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Published on: April 21, 2012
Topical tamoxifen in the therapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Cristiana T Trinconi1, Juliana Q Reimão1, Vivian I Bonano1
1Departamento de Parasitologia,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo,Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374,05508-000 São Paulo,Brazil.
Abstract:
The aims of the present work were to test the effect of tamoxifen administered topically and the therapeutic efficacy of tamoxifen and pentavalent antimonial combinations in an experimental model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. BALB/c mice infected with a luciferase expressing line of Leishmania amazonensis were treated with topical tamoxifen in two different formulations (ethanol or oil-free cream) as monotherapy or in co-administration with pentavalent antimonial. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by lesion size and parasite burden, quantified through luminescence, at the end of treatment and 4 weeks later. Topical tamoxifen, formulated in ethanol or as a cream, was shown to be effective. The interaction between tamoxifen and pentavalent antimonial was additive in vitro. Treatment with combined schemes containing tamoxifen and pentavalent antimonial was effective in reducing lesion size and parasite burden. Co-administration of tamoxifen and pentavalent antimonial was superior to monotherapy with antimonial.
Insights
Topical tamoxifen effectively treats cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice. Combining tamoxifen with pentavalent antimonial (PA) therapy showed superior efficacy in reducing lesion size and parasite burden compared to PA alone.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) poses a significant global health challenge.
- Current treatments for CL have limitations, including toxicity and resistance.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve CL treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical tamoxifen as monotherapy for experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- To assess the therapeutic efficacy of combining topical tamoxifen with pentavalent antimonial (PA).
- To investigate the interaction between tamoxifen and PA in vitro.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice infected with *Leishmania amazonensis* were used as an experimental model.
- Topical tamoxifen was administered in ethanol or cream formulations.
- Treatments included tamoxifen monotherapy and co-administration with PA.
- Efficacy was measured by lesion size and parasite burden (luminescence).
Main Results:
- Topical tamoxifen, in both ethanol and cream formulations, demonstrated significant efficacy.
- Tamoxifen and PA exhibited an additive interaction in vitro.
- Combined tamoxifen-PA therapy effectively reduced lesion size and parasite burden.
- Co-administration of tamoxifen and PA was superior to PA monotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Topical tamoxifen is a promising agent for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- Combination therapy with tamoxifen and PA offers enhanced therapeutic benefits.
- This combination strategy represents a potential advancement in CL treatment.
