Volume 21, Issue 9 e202401247
Research Article

Selective Activity Against Amastigote Forms of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum of Diastereomeric Dicentrine N-oxides

Daniela C. Tristão

Daniela C. Tristão

Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, 09210-580 Santo Andre, SP, Brazil

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Henrique Barbosa

Henrique Barbosa

Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, 09210-580 Santo Andre, SP, Brazil

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Erica V. de Castro Levatti

Erica V. de Castro Levatti

Butantan Institute, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil

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Beatriz A. Andrade

Beatriz A. Andrade

Butantan Institute, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil

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Maiara M. Romanelli

Maiara M. Romanelli

Butantan Institute, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil

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Guilherme M. Antar

Guilherme M. Antar

Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, 29932-540 São Matheus, ES, Brazil

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Andre G. Tempone

Corresponding Author

Andre G. Tempone

Butantan Institute, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil

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João Henrique G. Lago

Corresponding Author

João Henrique G. Lago

Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, 09210-580 Santo Andre, SP, Brazil

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First published: 19 June 2024
Citations: 2

Abstract

As part of our continuous research for the discovery of bioactive compounds against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum, the alkaloid (6aS)-dicentrine (1) was oxidized to afford (6aS,6S)- (2) and (6aS,6R)- (3) dicentrine-N-oxides. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity against NCTC cells indicated that 2 and 3 are non-toxic (CC50>200 μM) whereas 1 demonstrated CC50 of 52.0 μM. Concerning T. cruzi activity against amastigotes, derivatives 2 and 3 exhibited EC50 values of 9.9 μM (SI>20.2) and 27.5 μM (SI>7.3), respectively, but 1 is inactive (EC50>100 μM). Otherwise, when tested against L. infantum amastigotes, 1 and 3 exhibited EC50 values of 10.3 μM (SI=5.0) and 12.7 μM (SI>15.7), respectively, being 2 inactive (EC50>100 μM). Comparing the effects of positive controls benznidazol (EC50=6.5 μM and SI>30.7) and miltefosine (EC50=10.2 μM and SI=15.2), it was observed a selective antiparasitic activity to diastereomers 2 and 3 against T. cruzi and L. infantum. Considering stereochemical aspects, it was suggested that the configuration of the new stereocenter formed after oxidation of 1 played an important role in the bioactivity against amastigotes of both tested parasites.

Graphical Abstract

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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