Fuzapladib in a randomized controlled multicenter masked study in dogs with presumptive acute onset pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Currently, no specific treatment is available for acute onset pancreatitis (AP), and management relies on symptomatic and supportive standard of care (SOC). Fuzapladib is a novel leukocyte function-associated antigen type-1 (LFA-1) activation inhibitor, blocking activation and subsequent adhesion and migration of neutrophils, potentially decreasing the risk of pancreatitis progression and systemic inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the safety and clinical response of dogs with AP after 3 days of administration of fuzapladib.

ANIMALS

Sixty-one client-owned dogs with presumptive AP.

METHODS

Randomized, masked, and placebo controlled multicenter study. Sixty-one dogs with AP were included for safety assessment, whereas 35 evaluable cases (fuzapladib, n = 16; placebo, n = 19) were included for clinical evaluation. Clinical improvement was assessed based on the change in the modified clinical activity index (MCAI) score on Day 3 compared to Day 0. Secondary variables included canine acute pancreatitis clinical severity index (CAPCSI) scores and serum concentrations of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, cytokines, and C-reactive protein.

RESULTS

Fuzapladib was well tolerated by all treated dogs. Mean change in MCAI scores was significantly higher in the fuzapladib-treated (-7.75) than the placebo group (-5.68; P = .02, 95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference, -4.33, -0.35), suggesting clinical improvement in fuzapladib-treated dogs. No significant difference was found in any of the secondary variables between groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Administration of fuzapladib to dogs was safe, and a favorable response was detected in 2 clinical activity scores. Effects of fuzapladib on survival and duration of hospitalization were not studied.

Polylysine-Containing Hydrogel Formulation of Fuzapladib, Inhibitor of Leukocyte-Function Associated Antigen-1 (LFA-1) Activation, for Sustained Release

The aim of the present study was to develop an injectable hydrogel (HG) formulation of fuzapladib sodium (FZP), an animal drug for acute pancreatitis (AP), with the use of polyethyleneoxide (PEO) and polylysine (pLys), a cationic polymer. A mixture of pLys and FZP was added to PEO to prepare an HG formulation, and the formulation was optimized by release test and viscosity measurements. Circular dichroism (CD) and infrared absorption (IR) spectral analyses were applied to clarify the intermolecular interactions between FZP and pLys. The pharmacokinetic behavior of FZP was evaluated after a subcutaneous administration of FZP samples (2.0 mg-FZP/kg) to rats. Although the immediate release of FZP was observed for the HG formulation, the addition of pLys at a 20-fold amount of FZP or higher led to the sustained release of FZP. Considering release behavior, the concentration of pLys was optimized as 100-fold that of FZP in the HG formulation. CD and IR spectroscopic analyses of FZP and/or pLys demonstrated an intermolecular interaction between FZP and pLys, as evidenced by the slight spectral transition. After a subcutaneous administration of HG formulation containing pLys to rats, compared with FZP alone, significant differences were observed in the pharmacokinetic behavior with a decrease of C_max from 2.3 to 0.9 mg/mL and slower elimination kinetics. HG formulation using pLys might be a viable dosage option for FZP for the treatment of AP in animals.

Development of stabilized fuzapladib solution for injection: forced degradation study and pharmacokinetic evaluation

The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate stabilized injection solutions of fuzapladib sodium hydrate using antioxidants as the stabilizers. To estimate the possible degradation factors and pathways of fuzapladib, forced degradation studies were conducted under thermal, acid, base, oxidative, and light conditions. To select an optimal excipient to stabilize fuzapladib under a solution state, a screening study of antioxidants was carried out to evaluate their effects to inhibit the degradation. The influence of the selected stabilizers on its pharmacokinetic behavior was evaluated in rats after intravenous administration. On the basis of data from the forced degradation study, thermal and oxidative stresses were significant factors accelerating the degradation of fuzapladib. Among eight tested antioxidants, vitamin C (VC) was the most effective stabilizer to suppress the accelerated degradation by heating, as evidenced by 45% inhibition of the degradation. The stabilization effect was enhanced depending on the concentration of VC. After the intravenous administration of fuzapladib (0.5 mg/kg) with or without VC (2.1 mg/kg), there were no significant differences between the pharmacokinetic behaviors of each group. From these findings, VC might be a promising excipient to stabilize the injection solution of fuzapladib without significant influence on its pharmacokinetic behavior.

Nanocrystal solid dispersion of fuzapladib free acid with improved oral bioavailability

This study aimed to develop an oral nanocrystal solid dispersion (nCSD) of fuzapladib (FZP) with enhanced absorbability for the treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP). The hydration properties of crystalline FZP free acid (crystalline FZP) and FZP sodium salt (FZP/Na) were assessed to select a stable crystal form. The nCSD of FZP free acid (nCSD/FZP) was prepared using a multi-inlet vortex mixer and evaluated in terms of physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. The results of X-ray powder diffraction analysis indicated that crystalline FZP was stable as an anhydrate, while FZP/Na was converted to its monohydrate at water activity of above 0.2. The nanocrystals in nCSD/FZP were dispersed in hydroxy propyl cellulose-SSL, and their mean particle size were 160 nm with uniform spherical shape. In dissolution testing, nCSD/FZP exhibited rapid dissolution compared with crystalline FZP and reached a saturated concentration of FZP within initial 30 min. After oral administration (2 mg-FZP/kg) to rats, the maximum plasma concentration and bioavailability were 7.3- and 5.2-fold higher for nCSD/FZP than crystalline FZP, respectively, due to improved dissolution by nanosization. In conclusion, nCSD/FZP may be a novel oral dosage form with enhanced absorbability facilitating potent therapeutic effects of FZP for the treatment of AP in animals.

Inhibitory effects of the new anti-inflammatory agent, IS-741, on spontaneous colitis in HLA-B27/beta2-microglobulin transgenic rats

BACKGROUND

A novel anti-inflammatory drug, IS-741, blocked the adhesion of inflammatory cells to microvascular endothelial cells both in vivo and in vitro. Transgenic rats expressing human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 and human beta2-microglobulin (HLA-B27 rats) spontaneously develop chronic colitis, which resembles human inflammatory bowel disease. In the present study, the authors examined the efficacy of IS-741 against spontaneous colitis in HLA-B27 rats.

METHODS

The HLA-B 27 rats were divided in two groups after the development of colitis. IS-741 was dissolved in water and administered orally (10 mg/kg) once per day for 14 days.

RESULTS

The HLA-B27 rats treated with IS-741 remained healthy; the wet weight of the colon was significantly lower in the IS-741-treated group. Histological examinations revealed a marked infiltration of inflammatory cells into both the mucosa and the submucosa in the control HLA-B27 rats, but these changes were attenuated in the IS-741-treated group. The mucosal damage score was also significantly reduced by treatment with IS-741. IS-741 significantly reduced the mucosal myeloperoxidase activity and mucosal cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 levels. IS-741 also reduced CD3-positive T-cell infiltration.

CONCLUSION

IS-741 suppressed the spontaneous colitis that developed in HLA-B27 rats. Some of the actions of IS-741 may be associated with its inhibitory effects on the adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells. The findings from the present study suggest that IS-741 may be a useful new therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel disease.

Effects of mild and moderate hypothermia on apoptosis in neuronal PC12 cells

BACKGROUND

There is still a possibility that mild hypothermic therapy may be useful as a neuroprotective tool during the intraoperative period, although the mechanism of cerebral protection by mild hypothermia is not well understood. We hypothesized that mild hypothermia may be protective against cerebral ischaemia by inhibiting post-ischaemia apoptosis. In this study, we used serum-deprived PC12 cells as the neuronal apoptotic model and examined the direct effects of mild and moderate hypothermia.

METHODS

Apoptosis was induced by depriving the cell culture medium of serum, which is one of the most representative methods to induce apoptosis, but not necrosis, in PC12 cells. Effects of mild (35 and 33 degrees C) and moderate (31 and 29 degrees C) hypothermia on apoptosis were evaluated. Cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase leakage) and the percentage of apoptotic cells (calculated by flow cytometry with propidium iodide) were evaluated 4 days after induction of apoptosis. As a control, cells without induction of apoptosis were incubated under the same conditions as the apoptosis group.

RESULTS

Without induction at 37 degrees C, cytotoxicity and the percentage of apoptotic cells were over 60 and 90%, respectively. At each temperature examined below 35 degrees C, significant decreases in cytotoxicity and the percentage of apoptotic cells were observed. Mean cytotoxicity at 31 and 29 degrees C was 50.2 (SD 4.2)% and 47.9 (4.4)%, respectively. The percentage of apoptotic cells at 31 and 29 degrees C was 42.5 (7.4)% and 36.5 (7.3)%, respectively. In the control group, cytotoxicity and the percentage of apoptotic cells were significantly higher at 29 degrees C than at 37 degrees C.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild and moderate hypothermia (29-35 degrees C) inhibited apoptosis, although hypothermia below 30 degrees C may induce apoptosis in intact cells.

A novel MPL point mutation resulting in thrombopoietin-independent activation

Thrombopoietin (TPO) and its receptor (MPL) are important regulators of megakaryopoiesis. MPL belongs to a cytokine receptor superfamily. To date, all constitutively active MPL mutants have been artificially constructed with amino acid substitutions in the transmembrane domain or extracellular domain of the protein, and they activate signal transduction pathways in Ba/F3 cells that can also be activated by the normal MPL. In this paper, we report a novel spontaneously occurring mutation of MPL, with an amino acid substitution of Trp(508) to Ser(508) in the intracellular domain of MPL, that induces the factor-independent growth of Ba/F3 cells. Examination of intracellular signaling pathways demonstrated that the mutant MPL protein constitutively activates three distinct signaling pathways, SHC-Ras-Raf-MAPK/JNK, JAK-STAT, and PI3K-Akt-Bad.

Suppressive effects of a new anti-inflammatory agent, IS-741, on dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis in rats

A novel anti-inflammatory drug, IS-741, blocked the adhesion of inflammatory cells to microvascular endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro. We examined the efficacy of IS-741 in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. DSS colitis was induced by the oral administration of 3% DSS for 10 days in rats. The rats were then divided in two groups: a 1% DSS plus IS-741 group and a 1% DSS plus water group. IS-741 was dissolved in water and administered orally (10 mg/kg) once per day for 14 days. The rats treated with DSS plus IS-741 remained healthy, and their body weight increased. The wet weight of the colon was significantly lower and the total colon length was significantly longer in the IS-741-treated group. Histological examinations revealed a marked infiltration of inflammatory cells into both the mucosa and submucosa in the DSS plus water group, but these changes were attenuated in the IS-741-treated group. The mucosal damage score was significantly reduced by treatment with IS-741. IS-741 also significantly reduced the mucosal myeloperoxidase activity. FACS analysis revealed that IS-741 significantly reduced Mac-1 expression on blood neutrophils. In conclusion, IS-741 suppressed DSS-induced experimental colitis in rats. Some of the action of IS-741 may be associated with its inhibitory effects on the Mac-1 expression of neutrophils in association with the blockade of their adhesion to endothelial cells. The findings in this study suggest that IS-741 may be a useful new therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel disease.

Overexpression of lipoprotein lipase in transgenic rabbits inhibits diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key enzyme in the hydrolysis of TG-rich lipoproteins. To elucidate the physiological roles of LPL in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, we generated transgenic rabbits expressing human LPL. In postheparinized plasma of transgenic rabbits, the human LPL protein levels were about 650 ng/ml, and LPL enzymatic activity was found at levels up to 4-fold greater than that in nontransgenic littermates. Increased LPL activity in transgenic rabbits was associated with as much as an 80% decrease in plasma triglycerides and a 59% decrease in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Analysis of the lipoprotein density fractions revealed that increased expression of the LPL transgene resulted in a remarkable reduction in the level of very low density lipoproteins as well as in the level of intermediate density lipoproteins. In addition, LDL cholesterol levels in transgenic rabbits were significantly increased. When transgenic rabbits were fed a cholesterol-rich diet, the development of hypercholesterolemia and aortic atherosclerosis was dramatically suppressed in transgenic rabbits. These results demonstrate that systemically increased LPL activity functions in the metabolism of all classes of lipoproteins, thereby playing a crucial role in plasma triglyceride hydrolysis and lipoprotein conversion, and that overexpression of LPL protects against diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.

Efficacy of the inflammatory cell infiltration inhibitor IS-741 on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium in the rat

We examined the therapeutic effects of the inflammatory cell infiltration inhibitor IS-741 (N-(2-((ethylsulfonyl)amino)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinyl)-cyclohexanecarboxamide monosodium salt monohydrate) on a rat colitis model. As a result of its effects on leukocyte infiltration, IS-741 inhibits cell adhesion, alleviates symptoms and signs of pancreatitis and multiple organ failure and demonstrates a life-saving effect in a model of severe acute pancreatitis. A rat model was prepared by inducing colitis with 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and maintaining pathology with 1% DSS. Repeated oral administration of IS-741 at 1, 10 or 100 mg/kg per day was conducted for 2 weeks (during treatment with 1% DSS). IS-741 at each dose decreased the area of erosion in the large intestine, thickening of the wall of the large intestine and anemia caused by melena. Some effects of IS-741 were nearly equivalent to those of the control compound salazosulfapyridine. Furthermore, IS-741 markedly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration into the intestinal wall. IS-741 improved lesions in a rat DSS model by inhibiting leukocyte infiltration, suggesting the possibility of clinical application of this drug for IBD.

YM-53601, a novel squalene synthase inhibitor, reduces plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in several animal species

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potency of YM-53601 ((E)-2-[2-fluoro-2-(quinuclidin-3-ylidene) ethoxy]-9H-carbazole monohydrochloride), a new inhibitor of squalene synthase, in reducing both plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, compared with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor and fibrates, respectively. YM-53601 equally inhibited squalene synthase activities in hepatic microsomes prepared from several animal species and also suppressed cholesterol biosynthesis in rats (ED(50), 32 mg kg(-1)). In guinea-pigs, YM-53601 and pravastatin reduced plasma nonHDL-C (=total cholesterol - high density lipoprotein cholesterol) by 47% (P<0.001) and 33% (P<0.001), respectively (100 mg kg(-1), daily for 14 days). In rhesus monkeys, YM-53601 decreased plasma nonHDL-C by 37% (50 mg kg(-1), twice daily for 21 days, P<0.01), whereas the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, pravastatin, failed to do (25 mg kg(-1), twice daily for 28 days). YM-53601 caused plasma triglyceride reduction in hamsters fed a normal diet (81% decrease at 50 mg kg(-1), daily for 5 days, P<0.001). In hamsters fed a high-fat diet, the ability of YM-53601 to lower triglyceride (by 73%, P<0.001) was superior to that of fenofibrate (by 53%, P<0.001), the most potent fibrate (dosage of each drug: 100 mg kg(-1), daily for 7 days). This is the first report that a squalene synthase inhibitor is superior to an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor in lowering plasma nonHDL-C level in rhesus monkeys and is superior to a fibrate in significantly lowering plasma triglyceride level. YM-53601 may therefore prove useful in treating hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia in humans.

[Asystole during electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with depression and myasthenia gravis]

A 44-yr-old woman presented with major depression. She was scheduled to receive electroconvulsive therapy under anesthetic care because of drug-induced leukopenia. Her significant past medical history was myasthenia gravis. She had been treated with thymectomy and pyridostigmine. She showed no evidence of muscle weakness while receiving the medication. After preanesthetic assessment, pyridostigmine was continued and routine anesthetics were chosen. Under 100% oxygen inhalation, thiamylal and suxamethonium were administered intravenously. Alternate current was delivered for 5 seconds, which induced seizure satisfactorily. However, asystole lasted for 10 seconds during the procedure. Spontaneous beating appeared followed by tachycardia and bigemina. Normal sinus rhythm returned four minutes later. She recovered smoothly, and showed no evidence of confusion nor muscle weakness. We speculated that pyridostigmine potentiated the ECT-induced vagal reflex and provoked asystole. In the following session, we pretreated her with intravenous atropine prior to thiamylal and suxamethonium. Although the current delivery increased RR-interval up to 1.2 seconds, neither asystole nor serious tachyarrhythmia occurred. Seven sessions of ECT relieved her psychiatric symptoms uneventfully. We presented a case of depression for which ECT was applied. Asystole with ECT seems associated with administration of pyridostigmine for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Pretreatment with atropine can prevent asystole without inducing hazardous tachyarrhythmia.

The effect of calcium channel blockers on cerebral oxygenation during tracheal extubation

Calcium channel blockers are effective in stabilizing systemic hemodynamics during tracheal extubation. However, they may increase cerebral blood flow (CBF) during tracheal extubation because of cerebral vasodilation, even if systemic arterial blood pressure decreases. In this study, we observed changes in cerebral oxygenation during tracheal extubation by using near-infrared spectroscopy and evaluated the effect of nicardipine and diltiazem on the resultant changes. We studied 45 women undergoing elective gynecologic surgery. After surgery, the patients were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 15 each): saline (control), 0.02 mg/kg nicardipine, and 0.2 mg/kg diltiazem. After 2 min, we started to aspirate secretions for 2 min and then, extubated the trachea. Changes in cerebral oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO(2)) and deoxygenated hemoglobin were measured during the extubation procedure for 9 min after drug treatment. Systemic hemodynamics, including mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, end-tidal CO(2), end-tidal sevoflurane concentration, and peripheral arterial oxygen saturation were also monitored. During extubation, HbO(2) increased significantly, presumably caused by the increase in CBF. Changes in deoxygenated hemoglobin were minimal. Compared with the control, nicardipine and diltiazem significantly inhibited the increase in mean arterial blood pressure. On the contrary, they significantly enhanced the increase in HbO(2). In conclusion, calcium channel blockers may increase CBF during extubation, even if these drugs stabilize systemic hemodynamics.

IMPLICATIONS

This study is a preliminary report evaluating the changes in cerebral oxygenation during the tracheal extubation. Cerebral oxygenated hemoglobin increased significantly, presumably caused by the increase in cerebral blood flow during extubation. In addition, these changes were enhanced by calcium channel blockers.

A novel synthetic anti-acute pancreatitis agent, IS-741

A novel synthetic drug, IS-741, inhibited cell adhesion in vitro and neutrophil in vivo. Thus, IS-741 inhibited the magnification of pancreatic lesion as well as progression to multiple organ failure in acute pancreatitis models. Furthermore, IS-741 at identical plasma concentrations equally improved the survival rates in animals of various species with severe acute pancreatitis. Based on these observations, it was considered that IS-741 inhibited tissue destruction by neutrophil after inhibiting neutrophil infiltration into the pancreas or other important organs in acute pancreatitis. It was also considered that IS-741 demonstrated various anti-acute pancreatitis effects by interrupting a vicious cycle of inflammation. Therefore, IS-741 is expected to become a useful drug for treating acute pancreatitis and multiple organ failure in clinical settings.

Pentobarbital inhibits apoptosis in neuronal cells

OBJECTIVE

Previous reports have demonstrated that barbiturates have a protective effect against cerebral ischemia, although the mechanisms are incompletely understood. Recently, it has been suggested that apoptosis is involved in ischemic neuronal death. This study examined the effect of pentobarbital on neuronal apoptosis.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled, prospective study.

SETTING

University research laboratory.

SUBJECTS

PC12 cells derived from rat pheochromocytoma as a model of neuronal tissue.

INTERVENTIONS

Apoptosis was induced by depriving serum from the cell culture medium. Effect of pentobarbital (0.5, 5, 50 microg/mL) was evaluated.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

First, electrophoresis of DNA and fluorescence microscopic examination were performed to ascertain whether apoptosis was really induced after serum deprivation in our cells. Second, the effect of pentobarbital on cytotoxicity (evaluated by a leakage assay of lactic dehydrogenase) was evaluated. Third, the percentage of apoptotic cells was calculated by measuring cellular DNA content with flow cytometry. Calculation of the percentage of apoptotic cells was based on cumulative frequency curves of the appropriate DNA histograms. DNA electrophoresis exhibited a typical ladder pattern from the first day after the induction of apoptosis. The cells with chromatin condensation and/or fragmentation increased day by day after depriving serum in fluorescence microscopic examination. Four days after the induction of apoptosis, cytotoxicity without pentobarbital was 53.9 +/- 24.3% (mean +/- SD). Pentobarbital significantly inhibited cell death in a dose-dependent fashion. The percentage of apoptotic cells without pentobarbital was 94.9 +/- 6.3% 4 days after the induction of apoptosis. The treatment with 50 microg/mL pentobarbital significantly decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells to 61.8 +/- 21.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that pentobarbital inhibits apoptosis induced by serum deprivation in PC12 cells.

The novel hypoglycemic agent YM440 normalizes hyperglycemia without changing body fat weight in diabetic db/db mice

To determine the relationship between hypoglycemic activity and body weight gain induced by insulin sensitizers, we compared the effects of thiazolidinedione analogs (troglitazone and pioglitazone) and the oxadiazolidinedione analog (Z)-1,4-bis4[(3,5-dioxo-1,2,4-oxadiazolidin-2-yl)methyl]phen oxy¿but-2-ene (YM440) in diabetic db/db mice. Oral treatment with YM440(100 mg/kg) for 28 days decreased the blood glucose concentration (control v YM440, 418 +/- 12 v243 +/- 44 mg/dL). The hypoglycemic activity of this agent was comparable to that of troglitazone (300 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (100 mg/kg). There were no changes in food intake among the groups. Troglitazone and pioglitazone, but not YM440, significantly increased body weight gain during treatment (control, 7.2 +/- 0.5 g; YM440, 7.5 +/- 0.8 g; troglitazone, 10.9 +/- 0.8 g; and pioglitazone, 14.5 +/- 1.1 g). To further assess whether the increase in body weight by troglitazone or pioglitazone was due to adipogenesis, the weight of intraabdominal fat tissue (epididymal, retroperitoneal, and perirenal) was determined. There were no differences in the total weight of visceral fat between the control and YM440 treatment (3.53 +/- 0.23 and 3.60 +/- 0.16 g). In contrast, troglitazone and pioglitazone significantly increased the fat weight (4.31 +/- 0.13 and 4.66 +/- 0.19 g). Thiazolidinediones are known as ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), a nuclear receptor responsible for adipogenesis. Troglitazone and pioglitazone activated PPARgamma and increased triglyceride accumulation and mRNA expression of fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) in 3T3-L1 cells. However, YM440 had no effect on these indices for adipocyte differentiation. These results suggest that the mechanism is different for the hypoglycemic action of YM440 versus the thiazolidinediones. YM440 ameliorates hyperglycemia without changing PPARgamma activity, adipocyte differentiation, or fat weight. Thus, YM440 could be a useful hypoglycemic agent for the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) without affecting body weight.

Homodimer of two F-box proteins betaTrCP1 or betaTrCP2 binds to IkappaBalpha for signal-dependent ubiquitination

We found previously that overexpression of an F-box protein betaTrCP1 and the structurally related betaTrCP2 augments ubiquitination of phosphorylated IkappaBalpha (pIkappaBalpha) induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), but the relationship of the two homologous betaTrCP proteins remains unknown. Herein we reveal that deletion mutants of betaTrCP1 and betaTrCP2 lacking the F-box domain suppressed ubiquitination and destruction of pIkappaBalpha as well as transcriptional activation of NF-kappaB. The ectopically expressed betaTrCP1 and betaTrCP2 formed both homodimer and heterodimer complexes without displaying the trimer complex. Dimerization of betaTrCP1 and/or betaTrCP2 takes place at their conserved NH(2)-terminal regions, termed a "D-domain" (for dimerization domain), located upstream of the F-box domain. The D-domain was necessary and sufficient for the dimer formation. Intriguingly, the betaTrCP homodimer, but not the heterodimer, was selectively recruited to pIkappaBalpha induced by TNF-alpha. These results indicate that not only betaTrCP1 but also betaTrCP2 participates in the ubiquitination-dependent destruction of IkappaBalpha by forming SCF(betaTrCP1-betaTrCP1) and SCF(betaTrCP2-betaTrCP2) ubiquitin-ligase complexes.

Morphometric evidence that YM175, a bisphosphonate, reduces trabecular bone resorption in ovariectomized dogs with dietary calcium restriction

We examined mechanisms by which incadronate disodium (YM175) prevented bone resorption in ovariectomized dogs with dietary calcium restriction using the morphometrical method. YM175 (0.01-1.0 mg/kg) was given to ovariectomized dogs for 18 months. Because lumbar bone mineral density remained constant at month 17, we assumed that the trabecular bone resorption rate was equal to the bone formation rate and that wall thickness equaled resorption cavity depth. YM175 decreased both the bone resorption rate per number of osteoclasts and resorption cavity depth of cancellous pockets which were increased in ovariectomized dogs. These results suggest that YM175 reduces bone loss by decreasing the resorbing activity of osteoclasts.

Assembly of lipoprotein (a) in transgenic rabbits expressing human apolipoprotein (a)

The study of human lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] has been hampered due to the lack of appropriate animal models since apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)] is found only in primates and humans. In addition, human apo(a) in transgenic mice can not bind to murine apoB to form Lp(a) particles. In this study, we generated three independent transgenic rabbits expressing human apo(a) in their plasma at 1.8-4.5 mg/dl. In the plasma of transgenic rabbits, unlike the plasma of transgenic mice, about 80% of the apo(a) was covalently associated with rabbit apo-B and was contained in the fractions with density 1.02-1.10 g/ml, indicating the formation of Lp(a). These results suggest that transgenic rabbits expressing human apo(a) exhibit efficient assembly of Lp(a) and can be used as an animal model for the study of human Lp(a).

YM116, 2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole, decreases adrenal androgen synthesis by inhibiting C17-20 lyase activity in NCI-H295 human adrenocortical carcinoma cells

The concentrations of androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone, products of C17-20 lyase, in the medium after a 6-hr incubation of NCI-H295 cells were decreased by YM116 (2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole) (IC50: 3.6 and 2.1 nM) and ketoconazole (IC50: 54.9 and 54.2 nM). 17Alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, a product of 17alpha-hydroxylase, was increased by YM116 (1-30 nM) and by ketoconazole (10-300 nM) and then was decreased at higher concentrations of both agents (IC50: 180 nM for YM116, 906 nM for ketoconazole), indicating that YM116 and ketoconazole were 50- and 16.5-fold more specific inhibitors of C17-20 lyase, respectively, than 17alpha-hydroxylase. Compatible with these findings, progesterone, a substrate of 17alpha-hydroxylase, was increased by these agents. Cortisol production was inhibited by YM116 and ketoconazole (IC50: 50.4 and 80.9 nM, respectively). YM116 was a 14-fold more potent inhibitor of androstenedione production than cortisol production, whereas ketoconazole was a nonselective inhibitor of the production of both steroids. YM116 and ketoconazole inhibited the C17-20 lyase activity in human testicular microsomes (IC50: 4.2 and 17 nM, respectively). These results demonstrate that YM116 reduces the synthesis of adrenal androgens by preferentially inhibiting C17-20 lyase activity.

Effect of IS-741 on cell adhesion between human umbilical vein endothelial cells and HL-60 cells

The effect of IS-741 (N-[(2-ethylsulfonylamino)-5-trifluoromethyl-3-pyridyl] cyclohexanecarboxamide monohydrate) on a model for pancreatitis has been previously reported. Recent patho-histological observations of remedial tests using rats found that the IS-741 administered group showed a low degree of tissue infiltration by inflammatory cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes). We therefore examined cell adhesion, which is the first step in tissue infiltration by activated neutrophils, and investigated the effect of IS-741 on cell adhesion between human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human promyelo-leukemia cell line (HL-60) cells during lipopolysaccharide stimulation in vitro. IS-741 significantly inhibited the adhesion of HL-60 cells to HUVEC. Further investigation of IS-741 on individual cells revealed that IS-741 mainly affected HL-60 cells. Investigation of the inhibitory effect of IS-741 at the molecular level (targeting adhesion molecules) also revealed that IS-741 had no effect on the appearance of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on HUVEC, which supports the theory that IS-741 is mainly effective on HL-60 cells, even at the molecular level. However, the inhibition of adhesion was noticed in experiments in which an anti-ICAM-1 or anti-VCAM-1 antibody was added to the adhesion test system. Therefore, IS-741 is likely to affect adhesion molecules which belong to the beta1 or beta2 integrin family.

In vivo effects of pioglitazone on uncoupling protein-2 and -3 mRNA levels in skeletal muscle of hyperglycemic KK mice

Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione drug (TZD) which potently and specifically stimulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) and sensitizes cells to insulin. Since TZDs are thought to increase energy expenditure, changes in mitochondrial thermogenesis uncoupling protein-2 and -3 mRNA levels in response to pioglitazone treatment were measured in mouse skeletal muscle. Normally hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic KK/Ta mice were given pioglitazone for 2 weeks to treat this non-insulin dependent diabetes-like condition. During treatment, UCP2 mRNA levels increased to 185% of normal untreated control levels in soleus muscle. In contrast, UCP3 mRNA levels significantly decreased, up to 67% of normal untreated control levels. Interestingly, UCP3 mRNA levels correlated quite strongly with blood glucose levels, with r = 0.82 for gastrocnemius tissue and r = 0.92 for soleus tissue. These results may indicate that pioglitazone increases glucose catabolism by direct upregulation of muscle UCP2 gene expression in vivo. Therefore, UCP3 gene expression is controlled by a different mechanism than UCP2 expression.

Novel nonsteroidal inhibitor of cytochrome P450(17alpha) (17alpha-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase), YM116, decreased prostatic weights by reducing serum concentrations of testosterone and adrenal androgens in rats

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a nonsteroidal C17-20 lyase inhibitor, 2-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-9H-carbazole (YM116), on serum concentrations of androgens and ventral prostatic weight in rats.

METHODS

Serum concentrations of testosterone and of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and prostatic weights were measured in rats treated with YM116.

RESULTS

YM116 inhibited testicular C17-20 lyase competitively (Ki, 0.38 nM), and decreased the serum testosterone concentration in gonadotropin-releasing hormone-treated rats (ED50, 0.7 mg/kg), indicating that YM116 was about 21-24 times more potent than other C17-20 lyase inhibitors such as ketoconazole and liarozole, and was twice as potent as CB7630. YM116 also reduced dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in ACTH-treated castrated rats (ED50, 11 mg/kg). YM116 (40 mg/kg, p.o., for 2 weeks) was almost comparable to bilateral orchiectomy with respect to the time course and magnitude of the reduction in prostatic weight. Each of these two treatments decreased the prostatic weight 3 days following the treatment. Contrarily, leuprolide transiently increased the prostatic weight and then decreased it. YM116 (100 mg/kg) had no effect on the serum cortisol level in guinea pigs, and slightly decreased the serum aldosterone level in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

YM116 is a selective C17-20 lyase inhibitor which decreases rat prostatic weight by reducing androgen production in the testes and adrenal glands.

YM268 increases the glucose uptake, cell differentiation, and mRNA expression of glucose transporter in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of bis[4-[2,4-dioxo-5-thiazolidinyl)methyl]phenyl]methane (YM-268), a thiazolidinedione derivative, on glucose uptake, adipocyte differentiation through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARgamma), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) activity in cultured cells. YM268 and pioglitazone dose-dependently increased the 2-deoxyglucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells. YM268 facilitated the insulin-stimulated triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and increased the mRNA expression of fatty acid-binding protein. YM268, with and without insulin, increased the mRNA expression of glucose transporter isoforms such as GLUT1 and GLUT4, indicating enhancement of adipocyte differentiation. Additionally, YM268 and pioglitazone showed activity of the PPARgamma ligand, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily responsible for adipogenesis. To examine the possible involvement of the increased activity of PI 3-kinase in YM268-stimulated glucose uptake, the enzyme activity was estimated by measuring the phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI-3,4,5-P3) concentration in human monocytic cells. Insulin dose-dependently increased the PI-3,4,5-P3 production but YM268 had no significant effect on the insulin-dependent and -independent PI 3-kinase activation. These results indicate that the mechanism by which YM268 increased glucose uptake, may be accounted for in part by the enhancement of GLUT1 and GLUT4 expression through PPARgamma activation.

Inhibitory effects of YM175, a bisphosphonate, on the progression of experimental periodontitis in beagle dogs

This study examined the efficacy of YM175 [disodium dihydrogen (cycloheptylamino) methylene-1, 1-bisphosphonate] in reducing alveolar bone loss caused by experimental periodontitis in beagle dogs. Thirty-six dogs were used and divided into 6 groups. Periodontitis was induced in 30 dogs (groups 2-6) by ligating the bilateral mandibular third and fourth premolar teeth with silk ligatures and by feeding a soft diet. Six dogs were sham-operated (group 1). Saline (placebo), flurbiprofen (0.02 mg/kg) and YM175 (0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) were administered to the dogs (groups 2-6) 5 d/wk for 25 wk. Radiographic and morphometric analyses were performed. In placebo-treated animals (group 2), the ligation caused a significant decrease in the alveolar bone height by 0.57 and 1.91 mm at 2 and 25 wk, respectively. YM175 (1.0 mg/kg) prevented the decrease in bone height by 47 and 31% at 2 and 25 wk. YM175 (0.1 mg/kg) and flurbiprofen tended to prevent bone loss after 15 wk. Although the ligation elicited no significant change in bone mineral density, it significantly decreased bone volume. YM175 (1.0 mg/kg) and flurbiprofen tended to increase the bone volume. The number of formative or resorptive Haversian canals and the bone turnover through the periosteal bone surface were increased by the ligation, indicating the increased turnover of the cortical bone. YM175 (1.0 mg/kg) reduced the increased bone turnover. The gingival index was maximally increased at 2 wk and was suppressed by YM175. These results suggest that YM175 prevents alveolar bone loss by reducing the increased alveolar bone turnover in dogs with periodontitis.

Insulin sensitizer YM268 ameliorates insulin resistance by normalizing the decreased content of GLUT4 in adipose tissue of obese Zucker rats

Genetically obese Zucker rats exhibit mild hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia suggesting the existence of peripheral insulin resistance. We have examined the effects of YM268, an analogue of thiazolidinedione, on the content and translocation of a glucose transporter (GLUT4) in epididymal adipose tissue in 11-week-old obese and lean Zucker rats. The administration of YM268 at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 2 weeks ameliorated hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, and impaired glucose tolerance after glucose load in obese rats. The GLUT4 content per fat pad in obese rats was reduced to 36% of that in lean littermates. Obese rats treated with YM268 increased GLUT4 concentrations in their fat pads from a basal value of 36% up to 191% of the level in lean rats. Furthermore, in adipocytes prepared from obese rats, an increase in the ratio of GLUT4 in plasma membrane to the total amount of GLUT4 (PM-GLUT4 ratio) induced by the submaximal concentration of insulin (0.3 nmol/l) was significantly attenuated compared with that in lean rats. But the maximum effect of insulin (3 nmol/l) was not attenuated. Meanwhile, YM268 had no significant effect on the attenuated PM-GLUT4 ratio in response to insulin in obese rats. These data suggested that one of the mechanisms by which YM268 improved insulin resistance in obese Zucker rats was to normalize the decreased GLUT4 content in the adipose tissue.

Inhibitory effects of a novel aromatase inhibitor, YM511, on growth of endometrial explants and insulin-like growth factor-I gene expression in rats with experimental endometriosis

Estrogen deprivation therapy effectively prevents progress of endometriosis but the precise mechanism by which estrogen stimulates growth of endometriotic implants is still unknown. We examined effects of hypoestrogenic state induced by ovariectomy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (leuprolide) or aromatase inhibitor (YM511), on growth of experimental endometrial explant, a section of endometrium transplanted under the renal capsule, in rats. Ovariectomy gradually reduced the volume of endometrial explants for 21 days. YM511 (0.1 mg/kg) and leuprolide (1 mg/rat) completely reduced volume of endometrial explants but they differed widely in the onset of inhibitory action. YM511 prevented growth of explants on day 4 but leuprolide had no inhibitory effect until day 15. YM511 dose-dependently reduced volume of endometrial explants and its minimum effective dose was 0.04 mg/kg. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA expression in endometrial explant and uterus was examined on day 4. YM511 decreased IGF-I expression in endometrial explant and uterus by 58% and 48%, respectively. Reductions of the extent of IGF-I expression by YM511 and ovariectomy were comparable. A significant correlation between the volume and IGF-I mRNA expression in endometrial explant suggests that local expression of this gene may play an important role in stimulating growth of endometrial explants.

Increase of bone mass and mechanical strength in rats after treatment with a novel bisphosphonate, YM175, for two years

We have evaluated the relationship between bone mass and mechanical properties of bone from male and female rats treated with YM175, a novel bisphosphonate, for 104 weeks. YM175 [disodium (cycloheptylamino) methylenediphosphonate monohydrate] was given via the drinking water at a concentration of 0, 0.005, 0.015, 0.05, or 0.15%. Since the mortality in the male 0.15% group exceeded the exclusion criteria (75%) at week 88, this-group was omitted from the study. Mean daily intake of YM175 was 2.2-22.1 mg/kg for males and 3.6-104 mg/kg for females. After the treatment, mechanical properties and ash weight of the humerus were determined. In males, 0.015 and 0.05% of YM175 (6.6-22.1 mg/kg) significantly increased failure load of the midshaft. In females, failure load and stiffness of the midshaft tended to be increased by YM175 (up to 104 mg/kg). Furthermore, ultimate compressive load at the humeral metaphysis treated with the highest dose of YM175 was 2- or 3.5-fold greater than that of untreated male or female control. Ash weight of the humerus was increased dose-dependently and was positively correlated with failure load of the midshaft. These findings indicate that treatment for 2 years with YM175 increased bone mass and mechanical strength without blocking bone mineralization.

Role of plasma insulin concentration in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in lean and obese Zucker rats

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of plasma insulin concentration in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in insulin-resistant obese Zucker rats and to compare obese rats with lean controls with respect to changes in insulin sensitivity.

DESIGN

Animal study of lean and obese rats with or without insulin sensitizer, YM268.

ANIMALS

Nine week old male lean (Fa/-) and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats.

MEASUREMENTS

Plasma glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), cholesterol at baseline and after 14 d, the dose of YM268 for exhibiting a 30% decrease in each parameter (ED30).

RESULTS

Insulin, TG, and NEFA concentrations were approximately 2-6 times higher in obese rats. YM268 had no effect on glucose but decreased insulin in lean and obese rats with ED30 of 3.0 and 2.9 mg/kg. YM268 also reduced TG and NEFA in lean and obese rats (ED30 (mg/kg): lean; 4.1 (TG), 5.0 (NEFA), obese; 2.1, 3.0]. A significant correlation of either TG or NEFA level to insulin was established in lean and obese rats.

CONCLUSION

Plasma TG and NEFA, but not cholesterol concentration, are dependent on plasma insulin in lean and obese Zucker rats, and insulin sensitivity with respect to TG and NEFA metabolism in obese rats may not be different from that in lean rats.

Studies on aromatase inhibitors. I. Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives

Various 4-N-substituted amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for aromatase-inhibitory activity (in vitro) and for pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG)-induced estrogen synthesis-inhibitory activity (in vivo). The 4-(4-cyanophenyl) amino derivative and 4-(4-nitrophenyl)amino derivative, each possessing a strong electron-withdrawing group on the phenyl moiety, showed potent aromatase-inhibitory activity. Structure-activity relationship studies indicated that 4-[(4-bromobenzyl)(4-cyanophenyl)amino]-4H-1,2,4-triazole (5k, YM511) is a highly potent aromatase inhibitor with IC50 values of 0.4 and 0.12 nM in in vitro experiments using rat ovary and human placenta, respectively, and an in vivo ED50 of 0.002 mg/kg in rats on oral administration. YM511 was also a weak inhibitor of other steroid hormone synthesis enzymes. These data suggest that YM511 is a highly selective aromatase inhibitor and may be a useful agent for the treatment of estrogen-dependent diseases such as breast cancer.

Prevention of bone loss by bisphosphonate YM175 in ovariectomized dogs with dietary calcium restriction

We have evaluated the effects of YM175 (disodium dihydrogen (cycloheptylamino) methylenebisphosphonate monohydrate), a novel bisphosphonate, on bone mineral densities (BMD) at the lumbar spine and forelimb in ovariectomized beagles with dietary calcium restriction. Groups 1 and 2 were given a sham operation and Groups 3-6 were ovariectomized. One month later (month 0), a low calcium diet was given to Groups 2-6. Groups 4-6 were orally treated with YM175 at doses of 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg, respectively, for 18 months. Changes in BMD at the lumbar spine and left forelimb were determined serially by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Calcium restriction decreased lumbar BMD by 19% at month 2 and by up to 30% at month 17 compared to its baseline value, but ovariectomy itself had a minimal effect on bone mass in dogs with restricted calcium intake. YM175 (1 mg/kg) prevented the bone loss at month 2 and YM175 at 0.1 mg/kg or more inhibited the BMD reduction at month 17. The magnitude of BMD reduction of the forelimb was less remarkable as compared to that of the lumbar spine. Urinary hydroxyproline excretion and plasma osteocalcin levels were increased by calcium restriction, indicating a high turnover of bone. YM175 reduced hydroxyproline excretion but not osteocalcin levels. These results indicate that YM175 prevents bone loss induced by calcium restriction and ovariectomy through partially normalizing high bone turnover.

Inhibitory effect of a novel non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, YM511 on the proliferation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cell

The proliferation of MCF-7, human breast cancer cell line, was stimulated by testosterone and estradiol. The aromatase activity in MCF-7 cells, which catalysed the conversion of testosterone to estradiol, was inhibited by a novel non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, YM5111, with the IC50 of 0.2 nM, indicating that its inhibitory activity was 5.5 times more potent than that of CGS 16949A. YM511 inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 stimulated by testosterone but did not inhibit the cell proliferation stimulated by estradiol. The IC50 values of YM511 for cell growth and DNA synthesis were 0.13 nM and 0.18 nM, respectively, demonstrating that YM511 was about 3-5 times more potent than CGS 16949A and had no anti-estrogenic or cytotoxic activity. YM511 significantly inhibited testosterone-stimulated transcriptional activation of estrogen-responsive element (ERE) in MCF-7 cells transfected transiently with ERE-luciferase reporter plasmid. The IC50 of YM511 for transactivation was 0.36 nM, suggesting that its inhibitory potency was comparable to the inhibition of aromatase activity of MCF-7 cells. These data may indicate that the inhibition by YM511 of cell proliferation of MCF-7 is attributed to the decreased production of estrogen due to the inhibition of aromatase activity. YM511 may be useful in the treatment of estrogen-dependent cancers.

Slowing of peripheral motor nerve conduction was ameliorated by aminoguanidine in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of aminoguanidine (AG) on slowing of motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of the sciatic nerve in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats and to assess its mechanism of action. The MNCV of the sciatic nerve was measured electrophysiologically in diabetic rats treated with and without AG for 16 weeks. To elucidate the action of AG, morphological lesion and abnormality of polyol pathway metabolism in the nerve were examined and tissue levels of advanced glycosylation end-products (AGE) were determined as an indicator of AGE accumulation in tissue. Diabetic rats were treated with AG at three doses of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg for 16 weeks. Myelinated fiber morphometry and nerve Na+,K(-)-ATPase activity were determined. The AGE levels in renal cortex were measured by a specific ELISA. Aminoguanidine dose-dependently ameliorated slowing of MNCV 16 weeks after the treatment without changing body weight or blood glucose levels. No difference in myelinated fiber morphometry or Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity with or without AG treatment was detected in diabetic rats. Diabetes increased the AGE level in the renal cortex by six times compared to non-diabetic rats, and AG reduced the rise in the AGE level by 40%. The MNCV was inversely correlated with the AGE levels. We conclude that improvement of conduction slowing by AG in experimental diabetes may be through decreasing the AGE level in the peripheral tissues. Aminoguanidine may have a therapeutic potential in controlling diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Novel muteins of human tumor necrosis factor with potent antitumor activity and less lethal toxicity in mice

Eight muteins of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rhTNF; 1SSSRTP...29RR...155L), in which 29Arg was replaced by another amino acid, were prepared and their anti-tumor effects in BALB/c mice bearing Meth A fibrosarcoma were evaluated. The therapeutic indices, which mark the extent of the therapeutically effective dose, of V29 (29Arg-->Val) and D29 (-->Asp) were 3.5 and 3.2, respectively, whereas that of rhTNF was 1.4. Clearly, the therapeutically effective range of these muteins was extended along with a decrease in lethal toxicity. V29 did not produce hypotension in the rat system, but D29 did. In addition, V29 showed potent anti-tumor activity (Tumor Volume Inhibition Rate = 81% on day 15 after implantation) in 3 consecutive injection schedules despite the decreases in toxicity compared with rhTNF. The relative receptor binding constant was determined using HEp-2 cells (expressing mainly 55-kDa-TNF receptor; p55R) and HL60 cells (expressing mainly 75-kDa-TNF receptor; p75R), and revealed that the reduced toxicity of V29 in mice was due to the reduced binding to p55R (34% of rhTNF). On the other hand, the ratio of the constants HEp-2/HL60 of V29 was 11 in comparison with the value of 1.0 for rhTNF, suggesting that this mutein binds preferentially to p55R. The biological activities in human cell lines (HEp-2 and HL60 cells) correlated well with the binding activities to each receptor in vitro. Therefore, the much lower toxicity and the potent anti-tumor activity of this mutein suggest that V29 merits further investigation in pre-clinical and clinical trials.

The potent and selective inhibition of estrogen production by non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, YM511

YM511 inhibited aromatase activities in microsomes from rat ovary and human placenta competitively (IC50s: 0.4 and 0.12 nM, respectively). YM511 was about 3 times more potent than other aromatase inhibitors, such as CGS 16949A, CGS 20267 and R 76713. YM511 decreased the contents of estradiol stimulated by pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin in rat ovary with an ED50 of 0.002 mg/kg, indicating that YM511 was equipotent to CGS 20267 and 3 times more potent than the other two inhibitors. Serum estradiol levels in female rats were reduced by YM511 at 0.01 mg/kg into the ovariectomized range. YM511 at 1 mg/kg for 2 weeks decreased rat uterine weight to levels comparable to ovariectomy, showing it was 10 times more potent than other inhibitors. But the maximal inhibitory effect of tamoxifen failed to reach ovariectomized level. YM511 slightly inhibited production of other steroid hormones in vitro and in vivo. The IC50s of YM511 for aldosterone and cortisol production from adrenal cells were from 5500 to 9800 times higher than that for rat ovarian aromatase and 130,000 times higher for testosterone production, indicating that YM511 is a highly specific aromatase inhibitor. The data suggest that YM511 may be a potent and selective agent for suppressing estrogen-dependent action without affecting serum levels of other steroid hormones.

Novel mutein of tumor necrosis factor alpha (F4614) with reduced hypotensive effect

To eliminate systemic toxicity, including the hypotension associated with human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), we constructed mutant proteins (muteins) by mean of genetic engineering. A novel mutein, F4614, containing mutations of 5Thr-->Gly and 6Pro-->Asp, which resulted in the introduction of cell-adhesive Arg-Gly-Asp and 29Arg-->Val, had remarkably reduced hypotensive effects and lower lethality. We present evidence that the Arg-->Val mutation at position 29 is largely responsible for the reduced hypotensive effect. This effect of F4614 was thought to be closely correlated with its low inducibility of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in vivo. In addition, the therapeutically effective dose of F4614 to MethA fibrosarcoma-transplanted mice was increased compared with that of TNF-alpha, indicating a wide therapeutic index. These results indicated that F4614 has several advantages as a systemic therapeutic drug in the treatment of cancer.

Transport and metabolism of glutathione isopropyl ester in cerebrospinal fluid

The transport of glutathione (GSH) or glutathione isopropyl ester (GSH isopropyl ester) to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in rats was estimated by levels of GSH or GSH isopropyl ester and their metabolites in CSF 30 min after the intravenous administration of GSH or GSH isopropyl ester (300 mg/kg). Although the CSF uptake of GSH isopropyl ester was almost equal to that of GSH as evidenced by about a two-fold increase in the amount of non-protein sulfhydryl groups in CSF, the sum of GSH isopropyl ester and GSH concentrations in the CSF after GSH isopropyl ester treatment was increased by 32% compared with saline-treated controls. On the other hand, treatment with GSH had no significant increase in GSH levels in CSF but increased its metabolite levels, such as cysteinyl-glycine and cysteine. GSH isopropyl ester was less metabolized than GSH. GSH isopropyl ester had low affinity to purified gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, a key enzyme for metabolism of GSH in the choroid plexus, supporting the finding that GSH isopropyl ester is more stable than GSH in CSF. These results are compatible with our previous report (Yamamoto et al. (1993) showing that the protective action of GSH isopropyl ester against cerebral ischemia was greater than that of GSH in rats. GSH isopropyl ester may be a useful agent which protects the brain from the damage associated with oxygen-related toxicities by increasing GSH levels in the CSF.

Overcoming the metastasis-enhancing potential of human tumor necrosis factor alpha by introducing the cell-adhesive Arg-Gly-Asp sequence

A mutein, F4168, of human tumor necrosis factor alpha (hTNF-alpha) containing the cell-adhesive Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence near the N terminus was constructed. In contrast to hTNF-alpha, the mutein had binding activity to B16F10/L5 melanoma cells similar to that of fibronectin or laminin, indicating that the adhesive nature of the RGD sequence is conferred upon hTNF-alpha. Introduction of the RGD sequence did not alter the antitumor potential of hTNF-alpha. Simultaneous injection of F4168 and B16F10/L5 melanoma cells into mice did not enhance metastasis formation in lungs, whereas hTNF-alpha significantly promoted it. Enhancement of spontaneous lymph node metastasis of B16F10/L5 cells was also evident in TNF-alpha- but not in F4168-treated mice. In the spontaneous lymph node metastasis model of MethA fibrosarcoma, F4168 injection inhibited metastasis formation more effectively than hTNF-alpha. B16F10/L5 melanoma cells treated with hTNF-alpha enhanced not only their binding activity to laminin but also their invasive potential into Matrigel, whereas F4168 showed no such enhancement. These results suggest that F4168 is a low-toxicity mutein of hTNF-alpha.

Antisecretory and antiulcer effects of YM020, a new H+,K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, in rats and dogs

We examined the effects of YM020 (3-cyanomethyl-2-methyl-8-[(3-methyl-2-butenyl)oxy]-imidazo[1,2- a]pyridine), a novel H+,K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, on gastric acid secretion and experimental gastroduodenal lesions in rats and dogs. Intraduodenal, subcutaneous and oral YM020 inhibited basal gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats with ED50 values of 9.1, 9.1 and 9.5 mg/kg, respectively. Oral pretreatment with YM020 5 hr before ligation still suppressed acid secretion, with a potency a little less than that of omeprazole. In anesthetized dogs, intravenous YM020 inhibited histamine-, methacholine- and pentagastrin-induced gastric acid secretion with ED50 values of 0.05, 0.01 and 0.08 mg/kg, respectively. In Heidenhain pouch dogs, although oral YM020 (3 mg/kg) inhibited histamine-induced acid secretion, acid output returned to control levels faster than in dogs treated with omeprazole. Oral YM020 inhibited the formation of water-immersion restraint stress-, indomethacin-, absolute ethanol-, 0.7 N hydrochloric acid- and cysteamine-induced gastric or duodenal lesions with ED50 values of 2.9, 4.3, 2.0, 11.7 and 8.4 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, subcutaneous YM020 also suppressed the formation of ethanol- and HCl-induced gastric lesions. These results suggest that YM020 has an antisecretory effect almost the same as or 2 to 3 times weaker than those of omeprazole and that its duration is not as long as that of omeprazole in rats and dogs. Furthermore, YM020 possesses a cytoprotective effect and the mechanism of YM020 may be different to that of omeprazole.

A YIGSR-containing novel mutein without the detrimental effect of human TNF-alpha of enhancing experimental pulmonary metastasis

The injection of B16F10 melanoma cells with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) into the tail vein of C57BL/6 mice resulted in 2- to 25-fold more metastatic foci in the lungs than the injection of tumor cells alone. Clearly, TNF-alpha significantly enhanced experimental tumor metastasis. Furthermore, it enhanced the metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma cells. In contrast, a mutein of TNF-alpha, designated as F4236, having the cell-adhesive sequence (Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg) at the N-terminus of the TNF molecule did not enhance metastasis, but rather exhibited similar antitumor activity to wild-type TNF-alpha in fibrosarcoma-bearing mice.

Effects of acylcarnitine-transferase inhibitors on adenine nucleotide metabolism and ischemic tissue injury in isolated perfused rat heart

The ability of irreversible acylcarnitine-transferase inhibitors, sodium 2[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-pentyl]-oxirane-2-carboxylate (POCA) and 2-tetradecyl-glycidic acid (TDGA), to reduce myocardial ischemic injury was studied in Langendorff-perfused hearts exposed to ischemia (zero mmHg) followed by aerobic reperfusion (60 mmHg). Rat hearts were pretreated with either POCA (15 mg/kg) or TDGA (5 mg/kg) s.c. 120 min before the perfusion. Treated hearts showed a decreased release of creatine kinase and lactate on reperfusion after 30 min ischemia. POCA-treated hearts showed significantly higher ATP concentrations than control hearts on reperfusion. POCA also improved the maximum recovery of the pressure-rate product but with a significant delay. During the ischemic period, though, POCA decreased the ATP concentration at a rate three times that of controls during the first 10 min. No further reductions were observed for up to 30 min of ischemia. TDGA also showed a reduction of ATP. Thus, the observation that POCA stimulated ATP synthesis and reduced creatine kinase release on reperfusion after ischemia suggests that this agent provides some protection to the ischemic myocardium. However, during ischemia, it is likely that the depletion of ATP concentration induced by POCA resulted in delayed recovery of mechanical function on reperfusion.

Close correlation between restriction fragment length polymorphism of the L-MYC gene and metastasis of human lung cancer to the lymph nodes and other organs

Restriction length fragment polymorphism of the L-MYC gene was examined in DNAs from lung cancer tissues and normal tissues of 51 Japanese patients with lung cancer. In individual patients, no difference was seen between the restriction length fragments of the two alleles of L-MYC [6-kilobase (kb) and 10-kb fragments in EcoRI digests] in lung cancer tissues and normal tissues. But a striking correlation was found between the restriction length fragment polymorphism pattern of L-MYC and the extent of metastasis, particularly to the lymph nodes at the time of surgery: Patients with only the L band (10 kb) had few lymph node metastatic lesions, whereas patients with either the S band (6 kb) or the S and L bands almost always had lymph node metastatic lesion. A similar correlation was found between the presence of the S band and metastases to other organs. This correlation was particularly marked in cases of adenocarcinoma. These results indicate a clear genetic influence on metastases and a consequent poor prognosis for certain patients of lung cancer; L-MYC restriction length fragment polymorphism is thus shown to be a useful marker for predicting the metastatic potential of human lung cancer.

Isolation of a hexaprenylhydroquinone sulfate from the marine sponge Dysidea sp. as an H,K-ATPase inhibitor

A hexaprenylhydroquinone sulfate has been isolated as an H,K-ATPase inhibitor from a marine sponge Dysidea sp. It also inhibited phospholipase A2 as well as secretion of gastric acid in rats.

Effects of nicardipine on ischemic mechanical failure and tissue injury in isolated perfused rat heart

Using a Langendorff rat heart preparation, we examined effects of nicardipine, a calcium channel blocker, on different stages of ischemic damage, characterized by a development of contracture and leakage of intracellular enzymes. Maximum recoveries of heart rate (HR) and peak left ventricular pressure-HR product after 20 min ischemia were attenuated by about 25% compared with those before ischemia. When nicardipine (0.1 mumol) was added to the perfusate 5 min prior to ischemia, this mechanical failure recovered completely to the pre-ischemic level. Although a significant increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was observed in hearts exposed to 30 min ischemia, the amount of creatine kinase (CK) released during re-flow after 30 min ischemia was not enhanced by contracture but was proportional to the duration of ischemia (compared with that of 20 min ischemia). Nicardipine reduced CK leakage by 25% after 30 min ischemia but did not alter either ATP levels or coronary flow. The beneficial effects of nicardipine on ischemic damage are probably related to inhibition of calcium influx (Terai et al: Biochem Pharmacol 30: 375, 1981), which may accompany reperfusion of ischemic myocardium.

Effects of altered thyroid status on beta-adrenergic actions on skeletal muscle glycogen metabolism

The effects of hypothyroidism on glycogen metabolism in rat skeletal muscle were studied using the perfused rat hindlimb preparation. Three weeks after propylthiouracil treatment, serum thyroxine was undetectable and muscle glycogen and Glc-6-P were decreased. Basal and epinephrine-stimulated phosphorylase a and phosphorylase b kinase activities were also significantly reduced, as were epinephrine-stimulated cAMP accumulation and cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity. Conversely, basal and epinephrine-stimulated glycogen synthase I activities were significantly higher while the Ka of the enzyme for Glc-6-P was lower in hypothyroid animals. Propylthiouracil-treated rats also had increased phosphoprotein phosphatase activities towards phosphorylase and glycogen synthase and decreased activity of phosphatase inhibitor 1. beta-Adrenergic receptor binding and basal and epinephrine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were reduced in muscle particulate fractions from hypothyroid rats. Administration of triiodothyronine to rats for 3 days after 3 weeks of propylthiouracil treatment restored the altered metabolic parameters to normal. It is proposed that the decreased beta-adrenergic responsiveness of the enzymes of glycogen metabolism in hypothyroid rat skeletal muscle is due to increased activity of phosphoprotein phosphatases and to reduced beta-adrenergic receptors and adenylate cyclase activity.