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Swart DH, de Haan M, Stevens J, Henning RH, Adel S, van der Graaf AC, Ulu N, Touw DJ, Krenning G. Safety, tolerability and toxicokinetics of the novel mitochondrial drug SUL-138 administered orally to rat and minipig. Toxicol Rep 2024; 12:345-355. [PMID: 38560508 PMCID: PMC10981007 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases (NCD) are a socioeconomic burden and considered one of the major health challenges for coming decades. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated mechanistically in their pathophysiology. Therefore, targeting mitochondria holds great promise to improve clinical outcomes in NCDs. SUL-138, an orally bioavailable small molecule efficacious from 0.5 mg/kg, improves mitochondrial function during disease in several preclinical animal models. As preparation for a First-in-Human (FIH) trial, SUL-138 was investigated in 30-day GLP repeated dose toxicity studies in rat and minipig, selected based on their comparability with human metabolism, to determine toxicokinetics, potential toxicity and its reversibility. Rats were allocated to either vehicle, 27, 136 or 682 mg/kg SUL-138 dose groups and minipigs were allocated to either vehicle, 16, 82 or 409 mg/kg. Treatment occurred orally for 30 days followed by a recovery period of 14 days. During these studies clinical observations, toxicokinetic, clinical pathology, necropsy and histopathology evaluations were performed. There was significant systemic exposure to SUL-138 and toxicokinetics was characterized by a rapid absorption and elimination. In the rat, toxicokinetics was dose-proportional and AUC0-tlast ratios in both species indicated that SUL-138 does not accumulate in vivo. No treatment-related adverse effects were observed for dose levels up to 136 and 82 mg/kg/day in rat and minipig respectively. In conclusion, these preclinical studies demonstrate that SUL-138 is well tolerated after repeated administration in rat and minipig, with NOAELs of 136 and 82 mg/kg/day, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniël H. Swart
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen 9713GZ, the Netherlands
- Sulfateq B.V., Admiraal de Ruyterlaan 5, Groningen 9726GN, the Netherlands
| | - Martin de Haan
- Sulfateq B.V., Admiraal de Ruyterlaan 5, Groningen 9726GN, the Netherlands
- Madeha Management & Consultancy B.V., Eilandseweg 10, Nederhorst den Berg 1394JE, the Netherlands
| | - Jasper Stevens
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen 9713GZ, the Netherlands
| | - Rob H. Henning
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen 9713GZ, the Netherlands
| | - Sovan Adel
- Sulfateq B.V., Admiraal de Ruyterlaan 5, Groningen 9726GN, the Netherlands
| | | | - Nadir Ulu
- Gen İlaç ve Sağlık Ürünleri A.Ş., Mustafa Kemal Mahallesi, 2119.Cad. No:3, Çankaya, Ankara 06520, Turkey
| | - Daan J. Touw
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen 9713GZ, the Netherlands
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713GZ, the Netherlands
| | - Guido Krenning
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen 9713GZ, the Netherlands
- Sulfateq B.V., Admiraal de Ruyterlaan 5, Groningen 9726GN, the Netherlands
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de Veij Mestdagh CF, Smit AB, Henning RH, van Kesteren RE. Mitochondrial Targeting against Alzheimer's Disease: Lessons from Hibernation. Cells 2023; 13:12. [PMID: 38201215 PMCID: PMC10778235 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and yet remains without effective therapy. Amongst the many proposed causes of AD, the mitochondrial cascade hypothesis is gaining attention. Accumulating evidence shows that mitochondrial dysfunction is a driving force behind synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline in AD patients. However, therapies targeting the mitochondria in AD have proven unsuccessful so far, and out-of-the-box options, such as hibernation-derived mitochondrial mechanisms, may provide valuable new insights. Hibernators uniquely and rapidly alternate between suppression and re-activation of the mitochondria while maintaining a sufficient energy supply and without acquiring ROS damage. Here, we briefly give an overview of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD, how it affects synaptic function, and why mitochondrial targeting in AD has remained unsuccessful so far. We then discuss mitochondria in hibernation and daily torpor in mice, covering current advancements in hibernation-derived mitochondrial targeting strategies. We conclude with new ideas on how hibernation-derived dual mitochondrial targeting of both the ATP and ROS pathways may boost mitochondrial health and induce local synaptic protein translation to increase synaptic function and plasticity. Further exploration of these mechanisms may provide more effective treatment options for AD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina F. de Veij Mestdagh
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.B.S.); (R.E.v.K.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - August B. Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.B.S.); (R.E.v.K.)
| | - Robert H. Henning
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Ronald E. van Kesteren
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.B.S.); (R.E.v.K.)
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Star BS, van der Slikke EC, van Buiten A, Henning RH, Bouma HR. The Novel Compound SUL-138 Counteracts Endothelial Cell and Kidney Dysfunction in Sepsis by Preserving Mitochondrial Function. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076330. [PMID: 37047303 PMCID: PMC10094718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is defined as a dysregulated host response leading to organ dysfunction, which may ultimately result in the patient’s death. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in developing organ dysfunction in sepsis. In this study, we explored the efficacy of the novel mitochondrial protective compound, SUL-138, in sepsis models in HUVECs and mice. In LPS-challenged HUVECs, SUL-138 preserved mitochondrial membrane potential and oxygen consumption and limited mitochondrial oxidative stress, resulting in increased survival at 48 h. Further, SUL-138 dampened the LPS-induced expression of IL-1β, but not of NLRP3, and IL-18 in HUVECs. Sepsis in mice induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) led to a lower mitochondrial membrane potential and increased levels of mitochondrial oxidative stress in the kidney, which SUL-138 limited. In addition, SUL-138 mitigated the CLP-induced increase in kidney dysfunction markers NGAL and urea. It dampened the rise in kidney expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and ICAM-1, but not TNF-α and E-selectin. Yet, SUL-138 limited the increase in plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α of CLP mice. These results demonstrate that SUL-138 supports mitochondrial function, resulting in a limitation of systemic inflammation and preservation of kidney function.
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de Veij Mestdagh CF, Koopmans F, Breiter JC, Timmerman JA, Vogelaar PC, Krenning G, Mansvelder HD, Smit AB, Henning RH, van Kesteren RE. The hibernation-derived compound SUL-138 shifts the mitochondrial proteome towards fatty acid metabolism and prevents cognitive decline and amyloid plaque formation in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:183. [PMID: 36482297 PMCID: PMC9733344 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01127-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide and remains without effective cure. Increasing evidence is supporting the mitochondrial cascade hypothesis, proposing that loss of mitochondrial fitness and subsequent ROS and ATP imbalance are important contributors to AD pathophysiology. METHODS Here, we tested the effects of SUL-138, a small hibernation-derived molecule that supports mitochondrial bioenergetics via complex I/IV activation, on molecular, physiological, behavioral, and pathological outcomes in APP/PS1 and wildtype mice. RESULTS SUL-138 treatment rescued long-term potentiation and hippocampal memory impairments and decreased beta-amyloid plaque load in APP/PS1 mice. This was paralleled by a partial rescue of dysregulated protein expression in APP/PS1 mice as assessed by mass spectrometry-based proteomics. In-depth analysis of protein expression revealed a prominent effect of SUL-138 in APP/PS1 mice on mitochondrial protein expression. SUL-138 increased the levels of proteins involved in fatty acid metabolism in both wildtype and APP/PS1 mice. Additionally, in APP/PS1 mice only, SUL-138 increased the levels of proteins involved in glycolysis and amino acid metabolism pathways, indicating that SUL-138 rescues mitochondrial impairments that are typically observed in AD. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates a SUL-138-induced shift in metabolic input towards the electron transport chain in synaptic mitochondria, coinciding with increased synaptic plasticity and memory. In conclusion, targeting mitochondrial bioenergetics might provide a promising new way to treat cognitive impairments in AD and reduce disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina F. de Veij Mestdagh
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands ,grid.16872.3a0000 0004 0435 165XAlzheimer Center Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC location VUmc , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Koopmans
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jonathan C. Breiter
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap A. Timmerman
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter C. Vogelaar
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands ,Sulfateq B.V., Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Guido Krenning
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands ,Sulfateq B.V., Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Huibert D. Mansvelder
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - August B. Smit
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert H. Henning
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald E. van Kesteren
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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