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Citi V, Calderone V, Martelli A, Breschi MC, Testai L. Pathophysiological Role of Mitochondrial Potassium Channels and their Modulation by Drugs. Curr Med Chem 2018; 25:2661-2674. [PMID: 29022502 DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666171012115300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondria play a central role in ATP-generating processes. Indeed, in mammalian tissues, up to 90% of ATP is generated by mitochondria through the process of oxidative phosphorylation; furthermore, mitochondria are involved in multiple signal transduction pathways. A rapidly expanding body of literature has confirmed that mitochondria play a pivotal role in apoptosis, cardio- and neuro-protection, and various neurodegenerative disorders, ranging from Parkinson's to Alzheimer's disease. Mitochondria are also the targets of multiple drugs, some of these are specifically designed to affect mitochondrial function, while others have primary targets in other cellular locations but may interact with mitochondria because of the presence of numerous targets on this organelle. In this regard, mitochondrial potassium (mitoK) channels play a critical role in mitochondrial function and, consequently, in the metabolism of the whole cell. OBJECTIVE To describe mitoK channels from a structural point of view and investigate their pathophysiological roles, focusing on possible specific modulators that might be useful as pharmacological tools in the treatment of various pathologies characterized by mitoK involvement. RESULTS mitoK channels play a decisive role in several pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases, particularly in myocardial infarction and neurodegenerative diseases, and they are emerging as promising oncological targets. CONCLUSIONS mitoK channels represent novel targets, and mitoK channel modulators represent an exciting tool for pharmacological intervention against such pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, via Bonanno 6 - 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, via Bonanno 6 - 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, via Bonanno 6 - 56126, Pisa, Italy
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Calderone V, Martelli A, Piragine E, Citi V, Testai L, Breschi MC. The Renal Outer Medullary Potassium Channel (ROMK): An Intriguing Pharmacological Target for an Innovative Class of Diuretic Drugs. Curr Med Chem 2018; 25:2627-2636. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666171012120937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the last four decades, the several classes of diuretics, currently available for
clinical use, have been the first line option for the therapy of widespread cardiovascular
and non-cardiovascular diseases. Diuretic drugs generally exhibit an overall favourable
risk/benefit balance. However, they are not devoid of side effects. In particular, all the
classes of diuretics cause alteration of potassium homeostasis.
<p>
In recent years, understanding of the physiological role of the renal outer medullary potassium
(ROMK) channels, has shown an intriguing pharmacological target for developing
an innovative class of diuretic agents: the ROMK inhibitors. This novel class is expected
to promote diuretic activity comparable to (or even higher than) that provided by the
most effective drugs used in clinics (such as furosemide), with limited effects on potassium
homeostasis.
<p>
In this review, the physio-pharmacological roles of ROMK channels in the renal function are
reported, along with the most representative molecules which have been currently developed
as ROMK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Citi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Testai L, Strobykina I, Semenov VV, Semenova M, Pozzo ED, Martelli A, Citi V, Martini C, Breschi MC, Kataev VE, Calderone V. Mitochondriotropic and Cardioprotective Effects of Triphenylphosphonium-Conjugated Derivatives of the Diterpenoid Isosteviol. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102060. [PMID: 28954424 PMCID: PMC5666742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria play a crucial role in the cell fate; in particular, reducing the accumulation of calcium in the mitochondrial matrix offers cardioprotection. This affect is achieved by a mild depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, which prevents the assembly and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. For this reason, mitochondria are an attractive target for pharmacological interventions that prevent ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Isosteviol is a diterpenoid created from the acid hydrolysis of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (fam. Asteraceae) glycosides that has shown protective effects against ischaemia/reperfusion injury, which are likely mediated through the activation of mitochondrial adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (mitoKATP) channels. Some triphenylphosphonium (triPP)-conjugated derivatives of isosteviol have been developed, and to evaluate the possible pharmacological benefits that result from these synthetic modifications, in this study, the mitochondriotropic properties of isosteviol and several triPP-conjugates were investigated in rat cardiac mitochondria and in the rat heart cell line H9c2. This study’s main findings highlight the ability of isosteviol to depolarize the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduce calcium uptake by the mitochondria, which are typical functions of mitochondrial potassium channel openings. Moreover, triPP-conjugated derivatives showed a similar behavior to isosteviol but at lower concentrations, indicative of their improved uptake into the mitochondrial matrix. Finally, the cardioprotective property of a selected triPP-conjugated derivative was demonstrated in an in vivo model of acute myocardial infarct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Bonanno Street, 6, 56120 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Irina Strobykina
- A. E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Kazan Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, Arbuzov Street, 8, 420088 Kazan, Russia.
| | - Victor V Semenov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect, 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Marina Semenova
- N. K. Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Street, 26, 119334 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Bonanno Street, 6, 56120 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Bonanno Street, 6, 56120 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Bonanno Street, 6, 56120 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Bonanno Street, 6, 56120 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Maria C Breschi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Bonanno Street, 6, 56120 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Vladimir E Kataev
- A. E. Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Kazan Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, Arbuzov Street, 8, 420088 Kazan, Russia.
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Bonanno Street, 6, 56120 Pisa, Italy.
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Testai L, Marino A, Piano I, Brancaleone V, Tomita K, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Martelli A, Citi V, Breschi MC, Levi R, Gargini C, Bucci M, Cirino G, Ghelardini C, Calderone V. The novel H 2 S-donor 4-carboxyphenyl isothiocyanate promotes cardioprotective effects against ischemia/reperfusion injury through activation of mitoK ATP channels and reduction of oxidative stress. Pharmacol Res 2016; 113:290-299. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter, involved in the regulation of several biological functions. Conversely, impaired biosynthesis of H2S is associated with important diseases. This paves the way for exciting pharmacological perspectives for drugs acting on the 'H2S system'. AREAS COVERED At the beginning of this manuscript, the authors present the biological roles and mechanisms of action of hydrogen sulfide. The authors then discuss the developments in the modulation of the H2S system via heterogeneous molecules, which behave as sources of exogenous H2S, and are promising drugs for a number of diseases. EXPERT OPINION The rate of H2S generation, the physicochemical characteristics and the bioavailability greatly affect the overall pharmacological profile of each H2S-releasing compound. Therefore, the development of broad collections of original moieties endowed with heterogeneous rates/mechanisms of H2S release and a variety of physicochemical, biological and pharmacological features is the most timely and compelling issue in the field of H2S-based drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alma Martelli
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Maria C Breschi
- a Dipartimento di Farmacia , Università di Pisa , Pisa , Italy
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Sestito S, Nesi G, Daniele S, Martelli A, Digiacomo M, Borghini A, Pietra D, Calderone V, Lapucci A, Falasca M, Parrella P, Notarangelo A, Breschi MC, Macchia M, Martini C, Rapposelli S. Design and synthesis of 2-oxindole based multi-targeted inhibitors of PDK1/Akt signaling pathway for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 105:274-88. [PMID: 26498573 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Aggressive behavior and diffuse infiltrative growth are the main features of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), together with the high degree of resistance and recurrence. Evidence indicate that GBM-derived stem cells (GSCs), endowed with unlimited proliferative potential, play a critical role in tumor development and maintenance. Among the many signaling pathways involved in maintaining GSC stemness, tumorigenic potential, and anti-apoptotic properties, the PDK1/Akt pathway is a challenging target to develop new potential agents able to affect GBM resistance to chemotherapy. In an effort to find new PDK1/Akt inhibitors, we rationally designed and synthesized a small family of 2-oxindole derivatives. Among them, compound 3 inhibited PDK1 kinase and downstream effectors such as CHK1, GS3Kα and GS3Kβ, which contribute to GCS survival. Compound 3 appeared to be a good tool for studying the role of the PDK1/Akt pathway in GCS self-renewal and tumorigenicity, and might represent the starting point for the development of more potent and focused multi-target therapies for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sestito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Nesi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Daniele
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Digiacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Borghini
- Alidans S.r.l., Via Vecchializia, 48, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, PI, Italy
| | - Daniele Pietra
- Alidans S.r.l., Via Vecchializia, 48, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, PI, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalina Lapucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute Biosciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Paola Parrella
- Laboratory of Oncology, Hospital "Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza", Viale Cappuccini, 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Angelantonio Notarangelo
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, I-71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Maria C Breschi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Rapposelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Fogli S, Stefanelli F, Battolla B, Bianchi F, Breschi MC, Mattii L. Salbutamol inhibits RhoA activation in normal but not in desensitized bronchial smooth muscle cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 67:1416-20. [PMID: 26076973 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was aimed at investigating whether the β2 -adrenoceptor agonist, salbutamol, could modulate RhoA activation in normal and homologously desensitized bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMC). METHODS Serum-starved BSMCs were stimulated with the Rho-activating compound calpeptin in the presence or absence of salbutamol, the Epac activator, 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP, or the site-selective activator of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), 6-Bnz-cAMP. Activated RhoA was assessed by immunocytochemical detection and by RhoA G-LISA assay. KEY FINDINGS Stimulation with calpeptin caused translocation of RhoA from cytosol to plasma membrane, a condition required for the functional coupling of RhoA with its cellular targets. Pretreatment with salbutamol 10 μm for 15 min was found to block calpeptin-induced activation of RhoA in normal, but not in homologously desensitized cells. Pretreatment of calpeptin-stimulated BSMC with 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP or 6-Bnz-cAMP could reproduce the effect of salbutamol. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that salbutamol inhibits RhoA activation in human BSMC through β2 -adrenoceptor/Epac/PKA pathway. An important pharmacological implication of these finding is the possible contribution of RhoA pathway to the molecular mechanism involved in airway smooth muscle relaxation caused by acute/chronic exposure to β2-adrenoceptor agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Fogli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Battolla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Bianchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Mattii
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Calderone V, Testai L, Martelli A, Citi V, D'Antongiovanni V, Breschi MC. Different patterns of H2S/NO cross-talk in the control of the coronary vascular bed under normotensive or hypertensive conditions. Nitric Oxide 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2015.02.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Martelli A, Marino A, Citi V, Testai L, Levi R, Breschi MC, Calderone V. Isothiocyanates and inhibition of mast cell degranulation: Is hydrogen sulfide the real player? Nitric Oxide 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2015.02.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Testai L, D'Antongiovanni V, Piano I, Martelli A, Citi V, Duranti E, Virdis A, Blandizzi C, Gargini C, Breschi MC, Calderone V. Different patterns of H2S/NO activity and cross-talk in the control of the coronary vascular bed under normotensive or hypertensive conditions. Nitric Oxide 2015; 47:25-33. [PMID: 25795591 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) play pivotal roles in the cardiovascular system. Conflicting results have been reported about their cross-talk. This study investigated their interplays in coronary bed of normotensive (NTRs) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The effects of H2S- (NaHS) and NO-donors (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) on coronary flow (CF) were measured in Langendorff-perfused hearts of NTRs and SHRs, in the absence or in the presence of propargylglycine (PAG, inhibitor of H2S biosynthesis), L-NAME (inhibitor of NO biosynthesis), ODQ (inhibitor of guanylate cyclase), L-Cysteine (substrate for H2S biosynthesis) or L-Arginine (substrate for NO biosynthesis). In NTRs, NaHS and SNP increased CF; their effects were particularly evident in Angiotensin II (AngII)-contracted coronary arteries. The dilatory effects of NaHS were abolished by L-NAME and ODQ; conversely, PAG abolished the effects of SNP. In SHRs, high levels of myocardial ROS production were observed. NaHS and SNP did not reduce the oxidative stress, but produced clear increases of the basal CF. In contrast, in AngII-contracted coronary arteries of SHRs, significant hyporeactivity to NaHS and SNP was observed. In SHRs, the vasodilatory effects of NaHS were only modestly affected by L-NAME and ODQ; PAG poorly influenced the effects of SNP. Then, in NTRs, the vascular actions of H2S required NO and vice versa. By contrast, in SHRs, the H2S-induced actions scarcely depend on NO release; as well, the NO effects are largely H2S-independent. These results represent the first step for understanding pathophysiological mechanisms of NO/H2S interplays under both normotensive and hypertensive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6. I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - V D'Antongiovanni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6. I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - I Piano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6. I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - A Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6. I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - V Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6. I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - E Duranti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55. I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - A Virdis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55. I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - C Blandizzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55. I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - C Gargini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6. I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - M C Breschi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6. I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - V Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6. I-56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Citi V, Martelli A, Testai L, Marino A, Breschi MC, Calderone V. Hydrogen sulfide releasing capacity of natural isothiocyanates: is it a reliable explanation for the multiple biological effects of Brassicaceae? Planta Med 2014; 80:610-613. [PMID: 24963613 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1368591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide is an endogenous pleiotropic gasotransmitter, which mediates important physiological effects in the human body. Accordingly, an impaired production of endogenous hydrogen sulfide contributes to the pathogenesis of important disorders. To date, exogenous compounds, acting as hydrogen sulfide-releasing agents, are viewed as promising pharmacotherapeutic agents. In a recent report, the hydrogen sulfide-releasing properties of some synthetic aryl isothiocyanate derivatives have been reported, indicating that the isothiocyanate function can be viewed as a suitable slow hydrogen sulfide-releasing moiety, endowed with the pharmacological potential typical of this gasotransmitter. Many isothiocyanate derivatives (deriving from a myrosinase-mediated transformation of glucosinolates) are well-known secondary metabolites of plants belonging to the family Brassicaceae, a large botanical family comprising many edible species. The phytotherapeutic and nutraceutic usefulness of Brassicaceae in the prevention of important human diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative processes and cardiovascular diseases has been widely discussed in the scientific literature. Although these effects have been largely attributed to isothiocyanates, the exact mechanism of action is still unknown. In this experimental work, we aimed to investigate the possible hydrogen sulfide-releasing capacity of some important natural isothiocyanates, studying it in vitro by amperometric detection. Some of the tested natural isothiocyanates exhibited significant hydrogen sulfide release, leading us to hypothesize that hydrogen sulfide may be, at least in part, a relevant player accounting for several biological effects of Brassicaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Citi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Marino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Fogli S, Stefanelli F, Picchianti L, Del Re M, Mey V, Bardelli C, Danesi R, Breschi MC. Synergistic interaction between PPAR ligands and salbutamol on human bronchial smooth muscle cell proliferation. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 168:266-75. [PMID: 22924744 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02180.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Revised: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE An important objective in asthma therapy is to prevent the accelerated growth of airway smooth muscle cells which leads to hyperplasia and bronchial hyperreactivity. We investigated the effect of combination of salbutamol and PPARγ agonists on growth factor-stimulated human bronchial smooth muscle cell (BSMC) proliferation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Synergism was quantified by the combination index-isobologram method. Assays used here included analyses of growth inhibition, cell viability, DNA fragmentation, gene transcription, cell cycle and protein expression. KEY RESULTS The PPARγ gene was highly expressed in BSMC and the protein was identified in cell nuclei. Single-agent salbutamol or PPARγ agonists prevented growth factor-induced human BSMC proliferation within a micromolar range of concentrations through their specific receptor subtypes. Sub-micromolar levels of combined salbutamol-PPARγ agonist inhibited growth by 50% at concentrations from ∼2 to 12-fold lower than those required for each drug alone, without induction of apoptosis or necrosis. Combination treatments also promoted cell cycle arrest at the G1/S transition phase and inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The synergistic interaction between PPARγ agonists and β(2) -adrenoceptor agonists on airway smooth muscle cell proliferation highlights the anti-remodelling potential of this combination in chronic lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fogli
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnologies, University of Pisa, Italy.
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13
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Nesi G, Sestito S, Mey V, Ricciardi S, Falasca M, Danesi R, Lapucci A, Breschi MC, Fogli S, Rapposelli S. Synthesis of Novel 3,5-Disubstituted-2-oxindole Derivatives As Antitumor Agents against Human Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer. ACS Med Chem Lett 2013; 4:1137-41. [PMID: 24900620 DOI: 10.1021/ml400162g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed at investigating the antitumor activity of novel 2-oxindole derivatives against a well-characterized human nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line. Test compounds produced an antiproliferative activity in the low micromolar/submicromolar range of concentrations and significantly induced typical apoptotic morphology with cell shrinkage, nuclear condensation and fragmentation, and rupture of cells into debris in a relatively low percentage of A549 cells. Cell cycle arrest occurred at the G1/S phase (1a and 2), and Akt phosphorylation was significantly inhibited at Thr308 and Ser473. The most active compound (1a) has an IC50 6-fold lower than the Akt inhibitor, perifosine. These data suggest that the new compounds may be cytostatic and may have maximum clinical effects in NSCLC patients who do not respond to EGFR inhibitors. These findings prompt us to further explore the oxindole structure as leading scaffold to design new molecules with potent antitumor activity against NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Nesi
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Sestito
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Queen Mary University
of London, Barts, and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Centre for Diabetes, Inositide Signalling Group, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Mey
- Division
of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Ricciardi
- Division
of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Falasca
- Queen Mary University
of London, Barts, and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Centre for Diabetes, Inositide Signalling Group, London, United Kingdom
| | - Romano Danesi
- Division
of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalina Lapucci
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria C. Breschi
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Fogli
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Rapposelli
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Martelli A, Testai L, Citi V, Marino A, Pugliesi I, Barresi E, Nesi G, Rapposelli S, Taliani S, Da Settimo F, Breschi MC, Calderone V. Arylthioamides as H2S Donors: l-Cysteine-Activated Releasing Properties and Vascular Effects in Vitro and in Vivo. ACS Med Chem Lett 2013; 4:904-8. [PMID: 24900583 DOI: 10.1021/ml400239a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A small library of arylthioamides 1-12 was easily synthesized, and their H2S-releasing properties were evaluated both in the absence or in the presence of an organic thiol such as l-cysteine. A number of arylthioamides (1-3 and 7) showed a slow and l-cysteine-dependent H2S-releasing mechanism, similar to that exhibited by the reference slow H2S-releasing agents, such as diallyl disulfide (DADS) and the phosphinodithioate derivative GYY 4137. Compound 1 strongly abolished the noradrenaline-induced vasoconstriction in isolated rat aortic rings and hyperpolarized the membranes of human vascular smooth muscle cells in a concentration-dependent fashion. Finally, a significant reduction of the systolic blood pressure of anesthetized normotensive rats was observed after its oral administration. Altogether these results highlighted the potential of arylthioamides 1-3 and 7 as H2S-donors for basic studies, and for the rational design/development of promising pharmacotherapeutic agents to treat cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Martelli
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Citi
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Marino
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Isabella Pugliesi
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Nesi
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Rapposelli
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria C. Breschi
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa,
via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
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Testai L, Martelli A, Marino A, D'Antongiovanni V, Ciregia F, Giusti L, Lucacchini A, Chericoni S, Breschi MC, Calderone V. The activation of mitochondrial BK potassium channels contributes to the protective effects of naringenin against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 85:1634-43. [PMID: 23567997 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Naringenin (NAR), flavonoid abundant in the genus Citrus, has been reported to interact with the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BK). Since activators of BK channels expressed in cardiac mitochondria trigger protective effects in several models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), this work aimed to evaluate the potential cardioprotective effects of NAR and the involvement of mitochondrial BK channels. In an in vivo model of acute infarct in rats, NAR (100mg/kg i.p.) significantly reduced the heart injury induced by I/R. This effect was antagonized by the selective BK-blocker paxilline (PAX). The cardioprotective dose of NAR did not cause significant effects on the blood pressure. In Largendorff-perfused rat hearts submitted to ischemia/reperfusion, NAR improved the post-ischemic functional parameters (left ventricle developed pressure and dP/dt) with lower extension of myocardial injury. On isolated rat cardiac mitochondria, NAR caused a concentration-dependent depolarization of mitochondrial membrane and caused a trans-membrane flow of thallium (potassium-mimetic cation). Both these effects were antagonized by selective blockers of BK channels. Furthermore, NAR half-reduced the calcium accumulation into the matrix of cardiac mitochondria exposed to high calcium concentrations. In conclusion, NAR exerts anti-ischemic effects through a "pharmacological preconditioning" that it is likely to be mediated, at least in part, by the activation of mitochondrial BK channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Testai
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6 I-56126 Pisa, Italy
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16
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Martelli A, Testai L, Breschi MC, Lawson K, McKay NG, Miceli F, Taglialatela M, Calderone V. Vasorelaxation by hydrogen sulphide involves activation of Kv7 potassium channels. Pharmacol Res 2013; 70:27-34. [PMID: 23287425 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has been recently hypothesized to be an endogenous adipocyte-derived relaxing factor, evoking vasorelaxation of conductance and resistance vessels. Although the activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels is known to play a central role in H2S-induced vasorelaxation, activation of vascular Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channels has also been suggested. To investigate this possibility, the ability of selective activators and blockers of distinct classes of potassium channels to affect vasodilation induced by the H2S-donor NaHS, as well as NaHS-induced Rb(+) efflux in endothelium-denuded rat aortic rings, was investigated. NaHS-induced changes of membrane potential were fluorimetrically assessed on human vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells. Modulation of Kv7.4 channels by NaHS was assessed by electrophysiological studies, upon their heterologous expression in CHO cells. In isolated aortic rings, NaHS evoked vasorelaxing responses associated with an increase of Rb(+)-efflux. NaHS promoted membrane hyperpolarization of human VSM cells. These effects were antagonized by selective blockers of Kv7 channels. The H2S-donor caused a left-shift of current activation threshold of Kv7.4 channels expressed in CHO cells. Altogether, these results suggest that the activation of Kv7.4 channels is a key mechanism in the vascular effects of H2S. Given the relevant roles played by Kv7.4 channels in VSM contractility and by H2S in circulatory homeostasis regulation, these findings provide interesting insights to improve our understanding of H2S pathophysiology and to focus on Kv7.4 channels as novel targets for therapeutic approaches via the "H2S-system".
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta/drug effects
- Aorta/metabolism
- Cell Line
- Data Interpretation, Statistical
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Endothelium, Vascular/physiology
- Humans
- Hydrogen Sulfide/pharmacology
- In Vitro Techniques
- KCNQ Potassium Channels/biosynthesis
- KCNQ Potassium Channels/metabolism
- Male
- Membrane Potentials/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Sulfides/pharmacology
- Vasoconstrictor Agents/pharmacology
- Vasodilation/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Testai L, Martelli A, Cristofaro M, Breschi MC, Calderone V. Cardioprotective effects of different flavonoids against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. J Pharm Pharmacol 2013; 65:750-6. [PMID: 23600393 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Flavonoids are important components of 'functional foods', with beneficial effects on the cardiovascular function, mainly due to their antioxidant activity. Many flavonoids exert antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic and antiplatelet activity and positive effects against endothelial dysfunction. Recent evidence indicates that they exert cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The aim of this work was to investigate these properties for flavonoids with different structural characteristics. METHODS In this work, the cardioprotective effects of eight flavonoids endowed with different structural characteristics were tested on Langendorff-perfused rat hearts submitted to 30 min of global ischaemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion (I/R). KEY FINDINGS Only the 5-hydroxy-substituted derivatives, such as 5-hydroxy flavone, apigenin, chrysin and naringenin, conferred on the hearts an improved post-ischaemic functional recovery associated with lower extension of tissue injury. A similar pharmacological profile was exhibited by 5-methoxy flavone. In contrast, 6-hydroxy flavone, 7-hydroxy flavone and 4'-hydroxy flavanone did not confer significant protection against the injury induced by I/R. CONCLUSIONS Some flavonoids exhibit direct cardioprotective effects against the injury induced by drastic I/R and this pharmacological property seems to be related to their structural characteristics. Such an influence of structural requirements seems to indicate that the cardioprotective effects may be due to the interaction with specific pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Testai
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Martelli A, Testai L, Marino A, Breschi MC, Da Settimo F, Calderone V. Hydrogen sulphide: biopharmacological roles in the cardiovascular system and pharmaceutical perspectives. Curr Med Chem 2012; 19:3325-36. [PMID: 22680638 DOI: 10.2174/092986712801215928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Revised: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) is now viewed as an important endogenous gasotransmitter, which exhibits many beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. H(2)S is biosynthesized in mammalian tissues by both non-enzymatic processes and several enzymatic pathways ensured by cystathionine-β-synthase and cystathionine-γ-lyase. H(2)S is endowed with the antioxidant properties of inorganic and organic sulphites, being a scavenger of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, H(2)S triggers other important effects and the activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) accounts for its vasorelaxing and cardioprotective effects. H(2)S also inhibits smooth muscle proliferation and platelet aggregation. Conversely, the impairment of H(2)S contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension and is involved in cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus. There is also evidence of a link between H(2)S and endothelial nitric oxide (NO). Recent observations indicate a possible pathogenic link between deficiencies of H(2)S activity and the progress of endothelial dysfunction. These biological aspects of endogenous H(2)S led to consider this mediator as "the new NO" and to evaluate new attractive opportunities to develop innovative classes of drugs. In this review, the main roles played by H(2)S in the cardiovascular system and the first examples of H(2)S-donor drugs are discussed. Some hybrid drugs are also addressed in this review. In such compounds opportune H(2)S-releasing moieties are conjugated to well-known drugs to improve their pharmacodynamic profile or to reduce the potential for adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martelli
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Universita di Pisa, via Bonanno, 6, I- 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Neri T, Armani C, Pegoli A, Cordazzo C, Carmazzi Y, Brunelleschi S, Bardelli C, Breschi MC, Paggiaro P, Celi A. Role of NF-kappaB and PPAR-gamma in lung inflammation induced by monocyte-derived microparticles. Eur Respir J 2010; 37:1494-502. [PMID: 21148223 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00023310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Microparticles (MP) are phospholipid vesicles shed by cells upon activation or apoptosis. Monocyte-derived MP upregulate the synthesis of proinflammatory mediators by lung epithelial cells; the molecular bases of such activity are unknown. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) have been demonstrated to be involved in the modulation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB transcriptional activity and inflammation. We investigated whether the upregulation of the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines by human lung epithelial cells induced by monocyte/macrophage-derived MP involves NF-κB activation and is modulated by PPAR-γ. MP were generated by stimulation of human monocytes/macrophages with the calcium ionophore, A23187. MP were incubated with human lung epithelial cells. NF-κB translocation was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Interleukin (IL)-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 synthesis was assessed by ELISA and RT-PCR. Stimulation of A549 alveolar cells with monocyte/macrophage-derived MP caused an increase in NF-κB activation and IL-8 and MCP-1 synthesis that was inhibited by pre-incubation with the PPAR-γ agonists, rosiglitazone and 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin-J2. Parallel experiments with normal human bronchial epithelial cells largely confirmed the results. The effects of PPAR-γ agonists were reversed by the specific antagonist, GW9662. Upregulation of the synthesis of proinflammatory mediators by human lung epithelial cells induced by monocyte/macrophage-derived MP is mediated by NF-κB activation through a PPAR-γ dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Neri
- Dipartimento Cardiotoracico e Vascolare, Laboratory of Respiratory Cell Biology, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa, 2 56124 Pisa, Italy
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20
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Calderone V, Testai L, Martelli A, Motta CL, Sartini S, Da Settimo F, Breschi MC. Anti-ischaemic activity of an antioxidant aldose reductase inhibitor on diabetic and non-diabetic rat hearts. J Pharm Pharmacol 2010; 62:107-13. [DOI: 10.1211/jpp.62.01.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Many observations report the cardioprotective effects of inhibitors of aldose reductase in different models of ischaemia–reperfusion injury in diabetic myocardium. In this paper, the inhibitory effects of the new pyrido[1,2-a]-pyrimidin-4-one derivative PPO, whose aldose reductase-inhibitory and antioxidant effects were shown in a previous study, were evaluated.
Methods
The effect of PPO was evaluated on aldose reductase from hearts of diabetic and non-diabetic rats, and compared with that of the reference drug epalrestat. Moreover, the two drugs were tested on isolated and Langendorff-perfused diabetic and non-diabetic hearts submitted to ischaemia–reperfusion cycle.
Key findings
Epalrestat showed equivalent levels of potency in inhibiting the activity of the enzyme in the diabetic and in the non-diabetic hearts. On the contrary, the inhibitory potency of PPO was decreased in the diabetic organs. In the diabetic hearts submitted to ischaemia–reperfusion, an increased level of heart aldose reductase activity was recorded, and both PPO and epalrestat produced cardioprotective effects, suggesting that aldose reductase is deeply involved in the process of ischaemia–reperfusion injury in diabetic myocardium. In non-diabetic hearts, where aldose reductase has a lower activity, epalrestat failed to produce significant protection, while PPO still maintained cardioprotective effects, which may be reasonably attributed to useful ‘ancillary’ effects – such as antioxidant activity – independent from the aldose reductase inhibition.
Conclusions
Therefore PPO, a new molecule endowed with both aldose reductase-inhibitory effects and antioxidant activity, may represent the prototype of a new class of multitarget drugs, focused on two different steps deeply involved in the pathogenesis of ischaemic injury of diabetic hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Calderone
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia, Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia, Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia, Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Sartini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maria C Breschi
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia, Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Calderone V, Testai L, Martelli A, Rapposelli S, Digiacomo M, Balsamo A, Breschi MC. Anti-ischemic properties of a new spiro-cyclic benzopyran activator of the cardiac mito-KATP channel. Biochem Pharmacol 2010; 79:39-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2009.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Revised: 07/14/2009] [Accepted: 07/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Calderone V, Rapposelli S, Martelli A, Digiacomo M, Testai L, Torri S, Marchetti P, Breschi MC, Balsamo A. NO-glibenclamide derivatives: Prototypes of a new class of nitric oxide-releasing anti-diabetic drugs. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 17:5426-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2009] [Revised: 06/18/2009] [Accepted: 06/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Zambito Y, Fogli S, Zaino C, Stefanelli F, Breschi MC, Di Colo G. Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of thiolated quaternary ammonium-chitosan conjugates for enhanced intestinal drug permeation. Eur J Pharm Sci 2009; 38:112-20. [PMID: 19576984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2009.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2009] [Revised: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In a previous report quaternary ammonium-chitosan conjugates (N(+)-Chs) endowed with intestinal drug permeability-enhancing properties were described. They are characterized by short pendant chains of n adjacent diethyl-dimethylene-ammonium groups substituted onto the primary amino group of the chitosan (Ch) repeating units. In the present work two N(+)-Chs, one having DS (degree of substitution)=59.2+/-4.5%, n=1.7+/-0.1 (N(+)(60)-Ch), the other one having DS=40.6+/-1.3%, n=3.0+/-0.2 (N(+)(40)-Ch) were used to synthesize novel multifunctional non-cytotoxic Ch derivatives, each carrying thiol along with quaternary ammonium groups (N(+)-Ch-SH), with increased potential to enhance transepithelial drug transport. They have been obtained by transforming the residual free amino groups of N(+)(60)-Ch and N(+)(40)-Ch into 3-mercaptopropionamide moieties. The former yielded 4.5+/-0.7% thiol-bearing groups, the latter, 5.2+/-1.1% of such groups, on a Ch repeating unit basis. The multifunctional derivatives have improved the ability of the parent N(+)-Chs to enhance the permeability of the water-soluble macromolecular fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran, MW 4400 Da (FD4) and that of the lipophilic dexamethasone (DMS) across the excised rat intestinal mucosa and Caco-2 cell monolayer, respectively. The data from the present work altogether point to a synergism of quaternary ammonium and thiol groups to improve the intestinal drug absorption enhancing properties of the multifunctional Ch derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylenia Zambito
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Breschi MC, Calderone V, Digiacomo M, Manganaro M, Martelli A, Minutolo F, Rapposelli S, Testai L, Tonelli F, Balsamo A. Spirocyclic Benzopyran-Based Derivatives as New Anti-ischemic Activators of Mitochondrial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel. J Med Chem 2008; 51:6945-54. [DOI: 10.1021/jm800956g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. Breschi
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Digiacomo
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mariaelisa Manganaro
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Minutolo
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Rapposelli
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Tonelli
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Aldo Balsamo
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Idzior-Waluś B, Cyganek K, Sztefko K, Seghieri G, Breschi MC, Waluś-Miarka M, Kawalec E, Seretny M, Sieradzki J. Total plasma homocysteine correlates in women with gestational diabetes. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2008; 278:309-13. [PMID: 18236055 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-008-0571-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2007] [Accepted: 01/14/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM We aim to assess serum total homocysteine (tHcy) associations with metabolic syndrome components and B-vitamins in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS We studied 61 consecutive pregnant women, 44 with GDM and 17 with normal glucose tolerance (CG). Serum homocysteine levels were analyzed by ELISA, using Bio-Rad reagents. Serum folates and vitamin B(12) concentrations were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay, free fatty acids (FFA) and lipids enzymatically. RESULTS Serum homocysteine levels were similar in both the GDM and the CG groups (8+/-2.0 vs 7.4+/-1.1 micromol/l, respectively). Women with GDM in comparison to CG women were characterized by higher values of homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (2.8+/-1.7 vs 1.6+/-0.9, P<0.01), serum triglycerides (2.7+/-0.9 vs 1.9+/-0.5 mmol/l, P<0.01) and FFA (0.6+/-0.2 vs 0.46+/-0.2 mmol/l, P<0.05). In GDM women serum tHcy correlated with vitamin B(12) (r= -0.47, P<0.01) and folates (r= -0.51, P<0.001); in CG women with HOMA-IR, a marker of insulin resistance (r= -0.49, P<0.05). In multiple regression analysis with serum tHcy as a dependent variable, folate and vitamin B(12) entered the analysis in GDM women (beta= -0.42 and -0.34, respectively, P<0.05), whereas in CG cystatin C and HOMA-IR entered the analysis (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In women with GDM, serum homocysteine is significantly associated with vitamin B(12) and folate levels, while in healthy pregnant women with HOMA-IR and with kidney function. The results suggest the importance of the B-group vitamins in regulation of serum tHcy levels in women with insulin resistance/gestational diabetes, what might be relevant in protection against pregnancy complications associated with elevated tHcy in GDM women.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Idzior-Waluś
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 15 Kopernika Street, 31-501 Kraków, Poland.
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Chicca A, Adinolfi B, Martinotti E, Fogli S, Breschi MC, Pellati F, Benvenuti S, Nieri P. Cytotoxic effects of Echinacea root hexanic extracts on human cancer cell lines. J Ethnopharmacol 2007; 110:148-53. [PMID: 17052874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2006] [Accepted: 09/15/2006] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Echinacea is one of the most widely used alternative medicine in the world. Intake of Echinacea preparations is common among patients with advanced malignancies enrolled onto phase I chemotherapy trials; however, to our knowledge, no data are available regarding the possible direct effect of Echinacea species on human cancer cells. The purpose of the present study was to investigate potential in vitro cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties of hexanic root extract of the three medicinal Echinacea (Asteraceae) species (Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt., Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench.) on the human pancreatic cancer MIA PaCa-2 and colon cancer COLO320 cell lines. We demonstrated, for the first time, that all the three species reduced cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner; Echinacea pallida was the most active species with IC(50)s of 46.41+/-0.87 and 10.55+/-0.70 microg/ml in MIA PaCa-2 and COLO320 cells, respectively. Echinacea pallida extract was able to induce apoptosis by increasing significantly caspase 3/7 activity and promoting nuclear DNA fragmentation. These results represent the starting point to establish viable scientific evidence on the possible role of Echinacea species in medical oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chicca
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, Pisa PI 56126, Italy.
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Breschi MC, Calderone V, Martelli A, Minutolo F, Rapposelli S, Testai L, Tonelli F, Balsamo A. New benzopyran-based openers of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel with potent anti-ischemic properties. J Med Chem 2007; 49:7600-2. [PMID: 17181142 DOI: 10.1021/jm061228l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study was aimed at evaluating, on a limited number of benzopyran compounds, whether the insertion of an electron-rich spirocyclic substituent at the C4 carbon of the benzopyran molecular nucleus may improve the cardioprotective properties against ischemia. Some of the new compounds (1b, 2b, and 4b) exhibited interesting anti-ischemic properties without affecting significantly the blood pressure parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Breschi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche and Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
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Calderone V, Martelli A, Testai L, Martinotti E, Breschi MC. Functional contribution of the endothelial component to the vasorelaxing effect of resveratrol and NS 1619, activators of the large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2007; 375:73-80. [PMID: 17203288 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-006-0129-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2006] [Accepted: 11/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BK) of smooth muscle play a role in the relevant modulation of vascular tone, due to their calcium- and voltage-dependent mechanisms of activation. A potential role of endothelial BK channels has also been suggested by approaches on endothelial cell cultures. However, no functional study, aimed at evaluating the contribution of endothelial BK channels to the effect of BK-openers, has been reported. Resveratrol and NS 1619, BK-openers, have been tested on endothelium-intact and -denuded aortic rings. Furthermore, the effects of high depolarisation of potassium channel blockers TEA (Tetraethylammonium), 4-AP ( 4-Aminopyridine) and IbTX (Iberiotoxin) and of inhibitors of NO-pathway (L-NAME and ODQ) have been evaluated. The presence of endothelium increased the vasorelaxing potency of BK-openers. This potentiation was eliminated by L-NAME and ODQ. TEA, 4-AP, IbTX and high depolarisation had modest or no antagonist influence on resveratrol in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. The effects of NS 1619 on endothelium-denuded aortic rings were not affected by IbTX, and were modestly antagonised by TEA, 4-AP and high depolarisation. In intact endothelium vessels, TEA, IbTX and 4-AP antagonised the vasorelaxing effect of the two BK-activators. A BK-mediated release of endothelial NO seems a very important factor, determining a strong influence on vasodilator profile of BK-openers. Therefore, an eventual therapy with a BK-opener could promote a series of cardiovascular impacts not confined to the only direct vasorelaxing effects, but also due to a significant contribution of endothelial NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Calderone
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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Testai L, Breschi MC, Martinotti E, Calderone V. QT prolongation in guinea pigs for preliminary screening of torsadogenicity of drugs and drug-candidates. II. J Appl Toxicol 2007; 27:270-5. [PMID: 17265420 DOI: 10.1002/jat.1208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Experimental approaches on anaesthetised guinea pigs have been shown recently to be satisfactorily predictive of the torsadogenic risk of drugs. This work aimed at obtaining additional data, for a further understanding of the reliability and/or the limits of this model. Clonidine (non-torsadogenic in humans) induced a lengthening of the ECG parameter of RR in anaesthetised guinea pigs, without any corresponding increase of QT (corrected by the algorithms of Bazett and Fridericia). Thus, 'QT correct' prolonging effects produced by drugs torsadogenic in humans, on the guinea pig model are primarily due to inhibition of cardiac repolarisation. The corresponding RR prolongation is a consequence (not the cause) of this primary effect. Astemizole, haloperidol and terfenadine, torsadogenic in humans, produced in Langendorff perfused guinea pig hearts a prolongation of the QT interval. Chlorprotixene (non-torsadogenic) did not produce any significant effect on QT. These results are fully consistent with previous observations in anaesthetised guinea pigs. In Langendorff perfused hearts, pentobarbital does not affect cardiac repolarisation and does not potentiate the QT-prolonging effect of astemizole. Together with the findings reported by many authors, these data suggest that ECG recording in anaesthetised guinea pigs is a reliable model for cardiac safety studies evaluating the influence of drugs on the repolarisation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Testai
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa-Via Bonanno, 6 I-56126 Pisa, Italy
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Adinolfi B, Chicca A, Martinotti E, Breschi MC, Nieri P. Sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) analysis on DNA from the three medicinal Echinacea species. Fitoterapia 2006; 78:43-5. [PMID: 17067760 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2006.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2005] [Accepted: 09/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis revealed species-specific markers for three medicinal Echinacea species (Asteraceae): E. angustifolia DC., E. pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. and E. purpurea (L.) Moench. In the present work, we have converted a RAPD marker (750 bp) for E. purpurea into a SCAR (Sequence Characterized Amplified Region) marker. SCAR-PCR, in fact, revealed the expected amplicon (330 bp) only in E. purpurea and not in the other two species, giving further evidence for differences in medicinal Echinacea spp. genome and confirming a greater similarity between E. pallida and angustifolia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Adinolfi
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Breschi MC, Calderone V, Digiacomo M, Macchia M, Martelli A, Martinotti E, Minutolo F, Rapposelli S, Rossello A, Testai L, Balsamo A. New NO-Releasing Pharmacodynamic Hybrids of Losartan and Its Active Metabolite: Design, Synthesis, and Biopharmacological Properties. J Med Chem 2006; 49:2628-39. [PMID: 16610806 DOI: 10.1021/jm0600186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In a preliminary work, we reported two NO-sartans, possessing the characteristics of an AT(1) antagonist and a "slow NO donor", obtained by adding NO-donor side chains to losartan 1. The NO release from an NO-sartan should be modulated in order to strengthen the antihypertensive activity of the native drug and to ensure additional effects, such as the antiplatelet and anti-ischemic ones. To obtain a collection of prototypical NO-sartans, showing different rates of NO release, new NO-donor moieties have been linked to 1 or its active metabolite 2 (EXP 3174). Almost all the synthesized compounds exhibited both AT(1)-antagonist and NO-mediated vasorelaxing properties, with a wide range of NO-releasing rates. Further pharmacological investigation on compound 4a showed that it possessed antihypertensive and cardiac antihypertrophic effects similar to those of the reference AT(1)-blocking or ACE-inhibiting drugs. Furthermore, the additional anti-ischemic cardio-protective properties and antiplatelet effects of 4a have been preliminarily investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Breschi
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
AIMS To study the effect of parity on impairment of insulin sensitivity during pregnancy and on the risk of gestational diabetes (GDM). METHODS We studied the relationship between parity and peripheral insulin sensitivity index (ISI(OGTT)) or GDM in 1880 caucasian women, who underwent a 100-g, 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between the 24th and 28th gestational week and in 75 women who underwent an OGTT in two consecutive pregnancies. A proxy for beta-cell function (basal plasma C peptide/fasting plasma glucose; CP/FPG) was also measured. RESULTS By univariate analysis parity was related to decreased ISI(OGTT) and to increased CP/FPG in those with parity > 3 and likewise GDM, diagnosed in 124 women (6.58%), was linearly related to parity (P = 0.0034) and strongly age dependent. The relationships between parity and ISI(OGTT), CP/FPG and GDM were no longer significant after adjustment for age, pregestational body mass index (BMI), and weight gain. GDM was significantly related to age and pregestational weight, while ISI(OGTT) and CP/FPG were inversely related to prepregnancy BMI or weight gain. In comparison with the index pregnancy, the subsequent pregnancy was characterized by an increase in actual and prepregnancy BMI, in 2 h area under curve (AUC) glucose and by a decrease in ISI(OGTT) (P = 0.0001). The longer the time interval between pregnancies and the higher the increment in pregestational BMI or in weight gain during the pregnancy, the greater were the ISI(OGTT) decrease and 2-h AUC glucose increase. CONCLUSIONS Parity is not directly linked to insulin sensitivity deterioration, to CP/FPG increase during pregnancy, or to GDM appearance, although it is linked through the mediation of progressive ageing and weight gain either before or during pregnancy, when there is a sufficiently long time interval between pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Seghieri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Spedali Riuniti, Via Monte Sabotino 96/A, 51100 Pistoia, Italy.
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Breschi MC, Calderone V, Digiacomo M, Martelli A, Martinotti E, Minutolo F, Rapposelli S, Balsamo A. NO-Sartans: A New Class of Pharmacodynamic Hybrids as Cardiovascular Drugs. J Med Chem 2004; 47:5597-600. [PMID: 15509155 DOI: 10.1021/jm049681p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to develop lead pharmacodynamic hybrids, NO-sartans, possessing the characteristics of a typical AT1-antagonist and of a "slow NO donor", by adding NO-donor side chains to losartan. These new compounds, 2a and 2b, displayed vasorelaxing effects, due to the release of NO, and antagonized the vasocontractile effects of angiotensin II, with potency values similar to that of losartan. In vivo, the antihypertensive effects of 2a were similar to those of losartan and captopril.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Breschi
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Testai L, Bianucci AM, Massarelli I, Breschi MC, Martinotti E, Calderone V. Torsadogenic Cardiotoxicity of Antipsychotic Drugs: a Structural Feature, Potentially Involved in the Interaction with Cardiac HERG Potassium Channels. Curr Med Chem 2004; 11:2691-706. [PMID: 15544470 DOI: 10.2174/0929867043364351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Many non-cardiovascular drugs of common clinical use cause, as an unwanted accessory property, the prolongation of the cardiac repolarisation process, due to the block of the HERG (Human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene) potassium channel, responsible for the repolarising IKr current. This delayed cardiac repolarisation process can be often unmasked by a prolongation of the QT interval of the ECG. In these conditions, premature action potentials can generate morphologically anomalous after-polarisations, and trigger a dangerous kind of polymorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmia, known as torsade de pointes, which can evolve in ventricular fibrillation and death. The risk associated with the torsadogenic cardiotoxicity of drugs, which prolong the QT interval has been the topic of documents produced by many health authorities, giving important issues about the preclinical and clinical evaluation of cardiac safety. Besides, public and private research laboratories developed several experimental in vitro or in vivo strategies, aimed to an early recognition of the influence of a drug (or of a drugcandidate) on the HERG channel and / or on the cardiac repolarisation process. Also the identification of a possible pharmacophore model, common in all or at least in numerous torsadogenic drugs, could represent a first step for the development of useful in silico approaches, allowing a preliminary indication about the potential torsadogenic property of a given molecule. In this work, we described the electrophysiological basis of torsade de pointes and listed several pharmacological classes of torsadogenic drugs. Among them, we focused our attention on antipsychotics, with an accurate overview on the experimental and clinical reports about their torsadogenic properties. Moreover, a common structural feature exhibited by these drugs, despite of their remarkable chemical differences, is evidenced by a computational approach and is indicated as a possible “facilitating” requirement for their torsadogenic properties. Together with other remarks, coming from different computational studies, the individuation of a satisfactory “toxicophore” model could be greatly useful, for the theoretical prediction of torsadogenic properties of a given chemical moiety and for the design of new drugs devoid of such an undesired and potentially lethal side-effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Testai
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Via Bonanno, 6, I-56126 Pisa - Italy
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Testai L, Calderone V, Salvadori A, Breschi MC, Nieri P, Martinotti E. QT prolongation in anaesthetized guinea-pigs: an experimental approach for preliminary screening of torsadogenicity of drugs and drug candidates. J Appl Toxicol 2004; 24:217-22. [PMID: 15211616 DOI: 10.1002/jat.975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Many non-cardiovascular drugs can prolong the QT interval of the electrocardiogram (ECG); this is an accessory property not necessary for their pharmacological action and generally linked to the block of the potassium HERG channels and delayed cardiac repolarization. The QT prolongation can lead to a dangerous tachyarrhythmia, called torsade de pointes, and potentially to fatal ventricular fibrillation. The experimental approaches, aimed at an early identification of this undesidered property, often require sophisticated and expensive equipment or the use of superior animal species (dog, primates) that cannot be employed easily for ethical and/or economic reasons. This work aimed to study drug-induced QT prolongation in anaesthetized guinea-pigs and to evaluate the reliability of such an experimental approach to obtain a satisfying predictive parameter of the torsadogenicity of drugs in humans. Seven drugs that were torsadogenic in humans (astemizole, cisapride, haloperidol, quinidine, sotalol, terfenadine and thioridazine) and two that were non-torsadogenic (chlorprotixene and diazepam) were administered i.v. to guinea-pigs under pentobarbital anaesthesia. The ECGs were recorded by four electrodes inserted in the subcutaneous layer of the limbs. Both RR and QT intervals were measured in Leads II and III and then the correct QT values were calculated by Bazett and Fridericia algorithms (QTcB and QTcF, respectively). All the drugs, with the exception of chlorprotixene and diazepam, produced a dose-dependent prolongation of the QT and RR intervals and a significant increase of QTcB and QTcF values. It can be concluded that this method represents a rapid and low-cost procedure to evaluate the cardiac safety pro fi le in the preliminary screening of a high number of drugs or drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Testai
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Nieri P, Adinolfi B, Morelli I, Breschi MC, Simoni G, Martinotti E. Genetic characterization of the three medicinal Echinacea species using RAPD analysis. Planta Med 2003; 69:685-686. [PMID: 12898432 DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The three medicinal species of the Echinacea genus, E. angustifolia DC., E. pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. and E. purpurea (L.) Moench were distinguished using the RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) technique. Species-specific markers were identified from amplicons obtained with four of the twenty 10-mer primers contained in the Operon RAPD kit A. In particular, one marker was identified for E. angustifolia (OPA 20, 1800 pb) and E. pallida (OPA 10, 600 pb) and three markers for E. purpurea (OPA 11 : 1250 pb; OPA 17 : 750, 1800 pb). Genetic distance analysis indicated a high degree of difference among the three species with a relative lower difference between E. angustifolia and E. pallida.
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Abstract
Serum homocysteine (sHcy) has been found to be elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as in other clinical conditions associated with insulin resistance and/or vascular diseases. The aims of this study were to measure the relationship between sHcy with biohumoral markers of insulin resistance in pregnant women affected with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We studied 2 groups of pregnant women categorized, after a 100-g, 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as nondiabetic (n = 78) or affected with GDM (n = 15), by measuring sHcy, serum folate, albumin, vitamin B(12), uric acid, and lipids. In both groups, peripheral insulin sensitivity was measured by using the OGTT-derived index of Matsuda and DeFronzo (ISI(OGTT)). Serum homocysteine was significantly higher in the group with GDM compared with nondiabetic women (5.88 +/- 2.26 micromol/L v 4.45 +/- 1.52 micromol/L; P =.003); was inversely related to serum folate (r = -.48; P =.0001), and was significantly related to serum albumin (r =.27; P =.009), 2-hour plasma glucose (r =.25; P =.01), as well as to serum uric acid (r =.23; P =.03). No relationship was observed between sHcy and serum vitamin B(12), serum triglycerides, total, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, mean blood pressure and ISI(OGTT). Vitamin B(12) was correlated with ISI(OGTT) (r =.36; P =.0005) and inversely with mean blood pressure (r = -.24; P =.02). GDM remained significantly associated with higher sHcy concentrations also after adjusting for age, serum folate, albumin, uric acid, ISI(OGTT), and vitamin B(12) (P =.006). In conclusion, we found that sHcy is significantly increased in women with GDM, independently of other confounding variables, is significantly related to 2-hour OGTT plasma glucose, and seems unrelated to insulin resistance in these subjects.
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Abstract
1. Adenosine produced a biphasic lowering of the mean BP with a drastic bradycardic effect at the highest doses. The first phase hypotensive response was significantly reduced by the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor L-NAME. 2. The A(2a)/A(2b) agonist NECA produced hypotensive and bradycardic responses similar to those elicited by adenosine, which were not significantly modified by the A(2b) antagonist enprofylline. 3. The A(2a) agonist CGS 21680 did not significantly influence basal HR while induced a hypotensive response antagonized by the A(2a) selective antagonist ZM 241385, and reduced by both L-NAME and the guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue. 4. The A(1) agonist R-PIA showed a dose-dependent decrease in BP with a drastic decrease in HR at the highest doses. The A(1) selective antagonist DPCPX significantly reduced the bradycardic activity and also the hypotensive responses obtained with the lowest doses while it increased those obtained with the highest ones. 5. The A(1)/A(3) agonist APNEA, in the presence of the xanthinic non-selective antagonist 8-pSPT, maintained a significant hypotensive, but not bradycardic, activity, not abolished by the histamine antagonist diphenhydramine. 6. The selective A(3) agonist IB-MECA revealed a weak hypotensive and bradycardic effect, but only at the highest doses. 7. In conclusion, in the systemic cardiovascular response to adenosine two major components may be relevant: an A(2a)- and NO-mediated hypotension, and a bradycardic effect with a consequent hypotension, via atypical A(1) receptors. Finally, an 8-pSPT-resistant hypotensive response not attributable to A(3) receptor-stimulation or to release of histamine by mastocytes or other immune cells was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nieri
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Via Bonanno 6-56126, PISA, Italy.
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Calderone V, Martinotti E, Baragatti B, Breschi MC, Morelli I. Vascular effects of aqueous crude extracts of Artemisia verlotorum Lamotte (Compositae): in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies in rats. Phytother Res 1999; 13:645-8. [PMID: 10594931 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1573(199912)13:8<645::aid-ptr496>3.0.co;2-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Artemisia verlotorum Lamotte (Compositae), growing in almost all the northern hemisphere, is used in folk medicine of some countries of Tuscany, Italy, as a remedy for hypertension. The pharmacological evaluation of the responses evoked by an aqueous dried extract of Artemisia verlotorum on the blood pressure of anaesthetized rats and on in vitro rat isolated aortae showed a marked, but transient, hypotensive activity. This effect was mediated by a strong vasodilator action, closely linked to the release of endothelial nitric oxide and to the nitric oxide-guanosine 3'-5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) pathway, caused by a muscarinic receptor agonism.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylcholine/pharmacology
- Animals
- Aorta/drug effects
- Aorta/physiology
- Artemisia/chemistry
- Atropine/pharmacology
- Blood Pressure/drug effects
- Dipyridamole/pharmacology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/physiology
- In Vitro Techniques
- Italy
- Male
- Medicine, Traditional
- Methylene Blue/pharmacology
- Muscle Contraction/drug effects
- Muscle Contraction/physiology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiology
- NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester/pharmacology
- Norepinephrine/pharmacology
- Phytotherapy
- Plant Extracts/pharmacology
- Plants, Medicinal
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
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Affiliation(s)
- V Calderone
- Dipartimento di Psichiatria, Neurobiologia, Farmacologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pisa, via Bonanno 6 - 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Calderone V, Baragatti B, Breschi MC, Martinotti E. Experimental and theoretical comparisons between the classical Schild analysis and a new alternative method to evaluate the pA2 of competitive antagonists. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 1999; 360:477-87. [PMID: 10598787 DOI: 10.1007/s002109900082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Schild analysis is undoubtedly the most frequently used powerful diagnostic tool to investigate the nature of an antagonist and, consequently, to evaluate its potency, often expressed as pA2. Nevertheless, different reasons often prevent the experimenter from applying this analysis, leading to use an inhibition curve for the antagonist and to evaluate its potency by means of several approaches, which are generally considered theoretically invalid. In a recent work, a new theoretical approach, mathematically analogous to the Schild one, has been shown. By means of a simplified experimental protocol based on an antagonist inhibition curve (following a control concentration-response curve for the agonist), this method allows a linear regression analysis, giving a slope value absolutely equivalent to the Schild slope and a reliable estimation of the pA2 of a competitive antagonist. In this paper, this new method has been compared with the Schild analysis, to determine the parameters of potency relative to well-known competitive antagonists, on different in vitro isolated preparations. In strips of guinea pig isolated gastric smooth muscle, pirenzepine antagonised the effects of bethanechol. In guinea pig isolated ileum, atropine blocked the contracturant effects of carbamylcholine, while in electrostimulated ileum segments, the inhibitory responses to alpha-methylnoradrenaline were reduced by idazoxan. Finally, in guinea pig isolated spontaneously beating atria, the negative inotropic effects of 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine were antagonised by 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine. The parameters of potency, relative to all the above competitive antagonists and expressed as pA2, resulted almost equivalent, when calculated by the Schild analysis or by the alternative method. Furthermore, when tested also for the well-known irreversible alkylating agent dibenamine in rat aortic rings stimulated by noradrenaline, the alternative method furnished a profile of clear nonlinearity, unmasking the nature of the antagonism. Finally, the relationships between the results calculated by the alternative analysis or by the Schild analysis and different levels of computer-generated "random noise" (affecting the shape and the position of theoretical curves) were also evaluated, in order to know the robustness of the new method. The two methods proved reliable and almost equivalent in robustness, when applied with different levels of "random noise". These results confirm the Schild analysis as the most accurate tool to study antagonists, since this analysis can furnish the highest number of information and observations on the behaviour of an antagonist. Nevertheless, when limiting conditions prevent a classical Schild analysis and impose the use of an inhibition curve, the new method probably represents the most preferable experimental approach. Indeed, it allows to calculate the antagonist potency, after the evaluation of a slope parameter giving an important information about the possible nature of the antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Calderone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Pisa, Italy.
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Lazzeri N, Nieri P, Lenzi P, Ratti C, Breschi MC. Role of peptidase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors in the guinea-pig bronchial response to the synthetic endothelin ET(B) agonist IRL 1620 and antagonist BQ-788. J Auton Pharmacol 1999; 19:201-7. [PMID: 10589970 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2680.1999.00142.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In isolated guinea-pig bronchial preparations the selective endothelin ETB agonist, IRL 1620 caused a concentration-dependent contraction. The pD2 value (7.16 +/- 0.09, n = 6) was significantly increased in the presence of peptidase inhibitors (thiorfan 1 microM, captopril 1 microM, bestatin 1 microM) (pD2 = 7.75 +/- 0.09, n = 6). Indomethacin (5 microM) did not appear to influence the ETB-agonist pD2 value (6.92 + 0.11, n = 6) but potentiated its maximal response significantly (67.23 +/- 4.81% vs. 53.37 +/- 4.80%). The concentration-response curve for the contractile response to IRL 1620 (pD2=7.83 +/- 0.01, n=16); was reproducible, although not completely, since the second curve to this selective ETB agonist was shifted significantly to the right (pD2 = 7.34 +/- 0.09, n = 16) and a decrease in the maximal response was observed (20.0 +/- 2.0%). BQ 788, a selective antagonist for ETB receptors, employed in concentrations ranging from 1.5 to 150 nM, caused a dose-dependent shift to the right of the concentration-response curve to IRL 1620, with a pIC50 value of 8.11 +/- 0.03; this action was not influenced by adding enzyme inhibitors (pIC50 = 8.17 +/- 0.29). Our data show that IRL 1620 undergoes a hydrolytic metabolism in guinea-pig bronchial preparations, which could influence the calculation of the pD2. Pretreatment of the tissue with peptidase inhibitors and indomethacin is consequently significant in the evaluation of IRL 1620 activity, while it does not influence the action of the antagonist, BQ 788.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Lazzeri
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, University of Pisa, Italy
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Mazzoni MR, Breschi MC, Ceccarelli F, Lazzeri N, Giusti L, Nieri P, Lucacchini A. Suc-[Glu9,Ala11,15]-endothelin-1 (8-21), IRL 1620, identifies two populations of ET(B) receptors in guinea-pig bronchus. Br J Pharmacol 1999; 127:1406-14. [PMID: 10455290 PMCID: PMC1760658 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0702672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological properties of endothelin receptors (ETR) were investigated in guinea-pig bronchus by comparing binding and functional results. In binding assays, both the ET(B) agonists, endothelin-3 (ET-3) and N-suc-[Glu9,Ala11,15]ET-1(8-21) (IRL 1620), and the antagonist, N-cis-2,6-dimethylpiperidinocarbonyl-L-gamma-methylleucyl-D- 1-methoxycarbonyltryptophanyl-D-norleucine (BQ 788), showed biphasic inhibition curves of [125I]-endothelin-1 (ET-1) binding to bronchus membranes prepared from intact or epithelium-deprived tissue. IRL 1620 did not completely displace specifically [125I]-ET-1 bound to these tissue preparations. In the presence of the ET(A)-selective antagonist, cyclo(-D-Trp-D-Asp-L-Pro-D-Val-L-Leu) (BQ 123, 1 microM), IRL 1620 displacement curves were shallow but a complete inhibition was reached at a concentration of 1 microM. Both curves were better represented by two-site models. In addition, BQ 788 competition curves became monophasic when binding experiments were performed in the presence of 1 microM BQ 123. The non-selective agonist, ET-1, and BQ 123 inhibited [125I]-ET binding to bronchus membranes in dose-dependent fashions with monophasic curves. The contracting activity of IRL 1620 (0.55 nM- 1.6 microM) was tested on multiple-ring bronchial preparations pretreated with peptidase and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors. BQ 788 shifted IRL1620 concentration-response curves to the right while BQ 123 did not influence bronchial responsiveness. In addition, a potentiation of the maximal response to the agonist was observed in BQ 788 treated bronchial rings. This effect was abolished by tissue pretreatment with Nomega-nitro-L-argininemethylester (L-NAME) or epithelium removal but not by pretreatment with atropine or iberiotoxin. Our results demonstrate that guinea-pig bronchus contains two populations of ET(B) receptors with different affinities for the ET(B)-selective agonist, IRL 1620. One ET(B) receptor population appears to activate bronchial muscle contraction while another on epithelial cells causes muscle relaxation through the release of nitric oxide (NO).
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Mazzoni
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Balsamo A, Breschi MC, Chiellini G, Lapucci A, Lazzeri N, Macchia M, Martinelli A, Micali E, Nencetti S, Rossello A. Synthesis and beta-adrenergic properties of (Z)-N-[3-(alkylamino)-2-hydroxypropylidene](aryl-methyloxy)amines: effects of the configuration around the methyloxyiminomethyl (MOIM) double bond on the biopharmacological properties of MOIM-type beta-blocking agents. Bioorg Med Chem 1998; 6:2151-60. [PMID: 9881105 DOI: 10.1016/s0968-0896(98)00172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The N-isopropyl- (3a-g) and N-tert-butyl-substituted (4a-g) (Z)-N-(3-(amino)-2-hydroxypropylidene)-(arylmethyloxy)amines were synthesized in order to compare their beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic properties with those of their previously studied corresponding analogues with the E configuration (1a-g and 2a-g). Compounds 3 and 4 were tested for their affinity for beta 1-a and beta 2-adrenoceptors by radioligand binding experiments, and the compounds with the highest affinity were also assayed for their activity towards the same types of beta-adrenoceptors by functional tests on isolated preparations. The Z-methyloxyiminomethyl (Z-MOIM) compounds 3 and 4 proved to possess, on the whole, affinity (Ki) and activity (PIC50) indices similar to those of the E isomers 1 and 2, thus indicating that for the MOIM-type beta-adrenergic antagonists 1-4, the type of configuration around the MOIM double bond does not have any appreciable effect either on the affinity or on the activity towards beta-adrenoceptors. These results are rationalized on the basis of the steric and electronic analogies existing between the MOIM groups of 1-4 in the two types of configurations (E and Z).
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MESH Headings
- Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/chemical synthesis
- Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/chemistry
- Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/pharmacology
- Amines/chemical synthesis
- Amines/chemistry
- Amines/pharmacology
- Animals
- Brain/metabolism
- Cattle
- Drug Design
- Guinea Pigs
- Ileum
- In Vitro Techniques
- Indicators and Reagents
- Kinetics
- Lung/metabolism
- Male
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Conformation
- Molecular Structure
- Muscle Contraction/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth/physiology
- Rats
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1/drug effects
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1/physiology
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/drug effects
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2/physiology
- Static Electricity
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Trachea
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Affiliation(s)
- A Balsamo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Pisa, Italy
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Nieri P, Lazzeri N, Greco R, Breschi MC. Different bronchial responsiveness to Ach between normal and OA-sensitized guinea pigs after acoustic stress: a role for adenosine. Immunopharmacology 1998; 39:235-42. [PMID: 9754909 DOI: 10.1016/s0162-3109(98)00013-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Noise-exposure makes non-sensitized guinea pigs hyporesponsive to Acetylcholine (Ach), while in Ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized guinea pigs the responsiveness to the cholinergic mediator is not modified by acoustic stress (Nieri et al., 1996). The occurrence of bronchial hyporesponsiveness after acoustic stress in non-sensitized guinea pigs was verified also with histamine, obtaining a result similar to that observed with Ach. Moreover, the role of adenosine as modulator of the bronchial responsiveness to Ach after noise-exposure was assessed both in normal and in sensitized guinea pigs. In non-sensitized noise-exposed guinea pigs, the hyporesponsiveness to Ach was abolished by pretreatment of the animals with the peripheral A1/A2 antagonist 8-p-(sulfophenyl)theophylline (8-pSPT, 3 mg/kg i.v.) or with the A2-selective blocker 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX, 80 microg/kg i.v.) but not with the A1-selective antagonist Xanthine Amine Congener (XAC, 0.1 mg/kg i.v.). In sensitized guinea pigs, pretreatment with theophylline (25 mg/kg i.v.) makes noise-exposed animals again hyporesponsive to Ach, while no effect was obtained with the selective A1 and A2 antagonists employed. Also enprofylline (10 mg/kg i.v.), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor more potent than theophylline, does not modify the responsiveness to Ach in sensitized noise-exposed guinea pigs. The overall data presented suggest the involvement of the peripheral purinergic system in the regulation of airway reactivity after the stressful condition and indicate an altered functionality of this system as a consequence of sensitization. Furthermore, noise-exposure makes it possible to reveal in guinea pigs an opposite influence by theophylline on airway responsiveness to Ach, in sensitized, with respect to normal, animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nieri
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Breschi MC, Nieri P, Lazzeri N, Martinotti E. Effects of noise stress on EFS-mediated cholinergic and inhibitory NANC responses in tracheae from normal and sensitized guinea-pigs. J Auton Pharmacol 1997; 17:353-63. [PMID: 9610430 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2680.1997.00056.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
1 The aim of the present research was to study the cholinergic and inhibitory non-adrenergic-non-cholinergic (NANC) responses obtained with electrical field stimulation (EFS) of tracheal tissues from sham- and noise-exposed guinea-pigs. A comparison was also made between normal and ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized animals. 2 In proximal tracheae pretreated with indomethacin (3 microM), propranolol (1 microM), alpha-chymotrypsin (2 U ml-1) and L-NAME (0.1 mM), frequency-dependent responses to EFS (0.1 ms width; 20 V, 0.1-100 Hz, 15 s train duration) were obtained, both contractile and relaxing in nature. The contractile responses were abolished by atropine (1 microM), and did not vary significantly between sham- and noise-exposed guinea-pigs, or between normal and sensitized animals. The NANC relaxing responses, present in spite of the pre-treatment of the tissues with L-NAME and alpha-chymotrypsin, and almost completely abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX) treatment (10 microM), appeared to be enhanced in noise-exposed guinea-pigs, with respect to sham-exposed animals, but only when the animals were not OA-sensitized. 3 In distal tracheae contracted with histamine (10 microM), the study of the whole inhibitory NANC response (pre-treatment with propranolol, but not with alpha-chymotrypsin and L-NAME), which was mainly TTX-sensitive, revealed a statistically non-significant difference between sham- and noise-exposed guinea-pigs, both normal and OA-sensitized. When distal tracheae were preincubated with alpha-chymotrypsin (2 U ml-1) and L-NAME (0.1 mM), in addition to propranolol, a significant residual inhibitory NANC response to EFS was observed. Surprisingly, in this case, similarly to the evidence obtained in proximal tracheae, a significantly enhanced response was revealed in noise-exposed guinea-pigs with respect to sham-exposed animals. 4 The noise-induced enhancement of the relaxant response disappeared when the tissues were pretreated with the A2 purinergic antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX, 1 microM), while it persisted in the presence of the A1 antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX, 10 nM). 5 The above data indicate that, while not modifying the cholinergic and the whole inhibitory NANC response to EFS, noise stress selectively influences an inhibitory component of the NANC system in guinea-pig trachea with a mechanism probably involving an enhanced neurally mediated release of adenosine, which relaxes the smooth muscle via A2 receptors. This effect appears to be lacking or masked in sensitized guinea-pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Breschi
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
In anaesthetized guinea pigs, adenosine enhances the histamine-induced bronchospasm by means of a mechanism partly involving non-adrenergic-non-cholinergic (NANC) nerves, not related to capsaicin-sensitive neurons (Breschi et al., 1994). In the present paper, we excluded any interference by adenosine with the mediators known to be present in the airway inhibitory NANC system, VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide) and NO (nitric oxide). The use of alpha-chymotrypsin or L-N(G)-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) failed to modify the potentiation under study. The effects of adenosine were further investigated by studying whether an increased release of excitatory mediators from non-neural cells, in particular 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine, serotonin) and arachidonic products, was involved. In this connection, methysergide did not significantly affect the modulatory action of adenosine, revealing that the release of 5-HT was also not involved. Inhibition was obtained with hydrocortisone and with nordihydroguaiaretic acid, but not with indomethacin or with the mastocyte membrane stabilizer, sodium cromoglycate. This evidence suggests that lipooxygenase products, not derived from mastocytes, probably participate in the potentiating effect of adenosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nieri
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
A comparison is made of four rat aortic preparations, that is, single ring, spiral strip, zig-zag strip, and multiple-ring, on the basis of the responses to norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine (ACh). The single ring preparation was suitable under isometric, but not under isotonic conditions, because of the small isotonic tension which developed in response to the contractile agonist. The spiral and the zig-zag strips showed a discontinuity in the relaxant activity of the ACh, probably because of the removal, or not, of the endothelium from the preparation. The reproducibility of both contracturant and relaxing responses in the multiple-ring preparation makes this the most suitable of all four for the study of vasoactive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Calderone
- Istituto Policattedra di Discipline Biologiche, Facoltà di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
The present work assesses the effects of the acute administration of adenosine on tachykinergic bronchoconstriction induced in different ways (exogenously administered capsaicin or substance P and vagal electrical stimulation) in anaesthetized and curarized guinea-pigs. Adenosine (30-3000 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) enhanced significantly and dose-relatedly the airway narrowing induced by a single dose of capsaicin (0.5-2 micrograms kg-1, i.v.), both in normal and in vagotomized animals. A smaller and less dose-dependent enhancement by the nucleoside of the pulmonary resistance increase induced by substance P (5-15 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) was observed. This effect was almost completely prevented by the H1 antagonist diphenhydramine (1 mg kg-1, i.v.), which also unmasked an inhibitory action of adenosine at the highest doses. Diphenhydramine, on the contrary, did not significantly modify the potentiation by adenosine of capsaicin-mediated bronchoconstriction. Finally, the nucleoside dose-dependently inhibited the atropine-resistant bronchospasm following vagal electrical stimulation. The use of the selective adenosinic agonists R-N6-[2-phenylisopropyl]adenosine (1-100 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) and 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine (1-100 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) before the administration of capsaicin, revealed the ability of the first to reproduce the enhancement induced by adenosine, while the second had an inhibitory effect. It is concluded that adenosine has both excitatory and inhibitory modulatory effects on airway responsiveness to excitatory non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (e-NANC) stimuli. The excitatory effects, revealed with substance P and capsaicin, support the hypothesis that adenosine may play a role as an asthma mediator.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nieri
- Istituto Policattedra di Discipline Biologiche, Facoltà di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Italy
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Nieri P, Lazzeri N, Martinotti E, Scatizzi R, Breschi MC. Acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction modified by noise exposure in normal but not in sensitized guinea-pigs. J Auton Pharmacol 1996; 16:55-62. [PMID: 8842865 DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-8673.1996.tb00412.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
1. The acute (6h) exposure of guinea-pigs to white noise (110 dB) as a stress stimulus, reduced bronchial reactivity to acetylcholine (Ach) (3-1000 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) in anaesthetized animals. 2. The hyporesponsiveness to Ach in stressed animals was not confirmed in vitro on tracheal preparations (Ach 1 x 10(-9)-1 x 10(-4) g ml-1) and disappeared in vivo when the animals were sensitized with ovalbumin (OA, 100 mg kg-1 i.p. + 100 mg kg-1 s.c.). The hyporesponsiveness was also absent in ovalbumin sensitized guinea-pigs exposed to an aerosol of ovalbumin 60 min before testing with Ach. 3. In non-sensitized guinea-pigs, pretreatment with butoxamine (1 mg kg-1 i.v.) or with theophylline (25 mg kg-1 i.v.), completely abolished the effect of noise-exposure. In contrast, pretreatment with L-NG-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 mg kg-1 i.v.), alpha-chymotrypsin (2 U kg-1 i.v.) or with enprofylline (10 mg kg-1 i.v.), did not affect it. 4. In conclusion, our experiments reveal inhibitory mechanisms upon Ach-induced bronchoconstriction activated by a stress stimulus and this is absent in sensitized animals. These mechanisms seem to be linked to the adrenergic beta 2-receptors and a role for the purinergic system (via A-receptors) may also be present.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nieri
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pisa, Italy
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50
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Balsamo A, Breschi MC, Chiellini G, Macchia B, Macchia M, Manera C, Saccà P, Scatizzi R. New chiral methyloxyiminomethyl (MOIM) β-adrenergic antagonists. (S)- and (R)-N-[3-(alkylamino)-2-hydroxypropylidene](p-chlorophenylmethyloxy)amines as probes for determining enantiomeric specificity in the class of MOIM-type β-adrenergic blocking agents. Eur J Med Chem 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/0223-5234(96)89135-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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