Pradigastat disposition in humans: in vivo and in vitro investigations

Study liquid-liquid phase separation with optical microscopy: A methodology review

Intracellular liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a critical process involving the dynamic association of biomolecules and the formation of non-membrane compartments, playing a vital role in regulating biomolecular interactions and organelle functions. A comprehensive understanding of cellular LLPS mechanisms at the molecular level is crucial, as many diseases are linked to LLPS, and insights gained can inform drug/gene delivery processes and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of associated diseases. Over the past few decades, numerous techniques have been employed to investigate the LLPS process. In this review, we concentrate on optical imaging methods applied to LLPS studies. We begin by introducing LLPS and its molecular mechanism, followed by a review of the optical imaging methods and fluorescent probes employed in LLPS research. Furthermore, we discuss potential future imaging tools applicable to the LLPS studies. This review aims to provide a reference for selecting appropriate optical imaging methods for LLPS investigations.

Effect of the DGAT1 inhibitor pradigastat on triglyceride and apoB48 levels in patients with familial chylomicronemia syndrome

BACKGROUND

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare lipid disease caused by complete lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency resulting in fasting chylomicronemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Inhibition of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), which mediates chylomicron triglyceride (TG) synthesis, is an attractive strategy to reduce TG levels in FCS. In this study we assessed the safety, tolerability and TG-lowering efficacy of the DGAT1 inhibitor pradigastat in patients with FCS.

METHODS

Six FCS patients were enrolled in an open-label clinical study. Following a 1-week very low fat diet run-in period patients underwent baseline lipid assessments, including a low fat meal tolerance test. Patients then underwent three consecutive 21 day treatment periods (pradigastat at 20, 40 & 10 mg, respectively). Treatment periods were separated by washout periods of ≥4 weeks. Fasting TG levels were assessed weekly through the treatment periods. Postprandial TGs, ApoB48 and lipoprotein lipid content were also monitored.

RESULTS

Following once daily oral dosing, steady-state exposure was reached by Day 14. There was an approximately dose proportional increase in pradigastat exposure at studied doses. Pradigastat was associated with a 41% (20 mg) and 70% (40 mg) reduction in fasting triglyceride over 21 days of treatment. The reduction in fasting TG was almost entirely accounted for by a reduction in chylomicron TG. Pradigastat treatment also led to substantial reductions in postprandial TG as well as apo48 (both fasting and postprandial). Pradigastat was safe and well tolerated, with only mild, transient gastrointestinal adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The novel DGAT1 inhibitor pradigastat substantially reduces plasma TG levels in FCS patients, and may be a promising new treatment for this orphan disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01146522 .