Abstract
Neglected helminthic diseases cause many social, economic and health care challenges in developing countries. The high number of patients suffering from these parasitic infections and the lack of sufficient treatment options represent severe problems. Research on new drugs and therapies to meet this urgent requirement has to be intensified. This review focuses on infections caused by four helminthic parasites, which have been declared as neglected diseases by the World Health Organization: namely drancunculiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchoceriasis, and schistosomiasis. They show a considerable overlap in their world-wide prevalence and treatment strategies. Nevertheless, treatment is not without complications. The most efficient lymphatic filariasis drug, diethylcarbamazine, causes severe adverse effects in onchocerciasis patients and completely fails in the treatment of drancunculiasis. In this review, we discuss these incongruities at the molecular and cellular level. Furthermore, established or investigational drug combination regimens are highlighted. In the past years, progress has been made in the area of schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis. The molecular biology of underlying mechanisms, signalling pathways and related targets affected by drug therapy are discussed in detail. Finally, successful treatment strategies and remaining future challenges are summarized.
Keywords: Neglected diseases, lymphatic filariasis, drancunculiasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, helminths, anthelminthic drugs
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Chemistry and Pharmacology of Neglected Helminthic Diseases
Volume: 18 Issue: 5
Author(s): A. Mullner, A. Helfer, D. Kotlyar, J. Oswald and T. Efferth
Affiliation:
Keywords: Neglected diseases, lymphatic filariasis, drancunculiasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, helminths, anthelminthic drugs
Abstract: Neglected helminthic diseases cause many social, economic and health care challenges in developing countries. The high number of patients suffering from these parasitic infections and the lack of sufficient treatment options represent severe problems. Research on new drugs and therapies to meet this urgent requirement has to be intensified. This review focuses on infections caused by four helminthic parasites, which have been declared as neglected diseases by the World Health Organization: namely drancunculiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchoceriasis, and schistosomiasis. They show a considerable overlap in their world-wide prevalence and treatment strategies. Nevertheless, treatment is not without complications. The most efficient lymphatic filariasis drug, diethylcarbamazine, causes severe adverse effects in onchocerciasis patients and completely fails in the treatment of drancunculiasis. In this review, we discuss these incongruities at the molecular and cellular level. Furthermore, established or investigational drug combination regimens are highlighted. In the past years, progress has been made in the area of schistosomiasis and onchocerciasis. The molecular biology of underlying mechanisms, signalling pathways and related targets affected by drug therapy are discussed in detail. Finally, successful treatment strategies and remaining future challenges are summarized.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Mullner A., Helfer A., Kotlyar D., Oswald J. and Efferth T., Chemistry and Pharmacology of Neglected Helminthic Diseases, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2011; 18 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986711794480096
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986711794480096 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
A Stress Repair Mechanism That Maintains Vertebrate Structure During Stress
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Riboswitches as Potential Targets for the Development of Anti-Biofilm Drugs
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Genome Variability in Gram-Positive Pathogenic Bacteria - Impact on Virulence and Evolution
Current Genomics Bedside Lung Ultrasound in the Care of the Critically Ill
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Macrolides Allergy
Current Pharmaceutical Design Withdrawal Notice: Therapeutic Options for Treatment of COVID-19: A Review from Repurposed Drugs to New Drug Targets
Current Drug Targets Therapeutic Modulation of Gut Microbiota: Current Clinical Applications and Future Perspectives
Current Drug Targets Radiolabeled Organism-Specific Antibodies for Diagnosis and Therapy of Infections
Current Medical Imaging Effect of Treatment with Caspofungin on the Diagnosis of Fungal Infections by Gamma Scintigraphy
Current Radiopharmaceuticals Adherence to Secondary Prophylaxis for Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Systematic Review
Current Cardiology Reviews Exploiting Quorum Sensing Inhibition for the Control of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilms
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry The Adult Patient with Eisenmenger Syndrome: A Medical Update after Dana Point Part III: Specific Management and Surgical Aspects
Current Cardiology Reviews Infection and Hemodialysis Access: An Updated Review.
Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate (Plaquenil): A Possible Candidate for Pandemic SARS-CoV-2 or (COVID-19) ?
Coronaviruses Drug Delivery Systems Based on Titania Nanotubes and Active Agents for Enhanced Osseointegration of Bone Implants
Current Medicinal Chemistry Surgical Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Role of Beta-Blocker in Heart Failure in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials Oral Hygiene and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Molecularly Imprinted Sol-Gel Materials for Medical Applications
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Recent Advances in Treatment Approaches of Mucopolysaccharidosis VI
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology