Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara Teixeira de Macedo-Silva, Gonzalo Visbal, Gabrielle Frizzo Souza, Mayara Roncaglia dos Santos, Simon B. Cammerer, Wanderley de Souza, Juliany Cola Fernandes Rodrigues
Summary: This study found that benzylamines have anti-parasitic activity against Leishmania amazonensis and affect the structure of the cell membrane and mitochondria by blocking the sterol synthesis pathway. These results suggest that benzylamines may be promising pharmaceutical leads for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kendi Okuda, Miriam Maria Silva Costa Franco, Ari Yasunaga, Ricardo Gazzinelli, Michel Rabinovitch, Sara Cherry, Neal Silverman
Summary: Leishmania parasites utilize virulence mechanisms to invade and replicate in macrophages, inhibiting host defenses and altering gene expression to enhance their survival and replication.
Article
Immunology
Maria Cristina Vanrell, Santiago Jose Martinez, Lucila Ibel Munoz, Betiana Nebai Salassa, Julian Gambarte Tudela, Patricia Silvia Romano
Summary: In this study, ursolic acid (UA) was found to reduce Trypanosoma cruzi infection in vitro by decreasing the number of intracellular amastigotes through the induction of autophagy. UA also induced autophagy response in both macrophages and cardiac cells, and inhibition of this pathway restored the level of infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Aline Araujo Zuma, Sara Teixeira de Macedo-Silva, Anushree Achari, Jayaraman Vinayagam, Pinaki Bhattacharjee, Sourav Chatterjee, Vivek Kumar Gupta, Amanda Cristina de Sousa Leite, Lucas Souza de Castro, Parasuraman Jaisankar, Wanderley de Souza
Summary: Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are neglected diseases caused by parasites, and current treatments are not entirely effective due to toxicity and side effects. Research has found that certain furan compounds can inhibit the proliferation and ultrastructure of the parasites, making them potential candidates for further chemotherapy research.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Camila Macedo Medina, Eden Ramalho Ferreira, Bruno Souza Bonifacio, Renato Arruda Mortara, Alexis Bonfim-Melo
Summary: The study revealed that Trypanosoma cruzi extracellular amastigotes invade cells by relying on the host cell actin cytoskeleton. Rac1 and Cdc42 were found to be involved in the actin-dependent internalization of EAs in RAW 264.7 macrophages, suggesting a phagocytic-like mechanism in the process.
MICROBES AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael J. da Silva, Andrey P. Jacomini, Davana S. Goncalves, Karlos Eduardo Pianoski, Julia Poletto, Danielle Lazarin-Bidoia, Helito Volpato, Celso Nakamura, Fernanda A. Rosa
Summary: A novel tetrasubstituted pyrazole derivative was discovered to exhibit potent and selective inhibition against both L. amazonensis and T. cruzi, offering a new approach for the treatment of Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Laura Machin, Rachel Napoles, Lars Gille, Lianet Monzote
Summary: The study demonstrated that artemisinin derivatives showed promising in vitro and in vivo activities against Leishmania amazonensis, with potential for further development as a treatment option in areas where parasite resistance to current drugs is a concern.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jessica C. Paula, Nilma S. Fernandes, Thaysa K. Karam, Paula Barea, Maria H. Sarragiotto, Tania Ueda-Nakamura, Sueli O. Silva, Celso Nakamura
Summary: The study demonstrated that RCC and C5 are effective against intracellular amastigotes of L. amazonensis by inducing oxidative stress and ultrastructural changes such as accumulation of lipid bodies and autophagic vacuoles, leading to parasite death.
FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Raiza Raianne Luz Rodrigues, Thais Amanda Lima Nunes, Alyne Rodrigues de Araujo, Jose Delano Barreto Marinho Filho, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Fernando Aecio de Amorim Carvalho, Otilia Deusdenia Loiola Pessoa, Hozana Patricia Silva Freitas, Klinger Antonio da Franca Rodrigues, Ana Jersia Araujo
Summary: The study demonstrated that CORe from Cordia polycephala has antileishmanial activity, being effective against the parasite while non-toxic to host cells. It showed greater efficacy in inhibiting amastigote growth and higher selectivity indexes compared to reference drugs.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pathology
Kirsten A. Landsgaard, Sarai M. Milliron, Mayane Faccin, Clark A. Broughton, Lisa D. Auckland, John F. Edwards, Sarah A. Hamer, Martha E. Hensel
Summary: American trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, can affect both the heart and the central nervous system. This study reports 4 cases of dogs with disseminated trypanosomiasis and CNS involvement, confirmed by qPCR. Clinical signs included lethargy, respiratory distress, tetraparesis, and seizures. CNS lesions included meningeal congestion, spinal cord necrosis with hemorrhage, and meningoencephalitis, indicating the need to consider trypanosomiasis as a differential diagnosis for dogs with CNS signs in endemic areas.
VETERINARY PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andreza do Socorro Silva da Veiga, Fernando Tobias Silveira, Edilene Oliveira da Silva, Jose Antonio Picanco Diniz Junior, Sanderson Correa Araujo, Marliane Batista Campos, Andrey Moacir do Rosario Marinho, Geraldo Celio Brandao, Valdicley Vieira Vale, Sandro Percario, Maria Fani Dolabela
Summary: This study evaluated the morphological changes caused by fractions and subfractions obtained from barks of Aspidosperna nitidum against L. (L.) amazonensis promastigotes. The results suggest that alkaloids isolated from A. nitidum show potential as leishmanicidal agents. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed changes in the parasites' morphology after treatment with the active fractions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Atul R. Chopade, Rahul P. Pol, Pramod A. Patil, Vyankatesh R. Dharanguttikar, Nilofar S. Naikwade, Remeth J. Dias, Suraj N. Mali
Summary: The study found that the tannin-rich extract of Phyllanthus amarus has significant anxiolytic activity at lower doses but sedative effects at higher doses. This suggests that Phyllanthus amarus may have potential in managing anxiety and warrants further research and development.
COMBINATORIAL CHEMISTRY & HIGH THROUGHPUT SCREENING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Elisabetta Di Bello, Beatrice Noce, Rossella Fioravanti, Clemens Zwergel, Sergio Valente, Dante Rotili, Giulia Fianco, Daniela Trisciuoglio, Marina M. Mourao, Policarpo Sales, Suzanne Lamotte, Eric Prina, Gerald F. Spath, Cecile Haberli, Jennifer Keiser, Antonello Mai
Summary: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current antiparasitic drugs have limitations and the use of epigenetic drugs has been suggested as a strategy for NTD treatment. In this study, potential drugs were identified for further development and optimization.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Thaise Lara Teixeira, Miguel Angel Chiurillo, Noelia Lander, Cassiano Costa Rodrigues, Thiago Souza Onofre, Eden Ramalho Ferreira, Camila Miyagui Yonamine, Julia de Gouveia Santos, Renato Arruda Mortara, Claudio Vieira da Silva, Jose Franco da Silveira
Summary: P21 is an immunomodulatory protein in Trypanosoma cruzi that plays crucial roles in host cell invasion, internalization, and amastigote proliferation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kyung-Hwa Baek, Trong-Nhat Phan, Satish R. Malwal, Hyeryon Lee, Zhu-Hong Li, Silvia N. J. Moreno, Eric Oldfield, Joo Hwan No
Summary: SQ109 is an anti-tubercular drug candidate that has shown potent activity against protozoan parasites including Leishmania, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Toxoplasma gondii in vitro. It has demonstrated efficacy in mouse models of T. cruzi and T. gondii infections, but moderate efficacy in models of Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania donovani infections. Metabolites of SQ109 also exhibit activity against protozoan parasites in vitro.
Article
Plant Sciences
Adriana da Silva Santos de Oliveira, Gabrielly Galdino Conrado, Nathalia Grazzia, Danilo Ciccone Miguel, Gilberto Carlos Franchi Junior, Vera Lucia Garcia
Summary: Two pimarane analogues and their derivatives isolated from Aldama arenaria exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity and leishmanicidal activity. Compound 4 showed the strongest cytotoxic activity, while derivative 5 showed the most promising leishmanicidal activity.
Article
Immunology
Bruno Mendes, Karen Minori, Silvio R. Consonni, Norma W. Andrews, Danilo C. Miguel
Summary: Recent research has shown that adipocytes may serve as potential host cells for New World Leishmania species. The study demonstrates that both L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis can infect and survive within adipocytes, forming parasitophorous vacuoles similar to those observed in macrophages.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leticia B. Rosa, Carolina Galuppo, Rochanna L. A. Lima, Josielle Fontes, Fabio S. Siqueira, Wagner A. S. Judice, Camilla Abbehausen, Danilo C. Miguel
Summary: This study investigates the biological action of a series of gold-containing compounds on American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis. These compounds show inhibitory effects on Leishmania promastigotes in vitro and reduce intracellular infection. One compound is identified as the most promising candidate with high selectivity against both species.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Mariana B. C. Brioschi, Elizabeth M. Coser, Adriano C. Coelho, Fernanda R. Gadelha, Danilo C. Miguel
Summary: A growing number of studies have shown the potential of numerous antileishmanial candidates in vitro. However, the lack of uniformity in cell type selection for cytotoxicity assays may result in incomparable and inconclusive data. Standardized preclinical testing protocols are needed to evaluate new antileishmanial candidates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Renato Pattaro-Junior, Ingrid Garcia Araujo, Carolina Borsoi Moraes, Cecilia Gomes Barbosa, Gisele Strieder Philippsen, Lucio Holanda Freitas-Junior, Ana Carolina Guidi, Joao Carlos Palazzo de Mello, Rosane Marina Peralta, Maria Aparecida Fernandez, Robson Ricardo Teixeira, Flavio Augusto Vicente Seixas
Summary: This study aimed to find potential compounds inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 from extracts of Brazilian plants. Experimental validation showed that ethyl acetate fraction and F2, F4 sub-fractions of C. pluviosum extract exhibited good antiviral activity in infected cells. These results may be attributed to the synergistic effect of different hydrolyzable tannins present in the extract.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ingrid Garcia de Araujo, Jose Renato Pattaro-Junior, Cecilia Gomes Barbosa, Gisele Strieder Philippsen, Ana Rita Silva, Rafaella Sayuri Ioshino, Carolina Borsoi Moraes, Lucio Holanda Freitas-Junior, Lillian Barros, Rosane Marina Peralta, Maria Aparecida Fernandez, Flavio Augusto Vicente Seixas
Summary: The deaths caused by covid-19 have decreased due to vaccination efforts, but severe cases still exist. Therefore, the search for antiviral drugs is crucial. Natural products, such as plant extracts, have shown potential in treating viral diseases. This study evaluated the antiviral activity of different plant extracts and found that Cytinus hypocistis extract had a high inhibition capacity against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and viral infection in a cellular model. These results highlight the potential of C. hypocistis as a source of natural compounds with antiviral activity against covid-19.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Veronica da Silva Oliveira, Claudia Candida Silva, Johny Wysllas de Freitas Oliveira, Marcelo de Sousa da Silva, Patricia Garcia Ferreira, Fernando de Carvalho da Siva, Vitor Francisco Ferreira, Euzebio Guimaraes Barbosa, Cecilia Gomes Barbosa, Carolina Borsoi Moraes, Lucio Holanda Gondim de Freitas-Junior, Attilio Converti, Adley Antonini Neves de Lima
Summary: The compound IVS320 was studied for its antifungal and antichagasic potential, but it has low aqueous solubility. To improve bioavailability, inclusion complexes with I3-cyclodextrin and methyl-I3-cyclodextrin were prepared using different methods. The inclusion complexes showed changes in physicochemical characteristics and decreased crystallinity compared to IVS320 alone. The IVS320 and IVS320-MI3CD/RE system exhibited anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, and IVS320 showed interactions with the viral protein. The highest antichagasic activity was observed with IVS320-I3CD/KN and IVS320-MI3CD/PM.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Rafael Almeida, Ana Gomes, Bruno Mendes, Luisa Aguiar, Mariana Ferreira, Mariana Borges Costa Brioschi, Denise Duarte, Fatima Nogueira, Sofia Cortes, David Salazar-Valenzuela, Danilo C. Miguel, Catia Teixeira, Paula Gameiro, Paula Gomes
Summary: Malaria, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease are neglected tropical diseases that have a major impact on fragile societies. Snake venoms have been found to contain biomacromolecules with antiprotozoal activity, such as peptides and proteins. This review discusses the potential of venom-derived biomacromolecules as pioneering treatments for these diseases and highlights the need for further research and clinical translation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Fernanda Fernandes Miranda da Cunha, Angela Pedroso Tonon, Fabricio Machado, Luis Rodolpho Travassos, Nathalia Grazzia, Joao Fernando Possatto, Agnes Kobayashi Calvo de Sant'ana, Rayssa de Mello Lopes, Tiago Rodrigues, Danilo Ciccone Miguel, Fernanda Ramos Gadelha, Denise Costa Arruda
Summary: Astaxanthin exhibits cytotoxic effect in melanoma cells and inhibits cell migration and invasion.
JOURNAL OF CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Victor Bolsanelli Cioffi, Maria Fernanda de Castro-Amarante, Aleksei Lulla, Robert Andreata-Santos, Mario Costa Cruz, Ana Carolina Ramos Moreno, Mariangela de Oliveira Silva, Bianca de Miranda Peres, Lucio Holanda Gondim de Freitas Junior, Carolina Borsoi Moraes, Edison Luiz Durigon, Nicola Coker Gordon, Marko Hyvoenen, Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira, Andrea Balan
Summary: This study utilized the RAD display system to present peptides derived from the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, leading to the detection of specific antibodies and the generation of inhibitory antibodies against viral infection. The RAD display system shows promise as a platform for peptide-based vaccine antigen design, epitope-specific antibody mapping, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic antibodies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luana S. Gomes, Jose S. S. Neto, Iris di Leo, Cecilia G. Barbosa, Carolina B. Moraes, Lucio H. Freitas-Junior, Bruno Rizzuti, Claudio Santi, Vanessa Nascimento
Summary: Here, a solvent- and metal-free methodology for the aminochalcogenation of alkenes using molecular iodine as a catalyst, DMSO as a stoichiometric oxidant, and different nucleophiles under microwave irradiation is reported. The eco-friendly approach provided the desired products with good to excellent yields in just 20 minutes. Additionally, the antiviral activity of twenty compounds obtained by this methodology against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated, and two compounds (4d and 5b) showed potent antiviral activity with low cytotoxicity, suggesting promising potential as antiviral agents.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Laiane dos Santos Oliveira, Pedro Henrique de Souza Guarda, Leticia Bazilio Rosa, Gustavo Clauss Rodrigues, Daniele Daiane Affonso, Joao Ernesto de Carvalho, Igor Andrade Santos, Mark Harris, Douglas Hideki Nakahata, Jose Ricardo Sabino, Danilo Ciccone Miguel, Ana Lucia Tasca Gois Ruiz, Ana Carolina Gomes Jardim, Camilla Abbehausen
Summary: Chalcones are chemical precursors of flavonoids that have various biological properties. In this study, novel copper(II)-2'-hydroxy-4-benzyloxychalcone complexes were synthesized and evaluated for their antileishmanial, antiproliferative, and antiviral activities. The results demonstrated that these complexes showed potential effects against tumor cells, leishmania parasites, and SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study also highlighted the influence of ligand structure on biological activity.
INORGANICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Fabio Cassola, Nedy Ramirez, Guilherme Ribeiro, Lucas Henrique Domingos da Silva, Alessandra Gambero, Adriana da Silva Santos de Oliveira, Pedro Manoel Mendes de Moraes Vieira, Flavia Aparecida Resende Nogueira, Marta Cristina Teixeira Duarte
Summary: This study evaluated the activity and anti-inflammatory potential of different essential oils against the pathogenic fungus of seborrheic dermatitis. A combination of Cymbopogon martini and Mentha x piperita essential oils showed synergistic effects against the fungus and exhibited activity against biofilm formation and eradication. The essential oil combination demonstrated no mutagenic potential and had no adverse effects on human cell viability. Therefore, it may serve as an alternative treatment for seborrheic dermatitis.
Article
Microbiology
Isabella Bagni Nakamura, Danilo Ciccone Miguel, Andressa Bruscato, Mariane Barroso Pereira, Dimas Campiolo, Eros Antonio de Almeida, Eduardo de Figueiredo Peloso, Fernanda Ramos Gadelha
Summary: This study characterized the biochemical and mitochondrial bioenergetics of T. cruzi isolates obtained from Brazilian Chagas disease patients. The findings showed heterogeneity among the isolates in terms of growth characteristics, drug resistance, and energy source dependency. Mitochondrial bioenergetics analysis also revealed differences in the utilization of respiratory chain substrates among the isolates.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Mariana B. C. Brioschi, Elizabeth M. Coser, Adriano C. Coelho, Fernanda R. Gadelha, Danilo C. Miguel
Summary: Recent studies have shown the in vitro potential of antileishmanial candidates, but lack of uniformity in cell type selection for cytotoxicity assays leads to incomparable and inconclusive data. Establishing standardized protocols for evaluating new antileishmanial candidates is necessary.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2022)