A thiazole derivative of artemisinin moderately reduces Toxoplasma gondii cyst burden in infected mice

J Parasitol. 2014 Aug;100(4):516-21. doi: 10.1645/13-451.1. Epub 2014 Feb 13.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis continues to be a public health problem, causing significant morbidity worldwide. Currently available medications, effective for acute toxoplasmosis, are nonetheless problematic due to adverse side effects in many patients. In addition, no medication is able to completely eradicate the parasite cysts, rendering infected individuals at risk for reactivation upon becoming immunocompromised. We examined the anti- T. gondii activity of 2 derivatives of artemisinin. In vitro metabolic stability tests revealed that both derivatives are stable in mouse plasma but only the thiazole CPH4-136 is stable in the presence of mouse microsomes. When tested in a mouse model of acute toxoplasmosis, both derivatives showed modest efficacy dependent upon the compound dose and the solvent vehicle. Finally, in a mouse model of chronic T. gondii infection, CPH4-136 at 3 mg/kg once per day for 32 days moderately but significantly decreased mouse brain cyst burden. Collectively, our findings suggest that artemisinin derivatives are partially effective in treating experimental T. gondii infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / chemistry
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Artemether
  • Artemisinins / chemistry
  • Artemisinins / pharmacology*
  • Brain / parasitology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Drug Stability
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Thiazoles / chemistry
  • Toxoplasma / drug effects*
  • Toxoplasma / growth & development
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / drug therapy*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / mortality
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / parasitology

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Artemisinins
  • CPH4-136 compound
  • Thiazoles
  • artemisinin
  • Artemether