Antischistosomal activity of aminoalkanethiols, aminoalkanethiosulfuric acids and the corresponding disulfides

Acta Trop. 2008 Nov-Dec;108(2-3):249-55. doi: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2008.10.005. Epub 2008 Oct 22.

Abstract

This paper discusses the development of a series of sulfur-containing compounds that show an interesting in vivo activity against infection by Schistosoma mansoni. These substances include the aminoalkanethiols, aminoalkanethiosulfuric acids and aminoalkyl disulfides, among others. Although the aminoethanethiols and their disulfide derivatives have presented a relatively high toxicity for the host animal, the aminoalkanethiosulfuric acids have a low toxicity and a high specificity for the adult female S. mansoni worms. In vitro studies with schistosomula, lung-phase schistosomula and adult worms have demonstrated effects on the tegument and the metabolism on these different stages of S. mansoni worms. The encapsulation of these drugs in a nanoemulsion has resulted in an increase in the in vitro activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / chemistry
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / toxicity*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Schistosoma mansoni / drug effects*
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / drug therapy*
  • Sulfur Compounds / chemistry
  • Sulfur Compounds / pharmacology
  • Sulfur Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Sulfur Compounds / toxicity*

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Sulfur Compounds