acute Leukemia to BH3-Mimetics. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 19:636-650. [PMID: 33288732 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antiapoptotic MCL1 is one of the most frequently amplified genes in human cancers and elevated expression confers resistance to many therapeutics including the BH3-mimetic agents ABT-199 and ABT-263. The antimalarial, dihydroartemisinin (DHA) translationally represses MCL-1 and synergizes with BH3-mimetics. To explore how DHA represses MCL-1, a genome-wide CRISPR screen identified that loss of genes in the heme synthesis pathway renders mouse BCR-ABL+ B-ALL cells resistant to DHA-induced death. Mechanistically, DHA disrupts the interaction between heme and the eIF2α kinase heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) triggering the integrated stress response. Genetic ablation of Eif2ak1, which encodes HRI, blocks MCL-1 repression in response to DHA treatment and represses the synergistic killing of DHA and BH3-mimetics compared with wild-type leukemia. Furthermore, BTdCPU, a small-molecule activator of HRI, similarly triggers MCL-1 repression and synergizes with BH3-mimetics in mouse and human leukemia including both Ph+ and Ph-like B-ALL. Finally, combinatorial treatment of leukemia bearing mice with both BTdCPU and a BH3-mimetic extended survival and repressed MCL-1 in vivo. These findings reveal for the first time that the HRI-dependent cellular heme-sensing pathway can modulate apoptosis in leukemic cells by repressing MCL-1 and increasing their responsiveness to BH3-mimetics. This signaling pathway could represent a generalizable mechanism for repressing MCL-1 expression in malignant cells and sensitizing them to available therapeutics. IMPLICATIONS: The HRI-dependent cellular heme-sensing pathway can modulate apoptotic sensitivity in leukemic cells by repressing antiapoptotic MCL-1 and increasing their responsiveness to BH3-mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn H Smith
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Amit Budhraja
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - John Lynch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Kathryn Roberts
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - John C Panetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jon P Connelly
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Meghan E Turnis
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Shondra M Pruett-Miller
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - John D Schuetz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Charles G Mullighan
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Joseph T Opferman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
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38
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Abstract
The tropone sesquiterpene phaeocaulisin D, isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma phaeocaulis, has previously been shown to inhibit nitric oxide production in macrophages. A total synthesis of phaeocaulisin D was accomplished by using an intramolecular cyclization-dearomatization as a key step. The highlights of the synthesis are effective formation of the 5-7 fused tropone system, and selective methylation of a late-stage intermediate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nameer Ezzat
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, 4111 Libra Drive, Orlando, Florida 32816, USA
- Department of Chemistry, College of Education, University of Mosul, Mosul 41002, Iraq
| | - Katelyn Bobek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, 4111 Libra Drive, Orlando, Florida 32816, USA
| | - Yu Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, 4111 Libra Drive, Orlando, Florida 32816, USA
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39
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Lee AS, Hur HJ, Sung MJ. The Effect of Artemisinin on Inflammation-Associated Lymphangiogenesis in Experimental Acute Colitis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218068. [PMID: 33138094 PMCID: PMC7662347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by inflammation, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. Artemisinin (Art), a chemical compound isolated from Artemisia annua L. (sweet wormwood), has several biochemical properties including antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammation, and anti-angiogenesis effects. We investigated the effects of Art on inflammation-induced lymphangiogenesis in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse acute colitis model. The mice were orally administered Art for 7 days before being evaluated using the disease activity index (DAI) and documenting colonic inflammatory changes, colon edema, microvessel density, lymphatic vessel density (LVD), proinflammatory cytokine levels, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D/VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-3 mRNA expression levels in colon tissue. Art reduced DSS-induced lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1-positive LVD. Art also reduced the symptoms of colitis, improved tissue histology, and relieved inflammatory edema in mice affected by colitis. In addition, Art decreased the infiltration of immunomodulatory cells and inflammatory cytokines, which involved reduction of VEGF-C, -D, and VEGFR-3 expression. Taken together, our findings suggest that Art ameliorates inflammation-driven lymphangiogenesis in an experimental colitis mouse model via the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling pathway, implicating this pathway as a potential target for the treatment of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mi Jeong Sung
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-10-219-9316; Fax: +82-10-219-9876
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40
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Madhav H, Hoda N. An insight into the recent development of the clinical candidates for the treatment of malaria and their target proteins. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 210:112955. [PMID: 33131885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is an endemic disease, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions which cost half of million deaths annually. The eradication of malaria is one of the global health priority nevertheless, current therapeutic efforts seem to be insufficient due to the emergence of drug resistance towards most of the available drugs, even first-line treatment ACT, unavailability of the vaccine, and lack of drugs with a new mechanism of action. Intensification of antimalarial research in recent years has resulted into the development of single dose multistage therapeutic agents which has advantage of overcoming the antimalarial drug resistance. The present review explored the current progress in the development of new promising antimalarials against prominent target proteins that have the potential to be a clinical candidate. Here, we also reviewed different aspects of drug resistance and highlighted new drug candidates that are currently in a clinical trial or clinical development, along with a few other molecules with excellent antimalarial activity overs ACTs. The summarized scientific value of previous approaches and structural features of antimalarials related to the activity are highlighted that will be helpful for the development of next-generation antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Madhav
- Drug Design and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, 110025, India.
| | - Nasimul Hoda
- Drug Design and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, 110025, India.
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41
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van der Pluijm RW, Amaratunga C, Dhorda M, Dondorp AM. Triple Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies for Malaria - A New Paradigm? Trends Parasitol 2020; 37:15-24. [PMID: 33060063 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Recent gains in the fight against malaria are threatened by the emergence and spread of artemisinin and partner drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). When artemisinins are combined with a single partner drug, all recommended artemisinin-based combination therapies have shown reduced efficacy in some countries in the GMS at some point. Novel drugs are not available for the near future. Triple artemisinin-based combination therapies, combining artemisinins with two currently available partner drugs, will provide one of the last remaining safe and effective treatments for falciparum malaria that can be deployed rapidly in the GMS, whereas their deployment beyond the GMS could delay or prevent the global emergence and spread of resistance to currently available drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob W van der Pluijm
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mehul Dhorda
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network - Asia-Pacific Regional Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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42
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D'Alessandro S, Menegola E, Parapini S, Taramelli D, Basilico N. Safety of Artemisinin Derivatives in the First Trimester of Pregnancy: A Controversial Story. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25153505. [PMID: 32752056 PMCID: PMC7435965 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria both in adults and children. During pregnancy, ACT is considered safe only in the second and third trimester, since animal studies have demonstrated that artemisinin derivatives can cause foetal death and congenital malformation within a narrow time window in early embryogenesis. During this period, artemisinin derivatives induce defective embryonic erythropoiesis and vasculogenesis/angiogenesis in experimental models. However, clinical data on the safety profile of ACT in pregnant women have not shown an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital malformation, nor low birth weight, associated with exposure to artemisinins in the first trimester. Although further studies are needed, the evidence collected up to now is prompting the WHO towards a change in the guidelines for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, allowing the use of ACT also in the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D'Alessandro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Menegola
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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43
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González R, Pons-Duran C, Bardají A, Leke RGF, Clark R, Menendez C. Systematic review of artemisinin embryotoxicity in animals: Implications for malaria control in human pregnancy. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 402:115127. [PMID: 32622917 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women are one of the most susceptible and vulnerable groups to malaria, the most important parasitic disease worldwide. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in all population groups including pregnant women. However, due to the embryotoxicity observed in animal studies, ACTs have long been contraindicated during the first trimester in pregnant women. Despite the safety concerns raised in pre-clinical studies, recent findings on ACTs's use in pregnant women appear to be reassuring regarding safety and have prompted a revision of malaria treatment guidelines for first trimester of pregnancy. To contribute to the risk-benefit assessment of ACTs, we conducted a systematic literature review of animal studies published between 2007 and 2019, which evaluated the embryotoxic effects of artemisinin and its derivatives among pregnant mammals. Eighteen experimental studies fitted the inclusion criteria. These studies confirmed and further characterized the severe embryolethal and embryotoxic dose-dependent effects of artemisinin and its derivatives when administered during the organogenesis period in rats, rabbits and monkeys. Timing of administration and dosage of the drug were found to be key factors in the appearance of embryo damage. Overall, the translation of the findings of artemisinin derivatives use in animal studies to pregnant women remains disturbing. Thus, a policy change in the use of ACTs during the first trimester in pregnant women for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria does not seem pertinent and if implemented, it should be accompanied by solid pharmacovigilance systems, which are challenging to establish in malaria endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel González
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Clara Pons-Duran
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Azucena Bardají
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Rose G F Leke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Haematology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Robert Clark
- Artemis Pharmaceutical Research, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Clara Menendez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique
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44
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Ahmad F, Sarder A, Gour R, Karna SKL, Arora P, Kartha KPR, Pokharel YR. Inhibition of prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) by anhydrodihydroartemisinin (ADHA) through caspase-dependent pathway. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:613-619. [PMID: 32483407 PMCID: PMC7257247 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-1331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases characterized by the growth of abnormal cells, which is the second leading cause of death globally. To treat cancer, currently, a number of anticancer drugs belonging to various classes chemically are available. The discovery of artemisinin and its derivatives such as artesunate, arteether, and artemether became a milestone in the cure for malaria. Here, we report the anti-cancer property of anhydrodihydroartemisinin (ADHA) - a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin against prostate cancer cell line PC-3. ADHA was found to be inhibiting growth of PC-3 cells. ADHA was also found to be inhibiting migration of PC-3 cells. At molecular level, ADHA was found to be inhibiting the expression of c-Jun, p-c-Jun, p-Akt and NF-κB and activated caspase 3 and 7. The results show that ADHA like few other artemisinin derivatives hold potential to be used as an anti-cancer agent against prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiz Ahmad
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi-110021, India
| | - Amit Sarder
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi-110021, India
| | - Rajesh Gour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Punjab-160062, India
| | | | - Priya Arora
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi-110021, India
| | - K P Ravindranathan Kartha
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Punjab-160062, India
| | - Yuba Raj Pokharel
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi-110021, India
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Collins KA, Abd-Rahman AN, Marquart L, Ballard E, Gobeau N, Griffin P, Chalon S, Möhrle JJ, McCarthy JS. Antimalarial activity of artefenomel against asexual parasites and transmissible gametocytes during experimental blood-stage Plasmodium vivax infection. J Infect Dis 2020; 225:1062-1069. [PMID: 32479608 PMCID: PMC8922009 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interventions that effectively target Plasmodium vivax are critical for the future control and elimination of malaria. We conducted a P. vivax volunteer infection study to characterize the antimalarial activity of artefenomel, a new drug candidate. Methods Eight healthy, malaria-naive participants were intravenously inoculated with blood-stage P. vivax and subsequently received a single oral 200-mg dose of artefenomel. Blood samples were collected to monitor the development and clearance of parasitemia, and plasma artefenomel concentration. Mosquito feeding assays were conducted before artefenomel dosing to investigate parasite transmissibility. Results Initial parasite clearance occurred in all participants after artefenomel administration (log10 parasite reduction ratio over 48 hours, 1.67; parasite clearance half-life, 8.67 hours). Recrudescence occurred in 7 participants 11–14 days after dosing. A minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.62 ng/mL and minimum parasiticidal concentration that achieves 90% of maximum effect of 0.83 ng/mL were estimated, and a single 300-mg dose was predicted to clear 109 parasites per milliliter with 95% certainty. Gametocytemia developed in all participants and was cleared 4–8 days after dosing. At peak gametocytemia, 75% of participants were infectious to mosquitoes. Conclusions The in vivo antimalarial activity of artefenomel supports its further clinical development as a treatment for P. vivax malaria. Clinical Trials Registration NCT02573857.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Louise Marquart
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston QLD, Australia
| | - Emma Ballard
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston QLD, Australia
| | - Nathalie Gobeau
- Medicine for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois, Meyrin, Switzerland
| | - Paul Griffin
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston QLD, Australia.,The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD, Australia.,Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Mater Hospital and Mater Research, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane QLD, Australia
| | - Stephan Chalon
- Medicine for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois, Meyrin, Switzerland
| | - Jörg J Möhrle
- Medicine for Malaria Venture, Route de Pré-Bois, Meyrin, Switzerland
| | - James S McCarthy
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston QLD, Australia.,The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD, Australia
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Cheong DHJ, Tan DWS, Wong FWS, Tran T. Anti-malarial drug, artemisinin and its derivatives for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Pharmacol Res 2020; 158:104901. [PMID: 32405226 PMCID: PMC7217791 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinins are sesquiterpene lactones with a peroxide moiety that are isolated from the herb Artemisia annua. It has been used for centuries for the treatment of fever and chills, and has been recently approved for the treatment of malaria due to its endoperoxidase properties. Progressively, research has found that artemisinins displayed multiple pharmacological actions against inflammation, viral infections, and cell and tumour proliferation, making it effective against diseases. Moreover, it has displayed a relatively safe toxicity profile. The use of artemisinins against different respiratory diseases has been investigated in lung cancer models and inflammatory-driven respiratory disorders. These studies revealed the ability of artemisinins in attenuating proliferation, inflammation, invasion, and metastasis, and in inducing apoptosis. Artemisinins can regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promote cell cycle arrest, drive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induce Bak or Bax-dependent or independent apoptosis. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive update of the current knowledge of the effects of artemisinins in relation to respiratory diseases to identify gaps that need to be filled in the course of repurposing artemisinins for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In addition, we postulate whether artemisinins can also be repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19 given its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy H J Cheong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore
| | - Daniel W S Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Fred W S Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Immunology Program, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore; Singapore-HUJ Alliance for Research and Enterprise, National University of Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Thai Tran
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593, Singapore.
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Secrieru A, Costa ICC, O’Neill PM, Cristiano MLS. Antimalarial Agents as Therapeutic Tools Against Toxoplasmosis-A Short Bridge between Two Distant Illnesses. Molecules 2020; 25:E1574. [PMID: 32235463 PMCID: PMC7181032 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease with paramount impact worldwide, affecting many vulnerable populations and representing a significant matter of concern. Current therapies used against toxoplasmosis are based essentially on old chemotypes, which fail in providing a definitive cure for the disease, placing the most sensitive populations at risk for irreversible damage in vital organs, culminating in death in the most serious cases. Antimalarial drugs have been shown to possess key features for drug repurposing, finding application in the treatment of other parasite-borne illnesses, including toxoplasmosis. Antimalarials provide the most effective therapeutic solutions against toxoplasmosis and make up for the majority of currently available antitoxoplasmic drugs. Additionally, other antiplasmodial drugs have been scrutinized and many promising candidates have emanated in recent developments. Available data demonstrate that it is worthwhile to explore the activity of classical and most recent antimalarial chemotypes, such as quinolines, endoperoxides, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, and nature-derived peptide-based parasiticidal agents, in the context of toxoplasmosis chemotherapy, in the quest for encountering more effective and safer tools for toxoplasmosis control or eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Secrieru
- Center of Marine Sciences, CCMAR, Gambelas Campus, University of Algarve, UAlg, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (A.S.); (I.C.C.C.)
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, FCT, Gambelas Campus, University of Algarve, UAlg, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK;
| | - Inês C. C. Costa
- Center of Marine Sciences, CCMAR, Gambelas Campus, University of Algarve, UAlg, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (A.S.); (I.C.C.C.)
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, FCT, Gambelas Campus, University of Algarve, UAlg, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Paul M. O’Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK;
| | - Maria L. S. Cristiano
- Center of Marine Sciences, CCMAR, Gambelas Campus, University of Algarve, UAlg, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (A.S.); (I.C.C.C.)
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, FCT, Gambelas Campus, University of Algarve, UAlg, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
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Geroldinger G, Tonner M, Quirgst J, Walter M, De Sarkar S, Machín L, Monzote L, Stolze K, Catharina Duvigneau J, Staniek K, Chatterjee M, Gille L. Activation of artemisinin and heme degradation in Leishmania tarentolae promastigotes: A possible link. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 173:113737. [PMID: 31786259 PMCID: PMC7116464 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Endoperoxides (EPs) appear to be promising drug candidates against protozoal diseases, including malaria and leishmaniasis. Previous studies have shown that these drugs need an intracellular activation to exert their pharmacological potential. The efficiency of these drugs is linked to the extensive iron demand of these intracellular protozoal parasites. An essential step of the activation mechanism of these drugs is the formation of radicals in Leishmania. Iron is a known trigger for intracellular radical formation. However, the activation of EPs by low molecular iron or by heme iron may strongly depend on the structure of the EPs themselves. In this study, we focused on the activation of artemisinin (Art) in Leishmania tarentolae promastigotes (LtP) in comparison to reference compounds. Viability assays in different media in the presence of different iron sources (hemin/fetal calf serum) showed that IC50 values of Art in LtP were modulated by assay conditions, but overall were within the low micromolar range. Low temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of LtP showed that Art shifted the redox state of the labile iron pool less than the EP ascaridole questioning its role as a major activator of Art in LtP. Based on the high reactivity of Art with hemin in previous biomimetic experiments, we focused on putative heme-metabolizing enzymes in Leishmania, which were so far not well described. Inhibitors of mammalian heme oxygenase (HO; tin and chromium mesoporphyrin) acted antagonistically to Art in LtP and boosted its IC50 value for several magnitudes. By inductively coupled plasma methods (ICP-OES, ICP-MS) we showed that these inhibitors do not block iron (heme) accumulation, but are taken up and act within LtP. These inhibitors blocked the conversion of hemin to bilirubin in LtP homogenates, suggesting that an HO-like enzyme activity in LtP exists. NADPH-dependent degradation of Art and hemin was highest in the small granule and microsomal fractions of LtP. Photometric measurements in the model Art/hemin demonstrated that hemin requires reduction to heme and that subsequently an Art/heme complex (λmax 474 nm) is formed. EPR spin-trapping in the system Art/hemin revealed that NADPH, ascorbate and cysteine are suitable reductants and finally activate Art to acyl-carbon centered radicals. These findings suggest that heme is a major activator of Art in LtP either via HO-like enzyme activities and/or chemical interaction of heme with Art.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Geroldinger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Tonner
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Quirgst
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Walter
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sritama De Sarkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Laura Machín
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food, Havana University, Havana, Cuba
| | - Lianet Monzote
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kouri", Havana, Cuba
| | - Klaus Stolze
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Catharina Duvigneau
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrin Staniek
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mitali Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Lars Gille
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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Ma L, Fei H. Antimalarial drug artesunate is effective against chemoresistant anaplastic thyroid carcinoma via targeting mitochondrial metabolism. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2020; 52:123-130. [PMID: 32036542 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-020-09824-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive type of thyroid malignancies and resistant to chemotherapy. Novel therapeutic strategy is required for better management of ATC. In this work, we show that artesunate, an antimalarial drug, is active against chemoresistant ATC cells. Artesunate dose-dependently inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in chemo-sensitive (8505C and KAT-4) and -resistant (8505C-r and KAT-4-r) ATC cells, and acts synergistically with doxorubicin. Using multiple xenograft mouse models, artesunate is active against chemo-sensitive and -resistant ATC cells in vivo at doses that do not cause toxicity in mice. Our mechanism analysis reveals that artesunate acts on ATC cells through suppressing mitochondrial functions without affecting glycolysis, leading to oxidative stress and damage, regardless of whether they are sensitive or resistant to chemotherapy. Interestingly, KAT-4-r cells demonstrate decreased glycolysis, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial respiration compared to KAT-4 cells whereas such phenomenon is not observed between 8505C and 8505C-r cells. This suggests that some but not all ATC cells gain enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis after prolonged exposure to chemotherapy drug, which may explain the different sensitivities of 8505C-r and KAT-4-r to artesunate. Our work demonstrates that artesunate is a potential addition to the treatment armamentarium for ATC, particularly those with chemoresistance. Our findings also highlight the therapeutic value of targeting mitochondria in chemoresistant ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital, First Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434000, China
| | - Honghua Fei
- Department of Endocrinology, People's Hospital of Rizhao, No.126, Taian Road, Rizhao, 276826, Shandong, China.
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A Single-Dose Combination Study with the Experimental Antimalarials Artefenomel and DSM265 To Determine Safety and Antimalarial Activity against Blood-Stage Plasmodium falciparum in Healthy Volunteers. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 64:AAC.01371-19. [PMID: 31685476 PMCID: PMC7187626 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01371-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Artefenomel and DSM265 are two new compounds that have been shown to be well tolerated and effective when administered as monotherapy malaria treatment. This study aimed to determine the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of artefenomel and DSM265 administered in combination to healthy subjects in a volunteer infection study using the Plasmodium falciparum-induced blood-stage malaria model. Thirteen subjects were inoculated with parasite-infected erythrocytes on day 0 and received a single oral dose of artefenomel and DSM265 on day 7. Cohort 1 (n = 8) received 200 mg artefenomel plus 100 mg DSM265, and cohort 2 (n = 5) received 200 mg artefenomel plus 50 mg DSM265. Blood samples were collected to measure parasitemia, gametocytemia, and artefenomel-DSM265 plasma concentrations. There were no treatment-related adverse events. The pharmacokinetic profiles of artefenomel and DSM265 were similar to those of the compounds when administered as monotherapy, suggesting no pharmacokinetic interactions. A reduction in parasitemia occurred in all subjects following treatment (log10 parasite reduction ratios over 48 h [PRR48] of 2.80 for cohort 1 and 2.71 for cohort 2; parasite clearance half-lives of 5.17 h for cohort 1 and 5.33 h for cohort 2). Recrudescence occurred in 5/8 subjects in cohort 1 between days 19 and 28 and in 5/5 subjects in cohort 2 between days 15 and 22. Low-level gametocytemia (1 to 330 female gametocytes/ml) was detected in all subjects from day 14. The results of this single-dosing combination study support the further clinical development of the use of artefenomel and DSM265 in combination as a treatment for falciparum malaria. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT02389348.).
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