Nitric oxide donor trans-[RuCl([15]aneN(4))NO]2+as a possible therapeutic approach for Chagas' disease

Author(s):Show less -

Guedes, Paulo M. M. ^[1] ; Oliveira, Fabiana S. ^[2] ; Gutierrez, Fredy R. S. ; da Silva, Grace Kelly ; Rodrigues, Gerson Jhonatan ^[3] ; Bendhack, Lusiane Maria ^[3] ; Franco, Douglas W. ^[4] ; do Valle Matta, Maria A. ^[5] ; Zamboni, Dario S. ^[6] ; da Silva, Roberto Santana ^[2] ; Silva, Joao Santana

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biochem & Immunol, Sch Med Ribeirao Preto, Lab Immunoparasitol, BR-14049900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, Dept Chem, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Pharmacol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Inst Chem Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[5] Fiocruz MS, Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Lab Cellular Ultrastruct, BR-21045900 Rio De Janeiro - Brazil

^[6] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Cell Biol, Sch Med Ribeirao Preto, BR-14049900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: British Journal of Pharmacology; v. 160, n. 2, p. 270-282, MAY 2010.
• Web of Science Citations: 39

Abstract

Background and purpose: Benznidazole (Bz) is the therapy currently available for clinical treatment of Chagas' disease. However, many strains of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites are naturally resistant. Nitric oxide (NO) produced by activated macrophages is crucial to the intracellular killing of parasites. Here, we investigate the in vitro and in vivo activities against T. cruzi, of the NO donor, trans-{[}RuCl({[}15]aneN(4))NO]2+. Experimental approach: Trans-{[}RuCl({[}15]aneN(4))NO]2+ was incubated with a partially drug-resistant T. cruzi Y strain and the anti-proliferative (epimastigote form) and trypanocidal activities (trypomastigote and amastigote) evaluated. Mice were treated during the acute phase of Chagas' disease. The anti-T. cruzi activity was evaluated by parasitaemia, survival rate, cardiac parasitism, myocarditis and the curative rate. Key results: Trans-{[}RuCl({[}15]aneN(4))NO]2+ was 10- and 100-fold more active than Bz against amastigotes and trypomastigotes respectively. Further, trans-{[}RuCl({[}15]aneN(4))NO]2+ (0.1 mM) induced 100% of trypanocidal activity (trypomastigotes forms) in vitro. Trans-{[}RuCl({[}15]aneN(4))NO]2+ induced permanent suppression of parasitaemia and 100% survival in a murine model of acute Chagas' disease. When the drugs were given alone, parasitological cures were confirmed in only 30 and 40% of the animals treated with the NO donor (3.33 mu mol center dot kg-1 center dot day-1) and Bz (385 mu mol center dot kg-1 center dot day-1), respectively, but when given together, 80% of the animals were parasitologically cured. The cured animals showed an absence of myocarditis and a normalisation of cytokine production in the sera. In addition, no in vitro toxicity was observed at the tested doses. Conclusions and implications: These findings indicate that trans-{[}RuCl({[}15]aneN(4))NO]2+ is a promising lead compound for the treatment of human Chagas' disease. This article is commented on by Machado et al., pp. 258-259 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00662.x and to view a related paper in this issue by Silva et al. visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00524.x. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/53940-0 - The regulatory T cells and TH17 in the immune response against infections, tumors and autoimmune diseases
• Grantee: João Santana da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants