Novel colchicine derivatives enhance graft survival after transplantation via suppression of T-cell differentiation and activity

Mitotic Poisons in Research and Medicine

Cancer is one of the greatest challenges of the modern medicine. Although much effort has been made in the development of novel cancer therapeutics, it still remains one of the most common causes of human death in the world, mainly in low and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer treatment services are not available in more then 70% of low-income countries (90% of high-income countries have them available), and also approximately 70% of cancer deaths are reported in low-income countries. Various approaches on how to combat cancer diseases have since been described, targeting cell division being among them. The so-called mitotic poisons are one of the cornerstones in cancer therapies. The idea that cancer cells usually divide almost uncontrolled and far more rapidly than normal cells have led us to think about such compounds that would take advantage of this difference and target the division of such cells. Many groups of such compounds with different modes of action have been reported so far. In this review article, the main approaches on how to target cancer cell mitosis are described, involving microtubule inhibition, targeting aurora and polo-like kinases and kinesins inhibition. The main representatives of all groups of compounds are discussed and attention has also been paid to the presence and future of the clinical use of these compounds as well as their novel derivatives, reviewing the finished and ongoing clinical trials.

Colchicine Alkaloids and Synthetic Analogues: Current Progress and Perspectives

Colchicine, the main alkaloid of Colchicum autumnale, is one of the most famous natural molecules. Although colchicine belongs to the oldest drugs (in use since 1500 BC), its pharmacological potential as a lead structure is not yet fully exploited. This review is devoted to the synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of colchicine alkaloids and their analogues with modified A, B, and C rings, as well as hybrid compounds derived from colchicinoids including prodrugs, conjugates, and delivery systems. The systematization of a vast amount of information presented to date will create a paradigm for future studies of colchicinoids for neoplastic and various other diseases.

Colchicine causes prenatal cell toxicity and increases tetraploid risk

Background

Colchicine is a clinical medicine used for relief from gout and familial Mediterranean fever. Because of its toxic effects, intravenous injection of colchicine has been banned, but it is still widely administered orally. We assayed the toxic effects of colchicine in cultured primary chorionic villus cells and amniotic fluid cells to interpret its influence on the placenta and foetus.

Methods

Bright field record and cell count kit 8 were used to value cell viability. Flow cytometer was used to identify cells markers, cell cycle and cell apoptosis. G-banding was used for karyotype analysis for sample genetic and drug effect evaluation.

Results

Chorionic villus cells and amniotic fluid cells were characterized as mesenchymal cells that share most cell surface markers and have a similar response to colchicine. Colchicine did not induce a decline in cell viability at low concentrations but suppressed cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle in the G2/M phase and increased the risk of tetraploid generation in a small subset of cases.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the results of a colchicine-induced toxicity test in prenatal cells and determined the anti-mitotic biologically functional dose and manner of administration that might reduce the risk of tetraploid generation.