RESUMEN

Organic compounds with antibacterial and antiparasitic properties are gaining significance for biomedical applications. This study focuses on the solvent-free synthesis (green synthesis) of 1,4-naphthoquinone or 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone with different phenylamines using silica gel as an acid solid support. The study also includes in silico PASS predictions and the discovery of antibacterial and antiparasitic properties of phenylaminonaphthoquinone derivatives 1-12, which can be further applied in drug discovery and development. These activities were discussed in terms of molecular descriptors such as hydrophobicity, molar refractivity, and half-wave potentials. The in vitro antimicrobial potential of the synthesized compounds 1-12 was evaluated against a panel of six bacterial strains (three Gram-positive: Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterococcus faecalis; and three Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Six compounds (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 11) showed better activity toward S. aureus with MIC values between 3.2 and 5.7 µg/mL compared to cefazolin (MIC = 4.2 µg/mL) and cefotaxime (MIC = 8.9 µg/mL), two cephalosporin antibiotics. Regarding in vitro antiplasmodial activity, compounds 1 and 3 were the most active against the Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive), displaying IC50 values of 0.16 and 0.0049 µg/mL, respectively, compared to chloroquine (0.33 µg/mL). In strain FCR-3 (chloroquine-resistant), most of the compounds showed good activity, with compounds 3 (0.12 µg/mL) and 11 (0.55 µg/mL) being particularly noteworthy. Additionally, docking studies were used to better rationalize the action and prediction of the binding modes of these compounds. Finally, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions were performed.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Naftoquinonas , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antibacterianos/síntesis química , Antibacterianos/química , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Naftoquinonas/química , Naftoquinonas/síntesis química , Antiparasitarios/farmacología , Antiparasitarios/síntesis química , Antiparasitarios/química , Tecnología Química Verde/métodos , Bacterias Gramnegativas/efectos de los fármacos , Plasmodium falciparum/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the potential of eleven 1H-1,2,3-triazol-1,4-naphthoquinone conjugates as virulence factor inhibitors (like Pyocyanin) and their affinity for PhzM, a crucial enzyme for Pyocyanin biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. METHODS: A straightforward synthetic pathway enabled the production of these compounds, which were characterized and structurally confirmed through spectroscopic analyses. Evaluation of their impact on PhzM thermal stability identified promising candidates for PhzM binders. RESULTS: Concentration-response behavior elucidated their binding affinity, revealing them as the first reported micromolar affinity ligands for PhzM. Structure-activity relationship analysis emphasized the role of specific molecular moieties in binding affinity modulation, paving the way for future advanced inhibitors' development. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential of naphthoquinone-triazole derivatives as leads for novel therapeutics against P. aeruginosa infections.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Naftoquinonas , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Piocianina , Triazoles , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Naftoquinonas/química , Naftoquinonas/síntesis química , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/efectos de los fármacos , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/metabolismo , Piocianina/antagonistas & inhibidores , Piocianina/biosíntesis , Piocianina/metabolismo , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Triazoles/química , Triazoles/farmacología , Triazoles/metabolismo , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antibacterianos/química , Antibacterianos/síntesis química , Estructura Molecular , Infecciones por Pseudomonas/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por Pseudomonas/microbiología , Humanos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga

RESUMEN

Lapachol (2-hydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)naphthalene-1,4-dione) is a 1,4-naphthoquinone-derived natural product that presents numerous bioactivities and was shown to have cytotoxic effects against several human tumor cells. Indium(III) complexes with a variety of ligands also exhibit antineoplastic activity. Indium(III) complexes [In(lap)Cl2].4H2O (1), [In(lap)2Cl(Et3N)] (2), [In(lap)3]·2H2O (3) [In(lap)(bipy)Cl2] bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine (4) and [In(lap)(phen)Cl2] phen = 1,10-phenanthroline (5) were obtained with 2-hydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)naphthalene-1,4-dione (lapachol). Crystal structure determinations for (4) and (5) revealed that the indium(III) center is coordinated to two O atoms from lapachol, two N atoms from 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2'-bipyridine, and two chloride anions, in a distorted octahedral geometry. Although both complexes (4) and (5) interacted with CT-DNA in vitro by an intercalative mode, only 5 exhibited cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB breast tumor cells. 1,10-phenanthroline and complex (5) presented cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 and MDA-MB cells, with complex (5) being threefold more active than 1,10-phenanthroline on MCF-7 cells. In addition, complex (5) significantly reduced the formation of MDA-MB-231 colonies in a clonogenicity assay. The foregoing results suggest that further studies on the cytotoxic effects and cellular targets of complex (5) are of utmost relevance.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Neoplasias de la Mama , ADN , Indio , Naftoquinonas , Humanos , Naftoquinonas/química , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Indio/química , Indio/farmacología , ADN/química , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/química , Neoplasias de la Mama/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Complejos de Coordinación/farmacología , Complejos de Coordinación/química , Complejos de Coordinación/síntesis química , Línea Celular Tumoral , Femenino , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Cristalografía por Rayos X , Células MCF-7 , Modelos Moleculares , Estructura Molecular

RESUMEN

We have conducted an experimental and computational evaluation of new doxorubicin (4a-c) and ß-lapachone (5a-c) analogs. These novel anticancer analogs were previously synthesized, but had not been tested or characterized until now. We have evaluated their antiproliferative and DNA cleavage inhibition properties using breast (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and prostate (PC3) cancer cell lines. Additionally, cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry. Computational studies, including molecular docking, pharmacokinetic properties, and an analysis of DFT and QTAIM chemical descriptors, were performed to gain insights into the electronic structure and elucidate the molecular binding of the new ß-lapachone and doxorubicin analogs with a DNA sequence and Topoisomerase II (Topo II)α. Our results show that 4a analog displays the highest antiproliferative activity in cancer cell lines by inducing cell death. We observed that stacking interactions and hydrogen bonding are essential to stabilize the molecule-DNA-Topo IIα complex. Moreover, 4a and 5a analogs inhibited Topo's DNA cleavage activity. Pharmacodynamic results indicated that studied molecules have favorable adsorption and permeability properties. The calculated chemical descriptors indicate that electron accumulation in quinone rings is relevant to the reactivity and biological activity. Based on our results, 4a is a strong candidate for becoming an anticancer drug.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Proliferación Celular , ADN-Topoisomerasas de Tipo II , Doxorrubicina , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Naftoquinonas , Naftoquinonas/química , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Humanos , Doxorrubicina/farmacología , Doxorrubicina/química , ADN-Topoisomerasas de Tipo II/metabolismo , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/química , Antineoplásicos/síntesis química , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células MCF-7 , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Inhibidores de Topoisomerasa II/farmacología , Inhibidores de Topoisomerasa II/química , Inhibidores de Topoisomerasa II/síntesis química , Inhibidores de Topoisomerasa II/metabolismo , División del ADN/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Breast cancer stands as one of the foremost cause of cancer-related deaths globally, characterized by its varied molecular subtypes. Each subtype requires a distinct therapeutic strategy. Although advancements in treatment have enhanced patient outcomes, significant hurdles remain, including treatment toxicity and restricted effectiveness. Here, we explore the anticancer potential of novel 1,4-naphthoquinone/4-quinolone hybrids on breast cancer cell lines. The synthesized compounds demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against Luminal and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, which represent the two main molecular types of breast cancer that depend most on cytotoxic chemotherapy, with potency comparable to doxorubicin, a standard chemotherapeutic widely used in breast cancer treatment. Notably, these derivatives exhibited superior selectivity indices (SI) when compared to doxorubicin, indicating lower toxicity towards non-tumor MCF10A cells. Compounds 11a and 11b displayed an improvement in IC50 values when compared to their precursor, 1,4-naphthoquinone, for both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and a comparable value to doxorubicin for MCF-7 cells. Also, their SI values were superior to those seen for the two reference compounds for both cell lines tested. Mechanistic studies revealed the ability of the compounds to induce apoptosis and inhibit clonogenic potential. Additionally, the irreversibility of their effects on cell viability underscores their promising therapeutic utility. In 3D-cell culture models, the compounds induced morphological changes indicative of reduced viability, supporting their efficacy in a more physiologically relevant model of study. The pharmacokinetics of the synthesized compounds were predicted using the SwissADME webserver, indicating that these compounds exhibit favorable drug-likeness properties and potential as antitumor agents. Overall, our findings underscore the promise of these hybrid compounds as potential candidates for breast cancer chemotherapy, emphasizing their selectivity and efficacy.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Neoplasias de la Mama , Naftoquinonas , Humanos , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Naftoquinonas/química , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/química , Antineoplásicos/síntesis química , Femenino , Neoplasias de la Mama/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Neoplasias de la Mama/metabolismo , Línea Celular Tumoral , Células MCF-7 , Quinolonas/farmacología , Quinolonas/química , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Técnicas de Cultivo Tridimensional de Células/métodos , Doxorrubicina/farmacología , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Candida spp. can be found in the human microbiome. However, immunocompromised patients are likely to develop invasive Candida infections, with mortality rates higher than 50%. The discovery of C. auris, a species that rapidly acquire antifungal resistance, increased the concern about Candida infections. The limited number of antifungal agents and the high incidence of resistance to them make imperative the development of new antifungal drugs. ß-lapachone is a biological active naphthoquinone that displays antifungal activity against C. albicans and C. glabrata. The aim of this study was to evaluate if this substance affects C. auris growth and elucidate its mechanism of action. A fluconazole-resistant C. auris isolate was used in this study. The antifungal activity of ß-lapachone was determined through microbroth dilution assays, and its mechanism of action was evaluated using fluorescent probes. Interaction with fluconazole and amphotericin B was assessed by disk diffusion assay and checkerboard. ß-lapachone inhibited planktonic C. auris cell growth by 92.7%, biofilm formation by 84.9%, and decrease the metabolism of preformed biofilms by 87.1% at 100 µg/ml. At 100 µg/ml, reductions of 30% and 59% of Calcofluor White and Nile red fluorescences were observed, indicating that ß-lapachone affects cell wall chitin and neutral lipids content, respectively. Also, the ratio 590 nm/529 nm of JC-1 decreased 52%, showing that the compound affects mitochondria. No synergism was observed between ß-lapachone and fluconazole or amphotericin B. Data show that ß-lapachone may be a promising candidate to be used as monotherapy to treat C. auris resistant infections.

Asunto(s)

Antifúngicos , Biopelículas , Candida auris , Farmacorresistencia Fúngica , Fluconazol , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Naftoquinonas , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Antifúngicos/farmacología , Farmacorresistencia Fúngica/efectos de los fármacos , Fluconazol/farmacología , Biopelículas/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Candida auris/efectos de los fármacos , Candida auris/genética , Anfotericina B/farmacología , Candidiasis/microbiología , Candidiasis/tratamiento farmacológico

RESUMEN

In pursuit of potential agents to treat Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, we report the design, synthesis, and identification novel naphthoquinone hydrazide-based molecular hybrids. The compounds were subjected to in vitro trypanocide and leishmanicidal activities. N'-(1,4-Dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)-3,5-dimethoxybenzohydrazide (13) showed the best performance against Trypanosoma cruzi (IC50 1.83 µM) and Leishmania amazonensis (IC50 9.65 µM). 4-Bromo-N'-(1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)benzohydrazide (16) exhibited leishmanicidal activity (IC50 12.16 µM). Regarding trypanocide activity, compound 13 was low cytotoxic to LLC-MK2 cells (SI = 95.28). Furthermore, through molecular modeling studies, the cysteine proteases cruzain, rhodesain and CPB2.8 were identified as the potential biological targets.

Asunto(s)

Diseño de Fármacos , Hidrazinas , Leishmania , Naftoquinonas , Tripanocidas , Trypanosoma cruzi , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Naftoquinonas/química , Naftoquinonas/síntesis química , Trypanosoma cruzi/efectos de los fármacos , Tripanocidas/farmacología , Tripanocidas/síntesis química , Tripanocidas/química , Leishmania/efectos de los fármacos , Hidrazinas/química , Hidrazinas/farmacología , Animales , Antiprotozoarios/farmacología , Antiprotozoarios/síntesis química , Antiprotozoarios/química , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Parasitaria , Concentración 50 Inhibidora , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Cisteína Endopeptidasas

RESUMEN

Two unusual naphthoquinones, named here as pleonotoquinones A (1) and B (2), were isolated along with two known anthraquinones (3 and 4) via chromatographic separations of an ethyl acetate extract of the roots of Pleonotoma jasminifolia. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first examples of quinones bearing a 2-methyloxepine moiety. The compounds were isolated with the aid of mass spectrometry and molecular networking, and their structures were resolved using 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against human cancer cell lines, and compounds 1 and 2 displayed cytotoxicity against human colon cancer HCT116 cells (IC50 = 2.6 µM for compound 1 and IC50 = 4.3 µM for compound 2) and human liver cancer HepG2 cells (IC50 = 1.9 µM for compound 1 and IC50 = 6.4 µM for compound 2).

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales , Naftoquinonas , Raíces de Plantas , Humanos , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Naftoquinonas/química , Naftoquinonas/aislamiento & purificación , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/química , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Estructura Molecular , Raíces de Plantas/química , Células Hep G2 , Células HCT116 , Boraginaceae/química

RESUMEN

The search for novel anticancer drugs is essential to expand treatment options, overcome drug resistance, reduce toxicity, promote innovation, and tackle the economic impact. The importance of these studies lies in their contribution to advancing cancer research and enhancing patient outcomes in the battle against cancer. Here, we developed new asymmetric hybrids containing two different naphthoquinones linked by a 1,2,3-1H-triazole nucleus, which are potential new drugs for cancer treatment. The antitumor activity of the novel compounds was tested using the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, using the non-cancer cell line MCF10A as control. Our results showed that two out of twenty-two substances tested presented potential antitumor activity against the breast cancer cell lines. These potential drugs, named here 12g and 12h were effective in reducing cell viability and promoting cell death of the tumor cell lines, exhibiting minimal effects on the control cell line. The mechanism of action of the novel drugs was assessed revealing that both drugs increased reactive oxygen species production with consequent activation of the AMPK pathway. Therefore, we concluded that 12g and 12h are novel AMPK activators presenting selective antitumor effects.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Neoplasias de la Mama , Naftoquinonas , Humanos , Femenino , Células MCF-7 , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Triazoles/farmacología , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por AMP , Proliferación Celular , Apoptosis , Línea Celular Tumoral , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Neoplasias de la Mama/tratamiento farmacológico , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales

RESUMEN

Ipê is a plant of the Bignoniaceae family. Among the compounds extracted from this tree, lapachol is notable because its structural modification allows the production of ß-lapachone, which has anticancer properties. The objective of this work was to test this hypothesis at a cellular level in vitro and assess its potential safety for use. The following tests were performed: MTT cell viability assay, apoptotic index determination, comet assay, and micronucleus test. The results showed that ß-lapachone had a high cytotoxic capacity for all cell lines tested: ACP02 (gastric adenocarcinoma cells), MCF7 (breast carcinoma cells), HCT116 (colon cancer cells) and HEPG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma cells). Regarding genotoxicity, the exposure of cells to sublethal doses of ß-lapachone induced DNA damage (assessed by the comet assay) and nuclear abnormalities, such as nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds (assessed by the micronucleus test). All tested cell lines responded similarly to ß-lapachone, except for ACP02 cells, which were relatively resistant to the cytotoxic effects of the compound in the MTT test. Our results collectively indicate that although ß-lapachone showed antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines, it also caused harmful effects in these cells, suggesting that the use of ß-lapachone in treating cancer should be carried out with caution.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Neoplasias del Colon , Naftoquinonas , Humanos , Apoptosis , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Daño del ADN

RESUMEN

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic wound healing potential and molecular mechanisms of shikonin as small molecules in vitro. A mouse burn model was used to explore the potential therapeutic effect of shikonin; we traced proliferating cells in vivo to locate the active area of skin cell proliferation. Through the results of conventional pathological staining, we found that shikonin has a good effect on the treatment of burned skin and promoted the normal distribution of skin keratin at the damaged site. At the same time, shikonin also promoted the proliferation of skin cells at the damaged site; importantly, we found a significant increase in the number of fibroblasts at the damaged site treated with shikonin. Most importantly, shikonin promotes fibroblasts to repair skin wounds by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study shows that shikonin can effectively promote the proliferation of skin cell, and local injection of fibroblasts in burned skin can play a certain therapeutic role.

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El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar el potencial terapéutico de cicatrización de heridas y los mecanismos moleculares de la shikonina como moléculas pequeñas in vitro. Se utilizó un modelo de quemaduras en ratones para explorar el posible efecto terapéutico de la shikonina; Rastreamos las células en proliferación in vivo para localizar el área activa de proliferación de células de la piel. A través de los resultados de la tinción para patología convencional, encontramos que la shikonina tiene un buen efecto en el tratamiento de la piel quemada y promueve la distribución normal de la queratina de la piel en el sitio dañado. Al mismo tiempo, la shikonina también promovió la proliferación de células de la piel en el sitio dañado. Es importante destacar que encontramos un aumento significativo en la cantidad de fibroblastos en el sitio dañado tratado con shikonina. Lo más importante es que la shikonina promueve la función reparadora de fibroblastos en las heridas de la piel regulando la vía de señalización PI3K/ AKT. Este estudio muestra que la shikonina puede promover eficazmente la proliferación de células de la piel y que la inyección local de fibroblastos en la piel quemada puede desempeñar un cierto papel terapéutico.

Asunto(s)

Animales , Ratones , Cicatrización de Heridas/efectos de los fármacos , Quemaduras/tratamiento farmacológico , Naftoquinonas/administración & dosificación , Piel , Técnicas In Vitro , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Fibroblastos , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL

RESUMEN

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used for various purposes, including as an antitumor resource in a noninvasive therapy with minimal side effects. Sinningia magnifica (Otto & A. Dietr.) Wiehler is a rupicolous plant found in rock crevices in Brazilian tropical forests. Initial studies indicate the presence of phenolic glycosides and anthraquinones in species of the genus Sinningia (Generiaceae family). It is known that anthraquinones are natural photosensitizers with potential PDT applications. This led us to investigate the potential compounds of S. magnifica for use as a natural photosensitizer against the melanoma (SK-MEL-103) and the prostate cancer (PC-3) cell lines in a bioguided study. Our results showed that singlet oxygen production by the 1,3-DPBF photodegradation assay greatly increased in the presence of crude extract and fractions. The biological activity evaluation showed photodynamic action against melanoma cell line SK-MEL-103 and prostate cell line PC-3. These results suggest the presence of potential photosensitizing substances, as demonstrated in this in vitro antitumor PDT study by the naphthoquinones Dunniol and 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-α-dunnione for the first time. Naphthoquinones, anthraquinones and phenolic compounds were identified in the crude extract by UHPLC-MS/MS analysis, motivating us to continue with the bioguided phytochemical study aiming to discover more photochemically bioactive substances in Gesneriaceae plants.

Asunto(s)

Melanoma , Naftoquinonas , Fotoquimioterapia , Humanos , Espectrometría de Masas en Tándem , Melanoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Naftoquinonas/química , Naftoquinonas/uso terapéutico , Fármacos Fotosensibilizantes/farmacología , Fármacos Fotosensibilizantes/uso terapéutico , Antraquinonas/farmacología , Antraquinonas/química , Mezclas Complejas

RESUMEN

Cancer is responsible for high mortality rates worldwide, representing a serious health problem. In this sense, melanoma corresponds to the most aggressive type of skin cancer, being the cause of the highest death rates. Therapeutic strategies for the treatment of melanoma remain limited, with problems associated with toxicity, serious side effects, and mechanisms of resistance. The potential of natural products for the prevention and treatment of melanoma has been reported in different studies. Among these compounds, naphthoquinones (1,2-naphthoquinones and 1,4-naphthoquinones) stand out for their diverse pharmacological properties, including their antitumor activity. Thus, this review covers different studies found in the literature on the application of natural naphthoquinones targeting melanoma, providing information regarding the mechanisms of action investigated for these compounds. Finally, we believe that this review provides a comprehensive basis for the use of natural naphthoquinones against melanoma and that it may contribute to the discovery of promising compounds, specifically naphthoquinones, aimed at the treatment of this cancer.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Melanoma , Naftoquinonas , Humanos , Melanoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Naftoquinonas/farmacología

RESUMEN

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of cordiaquinones B, E, L, N, and O against different Staphylococci strains, in addition to analyzing in silico the observed effect. METHODS AND RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined according to CLSI guidelines. The inhibition of biofilm formation was investigated at sub-MICs. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and density functional theory method were performed. The tested strains of Staphylococcus spp. were susceptible to cordiaquinones B, E, and L, among which cordiaquinone B exerted a bactericidal effect, confirmed by a bacterial growth curve study, against Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Cordiaquinones B and E showed lowest MBC values against S. saprophyticus. AFM revealed that cordiaquinone L reduced the mean cell size of S. saprophyticus. Cordiaquinones B and E inhibited the biofilm formation ability of S. aureus by ∼90%. The in silico analysis suggested that the antimicrobial activity of cordiaquinones is driven by their electron donation capability. CONCLUSIONS: Cordiaquinones inhibit the growth and biofilm formation (virulence factor) of both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococci strains, indicating their antimicrobial potential.

Asunto(s)

Antibacterianos , Biopelículas , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina , Naftoquinonas , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/efectos de los fármacos , Biopelículas/efectos de los fármacos , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Simulación por Computador , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Cordia/química , Extractos Vegetales/aislamiento & purificación , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Viabilidad Microbiana/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

A series of 2-phenylamino-3-acyl-1,4-naphtoquinones were evaluated regarding their in vitro antiproliferative activities using DU-145, MCF-7 and T24 cancer cells. Such activities were discussed in terms of molecular descriptors such as half-wave potentials, hydrophobicity and molar refractivity. Compounds 4 and 11 displayed the highest antiproliferative activity against the three cancer cells and were therefore further investigated. The in silico prediction of drug likeness, using pkCSM and SwissADME explorer online, shows that compound 11 is a suitable lead molecule to be developed. Moreover, the expressions of key genes were studied in DU-145 cancer cells. They include genes involved in apoptosis (Bcl-2), tumor metabolism regulation (mTOR), redox homeostasis (GSR), cell cycle regulation (CDC25A), cell cycle progression (TP53), epigenetic (HDAC4), cell-cell communication (CCN2) and inflammatory pathways (TNF). Compound 11 displays an interesting profile because among these genes, mTOR was significantly less expressed as compared to control conditions. Molecular docking shows that compound 11 has good affinity with mTOR, unraveling a potential inhibitory effect on this protein. Due to the key role of mTOR on tumor metabolism, we suggest that impaired DU-145 cells proliferation by compound 11 is caused by a reduced mTOR expression (less mTOR protein) and inhibitory activity on mTOR protein.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Naftoquinonas , Neoplasias , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular , Apoptosis , Serina-Treonina Quinasas TOR/metabolismo , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales

RESUMEN

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and special attention should be given to treatment because the available drugs have limitations, which can lead to low therapeutic adherence and parasitic resistance. This study evaluated the activity of the bioactive naphthoquinones, lapachol and ß-lapachone, against Leishmania amazonensis. The cell alterations were evaluated in vitro on promastigote and amastigote forms. The lethal dose (LD50) at 24, 48, and 72 h on the promastigote's forms using lapachol was 75.60, 72.82, and 58.85 µg/mL and for ß-lapachone was 0.65, 1.24, and 0.71 µg/mL, respectively. The naphthoquinones significantly inhibited the survival rate of L. amazonensis amastigotes at 83.11, 57.59, and 34.95% for lapachol (82.28, 41.14, and 20.57 µg/mL), and 78.49, 83.25, and 80.22% for ß-lapachone (3.26, 1.63, and 0.815 µg/mL). The compounds on the promastigote's forms led to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, induced changes in the integrity of the membrane, caused damage to cells suggestive of the apoptotic process, and showed inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 production. The results showed that these naphthoquinones are promising candidates for research on new drugs with anti-Leishmania activity derived from natural products.

Asunto(s)

Antiprotozoarios , Leishmania mexicana , Naftoquinonas , Humanos , Animales , Ratones , Antiprotozoarios/farmacología , Antiprotozoarios/uso terapéutico , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Naftoquinonas/farmacología

RESUMEN

Natural products and their derivatives have been sources of search and research for new drugs for the treatment of neglected diseases. Naphthoquinones, a special group of quinones, are products of natural metabolites with a wide spectrum of biological activities and represent a group of interesting molecules for new therapeutic propositions. Among these compounds, lapachol stands out as a molecule from the heartwood of Tabebuia sp. whose structural changes resulted in compounds considered promising, such as epoxy-α-lapachone (ELAP). The biological activity of ELAP has been demonstrated, so far, for parasitic protozoa such as Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium spp., species causing diseases needing new drug development and adequate health policy. This work gathers in vitro and in vivo studies on these parasites, as well as the toxicity profile, and the probable mechanisms of action elucidated until then. The potential of ELAP-based technology alternatives for a further drug is discussed here.

Asunto(s)

Naftoquinonas , Parásitos , Trypanosoma cruzi , Humanos , Animales , Óxido de Etileno , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Naftoquinonas/química , Naftoquinonas/uso terapéutico , Quinonas

RESUMEN

Current therapeutic ways adopted for the treatment of leishmaniasis are toxic and expensive including parasite resistance is a growing problem. Given this scenario, it is urgent to explore treatment alternatives for leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 3-phenyl-lawsone (3-PL) naphthoquinone on Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infection, both in vitro and in vivo, using two local routes of administration: subcutaneous (higher dose) and tattoo (lower dose). In vitro 3-PL showed low toxicity for macrophages (CC50 >3200 µM/48h) and activity against intracellular amastigotes (IC50 = 193 ± 19 µM/48h) and promastigotes (IC50 = 116 ± 26 µM/72h), in which induced increased ROS generation. Additionally, 3-PL up-regulated the production of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 in infected macrophages. However, the anti-amastigote action was independent of nitric oxide production. Treatment of hamsters infected with L. (V.) braziliensis from one week after infection with 3-PL by subcutaneous (25 µg/Kg) or tattooing (2.5 µg/Kg) route, during 3 weeks (3 times/week) or 2 weeks (2 times/week) significantly decreased the parasite load (p<0.001) in the lesion. The reduction of parasite load by 3-PL treatment was comparable to reference drug meglumine antimoniate administered by the same routes (subcutaneous 1mg/Kg and tattoo 0.1mg/Kg). In addition, treatment started from five weeks after infection with 3-PL per tattoo also decreased the parasite load. These results show the anti-leishmanial effect of 3-PL against L. (V.) braziliensis and its efficacy by subcutaneous (higher dose) and tattoo (lower dose) routes. In addition, this study shows that drug delivery by tattooing the lesion allows the use of lower doses than the conventional subcutaneous route, which may support the development of a new therapeutic strategy that can be adopted for leishmaniasis.

Asunto(s)

Antiprotozoarios , Leishmania braziliensis , Leishmaniasis Cutánea , Naftoquinonas , Tatuaje , Cricetinae , Animales , Antimoniato de Meglumina/farmacología , Antimoniato de Meglumina/uso terapéutico , Antiprotozoarios/farmacología , Antiprotozoarios/uso terapéutico , Leishmaniasis Cutánea/tratamiento farmacológico , Leishmaniasis Cutánea/parasitología , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Naftoquinonas/uso terapéutico , Carga de Parásitos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: ß-lapachone (ß-lap) is a naphthoquinone widely found in species of vegetables. However, its poor aqueous solubility limits its systemic administration and clinical applications in vivo. To overcome this limitation, several studies have been carried out in order to investigate techniques that can enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of ß-lap, such as the use of inclusion complexes with cyclodextrin. PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vivo effect of ß-lap complexed in methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MßCD) on the evolutionary stages of Schistosoma mansoni in a murine model. METHODS: The development and characterization of the physicochemical properties of the inclusion complex of ß-lap in ß-lap:MßCD was prepared by solubility and dissolution tests, FTIR, DSC, X-RD and SEM. The mice were infected and subsequently treated with ß-lap:MßCD orally with 50 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days, starting therapy on the 1st (skin schistosomula), 14th (pulmonary schistosomula), 28th (young worms) and 45th (adult worms) days after infection. Control groups were also formed; one infected untreated, treated with MßCD, and the other treated with PZQ. RESULTS: The loss of the crystalline form of ß-lap in the ß-lap:MßCD complex obtained by spray drying was proven through physical-chemical characterization analyses. ß-lap:MßCD caused reduction in the number of worms of the 33.56%, 35.7%, 35.45% and 36.45%, when the dose was at 50 mg/kg, and 65.00%, 60.34%, 52.72% and 65.01%, in the dose 100 mg/kg; when treatment was started in the 1st, 14th, 28th and 45th days after infection, respectively. It was also possible to observe a significant reduction in the number of immature eggs and an increase in the number of ripe and dead eggs and, consequently, a reduction in the damage caused by the egg antigens to the host tissue, where we attributed the reduction in the average diameter of the granulomas to the ß-lap. CONCLUSION: The dissolved content of ß-lap:MßCD by spray drying reached almost 100%, serving for future formulations and delineation of the mechanisms of action of ß-lap against S. mansoni.

Asunto(s)

Naftoquinonas , Schistosoma mansoni , Animales , Ratones , Secado por Pulverización , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Naftoquinonas/farmacología

RESUMEN

A new worldwide concern has emerged with the recent emergence of infections caused by Candida auris. This reflects its comparative ease of transmission, substantial mortality, and the increasing level of resistance seen in the three major classes of antifungal drugs. Efforts to create a better design for structure-based drugs that described numerous modifications and the search for secondary metabolic structures derived from plant species are likely to reduce the virulence of several fungal pathogens. In this context, the present work aimed to evaluate in silico two naphthoquinones isolated from the roots of Capraria biflora, biflorin, and its dimmer, bis-biflorin, as potential inhibitors of Candida auris polymerase. Based on the simulation performed with the two naphthoquinones, biflorin and bis-biflorin, it can be stated that bis-biflorin showed the best interactions with Candida auris polymerase. Still, biflorin also demonstrated favorable coupling energy. Predictive pharmacokinetic assays suggest that biflorin has high oral bioavailability and more excellent metabolic stability compared to the bis-biflorin analogue. constituting a promising pharmacological tool.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Asunto(s)

Candida auris , Naftoquinonas , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Naftoquinonas/farmacología , Naftoquinonas/química , Antifúngicos/farmacología , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana