Cross-Species Hepatic Metabolism of the Antileishmanial Chalcone NAT22 Generates Metabolites with Enhanced Affinity for the Parasite Target cTXNPx

Background/Objectives: Human and canine leishmaniasis are neglected diseases with limited therapeutic options. The nitrochalcone NAT22, a high-affinity inhibitor of the essential parasite enzyme tryparedoxin peroxidase (cTXNPx), has emerged as a promising antileishmanial candidate. Interestingly, NAT22 demonstrated superior efficacy when administered orally rather than intralesionally, suggesting metabolism-driven enhancement of activity. Since in vivo studies with chalcones have been conducted exclusively in mice, this study aimed to evaluate whether mice are suitable models for oral chalcone therapies for human and canine leishmaniasis and to identify metabolites with potential antileishmanial activity. Methods: NAT22 hepatic metabolism was investigated using in silico prediction and in vitro liver microsomal assays from rats, mice, humans, and dogs. Metabolites were identified by LC-MS/MS and NMR, and docking studies were performed against cTXNPx. Results: In silico analysis predicted metabolism mainly by CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C8, and CYP3A4. Seven metabolites (M1–M7) were identified by LC-MS/MS and NMR in all species except mice, whose microsomes did not generate M6. Structural analyses indicated preservation of the α,β-enone system and nitro-substituted B ring in all metabolites. Docking studies showed that metabolites M2 and M4 displayed stronger predicted binding energies than NAT22. Conclusions: NAT22 undergoes hepatic phase I metabolism generating two metabolites with enhanced predicted interaction with cTXNPx. The similarity between human and canine metabolic profiles supports the translational relevance of oral NAT22 therapy in leishmaniasis, while metabolites M2 and M4 emerge as candidates for validation in local treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.