Binding of valsartan to mammalian angiotensin AT1 receptors

The AT1/AT2 Receptor Equilibrium Is a Cornerstone of the Regulation of the Renin Angiotensin System beyond the Cardiovascular System

The AT₁ receptor has mainly been associated with the pathological effects of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) (e.g., hypertension, heart and kidney diseases), and constitutes a major therapeutic target. In contrast, the AT₂ receptor is presented as the protective arm of this RAS, and its targeting via specific agonists is mainly used to counteract the effects of the AT₁ receptor. The discovery of a local RAS has highlighted the importance of the balance between AT₁/AT₂ receptors at the tissue level. Disruption of this balance is suggested to be detrimental. The fine tuning of this balance is not limited to the regulation of the level of expression of these two receptors. Other mechanisms still largely unexplored, such as S-nitrosation of the AT₁ receptor, homo- and heterodimerization, and the use of AT₁ receptor-biased agonists, may significantly contribute to and/or interfere with the settings of this AT₁/AT₂ equilibrium. This review will detail, through several examples (the brain, wound healing, and the cellular cycle), the importance of the functional balance between AT₁ and AT₂ receptors, and how new molecular pharmacological approaches may act on its regulation to open up new therapeutic perspectives.

A convenient synthesis of N-(hetero)arylamides by the oxidative coupling of methylheteroarenes with amines

An oxidative amidation of 2-methylpyridines/2-methylbenzimidazole with amines using copper acetate and elemental sulfur in DMSO to afford various N-(hetero)arylamides has been accomplished. Mechanistic studies reveal the intermediacy of N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)aniline and confirm the role of DMSO as the oxygen source.

Comparative beneficial effects of nebivolol and nebivolol/valsartan combination against mitochondrial dysfunction in angiotensin II-induced pathology in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts

OBJECTIVES

Considering the complementary nature of signalling mechanisms and the therapeutic effects of nebivolol, a β1-adrenoreceptor antagonist, and valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), here we aimed to investigate whether nebivolol/valsartan combination would complement the cardioprotective effects of nebivolol on angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced pathology in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts.

METHODS

H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were used to investigate the protective effects of nebivolol and nebivolol and valsartan combination against ANG II-induced pathology. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was determined by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) and MitoSOX Red staining. Real-time PCR and immunoblotting were employed to quantify the changes in mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively.

KEY FINDINGS

Our data revealed that pretreatment with nebivolol and nebivolol/valsartan combination significantly reduced ANG II-induced oxidative stress and mTORC1 signalling. Concurrently, ANG II-induced activation of inflammatory cytokines and fetal gene expressions were significantly suppressed by nebivolol and nebivolol/valsartan combination. Pretreatment with nebivolol and nebivolol/valsartan combination alleviated ANG II-induced impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis by restoring the gene expression levels of PGC-1α, TFAM, NRF-1 and SIRT3. Our data further show that nebivolol and nebivolol/valsartan combination mediated up-regulation in mitochondrial biogenesis is accompanied by decrease in ANG II-stimulated mitochondrial ROS generation as well as increase in expression of mitochondrial fusion genes MFN2 and OPA1, indicative of improved mitochondrial dynamics.

SUMMARY

These findings suggest that both nebivolol and nebivolol/valsartan combination exert protective effects on ANG II-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by alleviating its biogenesis and dynamics. Moreover, addition of valsartan to nebivolol do not produce any additive effects compared with nebivolol alone on ANG II-induced cardiac pathology.

Engineering of Microcage Carbon Nanotube Architectures with Decoupled Multimodal Porosity and Amplified Catalytic Performance

New approaches for the engineering of the 3D microstructure, pore modality, and chemical functionality of hierarchically porous nanocarbon assemblies are key to develop the next generation of functional aerogel and membrane materials. Here, interfacially driven assembly of carbon nanotubes (CNT) is exploited to fabricate structurally directed aerogels with highly controlled internal architectures, composed of pseudo-monolayer, CNT microcages. CNT Pickering emulsions enable engineering at fundamentally different length scales, whereby the microporosity, mesoporosity, and macroporosity are decoupled and individually controlled through CNT type, CNT number density, and process energy, respectively. In addition, metal nanocatalysts (Cu, Pd, and Ru) are embedded within the architectures through an elegant sublimation and shock-decomposition approach; introducing the first approach that enables through-volume functionalization of intricate, pre-designed aerogels without microstructural degradation. Catalytic structure-function relationships are explored in a pharma-important amidation reaction; providing insights on how the engineered frameworks enhance catalyst activity. A sophisticated array of advanced tomographic, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques reveal an intricate 3D assembly of CNT building-blocks and their influence on the functional properties of the enhanced nanocatalysts. These advances set a basis to modulate structure and chemistry of functional aerogel materials independently in a controlled fashion for a variety of applications, including energy conversion and storage, smart electronics, and (electro)catalysis.

Integrated Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) Approach for the Development and Validation of Bioanalytical Liquid Chromatography Method for Estimation of Valsartan

The present studies describe the systematic development and validation of a simple, rapid, sensitive and cost-effective reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic bioanalytical method for the estimation of valsartan in rat plasma employing analytical quality by design (AQbD) principles quality risk management was applied for identifying the critical method parameters (CMPs) and subsequently method optimization was performed employing Box–Behnken design by selecting mobile phase pH, flow rate and % organic modifier as the CMPs and evaluated for critical analytical attributes (CAAs) such as peak area, retention time, peak tailing and number of theoretical plates. The developed method was then transferred to bioanalysis, where liquid–liquid extraction process was used for separating the drug from rat plasma. The optimization of extraction process was performed with the help of face-centered cubic design by selecting centrifugation speed and centrifugation time as the CMPs for maximizing % recovery, signal-to-noise ratio and purity threshold of the drug peak after extraction as the CAAs. Optimum chromatographic solution was chosen by mathematical and graphical search techniques, and design space was demarcated. Validation studies performed for the developed method indicated linearity ranging between 5 and 100 ng.mL−1, whereas accuracy and precision study showed good percent recovery (99–102%) along with % relative standard deviation within ±2%. Sensitivity evaluation revealed limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be 0.76 ng.mL−1 and 2.29 ng.mL−1, respectively. In a nutshell, the present work demonstrates significant merits of AQbD approach for holistic process understanding and analytical method development and validation with enhanced robustness and performance.

NiFe2O4@SiO2 @amino Glucose Magnetic Nanoparticle under Solvent-free Condition: A New, mild, Simple and Effective Avenue for the Synthesis of Quinazolinone, Imidazo[1,2-a]Pyrimidinone and Novel Derivatives of Amides

BACKGROUND

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidinone, quinazolinone and amide derivatives have attracted a lot of interest because of their broad scope of biological and pharmacological activities. There are a lot of methods reported in the literature for their synthesis. Therefore, we became interested in developing a convenient synthetic method for the preparation of imidazoquinazolinone and amide derivatives.

OBJECTIVE

NiFe2O4@SiO2 @glucose amine were synthesized, characterized and have been used for the green, effective and mild multicomponent synthesis of quinazolinones, benzoimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidinones and amides under solvent-free conditions in short reaction times and excellent yields. To expand of the scope of this avenue, multicomponent synthesis of mono and bis novel amides was tested for the first time. All of the products were characterized by mp, FT-IR, NMR and elemental analysis.

METHODS

Aldehyde (1mmol), 2-amino benzimidazole (1 mmol), dimedone (1mmol) or indane-1,3-dione (1 mmol) for the synthesis of quinazoline or imidazopyrimidinones and arene (1mmol), anhydride (1mmol), 2- aminobenzimidazole (1mmol) for the synthesis of amides in the nanocatalyst NiFe2O4@SiO2@glucose amine (0.15mol%: 0.05g) were stirred by a magnet for the required reaction time. After completion of the reaction, as indicated by TLC, the products were collected and recrystallized from ethanol if necessary.

RESULTS

We present a novel avenue for the synthesis of benzimidazo[1,2-a] pyrimidinones, quinazolinones and amides in the presence of NiFe2O4@SiO2@glucose amine under solvent-free conditions.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we developed NiFe2O4@SiO2 @glucose amine-catalysed multicomponent synthesis of quinazolinones and imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidinones using the reaction of benzaldehyde, dimedone or indane-dione and 2-aminobenzimidazole and multicomponent synthesis of amides using arenes, cyclic anhydrides and 2-aminobenzimidazole by a solvent-free technique. This method proves to be a robust and innovative approach for the synthesis of a biologically important structure. The operational simplicity, the excellent yields of products, ease of separation and recyclability of the magnetic catalyst, waste reduction and high selectivity are the main advantages of this method. Furthermore, this new avenue is cheap and environmentally benign.

Clickable coupling of carboxylic acids and amines at room temperature mediated by SO2F2: a significant breakthrough for the construction of amides and peptide linkages

The construction of amide bonds and peptide linkages is one of the most fundamental transformations in all life processes and organic synthesis. The synthesis of structurally ubiquitous amide motifs is essential in the assembly of numerous important molecules such as peptides, proteins, alkaloids, pharmaceutical agents, polymers, ligands and agrochemicals. A method of SO2F2-mediated direct clickable coupling of carboxylic acids with amines was developed for the synthesis of a broad scope of amides in a simple, mild, highly efficient, robust and practical manner (>110 examples, >90% yields in most cases). The direct click reactions of acids and amines on a gram scale are also demonstrated using an extremely easy work-up and purification process of washing with 1 M aqueous HCl to provide the desired amides in greater than 99% purity and excellent yields.

Green Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel N-Arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-2-Carboxamide Derivatives

The article deals with the synthesis of some novel N-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-2-carboxamides (7a-l) by condensation reaction of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (5) with different aliphatic/aromatic amines (6a-l) by using 1-methylimidazole, Mukaiyama’s reagent and 2-chloro-1-methylpyridinium iodide under microwave irradiation conditions. A new series of compounds 7 have been prepared from 2-iodopyrazine (1). Compound 1 on purged with ammonia gas in the presence of Cu2O and K2CO3 furnishes pyrazin-2-amine (2), which is treated with ethyl 3-bromo-2-oxopropanoate (3) to produce ethyl imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-2-carboxylate (4), which on hydrolysis with NaOH yields imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (5). The structures of the newly synthesized compounds have been elucidated on the basis of spectral (IR, 1H and 13C NMR and MS) and analytical data. Compounds 7a-l have also been screened for their antimicrobial activity. Some of the compounds exhibit promising antimicrobial activity

Biological Activity Evaluation of Some New Benzenesulphonamide Derivatives

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become one of the most challenging problems of infectious disease treatment. Ten new derivatives of benzenesulphonamide bearing carboxamide functionality were synthesized and investigated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory, in vitro anti-microbial and anti-oxidant activities. The base promoted reactions of the appropriate amino acids with substituted benzenesulphonyl chlorides gave the benzene sulphonamides (3a-j) in excellent yields. Palladium mediated amidation of the benzenesulphonamides (3a-j) and butylamine gave the new carboxamides (4a-j) in excellent yield. Compounds 4a and 4c inhibited carrageenan induced rat-paw edema at 94.69, 89.66, and 87.83% each at 1, 2, and 3 h, respectively. In the antimicrobial activity, compound 4d (MIC 6.72 mg/mL) was most potent against E. coli, compound 4h (MIC 6.63 mg/mL) was the most active against S. aureus, compound 4a (MIC 6.67 and 6.45 mg/mL) was most active against P. aeruginosa and S. typhi, respectively, compound 4f (MIC 6.63 mg/mL) was the most active against B. subtilis, compounds 4e and 4h (MIC 6.63 mg/mL) each were the most active against C. albicans, while compound 4e (MIC 6.28 mg/mL) was most active against A. niger. Only compound 4e (IC50 0.3287 mg/mL) had comparable activity with Vitamin C (IC50 0.2090 mg/mL).

Drug in Adhesive Transdermal Formulation of Valsartan and Nifedipine: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Rats

Background:

The increasing complications associated with hypertension often require a combination of two or more drugs acting through different routes to counter the elevated blood pressure.

Objective:

The present investigation envisaged at preparing and evaluating a transdermal formulation containing gelled microemulsion drug in adhesive (DIA) patch for simultaneous systemic delivery of valsartan and nifedipine aimed at effective management of hypertension.

Methods:

An optimized microemulsion was prepared by using Captex® 500 (7.34% w/w), Capmul® MCM (4.24% w/w), Acrysol EL 135 (24.43% w/w), Transcutol P® (5% w/w) and water (58.9% w/w). Gelling was contributed by polyvinylpyrrolidone K 90F and polyethyleneimine where the latter also conferred skin adhesion properties to the patch. DIA patches were evaluated for in vitro drug release as well as in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in rats.

Results:

In vitro permeation of nifedipine or valsartan from the selected DIA patch was 10.67-fold and 1.25-fold higher as compared to their aqueous dispersions. The relative bioavailability of nifedipine was 1.34 and that of valsartan was 2.18 from this DIA patch with respect to the oral administration of their aqueous suspension.

Conclusion:

Transdermal delivery of either drug alone was not effective in reducing methyl prednisolone acetate-induced hypertension, whereas, simultaneous transdermal delivery of both drugs from DIA patch effectively maintained systolic blood pressure at a normal level in these rats for 20 h.

Influenza A virus mimetic nanoparticles trigger selective cell uptake

Poor target cell specificity is currently a major shortcoming of nanoparticles (NPs) used for biomedical applications. It causes significant material loss to off-target sites and poor availability at the intended delivery site. To overcome this limitation, we designed particles that identify cells in a virus-like manner. As a blueprint, we chose a mechanism typical of influenza A virus particles in which ectoenzymatic hemagglutinin activation by target cells is a mandatory prerequisite for binding to a secondary target structure that finally confirms cell identity and allows for uptake of the virus. We developed NPs that probe mesangial cells for the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme on their surface using angiotensin I (Ang-I) as a proligand. This initial interaction enzymatically transforms Ang-I to a secondary ligand angiotensin II (Ang-II) that has the potential to bind in a second stage to Ang-II type-1 receptor (AT1R). The presence of the receptor confirms the target cell identity and triggers NP uptake via endocytosis. Our virus-mimetic NPs showed outstanding target-cell affinity with picomolar avidities and were able to selectively identify these cells in the presence of 90% off-target cells that carried only the AT1R. Our results demonstrate that the design of virus-mimetic cell interactive NPs is a valuable strategy to enhance NP specificity for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Our set of primary and secondary targets is particularly suited for the identification of mesangial cells that play a pivotal role in diabetic nephropathy, one of the leading causes of renal failure, for which currently no treatment exists.

Nebivolol/Valsartan: A Novel Antihypertensive Fixed-Dose Combination Tablet

Data Sources: A PubMed (1966 to October 2018) search was conducted using the following keywords: nebivolol, valsartan, and hypertension (HTN). Additional sources were identified by references. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles written in English were included if they evaluated the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, or place in therapy of nebivolol/valsartan in human subjects. Data Synthesis: Most patients with HTN require combination therapy; however, β-adrenergic antagonists and AII type 1 receptor blockers have been considered less effective because of overlapping mechanisms of action. A phase III, randomized trial demonstrated that nebivolol/valsartan produced statistically significant blood pressure (BP) lowering as compared with monotherapy with the individual components or placebo. Substudy analyses confirmed this among subgroups and demonstrated that nebivolol/valsartan decreased plasma renin and aldosterone levels. One trial reported continued BP lowering at 52 weeks. Another study showed that nebivolol/valsartan had similar additivity scores as compared with other antihypertensive combinations. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review discusses drug information, efficacy, and safety of nebivolol/valsartan and discusses its clinical relevance as a novel combination product in managing patients with HTN. Conclusion: Nebivolol/valsartan combination may offer a benefit to patients with an indication for both classes who desire to decrease pill burden. Although BP lowering was statistically significant in comparison to the individual components as monotherapy, the combination does not offer clinically significant benefits that would elevate its place in HTN management.

Cu(OAc)2-Promoted Ortho C(sp2)-H Amidation of 8-Aminoquinoline Benzamide with Acyl Azide: Selective Formation of Aroyl or Acetyl Amide Based on Catalyst Loading

An efficient method for the C(sp²) amidation of 8-aminoquinoline benzamide by acyl azide in the presence of copper acetate has been achieved via C-H activation. Interestingly, the loading of copper acetate has a strong influence on the outcome of the reaction. The use of 1 equiv of copper acetate produces the corresponding aroyl amide, whereas the use of 2 equiv led to acetyl amide. A series of substituted benzoyl and acetyl amides has been obtained.

New carboxamide derivatives bearing benzenesulphonamide as a selective COX-II inhibitor: Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship

Sixteen new carboxamide derivatives bearing substituted benzenesulphonamide moiety (7a-p) were synthesized by boric acid mediated amidation of appropriate benzenesulphonamide with 2-amino-4-picoline and tested for anti-inflammatory activity. One compound 7c showed more potent anti-inflammatory activity than celecoxib at 3 h in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema bioassay. Compounds 7g and 7k also showed good anti-inflammatory activity comparable to celecoxib. Compound 7c appeared selectivity index (COX-2/COX-1) better than celecoxib. Compound 7k appeared selectivity index (COX-2/COX-1) a little higher than the half of celecoxib while compound 7g is non-selective for COX-2. The LD₅₀ of compounds 7c, 7g and 7k were comparable to celecoxib.

A new highly sensitive and specific overnight combined screening and diagnostic test for primary aldosteronism

CONTEXT

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension that is diagnosed following a two-step process: an initial screening test, based on the serum aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR), followed by a relatively laborious and time-consuming confirmatory test to document autonomous aldosterone (ALD) secretion.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to develop a simple overnight test for the early and definite diagnosis of PA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Totally, 148 hypertensive patients underwent a fludrocortisone-dexamethasone suppression test (FDST) and the new overnight diagnostic test (DCVT) using pharmaceutical RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) blockade with dexamethasone, captopril and valsartan.

RESULTS

Of the 148 patients, 45 were diagnosed as having PA and they all normalized their elevated blood pressure (BP) after administration of spironolactone or eplerenone. The remaining 103 patients were considered as having essential hypertension and served as controls. Using ROC analysis, the estimated sensitivity and specificity were 91 and 100%, respectively, for the post-FDST ARR, whereas 98% and 89% and 100% and 82% for the post-DCVT ARR and post-DCVT ALD, respectively, with selected cutoffs of 0.32ng/dL/μU/mL and 3ng/dL respectively. However, considering these cutoffs simultaneously, the estimated sensitivity and specificity were 98 and 100% respectively. Applying these cutoffs, the diagnosis of PA was confirmed in 44 (98%) of the 45 patients who were considered to have the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a highly sensitive and specific, low-cost, rapid, safe, and easy-to-perform diagnostic test (DCVT) for PA is described, which could be utilized on an outpatient basis potentially substituting conventional laborious testing.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists in animal models of vascular, cardiac, metabolic and renal disease

We have reviewed the effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (ARBs) in various animal models of hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac function, hypertrophy and fibrosis, glucose and lipid metabolism, and renal function and morphology. Those of azilsartan and telmisartan have been included comprehensively whereas those of other ARBs have been included systematically but without intention of completeness. ARBs as a class lower blood pressure in established hypertension and prevent hypertension development in all applicable animal models except those with a markedly suppressed renin-angiotensin system; blood pressure lowering even persists for a considerable time after discontinuation of treatment. This translates into a reduced mortality, particularly in models exhibiting marked hypertension. The retrieved data on vascular, cardiac and renal function and morphology as well as on glucose and lipid metabolism are discussed to address three main questions: 1. Can ARB effects on blood vessels, heart, kidney and metabolic function be explained by blood pressure lowering alone or are they additionally directly related to blockade of the renin-angiotensin system? 2. Are they shared by other inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, e.g. angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors? 3. Are some effects specific for one or more compounds within the ARB class? Taken together these data profile ARBs as a drug class with unique properties that have beneficial effects far beyond those on blood pressure reduction and, in some cases distinct from those of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. The clinical relevance of angiotensin receptor-independent effects of some ARBs remains to be determined.

Selectivity of pharmacological tools: implications for use in cell physiology. A review in the theme: Cell signaling: proteins, pathways and mechanisms

Pharmacological inhibitors are frequently used to identify the receptors, receptor subtypes, and associated signaling pathways involved in physiological cell responses. Based on the effects of such inhibitors conclusions are drawn about the involvement of their assumed target or lack thereof. While such inhibitors can be useful tools for a better physiological understanding, their uncritical use can lead to incorrect conclusions. This article reviews the concept of inhibitor selectivity and its implication for cell physiology. Specifically, we discuss the implications of using inhibitor vs. activator approaches, issues of direct vs. indirect pathway modulation, implications of inverse agonism and biased signaling, and those of orthosteric vs. allosteric, competitive vs. noncompetitive, and reversible vs. irreversible inhibition. Additional problems can result from inconsistent estimates of inhibitor potency and differences in potency between cell-free systems and intact cells. These concepts are illustrated by several examples of inhibitors displaying affinity for related but distinct targets or even unrelated targets. Of note, many of the issues being addressed are also applicable to genetic inhibition strategies. The main practical conclusion following from these concepts is that investigators should be critical in the choice of inhibitor, its concentrations, and its mode of application. When this advice is adhered to, small-molecule pharmacological inhibitors can be important experimental tools in the hand of physiologists.

Cu- or Fe-catalyzed C–H/C–C bond nitrogenation reactions for the direct synthesis of N-containing compounds

This tutorial account summarizes the recent progress in Cu- or Fe-catalyzed C–H/C–C bond nitrogenation reactions for the direct synthesis of N-containing compounds.

Valsartan regulates myocardial autophagy and mitochondrial turnover in experimental hypertension

Renovascular hypertension alters cardiac structure and function. Autophagy is activated during left ventricular hypertrophy and linked to adverse cardiac function. The angiotensin II receptor blocker, valsartan, lowers blood pressure and is cardioprotective, but whether it modulates autophagy in the myocardium is unclear. We hypothesized that valsartan would alleviate autophagy and improve left ventricular myocardial mitochondrial turnover in swine renovascular hypertension. Domestic pigs were randomized to control, unilateral renovascular hypertension, and renovascular hypertension treated with valsartan (320 mg/d) or conventional triple therapy (reserpine+hydralazine+hydrochlorothiazide) for 4 weeks after 6 weeks of renovascular hypertension (n=7 each group). Left ventricular remodeling, function, and myocardial oxygenation and microcirculation were assessed by multidetector computer tomography, blood oxygen level-dependent MRI, and microcomputer tomography. Myocardial autophagy, markers for mitochondrial degradation and biogenesis, and mitochondrial respiratory-chain proteins were examined ex vivo. Renovascular hypertension induced left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial hypoxia, enhanced cellular autophagy and mitochondrial degradation, and suppressed mitochondrial biogenesis. Valsartan and triple therapy similarly decreased blood pressure, but valsartan solely alleviated left ventricular hypertrophy, ameliorated myocardial autophagy and mitophagy, and increased mitochondrial biogenesis. In contrast, triple therapy only slightly attenuated autophagy and preserved mitochondrial proteins, but elicited no improvement in mitophagy. These data suggest a novel potential role of valsartan in modulating myocardial autophagy and mitochondrial turnover in renovascular hypertension-induced hypertensive heart disease, which may possibly bolster cardiac repair via a blood pressure-independent manner.

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14: G protein-coupled receptors

The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2013/14 provides concise overviews of the key properties of over 2000 human drug targets with their pharmacology, plus links to an open access knowledgebase of drug targets and their ligands (www.guidetopharmacology.org), which provides more detailed views of target and ligand properties. The full contents can be found at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12444/full. G protein-coupled receptors are one of the seven major pharmacological targets into which the Guide is divided, with the others being G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, catalytic receptors, nuclear hormone receptors, transporters and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools, alongside key references and suggestions for further reading. A new landscape format has easy to use tables comparing related targets. It is a condensed version of material contemporary to late 2013, which is presented in greater detail and constantly updated on the website www.guidetopharmacology.org, superseding data presented in previous Guides to Receptors and Channels. It is produced in conjunction with NC-IUPHAR and provides the official IUPHAR classification and nomenclature for human drug targets, where appropriate. It consolidates information previously curated and displayed separately in IUPHAR-DB and the Guide to Receptors and Channels, providing a permanent, citable, point-in-time record that will survive database updates.

A systematic comparison of the properties of clinically used angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (ARBs) have become an important drug class in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure and the protection from diabetic nephropathy. Eight ARBs are clinically available [azilsartan, candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, valsartan]. Azilsartan (in some countries), candesartan, and olmesartan are orally administered as prodrugs, whereas the blocking action of some is mediated through active metabolites. On the basis of their chemical structures, ARBs use different binding pockets in the receptor, which are associated with differences in dissociation times and, in most cases, apparently insurmountable antagonism. The physicochemical differences between ARBs also manifest in different tissue penetration, including passage through the blood-brain barrier. Differences in binding mode and tissue penetration are also associated with differences in pharmacokinetic profile, particularly duration of action. Although generally highly specific for angiotensin II type 1 receptors, some ARBs, particularly telmisartan, are partial agonists at peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. All of these properties are comprehensively reviewed in this article. Although there is general consensus that a continuous receptor blockade over a 24-hour period is desirable, the clinical relevance of other pharmacological differences between individual ARBs remains to be assessed.

Renin activates PI3K-Akt-eNOS signalling through the angiotensin AT₁ and Mas receptors to modulate central blood pressure control in the nucleus tractus solitarii

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is critical for the control of blood pressure by the CNS. Recently, direct renin inhibitors were approved as antihypertensive agents. However, the signalling mechanism of renin, which regulates blood pressure in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) remains unclear. Here we have investigated the signalling pathways involved in renin-mediated blood pressure regulation, at the NTS.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Depressor responses to renin microinjected into the NTS of Wistar-Kyoto rats were elicited in the absence and presence of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-specific inhibitor, N(5)-(-iminoethyl)-L-ornithine, Akt inhibitor IV and LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor and GP antagonist-2A [G(q) inhibitor]. Lisinopril (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor), losartan, valsartan (angiotensin AT(1) receptor antagonists), D-Ala7-Ang-(1-7) (angiotensin-(1-7) receptor antagonist) were used to study the involvement of RAS on renin-induced depressor effects.

KEY RESULTS

Microinjection of renin into the NTS produced a prominent depressor effect and increased NO production. Pretreatment with G(q) -PI3K-Akt-eNOS pathway-specific inhibitors significantly attenuated the depressor response evoked by renin. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemical studies further showed that inhibition of PI3K significantly blocked renin-induced eNOS-Ser ¹¹⁷ and Akt-Ser⁴⁷³ phosphorylation in situ. In addition, pre-treatment of the NTS with RAS inhibitors attenuated the vasodepressor effects evoked by renin. Microinjection of renin also increased Ras activation in the NTS.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Taken together, these results suggest renin modulated blood pressure at the NTS by AT₁ and Mas receptor-mediated activation of G(q) and Ras to evoke PI3K-Akt-eNOS signalling.

Unique binding behavior of the recently approved angiotensin II receptor blocker azilsartan compared with that of candesartan

The angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor blocker (ARB) candesartan strongly reduces blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension and has been shown to have cardioprotective effects. A new ARB, azilsartan, was recently approved and has been shown to provide a more potent 24-h sustained antihypertensive effect than candesartan. However, the molecular interactions of azilsartan with the AT(1) receptor that could explain its strong BP-lowering activity are not yet clear. To address this issue, we examined the binding affinities of ARBs for the AT(1) receptor and their inverse agonist activity toward the production of inositol phosphate (IP), and we constructed docking models for the interactions between ARBs and the receptor. Azilsartan, unlike candesartan, has a unique moiety, a 5-oxo-1,2,4-oxadiazole, in place of a tetrazole ring. Although the results regarding the binding affinities of azilsartan and candesartan demonstrated that these ARBs interact with the same sites in the AT(1) receptor (Tyr(113), Lys(199) and Gln(257)), the hydrogen bonding between the oxadiazole of azilsartan-Gln(257) is stronger than that between the tetrazole of candesartan-Gln(257), according to molecular docking models. An examination of the inhibition of IP production by ARBs using constitutively active mutant receptors indicated that inverse agonist activity required azilsartan-Gln(257) interaction and that azilsartan had a stronger interaction with Gln(257) than candesartan. Thus, we speculate that azilsartan has a unique binding behavior to the AT(1) receptor due to its 5-oxo-1,2,4-oxadiazole moiety and induces stronger inverse agonism. This property of azilsartan may underlie its previously demonstrated superior BP-lowering efficacy compared with candesartan and other ARBs.

Blood pressure lowering with valsartan is associated with maintenance of cerebral blood flow and cerebral perfusion reserve in hypertensive patients with cerebral small vessel disease

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of systemic blood pressure-lowering treatment with an angiotensin II receptor blocker, valsartan, on cerebral hemodynamics in patients with hypertension and evidence of cerebral small vessel disease.

METHODS

We used positron emission tomography and acetazolamide challenge tests to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) in 8 patients with hypertension (mean age 70.8 years) with lacunar infarcts and white matter lesions before and after valsartan therapy.

RESULTS

Systemic blood pressure was significantly decreased from baseline after treatment with valsartan. The baseline global CBFs before and after treatment were 38.2 +/- 5.6 mL/min/100 g and 39.9 +/- 9.0 mL/min/100 g, respectively. The CVRs before and after treatment were 52.2 +/- 18.4% and 39.7 +/- 18.9%, respectively. Differences in these parameters were not significant. Both regional CBF and CVR in the corona radiata with moderate or severe white matter lesions were also preserved after valsartan therapy compared with those before treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebral hemodynamics were preserved after blood pressure lowering with valsartan therapy. Valsartan could be a feasible antihypertensive regimen in terms of cerebral circulation in patients with cerebral small vessel disease.

Dynamic NMR study and theoretical calculations on the conformational exchange of valsartan and related compounds

Valsartan (1), an antihypertensive drug of the sartan family, and three related compounds, 3-methyl-2-((2'-(1-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-ylmethyl) pentanoylamino)butyric acid (2), 3-isopropyl-6-propyl-4-(2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-ylmethyl) morpholine-2,5-dione (3), and 3-isopropyl-6-propyl-4-(4'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl4-ylmethyl) morpholine-2,5-dione (4), were studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Assignment of (1)H and (13)C NMR resonances for the compounds were completed using COSY, HSQC and HMBC techniques. It was found that each of the compounds 1, 2, and 4 had two sets of (1)H and (13)C resonances, suggesting the presence of two conformers in solution. Based on NOESY experiments at different temperatures, thermodynamic parameters of the conformational exchange process were deduced for these compounds. The exchange barrier was found to be 17.9 +/- 0.7, 18.5 +/- 0.8, and 17.7 +/- 0.6 kcal mol(-1) with the corresponding free energy difference (DeltaG) of 0.32 +/- 0.04, 0.23 +/- 0.01, and 0.13 +/- 0.04 kcal mol(-1) for 1, 2, and 4, respectively, at 298 K. Two conformations of valsartan were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculation. The results showed that two conformers of valsartan interchange via rotation about the C(O)--N bond.