1
|
Passannante R, Gómez-Vallejo V, Sagartzazu-Aizpurua M, Vignau Arsuaga L, Marco-Moreno P, Aldanondo G, Vallejo-Illarramendi A, Aguiar P, Cossío U, Martín A, Bergare J, Kingston L, Elmore CS, Morcillo MA, Ferrón P, Aizpurua JM, Llop J. Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of New Drugs Using a Multi-Labelling Approach and PET Imaging: Application to a Drug Candidate with Potential Application in Neuromuscular Disorders. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020253. [PMID: 36830793 PMCID: PMC9953224 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The determination of pharmacokinetic properties of new chemical entities is a key step in the process of drug development. Positron emission tomography (PET) is an ideal technique to obtain both biodistribution and pharmacokinetic parameters of new compounds over a wide range of chemical modalities. Here, we use a multi-radionuclide/multi-position labelling approach to investigate distribution, elimination, and metabolism of a triazole-based FKBP12 ligand (AHK2) with potential application in neuromuscular disorders. METHODS Target engagement and stabilizing capacity of the drug candidate (AHK2) towards FKBP12-RyR was evaluated using competitive ligand binding and proximity ligation assays, respectively. Subsequently, AHK2 was labelled either with the positron emitter carbon-11 (11C) via 11C-methylation to yield both [11C]AHK2.1 and [11C]AHK2.2, or by palladium-catalysed reduction of the corresponding 5-iodotriazole derivative using 3H gas to yield [3H]AHK2. Metabolism was first investigated in vitro using liver microsomes. PET imaging studies in rats after intravenous (IV) administration at different doses (1 µg/Kg and 5 mg/Kg) were combined with determination of arterial blood time-activity curves (TACs) and analysis of plasma samples by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify radioactive metabolites. Arterial TACs were obtained in continuous mode by using an in-house developed system that enables extracorporeal blood circulation and continuous measurement of radioactivity in the blood. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by non-compartmental modelling of the TACs. RESULTS In vitro studies indicate that AHK2 binds to FKBP12 at the rapamycin-binding pocket, presenting activity as a FKBP12/RyR stabilizer. [11C]AHK2.1, [11C]AHK2.2 and [3H]AHK2 could be obtained in overall non-decay corrected radiochemical yields of 14 ± 2%, 15 ± 2% and 0.05%, respectively. Molar activities were 60-110 GBq/µmol, 68-122 GBq/µmol and 0.4-0.5 GBq/μmol, respectively. In vitro results showed that oxidation of the thioether group into sulfoxide, demethylation of the CH3O-Ar residue and demethylation of -N(CH3)2 were the main metabolic pathways. Fast metabolism was observed in vivo. Pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from metabolite-corrected arterial blood TACs showed a short half-life (12.6 ± 3.3 min). Dynamic PET imaging showed elimination via urine when [11C]AHK2.2 was administered, probably reflecting the biodistribution of [11C]methanol as the major metabolite. Contrarily, accumulation in the gastrointestinal track was observed after administration of [11C]AKH2.1. CONCLUSIONS AHK2 binds to FKBP12 at the rapamycin-binding pocket, presenting activity as a FKBP12/RyR stabilizer. Studies performed with the 3H- and 11C-labelled FKBP12/RyR stabilizer AHK2 confirm fast blood clearance, linear pharmacokinetics and rapid metabolism involving oxidation of the sulfide and amine moieties and oxidative demethylation of the CH3-O-Ar and tertiary amine groups as the main pathways. PET studies suggest that knowledge about metabolic pathways is paramount to interpret images.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Passannante
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Vanessa Gómez-Vallejo
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
| | | | - Laura Vignau Arsuaga
- Departamento de Química Orgánica-I, UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Pablo Marco-Moreno
- Group of Neuromuscular Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Garazi Aldanondo
- Group of Neuromuscular Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
- Deusto Physical TherapIker, Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, 20012 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Ainara Vallejo-Illarramendi
- Group of Neuromuscular Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
- Group of Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Donostia, UPV/EHU, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Pablo Aguiar
- Molecular Imaging Group, IDIS, CIMUS, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Unai Cossío
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Abraham Martín
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Maria Diaz de Haro 3, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Biomarkers of Inflammation, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Science Park UPV/EHU, Sede Building B, Sarriena, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Jonas Bergare
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lee Kingston
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Charles S. Elmore
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Pablo Ferrón
- Miramoon Pharma S.L., Avda Tolosa-72, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Jesus M. Aizpurua
- Departamento de Química Orgánica-I, UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Jordi Llop
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rejc L, Gómez-Vallejo V, Joya A, Arsequell G, Egimendia A, Castellnou P, Ríos-Anglada X, Cossío U, Baz Z, Iglesias L, Capetillo-Zarate E, Ramos-Cabrer P, Martin A, Llop J. Longitudinal evaluation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease using positron emission tomography. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:80. [PMID: 35676734 PMCID: PMC9178858 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01016-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Validation of new biomarkers of Alzheimer disease (AD) is crucial for the successful development and implementation of treatment strategies. Additional to traditional AT(N) biomarkers, neuroinflammation biomarkers, such as translocator protein (TSPO) and cystine/glutamine antiporter system (xc-), could be considered when assessing AD progression. Herein, we report the longitudinal investigation of [18F]DPA-714 and [18F]FSPG for their ability to detect TSPO and xc- biomarkers, respectively, in the 5xFAD mouse model for AD. Methods Expression of TSPO and xc- system was assessed longitudinally (2–12 months of age) on 5xFAD mice and their respective controls by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using radioligands [18F]DPA-714 and [18F]FSPG. In parallel, in the same mice, amyloid-β plaque deposition was assessed with the amyloid PET radiotracer [18F]florbetaben. In vivo findings were correlated to ex vivo immunofluorescence staining of TSPO and xc- in microglia/macrophages and astrocytes on brain slices. Physiological changes of the brain tissue were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 12-month-old mice. Results PET studies showed a significant increase in the uptake of [18F]DPA-714 and [18F]FSPG in the cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus in 5xFAD but not in WT mice over time. The results correlate with Aβ plaque deposition. Ex vivo staining confirmed higher TSPO overexpression in both, microglia/macrophages and astrocytes, and overexpression of xc- in non-glial cells of 5xFAD mice. Additionally, the results show that Aβ plaques were surrounded by microglia/macrophages overexpressing TSPO. MRI studies showed significant tissue shrinkage and microstructural alterations in 5xFAD mice compared to controls. Conclusions TSPO and xc- overexpression can be assessed by [18F]DPA-714 and [18F]FSPG, respectively, and correlate with the level of Aβ plaque deposition obtained with a PET amyloid tracer. These results position the two tracers as promising imaging tools for the evaluation of disease progression. Graphical abstract Longitudinal in vivo study in the 5xFAD mouse model shows that TSPO and oxidative stress assessment through [18F]DPA-714 and [18F]FSPG-PET imaging, respectively, could serve as a potential tool for the evaluation of Alzheimer disease progression. ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13195-022-01016-5.
Collapse
|
3
|
Rejc L, Gómez-Vallejo V, Joya A, Moreno O, Egimendia A, Castellnou P, Ríos-Anglada X, Cossío U, Baz Z, Passannante R, Tobalina-Larrea I, Ramos-Cabrer P, Giralt A, Sastre M, Capetillo-Zarate E, Košak U, Knez D, Gobec S, Marder M, Martin A, Llop J. Longitudinal evaluation of a novel BChE PET tracer as an early in vivo biomarker in the brain of a mouse model for Alzheimer disease. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:6542-6559. [PMID: 33995675 PMCID: PMC8120209 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The increase in butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in the brain of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and animal models of AD position this enzyme as a potential biomarker of the disease. However, the information on the ability of BChE to serve as AD biomarker is contradicting, also due to scarce longitudinal studies of BChE activity abundance. Here, we report 11C-labeling, in vivo stability, biodistribution, and longitudinal study on BChE abundance in the brains of control and 5xFAD (AD model) animals, using a potent BChE selective inhibitor, [11C]4, and positron emission tomography (PET) in combination with computerised tomography (CT). We correlate the results with in vivo amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, longitudinally assessed by [18F]florbetaben-PET imaging. Methods: [11C]4 was radiolabelled through 11C-methylation. Metabolism studies were performed on blood and brain samples of female wild type (WT) mice. Biodistribution studies were performed in female WT mice using dynamic PET-CT imaging. Specific binding was demonstrated by ex vivo and in vivo PET imaging blocking studies in female WT and 5xFAD mice at the age of 7 months. Longitudinal PET imaging of BChE was conducted in female 5xFAD mice at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months of age and compared to age-matched control animals. Additionally, Aβ plaque distribution was assessed in the same mice using [18F]florbetaben at the ages of 2, 5, 7 and 11 months. The results were validated by ex vivo staining of BChE at 4, 8, and 12 months and Aβ at 12 months on brain samples. Results: [11C]4 was produced in sufficient radiochemical yield and molar activity for the use in PET imaging. Metabolism and biodistribution studies confirmed sufficient stability in vivo, the ability of [11C]4 to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and rapid washout from the brain. Blocking studies confirmed specificity of the binding. Longitudinal PET studies showed increased levels of BChE in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, thalamus, cerebellum and brain stem in aged AD mice compared to WT littermates. [18F]Florbetaben-PET imaging showed similar trend of Aβ plaques accumulation in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus of AD animals as the one observed for BChE at ages 4 to 8 months. Contrarily to the results obtained by ex vivo staining, lower abundance of BChE was observed in vivo at 10 and 12 months than at 8 months of age. Conclusions: The BChE inhibitor [11C]4 crosses the BBB and is quickly washed out of the brain of WT mice. Comparison between AD and WT mice shows accumulation of the radiotracer in the AD-affected areas of the brain over time during the early disease progression. The results correspond well with Aβ accumulation, suggesting that BChE is a promising early biomarker for incipient AD.
Collapse
|
4
|
Mateos-Pérez JM, Soto-Montenegro ML, Peña-Zalbidea S, Desco M, Vaquero JJ. Functional segmentation of dynamic PET studies: Open source implementation and validation of a leader-follower-based algorithm. Comput Biol Med 2016; 69:181-8. [PMID: 26773940 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We present a novel segmentation algorithm for dynamic PET studies that groups pixels according to the similarity of their time-activity curves. METHODS Sixteen mice bearing a human tumor cell line xenograft (CH-157MN) were imaged with three different (68)Ga-DOTA-peptides (DOTANOC, DOTATATE, DOTATOC) using a small animal PET-CT scanner. Regional activities (input function and tumor) were obtained after manual delineation of regions of interest over the image. The algorithm was implemented under the jClustering framework and used to extract the same regional activities as in the manual approach. The volume of distribution in the tumor was computed using the Logan linear method. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to investigate significant differences between the manually and automatically obtained volumes of distribution. RESULTS The algorithm successfully segmented all the studies. No significant differences were found for the same tracer across different segmentation methods. Manual delineation revealed significant differences between DOTANOC and the other two tracers (DOTANOC - DOTATATE, p=0.020; DOTANOC - DOTATOC, p=0.033). Similar differences were found using the leader-follower algorithm. CONCLUSION An open implementation of a novel segmentation method for dynamic PET studies is presented and validated in rodent studies. It successfully replicated the manual results obtained in small-animal studies, thus making it a reliable substitute for this task and, potentially, for other dynamic segmentation procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José María Mateos-Pérez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
| | - María Luisa Soto-Montenegro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Peña-Zalbidea
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Desco
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José Vaquero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Bioingeniería e Ingeniería Aeroespacial, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|