Leishmanicidal effect of Spiranthera odoratíssima (Rutaceae) and its isolated alkaloid skimmianine occurs by a nitric oxide dependent mechanism

Parasitology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 138 (10) ◽  
pp. 1224-1233 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROGERIO ALEXANDRE NUNES DOS SANTOS ◽  
JOÃO BATISTA ◽  
SUELLEN IARA GUIRRA ROSA ◽  
HERON FERNANDES TORQUATO ◽  
CARMEN LÚCIA BASSI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Interleukin 10 ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Drug Candidate ◽  
Immunomodulatory Activity ◽  
Neglected Diseases

SUMMARYLeishmaniasis is one of the neglected diseases. High cost, systemic toxicity, and diminished efficacy due to development of resistance by the parasites has a negative impact on the current treatment options. Thus, the search for a new, effective and safer anti-leishmanial drug becomes of paramount importance. Compounds derived from natural products may be a better and cheaper source in this regard. This study evaluated the in vitro anti-leishmanial activity of Spiranthera odoratíssima (Rutaceae) fractions and isolated compounds, using promastigote and amastigote forms of different Leishmania species. J774 A.1 macrophage was used as the parasite host cell for the in vitro assays. Evaluations of cytoxicity, nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-10 and in silico analysis were carried out. In vitro experiments showed that the fruit hexanic fraction (Fhf) and its alkaloid skimmianine (Skm) have a significant (P<0·001) effect against L. braziliensis. This anti-L. braziliensis activity of Fhf and Skm was due to increased production of NO and attenuation of IL-10 production in the macrophages at concentrations ranging from 1·6 to 40·0 μg/ml. The in silico assay demonstrated significant interaction between Skm and amino acid residues of NOS2. Skm is thus a promising drug candidate for L. braziliensis due to its potent immunomodulatory activity.

scholarly journals Different Microfluidic Environments for In Vitro Testing of Lipid Nanoparticles against Osteosarcoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Oihane Mitxelena-Iribarren ◽  
Sara Lizarbe-Sancha ◽  
Jay Campisi ◽  
Sergio Arana ◽  
Maite Mujika
Keyword(s):  
Target Therapy ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Lipid Nanoparticles ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Drug Dose ◽  
Free Drug ◽  
Tumor Treatment ◽  
Equal Dose

The use of lipid nanoparticles as biodegradable shells for controlled drug delivery shows promise as a more effective and targeted tumor treatment than traditional treatment methods. Although the combination of target therapy with nanotechnology created new hope for cancer treatment, methodological issues during in vitro validation of nanovehicles slowed their application. In the current work, the effect of methotrexate (MTX) encapsulated in different matrices was evaluated in a dynamic microfluidic platform. Effects on the viability of osteosarcoma cells in the presence of recirculation of cell media, free MTX and two types of blank and drug-containing nanoparticles were successfully assessed in different tumor-mimicking microenvironments. Encapsulated MTX was more effective than the equal dose free drug treatment, as cell death significantly increased under the recirculation of both types of drug-loaded nanoparticles in all concentrations. In fact, MTX-nanoparticles reduced cell population 50 times more than the free drug when 150-µM drug dose was recirculated. Moreover, when compared to the equivalent free drug dose recirculation, cell number was reduced 60 and 100 points more under recirculation of each nanoparticle with a 15-µM drug concentration. Thus, the results obtained with the microfluidic model present MTX-lipid nanoparticles as a promising and more effective therapy for pediatric osteosarcoma treatment than current treatment options.

scholarly journals New nitric oxide-releasing indomethacin derivatives with 1,3-thiazolidine-4-one scaffold: Design, synthesis, in silico and in vitro studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 139 ◽  
pp. 111678
Author(s):  
Alexandru Sava ◽  
Frederic Buron ◽  
Sylvain Routier ◽  
Alina Panainte ◽  
Nela Bibire ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
In Silico ◽  
In Vitro Studies ◽  
Scaffold Design ◽  
Design Synthesis ◽  
Nitric Oxide Releasing

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the failing heart: past, present, and future

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Karbasiafshar ◽  
Frank W. Sellke ◽  
M. Ruhul Abid
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
New Treatment

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally. Current treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical intervention. However, many patients are unsuitable candidates for surgeries due to comorbidities, diffuse coronary artery disease or advanced stages of heart failure. The search for new treatment options has recently transitioned from cell-based therapies to stem-cell derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). A number of challenges remain in the EV field, including the effect of comorbidities, characterization, and delivery, However, recent revolutionary developments and insight into the potential of 'personalizing' EV contents by bioengineering methods to alter specific signaling pathways in the ischemic myocardium hold promise. Here, we discuss the past limitations of cell-based therapies, and recent EV studies involving in vivo, in vitro, and omics, and future challenges and opportunities in EV-based treatments in CVD.

Chemical profile and antiperiodontal potential of Thymus linearis Benth. Essential oil using ADMET prediction, In silico and in vitro tools

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Abdul Rafey ◽  
Aqsa Batool ◽  
Muhammad Kamran ◽  
Samiullah Khan ◽  
Muhammad Akram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Significant Inhibition ◽  
Bacterial Biofilm ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Major Constituent ◽  
Antimicrobial Studies ◽  
Development Of Resistance

Periodontitis is an important health concern that is associated with long term complications. Development of resistance to antibiotics limits the treatment options in periodontitis. We investigated Thymus linearis essential oil for treatment of periodontitis. The essential oil was collected using hydrodistillation and characterized using GC-MS. The constituents were further analyzed for druglikeness, ADMET properties and molecular docking using transcription regulators 2UV0 and 3QP5. The GC-MS results revealed that carvacrol was a major constituent (76.26%) followed by caryophyllene oxide (6.83%) and L-borneol (6.08%). The in vitro antimicrobial studies showed significant inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC range 0.024 –0.312μg/mL). The essential oil showed a good inhibition of bacterial biofilm produced by S. aureus (72%) and S. epidermidis (70%). Finally, the antiquorum sensing property (30 mm zone of inhibition) was recorded with violacein inhibition (58%). Based on in silico and in vitro findings, it was concluded that T. linearis essential oil can be used for the treatment of periodontal infections.

scholarly journals In VitroandIn VivoEfficacies of Mefloquine-Based Treatment against Alveolar Echinococcosis

2010 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 713-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Küster ◽  
Britta Stadelmann ◽  
Corina Hermann ◽  
Sabrina Scholl ◽  
Jennifer Keiser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alveolar Echinococcosis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Drug Candidate ◽  
Combined Application ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Complete Detachment ◽  
Laminated Layer

ABSTRACTAlveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the metacestode stage of the fox tapewormEchinococcus multilocularisand causes severe disease in the human liver, and occasionally in other organs, that is fatal when treatment is unsuccessful. The present chemotherapy against AE is based on mebendazole and albendazole. Albendazole treatment has been found to be ineffective in some instances, is parasitostatic rather than parasiticidal, and usually involves the lifelong uptake of large doses of drugs. Thus, new treatment options are urgently needed. In this study we investigated thein vitroandin vivoefficacy of mefloquine againstE. multilocularismetacestodes. Treatment using mefloquine (20 μM) againstin vitrocultures of metacestodes resulted in rapid and complete detachment of large parts of the germinal layer from the inner surface of the laminated layer within a few hours. Thein vitroactivity of mefloquine was dependent on the dosage.In vitroculture of metacestodes in the presence of 24 μM mefloquine for a period of 10 days was parasiticidal, as determined by murine bioassays, while treatment with 12 μM was not. Oral application of mefloquine (25 mg/kg of body weight administered twice a week for a period of 8 weeks) inE. multilocularis-infected mice was ineffective in achieving any reduction of parasite weight, whereas treatment with albendazole (200 mg/kg/day) was highly effective. However, when the same mefloquine dosage was applied intraperitoneally, the reduction in parasite weight was similar to the reduction seen with oral albendazole application. Combined application of both drugs did not increase the treatment efficacy. In conclusion, mefloquine represents an interesting drug candidate for the treatment of AE, and these results should be followed up in appropriatein vivostudies.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Problem Gambling Among Methadone Maintenance Treatment Clients and Counsellors

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan E Wall ◽  
Cassandra R Durand ◽  
Hana Machover ◽  
Rachel Arnold ◽  
Haley A Miles-McLean ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Methadone Maintenance Treatment ◽  
Maintenance Treatment ◽  
Methadone Maintenance ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Structured Interviews

Problem gambling is highly prevalent and rarely treated among clients who attend methadone maintenance treatment programs (MMTPs). Compared with those of the general population, rates of gambling disorder have been found to be elevated among individuals receiving methadone maintenance treatment. Our study aims were to (a) develop a clearer understanding of the gambling experience of clients and counsellors at a methadone clinic and (b) gain insight into the current treatment options and obstacles to treatment in the clinic. Semi-structured interviews focusing on gambling issues were conducted with 8 clients and 8 counsellors at an MMTP located in an urban area. Participants were asked questions to gain an understanding about their perspectives on, treatment options for, and treatment barriers to problem gambling in the clinic. Data were coded by 4 investigators by using a constant comparison, open coding approach. The findings revealed important differences between clients and counsellors: Opinions differed on the definition of problem gambling, obstacles to treatment, and optimal treatment settings. Clients and counsellors also agreed on some elements, including the negative impact that problem gambling can have on recovery from substance use. This examination of responses of counsellors and client feedback provides a useful mechanism to better understand problem gambling in MMTPs.  In addition, the findings have important clinical implications, including a need for more effective screening and treatment in MMTPs and to provide substance use counsellors with training related to problem gambling.RésuméLe jeu compulsif est hautement répandu et rarement traité parmi les clients qui suivent un programme de traitement d’entretien à la méthadone. Comparés à ceux de la population en général, les taux de jeu pathologique ont jugé élevés chez les personnes qui suivent un tel traitement. Les objectifs de notre étude étaient de deux ordres : a) mieux comprendre l’expérience de jeu des clients et les connaissances en cette matière des conseillers d’une clinique de traitement à la méthadone, et b) avoir une meilleure compréhension des options de traitement actuelles et des obstacles au traitement en clinique. Des entretiens semi-structurés portant sur les problèmes de jeu ont été menés auprès de 8 clients et de 8 conseillers dans un centre de traitement, situé en zone urbaine. On a posé des questions aux participants pour mieux comprendre leurs points de vue sur les options et les obstacles au traitement contre le jeu problématique à la clinique. Les données ont été codées par quatre chercheurs en utilisant une approche de codification ouverte à comparaison constante. Les résultats ont révélé des différences importantes entre les clients et les conseillers : les opinions divergeaient quant à la définition du jeu problématique, les obstacles au traitement et les paramètres de traitement optimaux. Les clients et les conseillers ont par ailleurs été d’accord sur certains éléments, notamment l’impact négatif que le jeu problématique peut avoir sur le rétablissement d’une consommation abusive. L’examen des réponses des conseillers et des commentaires des clients constitue un mécanisme efficace pour mieux comprendre le jeu problématique dans les programmes de traitement d’entretien à la méthadone. De plus, les résultats ont d’importantes répercussions cliniques, notamment la nécessité d’un dépistage et d’un traitement d’entretien à la méthadone plus efficaces et d’une formation sur le jeu problématique pour les conseillers en toxicomanie. 

scholarly journals Differential in vitro activity of individual drugs and bedaquiline-rifabutin combinations against actively multiplying and nutrient-starved Mycobacterium abscessus

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Lee ◽  
Nicole Ammerman ◽  
Anusha Agarwal ◽  
Maram Naji ◽  
Si-Yang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bactericidal Activity ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Mycobacterium Abscessus ◽  
Bacterial Populations ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Novel Treatment ◽  
Limited Effectiveness ◽  
Dependent Activity

AbstractCurrent treatment options for lung disease caused by Mycobacterium abscessus complex infections have limited effectiveness. To maximize the use of existing antibacterials and to help inform regimen design for treatment, we assessed the in vitro bactericidal activity of single drugs against actively multiplying and net non-replicating M. abscessus populations in nutrient-rich and nutrient starvation conditions, respectively. As single drugs, bedaquiline and rifabutin exerted bactericidal activity only against nutrient-starved and actively growing M. abscessus, respectively. However, when combined, both bedaquiline and rifabutin were able to specifically contribute bactericidal activity at relatively low, clinically relevant concentrations against both replicating and non-replicating bacterial populations. The addition of a third drug, amikacin, further enhanced the bactericidal activity of the bedaquiline-rifabutin combination against nutrient-starved M. abscessus. Overall, these in vitro data suggest that bedaquiline-rifabutin may be a potent backbone combination to support novel treatment regimens for M. abscessus infections. This rich dataset of differential time-and concentration-dependent activity of drugs, alone and together, against M. abscessus also highlights several issues affecting interpretation and translation of in vitro findings.

scholarly journals Injections in the osteoarthritic knee: a review of current treatment options

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 501-509
Author(s):  
Gerardo Fusco ◽  
Francesco M. Gambaro ◽  
Berardo Di Matteo ◽  
Elizaveta Kon
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Symptomatic Relief ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cartilage Degradation ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Biologic Agents ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Molecular Approaches

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, subchondral damage, and bone remodelling. Among the approaches implemented to achieve symptomatic and functional improvements, injection treatments have gained increasing attention due to the possibility of intra-articular delivery with reduced side effects compared to systemic therapies. In addition to well-established treatment options such as hyaluronic acid (HA), cortico-steroids (CS) and oxygen-ozone therapy, many other promising products have been employed in the last decades such as polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and biologic agents such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Moreover, ultrasound-guided intra-meniscal injection and X-ray-guided subchondral injection techniques have been introduced into clinical practice. Even when not supported by high evidence consensus, intra-articular CS and HA injections have gained precise indications for symptomatic relief and clinical improvement in OA. Biological products are strongly supported by in vitro evidence but there is still a lack of robust clinical evidence. PRP and MSCs seem to relieve OA symptoms through a regulation of the joint homeostasis, even if their capability to restore articular cartilage is still to be proved in vivo. Due to increasing interest in the subchondral bone pathology, subchondral injections have been developed with promising results in delaying joint replacement. Nevertheless, due to their recent development and the heterogeneity of the injected products (biologic agents or calcium phosphate), this approach still lacks strong enough evidence to be fully endorsed. Combined biological treatments, nano-molecular approaches, monoclonal antibodies and ‘personalized’ target therapies are currently under development or under investigation with the aim of expanding our armamentarium against knee OA. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:501-509. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210026

scholarly journals Crambescin C1 Acts as A Possible Substrate of iNOS and eNOS Increasing Nitric Oxide Production and Inducing In Vivo Hypotensive Effect

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan A. Rubiolo ◽  
Emilio Lence ◽  
Concepción González-Bello ◽  
María Roel ◽  
José Gil-Longo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Active Site ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Hypotensive Effect ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
No Production ◽  
Guanidine Alkaloids ◽  
Endogenous Substrate

Crambescins are guanidine alkaloids from the sponge Crambe crambe. Crambescin C1 (CC) induces metallothionein genes and nitric oxide (NO) is one of the triggers. We studied and compared the in vitro, in vivo, and in silico effects of some crambescine A and C analogs. HepG2 gene expression was analyzed using microarrays. Vasodilation was studied in rat aortic rings. In vivo hypotensive effect was directly measured in anesthetized rats. The targets of crambescines were studied in silico. CC and homo-crambescine C1 (HCC), but not crambescine A1 (CA), induced metallothioneins transcripts. CC increased NO production in HepG2 cells. In isolated rat aortic rings, CC and HCC induced an endothelium-dependent relaxation related to eNOS activation and an endothelium-independent relaxation related to iNOS activation, hence both compounds increase NO and reduce vascular tone. In silico analysis also points to eNOS and iNOS as targets of Crambescin C1 and source of NO increment. CC effect is mediated through crambescin binding to the active site of eNOS and iNOS. CC docking studies in iNOS and eNOS active site revealed hydrogen bonding of the hydroxylated chain with residues Glu377 and Glu361, involved in the substrate recognition, and explains its higher binding affinity than CA. The later interaction and the extra polar contacts with its pyrimidine moiety, absent in the endogenous substrate, explain its role as exogenous substrate of NOSs and NO production. Our results suggest that CC serve as a basis to develop new useful drugs when bioavailability of NO is perturbed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document