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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Therapeutic evaluation of free and liposome-loaded furazolidone in experimental visceral leishmaniasis

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Author(s):
Tempone, Andre Gustavo [1] ; Mortara, Renato Arruda [2] ; de Andrade, Jr., Heitor Franco [3] ; Reimao, Juliana Quero [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Inst Adolfo Lutz Registro, Dept Parasitol, Lab Appl Toxinol Antiparasit Drugs, BR-01246000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Escola Paulista Med, UNIFESP, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, BR-0403902 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Protozool, Inst Trop Med, BR-05603000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS; v. 36, n. 2, p. 159-163, AUG 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 20
Abstract

Drug delivery systems are promising pharmaceutical formulations used to improve the therapeutic index of drugs. In this study, we developed a liposomal formulation of furazolidone that targets Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi amastigotes in a hamster model. Using laser scanning confocal microscopy, it was demonstrated that the liposomal drug co-localised with L. (L.) chagasi amastigotes within macrophages. Liposomal furazolidone administered intraperitoneally at 0.5 mg/kg for 12 consecutive days reduced spleen (74%) and liver (32%) parasite burden at a 100-fold lower dose than the free drug. Free furazolidone (50 mg/kg) also effectively reduced spleen (82.5%) and liver (85%) parasites; its in vitro activity against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes demonstrated a high degree of parasite selectivity. Thus, furazolidone, both in the free and liposome-loaded formulation, is an effective inhibitor of L. (L.) chagasi, representing a possible cost-effective drug candidate for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/09260-7 - Therapeutic combinations for visceral leishmaniasis: the antileishmanial potential of calcium channel blockers and the use of liposomal nanoformulations
Grantee:André Gustavo Tempone Cardoso
Support type: Regular Research Grants