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Qureshi KA, Imtiaz M, Al Nasr I, Koko WS, Khan TA, Jaremko M, Mahmood S, Fatmi MQ. Antiprotozoal Activity of Thymoquinone (2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone) for the Treatment of Leishmania major-Induced Leishmaniasis: In Silico and In Vitro Studies. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091206. [PMID: 36139985 PMCID: PMC9495120 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical parasitic disease (NTPD), is caused by various Leishmania species. It transmits through the bites of the sandfly. The parasite is evolving resistance to commonly prescribed antileishmanial drugs; thus, there is an urgent need to discover novel antileishmanial drugs to combat drug-resistant leishmaniasis. Thymoquinone (2-isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone; TQ), a primary pharmacologically active ingredient of Nigella sativa (black seed) essential oil, has been reported to possess significant antiparasitic activity. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the in vitro and in silico antileishmanial activity of TQ against various infectious stages of Leishmania major (L. major), i.e., promastigotes and amastigotes, and its cytotoxicity against mice macrophages. In silico molecular dockings of TQ were also performed with multiple selected target proteins of L. major, and the most preferred antileishmanial drug target protein was subjected to in silico molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The in vitro antileishmanial activity of TQ revealed that the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50), half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50), and selectivity index (SI) values for promastigotes are 2.62 ± 0.12 μM, 29.54 ± 0.07 μM, and 11.27, while for the amastigotes, they are 17.52 ± 0.15 μM, 29.54 ± 0.07 μM, and 1.69, respectively. The molecular docking studies revealed that squalene monooxygenase is the most preferred antileishmanial drug target protein for TQ, whereas triosephosphate isomerase is the least preferred. The MD simulation revealed that TQ remained stable in the binding pocket throughout the simulation. Additionally, the binding energy calculations using Molecular Mechanics Generalized-Born Surface Area (MMGBSA) indicated that TQ is a moderate binder. Thus, the current study shows that TQ is a promising antileishmanial drug candidate that could be used to treat existing drug-resistant leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal A. Qureshi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (K.A.Q.); (M.Q.F.)
| | - Mahrukh Imtiaz
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45600, Pakistan
| | - Ibrahim Al Nasr
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Ar Rass 51921, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed S. Koko
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Ar Rass 51921, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq A. Khan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, Qassim University, Ar Rass 51921, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Mahmood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - M. Qaiser Fatmi
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45600, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (K.A.Q.); (M.Q.F.)
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Brioschi MBC, Coser EM, Coelho AC, Gadelha FR, Miguel DC. Models for cytotoxicity screening of antileishmanial drugs: what has been done so far? Int J Antimicrob Agents 2022; 60:106612. [PMID: 35691601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2022.106612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of studies have demonstrated the in vitro potential of an impressive number of antileishmanial candidates in the past years. However, the lack of uniformity regarding the choice of cell types for cytotoxicity assays may lead to uncomparable and inconclusive data. In vitro assays relying solely on non-phagocytic cell models may not represent a realistic result as the effect of an antileishmanial agent should ideally be presented based on its cytotoxicity profile against reticuloendothelial system cells. In the present review, we have assembled studies published in the scientific literature from 2015 to 2021 that explored leishmanicidal candidates, emphasising the main host cell models used for cytotoxicity assays. The pros and cons of different host cell types as well as primary cells and cell lines are discussed in order to draw attention to the need to establish standardised protocols for preclinical testing when assessing new antileishmanial candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana B C Brioschi
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth M Coser
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano C Coelho
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R Gadelha
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danilo C Miguel
- Department of Animal Biology-Parasitology Section, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Koko WS, Al Nasr IS, Khan TA, Schobert R, Biersack B. An Update on Natural Antileishmanial Treatment Options from Plants, Fungi and Algae. Chem Biodivers 2021; 19:e202100542. [PMID: 34822224 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202100542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Efficient drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis, which is classified as a neglected tropical disease, are sought for. This review covers potential drug candidates from natural plant, fungus and algae sources, which were described over the last six years. The identification of these natural antileishmanials often based on the knowledge of traditional medicines. Crucial insights into the activities of these natural remedies against Leishmania parasites and against infections caused by these parasites in laboratory animals or patients are provided and compared with selected former active examples published more than six years ago. In addition, immuno-modulatory natural antileishmanials and recent developments on combination therapies including natural products and approved antileishmanials are discussed. The described natural products revealed promising data warranting further efforts on the discovery and development of new antileishmanials based on patterns from nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed S Koko
- Department of Science Laboratories, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Ar Rass, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim S Al Nasr
- Department of Science Laboratories, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Ar Rass, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Unaizah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq A Khan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, Qassim University, Ar Rass, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rainer Schobert
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
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Qureshi KA, Al Nasr I, Koko WS, Khan TA, Fatmi MQ, Imtiaz M, Khan RA, Mohammed HA, Jaremko M, Emwas AH, Azam F, Bholay AD, Elhassan GO, Prajapati DK. In Vitro and In Silico Approaches for the Antileishmanial Activity Evaluations of Actinomycins Isolated from Novel Streptomyces smyrnaeus Strain UKAQ_23. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10080887. [PMID: 34438937 PMCID: PMC8388687 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a Neglected Tropical Parasitic Disease (NTPD), is induced by several Leishmania species and is disseminated through sandfly (Lutzomyia longipalpis) bites. The parasite has developed resistance to currently prescribed antileishmanial drugs, and it has become pertinent to the search for new antileishmanial agents. The current study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in silico antileishmanial activity of two newly sourced actinomycins, X2 and D, produced by the novel Streptomyces smyrnaeus strain UKAQ_23. The antileishmanial activity conducted on promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major showed actinomycin X2 having half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50), at 2.10 ± 0.10 μg/mL and 0.10 ± 0.0 μg/mL, and selectivity index (SI) values of 0.048 and 1, respectively, while the actinomycin D exhibited EC50 at 1.90 ± 0.10 μg/mL and 0.10 ± 0.0 μg/mL, and SI values of 0.052 and 1. The molecular docking studies demonstrated squalene synthase as the most favorable antileishmanial target protein for both the actinomycins X2 and D, while the xanthine phosphoribosyltransferase was the least favorable target protein. The molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that both the actinomycins remained stable in the binding pocket during the simulations. Furthermore, the MMPBSA (Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area) binding energy calculations established that the actinomycin X2 is a better binder than the actinomycin D. In conclusion, both actinomycins X2 and D from Streptomyces smyrnaeus strain UKAQ_23 are promising antileishmanial drug candidates and have strong potential to be used for treating the currently drug-resistant leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal A. Qureshi
- Faculty of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Invertis University, Bareilly 243123, UP, India;
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Qassim, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ibrahim Al Nasr
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Qassim, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Science Laboratories, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Ar Rass 51921, Qassim, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Waleed S. Koko
- Department of Science Laboratories, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Ar Rass 51921, Qassim, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Tariq A. Khan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, Qassim University, Ar Rass 51921, Qassim, Saudi Arabia;
| | - M. Qaiser Fatmi
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45600, Pakistan; (M.Q.F.); (M.I.)
| | - Mahrukh Imtiaz
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45600, Pakistan; (M.Q.F.); (M.I.)
| | - Riaz A. Khan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.K.); (H.A.M.)
| | - Hamdoon A. Mohammed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia; (R.A.K.); (H.A.M.)
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Makkah, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Makkah, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Faizul Azam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: or (F.A.); (D.K.P.); Tel.: +966-502728652 (F.A.); +91-9454369931 (D.K.P.)
| | - Avinash D. Bholay
- Department of Microbiology, KTHM College, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Nashik 422002, MS, India;
| | - Gamal O. Elhassan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Qassim, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Dinesh K. Prajapati
- Faculty of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Invertis University, Bareilly 243123, UP, India;
- Correspondence: or (F.A.); (D.K.P.); Tel.: +966-502728652 (F.A.); +91-9454369931 (D.K.P.)
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Khan TA, Koko WS, Al Nasr IS, Schobert R, Biersack B. Activity of Fluorinated Curcuminoids against Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii Parasites. Chem Biodivers 2021; 18:e2100381. [PMID: 34197024 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202100381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A new 3,4-difluorobenzylidene analog of curcumin, CDF, was recently reported, which demonstrated significantly enhanced bioavailability and in vivo anticancer activity compared with curcumin. For highlighting the antiparasitic behavior of CDF, we tested this compound together with its new O-methylated analog MeCDF against Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii parasites. Both CDF and MeCDF were tested in vitro against L. major and T. gondii. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity against Vero cells and macrophages was determined and selectivity indices were calculated. The DPPH radical scavenging activity assay was carried out in order to determine the antioxidant activity of the test compounds. Both compounds showed high activities against both parasite forms with EC50 values in the (sub-)micromolar range (0.35 to 0.8 μM for CDF, 0.31 to 1.2 μM for MeCDF). The higher activity of CDF against L. major amastigotes when compared with MeCDF can in parts be attributed to the antioxidant activity of CDF while MeCDF lacking any antioxidant activity was more active than CDF against T. gondii parasites. In conclusion, CDF and MeCDF are promising antiparasitic drug candidates due to their high activities against L. major and T. gondii parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq A Khan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, Qassim University, Ar Rass, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed S Koko
- Department of Science Laboratories, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Ar Rass, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim S Al Nasr
- Department of Science Laboratories, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Ar Rass, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Unaizah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rainer Schobert
- Organic Chemistry I, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry I, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
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