NANOPARTICLES FOR THE IMPROVED TREATMENT OF CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease endemic in 98 countries, including Argentina. Its consequences depend on the type of causing parasite and the patient’s immune status, and vary from the formation of large scars to the destruction of the mucous membranes of the face and in some cases, death. It is growing due to multiple factors, including deforestation and global warming. Current treatments are mostly systemic, expensive and highly toxic.
We develop formulations that can be used topically, improving the patient’s compliance and minimising side effects. In particular, we use liposomes to improve the intradermal penetration of drugs with leishmanicidal potency. We carry out physical-chemical studies of the formulations; exvivo penetration studies in human skin; in vitro studies in infected cells and in vivo efficacy studies in a murine model of the disease. The techniques used include confocal microscopy, biophysical techniques, spectrophotometry, cell culture of parasites and eukaryotic cells and work with laboratory animals. We are also beginning to test one of our topical formulations in patients.
COMPETITIVE RESEARCH FUNDS
- 2022-2024. CONICET, PIP. “Topical miltefosine for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.” PI
- 2022-2023. World Health Organization. Reintegration Grant for Fellows. “Cordoba City as a hub to spread and improve Clinical research and Open Science”. PI
- 2022-2025. FONCYT, Applied PICT Category I 2022- 00088 «Topical miltefosine for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.» PI
- 2021-2023. FONCYT PICT2019-02295. Nanoparticulate formulation for the topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. PI.
- 2020-2022 SeCyT-UNC PRIMAR. Acute brain trauma: interdisciplinary approach for its treatment, diagnosis and prevention. UNC. Researcher member of the group.
- 2018-2021. SeCyT-UNC, Consolidar. “Research and instrumentation in experimental nuclear magnetic resonance techniques”. Co-PI.
PUBLICATIONS (LATEST FIVE YEARS)
- Morales, C.; Fernandez, M.; Ferrer, R.; Raimunda D.; Carrer, D. C.; Bollo M*. Ursodeoxycholic acid binds PERK and ameliorates neurite atrophy in a cellular model of GM2 gangliosidosis. (2023) Int. J. Mol. Sci. 24(8), 7209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24087209.
- Peralta, Ma. F.; Guzmán, Ma. L.; Bracamonte, Ma. E.; Marco, J. D.; Olivera, Ma. E.; Carrer, D. C.*; Barroso, P. A. Efficacy of Risedronate and Risedronate – Eudragit E complex in a mouse model of cutaneous leishmaniasis induced by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. (2021) Helyion Vol. 7, Issue 5, e07136, ISSN 2405-8440. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07136.
- Peralta, Ma. F.; Usseglio, N. A., Bracamonte, Ma. E.; Guzmán, Ma.L.; Olivera, Ma.E.; Marco, J.D.; Barroso, P. A., Carrer, D.C.*. Efficacy of topical miltefosine formulations in an experimental model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. (2022) Drug Delivery and Translational Research 12(1):180-196. DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00896-8.
- Complete and updated list available here.
TEAM
