Clinical Pharmacology: Advances and Applications (Feb 2022)
Antileishmanial Activity of Tamoxifen by Targeting Sphingolipid Metabolism: A Review
Abstract
Kaleab Alemayehu Zewdie, Haftom Gebregergs Hailu, Muluken Altaye Ayza, Bekalu Amare Tesfaye Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mekelle University, Mekelle, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Kaleab Alemayehu Zewdie, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mekelle University, PO Box 1871, Mekelle, Ethiopia, Tel +251 921546562, Email [email protected]: Leishmaniasis is a widespread group of neglected parasitic diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Around 2 million new cases are reported each year and around 12 million people are at risk of being infected. Although various therapies have been used to treat leishmaniasis, they have been associated with increased cytotoxicity and drug resistance problems. Hence, the present review was intended to show the potential of tamoxifen as an alternative option for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Tamoxifen is a known selective estrogen receptor modulator and has been widely used for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer. Various experimental and clinical studies revealed that it has an antileishmanial effect by decreasing parasitic burden, with low cost and few side effects. The antileishmanial action of tamoxifen has been related to its potential effect on sphingolipid metabolism. Besides, it affects mitochondrial function by inducing alterations in the plasma membrane potential. However, further detailed studies are required to show the ultimate effects on health outcomes.Keywords: tamoxifen, leishmaniasis, sphingolipid metabolism, estrogen receptor modulator
