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Conte E, Gili E, Fagone E, Fruciano M, Iemmolo M, Vancheri C. Effect of pirfenidone on proliferation, TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation and fibrogenic activity of primary human lung fibroblasts. Eur J Pharm Sci 2014; 58:13-9. [PMID: 24613900 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2014.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pirfenidone is an orally active small molecule that has been shown to inhibit the progression of fibrosis in animal models and in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Although pirfenidone exhibits well documented antifibrotic and antiinflammatory activities, in vitro and in vivo, its molecular targets and mechanisms of action have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of pirfenidone on proliferation, TGF-β-induced differentiation and fibrogenic activity of primary human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). Pirfenidone reduced fibroblast proliferation and attenuated TGF-β-induced α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and pro-collagen (Col)-I mRNA and protein levels. Importantly, pirfenidone inhibited TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smad3, p38, and Akt, key factors in the TGF-β pathway. Together, these results demonstrate that pirfenidone modulates HLF proliferation and TGF-β-mediated differentiation into myofibroblasts by attenuating key TGF-β-induced signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Conte
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Biomedicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Elisa Gili
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Biomedicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Evelina Fagone
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Biomedicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Mary Fruciano
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Biomedicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Iemmolo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Biomedicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Vancheri
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Biomedicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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102
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Takeda Y, Tsujino K, Kijima T, Kumanogoh A. Efficacy and safety of pirfenidone for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Patient Prefer Adherence 2014; 8:361-70. [PMID: 24711695 PMCID: PMC3968083 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s37233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating chronic fibrotic lung disease. Although the precise cause of the disease is still unknown, recent studies have shown that the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis involves multiple mechanisms, with abnormal behavior of alveolar epithelial cells considered a primary event. Pirfenidone is a multifunctional, orally available small molecule with anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative activities, and has been shown to be a modulator of cytokines and growth factors, including TGF-β1, TNF-α, bFGF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-18 in animal models. Although its precise mechanism of action is not currently clear, pirfenidone is considered to exert inhibitory effects on multiple pathways involved in the pathogenesis of IPF. Two randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials in Japan demonstrated that pirfenidone significantly reduced the rate of decline of vital capacity in IPF patients. A Phase III study showed a significant increase in progression-free survival of patients in pirfenidone-treated groups compared to the placebo group. These results paved the way for the approval of pirfenidone for the treatment of IPF patients in Japan in 2008. The promising results of the Phase II study in Japan led to a larger international Phase III trial (CAPACITY). Subsequently, pirfenidone has also been approved in the European Union, South Korea, and Canada to date. Pirfenidone treatment is generally tolerated. Major adverse events are gastrointestinal symptoms, including decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort and nausea, photosensitivity, and fatigue, but many of these are mild and manageable. Clinical experience has shown that reduction in pirfenidone dose and the supportive use of gastrointestinal drugs are effective ways to manage these symptoms. Thus, pirfenidone treatment provides a means of intervention in the clinical course of IPF, and is a promising candidate for improving patient prognosis. For future development, it is important to establish the appropriate modality of treatment with pirfenidone and/or novel potential drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshito Takeda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatic Diseases, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Correspondence: Yoshito Takeda, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatic Diseases, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan, Tel +81 6 6879 3833, Fax +81 6 6879 3839, Email
| | - Kazuyuki Tsujino
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kinki Central Hospital of the Mutual Aid Association of Public School Teachers, Itami, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kijima
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatic Diseases, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kumanogoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatic Diseases, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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103
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Xaubet A, Serrano-Mollar A, Ancochea J. Pirfenidone for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2013; 15:275-81. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2014.867328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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104
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Lin CH, Yu MC, Tung WH, Chen TT, Yu CC, Weng CM, Tsai YJ, Bai KJ, Hong CY, Chien MH, Chen BC. Connective tissue growth factor induces collagen I expression in human lung fibroblasts through the Rac1/MLK3/JNK/AP-1 pathway. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2013; 1833:2823-2833. [PMID: 23906792 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2013.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays an important role in lung fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the role of Rac1, mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in CTGF-induced collagen I expression in human lung fibroblasts. CTGF caused concentration- and time-dependent increases in collagen I expression. CTGF-induced collagen I expression was inhibited by the dominant negative mutant (DN) of Rac1 (RacN17), MLK3DN, MLK3 inhibitor (K252a), JNK1DN, JNK2DN, a JNK inhibitor (SP600125), and an AP-1 inhibitor (curcumin). Treatment of cells with CTGF caused activation of Rac1, MLK3, JNK, and AP-1. The CTGF-induced increase in MLK3 phosphorylation was inhibited by RacN17. Treatment with RacN17 and the MLK3DN inhibited CTGF-induced JNK phosphorylation. CTGF caused increases in c-Jun phosphorylation and the recruitment of c-Jun and c-Fos to the collagen I promoter. Furthermore, stimulation of cells with the CTGF resulted in increases in AP-1-luciferase activity; this effect was inhibited by Rac1N17, MLK3DN, JNK1DN, and JNK2DN. Moreover, CTGF-induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression was inhibited by the procollagen I small interfering RNA (siRNA). These results suggest for the first time that CTGF acting through Rac1 activates the MLK3/JNK signaling pathway, which in turn initiates AP-1 activation and recruitment of c-Jun and c-Fos to the collagen I promoter and ultimately induces collagen I expression in human lung fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Huang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Yu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Taipei Medical University - Wanfang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Hsuan Tung
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ting Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chi Yu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Weng
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Jyu Tsai
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kua-Jen Bai
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Taipei Medical University - Wanfang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuang-Ye Hong
- Taipei Medical University Wangfang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Chien
- Taipei Medical University Wangfang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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105
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Oka H, Ishii H, Iwata A, Kushima H, Toba S, Hashinaga K, Umeki K, Tokimatsu I, Hiramatsu K, Kadota JI. Inhibitory effects of pitavastatin on fibrogenic mediator production by human lung fibroblasts. Life Sci 2013; 93:968-74. [PMID: 24211780 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis continues to be a devastating clinical disorder for which there are few therapeutic options, and the pathogenesis of this disease remains largely unknown. Statins are inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase in cholesterol biosynthesis, and they have been reported to exert pleiotropic effects on the cellular signaling involved in tissue inflammation and in organ fibrosis/remodeling. We examined the preventive effects of statins on fibrogenic mediator expression and production in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF). MAIN METHODS NHLF were pretreated with 100nM pitavastatin or medium alone (control), and were then stimulated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). mRNA expression and protein secretion of several mediators from cells were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or multiplex assay. KEY FINDINGS TGF-β1-induced expression or production of mediators, such as collagen-1, vascular endothelial growth factor and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 8, in NHLF pretreated with pitavastatin was significantly suppressed with inhibition of Smad-3 phosphorylation, as compared to untreated controls. In addition, the inhibitory effects of pitavastatin were negated by addition of mevalonate. SIGNIFICANCE Pitavastatin appeared to inhibit TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic mediator production from lung fibroblasts via the mevalonic cascade. Although further evaluation of the signaling pathways for these phenomena is necessary, our results suggest the potential benefits of pitavastatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Oka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Oita University Faculty of Medicine, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Yufu, Oita 879-5593, Japan.
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106
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Kakugawa T, Yokota SI, Ishimatsu Y, Hayashi T, Nakashima S, Hara S, Sakamoto N, Kubota H, Mine M, Matsuoka Y, Mukae H, Nagata K, Kohno S. Serum heat shock protein 47 levels are elevated in acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Stress Chaperones 2013; 18:581-90. [PMID: 23435730 PMCID: PMC3745258 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-013-0411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the pathophysiology of acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), a collagen-specific molecular chaperone, is essential for biosynthesis and secretion of collagen molecules. Previous studies in experimental animal fibrosis models have shown that downregulation of HSP47 expression reduces collagen production and diminishes fibrosis progression. In this study, serum HSP47 levels were evaluated to elucidate pathogenic differences involving HSP47 between AE-IPF and stable (S)-IPF. Subjects comprised 20 AE-IPF and 33 S-IPF patients. Serum levels of HSP47, Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), surfactant protein (SP)-A, SP-D, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Immunohistochemical analysis of lung HSP47 expression was determined in biopsy and autopsy tissues diagnosed as diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Serum levels of HSP47 were significantly higher in AE-IPF than in S-IPF patients, whereas serum levels of KL-6, SP-A, and SP-D did not differ significantly. Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that HSP47 was superior for discriminating AE-IPF and S-IPF. The cutoff for HSP47 resulting in the highest diagnostic accuracy was 559.4 pg/mL; sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 100.0%, 93.9%, and 96.2%, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that pulmonary HSP47 expression was greater in DAD than UIP tissues. Serum HSP47 was significantly higher in AE-IPF than in S-IPF patients, suggesting that underlying fibrogenic mechanisms involving HSP47 differ in the two conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Kakugawa
- />Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501 Japan
| | - Shin-ichi Yokota
- />Department of Microbiology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuji Ishimatsu
- />Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501 Japan
| | - Tomayoshi Hayashi
- />Department of Pathology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shota Nakashima
- />Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501 Japan
| | - Shintaro Hara
- />Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501 Japan
| | - Noriho Sakamoto
- />Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501 Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kubota
- />Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- />Department of Life Science, Faculty and Graduate School of Engineering and Resource Science, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Mariko Mine
- />Biostatistics Section, Division of Scientific Data Registry, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Matsuoka
- />Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mukae
- />Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nagata
- />Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- />Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kohno
- />Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501 Japan
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107
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Chowdhury S, Guha R, Trivedi R, Kompella UB, Konar A, Hazra S. Pirfenidone nanoparticles improve corneal wound healing and prevent scarring following alkali burn. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70528. [PMID: 23940587 PMCID: PMC3734236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the effects of pirfenidone nanoparticles on corneal re-epithelialization and scarring, major clinical challenges after alkali burn. Methods Effect of pirfenidone on collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) synthesis by TGFβ induced primary corneal fibroblast cells was evaluated by immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. Pirfenidone loaded poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles were prepared, characterized and their cellular entry was examined in primary corneal fibroblast cells by fluorescence microscopy. Alkali burn was induced in one eye of Sprague Dawley rats followed by daily topical treatment with free pirfenidone, pirfenidone nanoparticles or vehicle. Corneal re-epithelialization was assessed daily by flourescein dye test; absence of stained area indicated complete re-epithelialization and the time for complete re-epithelialization was determined. Corneal haze was assessed daily for 7 days under slit lamp microscope and graded using a standard method. After 7 days, collagen I deposition in the superficial layer of cornea was examined by immunohistochemistry. Results Pirfenidone prevented (P<0.05) increase in TGF β induced collagen I and α-SMA synthesis by corneal fibroblasts in a dose dependent manner. Pirfenidone could be loaded successfully within PLGA nanoparticles, which entered the corneal fibroblasts within 5 minutes. Pirfenidone nanoparticles but not free pirfenidone significantly (P<0.05) reduced collagen I level, corneal haze and the time for corneal re-epithelialization following alkali burn. Conclusion Pirfenidone decreases collagen synthesis and prevents myofibroblast formation. Pirfenidone nanoparticles improve corneal wound healing and prevent fibrosis. Pirfenidone nanoparticles are of potential value in treating corneal chemical burns and other corneal fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushovan Chowdhury
- Department of Laboratory Animal Facility, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Rajdeep Guha
- Department of Laboratory Animal Facility, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Ruchit Trivedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Uday B. Kompella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Aditya Konar
- Department of Laboratory Animal Facility, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Sarbani Hazra
- Deptartment of Veterinary Surgery & Radiology, West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, India
- * E-mail:
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108
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Mediavilla-Varela M, Luddy K, Noyes D, Khalil FK, Neuger AM, Soliman H, Antonia SJ. Antagonism of adenosine A2A receptor expressed by lung adenocarcinoma tumor cells and cancer associated fibroblasts inhibits their growth. Cancer Biol Ther 2013; 14:860-8. [PMID: 23917542 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.25643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently it has become clear that the cost associated with the Warburg effect, which is inefficient production of ATP, is offset by selective advantages that are produced by resultant intracellular metabolic alterations. In fact tumors may be addicted to the Warburg effect. In addition these alterations result in changes in the extracellular tumor microenvironment that can also produce selective advantages for tumor cell growth and survival. One such extracellular alteration is increased adenosine concentrations that have been shown to impair T cell mediated rejection and support angiogenesis. The expression of the A2A receptor in non-small cell cancer (NSCLC) tissues, cell lines and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) was determined by performing immunohistrochemistry and immunoblot analysis. The efficacy of the A2A receptor antagonists in vivo was evaluated in a PC9 xenograft model. To determine the mode of cell death induced by A2A receptor antagonists flow cytometry, immunoblot, and cytotoxic analysis were performed. We found that a significant number of lung adenocarcinomas express adenosine A2A receptors. Antagonism of these receptors impaired CAF and tumor cell growth in vitro and inhibited human tumor xenograft growth in mice. These observations add to the rationale for testing adenosine A2A receptor antagonists as anticancer therapeutics. Not only could there be prevention of negative signaling in T cells within the tumor microenvironment and inhibition of angiogenesis, but also an inhibitory effect on tumor-promoting, immunosuppressive CAFs and a direct inhibitory effect on the tumor cells themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Luddy
- Department of Immunology; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center; Tampa, FL USA
| | - David Noyes
- Department of Immunology; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center; Tampa, FL USA
| | - Farah K Khalil
- Anatomic Pathology Department; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center; Tampa, FL USA
| | - Anthony M Neuger
- Translational Research Core; Clinical Pharmacology Lab; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center; Tampa, FL USA
| | - Hatem Soliman
- Department of Women's Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center; Tampa, FL USA
| | - Scott J Antonia
- Department of Immunology; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center; Tampa, FL USA; Thoracic Oncology Department; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center; Tampa, FL USA
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109
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Onoue S, Seto Y, Kato M, Aoki Y, Kojo Y, Yamada S. Inhalable powder formulation of pirfenidone with reduced phototoxic risk for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Pharm Res 2013; 30:1586-96. [PMID: 23430486 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-013-0997-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Orally-taken pirfenidone (PFD), an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis drug, often causes severe phototoxicity. Present study aimed to develop a respirable powder formulation for PFD (PFD-RP) to minimize phototoxic risk. METHODS Photochemical properties of PFD were examined using a reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay and photostability testing. PFD-RP was characterized with a focus on photostability, in vitro inhalation performance, and the efficacy in antigen-sensitized rats. Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted after oral and intratracheal administration of PFD formulations. RESULTS Although PFD solution exhibited photodegradation under simulated sunlight (250 W/m²), both PFD powder and PFD-RP were photochemically stable. Laser diffraction and cascade impactor analyses on PFD-RP suggested its high dispersion and fine in vitro inhalation performance. Inhaled PFD-RP (300 μg-PFD/rat) could suppress antigen-evoked pulmonary inflammation in rats as evidenced by decreases in recruited inflammatory cells and neutrophilia-related biomarkers in the lung. Exposure of PFD to light-exposed tissues (skin and eye) after intratracheal administration of PFD-RP at a pharmacologically effective dose (300 μg-PFD/rat) was 90-130-fold less than that of the oral PFD dosage form at a phototoxic dose (160 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS PFD-RP might be an attractive alternative to the current oral PFD therapy with a better safety margin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Onoue
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
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