Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Preeti Singh, Chiranjeev Sharma, Bhawana Sharma, Anupam Mishra, Drishti Agarwal, Deepika Kannan, Jana Held, Shailja Singh, Satish K. Awasthi
Summary: This study reports a rapid method for synthesizing N-sulfonylpiperidine dispiro-1,2,4,5-tetraoxane analogs for antimalarial research. The synthesized compounds were characterized and evaluated for their in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activities.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Sakaewan Ounjaijean, Voravuth Somsak
Summary: This study evaluated the antimalarial potential of combination dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and Gymnema inodorum leaf extract (GIE) therapy against Plasmodium berghei in a mouse model. The results showed that the 60/40 ratio of DHA and GIE demonstrated significantly higher antimalarial activity and enhanced the antimalarial effects of DHA.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Priyanka Fernandes, Manon Loubens, Remi Le Borgne, Carine Marinach, Beatrice Ardin, Sylvie Briquet, Laetitia W. Vincensini, Soumia Hamada, Benedicte W. Hoareau-Coudert, Jean-Marc Verbavatz, Allon W. Weiner, Olivier Silvie
Summary: AMA1 and RONs facilitate host cell invasion across Plasmodium invasive stages and may represent potential targets for blocking malaria transmission.
Article
Cell Biology
Holly Matthews, Jennifer McDonald, Francis Isidore G. Totanes, Catherine J. Merrick
Summary: Malaria parasites enter a phase of sexual reproduction involving gametocytes that rapidly develop into mature gametes for mating. This study used fluorescent labelling to track the process of DNA replication at both whole-cell and single-molecule levels. Several novel observations were made, including the identification of the Orc1 protein in gametocytes, the uncoupling of cytokinesis from DNA replication, and the distinct dynamics of DNA replication compared to asexual schizogony.
CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kesley A. O. Pontes, Leandro S. Silva, Edgleyson C. Santos, Alessandro S. Pinheiro, Douglas E. Teixeira, Diogo B. Peruchetti, Rodrigo P. Silva-Aguiar, Camila H. C. Wendt, Kildare R. Miranda, Andrelina N. Coelho-de-Souza, Jose Henrique Leal-Cardoso, Celso Caruso-Neves, Ana Acacia S. Pinheiro
Summary: The study demonstrated the potential anti-malarial effect of eugenol against Plasmodium sp., reducing parasitemia and cerebral edema. By affecting the development of the erythrocytic cycle and inducing morphological changes, eugenol showed promise as a therapeutic strategy for malaria treatment.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anas Alfarsi, Celine Caillet, Garry Fawbert, Simon Lawrence, Jacob Kruese, Sean McSweeney, Marcus O'Mahony, Arjen Dondorp, Paul N. Newton, Dara Fitzpatrick
Summary: The trade in falsified medicine is growing rapidly, with potentially harmful consequences for patients. Therefore, effective measures are needed to identify and detect falsified products.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Bing Lu, Jian Wang, Zhecheng Zhang, Xin Yan, Qin Zhao, Yue Ding, Jin Wang, Yang Wang, Yong Yao
Summary: A new compound has been designed and synthesized, which can form a strong host-guest interaction with another compound and aggregate into a supramolecular polymer network. This polymer network is capable of capturing and releasing singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) in a controlled manner. This new strategy may provide better O-1(2) storage and release in organic functional materials.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Zeca M. Salimo, Andre L. Barros, Asenate A. X. Adriao, Aline M. Rodrigues, Marco A. Sartim, Isadora S. de Oliveira, Manuela B. Pucca, Djane C. Baia-da-Silva, Wuelton M. Monteiro, Gisely C. de Melo, Hector H. F. Koolen
Summary: Malaria is a global public health problem caused by Plasmodium spp. and transmitted by female mosquitoes. Drug therapies and vector control are commonly used methods, but drug resistance is a challenge. Animal venoms have potential as a source for new antimalarial molecules. This review summarizes antimalarial toxins from animal venoms.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Celine Caillet, Serena Vickers, Vayouly Vidhamaly, Kem Boutsamay, Phonepasith Boupha, Stephen Zambrzycki, Nantasit Luangasanatip, Yoel Lubell, Facundo M. Fernandez, Paul N. Newton
Summary: This article discusses a Collection on the use of portable devices for evaluating medicine quality and legitimacy, written by Celine Caillet and co-authors.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Pedro H. S. Pereira, Celia R. S. Garcia
Summary: Malaria is a global infectious disease, affecting a large population at risk of infection. Research suggests that interference with the coordinated infection of malaria parasites in red blood cells can help the human immune system resist infection.
JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sophie Moss, Emilia Manko, Hristina Vasileva, Eunice Teixeira Da Silva, Adriana Goncalves, Ashley Osborne, Jody Phelan, Amabelia Rodrigues, Paulo Djata, Umberto D'Alessandro, David Mabey, Sanjeev Krishna, Anna Last, Taane G. G. Clark, Susana Campino
Summary: Following integrated malaria control interventions, malaria burden on the Bijagos Archipelago has significantly decreased. Understanding the genomic diversity of circulating Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites can assist infection control, through identifying drug resistance mutations and characterising the complexity of population structure. This study presents the first whole genome sequence data for P. falciparum isolates from the Bijagos Archipelago.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shaoqin Zheng, Yuan Liang, Zhaojia Wang, Min Liu, Yingyi Chen, Ying Ai, Wenfeng Guo, Guoming Li, Yueming Yuan, Zhiyong Xu, Wanting Wu, Xinan Huang, Zhibing Wu, Qin Xu, Jianping Song, Changsheng Deng
Summary: Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are first-line antimalarial drugs. However, the emergence of resistance to ACTs in Plasmodium falciparum is a concern. This study successfully produced artemisinin-and piperaquine-resistant P. berghei K173 strains and explored the relationship between PfK13 and artemisinin resistance through DNA sequencing.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Wu, Lei Wang, Yang Wang, Yujie Shao, Guangzhe Li, Kun Shao, Engin U. Akkaya
Summary: By utilizing a dual-module design with a hypoxia responsive unit and fluoride-triggered endoperoxide unit, we have established a bioorthogonal metabolic shunt that enables controlled generation of singlet oxygen in cells, resulting in significantly different cytotoxicity under hypoxic and normoxic conditions.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Sitabja Mukherjee, Gopesh Ray, Bhaskar Saha, Santosh K. Kar
Summary: In malaria, the host's immune response can cause severe neuropathology, but a new oral artemsinin-based combination therapy has shown efficacy in controlling parasitemia, reducing inflammation, and preventing cerebral malaria.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sasipha Seetin, Patchreenart Saparpakorn, Jarunee Vanichtanankul, Danoo Vitsupakorn, Yongyuth Yuthavong, Sumalee Kamchonwongpaisan, Supa Hannongbua
Summary: This study investigated the interactions of a series of compounds with Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (PfDHFR-TS) and human DHFR enzymes using various methods. The analysis of key interactions provided a general scheme for designing selective inhibitors for PfDHFR.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Medicinal
Chiara Borsari, Brieuc Matagne, Kristina Goncharenko, Rui Moreira, Yves P. Auberson
Summary: Diversity in science refers to cultivating talent, promoting full inclusion, and enhancing creativity. The European Federation for Medicinal chemistry and Chemical biology (EFMC) actively promotes diversity and equality of opportunity. EFMC pays attention to cultural, geographical, and gender diversity, in order to create a welcoming and stimulating environment for its members.
Correction
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ana Teresa Silva, Isabel S. Oliveira, Joana Gomes, Luisa Aguiar, Diana Fontinha, Denise Duarte, Fatima Nogueira, Miguel Prudencio, Eduardo F. Marques, Catia Teixeira, Ricardo Ferraz, Paula Gomes
Correction
Infectious Diseases
Emmanuella Bema Twumasi, Pearl Ihuoma Akazue, Kwaku Kyeremeh, Theresa Manful Gwira, Jennifer Keiser, Fidelis Cho-Ngwa, Adrian Flint, Barbara Anibea, Emmanuel Yeboah Bonsu, Richard K. Amewu, Linda Eva Amoah, Regina Appiah-Opong, Dorcas Osei-Safo
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Susana Rocha, Rita Felix, Maria Joao Valente, Andreia Bento-Silva, Rute Rebelo, Celia Gomes Amorim, Alberto da Nova Araujo, Rui Moreira, Alice Santos-Silva, Maria Conceicao B. S. M. Montenegro
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity and biocompatibility of polysulfone (PSU) hemodialysis (HD) membranes doped with human neutrophil elastase inhibitors (HNEIs). The results showed that all biomaterials were bioactive and hemocompatible. Compared to Sivelestat, both D4L-1 and D4L-2 exhibited stronger inhibitory abilities.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iranildo Jose da Cruz Filho, Denise Maria Figueiredo Araujo Duarte, Douglas da Conceicao Alves de Lima, Diego Santa Clara Marques, Fabio Andre Brayner dos Santos, Luiz Carlos Alves, Andre de Lima Aires, Fatima Nogueira, Maria do Carmo Alves de Lima
Summary: The Amazon rainforest is the world's largest tropical timber reserve, and the management of native forests in the region is a highly sensitive geopolitical issue. This study extracted and characterized lignins from the branches and leaves of Protium puncticulatum and Scleronema micranthum, and evaluated their antioxidant potential, cytotoxicity against animal cells, and antiparasitic activity against Leishmania amazonensis, T. cruzi, and chloroquine-sensitive and resistant Plasmodium falciparum. The lignins showed potential as antioxidants and had low cytotoxicity, and they were able to inhibit the growth of promastigotes and trypomastigotes in vitro. However, their activity against Plasmodium falciparum was limited, and they did not inhibit the growth of Schistosoma mansoni parasites. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of these understudied lignins for various biological activities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Clemente da Silva, Daniela Matias, Brigite Dias, Beatriz Cancio, Miguel Silva, Ruben Viegas, Nordino Chivale, Sonia Luis, Crizolgo Salvador, Denise Duarte, Paulo Arnaldo, Sonia Enosse, Fatima Nogueira
Summary: No cases of artemisinin resistance were found in Mozambique, but there was an increase in the number of novel non-synonymous mutations, highlighting the need for increased molecular surveillance studies on artemisinin resistance markers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Debora Inacio Leite, Stefany de Castro Bazan Moura, Maria da Conceicao Avelino Dias, Carolina Catta Preta Costa, Gustavo Peixoto Machado, Luiz Claudio Ferreira Pimentel, Frederico Silva Castelo Branco, Rui Moreira, Monica Macedo Bastos, Nubia Boechat
Summary: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). An increase in viral load leads to a decline in T lymphocytes, compromising the immune system. Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common opportunistic disease in HIV-positive patients. Treatment for HIV-TB coinfection is challenging due to drug interactions, toxicity, non-adherence, and resistance. Recent approaches involve using molecules that target multiple distinct sites to improve therapy. This review discusses the importance of multitarget strategies and the development of structural entities for simultaneous treatment of HIV-TB.
Review
Parasitology
Aparajita Lahree, Joao Mello-Vieira, Maria M. Mota
Summary: Malaria is a febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which infect erythrocytes and lead to clinical symptoms and pathology. Understanding the metabolism of liver-stage parasites is crucial for identifying cellular pathways essential for infection and developing treatments. This review provides a summary of current knowledge on nutrient acquisition and biosynthesis by liver-stage parasites, highlighting gaps in knowledge and challenges in this field.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joana F. Santos, Raquel Azevedo, Miguel Prudencio, Fernanda Marques, Yann Le Gal, Dominique Lorcy, Celia Fernandes
Summary: Block copolymer micelles (BCMs) were evaluated as drug delivery systems for gold(III) bis(dithiolene) complexes (AuS and AuSe) to treat malaria. The complexes showed strong antiplasmodial activity and low toxicity when encapsulated in BCMs. Encapsulated complexes exhibited controlled release and improved biocompatibility compared to the non-encapsulated counterparts. This study suggests that BCMs can be a promising alternative for conventional antimalarial treatments.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Patrick O. Sakyi, Samuel K. Kwofie, Julius K. Tuekpe, Theresa M. Gwira, Emmanuel Broni, Whelton A. Miller, Michael D. Wilson, Richard K. Amewu
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a global public health concern and there is a need to find new leads due to resistance and lack of efficacy of current drugs. In this study, a combination of In silico and in vitro approaches was used to identify potential synthetic small-molecule inhibitors targeting LdSMT. The study identified nine compounds as potential hit molecules, which could be optimized to develop potent antileishmanial therapeutic agents.
Article
Biology
Ines M. Marreiros, Sofia Marques, Ana Parreira, Vincent Mastrodomenico, Bryan C. Mounce, Chantal T. Harris, Bjoern F. Kafsack, Oliver Billker, Vanessa Zuzarte-Luis, Maria M. Mota
Summary: Plasmodium parasites rely on an efficient sensing pathway to respond to amino acid fluctuations. The nek4, eIK1, and eIK2 sensor kinases play a key role in Plasmodium amino acid sensing, enabling these parasites to fine-tune replication and development in response to amino acid availability. This complex mechanism is critical for modulating parasite growth and survival.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(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
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria Joao Oliveira, Soraia Caetano, Ana Dalot, Filipe Sabino, Tomas R. Calmeiro, Elvira Fortunato, Rodrigo Martins, Eulalia Pereira, Miguel Prudencio, Hugh J. Byrne, Ricardo Franco, Hugo Aguas
Summary: Early and accurate detection of pathogenic microorganisms is crucial for diagnosis and patient outcomes. The combination of a polystyrene-based microfluidic device and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy shows excellent sensitivity and specificity in detecting malaria. The system can be easily adapted for other pathogens and has the potential for early diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Iranildo Jose da Cruz Filho, Denise Maria Figueiredo Araujo Duarte, Diego Santa Clara Marques, Joao Victor Ritinto da Rocha, Emily Gabriele Marques Diniz, Fabio Andre Brayner, Luiz Carlos Alves, Monica Camelo Pessoa de Azevedo Albuquerque, Andre de Lima Aires, Fatima Nogueira, Maria do Carmo Alves de Lima
Summary: This study evaluated the hydroalcoholic extract of C. racemosa as a potential antiparasitic agent. The results showed that the extract was able to stimulate and activate immune cells, and exhibited effects on the growth of L. amazonensis and S. mansoni, but had low activity against T. cruzi and P. falciparum strains.
Article
Immunology
Diana Moita, Catarina Rola, Helena Nunes-Cabaco, Goncalo Nogueira, Teresa G. Maia, Ahmad Syibli Othman, Blandine Franke-Fayard, Chris J. Janse, Antonio M. Mendes, Miguel Prudencio
Summary: Immunization with Plasmodium sporozoites, especially whole-sporozoite (WSpz) formulations, can provide strong protection against malaria. However, a comparative analysis of different WSpz formulations showed that early liver arresting genetically attenuated parasites (EA-GAP) formulation failed to confer complete protection at any immunization dosage, suggesting a minimum threshold of liver development is required for effective immune responses. On the other hand, radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS), late arresting GAP (LA-GAP), and sporozoites administered under chemoprophylaxis (CPS) formulations yielded comparable and dosage-dependent protection. Immunological analyses suggested that EA-GAP immunization may negatively impact memory cell functionality and protective immunity.