A natural cell-penetrating nanopeptide combined with pentavalent antimonial as experimental therapy against cutaneous leishmaniasis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of combined therapy between crotamine (CTA) from Crotalus durissus terrificus and the pentavalent antimonial Glucantime® (GLU). The assays were in vitro performed measuring the inhibition of Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes, followed by the evaluation of cellular production of cytokines and nitrites. After that, analytical methods were performed in order to characterize the molecules involved in the study by Mass Spectrometry, molecular affinity through an in silico assay and Surface Plasmon Resonance. In vivo experiments with BALB/c mice were performed by analyzing parasitemia, lesion size and immunological mediators. In the in vitro experiments, the pharmacological association improved the inhibition of the amastigotes, modulated the production of cytokines and nitric oxide. The therapy improved the effectiveness of the GLU, demonstrating a decreased parasitemia in the infected tissues. Altogether, the results suggest that the combined approach with CTA and GLU may be a promising alternative for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
PMID: 32698075 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Experimental Parasitology - July 18, 2020 Category: Parasitology Authors: Valentim Silva JR, de Barros NB, Aragão Macedo SR, Ferreira ADS, Moreira Dill LS, Zanchi FB, do Nascimento JR, Fernandes do Nascimento FR, Lourenzoni MR, de Azevedo Calderon L, Soares AM, Nicolete R Tags: Exp Parasitol Source Type: research