Association of vitamin D serum levels and its common genetic determinants, with severity of liver fibrosis in genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C patients

Lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum levels have been associated with the severity of liver fibrosis in genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C patients (G1CHC). In addition, a recent genome-wide study identified genetic variants (rs12785878, near dehydrocholesterol reductase, DHCR7; rs10741657, near CYP2R1; and rs7041, near vitamin D-binding protein, GC) affecting 25(OH)D serum levels in healthy populations. We aimed to assess the association between vitamin D serum levels and its genetic determinants, with the severity of liver fibrosis. Two hundred and sixty patients with biopsy-proven G1CHC were consecutively evaluated. The 25(OH)D serum levels were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. All patients were genotyped for DHCR7 rs12785878, CYP2R1 rs10741657 and GC rs7041 single nucleotide polymorphisms. DHCR7 GG genotype (P = 0.003) and the severity of fibrosis (P = 0.03) were independent factors associated with lower 25(OH)D serum levels in multiple linear regression analysis. Interestingly, 53.8% (7/13) of patients with DHCR7 GG genotype had severe liver fibrosis, compared to 27.1% (67/247) of those with DHCR7 TT/TG genotype (P = 0.03). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, severe fibrosis was independently associated with older age (OR, 1.056; 95% CI, 1.023-1.089, P = 0.001), low cholesterol (OR, 0.984; 95% CI, 0.974-0.994, P = 0.002), high triglycerides (OR, 1.008; 95% CI, 1.002-1.015, P = 0.01), low 25(OH)D (OR, 0.958; 95% CI, 0.919-0.999, P = 0.04), DHCR7 GG genotype (OR, 4.222; 95% CI, 1.106-16.120; P = 0.03), moderate-severe steatosis (OR, 2.588; 95% CI, 1.355-4.943; P = 0.004) and moderate-severe necroinflammatory activity (grading) (OR, 2.437; 95% CI, 1.307-4.763; P = 0.001). No associations were found between liver fibrosis and both CYP2R1 and GC genotypes. In patients with G1CHC, GG homozygosis for DHCR7 gene and lower 25(OH)D levels are independently associated with the severity of liver fibrosis.

Effects of IL28B rs12979860 CC genotype on metabolic profile and sustained virologic response in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (G1 CHC) frequently develop steatosis and insulin resistance (IR), caused by metabolic and viral factors. These accelerate the progression of liver disease and reduce the response to therapy. A sustained virologic response (SVR) to therapy in patients with G1 CHC is associated strongly with polymorphisms near the interleukin-28B (IL28B) gene, but the interaction between IL28B genotype and IR, and their combined effects on SVR, have not been defined. We tested the association between the IL28B rs12979860 single-nucleotide polymorphism and metabolic features, including IR, and evaluated their effects on SVR.

METHODS

We performed genotype analysis of IL28B rs12979860 for 434 white G1 CHC patients who underwent consecutive biopsy analysis at 3 tertiary centers. Metabolic profile analyses included assessments of lipid levels and IR by the homeostasis model assessment.

RESULTS

Patients with the CC polymorphism in IL28B had higher levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lower levels of triglycerides, and a lower prevalence of IR and moderate-severe steatosis (P < .05) than patients without this genotype. By multiple logistic regression analysis, body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.223; P < .001), level of triglycerides (OR, 1.007; P = .006), the CC polymorphism in IL28B (OR, 0.378; P = .001), and levels of HCV RNA greater than 850,000 IU/mL (OR, 1.803; P = .01) were associated with IR. The CC polymorphism in IL28B (OR, 8.350; P < .001) and IR (OR, 0.432; P = .005), but not steatosis (OR, 0.582; P = 0.25), was associated with an SVR.

CONCLUSIONS

In white patients with G1 CHC, the IL28B rs12979860 CC genotype is associated with reduced IR. IL28B rs12979860 genotype and IR by the homeostasis model assessment strongly affect the outcome of antiviral therapy.

A natural-like synthetic small molecule impairs bcr-abl signaling cascades and induces megakaryocyte differentiation in erythroleukemia cells

Over the past years, we synthesized a series of new molecules that are hybrids of spirocyclic ketones as complexity-bearing cores with bi- and ter-phenyls as privileged fragments. Some of these newly-shaped small molecules showed antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic and differentiating activity in leukemia cell lines. In the present study, to investigate more in depth the mechanisms of action of these molecules, the protein expression profiles of K562 cells treated with or without the compounds IND_S1, MEL_T1, IND_S7 and MEL_S3 were analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry. Proteome comparisons revealed several differentially expressed proteins, mainly related to cellular metabolism, chaperone activity, cytoskeletal organization and RNA biogenesis. The major results were validated by Western blot and qPCR. To attempt integrating findings into a cellular signaling context, proteomic data were explored using MetaCore. Network analysis highlighted relevant relationships between the identified proteins and additional potential effectors. Notably, qPCR validation of central hubs showed that the compound MEL_S3 induced high mRNA levels of the transcriptional factors EGR1 and HNF4-alpha; the latter to our knowledge is reported here for the first time to be present in K562 cells. Consistently with the known EGR1 involvement in the regulation of differentiation along megakaryocyte lineage, MEL_S3-treated leukemia cells showed a marked expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (CD41) and glycoprotein Ib (CD42), two important cell markers in megakaryocytic differentiation, together with morphological aspects of megakaryoblasts and megakaryocytes.

Role of IL-28B and inosine triphosphatase polymorphisms in efficacy and safety of Peg-Interferon and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C compensated cirrhosis with and without oesophageal varices

Genetic factors can influence the outcome of antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C (HCV). We evaluated the role of interleukin-28B single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) gene variants in HCV cirrhosis treated with Peg-Interferon and ribavirin. A prospective cohort of 233 patients with compensated cirrhosis received 1-1.5 μg/kg/week of Peg-Interferon alpha-2b plus 1000-1200 mg/day of RBV for 48 weeks. A sustained virologic response (SVR) was achieved in 27% of patients. On multivariate logistic analysis, the absence of oesophageal varices (OR 3.64 CI 95% 1.27-10.44 P = 0.016), infection with genotype 2 or 3 (OR 4.06, CI 95% 1.08-15.26, P = 0.038), C/C alleles of rs12979860 SNP (OR 7.04, CI 95% 2.40-20.72, P < 0.001) and rapid virologic response (RVR) (OR 78.29, CI 95% 16.07-381.29, P < 0.001) were independently associated with SVR. Patients who experienced post-treatment relapse received lower total doses of Peg-Interferon (52.0 ± 15.8 μg/kg vs 65.7 ± 13.3 μg/kg, P < 0.001) and lower total dose of RBV (3829 ± 1210 mg vs 4709 ± 954 mg, P < 0.001) than patients who achieved an SVR. ITPA variants predictive of high ITPase activity were associated with reduction of haemoglobin ≥3 g/dL in the first 4 weeks (P < 0.001), and with reduction of haemoglobin <10 g/dL (P = 0.03) on treatment. In conclusion, combination therapy with Peg-Interferon and RBV in patients with HCV cirrhosis must be guided by virus genotype, severity of portal hypertension, favourable IL-28B polymorphisms and ITPA variants, and RVR on treatment.

Insulin-like growth factor-I, inflammatory proteins, and fibrosis in subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

CONTEXT

Inflammation may have a pathogenic role in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); by contrast, the role of anti-inflammatory molecules has not been addressed. Low circulating levels of the anti-inflammatory molecule IGF-I have been described in subjects with NAFLD.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to elucidate the clinical significance of IGF-I in NAFLD and its relationship with inflammatory biomarkers and fibrosis.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a cross-sectional study and in vitro experiments on hepatic HepG2 cells at the Internal Medicine and Gastrointestinal and Liver Units of the Universities of Catanzaro and Palermo.

SUBJECTS

A total of 221 individuals with NAFLD diagnosed on ultrasonography (cohort 1) and 50 subjects with biopsy-proven NAFLD (cohort 2) participated in the study.

INTERVENTION

Liver ultrasonography was performed on cohort 1, and hepatic biopsies were obtained from cohort 2.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

NAFLD fibrosis and Kleiner scores were calculated. IGF-I and inflammatory biomarker plasma concentrations were assessed with specific assays. In the in vitro study, real-time RT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression levels of acute-phase reactants.

RESULTS

In the first cohort, circulating IGF-I levels showed an inverse correlation with NAFLD fibrosis score and inflammatory biomarkers; similarly in the second cohort, liver IGF-I mRNA levels and the fibrosis score showed a negative relationship. Finally, we showed that IGF-I was able to directly modulate the expression of acute-phase reactants, decreasing C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels and up-regulating albumin expression in HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data suggest that evaluation of circulating IGF-I and proinflammatory markers might be useful to assess comprehensively the severity of the disease in individuals with NAFLD.

In vivo liver expression of TLR2, TLR3 and TLR7 in chronic hepatitis C

The role of innate immune response mediated by Toll-like receptors in HCV infection, is not yet well understood and there is a lack of data regarding liver tissue expression of these molecules in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Our study is aimed to investigate ex vivo, liver expression of TLR2, TLR3 and TLR7, which are more involved in the immune-pathogenesis of CHC, and to explore possible correlations with features of disease. We obtained liver biopsies and collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 23 consecutive patients with CHC and from 6 patients of control, without liver disease, undergoing surgery for cholecystectomy. The levels of TLRs mRNA in the samples were determined using a real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). We found a significant high expression of TLR3 in the liver of CHC patients respect to controls (also higher than expression in the PBMC). Conversely no differences emerged in the TLR2 and TLR7 levels between cases and controls. Also we found a correlation of TLR2 and TLR7 levels with the grade of necro-inflammation in the liver. Furthermore TLR7 hepatic levels resulted related to a more advanced stage of liver fibrosis. Ours is the first study to provide data on tissue expression of TLRs during chronic hepatitis C and we believe that it could lead to a better understanding of the role of these molecules in the HCV-mediated liver damage.

Effects of highly purified anthraquinoid compounds from Aloe vera on sensitive and multidrug resistant leukemia cells

Folk medicine has attributed antitumor properties to preparations from Aloe vera. We have studied the effects of five purified compounds from the plant on human K562 leukemia and on its multidrug resistant (MDR) variant, K562/R. The glycosides aloin A and B, aloesin and aloeresin were devoid of antitumor activity up to 200 mu M concentrations. Only the aglycone aloe emodin produced reproducible antitumor effects, which, interestingly, were more pronounced in the MDR, P-glycoprotein overexpressing, cell line. Its IC50 was in fact 29 mu M in K562 and 10.5 mu M in K562/R. Aloe emodine caused mainly cytostasis and accumulation of the cells in the S and G(2)-M phases of the cell cycle during the first 48 h of treatment. Thereafter, massive cell death ensued. Research on the antitumor activity of compounds extracted from Aloe vera probably deserves continuation.

IL28B and PNPLA3 polymorphisms affect histological liver damage in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Genetic background may affect liver damage in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The main outcomes of the study were to assess whether IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms, together with PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G polymorphism, are associated with lobular inflammation and fibrosis, in NAFLD patients.

METHODS

One hundred sixty consecutive NAFLD patients were assessed by liver biopsy (Kleiner score); anthropometric, and biochemical and metabolic features were included. IL28B rs12979860 C>T, IL28B rs8099917 G>C, and PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G single nucleotide polymorphisms were tested.

RESULTS

Seventy-four (46.2%) patients had IL28B rs12979860 CC polymorphism, compared with 72 (45%) and 14 (8.8%) with TC and TT variants, respectively. PNPLA3 rs738409 CC polymorphism was present in 47 (29.4%) patients, compared with 79 (49.4%) and 34 (21.3%) with CG and GG variants, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR 1.043, 95% CI 1.012-1.075, p=0.007), triglycerides (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.000-1.010, p=0.04), hyperuricemia (OR 5.027, 95% CI 1.839-13.742, p=0.002), IL28B rs12979860 TT/TC (OR 0.219, 95% CI 0.101-0.472, p<0.001), and steatosis grade (OR 1.704, 95% CI 1.048-2.773, p=0.03) were independently linked to moderate-severe lobular inflammation. Finally, IL28B rs12979860 CC was associated with severe fibrosis (F3-F4) on univariate analysis, even if only older age (OR 1.064, 95% CI 1.026-1.104, p=0.001), high HOMA (OR 1.213, 95% CI 1.068-1.377, p=0.003), and lobular inflammation (OR 3.181, 95% CI 1.438-7.036, p=0.004), remained associated in multivariate logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In NAFLD patients, IL28B rs12979860 CC genotype, together with PNPLA3 rs738409 GG, is associated with the severity of liver damage.

IL28B polymorphisms influence stage of fibrosis and spontaneous or interferon-induced viral clearance in thalassemia patients with hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND

Polymorphisms in the interleukin-28B are important determinants in the spontaneous and drug-induced control of hepatitis C virus infection.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We assessed the association of rs8099917 and rs12979860 polymorphisms with spontaneous viral clearance, severity of liver fibrosis, and response to interferon-monotherapy in 245 thalassemia major patients with hepatitis C virus infection.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients (40%) had a spontaneous viral clearance while 147 patients (60%) developed a chronic infection. Spontaneous viral clearance was more frequent among patients with the T/T genotype of rs8099917 polymorphism (OR 2.130; P = 0.008) or C/C genotype of rs12979860 polymorphism (OR 2.425; P = 0.001). During observation, 131 patients with chronic infection underwent a liver biopsy; age (OR 1.058; P = 0.01) G/T or G/G genotypes of rs8099917 polymorphism (OR 3.962; P = 0.001), and C/T or T/T genotypes of rs12979860 polymorphism (OR 3.494; P = 0.005) were associated with severe liver fibrosis, independent of liver iron concentration. Finally, T/T genotype of rs8099917 polymorphism (OR 3.014; P = 0.03) or C/C genotype of rs12979860 polymorphism (OR 3.285; P = 0.01), age (OR 0.902; P = 0.001), female gender (OR 3.418; P = 0.01) and 2 or 3 virus C genotypes (OR 4.700; P=0.007) were independently associated with sustained virological response in 114 patients treated with alpha-interferon. Conclusions Polymorphisms in the interleukin-28B are associated with the control of hepatitis C virus infection in thalassemia major patients, and understanding allelic patterns has an important role in determining prognosis and therapeutic management.

Vitamin D levels and IL28B polymorphisms are related to rapid virological response to standard of care in genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Genotype 1 (G1) chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients achieving a rapid virological response (RVR) on pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin have a high chance of sustained virological response (SVR), influenced by IL28B status, viral load, fibrosis and insulin resistance. We assessed whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) serum levels are linked to RVR and can be used together with IL28B to construct a pretreatment model to predict RVR.

METHODS

A total of 117 consecutive patients with G1 CHC were evaluated by biopsy and anthropometric and metabolic measurements. 25(OH)D serum levels were measured by HPLC. IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms were also evaluated. All patients underwent antiviral therapy with PEG-IFN-α2a plus ribavirin. HCV RNA was assessed at baseline, week 4, week 12, at the end of therapy and after 6 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Mean ±SD 25(OH)D serum levels were 26.3 ±10.6 μg/l (range 8.0-58.0) and 31 (26.5%) patients had the rs12979860 CC polymorphism. RVR was achieved in 35 (29.9%) patients, and 32 (91.4%) of them had an SVR, compared to 26 of 82 (31.7%) without RVR. The rs12979860 CC polymorphism (OR 4.575, 95% CI 1.761, 11.889; P=0.002) and higher 25(OH)D levels (OR 1.055, 95% CI 1.010, 1.101; P=0.01) were independently associated with the achievement of RVR by multivariate analysis. The likelihood of RVR progressively increased from patients in the worst class (vitamin D<26.8 μg/l and TT/TC polymorphism; RVR 14.2%), to those with only one positive predictor (RVR 29.7% and 37.5%), and to those in the best class (vitamin D≥26.8 μg/l and rs12979860 CC polymorphism; RVR 73.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with G1 CHC, 25(OH)D serum levels and IL28B status are independently associated with the likelihood to achieve RVR and SVR. When incorporated into a pretreatment predictive model they can assist in further discriminating patients with a high likelihood of achieving RVR and SVR.

3-Aryl-2-[1H-benzotriazol-1-yl]acrylonitriles: a novel class of potent tubulin inhibitors

During a screening for compounds that could act against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a series of new cellular antiproliferative agents was identified. The most cytotoxic molecules were evaluated against a panel of human cell lines derived from hematological and solid human tumors. In particular, (E)-2-(1H-benzo[d] [1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile (1) was found to be of a potency comparable to etoposide and greater than 6-mercaptopurine in all cell lines tested. Accordingly, a synthesis of a new series of (E)-2-(5,6-dichloro-1H-benzo[d] [1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-3-(4-R-phenyl)acrylonitriles was conducted in order to extend the studies of structure-activity relationship (SAR) for this class of molecules. With the aim to evaluate if 3-aryl-2-[1H-benzotriazol-1-yl]acrylonitriles were able to act like tubulin binding agents, the effects on cell cycle distribution of the most active compounds (1, 2a, 3 and 4) were analyzed in K562 cells. A detailed molecular modeling study of the putative binding mode of this series of compounds on tubulin is also reported.

High liver RBP4 protein content is associated with histological features in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C and with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To investigate the hepatic expression of retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients, and its association with biochemical and histological patterns of liver damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-six genotype 1 CHC and 32 NASH patients were tested for hepatic RBP4 expression. Liver expression at immunostaining was scored as 0 (slight), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), and 3 (intense). In addition, the mRNA and the quantitative protein expressions of RBP4 were tested by PCR and by western blot, respectively, in 12 NASH and 28 CHC patients. Twelve subjects undergoing elective cholecystectomy served as controls.

RESULTS

Ten (31%), 16 (50%) and 6 (19%) NASH patients, and 21 (32%), 31 (47%) and 14 (21%) CHC patients had scores of 1, 2 and 3, respectively. All control subjects scored 0. In both CHC and NASH liver RBP4 scores were directly related to western blot (p=0.001 and p=0.03), not to mRNA expression (p=0.77 and p=0.40). Older age (OR, 1.07; 95%CI, 1.01-1.13), RBP4 score (4.26; 1.27-14.21) and HOMA (2.26; 1.15-4.42) were independently associated with steatosis≥10% in CHC patients. In NASH lobular inflammation (OR, 3.77; 95%CI, 1.01-24.22) and RBP4 score (4.87; 1.003-23.65) were the only risk factors for fibrosis ≥2 at logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic storage of RBP4, unrelated to its expression, could cause liver damage both in NASH and CHC.

Synthesis, antiproliferative activity, and mechanism of action of a series of 2-{[(2E)-3-phenylprop-2-enoyl]amino}benzamides

Several new 2-{[(2E)-3-phenylprop-2-enoyl]amino}benzamides 12a-s and 17t-v were synthesized by stirring in pyridine the (E)-3-(2-R1-3-R2-4-R3-phenyl)acrylic acid chlorides 11c-k and 11t-v with the appropriate anthranilamide derivatives 10a-c or the 5-iodoanthranilic acid 13. Some of the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against the full NCI tumor cell line panel derived from nine clinically isolated cancer types (leukemia, non-small cell lung, colon, CNS, melanoma, ovarian, renal, prostate and breast). COMPARE analysis, effects on tubulin polymerization in cells and with purified tubulin, and effects on cell cycle distribution for 17t, the most active of the series, indicate that these new antiproliferative compounds act as antitubulin agents.

Synthesis of novel antimitotic agents based on 2-amino-3-aroyl-5-(hetero)arylethynyl thiophene derivatives

Microtubules are dynamic structures that play a crucial role in cellular division and are recognized as an important target for cancer therapy. In search of new compounds with strong antiproliferative activity and simple molecular structure, a new series of 2-amino-3-(3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzoyl)-5-(hetero)aryl ethynyl thiophene derivatives was prepared by the Sonogashira coupling reaction of the corresponding 5-bromothiophenes with several (hetero)aryl acetylenes. When these compounds were analyzed in vitro for their inhibition of cell proliferation, the 2- and 3-thiophenyl acetylene derivatives were the most powerful compounds, both of which exerted cytostatic effects at submicromolar concentrations. In contrast, the presence of a more flexible ethyl chain between the (hetero)aryl and the 5-position of the thiophene ring resulted in significant reduction in activity relative to the 5-(hetero)aryl acetylene substituted derivatives. The effects of a selected series of compounds on cell cycle progression correlated well with their strong antiproliferative activity and inhibition of tubulin polymerization. We found that the antiproliferative effects of the most active compounds were associated with increase of the proportion of cells in the G(2)/M and sub-G(1) phases of the cell cycle.

Substituted 2-(3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzoyl)-benzo[b]thiophene derivatives as potent tubulin polymerization inhibitors

The central role of microtubules in cell division and mitosis makes them a particularly important target for anticancer agents. On our early publication, we found that a series of 2-(3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzoyl)-3-aminobenzo[b]thiophenes exhibited strong antiproliferative activity in the submicromolar range and significantly arrested cells in the G2-M phase of the cell cycle and induced apoptosis. In order to investigate the importance of the amino group at the 3-position of the benzo[b]thiophene skeleton, the corresponding 3-unsubstituted and methyl derivatives were prepared. A novel series of inhibitors of tubulin polymerization, based on the 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-benzo[b]thiophene molecular skeleton with a methoxy substituent at the C-4, C-5, C-6 or C-7 position on the benzene ring, was evaluated for antiproliferative activity against a panel of five cancer cell lines, for inhibition of tubulin polymerization and for cell cycle effects. Replacing the methyl group at the C-3 position resulted in increased activity compared with the corresponding 3-unsubstituted counterpart. The structure-activity relationship established that the best activities were obtained with the methoxy group placed at the C-4, C-6 or C-7 position. Most of these compounds exhibited good growth inhibition activity and arrest K562 cells in the G2-M phase via microtubule depolymerization.

Identification of biphenyl-based hybrid molecules able to decrease the intracellular level of Bcl-2 protein in Bcl-2 overexpressing leukemia cells

With the aim of enhancing the structural complexity and diversity of an existing collection of bi- and terphenyl compounds, we synthesized hybrid molecules comprising of spirocyclic ketones (a complexity-bearing core) and bi/terphenyls (privileged fragments). Compounds 1, 3, 4, and 6 showed well-defined activity on apoptosis and differentiation, making them potential leads for development as new anticancer agents and chemical probes to study signaling networks in neoplastic cells.

Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship of 2-(3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzoyl)-benzo[b]furan derivatives as a novel class of inhibitors of tubulin polymerization

The biological importance of microtubules in mitosis and cell division makes them an interesting target for the development of anticancer agents. Small molecules such as benzo[b]furans are attractive as inhibitors of tubulin polymerization. Thus, a new class of inhibitors of tubulin polymerization based on the 2-(3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzoyl)-benzo[b]furan molecular skeleton, with electron-donating (Me, OMe or OH) or electron-withdrawing (F, Cl and Br) substituents on the benzene ring, was synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activity, inhibition of tubulin polymerization and cell cycle effects. Adding a methyl group at the C-3 position resulted in increased activity. The most promising compound in this series was 2-(3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzoyl)-3-methyl-6-ethoxy-benzo[b]furan, which inhibits cancer cell growth at nanomolar concentrations and interacts strongly with tubulin by binding to the colchicine site.

Superficial venous thrombosis: role of inherited deficiency of natural anticoagulants in extension to deep veins

AIM

Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) has been considered for a long time a limited clinical condition of low importance, but this approach has changed in recent years, when several studies demonstrated that extension to deep veins occurs in 7.3 to 44% of patients, with high prevalence of pulmonary embolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of inherited deficiency of natural coagulation inhibitors in patients suffering from SVT in both normal and varicose veins, and to understand their role in extension to deep veins.

METHODS

The study included 83 patients with SVT, without clinically obvious risk factors. Ultrasound examination was performed, and deficiencies of Protein C, Protein S and Antithrombin (AT) were investigated.

RESULTS

In the patients where SVT occurred in normal veins, coagulation inhibitor deficiencies were 6.45% in the absence of extension and 62.5% in patients with extension to deep veins. In the patients with varicose vein SVT, the presence of these factors was less evident, but their prevalence was considerably higher in those with extension to deep veins (36.3%) than in non-extension (6.06%).

CONCLUSIONS

Present data confirm the role of inherited thrombophilic states related to inhibitor deficiency, considering them as risk factors for SVT in normal veins. Furthermore, an association has been found between their presence and the progression of SVT to deep veins.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-amino-3-(3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzoyl)-6-substituted-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridine derivatives as antimitotic agents and inhibitors of tubulin polymerization

Microtubules are among the most successful targets of compounds potentially useful for cancer therapy. A new series of inhibitors of tubulin polymerization based on the 2-amino-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[b]pyridine molecular skeleton was synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activity, inhibition of tubulin polymerization, and cell cycle effects. The most promising compound in this series was 2-amino-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-6-methoxycarbonyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[b]pyridine, which inhibits cancer cell growth with IC(50)-values ranging from 25 to 90 nM against a panel of four cancer cell lines, and interacts strongly with tubulin by binding to the colchicine site. In this series of N(6)-carbamate derivatives, any further increase in the length and in the size of the alkyl chain resulted in reduced activity.

Superficial venous thrombosis: prevalence of common genetic risk factors and their role on spreading to deep veins

INTRODUCTION

Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) has been considered for a long time a limited clinical condition with a low importance, but this approach has changed in recent years, when several studies demonstrated spreading to deep veins occurring from 7.3 to 44%, with high prevalence of pulmonary embolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To evaluate the prevalence of genetic risk factors for VTE in patients suffering from SVT on both normal and varicose vein, and to understand their role on spreading to deep veins, we studied 107 patients with SVT, without other risk factors. Ultrasound examination was performed, and the presence of FV Leiden, Prothrombin G20210A mutation, and MTHFR C677T mutation was researched.

RESULTS

In the patients where SVT occurred in normal veins, the presence of FV Leiden was 26.3% of the non-spreading and 60% of the spreading to deep veins SVT; Prothrombin mutation was found in 7.9% of the former case and in 20% of the latter; MTHFR C677T mutation was found respectively in 23.7% and 40%. In the patients with SVT on varicose veins, the presence of these factors was less evident (6.7%, 4.4% and 6.7% respectively), but their prevalence was considerably higher (35.7%, 7.4% and 21.4% respectively) in SVT spreading to deep veins than in non-spreading.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate the high prevalence of these mutations, especially FV Leiden and associations, in patients with SVT on normal veins and their role in the progression to deep vein system.