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Fluids and Barriers of the CNS May 2024Triptans are anti-migraine drugs with a potential central site of action. However, it is not known to what extent triptans cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The aim...
BACKGROUND
Triptans are anti-migraine drugs with a potential central site of action. However, it is not known to what extent triptans cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The aim of this study was therefore to determine if triptans pass the brain capillary endothelium and investigate the possible underlying mechanisms with focus on the involvement of the putative proton-coupled organic cation (H/OC) antiporter. Additionally, we evaluated whether triptans interacted with the efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein (P-gp).
METHODS
We investigated the cellular uptake characteristics of the prototypical H/OC antiporter substrates, pyrilamine and oxycodone, and seven different triptans in the human brain microvascular endothelial cell line, hCMEC/D3. Triptan interactions with P-gp were studied using the IPEC-J2 MDR1 cell line. Lastly, in vivo neuropharmacokinetic assessment of the unbound brain-to-plasma disposition of eletriptan was conducted in wild type and mdr1a/1b knockout mice.
RESULTS
We demonstrated that most triptans were able to inhibit uptake of the H/OC antiporter substrate, pyrilamine, with eletriptan emerging as the strongest inhibitor. Eletriptan, almotriptan, and sumatriptan exhibited a pH-dependent uptake into hCMEC/D3 cells. Eletriptan demonstrated saturable uptake kinetics with an apparent K of 89 ± 38 µM and a J of 2.2 ± 0.7 nmol·min·mg protein (n = 3). Bidirectional transport experiments across IPEC-J2 MDR1 monolayers showed that eletriptan is transported by P-gp, thus indicating that eletriptan is both a substrate of the H/OC antiporter and P-gp. This was further confirmed in vivo, where the unbound brain-to-unbound plasma concentration ratio (K) was 0.04 in wild type mice while the ratio rose to 1.32 in mdr1a/1b knockout mice.
CONCLUSIONS
We have demonstrated that the triptan family of compounds possesses affinity for the H/OC antiporter proposing that the putative H/OC antiporter plays a role in the BBB transport of triptans, particularly eletriptan. Our in vivo studies indicate that eletriptan is subjected to simultaneous brain uptake and efflux, possibly facilitated by the putative H/OC antiporter and P-gp, respectively. Our findings offer novel insights into the potential central site of action involved in migraine treatment with triptans and highlight the significance of potential transporter related drug-drug interactions.
Topics: Tryptamines; Animals; Endothelial Cells; Humans; Mice, Knockout; Blood-Brain Barrier; Brain; Cell Line; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Biological Transport; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1; Male; Antiporters; Pyrilamine; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B; Pyrrolidines
PubMed: 38711118
DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00544-6 -
BMJ Open Ophthalmology May 2024Dry eye disease is the most commonplace multifractional ocular complication, which has already affected millions of people in the world. It is identified by the...
BACKGROUND
Dry eye disease is the most commonplace multifractional ocular complication, which has already affected millions of people in the world. It is identified by the excessive buildup of reactive oxygen species, leading to substantial corneal epithelial cell demise and ocular surface inflammation attributed to TLR4. In this study, we aimed to identify potential compounds to treat of dry eye syndrome by exploring in silico methods.
METHODS
In this research, molecular docking and dynamics simulation tests were used to examine the effects of selected compounds on TLR4 receptor. Compounds were extracted from different databases and were prepared and docked against TLR4 receptor via Autodock Vina. Celastrol, lumacaftor and nilotinib were selected for further molecular dynamics studies for a deeper understanding of molecular systems consisting of protein and ligands by using the Desmond module of the Schrodinger Suite.
RESULTS
The docking results revealed that the compounds are having binding affinity in the range of -5.1 to -8.78 based on the binding affinity and three-dimensional interactions celastrol, lumacaftor and nilotinib were further studied for their activity by molecular dynamics. Among the three compounds, celastrol was the most stable based on molecular dynamics trajectory analysis from 100 ns in the catalytic pockets of 2Z63.pdb.pdb. Root mean square deviation of celastrol/2Z63 was in the range of 1.8-4.8 Å.
CONCLUSION
In particular, Glu376 of TLR4 receptor is crucial for the identification and binding of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are part of Gram-negative bacteria's outer membrane. In our investigation, celastrol binds to Glu376, suggesting that celastrol may prevent the dry eye syndrome by inhibiting LPS's binding to TLR4.
Topics: Dry Eye Syndromes; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Humans; Molecular Docking Simulation; Pentacyclic Triterpenes; Pyrimidines; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Triterpenes; Computer Simulation; Ligands; Aminopyridines
PubMed: 38702178
DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001610 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Iruplinalkib is a second-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with efficacy in patients with ALK-positive crizotinib-resistant...
BACKGROUND
Iruplinalkib is a second-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with efficacy in patients with ALK-positive crizotinib-resistant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is independently developed by a Chinese pharmaceutical company. This study examined the cost-effectiveness of iruplinalkib versus alectinib in the Chinese healthcare setting.
METHODS
A partitioned survival model was developed to project the economic and health outcomes. Efficacy was derived using unanchored matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC). Cost and utility values were obtained from the literature and experts' opinions. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were carried out to evaluate the model's robustness.
RESULTS
Treatment with iruplinalkib versus alectinib resulted in a gain of 0.843 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) with incremental costs of $20,493.27, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $24,313.95/QALY. Parameters related to relative efficacy and drug costs were the main drivers of the model outcomes. From the PSA, iruplinalkib had a 90% probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $37,863.56/QALY.
CONCLUSION
Compared to alectinib, iruplinalkib is a cost-effective therapy for patients with ALK-positive crizotinib-resistant advanced NSCLC.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Carbazoles; China; Crizotinib; Piperidines; Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase; Lung Neoplasms; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Male; Female; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38699428
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1333487 -
The Journal of Toxicological Sciences 2024Drug-induced convulsions are a major challenge to drug development because of the lack of reliable biomarkers. Using machine learning, our previous research indicated...
Drug-induced convulsions are a major challenge to drug development because of the lack of reliable biomarkers. Using machine learning, our previous research indicated the potential use of an index derived from heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in non-human primates as a biomarker for convulsions induced by GABA receptor antagonists. The present study aimed to explore the application of this methodology to other convulsants and evaluate its specificity by testing non-convulsants that affect the autonomic nervous system. Telemetry-implanted males were administered various convulsants (4-aminopyridine, bupropion, kainic acid, and ranolazine) at different doses. Electrocardiogram data gathered during the pre-dose period were employed as training data, and the convulsive potential was evaluated using HRV and multivariate statistical process control. Our findings show that the Q-statistic-derived convulsive index for 4-aminopyridine increased at doses lower than that of the convulsive dose. Increases were also observed for kainic acid and ranolazine at convulsive doses, whereas bupropion did not change the index up to the highest dose (1/3 of the convulsive dose). When the same analysis was applied to non-convulsants (atropine, atenolol, and clonidine), an increase in the index was noted. Thus, the index elevation appeared to correlate with or even predict alterations in autonomic nerve activity indices, implying that this method might be regarded as a sensitive index to fluctuations within the autonomic nervous system. Despite potential false positives, this methodology offers valuable insights into predicting drug-induced convulsions when the pharmacological profile is used to carefully choose a compound.
Topics: Animals; Male; Machine Learning; Seizures; Heart Rate; 4-Aminopyridine; Kainic Acid; Convulsants; Ranolazine; Bupropion; Electrocardiography; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Autonomic Nervous System; Telemetry; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38692910
DOI: 10.2131/jts.49.231 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2024Patients with pneumonia after prolonged neutropenia are at increased risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The key molecule of endothelial barrier...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Patients with pneumonia after prolonged neutropenia are at increased risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The key molecule of endothelial barrier breakdown in sepsis is lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is a component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacterial cell walls. Maintaining increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in endothelial cells is effective in preventing endothelial dysfunction and microvascular permeability. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor, is effective in LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) during neutropenia recovery in a murine model.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
To induce neutropenia, all mice were administered intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide. On day 2 after neutropenia, mice were administered LPS by intra-tracheal instillation. In the prevention group, roflumilast was given orally on day 0, when neutropenia was induced. In the treatment group, roflumilast was administered orally 1 hour after LPS injection.
RESULTS
Roflumilast attenuated histopathological changes associated with LPS-induced lung injury. The accumulation of neutrophils and the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids were inhibited effectively by roflumilast. Also, MMP-9 and TGF-β expression was attenuated in the roflumilast group.
CONCLUSION
Roflumilast significantly attenuated LPS-induced ALI during neutropenia recovery.
Topics: Animals; Aminopyridines; Cyclopropanes; Acute Lung Injury; Lipopolysaccharides; Mice; Benzamides; Neutropenia; Disease Models, Animal; Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors; Cytokines; Male; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Neutrophils
PubMed: 38688656
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13547 -
Journal of Cancer Research and... Apr 2024This study aimed to investigate BVD-523 (ulixertinib), an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 inhibitor, for its antitumor...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate BVD-523 (ulixertinib), an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 inhibitor, for its antitumor potential in thyroid cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ten thyroid cancer cell lines known to carry mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-activated mutations, including v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) and rat sarcoma virus (RAS) mutations, were examined. Cells were exposed to a 10-fold concentration gradient ranging from 0 to 3000 nM for 5 days. The half-inhibitory concentration was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Following BVD-523 treatment, cell cycle analysis was conducted using flow cytometry. In addition, the impact of BVD-523 on extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)- dependent ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) activation and the expression of cell cycle markers were assessed through western blot analysis.
RESULTS
BVD-523 significantly inhibited thyroid cancer cell proliferation and induced G1/S cell cycle arrest dose-dependently. Notably, cell lines carrying MAPK mutations, especially those with the BRAF V600E mutation, exhibited heightened sensitivity to BVD-523's antitumor effects. Furthermore, BVD-523 suppressed cyclin D1 and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein expression, and it robustly increased p27 levels in an RSK-independent manner.
CONCLUSION
This study reveals the potent antitumor activity of BVD-523 against thyroid cancer cells bearing MAPK-activating mutations, offering promise for treating aggressive forms of thyroid cancer.
Topics: Humans; Thyroid Neoplasms; Cell Proliferation; Cell Line, Tumor; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pteridines; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; Antineoplastic Agents; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; Mutation; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Aminopyridines; Pyrroles
PubMed: 38687926
DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1504_23 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) are the standard agents for treating patients with estrogen receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor...
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) are the standard agents for treating patients with estrogen receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer (ER + HER2 - ABC). However, markers predicting the outcomes of CDK4/6i treatment have yet to be identified. This study was a single-center retrospective cohort study. We retrospectively evaluated 101 patients with ER + HER2 - ABC receiving CDK4/6i in combination with endocrine therapy at Fukuyama City Hospital between November 2017 and July 2021. We investigated the clinical outcomes and the safety of CDK4/6i treatment, and the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as predictive markers for CDK4/6i. We defined the cut-off values as 1000/μL for ALC and 3 for NLR, and divided into "low" and "high" groups, respectively. We evaluated 43 and 58 patients who received abemaciclib and palbociclib, respectively. Patients with high ALC and low NLR had significantly longer overall survival than those with low ALC and high NLR (high vs. low; ALC: HR 0.29; 95% CI 0.12-0.70; NLR: HR 2.94; 95% CI 1.21-7.13). There was no significant difference in efficacy between abemaciclib and palbociclib and both had good safety profiles. We demonstrated that ALC and NLR might predict the outcomes of CDK4/6i treatment in patients with ER + HER2 - ABC.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4; Neutrophils; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6; Middle Aged; Lymphocytes; Lymphocyte Count; Retrospective Studies; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Aged; Adult; Pyridines; Piperazines; Aminopyridines; Benzimidazoles; Aged, 80 and over; Receptor, ErbB-2; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38684839
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60101-x -
EJNMMI Research Apr 20244-Aminopyridine (4AP) is a medication for the symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis. Several 4AP-based PET tracers have been developed for imaging demyelination....
BACKGROUND
4-Aminopyridine (4AP) is a medication for the symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis. Several 4AP-based PET tracers have been developed for imaging demyelination. In preclinical studies, [C]3MeO4AP has shown promise due to its high brain permeability, high metabolic stability, high plasma availability, and high in vivo binding affinity. To prepare for the translation to human studies, we developed a cGMP-compatible automated radiosynthesis protocol and evaluated the whole-body biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of [C]3MeO4AP in non-human primates (NHPs).
METHODS
Automated radiosynthesis was carried out using a GE TRACERlab FX-C Pro synthesis module. One male and one female adult rhesus macaques were used in the study. A high-resolution CT from cranial vertex to knee was acquired. PET data were collected using a dynamic acquisition protocol with four bed positions and 13 passes over a total scan time of ~ 150 min. Based on the CT and PET images, volumes of interest (VOIs) were manually drawn for selected organs. Non-decay corrected time-activity curves (TACs) were extracted for each VOI. Radiation dosimetry and effective dose were calculated from the integrated TACs using OLINDA software.
RESULTS
Fully automated radiosynthesis of [C]3MeO4AP was achieved with 7.3 ± 1.2% (n = 4) of non-decay corrected radiochemical yield within 38 min of synthesis and purification time. [C]3MeO4AP distributed quickly throughout the body and into the brain. The organs with highest dose were the kidneys. The average effective dose of [C]3MeO4AP was 4.0 ± 0.6 μSv/MBq. No significant changes in vital signs were observed during the scan.
CONCLUSION
A cGMP-compatible automated radiosynthesis of [C]3MeO4AP was developed. The whole-body biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of [C]3MeO4AP was successfully evaluated in NHPs. [C]3MeO4AP shows lower average effective dose than [F]3F4AP and similar average effective dose as other carbon-11 tracers.
PubMed: 38683467
DOI: 10.1186/s13550-024-01092-8 -
Cancer Research Communications May 2024Uveal melanoma is a rare and aggressive subset of melanoma that is minimally responsive to traditional therapies. Greater than 80% of uveal melanomas have a mutation in...
PURPOSE
Uveal melanoma is a rare and aggressive subset of melanoma that is minimally responsive to traditional therapies. Greater than 80% of uveal melanomas have a mutation in GNAQ or GNA11 which lead to downstream signaling through the MAPK pathway. Ulixertinib (BVD-523) is a potent and reversible small-molecule ATP-competitive inhibitor of both ERK1 and ERK2 protein kinases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a phase II study to determine the efficacy and safety of BVD-523 in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. This was conducted as a Simon two-stage design with a sample size of 25 patients and an initial evaluation of efficacy after 13 patients.
RESULTS
From April 2018 to April 2019, 13 patients were enrolled. Patients were predominantly female (69%) with a median age of 64 years (34-76). Sites of metastases included liver (84.6%) and lung (30.8%). Grade 3 and 4 toxicities associated with therapy were consistent with ERK inhibitors and included liver function test (LFT) elevation, hyponatremia, pruritis, amylase elevation, anemia, and rash. The best response, per RECIST 1.1, was stable disease in 4 patients, and disease progression in 7 patients. Two patients were unevaluable for response due to withdrawal from study. Median time to progression was 2.0 months. There were eight deaths due to disease progression with a median overall survival of 6.9 months.
CONCLUSIONS
ERK inhibition with ulixertinib (BVD-523) did not demonstrate activity in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. The toxicities observed were consistent with what would be expected with MAPK pathway inhibition.
SIGNIFICANCE
Uveal melanoma is a difficult to treat disease with minimal therapy options. The majority of uveal melanomas have mutations in GNAQ or GNA11 leading to activation of the MAPK pathway. Efforts to target MEK in uveal melanoma has had mixed results. This phase II trial of ERK inhibition with BVD-523 examined the potential role of this agent in uveal melanoma therapy.
Topics: Humans; Uveal Neoplasms; Melanoma; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Aged; Adult; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Aminopyridines; Pyrroles
PubMed: 38683104
DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.CRC-24-0036 -
Journal of Pharmacological Sciences Jun 2024Microglia are the residential immune cells in the central nervous system. Their roles as innate immune cells and regulators of synaptic remodeling are critical to the...
Microglia are the residential immune cells in the central nervous system. Their roles as innate immune cells and regulators of synaptic remodeling are critical to the development and the maintenance of the brain. Numerous studies have depleted microglia to elucidate their involvement in healthy and pathological conditions. PLX3397, a blocker of colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), is widely used to deplete mouse microglia due to its non-invasiveness and convenience. Recently, other small rodents, including Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), have been recognized as valuable animal models for studying brain functions and diseases. However, whether microglia depletion via PLX3397 is feasible in these species remains unclear. Here, we administered PLX3397 orally via food pellets to hamsters and gerbils. PLX3397 successfully depleted gerbil microglia but had no effect on microglial density in hamsters. Comparative analysis of the CSF1R amino acid sequence in different species hints that amino acid substitutions in the juxtamembrane domain may potentially contribute to the inefficacy of PLX3397 in hamsters.
Topics: Animals; Cricetinae; Administration, Oral; Aminopyridines; Brain; Gerbillinae; Mesocricetus; Microglia; Models, Animal; Pyrroles; Pyrrolidines; Receptors, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Species Specificity
PubMed: 38677783
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2024.03.003