1
|
Di Francesco V, Chua AJ, Davoudi E, Kim J, Bleier BS, Amiji MM. Minimally invasive nasal infusion (MINI) approach for CNS delivery of protein therapeutics: A case study with ovalbumin. J Control Release 2024; 372:674-681. [PMID: 38909700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.056] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
One of the primary obstacles in treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders lies in the limited ability of disease-modifying drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our previously described Minimally Invasive Nasal Depot (MIND) technique has proven successful in delivering various drugs to the brain in rat models via a trans-olfactory mucosal approach. In this study, we introduce a novel Minimally Invasive Nasal Infusion (MINI) delivery approach for administering ovalbumin, a model protein, utilizing a programmable infusion pump (iPRECIO SMP-310R) in a mouse model. This research highlights the significant role of olfactory mucosa in nose-to-brain delivery, with an efficacy of nearly 45% compared to intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration. This demonstrates its potential as an alternative procedure for treating CNS diseases, offering a greater safety profile relative to the highly invasive clinical routes traditionally adopted for CNS drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Di Francesco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 140 The Fenway Building, MA 02115., USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114., USA
| | - Andy J Chua
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 140 The Fenway Building, MA 02115., USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114., USA; Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, 110, Sengkang, E Way, Singapore 544886
| | - Elham Davoudi
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Jonghan Kim
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin S Bleier
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114., USA.
| | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 140 The Fenway Building, MA 02115., USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 140 The Fenway Building, Boston, MA 02115., USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ceci C, Lacal PM, Barbaccia ML, Mercuri NB, Graziani G, Ledonne A. The VEGFs/VEGFRs system in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: Pathophysiological roles and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107101. [PMID: 38336311 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their cognate receptors (VEGFRs), besides their well-known involvement in physiological angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis and in diseases associated to pathological vessel formation, play multifaceted functions in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to shaping brain development, by controlling cerebral vasculogenesis and regulating neurogenesis as well as astrocyte differentiation, the VEGFs/VEGFRs axis exerts essential functions in the adult brain both in physiological and pathological contexts. In this article, after describing the physiological VEGFs/VEGFRs functions in the CNS, we focus on the VEGFs/VEGFRs involvement in neurodegenerative diseases by reviewing the current literature on the rather complex VEGFs/VEGFRs contribution to the pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. Thereafter, based on the outcome of VEGFs/VEGFRs targeting in animal models of AD and PD, we discuss the factual relevance of pharmacological VEGFs/VEGFRs modulation as a novel and potential disease-modifying approach for these neurodegenerative pathologies. Specific VEGFRs targeting, aimed at selective VEGFR-1 inhibition, while preserving VEGFR-2 signal transduction, appears as a promising strategy to hit the molecular mechanisms underlying AD pathology. Moreover, therapeutic VEGFs-based approaches can be proposed for PD treatment, with the aim of fine-tuning their brain levels to amplify neurotrophic/neuroprotective effects while limiting an excessive impact on vascular permeability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ceci
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Luisa Barbaccia
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Neurology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Rome, Italy; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ada Ledonne
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Rome, Italy; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shang Y, Guo Y, Wei C, Zhou B, Xie H. A comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of the Mini-Cog and AD8 in identifying cognitive impairment in a geriatric health screening population in China. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024; 31:69-76. [PMID: 34672895 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2021.1991930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the discriminative abilities of the Mini-Cog and AD8 tests in detecting cognitive impairment in a Chinese health screening population. 160 geriatric participants were enrolled at an academic medical center . The Mini-Cog, AD8, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess the possibility of cognitive impairment. Logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic curve analyses were performed to evaluate the discriminative abilities of the tests. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 41.25%. Logistic regression modeling showed that the Mini-Cog (odds ratio (OR) = 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25-0.46) and MMSE (OR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.49-0.69) predicted cognitive impairment with 79.4% and 80.6% correct classification, respectively. While the AD8 (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.32-1.85) predicted cognitive impairment with 72.5% correct classification. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the Mini-Cog, AD8 and MMSE for detecting cognitive impairment were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72-0.85), 0.66 (95% CI: 0.58-0.73) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73-0.86). Both sensitivity and specificity of the Mini-Cog were superior to those of the AD8 (sensitivity 78.79% vs. 56.06%; specificity 79.79% vs. 75.53%). Cognitive screening is crucial to maintain the quality of life of older adults. Compared with the AD8, the Mini-Cog test is a more effective tool for screening cognitive impairment in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanchang Shang
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yane Guo
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wei
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hengge Xie
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jorgensen C, Troendle EP, Ulmschneider JP, Searson PC, Ulmschneider MB. A least-squares-fitting procedure for an efficient preclinical ranking of passive transport across the blood-brain barrier endothelium. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2023; 37:537-549. [PMID: 37573260 PMCID: PMC10505096 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-023-00525-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of various disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) is often impeded by the limited brain exposure of drugs, which is regulated by the human blood-brain barrier (BBB). The screening of lead compounds for CNS penetration is challenging due to the biochemical complexity of the BBB, while experimental determination of permeability is not feasible for all types of compounds. Here we present a novel method for rapid preclinical screening of libraries of compounds by utilizing advancements in computing hardware, with its foundation in transition-based counting of the flux. This method has been experimentally validated for in vitro permeabilities and provides atomic-level insights into transport mechanisms. Our approach only requires a single high-temperature simulation to rank a compound relative to a library, with a typical simulation time converging within 24 to 72 h. The method offers unbiased thermodynamic and kinetic information to interpret the passive transport of small-molecule drugs across the BBB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Jorgensen
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pardridge WM. Receptor-mediated drug delivery of bispecific therapeutic antibodies through the blood-brain barrier. FRONTIERS IN DRUG DELIVERY 2023; 3:1227816. [PMID: 37583474 PMCID: PMC10426772 DOI: 10.3389/fddev.2023.1227816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic antibody drug development is a rapidly growing sector of the pharmaceutical industry. However, antibody drug development for the brain is a technical challenge, and therapeutic antibodies for the central nervous system account for ~3% of all such agents. The principal obstacle to antibody drug development for brain or spinal cord is the lack of transport of large molecule biologics across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therapeutic antibodies can be made transportable through the blood-brain barrier by the re-engineering of the therapeutic antibody as a BBB-penetrating bispecific antibody (BSA). One arm of the BSA is the therapeutic antibody and the other arm of the BSA is a transporting antibody. The transporting antibody targets an exofacial epitope on a BBB receptor, and this enables receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) of the BSA across the BBB. Following BBB transport, the therapeutic antibody then engages the target receptor in brain. RMT systems at the BBB that are potential conduits to the brain include the insulin receptor (IR), the transferrin receptor (TfR), the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR) and the leptin receptor. Therapeutic antibodies have been re-engineered as BSAs that target the insulin receptor, TfR, or IGFR RMT systems at the BBB for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bespalov A, Courade JP, Khiroug L, Terstappen GC, Wang Y. A call for better understanding of target engagement in Tau antibody development. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:103338. [PMID: 35973661 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Significant efforts have been channeled into developing antibodies for the treatment of CNS indications. Disappointment with the first generation of clinical Tau antibodies in Alzheimer's disease has highlighted the challenges in understanding whether an antibody can reach or affect the target in the compartment where it is involved in pathological processes. Here, we highlight different aspects essential for improving translatability of Tau-based immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yipeng Wang
- Shanghai Qiangrui Biotech, Shanghai, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
La Barbera L, Mauri E, D’Amelio M, Gori M. Functionalization strategies of polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery in Alzheimer’s disease: Current trends and future perspectives. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:939855. [PMID: 35992936 PMCID: PMC9387393 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.939855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a progressive and multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder whose primary causes are mostly unknown. Due to the increase in life expectancy of world population, including developing countries, AD, whose incidence rises dramatically with age, is at the forefront among neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, a definitive cure is not yet within reach, imposing substantial medical and public health burdens at every latitude. Therefore, the effort to devise novel and effective therapeutic strategies is still of paramount importance. Genetic, functional, structural and biochemical studies all indicate that new and efficacious drug delivery strategies interfere at different levels with various cellular and molecular targets. Over the last few decades, therapeutic development of nanomedicine at preclinical stage has shown to progress at a fast pace, thus paving the way for its potential impact on human health in improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. Clinical translation of nano-based therapeutics, despite current limitations, may present important advantages and innovation to be exploited in the neuroscience field as well. In this state-of-the-art review article, we present the most promising applications of polymeric nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery for bypassing the blood-brain barrier of AD preclinical models and boost pharmacological safety and efficacy. In particular, novel strategic chemical functionalization of polymeric nanocarriers that could be successfully employed for treating AD are thoroughly described. Emphasis is also placed on nanotheranostics as both potential therapeutic and diagnostic tool for targeted treatments. Our review highlights the emerging role of nanomedicine in the management of AD, providing the readers with an overview of the nanostrategies currently available to develop future therapeutic applications against this chronic neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia La Barbera
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Mauri
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D’Amelio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuele Gori
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC) - National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Manuele Gori,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
A Historical Review of Brain Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061283. [PMID: 35745855 PMCID: PMC9229021 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The history of brain drug delivery is reviewed beginning with the first demonstration, in 1914, that a drug for syphilis, salvarsan, did not enter the brain, due to the presence of a blood-brain barrier (BBB). Owing to restricted transport across the BBB, FDA-approved drugs for the CNS have been generally limited to lipid-soluble small molecules. Drugs that do not cross the BBB can be re-engineered for transport on endogenous BBB carrier-mediated transport and receptor-mediated transport systems, which were identified during the 1970s-1980s. By the 1990s, a multitude of brain drug delivery technologies emerged, including trans-cranial delivery, CSF delivery, BBB disruption, lipid carriers, prodrugs, stem cells, exosomes, nanoparticles, gene therapy, and biologics. The advantages and limitations of each of these brain drug delivery technologies are critically reviewed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Tatulian SA. Challenges and hopes for Alzheimer's disease. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1027-1043. [PMID: 35121174 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent drug development efforts targeting Alzheimer's disease (AD) have failed to produce effective disease-modifying agents for many reasons, including the substantial presymptomatic neuronal damage that is caused by the accumulation of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide and tau protein abnormalities, deleterious adverse effects of drug candidates, and inadequate design of clinical trials. New molecular targets, biomarkers, and diagnostic techniques, as well as alternative nonpharmacological approaches, are sorely needed to detect and treat early pathological events. This article analyzes the successes and debacles of pharmaceutical endeavors to date, and highlights new technologies that may lead to the more effective diagnosis and treatment of the pathologies that underlie AD. The use of focused ultrasound, deep brain stimulation, stem cell therapy, and gene therapy, in parallel with pharmaceuticals and judicious lifestyle adjustments, holds promise for the deceleration, prevention, or cure of AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suren A Tatulian
- Department of Physics, College of Sciences, and Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chang HY, Wu S, Chowdhury EA, Shah DK. Towards a translational physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for receptor-mediated transcytosis of anti-transferrin receptor monoclonal antibodies in the central nervous system. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2022; 49:337-362. [DOI: 10.1007/s10928-021-09800-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
11
|
Zolotarev YA, Mitkevich VA, Shram SI, Adzhubei AA, Tolstova AP, Talibov OB, Dadayan AK, Myasoyedov NF, Makarov AA, Kozin SA. Pharmacokinetics and Molecular Modeling Indicate nAChRα4-Derived Peptide HAEE Goes through the Blood-Brain Barrier. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060909. [PMID: 34207317 PMCID: PMC8234734 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is based on the use of pharmacological agents capable of binding to beta-amyloid (Aβ) and blocking its aggregation in the brain. Previously, we found that intravenous administration of the synthetic tetrapeptide Acetyl-His-Ala-Glu-Glu-Amide (HAEE), which is an analogue of the 35-38 region of the α4 subunit of α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and specifically binds to the 11-14 site of Aβ, reduced the development of cerebral amyloidogenesis in a mouse model of AD. In the current study on three types of laboratory animals, we determined the biodistribution and tissue localization patterns of HAEE peptide after single intravenous bolus administration. The pharmacokinetic parameters of HAEE were established using uniformly tritium-labeled HAEE. Pharmacokinetic data provided evidence that HAEE goes through the blood-brain barrier. Based on molecular modeling, a role of LRP1 in receptor-mediated transcytosis of HAEE was proposed. Altogether, the results obtained indicate that the anti-amyloid effect of HAEE, previously found in a mouse model of AD, most likely occurs due to its interaction with Aβ species directly in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurii A. Zolotarev
- Laboratory of Protein Conformational Polymorphism in Health and Disease, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.Z.); (V.A.M.); (A.A.A.); (A.P.T.); (A.A.M.)
- Department of Physiologically Active Substances Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center «Kurchatov Institute», 123182 Moscow, Russia; (S.I.S.); (A.K.D.); (N.F.M.)
| | - Vladimir A. Mitkevich
- Laboratory of Protein Conformational Polymorphism in Health and Disease, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.Z.); (V.A.M.); (A.A.A.); (A.P.T.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Stanislav I. Shram
- Department of Physiologically Active Substances Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center «Kurchatov Institute», 123182 Moscow, Russia; (S.I.S.); (A.K.D.); (N.F.M.)
| | - Alexei A. Adzhubei
- Laboratory of Protein Conformational Polymorphism in Health and Disease, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.Z.); (V.A.M.); (A.A.A.); (A.P.T.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Anna P. Tolstova
- Laboratory of Protein Conformational Polymorphism in Health and Disease, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.Z.); (V.A.M.); (A.A.A.); (A.P.T.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Oleg B. Talibov
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Common Medicine, Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, 127473 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexander K. Dadayan
- Department of Physiologically Active Substances Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center «Kurchatov Institute», 123182 Moscow, Russia; (S.I.S.); (A.K.D.); (N.F.M.)
| | - Nikolai F. Myasoyedov
- Department of Physiologically Active Substances Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Center «Kurchatov Institute», 123182 Moscow, Russia; (S.I.S.); (A.K.D.); (N.F.M.)
| | - Alexander A. Makarov
- Laboratory of Protein Conformational Polymorphism in Health and Disease, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.Z.); (V.A.M.); (A.A.A.); (A.P.T.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Sergey A. Kozin
- Laboratory of Protein Conformational Polymorphism in Health and Disease, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (Y.A.Z.); (V.A.M.); (A.A.A.); (A.P.T.); (A.A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-499-135-98-24
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu J, Ting JP, Al-Azzam S, Ding Y, Afshar S. Therapeutic Advances in Diabetes, Autoimmune, and Neurological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062805. [PMID: 33802091 PMCID: PMC8001105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2015, 170 small molecules, 60 antibody-based entities, 12 peptides, and 15 gene- or cell-therapies have been approved by FDA for diverse disease indications. Recent advancement in medicine is facilitated by identification of new targets and mechanisms of actions, advancement in discovery and development platforms, and the emergence of novel technologies. Early disease detection, precision intervention, and personalized treatments have revolutionized patient care in the last decade. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of current and emerging therapeutic modalities developed in the recent years. We focus on nine diseases in three major therapeutics areas, diabetes, autoimmune, and neurological disorders. The pathogenesis of each disease at physiological and molecular levels is discussed and recently approved drugs as well as drugs in the clinic are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinsha Liu
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; (J.L.); (J.P.T.); (Y.D.)
| | - Joey Paolo Ting
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; (J.L.); (J.P.T.); (Y.D.)
| | - Shams Al-Azzam
- Professional Scientific Services, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Lancaster, PA 17605, USA;
| | - Yun Ding
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; (J.L.); (J.P.T.); (Y.D.)
| | - Sepideh Afshar
- Protein Engineering, Lilly Biotechnology Center, Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; (J.L.); (J.P.T.); (Y.D.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Masmudi-Martín M, Zhu L, Sanchez-Navarro M, Priego N, Casanova-Acebes M, Ruiz-Rodado V, Giralt E, Valiente M. Brain metastasis models: What should we aim to achieve better treatments? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 169:79-99. [PMID: 33321154 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastasis is emerging as a unique entity in oncology based on its particular biology and, consequently, the pharmacological approaches that should be considered. We discuss the current state of modelling this specific progression of cancer and how these experimental models have been used to test multiple pharmacologic strategies over the years. In spite of pre-clinical evidences demonstrating brain metastasis vulnerabilities, many clinical trials have excluded patients with brain metastasis. Fortunately, this trend is getting to an end given the increasing importance of secondary brain tumors in the clinic and a better knowledge of the underlying biology. We discuss emerging trends and unsolved issues that will shape how we will study experimental brain metastasis in the years to come.
Collapse
|
14
|
Osama A, Zhang J, Yao J, Yao X, Fang J. Nrf2: a dark horse in Alzheimer's disease treatment. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 64:101206. [PMID: 33144124 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-dependent neurodegenerative disorder, is the main cause of dementia. Common hallmarks of AD include the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) aggregation, high levels of hyperphosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) and failure in redox homeostasis. To date, all proposed drugs affecting Aβ and/or p-tau have been failed in clinical trials. A decline in the expression of the transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2-p45 derived factor 2) and its driven genes (NQO1, HO-1, and GCLC), and alteration of the Nrf2-related pathways have been observed in AD brains. Nrf2 plays a critical role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and regulating inflammation response. Nrf2 activation also provides cytoprotection against increasing pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases. These lines of evidence imply that Nrf2 activation may be a novel AD treatment option. Interestingly, recent studies have also demonstrated that Nrf2 interferes with several key pathogenic processes in AD including Aβ and p-tau pathways. The current review aims to provide insights into the role of Nrf2 in AD. Also, we discuss the progress and challenges regarding the Nrf2 activators for AD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alsiddig Osama
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Junmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Juan Yao
- School of pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - Jianguo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pardridge WM. Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Blood-Brain Barrier Drug Delivery. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E394. [PMID: 33207605 PMCID: PMC7697739 DOI: 10.3390/ph13110394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the enormity of the societal and health burdens caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD), there have been no FDA approvals for new therapeutics for AD since 2003. This profound lack of progress in treatment of AD is due to dual problems, both related to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). First, 98% of small molecule drugs do not cross the BBB, and ~100% of biologic drugs do not cross the BBB, so BBB drug delivery technology is needed in AD drug development. Second, the pharmaceutical industry has not developed BBB drug delivery technology, which would enable industry to invent new therapeutics for AD that actually penetrate into brain parenchyma from blood. In 2020, less than 1% of all AD drug development projects use a BBB drug delivery technology. The pathogenesis of AD involves chronic neuro-inflammation, the progressive deposition of insoluble amyloid-beta or tau aggregates, and neural degeneration. New drugs that both attack these multiple sites in AD, and that have been coupled with BBB drug delivery technology, can lead to new and effective treatments of this serious disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William M Pardridge
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wu W, Zhang Z, Li F, Deng Y, Lei M, Long H, Hou J, Wu W. A Network-Based Approach to Explore the Mechanisms of Uncaria Alkaloids in Treating Hypertension and Alleviating Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051766. [PMID: 32143538 PMCID: PMC7084279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Uncaria alkaloids are the major bioactive chemicals found in the Uncaria genus, which have a long history of clinical application in treating cardiovascular and mental diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, there are gaps in understanding the multiple targets, pathways, and biological activities of Uncaria alkaloids. By constructing the interactions among drug-targets-diseases, network pharmacology provides a systemic methodology and a novel perspective to present the intricate connections among drugs, potential targets, and related pathways. It is a valuable tool for studying TCM drugs with multiple indications, and how these multi-indication drugs are affected by complex interactions in the biological system. To better understand the mechanisms and targets of Uncaria alkaloids, we built an integrated analytical platform based on network pharmacology, including target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, topology analysis, gene enrichment analysis, and molecular docking. Using this platform, we revealed the underlying mechanisms of Uncaria alkaloids' anti-hypertensive effects and explored the possible application of Uncaria alkaloids in preventing Alzheimer's disease. These results were further evaluated and refined using biological experiments. Our study provides a novel strategy for understanding the holistic pharmacology of TCM, as well as for exploring the multi-indication properties of TCM beyond its traditional applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyong Wu
- Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.D.); (M.L.); (H.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zijia Zhang
- Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.D.); (M.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Feifei Li
- Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.D.); (M.L.); (H.L.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanping Deng
- Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.D.); (M.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Min Lei
- Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.D.); (M.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Huali Long
- Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.D.); (M.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Jinjun Hou
- Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.D.); (M.L.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (W.W.); Tel.: +86-021-5080-2351 (J.H.)
| | - Wanying Wu
- Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (F.L.); (Y.D.); (M.L.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (W.W.); Tel.: +86-021-5080-2351 (J.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pardridge WM. Blood-Brain Barrier and Delivery of Protein and Gene Therapeutics to Brain. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 11:373. [PMID: 31998120 PMCID: PMC6966240 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and treatment of the brain in aging require the development of new biologic drugs, such as recombinant proteins or gene therapies. Biologics are large molecule therapeutics that do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). BBB drug delivery is the limiting factor in the future development of new therapeutics for the brain. The delivery of recombinant protein or gene medicines to the brain is a binary process: either the brain drug developer re-engineers the biologic with BBB drug delivery technology, or goes forward with brain drug development in the absence of a BBB delivery platform. The presence of BBB delivery technology allows for engineering the therapeutic to enable entry into the brain across the BBB from blood. Brain drug development may still take place in the absence of BBB delivery technology, but with a reliance on approaches that have rarely led to FDA approval, e.g., CSF injection, stem cells, small molecules, and others. CSF injection of drug is the most widely practiced approach to brain delivery that bypasses the BBB. However, drug injection into the CSF results in limited drug penetration to the brain parenchyma, owing to the rapid export of CSF from the brain to blood. A CSF injection of a drug is equivalent to a slow intravenous (IV) infusion of the pharmaceutical. Given the profound effect the existence of the BBB has on brain drug development, future drug or gene development for the brain will be accelerated by future advances in BBB delivery technology in parallel with new drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William M Pardridge
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sun J, Yang J, Whitman K, Zhu C, Cribbs DH, Boado RJ, Pardridge WM, Sumbria RK. Hematologic safety of chronic brain-penetrating erythropoietin dosing in APP/PS1 mice. ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA-TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS 2019; 5:627-636. [PMID: 31660425 PMCID: PMC6807369 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Low blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and hematopoietic side effects limit the therapeutic development of erythropoietin (EPO) for Alzheimer's disease (AD). A fusion protein of EPO and a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting the mouse transferrin receptor (cTfRMAb) has been engineered. The latter drives EPO into the brain via receptor-mediated transcytosis across the BBB and increases its peripheral clearance to reduce hematopoietic side effects of EPO. Our previous work shows the protective effects of this BBB-penetrating EPO in AD mice but hematologic effects have not been studied. Herein, we investigate the hematologic safety and therapeutic effects of chronic cTfRMAb-EPO dosing, in comparison to recombinant human EPO (rhu-EPO), in AD mice. Methods Male APPswe PSEN1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice (9.5 months) were treated with saline (n = 11), and equimolar doses of cTfRMAb-EPO (3 mg/kg, n = 7), or rhu-EPO (0.6 mg/kg, n = 9) 2 days/week subcutaneously for 6 weeks, compared to saline-treated wild-type mice (n = 10). At 6 weeks, exploration and memory were assessed, and mice were sacrificed at 8 weeks. Spleens were weighed, and brains were evaluated for amyloid beta (Aβ) load and synaptophysin. Blood was collected at 4, 6 and 8 weeks for a complete blood count and white blood cells differential. Results cTfRMAb-EPO transiently increased reticulocyte counts after 4 weeks, followed by normalization of reticulocytes at 6 and 8 weeks. rhu-EPO transiently increased red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit, and significantly decreased mean corpuscular volume and reticulocytes at 4 weeks, which remained low at 6 weeks. At 8 weeks, a significant decline in red blood cell indices was observed with rhu-EPO treatment. Exploration and cognitive deficits were significantly worse in APP/PS1-rhu-EPO mice. Both cTfRMAb-EPO and rhu-EPO decreased 6E10-positive brain Aβ load; however, cTfRMAb-EPO and not rhu-EPO selectively reduced brain Aβ1-42 and elevated synaptophysin expression. Discussion Chronic treatment with cTfRMAb-EPO results in better hematologic safety, behavioral, and therapeutic indices compared with rhu-EPO, supporting the development of this BBB-penetrable EPO analog for AD. Chimeric monoclonal antibody against the mouse TfR (cTfRMAb)-erythropoietin (EPO) is a brain-penetrating IgG-EPO fusion protein. Chronic treatment with cTfRMAb-EPO does not alter hematology indices in APP/PS1 mice. Equimolar dose of recombinant human EPO significantly alters hematologic indices in APP/PS1 mice. Both cTfRMAb-EPO and recombinant human EPO reduce amyloid beta load in APP/PS1 mice. cTfRMAb-EPO selectively reduces amyloid beta (1–42) and increases synaptophysin in APP/PS1 mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahong Sun
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Yang
- Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Kathrine Whitman
- Department of Neuroscience, Keck Science Department, Claremont Colleges, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Charlene Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, Keck Science Department, Claremont Colleges, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - David H. Cribbs
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Rachita K. Sumbria
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA, USA
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Corresponding author. Tel.: (909) 607-0319; Fax: (909) 607-9826.
| |
Collapse
|