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Biomolecules Mar 2024This study assessed the suitability of the complementarity-determining region 2 (CDR2) of the nanobody (Nb) as a template for the derivation of nanobody-derived peptides...
Computational Modeling and Characterization of Peptides Derived from Nanobody Complementary-Determining Region 2 (CDR2) Targeting Active-State Conformation of the β-Adrenergic Receptor (βAR).
This study assessed the suitability of the complementarity-determining region 2 (CDR2) of the nanobody (Nb) as a template for the derivation of nanobody-derived peptides (NDPs) targeting active-state β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) conformation. Sequences of conformationally selective Nbs favoring the agonist-occupied βAR were initially analyzed by the informational spectrum method (ISM). The derived NDPs in complex with βAR were subjected to protein-peptide docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and metadynamics-based free-energy binding calculations. Computational analyses identified a 25-amino-acid-long CDR2-NDP of Nb71, designated P4, which exhibited the following binding free-energy for the formation of the βAR:P4 complex (ΔG = -6.8 ± 0.8 kcal/mol or a Ki = 16.5 μM at 310 K) and mapped the βAR:P4 amino acid interaction network. In vitro characterization showed that P4 (i) can cross the plasma membrane, (ii) reduces the maximum isoproterenol-induced cAMP level by approximately 40% and the isoproterenol potency by up to 20-fold at micromolar concentration, (iii) has a very low affinity to interact with unstimulated βAR in the cAMP assay, and (iv) cannot reduce the efficacy and potency of the isoproterenol-mediated βAR/β-arrestin-2 interaction in the BRET-based recruitment assay. In summary, the CDR2-NDP, P4, binds preferentially to agonist-activated βAR and disrupts Gαs-mediated signaling.
Topics: Humans; Amino Acid Sequence; Complementarity Determining Regions; Cyclic AMP; Molecular Docking Simulation; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Peptides; Protein Binding; Protein Conformation; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2; Single-Domain Antibodies
PubMed: 38672440
DOI: 10.3390/biom14040423 -
International Journal of Emergency... Apr 2024Guanfacine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that decreases norepinephrine release and sympathetic outflow. With the increased use of guanfacine for attention-deficit...
BACKGROUND
Guanfacine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that decreases norepinephrine release and sympathetic outflow. With the increased use of guanfacine for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), reports of guanfacine poisoning have also risen.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 15-year-old male (height: 170 cm, weight: 48 kg), who was taking 2 mg/day of guanfacine for ADHD, was brought to our emergency department after ingesting 40 tablets of guanfacine due to poor exam results. He presented with impaired consciousness and sinus bradycardia on an electrocardiogram (ECG), leading to diagnosis of guanfacine poisoning. Gastric lavage (5 L) was performed, and activated charcoal was administered. Although his consciousness gradually recovered, he developed ST-segment elevation on the ECG. Despite the absence of chest pain and elevated myocardial enzymes, coronary artery stenosis was not observed on coronary artery computed tomography. As his blood guanfacine level decreased, his ECG returned to normal.
CONCLUSIONS
This case highlights the need for careful monitoring of guanfacine poisoning patients due to the potential for various cardiovascular events.
PubMed: 38671356
DOI: 10.1186/s12245-024-00634-0 -
Veterinary Immunology and... Jun 2024Polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) provide a rapid response to infection and tissue damage and stress can modify these critical innate immune defences. The study of...
Polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) provide a rapid response to infection and tissue damage and stress can modify these critical innate immune defences. The study of adrenergic receptor (AR) expression and function in bovine PMNs is limited but both neutrophils and eosinophils express numerous AR genes but differ significantly in their expression of individual AR genes. A flow cytometric technique was developed to differentiate between bovine neutrophils and eosinophils so both neutrophil and eosinophil responses to adrenergic agonists could be analysed. Neutrophils and eosinophils displayed significantly different changes in CD11b, L-selectin, and CD44 expression when activated by bovine serum opsonized zymosan and recombinant bovine interferon gamma. The responses of activated and resting neutrophils and eosinophils were then compared following stimulation with endogenous adrenergic agonists, epinephrine (E) norepinephrine (NE), and synthetic agonists targeting α1-, α2-, or β-ARs. Both resting and activated neutrophils and eosinophils displayed differences in iROS, CD44, and L-selectin expression following stimulation with E and NE. Resting neutrophils displayed pro-inflammatory responses to both E and NE, while resting eosinophils displayed a pro-inflammatory response to only NE. No single synthetic adrenergic agonist fully recapitulated responses observed with either E or NE and responses to adrenergic agonists were dose-dependent. In conclusion, bovine eosinophils and neutrophils responded to multiple adrenergic agonists by altering expression of proteins involved in immune surveillance and pro-inflammatory responses. Significant differences in neutrophil and eosinophil responses to adrenergic agonists are consistent with their differences in AR gene expression. This highlights the importance of analysing separately these two PMN subpopulations when investigating the effects of either endogenous or synthetic AR agonists.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Neutrophils; Eosinophils; L-Selectin; Norepinephrine; Epinephrine; Adrenergic Agonists; Hyaluronan Receptors; Flow Cytometry; CD11b Antigen; Neutrophil Activation; Receptors, Adrenergic
PubMed: 38669937
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2024.110758 -
Pharmacological Reports : PR Jun 2024Podocytes have a remarkable ability to recover from injury; however, little is known about the recovery mechanisms involved in this process. We recently showed that...
BACKGROUND
Podocytes have a remarkable ability to recover from injury; however, little is known about the recovery mechanisms involved in this process. We recently showed that formoterol, a long-acting β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) agonist, induced mitochondrial biogenesis (MB) in podocytes and led to renoprotection in mice. However, it is not clear whether this effect was mediated by formoterol acting through the β-AR or if it occurred through "off-target" effects.
METHODS
We genetically deleted the β-AR specifically in murine podocytes and used these mice to determine whether formoterol acting through the podocyte β-AR alone is sufficient for recovery of renal filtration function following injury. The podocyte-specific β-AR knockout mice (β-AR/PodCre) were generated by crossing β-AR floxed mice with podocin Cre (B6.Cg-Tg(NPHS2-cre)295Lbh/J) mice. These mice were then subjected to both acute and chronic glomerular injury using nephrotoxic serum (NTS) and adriamycin (ADR), respectively. The extent of injury was evaluated by measuring albuminuria and histological and immunostaining analysis of the murine kidney sections.
RESULTS
A similar level of injury was observed in β-AR knockout and control mice; however, the β-AR/PodCre mice failed to recover in response to formoterol. Functional evaluation of the β-AR/PodCre mice following injury plus formoterol showed similar albuminuria and glomerular injury to control mice that were not treated with formoterol.
CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that the podocyte β-AR is a critical component of the recovery mechanism and may serve as a novel therapeutic target for treating podocytopathies.
Topics: Animals; Podocytes; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Formoterol Fumarate; Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; Doxorubicin; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Albuminuria; Acute Kidney Injury
PubMed: 38668812
DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00594-5 -
Biology Mar 2024Formoterol, a β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonist, shows promise in various diseases, but its effectiveness in Parkinson's disease (PD) is debated, with unclear...
Formoterol Acting via β2-Adrenoreceptor Restores Mitochondrial Dysfunction Caused by Parkinson's Disease-Related UQCRC1 Mutation and Improves Mitochondrial Homeostasis Including Dynamic and Transport.
Formoterol, a β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonist, shows promise in various diseases, but its effectiveness in Parkinson's disease (PD) is debated, with unclear regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis. This study employed a cell model featuring mitochondrial ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase core protein 1 (UQCRC1) variants associated with familial parkinsonism, demonstrating mitochondrial dysfunction and dynamic imbalance, exploring the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of formoterol. Results revealed that 24-h formoterol treatment enhanced cell proliferation, viability, and neuroprotection against oxidative stress. Mitochondrial function, encompassing DNA copy number, repatriation, and complex III-linked respiration, was comprehensively restored, along with the dynamic rebalance of fusion/fission events. Formoterol reduced extensive hypertubulation, in contrast to mitophagy, by significantly upregulating protein Drp-1, in contrast to fusion protein Mfn2, mitophagy-related protein Parkin. The upstream mechanism involved the restoration of ERK signaling and the inhibition of Akt overactivity, contingent on the activation of β2-adrenergic receptors. Formoterol additionally aided in segregating healthy mitochondria for distribution and transport, therefore normalizing mitochondrial arrangement in mutant cells. This study provides preliminary evidence that formoterol offers neuroprotection, acting as a mitochondrial dynamic balance regulator, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for PD.
PubMed: 38666843
DOI: 10.3390/biology13040231 -
Biology Mar 2024Gliomas have displayed significant challenges in oncology due to their high degree of invasiveness, recurrence, and resistance to treatment strategies. In this work, the...
Gliomas have displayed significant challenges in oncology due to their high degree of invasiveness, recurrence, and resistance to treatment strategies. In this work, the key hub genes mainly associated with different grades of glioma, which were represented by pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), oligodendroglioma (OG), anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of microarray datasets retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Through this, four highly correlated modules were observed to be present across the PA (GSE50161), OG (GSE4290), AA (GSE43378), and GBM (GSE36245) datasets. The functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis done through the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) showed that the modules and hub genes identified were mainly involved in signal transduction, transcription regulation, and protein binding, which collectively deregulate several signaling pathways, mainly PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways. The involvement of several hub genes primarily linked to other signaling pathways, including the cAMP, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, and calcium signaling pathways, indicates potential interconnectivity and influence on the PI3K/Akt pathway and, subsequently, glioma severity. The Drug Repurposing Encyclopedia (DRE) was used to screen for potential drugs based on the up- and downregulated hub genes, wherein the synthetic progestin hormones norgestimate and ethisterone were the top drug candidates. This shows the potential neuroprotective effect of progesterone against glioma due to its influence on EGFR expression and other signaling pathways. Aside from these, several experimental and approved drug candidates were also identified, which include an adrenergic receptor antagonist, a PPAR-γ receptor agonist, a CDK inhibitor, a sodium channel blocker, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, and a dopamine receptor agonist, which further highlights the gene network as a potential therapeutic avenue for glioma.
PubMed: 38666818
DOI: 10.3390/biology13040206 -
Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jun 2024Use of propellants with high global warming potential (such as HFA-134a) for pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) is being phased down. Switching to dry-powder... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Evaluating the pharmacokinetics of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium bromide delivered via pressurised metered-dose inhaler using a low global warming potential propellant.
INTRODUCTION
Use of propellants with high global warming potential (such as HFA-134a) for pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) is being phased down. Switching to dry-powder inhalers may not be clinically feasible for all patients; an alternative is reformulation using propellants with low global warming potential. The combination of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate/glycopyrronium bromide (BDP/FF/GB) is available for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via pMDI using HFA-134a as propellant. This is being reformulated using the low global warming potential propellant HFA-152a. This manuscript reports three studies comparing BDP/FF/GB pharmacokinetics delivered via pMDI using HFA-152a vs HFA-134a.
METHODS
The studies were four-way crossover, single-dose, randomised, double-blind, in healthy volunteers. In Studies 1 and 2, subjects inhaled four puffs of BDP/FF/GB (Study 1: 100/6/12.5 μg [medium-strength BDP]; Study 2: 200/6/12.5 μg [high-strength]), ingesting activated charcoal in two of the periods (once per propellant). In Study 3, subjects inhaled medium- and high-strength BDP/FF/GB using a spacer. All three studies compared HFA-152a vs HFA-134a in terms of lung availability and total systemic exposure of beclometasone-17-monopropionate (B17MP; active metabolite of BDP), BDP, formoterol and GB. Bioequivalence was concluded if the 90 % confidence intervals (CIs) of the ratios between formulations of the geometric mean maximum plasma concentration (C) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve between time zero and the last quantifiable timepoint (AUC) for the analytes were between 80 and 125 %.
RESULTS
In Studies 1 and 2, systemic exposure bioequivalence (i.e., comparisons without charcoal block) was demonstrated, except for GB C in Study 2 (upper 90 % CI 125.11 %). For lung availability (i.e., comparisons with charcoal block), B17MP and formoterol demonstrated bioequivalence in both studies, as did BDP in Study 2; in Study 1, BDP upper CIs were 126.96 % for C and 127.34 % for AUC). In Study 1, GB AUC lower CI was 74.54 %; in Study 2 upper limits were 135.64 % for C and 129.12 % for AUC. In Study 3, the bioequivalence criteria were met for BDP, B17MP and formoterol with both BDP/FF/GB strengths, and were met for GB AUC, although not for C. Both formulations were similarly well tolerated in all three studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, while formal bioequivalence cannot be concluded for all analytes, these data suggest therapeutic equivalence of the new formulation with the existing BDP/FF/GB pMDI formulation, therefore supporting reformulation using a propellant with low global warming potential.
Topics: Beclomethasone; Humans; Formoterol Fumarate; Metered Dose Inhalers; Cross-Over Studies; Male; Glycopyrrolate; Drug Combinations; Administration, Inhalation; Adult; Double-Blind Method; Female; Aerosol Propellants; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Area Under Curve; Therapeutic Equivalency; Bronchodilator Agents; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Fluorocarbons
PubMed: 38663512
DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2024.102299 -
International Immunopharmacology May 2024There is an increasing tendency for sepsis patients to suffer from diaphragm atrophy as well as mortality. Therefore, reducing diaphragm atrophy could benefit sepsis...
There is an increasing tendency for sepsis patients to suffer from diaphragm atrophy as well as mortality. Therefore, reducing diaphragm atrophy could benefit sepsis patients' prognoses. Studies have shown that Anisodamine (Anis) can exert antioxidant effects when blows occur. However, the role of Anisodamine in diaphragm atrophy in sepsis patients has not been reported. Therefore, this study investigated the antioxidant effect of Anisodamine in sepsis-induced diaphragm atrophy and its mechanism. We used cecal ligation aspiration (CLP) to establish a mouse septic mode and stimulated the C2C12 myotube model with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After treatment with Anisodamine, we measured the mice's bodyweight, diaphragm weight, fiber cross-sectional area and the diameter of C2C12 myotubes. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the diaphragm were detected using the oxidative stress kit. The expression of MuRF1, Atrogin1 and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway components in the diaphragm and C2C12 myotubes was measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The mean fluorescence intensity of ROS in C2C12 myotubes was measured by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, we also measured the levels of Drp1 and Cytochrome C (Cyt-C) in vivo and in vitro by Western blot. Our study revealed that Anisodamine alleviated the reduction in diaphragmatic mass and the loss of diaphragmatic fiber cross-sectional area and attenuated the atrophy of the C2C12 myotubes by inhibiting the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases. In addition, we observed that Anisodamine inhibited the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and protects mitochondrial function. In conclusion, Anisodamine alleviates sepsis-induced diaphragm atrophy, and the mechanism may be related to inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Topics: Animals; Male; Mice; Antioxidants; Cell Line; Diaphragm; Disease Models, Animal; Janus Kinase 2; Lipopolysaccharides; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Muscle Proteins; Muscular Atrophy; Sepsis; Signal Transduction; SKP Cullin F-Box Protein Ligases; Solanaceous Alkaloids; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Tripartite Motif Proteins; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
PubMed: 38652962
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112133 -
Journal of Cellular and Molecular... Apr 2024X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (X-NDI) is a rare congenital disease caused by inactivating mutations of the vasopressin type-2 receptor (AVPR2), characterized...
X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (X-NDI) is a rare congenital disease caused by inactivating mutations of the vasopressin type-2 receptor (AVPR2), characterized by impaired renal concentrating ability, dramatic polyuria, polydipsia and risk of dehydration. The disease, which still lacks a cure, could benefit from the pharmacologic stimulation of other GPCRs, activating the cAMP-intracellular pathway in the kidney cells expressing the AVPR2. On the basis of our previous studies, we here hypothesized that the β3-adrenergic receptor could be such an ideal candidate. We evaluated the effect of continuous 24 h stimulation of the β3-AR with the agonist BRL37344 and assessed the effects on urine output, urine osmolarity, water intake and the abundance and activation of the key renal water and electrolyte transporters, in the mouse model of X-NDI. Here we demonstrate that the β3-AR agonism exhibits a potent antidiuretic effect. The strong improvement in symptoms of X-NDI produced by a single i.p. injection of BRL37344 (1 mg/kg) was limited to 3 h but repeated administrations in the 24 h, mimicking the effect of a slow-release preparation, promoted a sustained antidiuretic effect, reducing the 24 h urine output by 27%, increasing urine osmolarity by 25% and reducing the water intake by 20%. At the molecular level, we show that BRL37344 acted by increasing the phosphorylation of NKCC2, NCC and AQP2 in the renal cell membrane, thereby increasing electrolytes and water reabsorption in the kidney tubule of X-NDI mice. Taken together, these data suggest that human β3-AR agonists might represent an effective possible treatment strategy for X-NDI.
Topics: Male; Animals; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Disease Models, Animal; Adrenergic beta-3 Receptor Agonists; Antidiuretic Agents; Kidney Concentrating Ability; Polydipsia
PubMed: 38652212
DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18301 -
International Journal of Chronic... 2024To assess patient characteristics of users and new initiators of triple therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Germany.
PURPOSE
To assess patient characteristics of users and new initiators of triple therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Germany.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Retrospective cohort study of patients with COPD and ≥1 prescription for single-inhaler triple therapy (SITT; fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol [FF/UMEC/VI] or beclomethasone dipropionate/glycopyrronium bromide/formoterol [BDP/GLY/FOR]) or multiple-inhaler triple therapy (MITT), using data from the AOK PLUS German sickness fund (1 January 2015-31 December 2019). The index date was the first date of prescription for FF/UMEC/VI or BDP/GLY/FOR (SITT users), or the first date of overlap of inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting β-agonist, and long-acting muscarinic antagonist (MITT users). Two cohorts were defined: the prevalent cohort included all identified triple therapy users; the incident cohort included patients newly initiating triple therapy for the first time (no prior use of MITT or SITT in the last 2 years). Patient characteristics and treatment patterns were assessed on the index date and during the 24-month pre-index period.
RESULTS
In total, 18,630 patients were identified as prevalent triple therapy users (MITT: 17,945; FF/UMEC/VI: 700; BDP/GLY/FOR: 908; non-mutually exclusive) and 2932 patients were identified as incident triple therapy initiators (MITT: 2246; FF/UMEC/VI: 311; BDP/GLY/FOR: 395; non-mutually exclusive). For both the prevalent and incident cohorts, more than two-thirds of patients experienced ≥1 moderate/severe exacerbation in the preceding 24 months; in both cohorts more BDP/GLY/FOR users experienced ≥1 moderate/severe exacerbation, compared with FF/UMEC/VI and MITT users. Overall, 97.9% of prevalent triple therapy users and 86.4% of incident triple therapy initiators received maintenance treatment in the 24-month pre-index period.
CONCLUSION
In a real-world setting in Germany, triple therapy was most frequently used after maintenance therapy in patients with recent exacerbations, in line with current treatment recommendations.
Topics: Humans; Male; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Female; Retrospective Studies; Germany; Aged; Administration, Inhalation; Middle Aged; Muscarinic Antagonists; Bronchodilator Agents; Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Glycopyrrolate; Drug Combinations; Chlorobenzenes; Quinuclidines; Treatment Outcome; Benzyl Alcohols; Beclomethasone; Formoterol Fumarate; Drug Therapy, Combination; Time Factors; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38646606
DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S431291