Synergistic effect of compounds directed to triosephosphate isomerase, a combination to develop drug against trichomoniasis

The development of new drugs is continuous in the world; currently, saving resources (both economic ones and time) and preventing secondary effects have become a necessity for drug developers. Trichomoniasis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection affecting more than 270 million people around the world. In our research group, we focussed on developing a selective and more effective drug against Trichomonas vaginalis, and we previously reported on a compound, called A4, which had a trichomonacidal effect. Later, we determined another compound, called D4, which also had a trichomonacidal effect together with favorable toxicity results. Both A4 and D4 are directed at the enzyme triosephosphate isomerase. Thus, we made combinations between the two compounds, in which we determined a synergistic effect against T. vaginalis, determining the IC50 and the toxicity of the best relationship to obtain the trichomonacidal effect. With these results, we can propose a combination of compounds that represents a promising alternative for the development of a new therapeutic strategy against trichomoniasis. The combination compound A4–D4 is shown to have a synergistic effect against Trichomonas vaginalis, with an IC50 value of 50 µM in in vitro cultures, as well as acceptable toxicity results. The A4–D4 combination compound can thus be proposed as a promising alternative for the development of a new therapeutic strategy against trichomoniasis.