Second Generation of Mannich Base-Type Derivatives with in Vivo Activity against Trypanosoma cruzi

J Med Chem. 2018 Jul 12;61(13):5643-5663. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00468. Epub 2018 Jun 22.

Abstract

Chagas disease is a potentially life-threatening and neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. One of the most important challenges related to Chagas disease is the search for new, safe, effective, and affordable drugs since the current therapeutic arsenal is inadequate and insufficient. Here, we report a simple and cost-effective synthesis and the biological evaluation of the second generation of Mannich base-type derivatives. Compounds 7, 9, and 10 showed improved in vitro efficiency and lower toxicity than benznidazole, in addition to no genotoxicity; thus, they were applied in in vivo assays to assess their activity in both acute and chronic phases of the disease. Compound 10 presented a similar profile to benznidazole from the parasitological perspective but also yielded encouraging data, as no toxicity was observed. Moreover, compound 9 showed lower parasitaemia and higher curative rates than benznidazole, also with lower toxicity in both acute and chronic phases. Therefore, further studies should be considered to optimize compound 9 to promote its further preclinical evaluation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • DNA Replication / drug effects
  • Female
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Mannich Bases / chemistry*
  • Mannich Bases / metabolism
  • Mannich Bases / pharmacology*
  • Mannich Bases / toxicity
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Parasitic Sensitivity Tests
  • Protein Conformation
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Superoxide Dismutase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Superoxide Dismutase / chemistry
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism
  • Trypanocidal Agents / chemistry*
  • Trypanocidal Agents / metabolism
  • Trypanocidal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Trypanocidal Agents / toxicity
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / drug effects*
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / enzymology
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / genetics
  • Vero Cells

Substances

  • Mannich Bases
  • Trypanocidal Agents
  • Superoxide Dismutase