Treatment of experimental DMBA induced mammary carcinoma with Cetrorelix (SB-75): a potent antagonist of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone

Eliminating Hormones With Orally Active Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Antagonists

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues have been used in clinical practice for nearly 3 decades. Beginning with GnRH agonists, these agents have been used to treat hormone-dependent disease and to suppress gonadotropin production in assisted reproductive technologies. With the development of GnRH antagonists and especially small-molecule antagonists, our ability to achieve gonadotropin and sex steroid suppression has become increasingly effective and convenient. In this review, we will briefly describe the development of GnRH analogues, review the evolution of orally active small-molecule GnRH antagonists and provide an overview of the expanding role of small-molecule GnRH antagonists in clinical practice.

Treatment of Breast Cancer With Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogs

Although significant progress has been made in the implementation of new breast cancer treatments over the last three decades, this neoplasm annually continues to show high worldwide rates of morbidity and mortality. In consequence, the search for novel therapies with greater effectiveness and specificity has not come to a stop. Among the alternative therapeutic targets, the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone type I and type II (hGnRH-I and hGnRH–II, respectively) and its receptor, the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor type I (hGnRHR-I), have shown to be powerful therapeutic targets to decrease the adverse effects of this disease. In the present review, we describe how the administration of GnRH analogs is able to reduce circulating concentrations of estrogen in premenopausal women through their action on the hypothalamus–pituitary–ovarian axis, consequently reducing the growth of breast tumors and disease recurrence. Also, it has been mentioned that, regardless of the suppression of synthesis and secretion of ovarian steroids, GnRH agonists exert direct anticancer action, such as the reduction of tumor growth and cell invasion. In addition, we discuss the effects on breast cancer of the hGnRH-I and hGnRH-II agonist and antagonist, non-peptide GnRH antagonists, and cytotoxic analogs of GnRH and their implication as novel adjuvant therapies as antitumor agents for reducing the adverse effects of breast cancer. In conclusion, we suggest that the hGnRH/hGnRHR system is a promising target for pharmaceutical development in the treatment of breast cancer, especially for the treatment of advanced states of this disease.

Development and in vitro evaluation of a liposome based implant formulation for the decapeptide cetrorelix

Semisolid phospholipid dispersions of vesicular morphology, so-called vesicular phospholipid gels (VPGs), were prepared by high-pressure homogenisation and tested in vitro for their suitability as implantable sustained release system for the decapeptide cetrorelix, a potent LH-RH antagonist. The VPGs contained 300-500 mg/g egg phosphatidylcholine (E80) and 0.5-10 mg/g cetrorelix acetate (CXA). The in vitro release experiments showed a wide variability of the system in release, ranging from complete release within less than 24 h (0.5mg/g CXA; 400 mg/g E80) to a predicted 80% sustained release over 3 months (8.6 mg/g CXA; 280 mg/g E80). Erosion of the phospholipid matrix, i.e. release of phospholipid vesicles was found to be the main release mechanism, following zero order or first order kinetics depending on the composition of the VPG. CXA-concentration dependent drug-drug or drug-lipid interactions are assumed to be responsible for the change in release kinetics and the decrease of CXA release at high concentrations of the peptide. Multivariate analysis revealed that both lipid concentration and peptide concentration and also the interactions between the two factors are significant factors for the release rate of the peptide. In summary: based on the presented in vitro release data sustained release of therapeutically relevant CXA doses over up to 6 weeks appears feasible. VPGs are thus considered as a promising new approach for the sustained release of peptide hormones.

Pulmonary delivery of therapeutic peptides via dry powder inhalation: effects of micronisation and manufacturing

Pulmonary drug delivery is increasingly appreciated as a route of administration for systemically acting proteins and peptides. A respirable particle size of the drug is a key requirement, but the fragile nature of many proteins may be a limitation for the application of conventional production processes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of different micronisation processes on the degradation and aerodynamic properties of the GnRH-antagonist cetrorelix in order to enable its application by a dry powder inhaler (Novolizer). A modified pearl mill was used for milling in fluid propellant. Furthermore, a spray drying procedure was established using a novel process of atomisation and drying. Adhesive mixtures of lactose and 5-20% of micronised cetrorelix-acetate were prepared. Analysis by laser light scattering, HPLC, Karl Fischer, cascade impactor and scanning electron microscopy were performed to characterise the manufactured powders. Both micronisation procedures succeeded in producing small range particle size distributions, suitable for deep lung deposition (D50 = 1.6 microm for milling and 3.3 microm for spray drying). The pearl milled cetrorelix showed promising results when delivered by the Novolizer: a reproducible and highly efficient dispersion of the drug was achieved (around 60% of aerosolised drug < 5 microm). The spray dried drug was not suitable when processed as adhesive mixture.

[To see from light--biophysics of visual signal transduction]

To perform their functions within an organism, or to adapt to the environment as single cells, living cells react to signals detected by highly specialized receptor proteins. These include the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), a receptor family, which comprises more than 1000 members, and is of outstanding significance in basic research and medical application. An archetype of a GPCR is the visual pigment rhodopsin, the photoreceptor of the retinal rod cell. Biophysical methods have largely contributed to the elucidation of rhodopsin structure and function, as well as of the corresponding signal cascade. This article discusses some of the more recent developments.

Hormonal regulation of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor binding properties is mediated by subunit interaction

The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is composed of three subunits with molecular masses of 18, 30, and 32 kDa. Many physiological functions have been attributed to the PBR, including regulation of steroidogenesis. Furthermore, the PBR itself is under hormonal regulation. In the current study, we investigated the role of female gonadal sex hormones in the regulation of PBR expression in steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic tissues. To accomplish this, adult female rats were pharmacologically castrated using chronic administration of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist decapeptyl (triptorelin-D-Trp(6)-LHRH). Half of these rats received 17beta-estradiol as hormone replacement, while a control group received daily injections of vehicle only. We found that PBR binding capacity dropped by 40 and 48% in ovaries and adrenals, respectively, following decapeptyl administration, as opposed to no change in the kidney. This down-regulation of PBR densities was prevented by estradiol replacement. We did not find evidence for transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and translational mechanisms in this decapeptyl-induced down-regulation. In contrast, immunoprecipitation of the PBR complex, using antibodies against the 18- and 32-kDa subunits of the complex, demonstrated that there were changes in PBR subunit interactions, consistent with the down-regulation of PBR binding capacity. These findings represent a novel hormone-dependent posttranslational regulatory mechanism.

Evaluation of Orntide microspheres in a rat animal model and correlation to in vitro release profiles

Orntide acetate, a novel luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist, was prepared and evaluated in vivo in 30-day and 120-day sustained delivery formulations using a rat animal model. Orntide poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(d,l- lactide) (PLA) microspheres were prepared by a dispersion method and administered subcutaneously in a liquid vehicle to rats at 2.2 mg Orntide/kg of body weight (30-day forms) or 8.8 mg Orntide/kg (120-day forms). Serum levels of Orntide and testosterone were monitored by radioimmunoassays, and a dose-response study at 4 doses (3, 2.25, 1.5, and 1.75 mg Orntide/kg) was conducted to determine the effective dose of Orntide. Microspheres with diameters between 3.9 and 14 micron were prepared. The onset and duration of testosterone suppression varied for different microsphere formulations and were influenced both by polymer properties and by microsphere characteristics. Microspheres prepared with 50:50 and 75:25 copolymers effectively sustained peptide release for 14 to 28 days, whereas an 85:15 copolymer and the PLA microspheres extended the pharmacological response for more than 120 days. Increase in drug load generally accelerated peptide release from the microspheres, resulting in higher initial serum levels of Orntide and shorter duration of the release. In general, apparent release was faster in vivo than under in vitro conditions. Orntide microspheres effectively suppressed testosterone in rats, providing rapid onset of release and extended periods of chemical castration. Testosterone suppression occurred immediately after microsphere administration without the initial elevation seen with LHRH superagonists.

Embryo implantation and GnRH antagonists: embryo implantation: the Rubicon for GnRH antagonists

When gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was discovered, the agonist and antagonist of GnRH were developed to control the release of FSH and LH by the gonadotrophs. More than 10 years of research were needed to develop a GnRH antagonist free of histamine release. Recent studies have shown that these GnRH antagonists are effective in preventing a rise in LH during ovarian stimulation in IVF. However, a decrease in ongoing pregnancies seems to suggest that implantation rates per transferred embryo are reduced in GnRH antagonist-stimulated cycles. In my opinion, these data highlight an area less well known to clinicians: the role of the GnRH antagonist at the cellular level in extrapituitary tissues. There are sufficient data in the literature suggesting that GnRH antagonist is an inhibitor of the cell cycle by decreasing the synthesis of growth factors. Given that, for folliculogenesis, blastomere formation and endometrium development, mitosis is everything; the interaction between the GnRH antagonist and the GnRH receptor (present in all these cells and tissues) may compromise the mitotic programme of these cells. This is the Rubicon for the GnRH antagonist: to demonstrate irrevocably that, at the minimal doses necessary to suppress LH release, it does not affect processes such as implantation, embryo development and folliculogenesis.

Pharmacological studies with cetrorelix (SB-75), a potent antagonist of luteinising hormone-releasing hormone

The antitumour and hormone-suppressive effects of the luteinising hormone-releasing hormone LH-RH antagonist Cetrorelix (D-20761) and its pamoate salt (D-20762) were investigated in the model of the DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma of female rats and by testosterone determinations in normal male rats. Treatment with single high doses of D-20761 induced a rapid decrease of tumour weights with a dose-dependent duration of action. Strong antitumour effects were also observed by applying different multiple dose schedules, including a initial high dose (3.16 mg/kg, s.c.) followed by a low maintenance dose (31.6 micrograms/kg, s.c.). The stability of the molecule against degrading enzymes led to the idea of using the poorly soluble pamoate salt for facilitating a sustained release of active compound. This salt indeed induced a prolonged suppression of tumour growth and of testosterone levels. In conclusion, we found that Cetrorelix is a highly effective LH-RH antagonist which should be further developed for the treatment of hormone-dependent diseases.

Evaluation of biological activities of new LH-RH antagonists (T-series) in male and female rats

A series of new highly potent LH-RH antagonists (T-series) has been synthesized in our laboratory. Among these analogs, antagonists [Ac-D-Nal(2), D-Phe(4Cl)2, D-Pal(3)3, D-Lys(A2pr(Car)2)6, D-Ala10]LH-RH (T-140); [Ac-D-Nal(2)1, D-Phe(4Cl)2, D-Pal(3)3, D-Lys(A2pr(Ac)2)6, D-Ala10]LH-RH (T-148); [Ac-D-Nal(2)1, D-Phe(4Cl)2, D-Pal(3)3, D-Lys(A2pr(For)2)6, D-Ala10]LH-RH (T-151) and [Ac-D-Nal(2)1, D-Phe(4Cl)2, D-Pal(3)3, D-Lys(A2bu(For)2)6, D-Ala10]LH-RH (T-159) were the most powerful. Antagonists T-140, T-148 and T-151 produced a complete blockade of ovulation in normal cycling rats at a dose of 1.5 micrograms/rat and antagonist T-159 at a dose of only 0.75 micrograms/rat. The inhibitory effects of compounds T-148, T-151 and T-159 on gonadotropin and sex steroid secretion were investigated in male and female rats. To determine their effect on LH levels in castrated male and ovariectomized female rats, T-148, T-151 and T-159 were injected subcutaneously in doses of 0.625 and 2.5 micrograms/rat. Blood samples were taken at different intervals for 48 h. All three compounds at either dose caused a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in LH levels for more than 6 h. Significant (P < 0.01) inhibition of LH lasted for more than 24 h following a dose of 2.5 micrograms sc of all 3 antagonists in both male and female rats. Serum FSH levels were also suppressed significantly for more than 48 h in castrated male rats by all three antagonists at a dose of 5 micrograms/rat sc.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)