USE OF 5-HYDROXY-2-HYDROXYMETHYL- Y -PYRONE (HMP) AS A LEISHMANICIDAL AGENT

摘要

The present invention refers to the use of HMP (a secondary metabolite obtained from Aspergillus fungi) as an agent that intensifies the mechanism of macrophage activation, leading to the death of L.(Leishmania) amazonensis, the etiologic agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The main mechanism of action of this agent is the activation of the microbicidal activity of host cells, through increased superoxide production, number of lysosomes, actin and microtubule filament polymerization and increased spreading, typical of activated cells. Additionally, HMP represents a molecule of easy acquisition, presents an efficient combat mechanism with no adverse reactions and capacity to inhibit the development of promastigotes and amastigotes forms. Finally, results suggest HMP to be a potential candidate for use against cutaneous leishmaniasis at a minimal concentration of 50µg/mL.