1
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Chatterjee D, Bhattacharya S, Kumari L, Datta A. Aptamers: ushering in new hopes in targeted glioblastoma therapy. J Drug Target 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38923419 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2373306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a formidable brain cancer, has remained a therapeutic challenge due to its aggressive nature and resistance to conventional treatments. Recent data indicate that aptamers, short synthetic DNA or RNA molecules can be used in anti-cancer therapy due to their better tumour penetration, specific binding affinity, longer retention in tumour sites and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. With the ability to modify these oligonucleotides through the selection process, and using rational design to modify them, post-SELEX aptamers offer several advantages in glioblastoma treatment, including precise targeting of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This review discusses the pivotal role of aptamers in glioblastoma therapy and diagnosis, emphasising their potential to enhance treatment efficacy and also highlights recent advancements in aptamer-based therapies which can transform the landscape of glioblastoma treatment, offering renewed hope to patients and clinicians alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarpan Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Srijan Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Leena Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Aparna Datta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
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2
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Chen T, Mao S, Ma J, Tang X, Zhu R, Mao D, Zhu X, Pan Q. Proximity-Enhanced Functional Imaging Analysis of Engineered Tumors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319117. [PMID: 38305848 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Functional imaging (FI) techniques have revolutionized tumor imaging by providing information on specific tumor functions, such as glycometabolism. However, tumor cells lack unique molecular characteristics at the molecular level and metabolic pathways, resulting in limited metabolic differences compared to normal cells and increased background signals from FI. To address this limitation, we developed a novel imaging technique termed proximity-enhanced functional imaging (PEFI) for accurate visualization of tumors. By using "two adjacent chemically labeled glycoproteins" as output signals, we significantly enhance the metabolic differences between tumor and normal cells by PEFI, thereby reducing the background signals for analysis and improving the accuracy of tumor functional imaging. Our results demonstrate that PEFI can accurately identify tumors at the cellular, tissue, and animal level, and has potential value in clinical identification and analysis of tumor cells and tissues, as well as in the guidance of clinical tumor resection surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Chen
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Siwei Mao
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Ji Ma
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Xiaochen Tang
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, P. R. China
| | - Dongsheng Mao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, P. R. China
| | - Qiuhui Pan
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China
- Sanya Women and Children's Hospital Managed by Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Sanya, 572000, P. R. China
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3
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Bozzini C, Busti F, Marchi G, Vianello A, Cerchione C, Martinelli G, Girelli D. Anemia in patients receiving anticancer treatments: focus on novel therapeutic approaches. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1380358. [PMID: 38628673 PMCID: PMC11018927 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1380358] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Anemia is common in cancer patients and impacts on quality of life and prognosis. It is typically multifactorial, often involving different pathophysiological mechanisms, making treatment a difficult task. In patients undergoing active anticancer treatments like chemotherapy, decreased red blood cell (RBC) production due to myelosuppression generally predominates, but absolute or functional iron deficiency frequently coexists. Current treatments for chemotherapy-related anemia include blood transfusions, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and iron supplementation. Each option has limitations, and there is an urgent need for novel approaches. After decades of relative immobilism, several promising anti-anemic drugs are now entering the clinical scenario. Emerging novel classes of anti-anemic drugs recently introduced or in development for other types of anemia include activin receptor ligand traps, hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors, and hepcidin antagonists. Here, we discuss their possible role in the treatment of anemia observed in patients receiving anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bozzini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabiana Busti
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giacomo Marchi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alice Vianello
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Cerchione
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Domenico Girelli
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
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4
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Sun S, Shen J, Jiang J, Wang F, Min J. Targeting ferroptosis opens new avenues for the development of novel therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:372. [PMID: 37735472 PMCID: PMC10514338 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01606-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death with distinct characteristics, including altered iron homeostasis, reduced defense against oxidative stress, and abnormal lipid peroxidation. Recent studies have provided compelling evidence supporting the notion that ferroptosis plays a key pathogenic role in many diseases such as various cancer types, neurodegenerative disease, diseases involving tissue and/or organ injury, and inflammatory and infectious diseases. Although the precise regulatory networks that underlie ferroptosis are largely unknown, particularly with respect to the initiation and progression of various diseases, ferroptosis is recognized as a bona fide target for the further development of treatment and prevention strategies. Over the past decade, considerable progress has been made in developing pharmacological agonists and antagonists for the treatment of these ferroptosis-related conditions. Here, we provide a detailed overview of our current knowledge regarding ferroptosis, its pathological roles, and its regulation during disease progression. Focusing on the use of chemical tools that target ferroptosis in preclinical studies, we also summarize recent advances in targeting ferroptosis across the growing spectrum of ferroptosis-associated pathogenic conditions. Finally, we discuss new challenges and opportunities for targeting ferroptosis as a potential strategy for treating ferroptosis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Shen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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5
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Ginzburg YZ. Hepcidin and its multiple partners: Complex regulation of iron metabolism in health and disease. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:249-284. [PMID: 37717987 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.03.001] [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: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The peptide hormone hepcidin is central to the regulation of iron metabolism, influencing the movement of iron into the circulation and determining total body iron stores. Its effect on a cellular level involves binding ferroportin, the main iron export protein, preventing iron egress and leading to iron sequestration within ferroportin-expressing cells. Hepcidin expression is enhanced by iron loading and inflammation and suppressed by erythropoietic stimulation. Aberrantly increased hepcidin leads to systemic iron deficiency and/or iron restricted erythropoiesis as occurs in anemia of chronic inflammation. Furthermore, insufficiently elevated hepcidin occurs in multiple diseases associated with iron overload such as hereditary hemochromatosis and iron loading anemias. Abnormal iron metabolism as a consequence of hepcidin dysregulation is an underlying factor resulting in pathophysiology of multiple diseases and several agents aimed at manipulating this pathway have been designed, with some already in clinical trials. In this chapter, we assess the complex regulation of hepcidin, delineate the many binding partners involved in its regulation, and present an update on the development of hepcidin agonists and antagonists in various clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelena Z Ginzburg
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United Sates.
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6
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Davies AT, Devlin PM, Dugan C, Richards T, Miles LF. Non-erythropoiesis stimulating agent, non-iron therapies for the management of anemia: A scoping review. Transfusion 2023; 63:849-860. [PMID: 36810729 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amelia T Davies
- Division of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paula M Devlin
- Department of Critical Care, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cory Dugan
- Division of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Toby Richards
- Division of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lachlan F Miles
- Department of Critical Care, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Mironova OI, Panferov AS. Anemia of chronic diseases: current state of the problem and perspectives. TERAPEVT ARKH 2023; 94:1349-1354. [PMID: 37167177 DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2022.12.201984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Anemia of chronic diseases is a condition, that accompanies several chronic conditions, that have inflammation as an underlying cause. The article covers current concepts of pathogenesis, evaluation and treatment of this type of anemia. The new perspectives in the development of investigational methods and treatment are discussed. The new methods of iron deficiency assessment in patients with systemic inflammation are discussed separately.
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8
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Zhang Y, Zhang H, Chan DWH, Ma Y, Lu A, Yu S, Zhang B, Zhang G. Strategies for developing long-lasting therapeutic nucleic acid aptamer targeting circulating protein: The present and the future. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1048148. [PMID: 36393853 PMCID: PMC9664076 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1048148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotide sequences that can bind specific targets. The molecular weight of aptamers (<20 kDa) is lower than the renal filtration threshold (30∼50 kDa), resulting in very short half-lives in vivo, which limit their druggability. The development of long-lasting modification approaches for aptamers can help address the druggability bottleneck of aptamers. This review summarized two distinct kinds of long-lasting modification approaches for aptamers, including macromolecular modification and low-molecular-weight modification. Though it is a current approach to extend the half-life of aptamers, the macromolecular modification approach could limit the space for the dosage increases, thus causing potential compliance concerns due to large molecular weight. As for the other modification approach, the low-molecular-weight modification approach, which uses low molecular weight coupling agents (LMWCAs) to modify aptamers, could greatly increase the proportion of aptamer moiety. However, some LMWCAs could bind to other proteins, causing a decrease in the drug amounts in blood circulation. Given these issues, the outlook for the next generation of long-lasting modification approaches was proposed at the end, including improving the administration method to increase dosage for aptamer drugs modified by macromolecule and developing Artificial intelligence (AI)-based strategies for optimization of LMWCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huarui Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daniel Wing Ho Chan
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sifan Yu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Baoting Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU Institute for Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
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9
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Hernández-Jiménez M, Martín-Vílchez S, Ochoa D, Mejía-Abril G, Román M, Camargo-Mamani P, Luquero-Bueno S, Jilma B, Moro MA, Fernández G, Piñeiro D, Ribó M, González VM, Lizasoain I, Abad-Santos F. First-in-human phase I clinical trial of a TLR4-binding DNA aptamer, ApTOLL: Safety and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:124-135. [PMID: 35402075 PMCID: PMC8938885 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
ApTOLL is an aptamer that antagonizes Toll-like receptor 4 and improves functional outcomes in models of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to characterize the safety and pharmacokinetics of ApTOLL in healthy volunteers. A first-in-human dose-ascending, randomized, placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial to assess safety and pharmacokinetics of ApTOLL (30-min infusion intravenously) was performed in 46 healthy adult male volunteers. The study was divided into two parts: part A included seven single ascending dose levels, and part B had one multiple dose cohort. Safety and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated. No serious adverse events or biochemistry alterations were detected at any dose nor at any administration pattern studied. Maximum concentration was detected at the end of the infusion and mean half-life was 9.3 h. Interestingly, exposure increased in the first four levels receiving doses from 0.7 mg to 14 mg (AUC of 2,441.26 h∗ng/mL to 23,371.11 h∗ng/mL) but remained stable thereafter (mean of 23,184.61 h∗ng/mL after 70 mg). Consequently, the multiple dose study did not show any accumulation of ApTOLL. These results show an excellent safety and adequate pharmacokinetic profile that, together with the efficacy demonstrated in nonclinical studies, provide the basis to start clinical trials in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Hernández-Jiménez
- AptaTargets S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28035 Madrid, Spain
- Corresponding author AptaTargets S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28035 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Samuel Martín-Vílchez
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Ochoa
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gina Mejía-Abril
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Román
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paola Camargo-Mamani
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Luquero-Bueno
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bernd Jilma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - María A. Moro
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerónimo Fernández
- Aptus Biotech S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Piñeiro
- AptaTargets S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28035 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Ribó
- AptaTargets S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28035 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor M. González
- Aptus Biotech S.L., Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria 298, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Lizasoain
- Unidad de Investigación Neurovascular, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Abad-Santos
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Aljohani MM, Cialla-May D, Popp J, Chinnappan R, Al-Kattan K, Zourob M. Aptamers: Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Agents for Blood Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:383. [PMID: 35056696 PMCID: PMC8778139 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are RNA/DNA oligonucleotide molecules that specifically bind to a targeted complementary molecule. As potential recognition elements with promising diagnostic and therapeutic applications, aptamers, such as monoclonal antibodies, could provide many treatment and diagnostic options for blood diseases. Aptamers present several superior features over antibodies, including a simple in vitro selection and production, ease of modification and conjugation, high stability, and low immunogenicity. Emerging as promising alternatives to antibodies, aptamers could overcome the present limitations of monoclonal antibody therapy to provide novel diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive treatments for blood diseases. Researchers in several biomedical areas, such as biomarker detection, diagnosis, imaging, and targeted therapy, have widely investigated aptamers, and several aptamers have been developed over the past two decades. One of these is the pegaptanib sodium injection, an aptamer-based therapeutic that functions as an anti-angiogenic medicine, and it is the first aptamer approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for therapeutic use. Several other aptamers are now in clinical trials. In this review, we highlight the current state of aptamers in the clinical trial program and introduce some promising aptamers currently in pre-clinical development for blood diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher M. Aljohani
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany; (D.C.-M.); (J.P.)
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dana Cialla-May
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany; (D.C.-M.); (J.P.)
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Popp
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany; (D.C.-M.); (J.P.)
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Center for Applied Research, InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena, University of Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Raja Chinnappan
- Department of Chemistry, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Khaled Al-Kattan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Al Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Al Takhassusi Rd, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammed Zourob
- Department of Chemistry, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia;
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11
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Rana S, Prabhakar N. Iron disorders and hepcidin. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 523:454-468. [PMID: 34755647 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Iron is an essential element due to its role in a wide variety of physiological processes. Iron homeostasis is crucial to prevent iron overload disorders as well as iron deficiency anemia. The liver synthesized peptide hormone hepcidin is a master regulator of systemic iron metabolism. Given its role in overall health, measurement of hepcidin can be used as a predictive marker in disease states. In addition, hepcidin-targeting drugs appear beneficial as therapeutic agents. This review emphasizes recent development on analytical techniques (immunochemical, mass spectrometry and biosensors) and therapeutic approaches (hepcidin agonists, stimulators and antagonists). These insights highlight hepcidin as a potential biomarker as well as an aid in the development of new drugs for iron disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Rana
- Department of Biochemistry, Sector-25, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Nirmal Prabhakar
- Department of Biochemistry, Sector-25, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
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12
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Lanser L, Fuchs D, Kurz K, Weiss G. Physiology and Inflammation Driven Pathophysiology of Iron Homeostasis-Mechanistic Insights into Anemia of Inflammation and Its Treatment. Nutrients 2021; 13:3732. [PMID: 34835988 PMCID: PMC8619077 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anemia is very common in patients with inflammatory disorders. Its prevalence is associated with severity of the underlying disease, and it negatively affects quality of life and cardio-vascular performance of patients. Anemia of inflammation (AI) is caused by disturbances of iron metabolism resulting in iron retention within macrophages, a reduced erythrocyte half-life, and cytokine mediated inhibition of erythropoietin function and erythroid progenitor cell differentiation. AI is mostly mild to moderate, normochromic and normocytic, and characterized by low circulating iron, but normal and increased levels of the storage protein ferritin and the iron hormone hepcidin. The primary therapeutic approach for AI is treatment of the underlying inflammatory disease which mostly results in normalization of hemoglobin levels over time unless other pathologies such as vitamin deficiencies, true iron deficiency on the basis of bleeding episodes, or renal insufficiency are present. If the underlying disease and/or anemia are not resolved, iron supplementation therapy and/or treatment with erythropoietin stimulating agents may be considered whereas blood transfusions are an emergency treatment for life-threatening anemia. New treatments with hepcidin-modifying strategies and stabilizers of hypoxia inducible factors emerge but their therapeutic efficacy for treatment of AI in ill patients needs to be evaluated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Lanser
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (L.L.); (K.K.)
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Katharina Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (L.L.); (K.K.)
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (L.L.); (K.K.)
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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13
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Xiao X, Li H, Zhao L, Zhang Y, Liu Z. Oligonucleotide aptamers: Recent advances in their screening, molecular conformation and therapeutic applications. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112232. [PMID: 34649356 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are single stranded oligonucleotides with specific recognition and binding ability to target molecules, which can be obtained by Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Aptamers have the advantages of low molecular weight, low immunogenicity, easy modification and high stability. They play promising role in promoting food safety, monitoring the environment and basic research, especially in clinical diagnosis and therapeutic drugs. To date, great achievements regarding the selection, modifications and application of aptamers have been made. However, since it is still a challenge to obtain aptamers with high affinity in a more effective way, few aptamer-based products have already successfully entered into clinical use. This review aims to provide a thorough overview of the latest advances in this rapidly developing field, focusing on aptamer screening methods for different targets, the structure of the interaction between aptamers and target substances, and the challenges and potential of current therapeutic aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueran Xiao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Urology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Lijian Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yanfen Zhang
- Technology Transfer Center, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
| | - Zhongcheng Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
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14
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Wish JB. Treatment of Anemia in Kidney Disease: Beyond Erythropoietin. Kidney Int Rep 2021; 6:2540-2553. [PMID: 34622095 PMCID: PMC8484111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anemia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease. Treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents has decreased transfusion rates, but has not been consistently shown to improve cardiovascular outcomes or quality of life. Moreover, treatment to hemoglobin levels normal for the general population (13-14 g/dL) has resulted in increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality versus lower hemoglobin targets, and some patients with chronic kidney disease do not reach these lower hemoglobin targets despite escalating doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. The pathophysiology of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease has been informed by the discovery of hypoxia-inducible factor and hepcidin pathways. Recent innovations in anemia treatment leverage knowledge of these pathways to effectively raise hemoglobin levels independent of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent administration. Several agents that stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor are undergoing or have completed phase 3 clinical trials. These agents appear to have equal efficacy as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in raising hemoglobin levels and have not been associated with major safety signals to date. Because of the potential for off-target effects from non-anemia-related gene transcription by hypoxia-inducible factor stabilization, longer-term follow-up studies and registries will be needed to ensure safety. Agents that modulate hepcidin have undergone early clinical trials with mixed results regarding safety and efficacy in increasing hemoglobin levels. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, which also decrease hepcidin levels, have been associated with increased hemoglobin levels among patients with chronic kidney disease in clinical trials exploring proteinuria and kidney disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay B. Wish
- Division of Nephrology, IU Health University Hospital, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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15
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Sinha S, Pereira-Reis J, Guerra A, Rivella S, Duarte D. The Role of Iron in Benign and Malignant Hematopoiesis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:415-432. [PMID: 33231101 PMCID: PMC8328043 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2020.8155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Iron is an essential element required for sustaining a normal healthy life. However, an excess amount of iron in the bloodstream and tissue generates toxic hydroxyl radicals through Fenton reactions. Henceforth, a balance in iron concentration is extremely important to maintain cellular homeostasis in both normal hematopoiesis and erythropoiesis. Iron deficiency or iron overload can impact hematopoiesis and is associated with many hematological diseases. Recent Advances: The mechanisms of action of key iron regulators such as erythroferrone and the discovery of new drugs, such as ACE-536/luspatercept, are of potential interest to treat hematological disorders, such as β-thalassemia. New therapies targeting inflammation-induced ineffective erythropoiesis are also in progress. Furthermore, emerging evidences support differential interactions between iron and its cellular antioxidant responses of hematopoietic and neighboring stromal cells. Both iron and its systemic regulator, such as hepcidin, play a significant role in regulating erythropoiesis. Critical Issues: Significant pre-clinical studies are on the way and new drugs targeting iron metabolism have been recently approved or are undergoing clinical trials to treat pathological conditions with impaired erythropoiesis such as myelodysplastic syndromes or β-thalassemia. Future Directions: Future studies should explore how iron regulates hematopoiesis in both benign and malignant conditions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 415-432.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantani Sinha
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joana Pereira-Reis
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Amaliris Guerra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Affinity Group (CAMB), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Delfim Duarte
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Instituto Português de Oncologia (IPO), Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), Porto, Portugal
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16
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Hoffmann A, de Souza LV, Seifert M, von Raffay L, Haschka D, Grubwieser P, Grander M, Mitterstiller AM, Nairz M, Poli M, Weiss G. Pharmacological Targeting of BMP6-SMAD Mediated Hepcidin Expression Does Not Improve the Outcome of Systemic Infections With Intra-Or Extracellular Gram-Negative Bacteria in Mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:705087. [PMID: 34368018 PMCID: PMC8342937 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.705087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepcidin is the systemic master regulator of iron metabolism as it degrades the cellular iron exporter ferroportin. In bacterial infections, hepcidin is upregulated to limit circulating iron for pathogens, thereby increasing iron retention in macrophages. This mechanism withholds iron from extracellular bacteria but could be of disadvantage in infections with intracellular bacteria. We aimed to understand the role of hepcidin in infections with intra- or extracellular bacteria using different hepcidin inhibitors. Methods For the experiments LDN-193189 and oversulfated heparins were used, which interact with the BMP6-SMAD pathway thereby inhibiting hepcidin expression. We infected male C57BL/6N mice with either the intracellular bacterium Salmonella Typhimurium or the extracellular bacterium Escherichia coli and treated these mice with the different hepcidin inhibitors. Results Both inhibitors effectively reduced hepcidin levels in vitro under steady state conditions and upon stimulation with the inflammatory signals interleukin-6 or lipopolysaccharide. The inhibitors also reduced hepcidin levels and increased circulating iron concentration in uninfected mice. However, both compounds failed to decrease liver- and circulating hepcidin levels in infected mice and did not affect ferroportin expression in the spleen or impact on serum iron levels. Accordingly, both BMP-SMAD signaling inhibitors did not influence bacterial numbers in different organs in the course of E.coli or S.Tm sepsis. Conclusion These data indicate that targeting the BMP receptor or the BMP-SMAD pathway is not sufficient to suppress hepcidin expression in the course of infection with both intra- or extracellular bacteria. This suggests that upon pharmacological inhibition of the central SMAD-BMP pathways during infection, other signaling cascades are compensatorily induced to ensure sufficient hepcidin formation and iron restriction to circulating microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hoffmann
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lara Valente de Souza
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Seifert
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Laura von Raffay
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Haschka
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philipp Grubwieser
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuel Grander
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anna-Maria Mitterstiller
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manfred Nairz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maura Poli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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17
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Weir MR. Managing Anemia across the Stages of Kidney Disease in Those Hyporesponsive to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents. Am J Nephrol 2021; 52:450-466. [PMID: 34280923 DOI: 10.1159/000516901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with CKD frequently have anemia that results from iron-restricted erythropoiesis and inflammation. Anemia of CKD is currently managed with iron supplements and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to promote erythropoiesis and with RBC transfusion in severe cases. Hyporesponse to ESAs, or the need for larger than usual doses to attain a given hemoglobin (Hb) level, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and presents a pressing clinical challenge, particularly for patients on dialysis. This paper reviews ESA hyporesponse and potential new therapeutic options in the management of anemia of CKD. SUMMARY The most common causes of ESA hyporesponse include iron deficiency and inflammation, and to a lesser degree, secondary hyperparathyroidism, inadequate dialysis, malnutrition, and concomitant medications. Management of ESA hyporesponse is multipronged and involves treating low level infections, ensuring adequate nutrition, and optimizing iron status and dialysis modality, although some patients can remain refractory. Inflammation directly increases production and secretion of hepcidin, contributes to an impaired response to hypoxia, and suppresses proliferation of erythroid progenitors. Coordination of renal and hepatic erythropoietin (EPO) production and iron metabolism is under the control of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF), which are in turn regulated by HIF-prolyl hydroxylases (HIF-PHs). HIF-PHs and hepcidin are therefore attractive potential drug targets particularly in patients with ESA hyporesponse. Several oral HIF-PH inhibitors have been evaluated in patients with anemia of CKD and have been shown to increase Hb and reduce hepcidin regardless of inflammation, iron status, or dialysis modality. These sustained effects are achieved through more modest increases in endogenous EPO compared with ESAs. Key Messages: Treatments that address ESA hyporesponse remain a significant unmet clinical need in patients with anemia of CKD. New therapies such as HIF-PH inhibitors have the potential to address fundamental aspects of ESA hyporesponse and provide a new therapeutic option in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Weir
- Division of Nephrology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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18
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Grzywa TM, Nowis D, Golab J. The role of CD71 + erythroid cells in the regulation of the immune response. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 228:107927. [PMID: 34171326 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Complex regulation of the immune response is necessary to support effective defense of an organism against hostile invaders and to maintain tolerance to harmless microorganisms and autoantigens. Recent studies revealed previously unappreciated roles of CD71+ erythroid cells (CECs) in regulation of the immune response. CECs physiologically reside in the bone marrow where erythropoiesis takes place. Under stress conditions, CECs are enriched in some organs outside of the bone marrow as a result of extramedullary erythropoiesis. However, the role of CECs goes well beyond the production of erythrocytes. In neonates, increased numbers of CECs contribute to their vulnerability to infectious diseases. On the other side, neonatal CECs suppress activation of immune cells in response to abrupt colonization with commensal microorganisms after delivery. CECs are also enriched in the peripheral blood of pregnant women as well as in the placenta and are responsible for the regulation of feto-maternal tolerance. In patients with cancer, anemia leads to increased frequency of CECs in the peripheral blood contributing to diminished antiviral and antibacterial immunity, as well as to accelerated cancer progression. Moreover, recent studies revealed the role of CECs in HIV and SARS-CoV-2 infections. CECs use a full arsenal of mechanisms to regulate immune response. These cells suppress proinflammatory responses of myeloid cells and T-cell proliferation by the depletion of ʟ-arginine by arginase. Moreover, CECs produce reactive oxygen species to decrease T-cell proliferation. CECs also secrete cytokines, including transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), which promotes T-cell differentiation into regulatory T-cells. Here, we comprehensively describe the role of CECs in orchestrating immune response and indicate some therapeutic approaches that might be used to regulate their effector functions in the treatment of human conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz M Grzywa
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nielubowicza 5 Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Zwirki and Wigury 61 Street, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Nielubowicza 5 Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dominika Nowis
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nielubowicza 5 Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Nielubowicza 5 Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jakub Golab
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nielubowicza 5 Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; Centre of Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
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19
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Effect of hepcidin antagonists on anemia during inflammatory disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 226:107877. [PMID: 33895185 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Iron is an essential element for the mammalian body however, its homeostasis must be regulated accurately for appropriate physiological functioning. Alterations in physiological iron levels can lead to moderate to severe iron disorders like chronic and acute iron deficiency (anemia) or iron overload. Hepcidin plays an important role in regulating homeostasis between circulating iron and stored iron in the cells as well as the absorption of dietary iron in the intestine. Inflammatory disorders restrict iron absorption from food due to increased circulating levels of hepcidin. Increased production of hepcidin causes ubiquitination of ferroportin (FPN) leading to its degradation, thereby retaining iron in the spleen, duodenal enterocytes, macrophages, and hepatocytes. Hepcidin inhibitors and antagonists play a consequential role to ameliorate inflammation-associated anemia. Many natural and synthesized compounds, able to reduce hepcidin expression during inflammation have been identified in recent years. Few of which are currently at various phases of clinical trial. This article comprises a comprehensive review of therapeutic approaches for the efficient treatment of anemia associated with inflammation. Many strategies have been developed targeting the hepcidin-FPN axis to rectify iron disorders. Hepcidin modulation with siRNAs, antibodies, chemical compounds, and plant extracts provides new insights for developing advanced therapeutics for iron-related disorders. Hepcidin antagonist's treatment has a high potential to improve iron status in patients with iron disorders, but their clinical success needs further recognition along with the identification and application of new therapeutic approaches.
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20
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Agarwal AK. Iron metabolism and management: focus on chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int Suppl (2011) 2021; 11:46-58. [PMID: 33777495 PMCID: PMC7983022 DOI: 10.1016/j.kisu.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anemia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and results from the dysregulation of iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. Hepcidin is a key regulator of iron availability and leads to iron sequestration during the state of iron repletion. Decreases in the level of hepcidin in the presence of hypoxia and/or iron limitation allow for greater iron availability for erythropoiesis. However, kidney excretion of hepcidin decreases as the severity of CKD increases, whereas production of hepcidin is increased under inflammatory conditions often present in patients with CKD, both of which contribute to anemia. Assessment of iron status is, therefore, essential in the treatment of anemia. However, current laboratory tests for the determination of the adequate supply of iron have many limitations, including diurnal variation in the levels of biomarkers, lack of standardized reference methods across laboratories, and confounding by the presence of inflammation. In addition, the current treatment paradigm for anemia of CKD can further disrupt iron homeostasis; for example, treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the absence of supplemental iron can induce functional iron deficiency. Moreover, supplemental iron can further increase levels of hepcidin. Several novel therapies, including hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors and hepcidin inhibitors/antagonists, have shown promise in attenuating the levels and/or activity of hepcidin in anemia of CKD, thus ensuring the availability of iron for erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K. Agarwal
- Department of Medicine, VA Central California Health Care System, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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21
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Weiler S, Nairz M. TAM-ing the CIA-Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Their Potential Role in Unintended Side Effects of Therapeutics for Cancer-Induced Anemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:627223. [PMID: 33842333 PMCID: PMC8027083 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.627223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-induced anemia (CIA) is a common consequence of neoplasia and has a multifactorial pathophysiology. The immune response and tumor treatment, both intended to primarily target malignant cells, also affect erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. In parallel, immune activation inevitably induces the iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin to direct iron fluxes away from erythroid progenitors and into compartments of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Moreover, many inflammatory mediators inhibit the synthesis of erythropoietin, which is essential for stimulation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells to mature cells ready for release into the blood stream. These pathophysiological hallmarks of CIA imply that the bone marrow is not only deprived of iron as nutrient but also of erythropoietin as central growth factor for erythropoiesis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are present in the tumor microenvironment and display altered immune and iron phenotypes. On the one hand, their functions are altered by adjacent tumor cells so that they promote rather than inhibit the growth of malignant cells. As consequences, TAM may deliver iron to tumor cells and produce reduced amounts of cytotoxic mediators. Furthermore, their ability to stimulate adaptive anti-tumor immune responses is severely compromised. On the other hand, TAM are potential off-targets of therapeutic interventions against CIA. Red blood cell transfusions, intravenous iron preparations, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and novel treatment options for CIA may interfere with TAM function and thus exhibit secondary effects on the underlying malignancy. In this Hypothesis and Theory, we summarize the pathophysiological hallmarks, clinical implications and treatment strategies for CIA. Focusing on TAM, we speculate on the potential intended and unintended effects that therapeutic options for CIA may have on the innate immune response and, consequently, on the course of the underlying malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Weiler
- National Poisons Information Centre, Tox Info Suisse, Associated Institute of the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manfred Nairz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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22
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Ni S, Zhuo Z, Pan Y, Yu Y, Li F, Liu J, Wang L, Wu X, Li D, Wan Y, Zhang L, Yang Z, Zhang BT, Lu A, Zhang G. Recent Progress in Aptamer Discoveries and Modifications for Therapeutic Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:9500-9519. [PMID: 32603135 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c05750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are oligonucleotide sequences with a length of about 25-80 bases which have abilities to bind to specific target molecules that rival those of monoclonal antibodies. They are attracting great attention in diverse clinical translations on account of their various advantages, including prolonged storage life, little batch-to-batch differences, very low immunogenicity, and feasibility of chemical modifications for enhancing stability, prolonging the half-life in serum, and targeted delivery. In this Review, we demonstrate the emerging aptamer discovery technologies in developing advanced techniques for producing aptamers with high performance consistently and efficiently as well as requiring less cost and resources but offering a great chance of success. Further, the diverse modifications of aptamers for therapeutic applications including therapeutic agents, aptamer-drug conjugates, and targeted delivery materials are comprehensively summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaijian Ni
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zhenjian Zhuo
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yufei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Fangfei Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Wu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Dijie Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Youyang Wan
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Lihe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhenjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bao-Ting Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
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Anaemia of chronic diseases: Pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. Med Clin (Barc) 2020; 156:235-242. [PMID: 33358297 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2020.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) is generated by the activation of the immune system by autoantigens, microbial molecules or tumour antigens resulting in the release of cytokines that cause an elevation of serum hepcidin, hypoferraemia, suppression of erythropoiesis, decrease in erythropoietin (EPO) and shortening of the half-life of red blood cells. Anaemia is usually normocytic and normochromic, which is the most prevalent after iron deficiency anaemia, and it is the most frequent in the elderly and in hospitalized patients. If the anaemia is severe, the patient's quality of life deteriorates, and it can have a negative impact on survival. Treatment is aimed at controlling the underlying disease and correcting anaemia. Sometimes intravenous iron and EPO have been used, but the therapeutic future is directed against hepcidin, which is the final target of anaemia.
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Yu AM, Choi YH, Tu MJ. RNA Drugs and RNA Targets for Small Molecules: Principles, Progress, and Challenges. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:862-898. [PMID: 32929000 PMCID: PMC7495341 DOI: 10.1124/pr.120.019554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapies, including RNA molecules as drugs and RNA-targeted small molecules, offer unique opportunities to expand the range of therapeutic targets. Various forms of RNAs may be used to selectively act on proteins, transcripts, and genes that cannot be targeted by conventional small molecules or proteins. Although development of RNA drugs faces unparalleled challenges, many strategies have been developed to improve RNA metabolic stability and intracellular delivery. A number of RNA drugs have been approved for medical use, including aptamers (e.g., pegaptanib) that mechanistically act on protein target and small interfering RNAs (e.g., patisiran and givosiran) and antisense oligonucleotides (e.g., inotersen and golodirsen) that directly interfere with RNA targets. Furthermore, guide RNAs are essential components of novel gene editing modalities, and mRNA therapeutics are under development for protein replacement therapy or vaccination, including those against unprecedented severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, functional RNAs or RNA motifs are highly structured to form binding pockets or clefts that are accessible by small molecules. Many natural, semisynthetic, or synthetic antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, oxazolidinones, and phenicols) can directly bind to ribosomal RNAs to achieve the inhibition of bacterial infections. Therefore, there is growing interest in developing RNA-targeted small-molecule drugs amenable to oral administration, and some (e.g., risdiplam and branaplam) have entered clinical trials. Here, we review the pharmacology of novel RNA drugs and RNA-targeted small-molecule medications, with a focus on recent progresses and strategies. Challenges in the development of novel druggable RNA entities and identification of viable RNA targets and selective small-molecule binders are discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: With the understanding of RNA functions and critical roles in diseases, as well as the development of RNA-related technologies, there is growing interest in developing novel RNA-based therapeutics. This comprehensive review presents pharmacology of both RNA drugs and RNA-targeted small-molecule medications, focusing on novel mechanisms of action, the most recent progress, and existing challenges.
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MESH Headings
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/pharmacology
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/therapeutic use
- Betacoronavirus
- COVID-19
- Chemistry Techniques, Analytical/methods
- Chemistry Techniques, Analytical/standards
- Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
- Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
- Drug Delivery Systems/methods
- Drug Development/organization & administration
- Drug Discovery
- Humans
- MicroRNAs/pharmacology
- MicroRNAs/therapeutic use
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- Pandemics
- Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
- RNA/adverse effects
- RNA/drug effects
- RNA/pharmacology
- RNA, Antisense/pharmacology
- RNA, Antisense/therapeutic use
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/pharmacology
- RNA, Ribosomal/drug effects
- RNA, Ribosomal/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- RNA, Viral/drug effects
- Ribonucleases/metabolism
- Riboswitch/drug effects
- SARS-CoV-2
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
| | - Young Hee Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
| | - Mei-Juan Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California (A.-M.Y., Y.H.C., M.-J.T.) and College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang-si, Gyonggi-do, Republic of Korea (Y.H.C.)
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25
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Diagnostic and Therapeutic Value of Aptamers in Envenomation Cases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103565. [PMID: 32443562 PMCID: PMC7278915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now more than a century since Albert Calmette from the Institut Pasteur changed the world of envenomation by demonstrating that antibodies raised against animal venoms have the ability to treat human victims of previously fatal bites or stings. Moreover, the research initiated at that time effectively launched the discipline of toxicology, first leading to the search for toxic venom components, followed by the demonstration of venoms that also contained compounds of therapeutic value. Interest from pharmaceutical companies to treat envenomation is, however, declining, mainly for economic reasons, and hence, the World Health Organization has reclassified this public health issue to be a highest priority concern. While the production, storage, and safety of antivenom sera suffer from major inconveniences, alternative chemical and technological approaches to the problem of envenomation need to be considered that bypass the use of antibodies for toxin neutralization. Herein, we review an emerging strategy that relies on the use of aptamers and discuss how close—or otherwise—we are to finding a viable alternative to the use of antibodies for the therapy of human envenomation.
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26
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Camaschella C, Nai A, Silvestri L. Iron metabolism and iron disorders revisited in the hepcidin era. Haematologica 2020; 105:260-272. [PMID: 31949017 PMCID: PMC7012465 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.232124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is biologically essential, but also potentially toxic; as such it is tightly controlled at cell and systemic levels to prevent both deficiency and overload. Iron regulatory proteins post-transcriptionally control genes encoding proteins that modulate iron uptake, recycling and storage and are themselves regulated by iron. The master regulator of systemic iron homeostasis is the liver peptide hepcidin, which controls serum iron through degradation of ferroportin in iron-absorptive enterocytes and iron-recycling macrophages. This review emphasizes the most recent findings in iron biology, deregulation of the hepcidin-ferroportin axis in iron disorders and how research results have an impact on clinical disorders. Insufficient hepcidin production is central to iron overload while hepcidin excess leads to iron restriction. Mutations of hemochro-matosis genes result in iron excess by downregulating the liver BMP-SMAD signaling pathway or by causing hepcidin-resistance. In iron-loading anemias, such as β-thalassemia, enhanced albeit ineffective ery-thropoiesis releases erythroferrone, which sequesters BMP receptor ligands, thereby inhibiting hepcidin. In iron-refractory, iron-deficiency ane-mia mutations of the hepcidin inhibitor TMPRSS6 upregulate the BMP-SMAD pathway. Interleukin-6 in acute and chronic inflammation increases hepcidin levels, causing iron-restricted erythropoiesis and ane-mia of inflammation in the presence of iron-replete macrophages. Our improved understanding of iron homeostasis and its regulation is having an impact on the established schedules of oral iron treatment and the choice of oral versus intravenous iron in the management of iron deficiency. Moreover it is leading to the development of targeted therapies for iron overload and inflammation, mainly centered on the manipulation of the hepcidin-ferroportin axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Camaschella
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan
| | - Antonella Nai
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan.,Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Silvestri
- Regulation of Iron Metabolism Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan.,Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Iron and Sphingolipids as Common Players of (Mal)Adaptation to Hypoxia in Pulmonary Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21010307. [PMID: 31906427 PMCID: PMC6981703 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, can occur in both physiological (high altitude) and pathological conditions (respiratory diseases). In this narrative review, we introduce high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Cystic Fibrosis (CF) as examples of maladaptation to hypoxia, and highlight some of the potential mechanisms influencing the prognosis of the affected patients. Among the specific pathways modulated in response to hypoxia, iron metabolism has been widely explored in recent years. Recent evidence emphasizes hepcidin as highly involved in the compensatory response to hypoxia in healthy subjects. A less investigated field in the adaptation to hypoxia is the sphingolipid (SPL) metabolism, especially through Ceramide and sphingosine 1 phosphate. Both individually and in concert, iron and SPL are active players of the (mal)adaptation to physiological hypoxia, which can result in the pathological HAPE. Our aim is to identify some pathways and/or markers involved in the physiological adaptation to low atmospheric pressures (high altitudes) that could be involved in pathological adaptation to hypoxia as it occurs in pulmonary inflammatory diseases. Hepcidin, Cer, S1P, and their interplay in hypoxia are raising growing interest both as prognostic factors and therapeutical targets.
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Pan L, Cao C, Run C, Zhou L, Chou JJ. DNA-Mediated Assembly of Multispecific Antibodies for T Cell Engaging and Tumor Killing. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1900973. [PMID: 31993277 PMCID: PMC6974939 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201900973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Targeting T-cells against cancer cells is a direct means of treating cancer, and has already shown great responses in clinical treatment of B-cell malignancies. A simple way to redirect T-cells to cancer cells is by using multispecific antibody (MsAb) that contains different arms for specifically "grabbing" the T-cells and cancer cells; as such, the T-cells are activated upon target engagement and the killing begins. Here, a nucleic acid mediated protein-protein assembly (NAPPA) approach is implemented to construct a MsAb for T-cell engaging and tumor killing. Anti -CD19 and -CD3 single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) are conjugated to different l-DNAs with sequences that form the Holliday junction, thus allowing spontaneous assembly of homogeneous protein-DNA oligomers containing two anti-CD19 and one anti-CD3 scFvs. The new MsAb shows strong efficacy in inducing Raji tumor cell cytotoxicity in the presence of T-cells with EC50 ≈ 0.2 × 10-9 m; it also suppresses tumor growth in a Raji xenograft mouse model. The data indicates that MsAbs assembled from protein-DNA conjugates are effective macromolecules for directing T-cells for tumor killing. The modular nature of the NAPPA platform allows rapid generation of complex MsAbs from simple antibody fragments, while offering a general solution for preparing antibodies with high-order specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Pan
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis and Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti‐cancer Drug ResearchCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang University310058HangzhouChina
| | - Chan Cao
- Assembly Medicine, LLCShanghai201203China
| | | | | | - James J. Chou
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular PharmacologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
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29
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Hawula ZJ, Wallace DF, Subramaniam VN, Rishi G. Therapeutic Advances in Regulating the Hepcidin/Ferroportin Axis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:ph12040170. [PMID: 31775259 PMCID: PMC6958404 DOI: 10.3390/ph12040170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between hepcidin and ferroportin is the key mechanism involved in regulation of systemic iron homeostasis. This axis can be affected by multiple stimuli including plasma iron levels, inflammation and erythropoietic demand. Genetic defects or prolonged inflammatory stimuli results in dysregulation of this axis, which can lead to several disorders including hereditary hemochromatosis and anaemia of chronic disease. An imbalance in iron homeostasis is increasingly being associated with worse disease outcomes in many clinical conditions including multiple cancers and neurological disorders. Currently, there are limited treatment options for regulating iron levels in patients and thus significant efforts are being made to uncover approaches to regulate hepcidin and ferroportin expression. These approaches either target these molecules directly or regulatory steps which mediate hepcidin or ferroportin expression. This review examines the current status of hepcidin and ferroportin agonists and antagonists, as well as inducers and inhibitors of these proteins and their regulatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J. Hawula
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia; (Z.J.H.); (D.F.W.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Daniel F. Wallace
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia; (Z.J.H.); (D.F.W.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - V. Nathan Subramaniam
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia; (Z.J.H.); (D.F.W.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
- Correspondence: (V.N.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Gautam Rishi
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia; (Z.J.H.); (D.F.W.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
- Correspondence: (V.N.S.); (G.R.)
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30
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Abstract
Iron is an essential element that is indispensable for life. The delicate physiological body iron balance is maintained by both systemic and cellular regulatory mechanisms. The iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin assures maintenance of adequate systemic iron levels and is regulated by circulating and stored iron levels, inflammation and erythropoiesis. The kidney has an important role in preventing iron loss from the body by means of reabsorption. Cellular iron levels are dependent on iron import, storage, utilization and export, which are mainly regulated by the iron response element-iron regulatory protein (IRE-IRP) system. In the kidney, iron transport mechanisms independent of the IRE-IRP system have been identified, suggesting additional mechanisms for iron handling in this organ. Yet, knowledge gaps on renal iron handling remain in terms of redundancy in transport mechanisms, the roles of the different tubular segments and related regulatory processes. Disturbances in cellular and systemic iron balance are recognized as causes and consequences of kidney injury. Consequently, iron metabolism has become a focus for novel therapeutic interventions for acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, which has fuelled interest in the molecular mechanisms of renal iron handling and renal injury, as well as the complex dynamics between systemic and local cellular iron regulation.
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Ganz
- From the Departments of Medicine and Pathology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles
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32
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald S Houston
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba; and Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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33
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Diepeveen LE, Laarakkers CM, Peters HPE, van Herwaarden AE, Groenewoud H, IntHout J, Wetzels JF, van Swelm RPL, Swinkels DW. Unraveling Hepcidin Plasma Protein Binding: Evidence from Peritoneal Equilibration Testing. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:ph12030123. [PMID: 31450766 PMCID: PMC6789442 DOI: 10.3390/ph12030123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide hormone hepcidin regulates systemic iron metabolism and has been described to be partially bound to α2-macroglobulin and albumin in blood. However, the reported degree of hepcidin protein binding varies between <3% and ≈89%. Since protein-binding may influence hormone function and quantification, better insight into the degree of hepcidin protein binding is essential to fully understand the biological behavior of hepcidin and interpretation of its measurement in patients. Here, we used peritoneal dialysis to assess human hepcidin protein binding in a functional human setting for the first time. We measured freely circulating solutes in blood and peritoneal fluid of 14 patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing a peritoneal equilibration test to establish a curve describing the relation between molecular weight and peritoneal clearance. Calculated binding percentages of total cortisol and testosterone confirmed our model. The protein-bound fraction of hepcidin was calculated to be 40% (±23%). We, therefore, conclude that a substantial proportion of hepcidin is freely circulating. Although a large inter-individual variation in hepcidin clearance, besides patient-specific peritoneal transport characteristics, may have affected the accuracy of the determined binding percentage, we describe an important step towards unraveling human hepcidin plasma protein binding in vivo including the caveats that need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Diepeveen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Coby M Laarakkers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde P E Peters
- Department of Nephrology, Isala Hospital, 8025 Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Antonius E van Herwaarden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Groenewoud
- Department of Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joanna IntHout
- Department of Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jack F Wetzels
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel P L van Swelm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dorine W Swinkels
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Li W, Zhao M, Yan H, Wang K, Lan XI. Aptamer Oligonucleotides as Potential Therapeutics in Hematologic Diseases. Mini Rev Med Chem 2019; 19:788-795. [PMID: 28969551 DOI: 10.2174/1389557517666171002160526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides generated by a novel in vitro selection technique termed Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). During the past two decades, various aptamer drugs have been developed and many of them have entered into clinical trials. In the present review, we focus on aptamers as potential therapeutics for hematological diseases, including anemia of chronic inflammation (ACI) and anemia of chronic disease (ACD), hemophilia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or VWD type-2B, and sickle cell disease (SCD), in particular, those that have entered into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibin Li
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, Second Military Medical University, No 156 North Xi-er Huan Road, Fuzhou 350025, Fujian Province, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, Second Military Medical University, No 156 North Xi-er Huan Road, Fuzhou 350025, Fujian Province, China
| | - Huihui Yan
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, Second Military Medical University, No 156 North Xi-er Huan Road, Fuzhou 350025, Fujian Province, China
| | - Kaiyu Wang
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, Second Military Medical University, No 156 North Xi-er Huan Road, Fuzhou 350025, Fujian Province, China
| | - XIaopeng Lan
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, Second Military Medical University, No 156 North Xi-er Huan Road, Fuzhou 350025, Fujian Province, China
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35
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Yan J, Xiong H, Cai S, Wen N, He Q, Liu Y, Peng D, Liu Z. Advances in aptamer screening technologies. Talanta 2019; 200:124-144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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36
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Abstract
Introduction: PEGylation is a well-established technology for improving the therapeutic value of drugs by attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG). The first PEGylated enzyme products appeared on the market in the early 1990s; currently, more than 18 PEGylated products have been approved by Food and Drug Administration, which encompass various classes of drug molecules, such as enzymes, interferons, granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, hormones, antibody fragments, coagulation factors, oligonucleotide aptamers, synthetic peptides, and small organic molecules. Areas covered: While PEGylated products mainly comprise biologic drugs, such as recombinant proteins and enzymes, non-biologic drugs have recently emerged as a target for PEGylation. This review focuses on the recent development of PEGylated non-biologic drugs, such as small organic molecules, synthetic peptides, and aptamers. Expert opinion: Several PEGylated versions of anti-cancer drugs, opioid agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and oligonucleotide aptamers are in active development stage, and it is likely that they will have a dramatic impact on the market. Although some safety concerns about PEG in clinical trials have been recently issued, PEGylation is still a commercially attractive proposition as a half-life extension technology for long-acting drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ji Park
- a College of Pharmacy , Chung-Ang University , Seoul , Republic of Korea.,b D&D Pharmatech , Seongnam , Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Choi
- a College of Pharmacy , Chung-Ang University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Choon Lee
- b D&D Pharmatech , Seongnam , Republic of Korea.,c College of Pharmacy , SungKyunKwan University , Suwon , Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hee Na
- a College of Pharmacy , Chung-Ang University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
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37
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Renders L, Budde K, Rosenberger C, van Swelm R, Swinkels D, Dellanna F, Feuerer W, Wen M, Erley C, Bader B, Sommerer C, Schaier M, Meurer K, Matis L. First-in-human Phase I studies of PRS-080#22, a hepcidin antagonist, in healthy volunteers and patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212023. [PMID: 30917125 PMCID: PMC6436791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In chronic kidney disease both renal insufficiency and chronic inflammation trigger elevated hepcidin levels, which impairs iron uptake, availability. and erythropoiesis. Here we report the two first-in-human phase 1 trials of PRS-080#22, a novel, rationally engineered Anticalin protein that targets and antagonizes hepcidin. A single intravenous infusion of placebo or PRS-080#22 was administered to 48 healthy volunteers (phase 1a) and 24 patients with end stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (phase 1b) at different doses (0.08-16mg/kg for the phase 1a study and 2-8mg/kg for the phase 1b study) in successive dosing cohorts. The primary endpoint for both randomized, double-blind, phase 1 trials was safety and tolerability. Following treatment, all subjects were evaluable, with none experiencing dose limiting toxicities. Most adverse events were mild. One serious adverse event occurred in the phase 1b (CKD patient) study. There were no clinically significant changes in safety laboratory values or vital signs. PRS-080#22 showed dose-proportional pharmacokinetics (PK), with a terminal half-life of approximately three days in healthy volunteers and 10 to 12 days in CKD patients. Serum hepcidin levels were suppressed in a dose dependent manner and remained low for up to 48 hours after dosing. PRS-080#22 dose-dependently mobilized serum iron with increases in both serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation. No consistent changes were observed with regard to ferritin, reticulocytes, hemoglobin, and reticulocyte hemoglobin. Low titer anti-drug-antibodies were detected in five healthy volunteers but in none of the CKD patients. PRS-080#22, a novel Anticalin protein with picomolar affinity for hepcidin, was safe and well-tolerated when administered to healthy volunteers and CKD patients at all doses tested. The drug exhibited linear pharmacokinetics, longer half-life in CKD patients in comparison to healthy volunteers as well as expected pharmacodynamic effects which hold promise for further clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Renders
- Nephrologie, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Klemens Budde
- Nephrologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Rosenberger
- Nephrologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rachel van Swelm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Hepcidinanalysis.com, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dorine Swinkels
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Hepcidinanalysis.com, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ming Wen
- Nephrologie, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Christiane Erley
- Medizinische Klinik II, St. Joseph Krankenhaus Berlin-Tempelhof, Germany
| | - Birgit Bader
- Medizinische Klinik II, St. Joseph Krankenhaus Berlin-Tempelhof, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Louis Matis
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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38
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Abstract
Hepcidin is central to regulation of iron metabolism. Its effect on a cellular level involves binding ferroportin, the main iron export protein, resulting in its internalization and degradation and leading to iron sequestration within ferroportin-expressing cells. Aberrantly increased hepcidin leads to systemic iron deficiency and/or iron restricted erythropoiesis. Furthermore, insufficiently elevated hepcidin occurs in multiple diseases associated with iron overload. Abnormal iron metabolism as a consequence of hepcidin dysregulation is an underlying factor resulting in pathophysiology of multiple diseases and several agents aimed at manipulating this pathway have been designed, with some already in clinical trials. In this chapter, we present an overview of and rationale for exploring the development of hepcidin agonists and antagonists in various clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelena Z Ginzburg
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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39
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Petzer V, Theurl I, Weiss G. Established and Emerging Concepts to Treat Imbalances of Iron Homeostasis in Inflammatory Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:E135. [PMID: 30544952 PMCID: PMC6315795 DOI: 10.3390/ph11040135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, being a hallmark of many chronic diseases, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic kidney disease, negatively affects iron homeostasis, leading to iron retention in macrophages of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Functional iron deficiency is the consequence, leading to anemia of inflammation (AI). Iron deficiency, regardless of anemia, has a detrimental impact on quality of life so that treatment is warranted. Therapeutic strategies include (1) resolution of the underlying disease, (2) iron supplementation, and (3) iron redistribution strategies. Deeper insights into the pathophysiology of AI has led to the development of new therapeutics targeting inflammatory cytokines and the introduction of new iron formulations. Moreover, the discovery that the hormone, hepcidin, plays a key regulatory role in AI has stimulated the development of several therapeutic approaches targeting the function of this peptide. Hence, inflammation-driven hepcidin elevation causes iron retention in cells and tissues. Besides pathophysiological concepts and diagnostic approaches for AI, this review discusses current guidelines for iron replacement therapies with special emphasis on benefits, limitations, and unresolved questions concerning oral versus parenteral iron supplementation in chronic inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, the review explores how therapies aiming at curing the disease underlying AI can also affect anemia and discusses emerging hepcidin antagonizing drugs, which are currently under preclinical or clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Petzer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Igor Theurl
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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40
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Hepcidin Therapeutics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11040127. [PMID: 30469435 PMCID: PMC6316648 DOI: 10.3390/ph11040127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepcidin is a key hormonal regulator of systemic iron homeostasis and its expression is induced by iron or inflammatory stimuli. Genetic defects in iron signaling to hepcidin lead to “hepcidinopathies” ranging from hereditary hemochromatosis to iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia, which are disorders caused by hepcidin deficiency or excess, respectively. Moreover, dysregulation of hepcidin is a pathogenic cofactor in iron-loading anemias with ineffective erythropoiesis and in anemia of inflammation. Experiments with preclinical animal models provided evidence that restoration of appropriate hepcidin levels can be used for the treatment of these conditions. This fueled the rapidly growing field of hepcidin therapeutics. Several hepcidin agonists and antagonists, as well as inducers and inhibitors of hepcidin expression have been identified to date. Some of them were further developed and are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. This review summarizes the state of the art.
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Kovacevic KD, Gilbert JC, Jilma B. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of aptamers. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 134:36-50. [PMID: 30321620 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are synthetic molecules structured as single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that can be designed to mimic the functional properties of monoclonal antibodies. They bind to the target molecules (typically soluble or cell-bound proteins) with high affinity (with picomolar to low nanomolar range) and specificity, and therefore can be an alternative to therapeutic antibodies or peptide ligands. This paper reviews published data regarding pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of aptamers from preclinical and clinical studies. Aptamers have been developed for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer, macular degeneration,g cardiovascular disease, diabetes and anaemia of chronic diseases. There are several preclinical studies with unmodified aptamers, but the vast majority of aptamer trials in humans have been conducted with modified aptamers, because unmodified aptamers demonstrate metabolic instability, as well as rapid renal filtration and elimination. Various strategies have been developed to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of aptamers. Aside from chemical modification of nucleotides in order to stabilize them against nuclease degradation, the main modification to extend the half-life is pegylation. Therefore, the process of pegylation as well as its benefits and possible shortcomings will briefly be discussed.
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Kaur H, Bruno JG, Kumar A, Sharma TK. Aptamers in the Therapeutics and Diagnostics Pipelines. Theranostics 2018; 8:4016-4032. [PMID: 30128033 PMCID: PMC6096388 DOI: 10.7150/thno.25958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are short single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that can selectively bind to small molecular ligands or protein targets with high affinity and specificity, by acquiring unique three-dimensional structures. Aptamers have the advantage of being highly specific, relatively small in size, non-immunogenic and can be easily stabilized by chemical modifications, thus allowing expansion of their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Since the invention of aptamers in the early 1990s, great efforts have been made to make them clinically relevant for diseases like macular degeneration, cancer, thrombosis and inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, owing to the aforementioned advantages and unique adaptability of aptamers to point-of-care platforms, aptamer technology has created a stable niche in the field of in vitro diagnostics by enhancing the speed and accuracy of diagnoses. The aim of this review is to give an overview on aptamers, highlight the inherent therapeutic and diagnostic opportunities and challenges associated with them and present various aptamers that have reached therapeutic clinical trials, diagnostic markets or that have immediate translational potential for therapeutics and diagnostics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John G. Bruno
- Operational Technologies Corporation, 4100 NW Loop 410, Suite 100, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA
| | - Amit Kumar
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Sharma
- Center for Biodesign and Diagnostics, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad-121001, Haryana, India
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43
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Hasegawa T, Koiwa F, Akizawa T. Anemia in conventional hemodialysis: Finding the optimal treatment balance. Semin Dial 2018; 31:599-606. [PMID: 29909605 DOI: 10.1111/sdi.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Renal anemia is a serious and common complication in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The introduction of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) has dramatically improved hemoglobin levels and outcomes. Several interventional studies reported that excessive correction of anemia and the massive use of ESA can trigger cardiovascular disease (CVD), and consequently may worsen the prognosis of patients undergoing HD. Therefore, it has been widely recognized that large doses of ESA should be used with caution. An effective use of iron preparations is required to yield the optimal effect of ESA. It is well-known that iron utilization is inhibited under pathological conditions, such as chronic inflammation, resulting in ESA resistance. It is postulated that a new class of therapeutic agents for renal anemia, hypoxia inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitors, will have beneficial treatment effects in patients on HD. HIF is induced by hypoxia and promotes erythropoietin production. In the absence of a hypoxic state, HIF is decomposed by the HIF catabolic enzyme. HIF-PH inhibitors inhibit this degrading enzyme and stimulate endogenous erythropoietin production via HIF induction. Additionally, HIF-PH inhibitors promote effective utilization of iron and raise erythropoietin to physiological concentrations. Accordingly, HIF-PH inhibitors improve anemia and iron metabolism. It appears that this effect persists irrespective of chronic inflammatory conditions. HIF-PH inhibitors do not overshoot erythropoietin above physiological concentrations like ESAs. Therefore, it is hypothesized that HIF-PH inhibitors would not increase the risk of CVD in patients undergoing HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hasegawa
- Office for Promoting Medical Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.,Center for Innovative Research for Communities and Clinical Excellence, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Healthcare Epidemiology, School of Public Health in the Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Koiwa
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tadao Akizawa
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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44
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Girelli D, Marchi G, Camaschella C. Anemia in the Elderly. Hemasphere 2018; 2:e40. [PMID: 31723768 PMCID: PMC6745992 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Anemia affects a substantial fraction of the elderly population, representing a public health problem that is predicted to further increase in coming years because of the demographic drive. Being typically mild, it is falsely perceived as a minor problem, particularly in the elderly with multimorbidity, so that it often remains unrecognized and untreated. Indeed, mounting evidence indicates that anemia in the elderly (AE) is independently associated with disability and other major negative outcomes, including mortality. AE is generally multifactorial, but initial studies suggested that etiology remains unexplained in near one-third of cases. This proportion is consistently declining due to recent advances highlighting the role of several conditions including clonal hematopoiesis, "inflammaging," correctable androgen deficiency in men, and under-recognized iron deficiency. Starting from a real-world case vignette illustrating a paradigmatic example of anemia in an elderly patient with multimorbidity, we review the main clinical and pathophysiological aspect of AE, giving some practical insights into how to manage similar cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Girelli
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giacomo Marchi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Clara Camaschella
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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45
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Hohlbaum AM, Gille H, Trentmann S, Kolodziejczyk M, Rattenstetter B, Laarakkers CM, Katzmann G, Christian HJ, Andersen N, Allersdorfer A, Olwill SA, Meibohm B, Audoly LP, Swinkels DW, van Swelm RPL. Sustained plasma hepcidin suppression and iron elevation by Anticalin-derived hepcidin antagonist in cynomolgus monkey. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:1054-1065. [PMID: 29329501 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) has been linked to iron-restricted erythropoiesis imposed by high circulating levels of hepcidin, a 25 amino acid hepatocyte-derived peptide that controls systemic iron homeostasis. Here, we report the engineering of the human lipocalin-derived, small protein-based anticalin PRS-080 hepcidin antagonist with high affinity and selectivity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Anticalin- and hepcidin-specific pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic modelling (PD) was used to design and select the suitable drug candidate based on t1/2 extension and duration of hepcidin suppression. The development of a novel free hepcidin assay enabled accurate analysis of bioactive hepcidin suppression and elucidation of the observed plasma iron levels after PRS-080-PEG30 administration in vivo. KEY RESULTS PRS-080 had a hepcidin-binding affinity of 0.07 nM and, after coupling to 30 kD PEG (PRS-080-PEG30), a t1/2 of 43 h in cynomolgus monkeys. Dose-dependent iron mobilization and hepcidin suppression were observed after a single i.v. dose of PRS-080-PEG30 in cynomolgus monkeys. Importantly, in these animals, suppression of free hepcidin and subsequent plasma iron elevation were sustained during repeated s.c. dosing. After repeated dosing and followed by a treatment-free interval, all iron parameters returned to pre-dose values. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In conclusion, we developed a dose-dependent and safe approach for the direct suppression of hepcidin, resulting in prolonged iron mobilization to alleviate iron-restricted erythropoiesis that can address the root cause of ACD. PRS-080-PEG30 is currently in early clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Coby M Laarakkers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Hepcidinanalysis.com, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bernd Meibohm
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Dorine W Swinkels
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Hepcidinanalysis.com, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel P L van Swelm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Hepcidinanalysis.com, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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46
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Nielsen OH, Soendergaard C, Vikner ME, Weiss G. Rational Management of Iron-Deficiency Anaemia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10010082. [PMID: 29342861 PMCID: PMC5793310 DOI: 10.3390/nu10010082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaemia is the most frequent, though often neglected, comorbidity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here we want to briefly present (1) the burden of anaemia in IBD, (2) its pathophysiology, which mostly arises from bleeding-associated iron deficiency, followed by (3) diagnostic evaluation of anaemia, (4) a balanced overview of the different modes of iron replacement therapy, (5) evidence for their therapeutic efficacy and subsequently, (6) an updated recommendation for the practical management of anaemia in IBD. Following the introduction of various intravenous iron preparations over the last decade, questions persist about when to use these preparations as opposed to traditional and other novel oral iron therapeutic agents. At present, oral iron therapy is generally preferred for patients with quiescent IBD and mild iron-deficiency anaemia. However, in patients with flaring IBD that hampers intestinal iron absorption and in those with inadequate responses to or side effects with oral preparations, intravenous iron supplementation is the therapy of choice, although information on the efficacy of intravenous iron in patients with active IBD and anaemia is scare. Importantly, anaemia in IBD is often multifactorial and a careful diagnostic workup is mandatory for optimized treatment. Nevertheless, limited information is available on optimal therapeutic start and end points for treatment of anaemia. Of note, neither oral nor intravenous therapies seem to exacerbate the clinical course of IBD. However, additional prospective studies are still warranted to determine the optimal therapy in complex conditions such as IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Haagen Nielsen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, DK-2730, Denmark.
| | - Christoffer Soendergaard
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, DK-2730, Denmark.
| | - Malene Elbaek Vikner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, DK-2730, Denmark.
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University Hospital of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, A-6020, Austria.
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Iron Metabolism and Anemia Research, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, A-6020, Austria..
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47
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Crielaard BJ, Lammers T, Rivella S. Targeting iron metabolism in drug discovery and delivery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2017; 16:400-423. [PMID: 28154410 PMCID: PMC5455971 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2016.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Iron fulfils a central role in many essential biochemical processes in human physiology; thus, proper processing of iron is crucial. Although iron metabolism is subject to relatively strict physiological control, numerous disorders, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, have recently been linked to deregulated iron homeostasis. Consequently, iron metabolism constitutes a promising and largely unexploited therapeutic target for the development of new pharmacological treatments for these diseases. Several iron metabolism-targeted therapies are already under clinical evaluation for haematological disorders, and these and newly developed therapeutic agents are likely to have substantial benefit in the clinical management of iron metabolism-associated diseases, for which few efficacious treatments are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart J. Crielaard
- Department of Polymer Chemistry and Bioengineering, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Targeted Therapeutics, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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48
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Vadhan-Raj S, Abonour R, Goldman JW, Smith DA, Slapak CA, Ilaria RL, Tiu RV, Wang X, Callies S, Cox J, Tuttle JL, Lau YK, Roeland EJ. A first-in-human phase 1 study of a hepcidin monoclonal antibody, LY2787106, in cancer-associated anemia. J Hematol Oncol 2017; 10:73. [PMID: 28327200 PMCID: PMC5361694 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-017-0427-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepcidin plays a central role in iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis. Neutralizing hepcidin with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) may prevent ferroportin internalization, restore iron efflux from cells, and allow transferrin-mediated iron transport to the bone marrow. This multicenter, phase 1 study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and efficacy of a fully humanized mAb (LY2787106) with high affinity for hepcidin in cancer patients with anemia. Methods Thirty-three patients with hepcidin levels ≥5 ng/mL received LY2787106 either every 3 weeks (19 patients, dose range 0.3–10 mg/kg) (part A) or weekly (14 patients, dose 10 mg/kg) (part B). LY2787106 PK/PD markers of iron and hematology biology were measured. Results LY2787106 clearance (32 mL/h) and volume of distribution (7.7 L) were independent of dose and time, leading to a dose-proportional increase in concentration with dose. Consistent dose-dependent increases in serum iron, and transferrin saturation were seen at the 3 and 10 mg/kg dose levels, typically peaking within 24 h after LY2787106 administration and returning to baseline by day 8. Conclusions Our findings indicate that LY2787106 was well tolerated in cancer patients with anemia and that targeting the hepcidin-ferroportin pathway by neutralizing hepcidin resulted in transient iron mobilization, thus supporting the role of hepcidin in iron regulation. Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT01340976 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-017-0427-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroj Vadhan-Raj
- UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 450, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Rafat Abonour
- Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jonathan W Goldman
- David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ramon V Tiu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Eric J Roeland
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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49
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Schmid H, Jelkmann W. Investigational therapies for renal disease-induced anemia. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2016; 25:901-16. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2016.1182981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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50
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Boyce M, Warrington S, Cortezi B, Zöllner S, Vauléon S, Swinkels DW, Summo L, Schwoebel F, Riecke K. Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the anti-hepcidin Spiegelmer lexaptepid pegol in healthy subjects. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:1580-8. [PMID: 26773325 PMCID: PMC4842915 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Anaemia of chronic disease is characterized by impaired erythropoiesis due to functional iron deficiency, often caused by excessive hepcidin. Lexaptepid pegol, a pegylated structured l-oligoribonucleotide, binds and inactivates hepcidin. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We conducted a placebo-controlled study on the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lexaptepid after single and repeated i.v. and s.c. administration to 64 healthy subjects at doses from 0.3 to 4.8 mg·kg(-1) . KEY RESULTS After treatment with lexaptepid, serum iron concentration and transferrin increased dose-dependently. Iron increased from approximately 20 μmol·L(-1) at baseline by 67% at 8 h after i.v. infusion of 1.2 mg·kg(-1) lexaptepid. The pharmacokinetics showed dose-proportional increases in peak plasma concentrations and moderately over-proportional increases in systemic exposure. Lexaptepid had no effect on hepcidin production or anti-drug antibodies. Treatment with lexaptepid was generally safe and well tolerated, with mild and transient transaminase increases at doses ≥2.4 mg·kg(-1) and with local injection site reactions after s.c. but not after i.v. administration. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Lexaptepid pegol inhibited hepcidin and dose-dependently raised serum iron and transferrin saturation. The compound is being further developed to treat anaemia of chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Boyce
- Hammersmith Medicines Research, London, UK
| | | | - B Cortezi
- Hammersmith Medicines Research, London, UK
| | | | | | - D W Swinkels
- Hepcidinanalysis.com, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - L Summo
- NOXXON Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - K Riecke
- NOXXON Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany
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