Azithromycin reverses anticancer drug resistance and modifies hepatobiliary excretion of doxorubicin in rats

In vitro anticancer effect of azithromycin targeting hypoxic lung cancer cells via the inhibition of mitophagy

Solid tumors are predisposed to hypoxia, which induces tumor progression, and causes resistance to treatment. Hypoxic tumor cells exploit auto- and mitophagy to facilitate metabolism and mitochondrial renewal. Azithromycin (AZM), a widely used macrolide, inhibits autophagy in cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to determine whether AZM targeted hypoxic cancer cells by inhibiting mitophagy. Lung cancer cell lines (A549, H1299 and NCI-H441) were cultured for up to 72 h under normoxic (20% O2) or hypoxic (0.3% O2) conditions in the presence or absence of AZM (≤25 µM), and the cell survival, autophagy flux and mitophagy flux were evaluated. AZM treatment reduced cell survival under hypoxic conditions, caused mitolysosome dysfunction with raised lysosomal pH and impaired the efficient removal of hypoxia-damaged mitochondria, eventually inducing apoptosis in the cancer cells. The cytotoxic effect of AZM under hypoxic conditions was abolished in mitochondria-deficient A549 cells (ρ° cells). The present study demonstrated that AZM reduced lung cancer cell survival under hypoxic conditions by interfering with the efficient removal of damaged mitochondria through mitophagy inhibition. Thus, AZM may be considered as a promising anticancer drug that targets the mitochondrial vulnerability of hypoxic lung cancer cells.

Perspectives on drug repurposing to overcome cancer multidrug resistance mediated by ABCB1 and ABCG2

The overexpression of the human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in cancer cells is a common mechanism involved in developing multidrug resistance (MDR). Unfortunately, there are currently no approved drugs specifically designed to treat multidrug-resistant cancers, making MDR a significant obstacle to successful chemotherapy. Despite over two decades of research, developing transporter-specific inhibitors for clinical use has proven to be a challenging endeavor. As an alternative approach, drug repurposing has gained traction as a more practical method to discover clinically effective modulators of drug transporters. This involves exploring new indications for already-approved drugs, bypassing the lengthy process of developing novel synthetic inhibitors. In this context, we will discuss the mechanisms of ABC drug transporters ABCB1 and ABCG2, their roles in cancer MDR, and the inhibitors that have been evaluated for their potential to reverse MDR mediated by these drug transporters. Our focus will be on providing an up-to-date report on approved drugs tested for their inhibitory activities against these drug efflux pumps. Lastly, we will explore the challenges and prospects of repurposing already approved medications for clinical use to overcome chemoresistance in patients with high tumor expression of ABCB1 and/or ABCG2.

Impacts of COVID-19 in Breast Cancer: From Molecular Mechanism to the Treatment Approach

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has already infected more than 272 million people, resulting in 5.3 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19. Breast tumors are considered the world's most commonly diagnosed cancer. Both breast cancer and COVID-19 share common pathogenic features, represented by inflammatory mediators and the potential of SARS-CoV-2 replication in metastatic cancer cells. This may intensify viral load in patients, thereby triggering severe COVID-19 complications. Thus, cancer patients have a high risk of developing severe COVID-19 with SARS-CoV-2 infection and a higher rate of complications and death than non-cancer patients. The present review discusses common mechanisms between COVID-19 and breast cancer and the particular susceptibility to COVID-19 in breast cancer patients. We describe the effects of chemotherapeutic agents that are used against this cancer, which should be considered from the perspective of susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and risk of developing severe events. We also present potential drug interactions between chemotherapies that are used to treat breast cancer and drugs that are applied for COVID-19. The drugs that are identified as having the most interactions are doxorubicin and azithromycin. Both drugs can interact with each other and with other drugs, which likely requires additional drug monitoring and changes in drug dosage and timing of administration. Further clinical and observational studies involving breast cancer patients who acquire COVID-19 are needed to define the best therapeutic approach when considering the course of both diseases.

A critical review on environmental presence of pharmaceutical drugs tested for the covid-19 treatment

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The outbreak caused a worldwide impact, becoming a health threat to the general population and its professionals. To date, there are no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines for the COVID-19 infection, however, some drugs are being clinically tested. The use of these drugs on large scale raises great concern about their imminent environmental risk, since the elimination of these compounds by feces and urine associated with the inefficiency of sewage treatment plants in their removal can result in their persistence in the environment, putting in risk the health of humans and of other species. Thus, the goal of this work was to conduct a review of other studies that evaluated the presence of the drugs chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, ivermectin, dexamethasone, remdesivir, favipiravir and some HIV antivirals in the environment. The research indicated the presence of these drugs in the environment in different regions, with concentration data that could serve as a basis for further comparative studies following the pandemic.

Assessment of azithromycin as an anticancer agent for treatment of imatinib sensitive and resistant CML cells

INTRODUCTION

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a hematological disease which is characterized by the presence of BCR-ABL fusion protein. Imatinib (IMA), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of BCR-ABL, is used as a frontline treatment.Although IMA aids in killing a majority of leukemia cells, it may not kill CML stem cells which are the primary roots of disease and therapy resistance. Recently, antimicrobial drugs have been gaining attention because of their selective targeting of cancer cells. Therefore, we now ask if combinational therapy of IMA with a targeted antimicrobial drug Azithromycin (AZT) can enhance the treatment efficiency in IMA resistant CML.

METHODS

K562S (IMA sensitive) and K562R (IMA resistant) cells were treated with increasing concentrations of AZT to determine its effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cell viability, apoptosis, caspase3/7 activity and P-glycoprotein (Pgp) function were investigated with spectrophotometric MTT assay and flow cytometric Annexin V staining, caspase 3/7 activity, and Rhodamine123 staining assays respectively. The expression levels of pro-apoptotic (BAX, BAD and BIM), anti- apoptotic (BCL-XL and BCL-2) and drug transporter (MDR-1 and MRP-1) genes were assessed with qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

AZT treatment alone inhibited cell viability, induced apoptosis and enhanced caspase 3/7 activity in both K562S and high MDR-1 (Pgp) expressing K562R cells. Moreover, combination of AZT/IMA suppressed cell viability, induced apoptosis and caspase3/7 activity more effectively and significantly compared to K562R cells treated with only IMA or AZT. Furthermore, AZT and AZT/IMA combination decreased Pgp function in K562R cells in comparison with their controls. Based on qRT-PCR data, single AZT and combined AZT/IMA treatment also induced BAX/BCL-2 ratio significantly in both K562S and K562R cells.

CONCLUSION

Single AZT and AZT/IMA combinational treatment can be proposed as a promising and effective treatment strategy for CML. One of the mechanisms underlying the potent anticancer effect of combined AZT/IMA could be its ability to inhibit Pgp function and increase intracellular accumulation of IMA which leads to the induction of apoptosis in K562R cells.

Azithromycin sorption and biodegradation in a simulated California river system

Azithromycin (AZ) is a widely-used macrolide antibiotic that is continually deposited into natural waterways by sewage effluent. Though recognized as an emerging contaminant of concern, little is known about its fate and transport in aquatic systems. American River soils and water were used to determine degradation of AZ in microcosms simulating flooded (anaerobic) and non-flooded (aerobic) California watershed conditions. Under aerobic conditions the degradation rate constant (k=0.0084 ± 0.0039 day^-1) and DT₅₀ (82.52 ± 56.54 days) were calculated, as AZ disappearance indicated potential degradation. However, based on concurrent product appearance, less than one percent of the parent degraded over 150 days. Throughout the experiment microbial growth was observed by culturing in tryptic soy broth despite antibiotic addition and soil being autoclaved. Sorption likely contributes to AZ recalcitrance, thus the soil-water partition coefficient (log K_d = 2.18 Lkg^-1), Freundlich sorption and desorption coefficients (log K_f = 1.90 ± 0.14 and log K_f^d = 2.51 ± 0.30, respectively), and organic-carbon-normalized distribution coefficient (log K_oc = 4.25 Lkg^-1) were also calculated. Based on these results, AZ degradation in aquatic systems will likely be very limited and transport will fluctuate based on the extent of soil-water saturation or bulk movement of sediment.

Optimal Antimalarial Dose Regimens for Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine with or without Azithromycin in Pregnancy Based on Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling

Optimal dosing of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy remains to be established, particularly when coadministered with azithromycin (AZI). To further characterize SP pharmacokinetics in pregnancy, plasma concentration-time data from 45 nonpregnant and 45 pregnant women treated with SP-AZI (n = 15 in each group) and SP-chloroquine (n = 30 in each group) were analyzed. Population nonlinear mixed-effect pharmacokinetic models were developed for pyrimethamine (PYR), sulfadoxine (SDOX), and N-acetylsulfadoxine (the SDOX metabolite NASDOX), and potential covariates were included. Pregnancy increased the relative clearance (CL/F) of PYR, SDOX, and NASDOX by 48, 29, and 70%, respectively, as well as the relative volumes of distribution (V/F) of PYR (46 and 99%) and NASDOX (46%). Coadministration of AZI resulted in a greater increase in PYR CL/F (80%) and also increased NASDOX V/F by 76%. Apparent differences between these results and those of published studies of SP disposition may reflect key differences in study design, including the use of an early postpartum follow-up study rather than a nonpregnant comparator group. Simulations based on the final population model demonstrated that, compared to conventional single-dose SP in nonpregnant women, two such doses given 24 h apart should ensure that pregnant women have similar drug exposure, while three daily SP doses may be required if SP is given with AZI. The results of past and ongoing trials using recommended adult SP doses with or without AZI in pregnant women may need to be interpreted in light of these findings and consideration given to using increased doses in future trials.

Azithromycin: mechanisms of action and their relevance for clinical applications

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic which inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, quorum-sensing and reduces the formation of biofilm. Accumulating effectively in cells, particularly phagocytes, it is delivered in high concentrations to sites of infection, as reflected in rapid plasma clearance and extensive tissue distribution. Azithromycin is indicated for respiratory, urogenital, dermal and other bacterial infections, and exerts immunomodulatory effects in chronic inflammatory disorders, including diffuse panbronchiolitis, post-transplant bronchiolitis and rosacea. Modulation of host responses facilitates its long-term therapeutic benefit in cystic fibrosis, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-eosinophilic asthma. Initial, stimulatory effects of azithromycin on immune and epithelial cells, involving interactions with phospholipids and Erk1/2, are followed by later modulation of transcription factors AP-1, NFκB, inflammatory cytokine and mucin release. Delayed inhibitory effects on cell function and high lysosomal accumulation accompany disruption of protein and intracellular lipid transport, regulation of surface receptor expression, of macrophage phenotype and autophagy. These later changes underlie many immunomodulatory effects of azithromycin, contributing to resolution of acute infections and reduction of exacerbations in chronic airway diseases. A sub-group of post-transplant bronchiolitis patients appears to be sensitive to azithromycin, as may be patients with severe sepsis. Other promising indications include chronic prostatitis and periodontitis, but weak activity in malaria is unlikely to prove crucial. Long-term administration of azithromycin must be balanced against the potential for increased bacterial resistance. Azithromycin has a very good record of safety, but recent reports indicate rare cases of cardiac torsades des pointes in patients at risk.

Rhabdomyolysis caused by an unusual interaction between azithromycin and simvastatin

Rhabdomyolysis is an uncommon but life-threatening adverse effect of simvastatin therapy. A 73-year-old male on chronic simvastatin therapy received azithromycin for acute bronchitis. He presented with weakness of all extremities with a significant increase in creatinine phosphokinase levels and acute kidney injury. Simvastatin was stopped and supportive therapy with intravenous saline and bicarbonate was initiated. The serum creatinine and creatine phosphokinase returned to baseline in the next 7 days. Two months later, simvastatin was resumed without any recurrence of symptoms. Our case report highlights the rare description of rhabdomyolysis caused by a drug interaction between simvastatin with azithromycin.

Azithromycin synergistically enhances anti-proliferative activity of vincristine in cervical and gastric cancer cells

In this study, the anti-proliferative and anticancer activity of azithromycin (AZM) was examined. In the presence of AZM, cell growth was inhibited more effectively in Hela and SGC-7901 cancer cells, relative to transformed BHK-21 cells. The respective 50% inhibition of cell growth (IC₅₀) values for Hela, SGC-7901 and BHK-21 were 15.66, 26.05 and 91.00 µg/mL at 72 h post incubation, indicative of a selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Cell apoptosis analysis using Hoechst nuclear staining and annexin V-FITC binding assay further demonstrated that AZM was capable of inducing apoptosis in both cancer cells and transformed cells. The apoptosis induced by AZM was partly through a caspase-dependent mechanism with an up-regulation of apoptotic protein cleavage PARP and caspase-3 products, as well as a down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins, Mcl-1, bcl-2 and bcl-X1. More importantly, a combination of AZM and a low dose of the common anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent vincristine (VCR), produced a selectively synergistic effect on apoptosis of Hela and SGC-7901 cells, but not BHK-21 cells. In the presence of 12.50 μg/mL of VCR, the respective IC₅₀ values of Hela, SGC-7901 and BHK-21 cells to AZM were reduced to 9.47 µg/mL, 8.43 µg/mL and 40.15 µg/mL at 72 h after the incubation, suggesting that the cytotoxicity of AZM had a selective anti-cancer effect on cancer over transformed cells in vitro. These results imply that AZM may be a potential anticancer agent for use in chemotherapy regimens, and it may minimize side effects via reduction of dosage and enhancing the effectiveness common chemotherapeutic drugs.

Influence of body weight, ethnicity, oral contraceptives, and pregnancy on the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin in women of childbearing age

Women of childbearing age commonly receive azithromycin for the treatment of community-acquired infections, including during pregnancy. This study determined azithromycin pharmacokinetics in pregnant and nonpregnant women and identified covariates contributing to pharmacokinetic variability. Plasma samples were collected by using a sparse-sampling strategy from pregnant women at a gestational age of 12 to 40 weeks and from nonpregnant women of childbearing age receiving oral azithromycin for the treatment of an infection. Pharmacokinetic data from extensive sampling conducted on 12 healthy women were also included. Plasma samples were assayed for azithromycin by high-performance liquid chromatography. Population data were analyzed by nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. The population analysis included 53 pregnant and 25 nonpregnant women. A three-compartment model with first-order absorption and a lag time provided the best fit of the data. Lean body weight, pregnancy, ethnicity, and the coadministration of oral contraceptives were covariates identified as significantly influencing the oral clearance of azithromycin and, except for oral contraceptive use, intercompartmental clearance between the central and second peripheral compartments. No other covariate relationships were identified. Compared to nonpregnant women not receiving oral contraceptives, a 21% to 42% higher dose-adjusted azithromycin area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) occurred in non-African American women who were pregnant or receiving oral contraceptives. Conversely, azithromycin AUCs were similar between pregnant African American women and nonpregnant women not receiving oral contraceptives. Although higher levels of maternal and fetal azithromycin exposure suggest that lower doses be administered to non-African American women during pregnancy, the consideration of azithromycin pharmacodynamics during pregnancy should guide any dose adjustments.

Multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs/ABCCs) in cancer chemotherapy and genetic diseases

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a superfamily of membrane proteins that are best known for their ability to transport a wide variety of exogenous and endogenous substances across membranes against a concentration gradient via ATP hydrolysis. There are seven subfamilies of human ABC transporters, one of the largest being the 'C' subfamily (gene symbol ABCC). Nine ABCC subfamily members, the so-called multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) 1-9, have been implicated in mediating multidrug resistance in tumor cells to varying degrees as the efflux extrude chemotherapeutic compounds (or their metabolites) from malignant cells. Some of the MRPs are also known to either influence drug disposition in normal tissues or modulate the elimination of drugs (or their metabolites) via hepatobiliary or renal excretory pathways. In addition, the cellular efflux of physiologically important organic anions such as leukotriene C(4) and cAMP is mediated by one or more of the MRPs. Finally, mutations in several MRPs are associated with human genetic disorders. In this minireview, the current biochemical and physiological knowledge of MRP1-MRP9 in cancer chemotherapy and human genetic disease is summarized. The mutations in MRP2/ABCC2 leading to conjugated hyperbilirubinemia (Dubin-Johnson syndrome) and in MRP6/ABCC6 leading to the connective tissue disorder Pseudoxanthoma elasticum are also discussed.

ABCC2/Abcc2: a multispecific transporter with dominant excretory functions

ABCC2/Abcc2 (MRP2/Mrp2) is expressed at major physiological barriers, such as the canalicular membrane of liver cells, kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells, enterocytes of the small and large intestine, and syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta. ABCC2/Abcc2 always localizes in the apical membranes. Although ABCC2/Abcc2 transports a variety of amphiphilic anions that belong to different classes of molecules, such as endogenous compounds (e.g., bilirubin-glucuronides), drugs, toxic chemicals, nutraceuticals, and their conjugates, it displays a preference for phase II conjugates. Phenotypically, the most obvious consequence of mutations in ABCC2 that lead to Dubin-Johnson syndrome is conjugate hyperbilirubinemia. ABCC2/Abcc2 harbors multiple binding sites and displays complex transport kinetics.

Differences in assessment of macrolide interaction with human MDR1 (ABCB1, P-gp) using rhodamine-123 efflux, ATPase activity and cellular accumulation assays

In this study five macrolide antibiotics (azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin and telithromycin) were compared based on their ability to interact with human MDR1 (ABCB1, P-glycoprotein), studied from two main aspects: by determining the influence of macrolide antibiotics on MDR1 function, as well as the influence of MDR1 on macrolide accumulation in MES-SA/Dx5 cells overexpressing human MDR1. At higher micromolar concentrations five tested macrolides were shown to inhibit MDR1 function in terms of rhodamine-123 efflux and verapamil-activated ATPase function, whereas at lower concentrations they activated MDR1 ATPase. They were confirmed to be substrates of MDR1 and to compete with each other, as well as with verapamil for transport via this transporter. Expression of MDR1 on cells decreased macrolide accumulation in cells from 2- to 80-fold with the most pronounced change observed for azithromycin and erythromycin. Moreover, presence of active MDR1 highly affected the relative ranking of tested macrolides according to their accumulation in cells. In conclusion, out of seven applied methods and assessed parameters, four of them gave similar rough evaluation on the strength of interaction of five macrolides with MDR1, with clarithromycin, roxithromycin and telithromycin showing stronger interaction than azithromycin and erythromycin.

Active uptake of ulifloxacin from plasma to lung that controls its concentration in epithelial lining fluid

Ulifloxacin is a new quinolone antibiotic and it is effective against pneumonia. We previously showed that it is highly distributed into the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) in rats, which might be resulting from certain active transport. The transport system has not been, however, clarified yet. In this study, we attempted to characterize the distribution mechanism of ulifloxacin into the rat ELF. We also aimed to elucidate the feature of ulifloxacin uptake in rat lung and human lung adenocarcinoma cells (Calu-3). In infusion studies, ulifloxacin concentrations in the ELF and lung were higher than that in the plasma, and decreased by co-administration of sparfloxacin or azithromycin to the level of plasma concentration. Integration plot analysis showed that active uptake of ulifloxacin from the plasma to lung was also inhibited by sparfloxacin and azithromycin. In in vitro studies, time and temperature-dependent uptake into Calu-3 was observed, and this uptake was inhibited by sparfloxacin and azithromycin as observed in the rat lung. Additionally sparfloxacin inhibited the active uptake of ulifloxacin into Calu-3 more strongly than levofloxacin as observed in the rat lung. These results suggest that active uptake of ulifloxacin from the plasma to lung controls the distribution of ulifloxacin from the plasma to ELF, and that the uptake of ulifloxacin into Calu-3 has partly similar characteristics to its uptake into the rat lung. We believe our study will contribute to much better understanding of antibiotic efficacy against pathogens which cause pneumonia.

Amiodarone modulates pharmacokinetics of low-dose methotrexate in rats

Clinical studies of low-dose methotrexate (LDMTX) pharmacokinetics document increased plasma concentrations of MTX after co-administration of the drug with amiodarone or macrolide antibiotics. As drug-drug interactions may increase the toxicity of LDMTX, a rat model was used to follow renal and biliary elimination of MTX during its constant-rate i.v. infusion and concomitant single bolus i.v. injections of amiodarone or azithromycin. The mean steady-state plasma concentration of 1.7+/-0.1 micromol/l was reached and the total clearance achieved 17.7+/-1.0 ml/min/kg. Administration of amiodarone decreased the biliary clearance of MTX to 73% of the control values (p<0.05). Correspondingly, the total clearance decreased to 72% and plasma MTX concentrations were augmented to 2.5+/-0.4 micromol/l (p<0.05). Amiodarone-treated rats exhibited a 3.3-fold decrease in the renal clearance (p<0.05) of conjugated bilirubin, which was associated with its increased plasma concentration. In contrast, azithromycin did not alter any of the MTX pharmacokinetic parameters. In conclusion, this is the first report describing the impairment of MTX hepatic elimination during co-administration with amiodarone. This study also provides new insight into acute amiodarone-induced hyperbilirubinaemia, where increased bilirubin production and decreased renal clearance may contribute to this effect. Importantly, azithromycin seems to be a safe co-medication during LDMTX therapy.

Cooperation between prokaryotic (Lde) and eukaryotic (MRP) efflux transporters in J774 macrophages infected with Listeria monocytogenes: studies with ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin

Antibiotic efflux is observed in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, modulating accumulation and resistance. The present study examines whether eukaryotic and prokaryotic fluoroquinolone transporters can cooperate in the context of an intracellular infection. We have used (i) J774 macrophages (comparing a ciprofloxacin-resistant cell line overexpressing an MRP-like transporter with wild-type cells with basal expression), (ii) Listeria monocytogenes (comparing a clinical isolate [CLIP21369] displaying ciprofloxacin resistance associated with overexpression of the Lde efflux system with a wild-type strain [EGD]), (iii) ciprofloxacin (substrate of both Lde and MRP) and moxifloxacin (nonsubstrate), and (iv) probenecid and reserpine (preferential inhibitors of MRP and Lde, respectively). The ciprofloxacin MICs for EGD were unaffected by reserpine, while those for CLIP21369 were decreased approximately fourfold (and made similar to those of EGD). Neither probenecid nor reserpine affected the moxifloxacin MICs against EGD or CLIP21369. In dose-response studies (0.01x to 100x MIC) in broth, reserpine fully restored the susceptibility of CLIP21369 to ciprofloxacin (no effect on EGD) but did not influence the activity of moxifloxacin. In studies with intracellular bacteria, reserpine, probenecid, and their combination increased the activity of ciprofloxacin in wild-type and ciprofloxacin-resistant macrophages in parallel with an increase in ciprofloxacin accumulation in macrophages for EGD and an increase in accumulation and decrease in MIC (in broth) for CLIP21369. Moxifloxacin accumulation and intracellular activity were consistently not affected by the inhibitors. A bacterial efflux pump may thus actively cooperate with a eukaryotic efflux transporter to reduce the activity of a common substrate (ciprofloxacin) toward an intracellular bacterial target.

Structure-Activity Relationships for Interaction with Multidrug Resistance Protein 2 (ABCC2/MRP2): The Role of Torsion Angle for a Series of Biphenyl-Substituted Heterocycles

Multidrug resistance protein 2 (ABCC2/MRP2) is an ATP-binding cassette transporter involved in the absorption, distribution, and excretion of drugs and xenobiotics. Identifying compounds that are ABCC2/MRP2 substrates and/or inhibitors and understanding their structure-activity relationships (SARs) are important considerations in the selection and optimization of drug candidates. In the present study, the interactions between ABCC2/MRP2 and a series of biphenyl-substituted heterocycles were evaluated using Caco-2 cells and human ABCC2/MRP2 gene-transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. It was observed that ABCC2/MRP2 transport and/or inhibition profile, both in nature and in magnitude, depends strongly on the substitution patterns of the biphenyl system. In particular, different ortho-substitutions cause various degrees of twisting between the two-phenyl rings, resulting in changing interactions between the ligands and ABCC2/MRP2. The compounds with small ortho functions (hydrogen, fluorine, and oxygen) and, thus, the ones displaying the smallest torsion angles of biphenyl (37-45 degrees) are neither substrates nor inhibitors of human ABCC2/MRP2. The transporter interactions increase as the steric bulkiness of the ortho-substitutions increase. When the tested compounds are 2-methyl substituted biphenyls, they exhibit moderate torsion angles (54-65 degrees) and behave as ABCC2/MRP2 substrates as well as mild inhibitors [10-40% compared with 3-[[3-[2-(7-chloroquinolin-2-yl)vinyl]phenyl]-(2-dimethylcarbamoylethyl-sulfanyl)methylsulfanyl] propionic acid (MK571)]. For the 2,2'-dimethyl substituted biphenyls, the torsions are enhanced (78-87 degrees) and so is the inhibition of ABCC2/MRP2. This class of compounds behaves as strong inhibitors of ABCC2/MRP2. These results can be used to define the three-dimensional structural requirements of ABCC2/MRP2 interaction with their substrates and inhibitors, as well as to provide SAR guidance to support drug discovery.

Activity of azithromycin or erythromycin in combination with antimalarial drugs against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum in vitro

Azithromycin, an azalide analog of erythromycin was assayed for its in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum K1 strain by measuring the 3H-hypoxanthine incorporation. Azithromycin caused inhibitory effects on the parasite growth with IC50 and IC90 values of 8.4+/-1.2 microM and 26.0+/-0.9 microM, respectively. Erythromycin inhibited growth of P. falciparum with IC50 and IC90 values of 58.2+/-7.7 microM and 104.0+/-10.8 microM, respectively. The activity of antimalarial drugs in combination with azithromycin or erythromycin against P. falciparum K1 were compared. Combinations of chloroquine with azithromycin or erythromycin showed synergistic effects against parasite growth in vitro. Combinations of quinine-azithromycin and quinine-erythromycin showed potentiation. Additive effects were observed in mefloquine-azithromycin and mefloquine-erythromycin combinations. Similar results were also produced by pyronaridine in combination with azithromycin or erythromycin. However, artesunate-azithromycin and artesunate-erythromycin combinations had antagonistic effects. The in vitro data suggest that azithromycin and erythromycin will have clinical utility in combination with chloroquine and quinine. The worldwide spread of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum might inhibit the ability to treat malaria patients with chloroquine-azithromycin and chloroquine-erythromycin in areas of drug-resistant. The best drug combinations against multidrug-resistant P. falciparum are quinine-azithromycin and quinine-erythromycin.

Involvement of the drug transporters p glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein Mrp2 in telithromycin transport

The present study aims to investigate the role of P glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp2) in the transport of telithromycin, a newly developed ketolide antibiotic, in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro experiments revealed that the intracellular accumulation of telithromycin in adriamycin-resistant human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells (K562/ADR) overexpressing P glycoprotein was significantly lower than that in human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells (K562/S) not expressing P glycoprotein. Cyclosporine significantly increased the intracellular accumulation of telithromycin in K562/ADR cells. When telithromycin was coadministered intravenously with cyclosporine in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, cyclosporine significantly delayed the disappearance of telithromycin from plasma and decreased its systemic clearance to 60% of the corresponding control values. Hepatobiliary excretion experiments revealed that cyclosporine almost completely inhibited the biliary clearance of telithromycin, suggesting that telithromycin is a substrate of P glycoprotein and a potential substrate of Mrp2. Moreover, the biliary clearance of telithromycin was significantly decreased by 80% in Eisai hyperbilirubinemic mutant rats with a hereditary deficiency in Mrp2, indicating that Mrp2, as well as P glycoprotein, plays an important role in the biliary excretion of telithromycin. When the effect of telithromycin on the biliary excretion of doxorubicin, a substrate of P glycoprotein and Mrp2, was examined in SD rats, telithromycin significantly decreased the biliary clearance of doxorubicin by 80%. Results obtained from this study indicate that telithromycin is a substrate of both P glycoprotein and Mrp2, and these transporters are involved in the hepatobiliary transport of telithromycin.

Fatal Interaction between Clarithromycin and Colchicine in Patients with Renal Insufficiency: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Clarithromycin is frequently used to treat community-acquired pneumonia in elderly persons. Like erythromycin, it may interact with other drugs by interfering with metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes and with the P-glycoprotein transporter system. Colchicine, used for treatment of acute gout and for prophylaxis, may cause bone marrow toxicity. It is metabolized by CYP3A4 and is transported by P-glycoprotein. Initial case reports suggested potentially fatal interactions between clarithromycin and colchicine.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted with 116 patients who were prescribed clarithromycin and colchicine during the same clinical admission. Case-control comparisons were made between patients who received concomitant therapy with the 2 drugs and patients who received sequential therapy. We assessed the clinical presentations and outcomes of the 2 patient groups and analyzed the risk factors associated with fatal outcomes.

RESULTS

Nine (10.2%) of the 88 patients who received the 2 drugs concomitantly died. Only 1 (3.6%) of the 28 patients who received the drugs sequentially died. Multivariate analysis of the 88 patients who received concomitant therapy showed that longer overlapped therapy (relative risk [RR], 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-3.31; P< or =.01), the presence of baseline renal impairment (RR, 9.1; 95% CI, 1.75-47.06; P<.001), and the development of pancytopenia (RR, 23.4; 95% CI, 4.48-122.7; P<.001) were independently associated with death.

CONCLUSIONS

Clarithromycin increases the risk of fatal colchicine toxicity, especially for patients with renal insufficiency. Since there are other drugs for treatment of pneumonia and gout, these 2 drugs should not be coprescribed, because of the risk of fatality.

Physiological, pharmacological and clinical features of the multidrug resistance protein 2

Multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2, ABCC2) is a drug efflux pump belonging to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily. MRP2 is present predominantly at the biliary pole of hepatocytes and is also expressed in the kidney and intestine. It plays a major role in hepato-biliary elimination of many structurally diverse xenobiotics, including organic anions and drug conjugates, and therefore most likely contributes to pharmacokinetic parameters of these compounds. MRP2 also handles endogenous molecules such as bilirubin, and its overexpression has been shown to confer a multidrug resistance phenotype to tumoral cells. MRP2 expression can be regulated by endogenous substances such as inflammatory cytokines and biliary acids. The MRP2 levels and activity can also be affected by a large panel of xenobiotics, including chemopreventive agents and ligands of the pregnane X receptor, which may be a potential source of drug-drug interactions and drug adverse effects. MRP2 appears therefore as one of the major drug efflux pumps of the organism, whose functional and regulatory features are important to consider, notably for drug disposition.

Acute Colchicine Intoxication During Clarithromycin Administration

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of colchicine intoxication occurring with institution of clarithromycin.

CASE SUMMARY

A 76-year-old man with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) had received colchicine 1.5 mg daily for 6 years. The patient underwent 7 days of clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole treatment for Helicobacter pylori–associated gastritis. Fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea occurred 3 days after treatment initiation. On day 8, dehydration, pancytopenia, metabolic acidosis, and increased lipase level necessitated hospitalization. Alopecia was observed 2 weeks later. The patient recovered fully after the colchicine dosage was reduced to 0.5 mg/day and rehydration was performed. The previous dosage was then reinstituted without adverse reaction. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse event was probable.

DISCUSSION

Continuous colchicine administration is used in treatment of microcrystalline arthritis, Behçet's disease, and FMF. Colchicine is primarily eliminated through biliary excretion. Renal elimination and cytochrome P450 metabolism play a less significant role. Colchicine is also a substrate of P-glycoprotein, a transporter involved in cellular efflux and elimination of numerous drugs. Three cases of intoxication have been reported when colchicine was combined with erythromycin, josamycin, or clarithromycin. Macrolides are inhibitors of P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450–dependent enzymes and may decrease colchicine's biliary excretion through P-glycoprotein inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

Coadministration of colchicine and macrolides may impair colchicine elimination, resulting in excess drug exposure and toxicity. To this end, colchicine should be used with extreme caution in patients receiving P-glycoprotein inhibitors, particularly if they are elderly and/or renally compromised.

Possible involvement of P-glycoprotein in renal excretion of pazufloxacin in rats

The present study aims to investigate whether pazufloxacin, a new quinolone antimicrobial agent, is a substrate for P-glycoprotein in vitro, and whether it is excreted from kidney by P-glycoprotein and/or multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp2) in vivo. The in vitro experiments showed that the intracellular accumulation of pazufloxacin in adriamycin-resistant human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells (K562/ADR) overexpressing P-glycoprotein was significantly lower than that in human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells (K562/S) not expressing P-glycoprotein. When rats received an intravenous injection of pazufloxacin in combination with or without cyclosporine, cyclosporine significantly delayed the disappearance of pazufloxacin from plasma and decreased the systemic clearance and volume of distribution at steady state of pazufloxacin to 50% and 70% of the corresponding control values, respectively. Renal handling experiments revealed that the renal clearance of pazufloxacin was 75% of that corresponding to the systemic clearance, suggesting that the main route of pazufloxacin elimination is the kidney. Cyclosporine significantly increased the steady-state concentration of pazufloxacin in plasma by decreasing the tubular secretion clearance and glomerular filtration rate. These results suggest the possibility that pazufloxacin is excreted into the urine via P-glycoprotein. No significant differences in the renal and tubular secretion clearances of pazufloxacin were observed between normal rats and Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rats (EHBR), which have a hereditary deficiency in Mrp2, indicating the lack of the involvement of Mrp2 in the renal excretion of pazufloxacin. Sparfloxacin, a P-glycoprotein substrate, also significantly decreased the renal and tubular secretion clearances of pazufloxacin, suggesting that pazufloxacin and sparfloxacin share the same transporters, including P-glycoprotein. The present study at least suggests that pazufloxacin is excreted into the urine via P-glycoprotein and some active drug transporters other than Mrp2.

Possible involvement of the drug transporters P glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein Mrp2 in disposition of azithromycin

P glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2), ATP-dependent membrane transporters, exist in a variety of normal tissues and play important roles in the disposition of various drugs. The present study seeks to clarify the contribution of P glycoprotein and/or Mrp2 to the disposition of azithromycin in rats. The disappearance of azithromycin from plasma after intravenous administration was significantly delayed in rats treated with intravenous injection of cyclosporine, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, but was normal in rats pretreated with intraperitoneal injection erythromycin, a CYP3A4 inhibitor. When rats received an infusion of azithromycin, cyclosporine and probenecid, a validated Mrp2 inhibitor, significantly decreased the steady-state biliary clearance of azithromycin to 5 and 40% of the corresponding control values, respectively. However, both inhibitors did not alter the renal clearance of azithromycin, suggesting the lack of renal tubular secretion of azithromycin. Tissue distribution experiments showed that azithromycin is distributed largely into the liver, kidney, and lung, whereas both inhibitors did not alter the tissue-to-plasma concentration ratio of azithromycin. Significant reduction in the biliary excretion of azithromycin was observed in Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rats, which have a hereditary deficiency in Mrp2. An in situ closed-loop experiment showed that azithromycin was excreted from the blood into the gut lumen, and the intestinal clearance of azithromycin was significantly decreased by the presence of cyclosporine in the loop. These results suggest that azithromycin is a substrate for both P glycoprotein and Mrp2 and that the biliary and intestinal excretion of azithromycin is mediated via these two drug transporters.