Promising nanotherapy in treating leishmaniasis

Author(s)

de Souza, Aline ^[1] ; Souza Marins, Debora Soares ^[1] ; Mathias, Samir Leite ^[2] ; Monteiro, Lis Marie ^[1] ; Yukuyama, Megumi Nishitani ^[1] ; Scarim, Caue Benito ^[3] ; Lobenberg, Raimar ^[4] ; Bou-Chacra, Nadia Araci ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Prof Lineu Prestes Ave 580, Bl 13-15, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Phys Chem & Math, Joao Leme dos Santos Highway, Km 110, BR-18052780 Sorocaba, SP - Brazil

^[3] Sao Paulo State Univ Julio de Mesquita Filho UNES, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Drugs & Med, Rodovia Araraquara Jau, Km 01 S-N, BR-14800903 Araraquara, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Alberta, Fac Pharm & Pharmaceut Sci, Edmonton, AB T6G 2N8 - Canada

• Document type: Review article
• Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics; v. 547, n. 1-2, p. 421-431, AUG 25 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

Leishmaniases are infectious diseases caused by an intracellular protozoan in humans by 20 different species of Leishmania among more than 53 species. There are at least twelve million cases of infections worldwide and three hundred and fifty million people are at risk in at least 98 developing countries in Africa, South-East Asia, and the Americas. Only Brazil presented high burden for both visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous (CL). Chemotherapy is the main means of dealing with this infection. Nevertheless, only a few effective drugs are available, and each has a particular disadvantage; toxicity and long-term regimens compromise most chemotherapeutic options, which decreases patient compliance and adherence to the treatment and consequently the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Nano drug delivery systems (NanoDDS) can direct antileishmanial drug substances for intracellular localization in macrophage-rich organs such as bone marrow, liver, and spleen. This strategy can improve the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the toxic effects of several antileishmanial drug substances. This review is an effort to comprehensively compile recent findings, with the aim of advancing understanding of the importance of nanotechnology for treating leishmaniases. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/08332-3 - NANOSTRUCTURED SYSTEMS WITH POTENTIAL APPLICATION IN TREATMENT OF NEGLECTED DISEASES
• Grantee: Nádia Araci Bou-Chacra
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants