2 research outputs found
Small molecules containing chalcogen elements (S, Se, Te) as new warhead to fight neglected tropical diseases
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) encompass a group of infectious diseases with a protozoan etiology, high
incidence, and prevalence in developing countries. As a result, economic factors constitute one of the main
obstacles to their management. Endemic countries have high levels of poverty, deprivation and marginalization
which affect patients and limit their access to proper medical care. As a matter of fact, statistics remain un-
collected in some affected areas due to non-reporting cases. World Health Organization and other organizations
proposed a plan for the eradication and control of the vector, although many of these plans were halted by the
COVID-19 pandemic. Despite of the available drugs to treat these pathologies, it exists a lack of effectiveness
against several parasite strains. Treatment protocols for diseases such as American trypanosomiasis (Chagas
disease), leishmaniasis, and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) have not achieved the desired results. Un-
fortunately, these drugs present limitations such as side effects, toxicity, teratogenicity, renal, and hepatic
impairment, as well as high costs that have hindered the control and eradication of these diseases. This review
focuses on the analysis of a collection of scientific shreds of evidence with the aim of identifying novel chalcogen-
derived molecules with biological activity against Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and HAT. Compounds illustrated
in each figure share the distinction of containing at least one chalcogen element. Sulfur (S), selenium (Se), and
tellurium (Te) have been grouped and analyzed in accordance with their design strategy, chemical synthesis
process and biological activity. After an exhaustive revision of the related literature on S, Se, and Te compounds,
183 compounds presenting excellent biological performance were gathered against the different causative agents
of CD, leishmaniasis and HAT
Small molecules containing chalcogen elements (S, Se, Te) as new warhead to fight neglected tropical diseases
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) encompass a group of infectious diseases with a protozoan etiology, high
incidence, and prevalence in developing countries. As a result, economic factors constitute one of the main
obstacles to their management. Endemic countries have high levels of poverty, deprivation and marginalization
which affect patients and limit their access to proper medical care. As a matter of fact, statistics remain un-
collected in some affected areas due to non-reporting cases. World Health Organization and other organizations
proposed a plan for the eradication and control of the vector, although many of these plans were halted by the
COVID-19 pandemic. Despite of the available drugs to treat these pathologies, it exists a lack of effectiveness
against several parasite strains. Treatment protocols for diseases such as American trypanosomiasis (Chagas
disease), leishmaniasis, and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) have not achieved the desired results. Un-
fortunately, these drugs present limitations such as side effects, toxicity, teratogenicity, renal, and hepatic
impairment, as well as high costs that have hindered the control and eradication of these diseases. This review
focuses on the analysis of a collection of scientific shreds of evidence with the aim of identifying novel chalcogen-
derived molecules with biological activity against Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and HAT. Compounds illustrated
in each figure share the distinction of containing at least one chalcogen element. Sulfur (S), selenium (Se), and
tellurium (Te) have been grouped and analyzed in accordance with their design strategy, chemical synthesis
process and biological activity. After an exhaustive revision of the related literature on S, Se, and Te compounds,
183 compounds presenting excellent biological performance were gathered against the different causative agents
of CD, leishmaniasis and HAT