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Altamura C, Saltarella I, Campanale C, Laghetti P, Desaphy JF. Drug repurposing in skeletal muscle ion channelopathies. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2023; 68:102329. [PMID: 36512979 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle ion channelopathies are rare genetic diseases mainly characterized by myotonia (muscle stiffness) or periodic paralysis (muscle weakness). Here, we reviewed the available therapeutic options in non-dystrophic myotonias (NDM) and periodic paralyses (PP), which consists essentially in drug repositioning to address stiffness or weakness attacks. Empirical use followed by successful randomized clinical trials eventually led to the orphan drug designation and marketing authorization granting of mexiletine for NDM and dichlorphenamide for PP. Yet, these treatments neither consider the genetic cause of the diseases nor address the individual variability in drug response. Thus, ongoing research aims at the identification of repurposed drugs alternative to mexiletine and dichlorphenamide to allow personalization of treatment. This review highlights how drug repurposing may represent an efficient strategy in rare diseases, allowing reduction of drug development time and costs in a context in which the return on investment may be particularly challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Altamura
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulo Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Saltarella
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulo Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Carmen Campanale
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulo Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Laghetti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulo Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulo Cesare, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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De Bellis M, Boccanegra B, Cerchiara AG, Imbrici P, De Luca A. Blockers of Skeletal Muscle Na v1.4 Channels: From Therapy of Myotonic Syndrome to Molecular Determinants of Pharmacological Action and Back. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010857. [PMID: 36614292 PMCID: PMC9821513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium channels represent an important target for drug discovery since a large number of physiological processes are regulated by these channels. In several excitability disorders, including epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias, chronic pain, and non-dystrophic myotonia, blockers of voltage-gated sodium channels are clinically used. Myotonia is a skeletal muscle condition characterized by the over-excitability of the sarcolemma, resulting in delayed relaxation after contraction and muscle stiffness. The therapeutic management of this disorder relies on mexiletine and other sodium channel blockers, which are not selective for the Nav1.4 skeletal muscle sodium channel isoform. Hence, the importance of deepening the knowledge of molecular requirements for developing more potent and use-dependent drugs acting on Nav1.4. Here, we review the available treatment options for non-dystrophic myotonia and the structure-activity relationship studies performed in our laboratory with a focus on new compounds with potential antimyotonic activity.
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Ruijs TQ, Koopmans IW, de Kam ML, Tannemaat MR, Groeneveld GJ, Heuberger JAAC. Muscle velocity recovery cycles as pharmacodynamic biomarker: Effects of mexiletine in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:2971-2981. [PMID: 36281627 PMCID: PMC9747120 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Measuring muscle velocity recovery cycles (MVRCs) is a method to obtain information on muscle cell excitability, independent of neuromuscular transmission. The goal was to validate MVRC as a pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker for drugs targeting muscle excitability. As proof-of-concept, sensitivity of MVRC to detect effects of mexiletine, a voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav ) blocker, was assessed. In a randomized, double-blind, two-way crossover study, effects of a single pharmacologically active oral dose of 333 mg mexiletine was compared to placebo in 15 healthy male subjects. MVRC was performed predose, and 3- and 5-h postdose using QTrac. Effects of mexiletine versus placebo were calculated using a mixed effects model with baseline as covariate. Mexiletine had significant effects on MVRC when compared to placebo. Early supernormality after five conditioning stimuli was decreased by mexiletine (estimated difference -2.78% [95% confidence interval: -4.16, -1.40]; p value = 0.0003). Moreover, mexiletine decreased the difference in late supernormality after five versus one conditioning stimuli (5XLSN; ED -1.46% [-2.26, -0.65]; p = 0.001). These results indicate that mexiletine decreases the percentage increase in velocity of the muscle fiber action potential after five conditioning stimuli, at long and short interstimulus intervals, which corresponds to a decrease in muscle membrane excitability. This is in line with the pharmacological activity of mexiletine, which leads to use-dependent NaV 1.4 blockade affecting muscle membrane potentials. This study shows that effects of mexiletine can be detected using MVRC in healthy subjects, thereby indicating that MVRC can be used as a tool to demonstrate PD effects of drugs targeting muscle excitability in early phase drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titia Q. Ruijs
- Centre for Human Drug ResearchLeidenThe Netherlands,Leiden University Medical CentreLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Ingrid W. Koopmans
- Centre for Human Drug ResearchLeidenThe Netherlands,Leiden University Medical CentreLeidenThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- Centre for Human Drug ResearchLeidenThe Netherlands,Leiden University Medical CentreLeidenThe Netherlands
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Föhr KJ, Rapp M, Fauler M, Zimmer T, Jungwirth B, Messerer DAC. Block of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels by Aripiprazole in a State-Dependent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112890. [PMID: 36361681 PMCID: PMC9656591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic drug, which is prescribed for many psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and mania in bipolar disorder. It primarily acts as an agonist of dopaminergic and other G-protein coupled receptors. So far, an interaction with ligand- or voltage-gated ion channels has been classified as weak. Meanwhile, we identified aripiprazole in a preliminary test as a potent blocker of voltage-gated sodium channels. Here, we present a detailed analysis about the interaction of aripiprazole with the dominant voltage-gated sodium channel of heart muscle (hNav1.5). Electrophysiological experiments were performed by means of the patch clamp technique at human heart muscle sodium channels (hNav1.5), heterologously expressed in human TsA cells. Aripiprazole inhibits the hNav1.5 channel in a state- but not use-dependent manner. The affinity for the resting state is weak with an extrapolated Kr of about 55 µM. By contrast, the interaction with the inactivated state is strong. The affinities for the fast and slow inactivated state are in the low micromolar range (0.5–1 µM). Kinetic studies indicate that block development for the inactivated state must be described with a fast (ms) and a slow (s) time constant. Even though the time constants differ by a factor of about 50, the resulting affinity constants were nearly identical (in the range of 0.5 µM). Besides this, aripirazole also interacts with the open state of the channel. Using an inactivation deficit mutant, an affinity of about 1 µM was estimated. In summary, aripiprazole inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels at low micromolar concentrations. This property might add to its possible anticancer and neuroprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Josef Föhr
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Michael Rapp
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Fauler
- Institute of General Physiology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Zimmer
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital of Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Bettina Jungwirth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - David Alexander Christian Messerer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hemostaseology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
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Farini D, De Felici M. The Beginning of Meiosis in Mammalian Female Germ Cells: A Never-Ending Story of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012571. [PMID: 36293427 PMCID: PMC9604137 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is the unique division of germ cells resulting in the recombination of the maternal and paternal genomes and the production of haploid gametes. In mammals, it begins during the fetal life in females and during puberty in males. In both cases, entering meiosis requires a timely switch from the mitotic to the meiotic cell cycle and the transition from a potential pluripotent status to meiotic differentiation. Revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying these interrelated processes represents the essence in understanding the beginning of meiosis. Meiosis facilitates diversity across individuals and acts as a fundamental driver of evolution. Major differences between sexes and among species complicate the understanding of how meiosis begins. Basic meiotic research is further hindered by a current lack of meiotic cell lines. This has been recently partly overcome with the use of primordial-germ-cell-like cells (PGCLCs) generated from pluripotent stem cells. Much of what we know about this process depends on data from model organisms, namely, the mouse; in mice, the process, however, appears to differ in many aspects from that in humans. Identifying the mechanisms and molecules controlling germ cells to enter meiosis has represented and still represents a major challenge for reproductive medicine. In fact, the proper execution of meiosis is essential for fertility, for maintaining the integrity of the genome, and for ensuring the normal development of the offspring. The main clinical consequences of meiotic defects are infertility and, probably, increased susceptibility to some types of germ-cell tumors. In the present work, we report and discuss data mainly concerning the beginning of meiosis in mammalian female germ cells, referring to such process in males only when pertinent. After a brief account of this process in mice and humans and an historical chronicle of the major hypotheses and progress in this topic, the most recent results are reviewed and discussed.
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Tarantino N, Canfora I, Camerino GM, Pierno S. Therapeutic Targets in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Focus on Ion Channels and Skeletal Muscle. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030415. [PMID: 35159225 PMCID: PMC8834084 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease caused by progressive loss of motor neurons, which severely compromises skeletal muscle function. Evidence shows that muscle may act as a molecular powerhouse, whose final signals generate in patients a progressive loss of voluntary muscle function and weakness leading to paralysis. This pathology is the result of a complex cascade of events that involves a crosstalk among motor neurons, glia, and muscles, and evolves through the action of converging toxic mechanisms. In fact, mitochondrial dysfunction, which leads to oxidative stress, is one of the mechanisms causing cell death. It is a common denominator for the two existing forms of the disease: sporadic and familial. Other factors include excitotoxicity, inflammation, and protein aggregation. Currently, there are limited cures. The only approved drug for therapy is riluzole, that modestly prolongs survival, with edaravone now waiting for new clinical trial aimed to clarify its efficacy. Thus, there is a need of effective treatments to reverse the damage in this devastating pathology. Many drugs have been already tested in clinical trials and are currently under investigation. This review summarizes the already tested drugs aimed at restoring muscle-nerve cross-talk and on new treatment options targeting this tissue.
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Milani G, Cavalluzzi MM, Altamura C, Santoro A, Perrone M, Muraglia M, Colabufo NA, Corbo F, Casalino E, Franchini C, Pisano I, Desaphy J, Carrieri A, Carocci A, Lentini G. Bioisosteric Modification of To042: Synthesis and Evaluation of Promising Use-Dependent Inhibitors of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:3588-3599. [PMID: 34519427 PMCID: PMC9293070 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Three analogues of To042, a tocainide-related lead compound recently reported for the treatment of myotonia, were synthesized and evaluated in vitro as skeletal muscle sodium channel blockers possibly endowed with enhanced use-dependent behavior. Patch-clamp experiments on hNav1.4 expressed in HEK293 cells showed that N-[(naphthalen-1-yl)methyl]-4-[(2,6-dimethyl)phenoxy]butan-2-amine, the aryloxyalkyl bioisostere of To042, exerted a higher use-dependent block than To042 thus being able to preferentially block the channels in over-excited membranes while preserving healthy tissue function. It also showed the lowest active transport across BBB according to the results of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) interacting activity evaluation and the highest cytoprotective effect on HeLa cells. Quantum mechanical calculations and dockings gave insights on the most probable conformation of the aryloxyalkyl bioisostere of To042 in solution and the target residues involved in the binding, respectively. Both approaches indicated the conformations that might be adopted in both the unbound and bound state of the ligand. Overall, N-[(naphthalen-1-yl)methyl]-4-[(2,6-dimethyl)phenoxy]butan-2-amine exhibits an interesting toxico-pharmacological profile and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gualtiero Milani
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Maria Maddalena Cavalluzzi
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Bari Aldo Moro PoliclinicoPiazza Giulio Cesare70124BariItaly
| | - Antonella Santoro
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and BiopharmaceuticsUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Mariagrazia Perrone
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Marilena Muraglia
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Nicola Antonio Colabufo
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Filomena Corbo
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Elisabetta Casalino
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Carlo Franchini
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Isabella Pisano
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and BiopharmaceuticsUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Jean‐François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologySchool of MedicineUniversity of Bari Aldo Moro PoliclinicoPiazza Giulio Cesare70124BariItaly
| | - Antonio Carrieri
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Department of Pharmacy – Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroVia E. Orabona 470125BariItaly
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Maggi L, Bonanno S, Altamura C, Desaphy JF. Ion Channel Gene Mutations Causing Skeletal Muscle Disorders: Pathomechanisms and Opportunities for Therapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061521. [PMID: 34208776 PMCID: PMC8234207 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle ion channelopathies (SMICs) are a large heterogeneous group of rare genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding ion channel subunits in the skeletal muscle mainly characterized by myotonia or periodic paralysis, potentially resulting in long-term disabilities. However, with the development of new molecular technologies, new genes and new phenotypes, including progressive myopathies, have been recently discovered, markedly increasing the complexity in the field. In this regard, new advances in SMICs show a less conventional role of ion channels in muscle cell division, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Hence, SMICs represent an expanding and exciting field. Here, we review current knowledge of SMICs, with a description of their clinical phenotypes, cellular and molecular pathomechanisms, and available treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Maggi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Silvia Bonanno
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Disorders Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.A.); (J.-F.D.)
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (C.A.); (J.-F.D.)
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Desaphy JF, Altamura C, Vicart S, Fontaine B. Targeted Therapies for Skeletal Muscle Ion Channelopathies: Systematic Review and Steps Towards Precision Medicine. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 8:357-381. [PMID: 33325393 PMCID: PMC8203248 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-200582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle ion channelopathies include non-dystrophic myotonias (NDM), periodic paralyses (PP), congenital myasthenic syndrome, and recently identified congenital myopathies. The treatment of these diseases is mainly symptomatic, aimed at reducing muscle excitability in NDM or modifying triggers of attacks in PP. OBJECTIVE This systematic review collected the evidences regarding effects of pharmacological treatment on muscle ion channelopathies, focusing on the possible link between treatments and genetic background. METHODS We searched databases for randomized clinical trials (RCT) and other human studies reporting pharmacological treatments. Preclinical studies were considered to gain further information regarding mutation-dependent drug effects. All steps were performed by two independent investigators, while two others critically reviewed the entire process. RESULTS For NMD, RCT showed therapeutic benefits of mexiletine and lamotrigine, while other human studies suggest some efficacy of various sodium channel blockers and of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI) acetazolamide. Preclinical studies suggest that mutations may alter sensitivity of the channel to sodium channel blockers in vitro, which has been translated to humans in some cases. For hyperkalemic and hypokalemic PP, RCT showed efficacy of the CAI dichlorphenamide in preventing paralysis. However, hypokalemic PP patients carrying sodium channel mutations may have fewer benefits from CAI compared to those carrying calcium channel mutations. Few data are available for treatment of congenital myopathies. CONCLUSIONS These studies provided limited information about the response to treatments of individual mutations or groups of mutations. A major effort is needed to perform human studies for designing a mutation-driven precision medicine in muscle ion channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Savine Vicart
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Recherche en Myologie-UMR 974, Reference center in neuro-muscular channelopathies, Institute of Myology, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Fontaine
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Recherche en Myologie-UMR 974, Reference center in neuro-muscular channelopathies, Institute of Myology, Hôpital Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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Ilepcimide inhibited sodium channel activity in mouse hippocampal neurons. Epilepsy Res 2020; 170:106533. [PMID: 33385943 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ilepcimide (ICM), a clinically effective antiepileptic drug, has been used in China for decades; however, its antiepileptic mechanism remains unclear. ICM is structurally similar to antiepileptic drug lamotrigine (LTG). LTG exerts its anticonvulsant effect by inhibiting voltage-gated Na+ channel (NaV) activity. Thus it is speculated that ICM also exert its antiepileptic activity by inhibiting sodium channel activity. We studied the inhibition of NaV activity by ICM in acutely isolated mouse hippocampal pyramidal neurons. We evaluated ICM-mediated tonic, concentration-dependent, and voltage-dependent inhibition of NaV, and the effects of ICM and LTG on NaV biophysical properties. Na+ currents in hippocampal pyramidal neurons were tonically inhibited by ICM in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ICM at a holding potential (Vh) of -90 mV was higher than that at a Vh of -70 mV. Compared with the control groups, in the presence of 10 μM ICM, the current densities of Na+ channels were reduced, the half-maximal availability of the inactivation curve (V1/2) was shifted to more negative potentials, and the recovery from inactivation was delayed. These data can contribute to further investigation of the inhibitory effect of ICM on the sodium channel, suggesting that the main reason for the anticonvulsant effect of ICM is the small influx of sodium ions. ICM can prevent abnormal discharge of neurons, which may prevent epilepsy.
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Delnavaz Shahr A, Nasuhi Pur F. Calixmexitil: Calixarene-based Cluster of Mexiletine with Amplified Anti-myotonic Activity as A Novel Use-dependent Sodium Channel Blocker. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2020; 18:1351-1357. [PMID: 32641945 PMCID: PMC6934949 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2019.1100768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Mexiletine as the first choice drug in myotonia treatment is a chiral sodium channel blocker clinically used in its racemic form. The phenolic structure of this drug, prompted us to design its novel calix[4]arene-based cluster in a chalice-shaped structure. Therefore, the present study reports the synthesis and in-vitro anti-myotonic activity of the chalice-shaped cluster of mexiletine (namely calixmexitil) in comparison to its simple drug unit (mexitil) as the reference medication. The synthetic route included chemical modification of the calix[4]arene structure by grafting four 2-aminopropoxy moieties at the lower rim of the scaffold. Electrophysiological tests were performed for the determination of test compounds abilities to act as sodium channel blockers in inhibiting sodium currents (in use-dependent manner) in single skeletal muscle fibers. The experimental results showed an amplified (10-fold) potency in producing phasic block as an indication of the anti-myotonic activity and improved (3-fold) potency in producing use-dependent block for the cluster (calixmexitil) in relation to its monomer (mexiletine). The potency in producing phasic block and use-dependent block are two main factors to describe dose range, drug affinity, and side effects of an anti-myotonic agent. Therefore, compared to mexiletine, calixmexitil with these improved factors can be considered as a “selective” anti-myotonic agent with low dose range. These improved pharmaceutical effects are maybe attributed to clustering effect and improved interaction of four impacted mexiletine units of the cluster with the sodium channels’ structure in skeletal muscle fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fazel Nasuhi Pur
- Health Technology Incubator Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Lacivita E, Niso M, Stama ML, Arzuaga A, Altamura C, Costa L, Desaphy JF, Ragozzino ME, Ciranna L, Leopoldo M. Privileged scaffold-based design to identify a novel drug-like 5-HT 7 receptor-preferring agonist to target Fragile X syndrome. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 199:112395. [PMID: 32442850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent preclinical studies have shown that activation of the serotonin 5-HT7 receptor has the potential to treat neurodevelopmental disorders such as Fragile X syndrome, a rare disease characterized by autistic features. With the aim to provide the scientific community with diversified drug-like 5-HT7 receptor-preferring agonists, we designed a set of new long-chain arylpiperazines by exploiting structural fragments present in clinically approved drugs or in preclinical candidates (privileged scaffolds). The new compounds were synthesized, tested for their affinity at 5-HT7 and 5-HT1A receptors, and screened for their in vitro stability to microsomal degradation and toxicity. Selected compounds were characterized as 5-HT7 receptor-preferring ligands, endowed with high metabolic stability and low toxicity. Compound 7g emerged as a drug-like 5-HT7 receptor-preferring agonist capable to rescue synaptic plasticity and attenuate stereotyped behavior in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enza Lacivita
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Madia Letizia Stama
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Arzuaga
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico, piazza Giulio Cesare, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Lara Costa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, Messina, Italy
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico, piazza Giulio Cesare, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Michael E Ragozzino
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Lucia Ciranna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Leopoldo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
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Gutiérrez Gutiérrez G, Díaz-Manera J, Almendrote M, Azriel S, Eulalio Bárcena J, Cabezudo García P, Camacho Salas A, Casanova Rodríguez C, Cobo A, Díaz Guardiola P, Fernández-Torrón R, Gallano Petit M, García Pavía P, Gómez Gallego M, Gutiérrez Martínez A, Jericó I, Kapetanovic García S, López de Munaín Arregui A, Martorell L, Morís de la Tassa G, Moreno Zabaleta R, Muñoz-Blanco J, Olivar Roldán J, Pascual Pascual S, Peinado Peinado R, Pérez H, Poza Aldea J, Rabasa M, Ramos A, Rosado Bartolomé A, Rubio Pérez M, Urtizberea J, Zapata-Wainberg G, Gutiérrez-Rivas E. Guía clínica para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la distrofia miotónica tipo 1, DM1 o enfermedad de Steinert. Neurologia 2020; 35:185-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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14
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Gutiérrez Gutiérrez G, Díaz-Manera J, Almendrote M, Azriel S, Eulalio Bárcena J, Cabezudo García P, Camacho Salas A, Casanova Rodríguez C, Cobo A, Díaz Guardiola P, Fernández-Torrón R, Gallano Petit M, García Pavía P, Gómez Gallego M, Gutiérrez Martínez A, Jericó I, Kapetanovic García S, López de Munaín Arregui A, Martorell L, Morís de la Tassa G, Moreno Zabaleta R, Muñoz-Blanco J, Olivar Roldán J, Pascual Pascual S, Peinado Peinado R, Pérez H, Poza Aldea J, Rabasa M, Ramos A, Rosado Bartolomé A, Rubio Pérez M, Urtizberea J, Zapata-Wainberg G, Gutiérrez-Rivas E. Clinical guide for the diagnosis and follow-up of myotonic dystrophy type 1, MD1 or Steinert's disease. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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15
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Desaphy JF, Farinato A, Altamura C, De Bellis M, Imbrici P, Tarantino N, Caccia C, Melloni E, Padoani G, Vailati S, Keywood C, Carratù MR, De Luca A, Conte D, Pierno S. Safinamide's potential in treating nondystrophic myotonias: Inhibition of skeletal muscle voltage-gated sodium channels and skeletal muscle hyperexcitability in vitro and in vivo. Exp Neurol 2020; 328:113287. [PMID: 32205118 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The antiarrhythmic sodium-channel blocker mexiletine is used to treat patients with myotonia. However, around 30% of patients do not benefit from mexiletine due to poor tolerability or suboptimal response. Safinamide is an add-on therapy to levodopa for Parkinson's disease. In addition to MAOB inhibition, safinamide inhibits neuronal sodium channels, conferring anticonvulsant activity in models of epilepsy. Here, we investigated the effects of safinamide on skeletal muscle hNav1.4 sodium channels and in models of myotonia, in-vitro and in-vivo. Using patch-clamp, we showed that safinamide reversibly inhibited sodium currents in HEK293T cells transfected with hNav1.4. At the holding potential (hp) of -120 mV, the half-maximum inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were 160 and 33 μM at stimulation frequencies of 0.1 and 10 Hz, respectively. The calculated affinity constants of safinamide were dependent on channel state: 420 μM for closed channels and 9 μM for fast-inactivated channels. The p.F1586C mutation in hNav1.4 greatly impaired safinamide inhibition, suggesting that the drug binds to the local anesthetic receptor site in the channel pore. In a condition mimicking myotonia, i.e. hp. of -90 mV and 50-Hz stimulation, safinamide inhibited INa with an IC50 of 6 μM, being two-fold more potent than mexiletine. Using the two-intracellular microelectrodes current-clamp method, action potential firing was recorded in vitro in rat skeletal muscle fibers in presence of the chloride channel blocker, 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (9-AC), to increase excitability. Safinamide counteracted muscle fiber hyperexcitability with an IC50 of 13 μM. In vivo, oral safinamide was tested in the rat model of myotonia. In this model, intraperitoneal injection of 9-AC greatly increased the time of righting reflex (TRR) due to development of muscle stiffness. Safinamide counteracted 9-AC induced TRR increase with an ED50 of 1.2 mg/kg, which is 7 times lower than that previously determined for mexiletine. In conclusion, safinamide is a potent voltage and frequency dependent blocker of skeletal muscle sodium channels. Accordingly, the drug was able to counteract abnormal muscle hyperexcitability induced by 9-AC, both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, this study suggests that safinamide may have potential in treating myotonia and warrants further preclinical and human studies to fully evaluate this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Farinato
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Altamura
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Michela De Bellis
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Nancy Tarantino
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Carla Caccia
- Open R&D Department, Zambon S.p.A., Bresso, MI, Italy
| | - Elsa Melloni
- Open R&D Department, Zambon S.p.A., Bresso, MI, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria Rosaria Carratù
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Conte
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Sabata Pierno
- Department of Pharmacy & Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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16
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Suetterlin KJ, Raja Rayan D, Matthews E, Hanna MG. Mexiletine (NaMuscla) for the treatment of myotonia in non-dystrophic myotonic disorders. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1739519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen J. Suetterlin
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Dipa Raja Rayan
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Emma Matthews
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Michael G Hanna
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela De Bellis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Conte Camerino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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18
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Guía clínica para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la distrofia miotónica tipo 1, DM1 o enfermedad de Steinert. Med Clin (Barc) 2019; 153:82.e1-82.e17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2018.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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19
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Pharmacogenetics of myotonic hNav1.4 sodium channel variants situated near the fast inactivation gate. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:224-235. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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20
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Tanaka KI, Yamakawa N, Yamashita Y, Asano T, Kanda Y, Takafuji A, Kawahara M, Takenaga M, Fukunishi Y, Mizushima T. Identification of Mepenzolate Derivatives With Long-Acting Bronchodilatory Activity. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:344. [PMID: 29692733 PMCID: PMC5902689 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The standard treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators. We recently found that mepenzolate bromide (MP), an antagonist for human muscarinic M3 receptor (hM3R), has both anti-inflammatory and short-acting bronchodilatory activities. To obtain MP derivatives with longer-lasting bronchodilatory activity, we synthesized hybrid compounds based on MP and two other muscarinic antagonists with long-acting bronchodilatory activity glycopyrronium bromide (GC) and aclidinium bromide (AD). Of these three synthesized hybrid compounds (MP-GC, GC-MP, MP-AD) and MP, MP-AD showed the highest affinity for hM3R and had the longest lasting bronchodilatory activity, which was equivalent to that of GC and AD. Both MP-GC and MP-AD exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect equivalent to that of MP, whereas, in line with GC and AD, GC-MP did not show this effect. We also confirmed that administration of MP-AD suppressed elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in a mouse model. These findings provide important information about the structure-activity relationship of MP for both bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Ichiro Tanaka
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Nishi-Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yasunobu Yamashita
- Molecular Profiling Research Center for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teita Asano
- Institute of Medical Science, School of Medicine, St. Marianna University, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Yuki Kanda
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Nishi-Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayaka Takafuji
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Nishi-Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kawahara
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Nishi-Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Takenaga
- Institute of Medical Science, School of Medicine, St. Marianna University, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Fukunishi
- Molecular Profiling Research Center for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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21
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DeMarco KR, Bekker S, Clancy CE, Noskov SY, Vorobyov I. Digging into Lipid Membrane Permeation for Cardiac Ion Channel Blocker d-Sotalol with All-Atom Simulations. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:26. [PMID: 29449809 PMCID: PMC5799612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions of drug molecules with lipid membranes play crucial role in their accessibility of cellular targets and can be an important predictor of their therapeutic and safety profiles. Very little is known about spatial localization of various drugs in the lipid bilayers, their active form (ionization state) or translocation rates and therefore potency to bind to different sites in membrane proteins. All-atom molecular simulations may help to map drug partitioning kinetics and thermodynamics, thus providing in-depth assessment of drug lipophilicity. As a proof of principle, we evaluated extensively lipid membrane partitioning of d-sotalol, well-known blocker of a cardiac potassium channel Kv11.1 encoded by the hERG gene, with reported substantial proclivity for arrhythmogenesis. We developed the positively charged (cationic) and neutral d-sotalol models, compatible with the biomolecular CHARMM force field, and subjected them to all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of drug partitioning through hydrated lipid membranes, aiming to elucidate thermodynamics and kinetics of their translocation and thus putative propensities for hydrophobic and aqueous hERG access. We found that only a neutral form of d-sotalol accumulates in the membrane interior and can move across the bilayer within millisecond time scale, and can be relevant to a lipophilic channel access. The computed water-membrane partitioning coefficient for this form is in good agreement with experiment. There is a large energetic barrier for a cationic form of the drug, dominant in water, to cross the membrane, resulting in slow membrane translocation kinetics. However, this form of the drug can be important for an aqueous access pathway through the intracellular gate of hERG. This route will likely occur after a neutral form of a drug crosses the membrane and subsequently re-protonates. Our study serves to demonstrate a first step toward a framework for multi-scale in silico safety pharmacology, and identifies some of the challenges that lie therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R DeMarco
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Slava Bekker
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Hartnell College, Salinas, CA, United States
| | - Colleen E Clancy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sergei Y Noskov
- Centre for Molecular Simulations, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Igor Vorobyov
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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22
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De Bellis M, Sanarica F, Carocci A, Lentini G, Pierno S, Rolland JF, Conte Camerino D, De Luca A. Dual Action of Mexiletine and Its Pyrroline Derivatives as Skeletal Muscle Sodium Channel Blockers and Anti-oxidant Compounds: Toward Novel Therapeutic Potential. Front Pharmacol 2018; 8:907. [PMID: 29379434 PMCID: PMC5770958 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mexiletine (Mex) has been recently appointed as an orphan-drug in myotonic-syndromes, being a potent use-dependent blocker of skeletal-muscle sodium channels (NaV1.4). Available evidences about a potential anti-oxidant effect of Mex and its tetramethyl-pyrroline-derivatives in vivo, suggest the possibility to further enlarge the therapeutic potential of Mex-like compounds in myopathies in which alteration of excitation-contraction coupling is paralleled by oxidative stress. In line with this and based on our previous structure-activity-relationship studies, we synthesized new compounds with a tetramethyl-pyrroline-ring on the amino-group of both Mex (VM11) and of its potent use-dependent isopropyl-derivative (CI16). The compounds were tested for their ability to block native NaV1.4 and to exert cyto-protective effects against oxidative-stress injury in myoblasts. Voltage-clamp-recordings on adult myofibers were performed to assess the tonic and use-dependent block of peak sodium-currents (INa) by VM11 and CI16, as well as Mex, VM11 and CI16 were 3 and 6-fold more potent than Mex in producing a tonic-block of peak sodium-currents (INa), respectively. Interestingly, CI16 showed a 40-fold increase of potency with respect to Mex during high-frequency stimulation (10-Hz), resulting the strongest use-dependent Mex-like compound so far. The derivatives also behaved as inactivated channel blockers, however the voltage dependent block was modest. The experimental data fitted with the molecular-modeling simulation based on previously proposed interaction of main pharmacophores with NaV1.4 binding-site. CI16 and VM11 were then compared to Mex and its isopropyl derivative (Me5) for the ability to protect C2C12-cells from H2O2-cytotoxicity in the concentration range effective on Nav1.4. Mex and Me5 showed a moderate cyto-protective effect in the presence of H2O2, Importantly, CI16 and VM11 showed a remarkable cyto-protection at concentrations effective for use-dependent block of NaV1.4. This effect was comparable to that of selected anti-oxidant drugs proved to exert protective effect in preclinical models of progressive myopathies such as muscular dystrophies. Then, the tetramethyl-pyrroline compounds have increased therapeutic profile as sodium channel blockers and an interesting cyto-protective activity. The overall profile enlarges therapeutic potential from channelopathies to myopathies in which alteration of excitation-contraction coupling is paralleled by oxidative-stress, i.e., muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela De Bellis
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Sanarica
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Unit of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Unit of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Sabata Pierno
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Diana Conte Camerino
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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23
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Farinato A, Altamura C, Desaphy JF. Effects of Benzothiazolamines on Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2018; 246:233-250. [PMID: 28939972 DOI: 10.1007/164_2017_46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Benzothiazole is a versatile fused heterocycle that aroused much interest in drug discovery as anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer. Two benzothiazolamines, riluzole and lubeluzole, are known blockers of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels. Riluzole is clinically used as a neuroprotectant in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Inhibition of Nav channels by riluzole is voltage-dependent due to preferential binding to inactivated sodium channels. Yet the drug exerts little use-dependent block, probably because it lacks protonable amine. One important property is riluzole ability to inhibit persistent Na+ currents, which likely contributes to its neuroprotective activity. Lubeluzole showed promising neuroprotective effects in animal stroke models, but failed to show benefits in acute ischemic stroke in humans. One important concern is its propensity to prolong the cardiac QT interval, due to hERG K+ channel block. Lubeluzole very potently inhibits Nav channels in a voltage- and use-dependent manner, due to its great preferential affinity for inactivated channels and the presence of a protonable amine group. Patch-clamp experiments suggest that the binding sites of both drugs overlap the local anesthetic receptor within the ion-conducting pathway. Riluzole and lubeluzole displayed very potent antimyotonic activity in a rat model of myotonia, a pathological skeletal muscle condition characterized by high-frequency runs of action potentials. Such results well support the repurposing of riluzole as an antimyotonic drug, allowing the launch of a pilot study in myotonic patients. Riluzole, lubeluzole, and new Nav channel blockers built on the benzothiazolamine scaffold will certainly continue to be investigated for possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Farinato
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Altamura
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Jean-François Desaphy
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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24
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Andersen G, Hedermann G, Witting N, Duno M, Andersen H, Vissing J. The antimyotonic effect of lamotrigine in non-dystrophic myotonias: a double-blind randomized study. Brain 2017; 140:2295-2305. [PMID: 29050397 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awx192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mexiletine is the only drug with proven effect for treatment of non-dystrophic myotonia, but mexiletine is expensive, has limited availability and several side effects. There is therefore a need to identify other pharmacological compounds that can alleviate myotonia in non-dystrophic myotonias. Like mexiletine, lamotrigine is a sodium channel blocker, but unlike mexiletine, lamotrigine is available, inexpensive, and well tolerated. We investigated the potential of using lamotrigine for treatment of myotonia in patients with non-dystrophic myotonias. In this, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period cross-over study, we included adult outpatients recruited from all of Denmark with clinical myotonia and genetically confirmed myotonia congenita and paramyotonia congenita for investigation at the Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center. A pharmacy produced the medication and placebo, and randomized patients in blocks of 10. Participants and investigators were all blinded to treatment until the end of the trial. In two 8-week periods, oral lamotrigine or placebo capsules were provided once daily, with increasing doses (from 25 mg, 50 mg, 150 mg to 300 mg) every second week. The primary outcome was a severity score of myotonia, the Myotonic Behaviour Scale ranging from asymptomatic (score 1) to invalidating myotonia (score 6), reported by the participants during Weeks 0 and 8 in each treatment period. Clinical myotonia was also measured and side effects were monitored. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02159963) and EudraCT (2013-003309-24). We included 26 patients (10 females, 16 males, age: 19-74 years) from 13 November 2013 to 6 July 2015. Twenty-two completed the entire study. One patient withdrew due to an allergic reaction to lamotrigine. Three patients withdrew for reasons not related to the trial intervention. The Myotonic Behaviour Scale at baseline was 3.2 ± 1.1, which changed after treatment with lamotrigine by 1.3 ± 0.2 scores (P < 0.001), but not with placebo (0.2 ± 0.1 scores, P = 0.4). The estimated effect size was 1.0 ± 0.2 (95% confidence interval = 0.5-1.5, P < 0.001, n = 22). The standardized effect size of lamotrigine was 1.5 (confidence interval: 1.2-1.8). Number needed to treat was 2.6 (P = 0.006, n = 26). No adverse or unsuspected event occurred. Common side effects occurred in both treatment groups; number needed to harm was 5.2 (P = 0.11, n = 26). Lamotrigine effectively reduced myotonia, emphasized by consistency between effects on patient-related outcomes and objective outcomes. The frequency of side effects was acceptable. Considering this and the high availability and low cost of the drug, we suggest that lamotrigine should be used as the first line of treatment for myotonia in treatment-naive patients with non-dystrophic myotonias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grete Andersen
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte Hedermann
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nanna Witting
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Duno
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - John Vissing
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Cavalluzzi MM, Mangiatordi GF, Nicolotti O, Lentini G. Ligand efficiency metrics in drug discovery: the pros and cons from a practical perspective. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2017; 12:1087-1104. [PMID: 28814111 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2017.1365056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ligand efficiency metrics are almost universally accepted as a valuable indicator of compound quality and an aid to reduce attrition. Areas covered: In this review, the authors describe ligand efficiency metrics giving a balanced overview on their merits and points of weakness in order to enable the readers to gain an informed opinion. Relevant theoretical breakthroughs and drug-like properties are also illustrated. Several recent exemplary case studies are discussed in order to illustrate the main fields of application of ligand efficiency metrics. Expert opinion: As a medicinal chemist guide, ligand efficiency metrics perform in a context- and chemotype-dependent manner; thus, they should not be used as a magic box. Since the 'big bang' of efficiency metrics occurred more or less ten years ago and the average time to develop a new drug is over the same period, the next few years will give a clearer outlook on the increased rate of success, if any, gained by means of these new intriguing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Orazio Nicolotti
- a Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences , University of Bari Aldo Moro , Bari , Italy
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- a Department of Pharmacy - Drug Sciences , University of Bari Aldo Moro , Bari , Italy
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