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Medicinal Research Reviews Sep 2019Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a fumaric acid ester registered for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). It induces protein succination leading to... (Review)
Review
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a fumaric acid ester registered for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). It induces protein succination leading to inactivation of cysteine-rich proteins. It was first shown to possess cytoprotective and antioxidant effects in noncancer models, which appeared related to the induction of the nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway. DMF also displays antitumor activity in several cellular and mice models. Recently, we showed that the anticancer mechanism of DMF is dose-dependent and is paradoxically related to the decrease in the nuclear translocation of NRF2. Some other studies performed indicate also the potential role of DMF in cancers, which are dependent on the NRF2 antioxidant and cellular detoxification program, such as KRAS-mutated lung adenocarcinoma. It, however, seems that DMF has multiple biological effects as it has been shown to also inhibit the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), thus blocking downstream targets that may be involved in the development and progression of inflammatory cascades leading to various disease processes, including tumors, lymphomas, diabetic retinopathy, arthritis, and psoriasis. Herein, we present the current status and future directions of the use of DMF in various diseases models with particular emphases on its targeting of specific intracellular signal transduction cascades in cancer; to shed some light on its possible mode of action.
Topics: Animals; Dermatologic Agents; Dimethyl Fumarate; Humans
PubMed: 30756407
DOI: 10.1002/med.21567 -
Drugs Jan 2018Fumaric acid esters (FAEs) have been used in the treatment of psoriasis in some European countries for over 20 years, and are recommended in the European guidelines for... (Review)
Review
Fumaric acid esters (FAEs) have been used in the treatment of psoriasis in some European countries for over 20 years, and are recommended in the European guidelines for the management of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Dimethyl fumarate (Skilarence; hereafter referred to as DMF) is an orally administered FAE indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults in need of systemic medicinal therapy; unlike other available FAEs, it is not formulated in combination with monoethyl fumarate salts. EU approval was based on results of the phase III BRIDGE trial, and supported by previous publications of FAE preparations, including a combination of FAEs containing dimethyl fumarate and monoethyl fumarate salts (DMF/MEF; Fumaderm). In the BRIDGE trial, DMF was superior to placebo in terms of the proportion of patients achieving a ≥ 75% improvement from baseline in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) and a Physician Global Assessment score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) at week 16. DMF was also noninferior to DMF/MEF for PASI 75 at week 16. Patients receiving DMF also reported clinically meaningful improvements in body surface area involvement and health-related quality of life. The safety profile of DMF was similar to that of DMF/MEF, and no major or unexpected safety concerns were identified. The most common adverse events (flushing and gastrointestinal disorders) occurred mainly during the first few weeks of treatment. Currently available data indicate that DMF is an effective oral systemic treatment option for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Dermatologic Agents; Dimethyl Fumarate; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Europe; Humans; Middle Aged; Psoriasis; Quality of Life; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29236231
DOI: 10.1007/s40265-017-0854-6 -
Cells Dec 2022Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a small molecule currently approved and used in the treatment of psoriasis and multiple sclerosis due to its immuno-modulatory,... (Review)
Review
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a small molecule currently approved and used in the treatment of psoriasis and multiple sclerosis due to its immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. As an Nrf2 activator through Keap1 protein inhibition, DMF unveils a potential therapeutical use that is much broader than expected so far. In this comprehensive review we discuss the state-of-art and future perspectives regarding the potential repositioning of this molecule in the panorama of eye pathologies, including Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The DMF's mechanism of action, an extensive analysis of the and evidence of its beneficial effects, together with a search of the current clinical trials, are here reported. Altogether, this evidence gives an overview of the new potential applications of this molecule in the context of ophthalmological diseases characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress, with a special focus on AMD, for which our gene-disease (-AMD) database search, followed by a protein-protein interaction analysis, further supports the rationale of DMF use. The necessity to find a topical route of DMF administration to the eye is also discussed. In conclusion, the challenge of DMF repurposing in eye pathologies is feasible and worth scientific attention and well-focused research efforts.
Topics: Dimethyl Fumarate; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Oxidative Stress; Antioxidants
PubMed: 36552824
DOI: 10.3390/cells11244061 -
Drugs Feb 2016Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera(®)) is an oral disease-modifying agent indicated for the twice-daily treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and... (Review)
Review
Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera(®)) is an oral disease-modifying agent indicated for the twice-daily treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). It displays immunomodulating and neuroprotective properties, both of which may contribute to its efficacy in these settings. In two phase III trials of 2 years' duration (DEFINE and CONFIRM), twice-daily dimethyl fumarate reduced clinical relapse (both the proportion of patients with MS relapse and the annualized relapse rate), as well as MRI measures of disease activity, versus placebo in adults with RRMS; the drug also reduced disability progression relative to placebo in one of the two studies (DEFINE). Dimethyl fumarate had an acceptable tolerability profile in these trials, with the most common tolerability issues being flushing and gastrointestinal events, which appear to be largely manageable. In the DEFINE and CONFIRM extension (ENDORSE), a minimum of 5 years of treatment with the drug was associated with continued benefit and no new/worsening tolerability signals. Although additional active comparator data are needed, dimethyl fumarate is an effective twice-daily treatment option for use in adults with RRMS, with the convenience of oral administration and an acceptable long-term tolerability profile.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Dimethyl Fumarate; Disease Progression; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting
PubMed: 26689201
DOI: 10.1007/s40265-015-0528-1 -
Journal of Cellular Physiology Jul 2019Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an important oral treatment option for various autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis. DMF and its dynamic... (Review)
Review
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an important oral treatment option for various autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis. DMF and its dynamic metabolite, monomethyl fumarate (MMF) are the major compounds that exert therapeutic effects on several pathologic conditions in part, through downregulation of immune responses. The exact mechanism of DMF is yet to be fully understood even though its beneficial effects on the immune system are extensively studied. It has been shown that DMF/MMF can affect various immune cells, which can get involved in both the naive and adaptive immune systems, such as T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells. It is suggested that DMF/MMF may exert their effect on immune cells through inhibition of nuclear factor-κB translocation, upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2(E2)-related factor antioxidant pathway, and activation of hydroxyl carboxylic acid receptor 2. In this review, the mechanisms underlying the modulatory functions of DMF or MMF on the main immune cell populations involved in the immunopathogenesis of MS are discussed.
Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Animals; Dimethyl Fumarate; Humans; Immune System; Immunity, Innate; Immunosuppressive Agents; Multiple Sclerosis; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 30536402
DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27930 -
International Immunopharmacology Jul 2023Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a methyl ester of fumaric acid and has been approved for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis due to anti-inflammatory effect. There...
BACKGROUND
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a methyl ester of fumaric acid and has been approved for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis due to anti-inflammatory effect. There is a close association between platelets and the pathogenesis of MS. Whether DMF affects platelet function remains unclear. Our study intends to evaluate DMF's effect on platelet function.
METHODS
Washed human platelets were treated with different concentrations of DMF (0, 50, 100 and 200 μM) at 37 °C for 1 h followed by analysis of platelet aggregation, granules release, receptors expression, spreading and clot retraction. In addition, mice received intraperitoneal injection of DMF (15 mg/kg) to assess tail bleeding time, arterial and venous thrombosis.
RESULTS
DMF significantly inhibited platelet aggregation and the release of dense/alpha granules in response to collagen-related peptide (CRP) or thrombin stimulation dose-dependently without altering the expression of platelet receptors α, GPIbα, and GPVI. In addition, DMF-treated platelets presented significantly reduced spreading on collagen or fibrinogen and thrombin-mediated clot retraction along with the decreased phosphorylation of c-Src and PLCγ2. Moreover, administration of DMF into mice significantly prolonged the tail bleeding time and impaired arterial and venous thrombus formation. Furthermore, DMF reduced the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and calcium mobilization, and inhibited NF-κB activation and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and AKT.
CONCLUSION
DMF inhibits platelet function and arterial/venous thrombus formation. Considering the presence of thrombotic events in MS, our study indicates that DMF treatment for patients with MS might obtain both anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic benefits.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Platelet Activation; Fibrinolytic Agents; Dimethyl Fumarate; Thrombin; Platelet Aggregation; Blood Platelets; Thrombosis
PubMed: 37245302
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110381 -
Redox Biology Dec 2023To investigate the therapeutic potential of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in improving erectile function of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rats, along with...
Dimethyl fumarate ameliorates erectile dysfunction in bilateral cavernous nerve injury rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis of nerve via activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the therapeutic potential of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in improving erectile function of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rats, along with elucidating its underlying mechanisms.
METHODS
A BCNI rat model was established by clamping bilateral cavernous nerve (CN). DMF was given by gavage at low (20 mg/kg/day) and high (40 mg/kg/day) dosages for a duration of 4 weeks. Erectile function was assessed by electrical stimulation of CN. Penis and CN tissues were collected for subsequent analysis. Additionally, PC-12 cell line was used to verify the mechanism of DMF in vitro. Nfe2l2 or Ho-1 gene knockdown PC-12 cell lines were constructed by lentiviral transfection, respectively. A damaged cell model was induced using HO. And then molecular biological methods were employed to analyze cellular molecules and proteins.
RESULTS
DMF administration for 4 weeks led to improvements in erectile function, reduced fibrosis of penis corpus cavernosum in BCNI rats. The morphology of CN was improved and the number of nerve fibers increased. Furthermore, the levels of nNOS, NO, and cGMP were increased, while Ca was decreased in penis corpus cavernosum. Notably, the levels of ROS, 3-NT and NLRP3 inflammasomes production were reduced, alongside increased expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in the dorsal penile nerve (DPN) and CN. In vitro, DMF increased cell viability, reduced ROS level, promoted SOD, diminished 3-NT, MDA and DNA damage markers, and inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in HO induced PC-12 cells. Nfe2l2 knockdown and Ho-1 knockdown significantly attenuated the protective effect of DMF, respectively. Furthermore, inhibition of ROS production by N-acetylcysteine led to a reduction in NLRP3 inflammasome activation in HO induced PC-12 cells.
CONCLUSIONS
DMF improved erectile function of BCNI rats by protecting nerves through inhibiting oxidative stress and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis via activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Topics: Male; Humans; Rats; Animals; Erectile Dysfunction; Inflammasomes; Dimethyl Fumarate; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Pyroptosis; Hydrogen Peroxide; Reactive Oxygen Species; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Oxidative Stress; Signal Transduction; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 37931471
DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102938 -
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills,... Apr 2022Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) demonstrated favorable benefit-risk in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients in phase-III DEFINE and CONFIRM trials, and ENDORSE... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) demonstrated favorable benefit-risk in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients in phase-III DEFINE and CONFIRM trials, and ENDORSE extension.
OBJECTIVE
The main aim of this study is assessing DMF safety/efficacy up to 13 years in ENDORSE.
METHODS
Randomized patients received DMF 240 mg twice daily or placebo (PBO; Years 0-2), then DMF (Years 3-10; continuous DMF/DMF or PBO/DMF); maximum follow-up (combined studies), 13 years.
RESULTS
By January 2020, 1736 patients enrolled/dosed in ENDORSE (median follow-up 8.76 years (ENDORSE range: 0.04-10.98) in DEFINE/CONFIRM and ENDORSE); 52% treated in ENDORSE for ⩾6 years. Overall, 551 (32%) patients experienced serious adverse events (mostly multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse or fall; one progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy); 243 (14%) discontinued treatment due to adverse events (4% gastrointestinal (GI) disorders). Rare opportunistic infections, malignancies, and serious herpes zoster occurred, irrespective of lymphocyte count. For DMF/DMF ( = 501), overall annualized relapse rate (ARR) remained low (0.143 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.120-0.169)), while for PBO/DMF ( = 249), ARR decreased after initiating DMF and remained low throughout (ARR 0-2 years, 0.330 (95% CI, 0.266-0.408); overall ARR (ENDORSE, 0.151 (95% CI, 0.118-0.194)). Over 10 years, 72% DMF/DMF and 73% PBO/DMF had no 24-week confirmed disability worsening.
CONCLUSION
Sustained DMF safety/efficacy was observed in patients followed up to 13 years, supporting DMF's positive benefit/risk profile for long-term RRMS treatment.
Topics: Dimethyl Fumarate; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34465252
DOI: 10.1177/13524585211037909 -
JAMA Neurology Jul 2023Natalizumab cessation is associated with a risk of rebound disease activity. It is important to identify the optimal switch disease-modifying therapy strategy after... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
IMPORTANCE
Natalizumab cessation is associated with a risk of rebound disease activity. It is important to identify the optimal switch disease-modifying therapy strategy after natalizumab to limit the risk of severe relapses.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the effectiveness and persistence of dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, and ocrelizumab among patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who discontinued natalizumab.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
In this observational cohort study, patient data were collected from the MSBase registry between June 15, 2010, and July 6, 2021. The median follow-up was 2.7 years. This was a multicenter study that included patients with RRMS who had used natalizumab for 6 months or longer and then were switched to dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, or ocrelizumab within 3 months after natalizumab discontinuation. Patients without baseline data were excluded from the analysis. Data were analyzed from May 24, 2022, to January 9, 2023.
EXPOSURES
Dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, and ocrelizumab.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Primary outcomes were annualized relapse rate (ARR) and time to first relapse. Secondary outcomes were confirmed disability accumulation, disability improvement, and subsequent treatment discontinuation, with the comparisons for the first 2 limited to fingolimod and ocrelizumab due to the small number of patients taking dimethyl fumarate. The associations were analyzed after balancing covariates using an inverse probability of treatment weighting method.
RESULTS
Among 66 840 patients with RRMS, 1744 had used natalizumab for 6 months or longer and were switched to dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, or ocrelizumab within 3 months of natalizumab discontinuation. After excluding 358 patients without baseline data, a total of 1386 patients (mean [SD] age, 41.3 [10.6] years; 990 female [71%]) switched to dimethyl fumarate (138 [9.9%]), fingolimod (823 [59.4%]), or ocrelizumab (425 [30.7%]) after natalizumab. The ARR for each medication was as follows: ocrelizumab, 0.06 (95% CI, 0.04-0.08); fingolimod, 0.26 (95% CI, 0.12-0.48); and dimethyl fumarate, 0.27 (95% CI, 0.12-0.56). The ARR ratio of fingolimod to ocrelizumab was 4.33 (95% CI, 3.12-6.01) and of dimethyl fumarate to ocrelizumab was 4.50 (95% CI, 2.89-7.03). Compared with ocrelizumab, the hazard ratio (HR) of time to first relapse was 4.02 (95% CI, 2.83-5.70) for fingolimod and 3.70 (95% CI, 2.35-5.84) for dimethyl fumarate. The HR of treatment discontinuation was 2.57 (95% CI, 1.74-3.80) for fingolimod and 4.26 (95% CI, 2.65-6.84) for dimethyl fumarate. Fingolimod use was associated with a 49% higher risk for disability accumulation compared with ocrelizumab. There was no significant difference in disability improvement rates between fingolimod and ocrelizumab.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
Study results show that among patients with RRMS who switched from natalizumab to dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, or ocrelizumab, ocrelizumab use was associated with the lowest ARR and discontinuation rates, and the longest time to first relapse.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Fingolimod Hydrochloride; Natalizumab; Dimethyl Fumarate; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Immunosuppressive Agents; Immunologic Factors; Recurrence
PubMed: 37273217
DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.1542 -
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in dimethyl fumarate-treated multiple sclerosis patients.Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills,... Jan 2022Dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a fumaric acid with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, is among the most commonly used oral therapies for relapsing multiple sclerosis... (Review)
Review
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a fumaric acid with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, is among the most commonly used oral therapies for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has been associated with several disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), including DMF in treating MS. We present detailed clinical characteristics of nine PML cases and show that the PML incidence in DMF-treated patients is 0.02 per 1000 patients. In addition to persistent severe lymphopenia, older age appears to be a potential risk for PML. However, younger patients without lymphopenia were also observed to develop PML. DMF-associated PML has occurred in patients with absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) above the guideline threshold, suggesting that changes in specific subsets might be more important than total ALC. Furthermore, since DMF has been found to decrease immune cell migration by decreasing the expression of adhesive molecules, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immune profile may also be useful for assessing PML risk in DMF-treated patients. This review provides an up-to-date assessment of PML cases occurring in DMF-treated patients and discusses other potential considerations in light of our current understanding of DMF's mechanism of action on the immune system in the periphery and in the central nervous system (CNS).
Topics: Aged; Dimethyl Fumarate; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal; Lymphopenia; Multiple Sclerosis
PubMed: 32808554
DOI: 10.1177/1352458520949158