Enalapril. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic use in hypertension and congestive heart failure

Endocytic Uptake of Self-Assembled Iridium(III) Nanoaggregates for Holistic Treatment of Metastatic 3D Triple-Negative Breast Tumor Spheroids

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents a formidable challenge due to its aggressive behavior and limited array of treatment options available. This study focuses on employing nanoaggregate material of organometallic Ir(III) complexes for treating TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231. In this approach, Ir(III) complexes with enhanced cellular permeability are strategically designed and achieved through the incorporation of COOMe groups into their structure. The lead compound, IrL1, exhibits promiscuous nanoscale aggregation in RPMI cell culture media, characterized by a stable hydrodynamic effective diameter ranging from 190 to 202 nm over 48 h. With excellent photo-responsive contrast-enhanced cell imaging properties IrL1 exhibits an outstanding IC50, 48h value of 36.05± 0.03 nm when irradiated with 390 nm light in MDA-MB-231 (IC50, 48 h of Cisplatin is 5.29 µµ). In cell, investigation confirms that IrL1 nanoaggregates internalization via energy-dependent endocytosis undergo ferroptosis and ROS mediated cell death in MDA-MB-231 cells. Further, these in vivo studies using NOD-SCID mice confirmed that IrL1 exhibits a tendency to ablate tumors inoculated in mice models at therapeutically relevant doses. Thus, this comprehensive approach holds promise for expanding the repertoire of organometallic Ir(III) nanoaggregates with adaptable characteristics, thereby advancing their clinical utility of nanomedicine in the holistic treatment of metastatic 3D triple-negative breast tumor spheroids.

Photocatalytic Regioselective Alkoxycarbonylation/Cyclization of 3-Aza-1,5-dienes: Access to Ester-Containing Pyrrolin-2-ones

A direct alkoxycarbonyl radical-induced cascade reaction of 3-aza-1,5-dienes with alkyl chlorooxoacetates is reported. With this approach, an extensive range of ester-containing pyrrolin-2-ones are synthesized through photocatalyzed alkoxycarbonylation/cyclization with 3-aza-1,5-dienes under mild conditions. Moreover, dehydrogenative aromatization can proceed with the same photocatalytic system.

Synthesis of Ester-Substituted Polycyclic N-Heteroaromatics via Photocatalyzed Alkoxycarbonylation/Tricyclization Reactions of Enediyne in Continuous Flow Conditions

For the first time, a photoredox-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation/tricyclization reaction was developed by employing readily accessible enediynes and alkyloxalyl chlorides as starting materials, enabling the synthesis of ester-substituted polycyclic N-heteroaromatics under mild conditions through a radical-mediated mechanism. This photocatalytic strategy is notable for its exceptional compatibility with diverse functional groups, scalability, and efficiency in the formation of rings and chemical bonds. Notably, continuous flow photocatalysis technology markedly improved these reactions compared to the equivalent batch reactions, efficiently decreasing the reaction times to merely 40 min.

Pd-Catalyzed cascade Heck cyclization/carbonylation of indoles with aryl formates: enantioselective construction of indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

An efficient palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclization/carbonylation of indoles with aryl formates to access ester-functionalized indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline scaffolds has been developed. In addition, an asymmetric variant is also achieved using a chiral phosphine ligand, affording the indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline products in good yields and enantioselectivities.

Reductive Transamination of Pyridinium Salts to N-Aryl Piperidines

Saturated N-heterocycles are found in numerous bioactive natural products and are prevalent in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. While there are many methods for their synthesis, each has its limitations, such as scope and functional group tolerance. Herein, we describe a rhodium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of pyridinium salts to access N-(hetero)aryl piperidines. The reaction proceeds via a reductive transamination process, involving the initial formation of a dihydropyridine intermediate via reduction of the pyridinium ion with HCOOH, which is intercepted by water and then hydrolyzed. Subsequent reductive amination with an exogenous (hetero)aryl amine affords an N-(hetero)aryl piperidine. This reductive transamination method thus allows for access of N-(hetero)aryl piperidines from readily available pyridine derivatives, expanding the toolbox of dearomatization and skeletal editing.

Lipid Horizons: Recent Advances and Future Prospects in LBDDS for Oral Administration of Antihypertensive Agents

The lipid-based drug delivery system (LBDDS) is a well-established technique that is anticipated to bring about comprehensive transformations in the pharmaceutical field, impacting the management and administration of drugs, as well as treatment and diagnosis. Various LBDDSs verified to be an efficacious mechanism for monitoring hypertension systems are SEDDS (self-nano emulsifying drug delivery), nanoemulsion, microemulsions, vesicular systems (transferosomes and liposomes), and solid lipid nanoparticles. LBDDSs overcome the shortcomings that are associated with antihypertensive agents because around fifty percent of the antihypertensive agents experience a few drawbacks including short half-life because of hepatic first-pass metabolism, poor aqueous solubility, low permeation rate, and undesirable side effects. This review emphasizes antihypertensive agents that were encapsulated into the lipid carrier to improve their poor oral bioavailability. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology and targeted drug delivery, LBDDS holds promise in addressing the multifactorial nature of hypertension. By fine-tuning drug release profiles and enhancing drug uptake at specific sites, LBDDS can potentially target renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system components, sympathetic nervous system pathways, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which play crucial roles in hypertension pathophysiology. The future of hypertension management using LBDDS is promising, with ongoing reviews focusing on precision medicine approaches, improved biocompatibility, and reduced toxicity. As we delve deeper into understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying hypertension, LBDDS offers a pathway to develop next-generation antihypertensive therapies that are safer, more effective, and tailored to individual patient needs.

Simultaneously Predicting the Pharmacokinetics of CES1-Metabolized Drugs and Their Metabolites Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model in Cirrhosis Subjects

Hepatic carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) metabolizes numerous prodrugs into active ingredients or direct-acting drugs into inactive metabolites. We aimed to develop a semi-physiologically based pharmacokinetic (semi-PBPK) model to simultaneously predict the pharmacokinetics of CES1 substrates and their active metabolites in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients. Six prodrugs (enalapril, benazepril, cilazapril, temocapril, perindopril and oseltamivir) and three direct-acting drugs (flumazenil, pethidine and remimazolam) were selected. Parameters such as organ blood flows, plasma-binding protein concentrations, functional liver volume, hepatic enzymatic activity, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and gastrointestinal transit rate were integrated into the simulation. The pharmacokinetic profiles of these drugs and their active metabolites were simulated for 1000 virtual individuals. The developed semi-PBPK model, after validation in healthy individuals, was extrapolated to LC patients. Most of the observations fell within the 5th and 95th percentiles of simulations from 1000 virtual patients. The estimated AUC and Cmax were within 0.5-2-fold of the observed values. The sensitivity analysis showed that the decreased plasma exposure of active metabolites due to the decreased CES1 was partly attenuated by the decreased GFR. Conclusion: The developed PBPK model successfully predicted the pharmacokinetics of CES1 substrates and their metabolites in healthy individuals and LC patients, facilitating tailored dosing of CES1 substrates in LC patients.

Short-term effects of goat milk yogurt-containing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides and two raisin varieties on subjective appetite, blood pressure and glycaemic responses in healthy adults. Results from a randomised clinical trial

Goat milk yogurt (GMY) and raisins are popular foods with a favourable nutrient profile. Our aim was to determine the glycaemic index (GI) and postprandial responses to GMY-containing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory (ACE-I) peptides carrying the RPKHPINHQ isracidin fragment and two Greek raisin varieties in an acute feeding setting. A total of twelve healthy participants (four male and eight female) consumed breakfast study foods containing 25 g available carbohydrate on seven occasions over a 3- to 9-week period: food 1: D-glucose (25 g) served as the control and was consumed on three separate occasions; food 2: GMY (617·28 g); food 3: Corinthian raisins (37·76 g); food 4: Sultana raisins (37·48 g) and food 5: GMY & C (308·64 g GMY and 18·88 g C). Postprandial glucose was measured over a 2 h period for the determination of GI and glycaemic load (GL). Subjective appetite ratings (hunger, fullness and desire to eat) were assessed by visual analogue scales (100 mm) at 0–120 min. Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic; BP) was measured at baseline and 120 min. GMY provided low GI (26), C and S provided high GI/low GL (75/10 and 70/9, respectively) and GMYC provided low GI (47) values on glucose scale compared with D-glucose. Peak blood glucose rise was significantly lower only for GMY and GMYC compared with reference food (D-Glucose), as well as C and S (Pfor all < 0·05). No differences were observed between test foods for fasting glucose, BP and subjective appetite. In conclusion, GMY and GMYC attenuated postprandial glycaemic responses, which may offer advantages to glycaemic control.

Hazard and health risk assessment of exposure to pharmaceutical active compounds via toxicological evaluation by zebrafish

The uncontrolled or continuous release of effluents from wastewater treatment plants leads to the omnipresence of pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) in the aquatic media. Today, this is a confirmed problem becoming a main subject of twin public and scientific concerns. However, still little information is available about the long-term impacts of these PhACs on aquatic organisms. In this review, efforts were made to reveal correlation between the occurrence in the environment, ecotoxicological and health risks of different PhACs via toxicological evaluation by zebrafish (Danio rerio). This animal model served as a bioindicator for any health impacts after the exposure to these contaminants and to better understand the responses in relation to human diseases. This review paper focused on the calculation of Risk Quotients (RQs) of 34 PhACs based on environmental and ecotoxicological data available in the literature and prediction from the ECOSAR V2.2 software. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the risk assessment of PhACs by the two different methods as mentioned above. RQs showed greater difference in potential environmental risks of the PhACs. These differences in risk values underline the importance of environmental and experimental factors in exposure conditions and the interpretation of RQ values. While the results showed high risk to Danio rerio of the majority of PhACs, risk qualification of the others varied between moderate to insignifiant. Further research is needed to assess pharmaceutical hazards when present in wastewater before discharge and monitor the effectiveness of treatment processes. The recent new advances in the morphological assessment of toxicant-exposed zebrafish larvae for the determination of test compounds effects on the developmental endpoints were also discussed. This review emphasizes the need for strict regulations on the release of PhACs into environmental media in order to minimize their toxicity to aquatic organisms.

Benefit and risk evaluation of quinapril hydrochloride

INTRODUCTION

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a mainstay of antihypertensive therapy. Quinapril hydrochloride, a less commonly used, and less-studied ACE inhibitor has been approved for its primary use in hypertension. Studies also indicate its off-label use for congestive heart failure and diabetic nephropathy. The ANDI and TREND trials have been pivotal in demonstrating the effectiveness of quinapril.

AREAS COVERED

The authors conducted a review of the literature analyzing the clinical efficacy and safety profile of quinapril. This review discusses the development of quinapril, provides an updated summary of the indications and contraindications, and presents a comparison with other ACE inhibitors.

EXPERT OPINION

Quinapril is a safe and well-tolerated antihypertensive medication with a favorable safety profile compared to other ACE inhibitors. However, a lack of ample recent clinical trials and post-marketing data investigating the efficacy of quinapril in large cohorts has resulted in limited use in clinical practice. Quinapril may be an effective antihypertensive option for elderly populations as well as those who cannot tolerate the side effects profiles of other ACE inhibitors and as an additional treatment option for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Sustainable Synthesis of α-Hydroxycarboxylic Acids by Manganese Catalyzed Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling of Ethylene Glycol and Primary Alcohols

Herein, we report a straightforward synthesis of valuable α-hydroxycarboxylic acid molecules via an acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of ethylene glycol and primary alcohols. A bench-stable manganese complex catalyzed the reaction, which is scalable, with the product being isolated with high yields and selectivities under mild conditions. The protocol is environmentally benign, producing water and hydrogen gas as the only byproducts. Methanol can also be used as a C1 source for producing the platform molecule lactic acid, with a high turnover of >10⁴ . The methodology was also used to functionalize alcohols derived from natural products and fatty acids. Furthermore, it was applied for synthesizing α-amino acid, α-thiocarboxylic acid, and several drugs and bioactive molecules, including endogenous metabolites, Danshensu, Enalapril, Lisinopril, and Rosmarinic acid. Preliminary mechanistic studies were performed to shed light on the mechanism involved in the reaction.

In Vitro Drug Repurposing: Focus on Vasodilators

Drug repurposing aims to identify new therapeutic uses for drugs that have already been approved for other conditions. This approach can save time and resources compared to traditional drug development, as the safety and efficacy of the repurposed drug have already been established. In the context of cancer, drug repurposing can lead to the discovery of new treatments that can target specific cancer cell lines and improve patient outcomes. Vasodilators are a class of drugs that have been shown to have the potential to influence various types of cancer. These medications work by relaxing the smooth muscle of blood vessels, increasing blood flow to tumors, and improving the delivery of chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, vasodilators have been found to have antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on cancer cells, making them a promising target for drug repurposing. Research on vasodilators for cancer treatment has already shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. However, additionally research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of vasodilators in cancer and determine the optimal dosing and combination therapy for patients. In this review, we aim to explore the molecular mechanisms of action of vasodilators in cancer cell lines and the current state of research on their repurposing as a treatment option. With the goal of minimizing the effort and resources required for traditional drug development, we hope to shed light on the potential of vasodilators as a viable therapeutic strategy for cancer patients.

Synthesis of Ester-Substituted Indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines via Photocatalyzed Alkoxycarbonylation/Cyclization Reactions

A direct alkoxycarbonylation/cyclization reaction is accomplished under visible light-induced photoredox catalysis. With this approach, a variety of ester-substituted indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines are prepared in good to excellent yields. It is worth noting that this method not only can afford the synthesis of indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines but also can provide an alternative route for generating complex target structures bearing carboxylic esters.

Treatment With Lisinopril Prevents the Early Progression of Glomerular Injury in Obese Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats Independent of Lowering Arterial Pressure

Recently, we reported that obese Dahl salt-sensitive leptin receptor mutant (SSLepRmutant) rats develop glomerular injury and progressive proteinuria prior to puberty. Moreover, this early progression of proteinuria was associated with elevations in GFR. Therefore, the current study examined whether treatment with lisinopril to reduce GFR slows the early progression of proteinuria in SSLepRmutant rats prior to puberty. Experiments were performed on 4-week-old SS and SSLepRmutant rats that were either treated with vehicle or lisinopril (20 mg/kg/day, drinking water) for 4 weeks. We did not observe any differences in MAP between SS and SSLepRmutant rats treated with vehicle (148 ± 5 vs. 163 ± 6 mmHg, respectively). Interestingly, chronic treatment with lisinopril markedly reduced MAP in SS rats (111 ± 3 mmHg) but had no effect on MAP in SSLepRmutant rats (155 ± 4 mmHg). Treatment with lisinopril significantly reduced proteinuria in SS and SSLepRmutant rats compared to their vehicle counterparts (19 ± 5 and 258 ± 34 vs. 71 ± 12 and 498 ± 66 mg/day, respectively). Additionally, nephrin excretion was significantly elevated in SSLepRmutant rats versus SS rats, and lisinopril reduced nephrin excretion in both strains. GFR was significantly elevated in SSLepRmutant rats compared to SS rats, and lisinopril treatment reduced GFR in SSLepRmutant rats by 30%. The kidneys from SSLepRmutant rats displayed glomerular injury with increased mesangial expansion and renal inflammation versus SS rats. Chronic treatment with lisinopril significantly decreased glomerular injury and renal inflammation in the SSLepRmutant rats. Overall, these data indicate that inhibiting renal hyperfiltration associated with obesity is beneficial in slowing the early development of glomerular injury and renal inflammation.

Design of Pseudodiproline Dimers as Mimetics of Pro-Pro Units: Stereocontrolled Synthesis, Configurational Relevance, and Structural Properties

Stereocontrolled methods are described for the synthesis of hitherto unreported pseudodiproline dimers in which a cyclopentane carboxylic acid is linked to a pyrrolidine residue by a stereochemically defined hydroxymethylene tether. These proline-cyclopentane (Pro-Cyp) dimers have interesting structural characteristics as seen in their X-ray crystal structures as well as their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra in CDCl₃. They can be considered to be novel Pro-Pro mimetics, which can be used to replace natural diproline sequences with potential applications in medicinal chemistry. They also represent a new concept in the peptidomimetic design of chimeric proline-based amino acids as carbocyclic hydroxyethylene isosteres of inhibitor molecules, in which the stereodefined bridging hydroxyl group can simulate a tetrahedral intermediate in an enzyme complex.

PharmKG: a dedicated knowledge graph benchmark for bomedical data mining

Biomedical knowledge graphs (KGs), which can help with the understanding of complex biological systems and pathologies, have begun to play a critical role in medical practice and research. However, challenges remain in their embedding and use due to their complex nature and the specific demands of their construction. Existing studies often suffer from problems such as sparse and noisy datasets, insufficient modeling methods and non-uniform evaluation metrics. In this work, we established a comprehensive KG system for the biomedical field in an attempt to bridge the gap. Here, we introduced PharmKG, a multi-relational, attributed biomedical KG, composed of more than 500 000 individual interconnections between genes, drugs and diseases, with 29 relation types over a vocabulary of ~8000 disambiguated entities. Each entity in PharmKG is attached with heterogeneous, domain-specific information obtained from multi-omics data, i.e. gene expression, chemical structure and disease word embedding, while preserving the semantic and biomedical features. For baselines, we offered nine state-of-the-art KG embedding (KGE) approaches and a new biological, intuitive, graph neural network-based KGE method that uses a combination of both global network structure and heterogeneous domain features. Based on the proposed benchmark, we conducted extensive experiments to assess these KGE models using multiple evaluation metrics. Finally, we discussed our observations across various downstream biological tasks and provide insights and guidelines for how to use a KG in biomedicine. We hope that the unprecedented quality and diversity of PharmKG will lead to advances in biomedical KG construction, embedding and application.

Pharmacology of enalapril in children: a review

Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is used for the treatment of (paediatric) hypertension, heart failure and chronic kidney diseases. Because its disposition, efficacy and safety differs across the paediatric continuum, data from adults cannot be automatically extrapolated to children. This review highlights paediatric enalapril pharmacokinetic data and demonstrates that these are inadequate to support with certainty an age-related effect on enalapril/enalaprilat pharmacokinetics. In addition, our review shows that evidence to support effective and safe prescribing of enalapril in children is limited, especially in young children and heart failure patients; studies in these groups are either absent or show conflicting results. We provide explanations for observed differences between age groups and indications, and describe areas for future research.

Contributions by the Brain Renin-Angiotensin System to Memory, Cognition, and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive neuron losses in memory-associated brain structures that rob patients of their dignity and quality of life. Five drugs have been approved by the FDA to treat AD but none modify or significantly slow disease progression. New therapies are needed to delay the course of this disease with the ultimate goal of preventing neuron losses and preserving memory functioning. In this review we describe the renin-angiotensin II (AngII) system (RAS) with specific regard to its deleterious contributions to hypertension, facilitation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, reduced cerebral blood flow, tissue remodeling, and disruption of memory consolidation and retrieval. There is evidence that components of the RAS, AngIV and Ang(1-7), are positioned to counter such damaging influences and these systems are detailed with the goal of drawing attention to their importance as drug development targets. Ang(1-7) binds at the Mas receptor, while AngIV binds at the AT4 receptor subtype, and these receptor numbers are significantly decreased in AD patients, accompanied by declines in brain aminopeptidases A and N, enzymes essential for the synthesis of AngIV. Potent analogs may be useful to counter these changes and facilitate neuronal functioning and reduce apoptosis in memory associated brain structures of AD patients.

Simultaneous Determination of Rivaroxaban and Enalapril in Rat Plasma by UPLC-MS/MS and Its Application to A Pharmacokinetic Interaction Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There have been no animal experiments and clinical studies on the pharmacokinetic interaction between rivaroxaban and enalapril. To investigate whether a potential pharmacokinetic interaction is present between rivaroxaban and enalapril, a rapid and sensitive Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to determine the concentration of rivaroxaban and enalapril in rat plasma and was then applied to a pharmacokinetic interaction study.

METHODS

The analytes were separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 chromatography column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase with gradient elution. The mass spectrometer was operated in multiple reaction monitoring mode to monitor the precursor-to-product ion transitions of 436.1 → 145.1 m/z for rivaroxaban, 377.3 → 234.2 m/z for enalapril and 285.2 → 193.1 m/z for diazepam (IS).

RESULTS

The method was validated over the concentration range of 1.0-200 ng/mL for rivaroxaban and 0.5-100 ng/mL for enalapril. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy of the quality control (QC) samples exhibited relative standard deviations (RSD) < 9.4% and the accuracy values ranged from - 8.3 to 9.6%. After co-administration of rivaroxaban and enalapril, the maximum plasma concentration (C_max) and area under the systemic drug concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC_0-∞) of rivaroxaban were significantly increased by 19.6% (p < 0.05) and 21.3% (p < 0.05), respectively. On the contrary, the plasma clearance rate (CL/F) of rivaroxaban and enalapril was significantly decreased by 17.8% (p < 0.05) and 23.8% (p < 0.05), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The UPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to simultaneous determination of rivaroxaban and enalapril in rat plasma and applied to study the pharmacokinetic interaction between rivaroxaban and enalapril. The co-administration of rivaroxaban and enalapril resulted in a significant drug interaction in rats.

Antihypertensive effect of sacubitril/valsartan: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan used as an antihypertensive agent has not yet been completely assessed. Thus, to investigate them in elderly hypertensive patients, a meta-analysis has been performed.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The meta-analysis incorporated only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which sacubitril/valsartan was compared with a reference drug. The mean reductions in systolic blood pressure (msSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (msDBP) in the sitting position as well as the mean reductions in ambulatory systolic blood pressure (maSBP) and ambulatory diastolic blood pressure (maDBP), were assumed as efficacy endpoints. Adverse events were taken as safety outcomes.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Five RCTs were included for a total of 1513 patients for analysis. In all studies, the comparator drug was an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) - valsartan in two cases and olmesartan in the remaining three cases. Compared with ARBs, there was a significant reduction in msSBP (weight mean difference [WMD] -5.41 mmHg, 95% CI: -7.0 to -3.8; P<0.01), msDBP (WMD=-1.22 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.15 to -0.3; P<0.01), maSBP (WMD=-4.58 mmHg, 95% CI: -5.62 to -3.54; P<0.01) and maDBP (WMD=-2.17 mmHg, 95% CI: - 2.78 to -1.56; P<0.01) in elderly hypertensive patients at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Sacubitril/valsartan may reduce arterial pressure more efficaciously than ARBs in elderly hypertensive patients.

Anti-Hypertensive Effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

For elderly patients suffering from arterial hypertension, a complete assessment of the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan used as an anti-hypertensive agent is not available yet. Therefore, we decided to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to explore some endpoints concerning anti-hypertensive efficacy as well as safety of sacubitril/valsartan in elderly hypertensive patients.

Methods

PubMed and Scopus have been extensively investigated with the help of some key words until June 15, 2018. The meta-analysis incorporated exclusively RCTs in which the anti-hypertensive efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan were compared with those of a reference drug (comparator) that could be an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi), an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), a calcium channel blocker (CCB) or a beta-blocker. Continuous ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was required as an inclusion criterion in the studies to be included in the meta-analysis. The mean reductions in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the sitting position (msSBP and msDBP, respectively), as well as the mean reductions in ambulatory systolic blood pressure (maSBP) and ambulatory diastolic blood pressure (maDBP), were assumed as efficacy endpoints. Adverse events (AEs) were taken as safety outcomes.

Results

Five RCTs were included with a total of 1,513 patients for analysis. In all studies, the comparator drug was an ARB (valsartan in two cases and olmesartan in the remaining three cases). Compared with ARBs, after 12 weeks there was a significant reduction in msSBP (weight mean difference (WMD) = - 5.41 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval (CI): -7.0 to -3.8; P < 0.01), msDBP (WMD = -1.22 mm Hg, 95% CI : -2.15 to -0.3; P < 0.01), maSBP (WMD = -4.58 mm Hg, 95% CI: -5.62 to -3.54; P < 0.01) and maDBP (WMD = -2.17 mm Hg, 95% CI: - 2.78 to -1.56; P < 0.01) in elderly hypertensive patients at 12 weeks.

Conclusions

Sacubitril/valsartan may reduce arterial pressure more efficaciously than ARBs in elderly hypertensive patients. These results have to be confirmed by further RCTs with a good methodological quality, possibly with a greater sample size.

Identification of spirocyclic or phosphate substituted quinolizine derivatives as novel HIV-1 integrase inhibitors: a patent evaluation of WO2016094197A1, WO2016094198A1 and WO2016154527A1

INTRODUCTION

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been widely adopted to control the HIV-1 infection successfully. HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibitors are primary drugs in HAART regimens targeting integration step in the HIV-1 life cycle. However, due to the emergence of viral resistance and cross-resistance amongst drugs, there is a pressing need for new and potent IN inhibitors. This review covers the three patents describing spirocyclic and phosphate substituted quinolizine derivatives as novel HIV-1 IN inhibitors for the discovery of new anti-HIV-1 drug candidates. Areas covered: This review is focused on spirocyclic and phosphate substituted quinolizine derivatives bearing the same metal chelation scaffold as novel HIV-1 IN inhibitors. Expert opinion: Generally, privileged structure-based optimizations have emerged as an effective approach to discover newly antiviral agents. More generally, due to the similar Mg²⁺ catalytic active centers of endoribonucleases, some divalent metal ion chelators were found to be versatile binders targeting multiple metalloenzymes. Therefore, privileged structure-based scaffold re-evolution is an important tactic to identify new chemotypes, to explore unknown biological activities, or to provide effective ligands for multiple targets by modifying the existing active compounds.

Ester-Modified Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes as Mitochondria-Targeting Anticancer Agents

Organometallic iridium complexes are potent anticancer candidates which act through different mechanisms from cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens. Here, ten phosphorescent cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes containing 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid and its diester derivatives as ligands are designed and synthesized. The modification by ester group, which can be hydrolysed by esterase, facilitates the adjustment of drug-like properties. The quantum yields and emission lifetimes are influenced by variation of the ester substituents on the Ir(III) complexes. The cytotoxicity of these Ir(III) complexes is correlated with the length of their ester groups. Among them, 4a and 4b are found to be highly active against a panel of cancer cells screened, including cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. Mechanism studies in vitro indicate that they undergo hydrolysis of ester bonds, accumulate in mitochondria, and induce a series of cell-death related events mediated by mitochondria. Furthermore, 4a and 4b can induce pro-death autophagy and apoptosis simultaneously. Our study indicates that ester modification is a simple and feasible strategy to enhance the anticancer potency of Ir(III) complexes.

Drug Targets for Oxidative Podocyte Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one the most prevalent chronic complications of diabetes mellitus that affects as much as one-third of diabetic patients irrespective of the type of diabetes. Hyperglycemia is the key trigger for DN that initiates a number of microscopic and ultramicroscopic changes in kidney architecture. Microscopic changes include thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), tubular basement membrane (TBM), mesangial proliferation, arteriosclerosis, and glomerulotubular junction abnormalities (GTJA). Among the ultramicroscopic changes, effacement of podocytes and decrease in their density seem to be the centerpiece of DN pathogenesis. These changes in kidney architecture then produce functional deficits, such as microalbuminuria and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Among several mechanisms involved in inflicting damage to podocytes, injuries sustained by increased oxidative stress turns out to be the most important mechanism. Different variables that are included in increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) include a hyperglycemia-induced reduction in glutathione (GSH), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activation via hyperglycemia, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), protein kinase C (PKC), and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Unfortunately, control of podocyte injury hasn't received much attention as a treatment approach for DN. Therefore, this review article is mainly concerned with the exploration of various treatment options that might help in decreasing the podocyte injury, mainly by reducing the level of NADPH oxidase-mediated generation of ROS. This article concludes with a view that certain NADPH oxidase inhibitors, RAAS inhibitors, statins, antidiabetic drugs, and antioxidant vitamins might be useful in decreasing podocyte injury and resultant structural and functional kidney impairments in DN.

Effect of carboxylesterase 1 c.428G > A single nucleotide variation on the pharmacokinetics of quinapril and enalapril

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) c.428G > A (p.G143E, rs71647871) single nucleotide variation (SNV) on the pharmacokinetics of quinapril and enalapril in a prospective genotype panel study in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

In a fixed-order crossover study, 10 healthy volunteers with the CES1 c.428G/A genotype and 12 with the c.428G/G genotype ingested a single 10 mg dose of quinapril and enalapril with a washout period of at least 1 week. Plasma concentrations of quinapril and quinaprilat were measured for up to 24 h and those of enalapril and enalaprilat for up to 48 h. Their excretion into the urine was measured from 0 h to 12 h.

RESULTS

The area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 h to infinity (AUC0-∞) of active enalaprilat was 20% lower in subjects with the CES1 c.428G/A genotype than in those with the c.428G/G genotype (95% confidence interval of geometric mean ratio 0.64, 1.00; P = 0.049). The amount of enalaprilat excreted into the urine was 35% smaller in subjects with the CES1 c.428G/A genotype than in those with the c.428G/G genotype (P = 0.044). The CES1 genotype had no significant effect on the enalaprilat to enalapril AUC0-∞ ratio or on any other pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters of enalapril or enalaprilat. The CES1 genotype had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters of quinapril.

CONCLUSIONS

The CES1 c.428G > A SNV decreased enalaprilat concentrations, probably by reducing the hydrolysis of enalapril, but had no observable effect on the pharmacokinetics of quinapril.

The development of small molecule angiotensin IV analogs to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases are neurodegenerative diseases presently without effective drug treatments. AD is characterized by general cognitive impairment, difficulties with memory consolidation and retrieval, and with advanced stages episodes of agitation and anger. AD is increasing in frequency as life expectancy increases. Present FDA approved medications do little to slow disease progression and none address the underlying progressive loss of synaptic connections and neurons. New drug design approaches are needed beyond cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists. Patients with PD experience the symptomatic triad of bradykinesis, tremor-at-rest, and rigidity with the possibility of additional non-motor symptoms including sleep disturbances, depression, dementia, and autonomic nervous system failure. This review summarizes available information regarding the role of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in learning and memory and motor functions, with particular emphasis on research results suggesting a link between angiotensin IV (AngIV) interacting with the AT4 receptor subtype. Currently there is controversy over the identity of this AT4 receptor protein. Albiston and colleagues have offered convincing evidence that it is the insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP). Recently members of our laboratory have presented evidence that the brain AngIV/AT4 receptor system coincides with the brain hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met receptor system. In an effort to resolve this issue we have synthesized a number of small molecule AngIV-based compounds that are metabolically stable, penetrate the blood-brain barrier, and facilitate compromised memory and motor systems. These research efforts are described along with details concerning a recently synthesized molecule, Dihexa that shows promise in overcoming memory and motor dysfunctions by augmenting synaptic connectivity via the formation of new functional synapses.

Bioequivalence study of two formulations of enalapril, at a single oral dose of 20 mg (tablets): A randomized, two-way, open-label, crossover study in healthy volunteers

BACKGROUND

Enalapril maleate is the monoethyl ester prodrug of enalapril- at, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor indicated in the management of essential and renovascular hypertension, and in the treatment of congestive heart failure and in asymptomatic patients with left ventricular dysfunction and an ejection fraction of ≥35%. Enalapril has little pharmacologic activity until hydrolyzed in vivo to enalaprilat.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to compare the bioavailability and tolerability of 2 commercial brands (test and reference formulations) of enalapril tablets (20 mg), described as the rate and extent of absorption of the active moiety, to assess their bioequivalence.

METHODS

This single-dose, randomized, 2-way, open-label, crossover study in healthy volunteers aged 18 to 40 years was conducted at the Clinical Pharmacology Study Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (Madrid, Spain). Subjects were randomized to receive (under fasting conditions) either the test or reference formulation of enalapril (20-mg tablet) at study period 1 and the opposite formulation at study period 2. Study periods were separated by a washout period of at least 7 days. During each study period, 15 plasma extractions were made to determine enalapril and enalaprilat plasma concentrations and to calculate the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties (maximal plasma drug concentration [Cmax], time to Cmax [Tmax], area under the plasma concentration-time curve [AUC] to the last measurable concentration [AUCt], AUC from time 0 to infinity [AUC0-∞], mean residence time, and elimination half-life [tl2]) of both. Physical examination, subject interview, laboratory analyses, electrocardiogram, and blood pressure (BP) were used to assess tolerability.

RESULTS

Twenty-four subjects were included in the study (12 men, 12 women; mean [SD] age, 22.8 [2.2] years [range, 19-30 years]). Of these, 1 subject (4.2%) withdrew from the study for personal reasons; thus, PK and statistical analyses included results from 23 subjects. No statistically significant sequence or period effect was found. Tmax was not statistically different between the 2 formulations, and the 90% CI calculated for Tmax for the difference of the medians was within the predefined range. The 90% CIs of the logarithmically transformed concentration-derived parameters (Cmax AUCt, and AUC0-∞) also were within the predefined range; thus, the 2 formulations are considered bioequivalent. For both formulations, systolic and diastolic BPs showed significant reductions compared with baseline values (P < 0.05). Seven adverse effects were recorded, all of them transient and none of severe intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of 2 commercial brands (test and reference formulations) of enalapril in healthy subjects, designed and conducted under Good Clinical Practice guidelines, a similar rate and extent of absorption for both formulations were found to be bioequivalent. Both formulations produced a significant decrease in BP values and were generally well tolerated.

Pharmacological and Clinical Profile of Moexipril: A Concise Review

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are effective and safe antihypertensive drugs, with the exception of the rare occasion of angioedema. These drugs have demonstrated additional cardiovascular protective effects to their blood pressure lowering, and their combination with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide potentiates their antihypertensive effectiveness. Moexipril is a long-acting ACE inhibitor suitable for once-daily administration, and like some ACE inhibitors, moexipril is a prodrug and needs to be hydrolyzed in the liver into its active carboxylic metabolite, moexiprilat, to become effective. Moexipril alone and in combination with low-dose hydrochlorothiazide has been shown in clinical trials to be effective in lowering blood pressure and be well tolerated and safe given in single daily doses. In this review, the pharmacological profile of this drug and its clinical usefulness are discussed.

Discovery of inhibitors of insulin-regulated aminopeptidase as cognitive enhancers

The hexapeptide angiotensin IV (Ang IV) is a metabolite of angiotensin II (Ang II) and plays a central role in the brain. It was reported more than two decades ago that intracerebroventricular injection of Ang IV improved memory and learning in the rat. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the positive effects of Ang IV and related analogues on cognition. It has been proposed that the insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) is the main target of Ang IV. This paper discusses progress in the discovery of inhibitors of IRAP as potential enhancers of cognitive functions. Very potent inhibitors of the protease have been synthesised, but pharmacokinetic issues (including problems associated with crossing the blood-brain barrier) remain to be solved. The paper also briefly presents an overview of the status in the discovery of inhibitors of ACE and renin, and of AT1R antagonists and AT2R agonists, in order to enable other discovery processes within the RAS system to be compared. The paper focuses on the relationship between binding affinities/inhibition capacity and the structures of the ligands that interact with the target proteins.

Molecular recognition and regulation of human angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) activity by natural inhibitory peptides

Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE), a two-domain dipeptidylcarboxypeptidase, is a key regulator of blood pressure as a result of its critical role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and kallikrein-kinin systems. Hence it is an important drug target in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. ACE is primarily known for its ability to cleave angiotensin I (Ang I) to the vasoactive octapeptide angiotensin II (Ang II), but is also able to cleave a number of other substrates including the vasodilator bradykinin and N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP), a physiological modulator of hematopoiesis. For the first time we provide a detailed biochemical and structural basis for the domain selectivity of the natural peptide inhibitors of ACE, bradykinin potentiating peptide b and Ang II. Moreover, Ang II showed selective competitive inhibition of the carboxy-terminal domain of human somatic ACE providing evidence for a regulatory role in the human renin-angiotensin system (RAS).

Advances in simultaneous DSC-FTIR microspectroscopy for rapid solid-state chemical stability studies: some dipeptide drugs as examples

The solid-state chemistry of drugs has seen growing importance in the pharmaceutical industry for the development of useful API (active pharmaceutical ingredients) of drugs and stable dosage forms. The stability of drugs in various solid dosage forms is an important issue because solid dosage forms are the most common pharmaceutical formulation in clinical use. In solid-state stability studies of drugs, an ideal accelerated method must not only be selected by different complicated methods, but must also detect the formation of degraded product. In this review article, an analytical technique combining differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier-transform infrared (DSC-FTIR) microspectroscopy simulates the accelerated stability test, and simultaneously detects the decomposed products in real time. The pharmaceutical dipeptides aspartame hemihydrate, lisinopril dihydrate, and enalapril maleate either with or without Eudragit E were used as testing examples. This one-step simultaneous DSC-FTIR technique for real-time detection of diketopiperazine (DKP) directly evidenced the dehydration process and DKP formation as an impurity common in pharmaceutical dipeptides. DKP formation in various dipeptides determined by different analytical methods had been collected and compiled. Although many analytical methods have been applied, the combined DSC-FTIR technique is an easy and fast analytical method which not only can simulate the accelerated drug stability testing but also at the same time enable to explore phase transformation as well as degradation due to thermal-related reactions. This technique offers quick and proper interpretations.

Fixed combination of lercanidipine and enalapril in the management of hypertension: focus on patient preference and adherence

Hypertension is one of the most important and widespread risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. Once, combination therapy was traditionally reserved as a third-line or fourth-line approach in the management of hypertension. However, several major intervention trials in high-risk patient populations have shown that an average of 2-4 antihypertensive agents are required to achieve effective blood pressure control. Combination treatment should be considered as a first choice in patients at high cardiovascular risk and in individuals for whom blood pressure is markedly above the hypertension threshold (eg, more than 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic), or when milder degrees of blood pressure elevation are associated with multiple risk factors, subclinical organ damage, diabetes, renal failure, or associated cardiovascular disease. A number of clinical trials have demonstrated that a fixed combination of lercanidipine and enalapril has better efficacy and tolerability than monotherapy with either agents. The fixed-dose formulation of lercanidipine-enalapril was well tolerated in all clinical trials, with an adverse event rate similar to that of the component drugs as monotherapy. The advantages of combination therapy include improved adherence to therapy and minimization of blood pressure variability. In addition, combining two antihypertensive agents with different mechanisms of action may provide greater protection against major cardiovascular events and the development of end-organ damage.

Ace inhibitors - activators of kinin receptors

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are widely used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The effects of ACE inhibitors on the human bradykinin receptors were investigated. The mode of action of ACE inhibitors is considered. There is evidence that ACE inhibitors exert effects on the vascular system that cannot be attributed simply to the inhibition of ACE activity and accumulation of locally produced bradykinin. ACE inhibitors augment bradykinin effects on receptors indirectly by inducing cross-talk between ACE and the B2 receptor when enzyme and receptor molecules are sterically close, possibly forming a heterodimer. ACE inhibitors activate B1 receptors directly and independently of ACE via the zink-binding consensus sequence HEXXH, which is present in B1, but not in B2 receptor. Particular structure of B2 and B1 are represented, as well as receptor amino acids coupled with the G-proteins. Activation of kinin receptors by ACE inhibitors leads to clinically beneficial effects of ACE inhibitors.

Reinventing the ACE inhibitors: some old and new implications of ACE inhibition

Since their inception, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been used as first-line therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular and renal diseases. They restore the balance between the vasoconstrictive salt-retentive and hypertrophy-causing peptide angiotensin II (Ang II) and bradykinin, a vasodilatory and natriuretic peptide. As ACE is a promiscuous enzyme, ACE inhibitors alter the metabolism of a number of other vasoactive substances. ACE inhibitors decrease systemic vascular resistance without increasing heart rate and promote natriuresis. They have been proven effective in the treatment of hypertension, and reduce mortality in congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction. They inhibit ischemic events and stabilize plaques. Furthermore, they delay the progression of diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy and act as antioxidants. Ongoing studies have elucidated protective roles for them in both memory-related disorders and cancer. Lastly, N- and C-domain selective ACE inhibitors have led to new uses for ACE inhibitors.

Once daily dosing of enalapril in congestive heart failure

Enalapril 40 mg or tolerated dose was given once daily to 21 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), NYHA class III, in addition to treatment with digoxin and/or diuretics. After an 8-week open period, 19 patients were randomized to continue enalapril or to receive a placebo in a double-blind manner. After the first enalapril dose of 10 mg, maximal reduction of blood pressure (BP) occurred after 4 hours (mean 34/17 mmHg; p less than 0.001). No further reduction was found after higher doses. After the open period significant improvement was shown as judged by NYHA class (p less than 0.01), stroke volume (p less than 0.05), maximal working capacity (p less than 0.05), heart volume (p less than 0.01) and maximum rate pressure product (RPPmax) (p less than 0.001). Urinary aldosterone markedly decreased (p less than 0.01), whereas serum potassium and serum creatinine slightly increased (p less than 0.05). At the end of the blind period enalapril was superior to placebo concerning NYHA class (p less than 0.01), heart volume (p less than 0.05) and RPPmax (p less than 0.05). Other parameters, including aldosterone in urine, did not differ between the groups. Carry-over effects may have diminished the differences between enalapril and placebo. Diarrhoea (n = 5) and hypotension (n = 5) were the most common side-effects. Overall, enalapril was well tolerated and seems to be useful in single daily doses in the treatment of CHF.

Fixed combinations in the management of hypertension: perspectives on lercanidipine-enalapril

Although achieving blood pressure (BP) control is critical to improve cardiovascular prognosis in hypertensive patients, many of them fail to achieve BP goals. The majority of hypertensive patients need more than one antihypertensive agent to attain BP targets. Combination therapy is required when monotherapy fails to attain BP objectives and as a first-line treatment in certain situations, such as markedly elevated BP values, when lower targets are required in high or very high cardiovascular risk patients. The advantages of combination therapy are well documented, with an increased antihypertensive efficacy as a result of the simultaneous inhibition of different mechanisms of action and with a lesser incidence of adverse events, because of the possible compensatory responses and the lower doses used. Calcium channel blockers are effective drugs in the treatment of hypertension. The efficacy of lercanidipine has been evaluated in several noncomparative and in comparative studies showing a great efficacy with a good tolerability. On the other hand, the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system appears to be very beneficial in the treatment of patients with hypertension. Enalapril is an effective and well tolerated angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. Although there are several fixed-combination drugs, the combination lercanidipine plus enalapril appears to be one of the most promising therapies in the treatment of hypertension. The aim of this manuscript is to update the published data about the efficacy and safety of this fixed combination.

Prodrugs: design and clinical applications

Prodrugs are bioreversible derivatives of drug molecules that undergo an enzymatic and/or chemical transformation in vivo to release the active parent drug, which can then exert the desired pharmacological effect. In both drug discovery and development, prodrugs have become an established tool for improving physicochemical, biopharmaceutical or pharmacokinetic properties of pharmacologically active agents. About 5-7% of drugs approved worldwide can be classified as prodrugs, and the implementation of a prodrug approach in the early stages of drug discovery is a growing trend. To illustrate the applicability of the prodrug strategy, this article describes the most common functional groups that are amenable to prodrug design, and highlights examples of prodrugs that are either launched or are undergoing human trials.