Dual PDE3/4 inhibitors as therapeutic agents for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Effect of ensifentrine on dyspnea in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: pooled analysis of the ENHANCE trials

BACKGROUND

Dyspnea is a critical component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ensifentrine, a novel PDE3/PDE4 inhibitor, was evaluated in the Phase 3 ENHANCE-1/2 clinical trials. Here, we report the effect of ensifentrine on dyspnea using pooled data from the ENHANCE trials.

METHODS

The pooled population (ensifentrine, n = 975; placebo, n = 574) included patients aged 40-80 years with post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC <0.7, FEV1 30-70% predicted, mMRC Dyspnea Scale score ≥ 2, and a smoking history ≥ 10 pack-years. Patients taking dual LAMA/LABA or LAMA/LABA/ICS triple therapy were excluded. Dyspnea measures included the Transition Dyspnea Index (TDI), Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms (E-RS), and rescue medication use.

RESULTS

After 24 weeks, ensifentrine significantly improved TDI scores (least-squares mean difference, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.64, 1.30; p < 0.001) and across all TDI subdomains. Ensifentrine-treated patients were more likely to be TDI responders at week 24 (p < 0.001), which was consistent across clinically-relevant subgroups. Ensifentrine-treated patients had improved E-RS breathlessness subdomain scores (p = 0.053) and reduced rescue medication use (p = 0.002). The most common adverse reactions were back pain (ensifentrine, 1.8% vs placebo, 1.0%), hypertension (1.7% vs 0.9%), urinary tract infection (1.3% vs 1.0%), diarrhea (1.0% vs 0.7%).

CONCLUSION

Ensifentrine produced clinically meaningful improvements in multiple dyspnea measures in patients with symptomatic, moderate-to-severe COPD. A limitation of this study was the exclusion of patients taking dual LAMA/LABA and LAMA/LABA/ICS triple therapy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.clinicaltrials.gov identifiers are ENHANCE-1: NCT04535986; ENHANCE-2: NCT04542057.

The perspective of cAMP/cGMP signaling and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in aortic aneurysm and dissection

Aortic aneurysm (AA) and dissection (AD) are aortic diseases caused primarily by medial layer degeneration and perivascular inflammation. They are lethal when the rupture happens. Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play critical roles in the pathogenesis of medial degeneration, characterized by SMC loss and elastin fiber degradation. Many molecular pathways, including cyclic nucleotide signaling, have been reported in regulating vascular SMC functions, matrix remodeling, and vascular structure integrity. Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) are second messengers that mediate intracellular signaling transduction through activating effectors, such as protein kinase A (PKA) and PKG, respectively. cAMP and cGMP are synthesized by adenylyl cyclase (AC) and guanylyl cyclase (GC), respectively, and degraded by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). In this review, we will discuss the roles and mechanisms of cAMP/cGMP signaling and PDEs in AA/AD formation and progression and the potential of PDE inhibitors in AA/AD, whether they are beneficial or detrimental. We also performed database analysis and summarized the results showing PDEs with significant expression changes under AA/AD, which should provide rationales for future research on PDEs in AA/AD.

Perspectives on Ensifentrine and Its Therapeutic Potential in the Treatment of COPD: Evidence to Date

Ensifentrine is a novel inhalational phosphodiesterase (PDE)3 and PDE4 inhibitor which improves bronchodilation and decreases inflammatory markers by acting locally on the bronchial tissue, with minimal systemic effects. Both preclinical and clinical trials have demonstrated benefits of this therapy, including improvement in lung function and reduction in exacerbations. This therapy is currently under review by the US Food and Drug Administration with a decision expected in 2024.

A Review of Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants as a Novel Source of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors: Future Perspective of New Challenges Against Diabetes Mellitus

Intracellular glucose concentration plays a crucial role in initiating the molecular secretory process of pancreatic β-cells through multiple messengers and signaling pathways. Cyclic nucleotides are key physiological regulators that modulate pathway interactions in β -cells. An increase of cyclic nucleotides is controled by hydrolysed phosphodiesterases (PDEs), which degrades cyclic nucleotides into inactive metabolites. Despite the undeniable therapeutic potential of PDE inhibitors, they are associated with several side effects. The treatment strategy for diabetes based on PDE inhibitors has been proposed for a long time. Hence, the world of natural antidiabetic medicinal plants represents an ideal source of phosphodiesterase inhibitors as a new strategy for developing novel agents to treat diabetes mellitus. This review highlights medicinal plants traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus that have been proven to have inhibitory effects on PDE activity. The contents of this review were sourced from electronic databases, including Science Direct, PubMed, Springer Link, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley Online, Scifinder and Google Scholar. These databases were consulted to collect information without any limitation date. After comprehensive literature screening, this paper identified 27 medicinal plants that have been reported to exhibit anti-phosphodiesterase activities. The selection of these plants was based on their traditional uses in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The review emphasizes the antiphosphodiesterase properties of 31 bioactive components derived from these plant extracts. Many phenolic compounds have been identified as PDE inhibitors: Brazilin, mesozygin, artonin I, chalcomaracin, norartocarpetin, moracin L, moracin M, moracin C, curcumin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, quercitrin, quercetin, catechin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, and ellagic acid. Moreover, smome lignans have reported as PDE inhibitors: (+)-Medioresinol di-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, (+)- Pinoresinol di-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, (+)-Pinoresinol-4-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→6)-β-dglucopyranoside, Liriodendrin, (+)-Pinoresinol 4'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, and forsythin. This review provides a promising starting point of medicinal plants, which could be further studied for the development of natural phosphodiesterase inhibitors to treat diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it is important to consider clinical studies for the identification of new targets for the treatment of diabetes.

Discovery of 2-(Methylcarbonylamino) thiazole as PDE4 inhibitors via virtual screening and biological evaluation

Phosphodiesterase-4, the primary enzyme responsible for cAMP degradation in the majority of immune and inflammatory cells, plays a critical role in the regulation of intracellular cAMP levels. Consequently, small molecular entities capable of inhibiting PDE4 have been employed in the treatment of inflammation-associated disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), rheumatic arthritis (RA). In the present investigation, a multi-faceted approach was employed to identify novel PDE4 inhibitors, utilizing the co-crystallization structure of PDE4B available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) database, drug-like screening, false positive filtration, similarity and ADMET screen, as well as molecular docking via multiple software platforms, in conjunction with bioactivity assays. A thiazol-3-propanamides derivative, designated MR9, was discovered to inhibit PDE4B activity with IC50 values of 2.12 μM and suppress cellular inflammatory factor TNF-α release with an EC50 value of 3.587 μM. These findings suggest that the innovative active scaffold of MR9 offers a promising foundation for further structural refinement aimed at developing more potent PDE4 inhibitors.

Ensifentrine, a Novel Phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter Phase III Trials (the ENHANCE Trials)

Rationale: Ensifentrine is a novel, selective, dual phosphodiesterase (PDE)3 and PDE4 inhibitor with bronchodilator and antiinflammatory effects. Replicate phase III trials of nebulized ensifentrine were conducted (ENHANCE-1 and ENHANCE-2) to assess these effects in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of ensifentrine compared with placebo for lung function, symptoms, quality of life, and exacerbations in patients with COPD. Methods: These phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trials were conducted between September 2020 and December 2022 at 250 research centers and pulmonology practices in 17 countries. Patients aged 40-80 years with moderate to severe symptomatic COPD were enrolled. Measurements and Main Results: Totals of 760 (ENHANCE-1) and 789 (ENHANCE-2) patients were randomized and treated, with 69% and 55% receiving concomitant long-acting muscarinic antagonists or long-acting β2-agonists, respectively. Post-bronchodilator FEV1 percentage predicted values were 52% and 51% of predicted normal. Ensifentrine treatment significantly improved average FEV1 area under the curve at 0-12 hours versus placebo (ENHANCE-1, 87 ml [95% confidence interval, 55, 119]; ENHANCE-2, 94 ml [65, 124]; both P < 0.001). Ensifentrine treatment significantly improved symptoms (Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms) and quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire) versus placebo at Week 24 in ENHANCE-1 but not in ENHANCE-2. Ensifentrine treatment reduced the rate of moderate or severe exacerbations versus placebo over 24 weeks (ENHANCE-1, rate ratio, 0.64 [0.40, 1.00]; P = 0.050; ENHANCE-2, rate ratio, 0.57 [0.38, 0.87]; P = 0.009) and increased time to first exacerbation (ENHANCE-1, hazard ratio, 0.62 [0.39, 0.97]; P = 0.038; ENHANCE-2, hazard ratio, 0.58 [0.38, 0.87]; P = 0.009). Adverse event rates were similar to those for placebo. Conclusions: Ensifentrine significantly improved lung function in both trials, with results supporting exacerbation rate and risk reduction in a broad COPD population and in addition to other classes of maintenance therapies. Clinical trial registered with www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov and EudraCT (ENHANCE-1, www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier NCT04535986, EudraCT identifier 2020-002086-34; ENHANCE-2, www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier NCT04542057, EudraCT identifier 2020-002069-32).

Ensifentrine as a Novel, Inhaled Treatment for Patients with COPD

Ensifentrine is a novel, potent, and selective dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE)3 and PDE4 designed for delivery by inhalation that combines effects on airway inflammation, bronchodilation and ciliary function in bronchial epithelia. In Phase 2 studies in subjects with COPD, ensifentrine demonstrated clinically meaningful bronchodilation and improvements in symptoms and health-related quality of life when administered alone or in combination with current standard of care therapies. Ensifentrine is currently in late-stage clinical development for the maintenance treatment of patients with COPD. This review summarizes non-clinical data as well as Phase 1 and Phase 2 efficacy and safety results of nebulized ensifentrine relevant to the maintenance treatment of patients with COPD.

Therapeutic Approaches for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbations

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive pulmonary disorder underpinned by poorly reversible airflow resulting from chronic bronchitis or emphysema. The prevalence and mortality of COPD continue to increase. Pharmacotherapy for patients with COPD has included antibiotics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids (but with little success). Oral diseases have long been established as clinical risk factors for developing respiratory diseases. The establishment of a very similar microbiome in the mouth and the lung confirms the oral-lung connection. The aspiration of pathogenic microbes from the oral cavity has been implicated in several respiratory diseases, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This review focuses on current and future pharmacotherapeutic approaches for COPD exacerbation including antimicrobials, mucoregulators, the use of bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, modifying epigenetic marks, and modulating dysbiosis of the microbiome.

Pharmacophore Modelling and Virtual Screening Studies for the Discovery of Natural Product-Based PDE 3/4 Dual Inhibitors for COPD

Background:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) is a chronic and progressive lung disease with a steady increase in prevalence over the recent years. Current treatment options of COPD are aimed at symptomatic relief without the ability to cure COPD, and certain corticosteroid treatments cause patients to be susceptible to infections. Newer studies have hinted that PDE3/4 dual inhibitors may produce a higher efficacy and better safety profile compared to current alternatives. These novel inhibitors may potentially improve the control of COPD exacerbation without increasing the risk of infections. Thus, our study aims to identify and refine natural compounds with PDE3/4 dual inhibitory activities through molecular modelling techniques.

Method:

A two-sided approach through ligand-based and structure-based pharmacophore modelling was employed, followed by virtual screening and molecular docking to identify lead compounds with PDE3/4 dual inhibition activity.

Results:

Pharmacophore based screening of Universal Natural Products Database (UNPD) resulted in identification of one compound for each pharmacophore model, namely UNPD1558 and UNPD139455, with high binding affinities towards both PDE3B and PDE4B. The two compounds were subsequently docked with PDE3B and PDE4B to study their interactions with the active site residues. Structural modifications of the compounds were proposed based on the docking results, to optimise their binding affinity and physicochemical properties.

Conclusion:

Compound 25a4 and compound 28, which were designed based on the structures of UNPD1558 and UNPD139455, respectively, showed improved binding affinity for both PDE3B and PDE4B. These lead compounds showed promising results as drug candidates and their PDE3/4 dual inhibitory properties should be further investigated through in vivo and in vivo studies.

Piclamilast mitigates 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced colon cancer in rats through modulation of Ras/PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κβ signaling

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading type of adult cancer in both genders with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Even though the discovery of many antineoplastic drugs for CRC, the current therapy is not adequately efficient.This study was designed to investigate the effect and mechanism of Piclamilast (PIC), a selective PDE4 inhibitor, on a DMH-induced colorectal cancer (CRC) rat model. The rats were grouped (n = 10) into group 1 (control), group 2 (PIC 3 mg/kg, p.o.), groups 3-5 received DMH (20 mg/kg/week, S.C.), and groups 4 and 5 received PIC (1 and 3 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 15 weeks. The DMH treatment increased aberrant crypt foci (ACF), Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and TBARS levels, along with decreased antioxidant defenses (GSH, GSH-Px, and catalase). Increased NF-κβ expression and inflammatory cytokines were also evident. PIC dose-dependently reduced ACF and restored oxidative stress and inflammatory markers favorably. Moreover, PIC in its large, tested dose only significantly increased the intracellular level of cAMP and suppressed the activation of Ras and PI3K and its downstream Akt/mTOR signaling. Furthermore, PIC promoted CRC apoptosis, and increased the gene expression of the apoptotic factors, caspase-3 and Bax, and decreased the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. The results of this study show that PIC may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of CRC. PIC might inhibit the proliferation of CRC cells and induce apoptosis via multiple mechanisms that involve its antioxidant effect and inhibition of NF-κβ and Ras/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling.

A Dose-Ranging Study of the Novel Inhaled Dual PDE 3 and 4 Inhibitor Ensifentrine in Patients with COPD Receiving Maintenance Tiotropium Therapy

PURPOSE

Ensifentrine is an inhaled dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 and 4 that has shown bronchodilatory effects and symptom improvement in clinical studies in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and anti-inflammatory effects in healthy volunteers in a model of COPD-like inflammation. This manuscript reports on the results of the clinical study examining if ensifentrine provides meaningful improvements in lung function when added on to tiotropium over 4 weeks in patients with COPD who have impaired lung function and symptoms despite treatment with tiotropium.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-ranging study recruited patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Patients were randomized to open-label tiotropium once daily (QD) plus (+) blinded escalating doses of ensifentrine or placebo twice daily (BID). Effects on lung function, symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were assessed over 4 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 416 COPD patients were randomized and 413 received at least one dose of blinded study medication + tiotropium. All ensifentrine doses produced a significant and dose-dependent increase in peak forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) from baseline to Week 4, with placebo-corrected differences of 77.5 mL when added to tiotropium (0.375 mg; 95% CI: 4.8, 150.1 mL; p=0.037) to 124.2 mL (3 mg; 95% CI: 51.0, 196.8 mL; p<0.001). A significant increase in average FEV1 (0-12h) was shown at Week 4 with the 3 mg dose (87.3 mL; 95% CI: 20.0, 154.5 mL; p=0.011). Clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire - COPD (SGRQ-C) additive to tiotropium were observed at Week 4, exceeding the minimally clinically important difference of 4 units with the 1.5 and 3 mg doses. Adverse events were similar in frequency between the ensifentrine and placebo arms.

CONCLUSION

This clinical study demonstrated that nebulized ensifentrine added on to tiotropium produced clinically important improvements in lung function and QoL over 4 weeks in COPD patients receiving tiotropium who demonstrated symptoms and lung function impairment, with a safety profile similar to placebo.

Symptom Improvement Following Treatment with the Inhaled Dual Phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 Inhibitor Ensifentrine in Patients with Moderate to Severe COPD - A Detailed Analysis

Introduction

Ensifentrine is an inhaled first-in-class dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 and 4. In a four-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), nebulized ensifentrine 0.75 to 6mg twice daily significantly improved bronchodilation and symptoms, with all doses being well tolerated. Here, we report data for a number of prespecified exploratory and post hoc endpoints from this study that help to further profile the effect of ensifentrine on symptoms.

Methods

Eligible patients were males or females aged 40-75 years with COPD, post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second 40-80% predicted. Other than being clinically stable for at least four weeks prior to entry, there were no symptomatic inclusion or exclusion criteria. The outcome measures reported in this manuscript are the Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms [E-RS™:COPD] questionnaire total score and subscales (breathlessness, cough/sputum and chest symptoms) at Weeks 1-4, Transition Dyspnea Index (TDI) focal score at Weeks 2 and 4, and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire - COPD Specific (SGRQ-C) total score and domain data (symptoms, activity and impacts) at Week 4.

Results

There was a gradual improvement versus placebo with all ensifentrine doses for all three E-RS™:COPD subscales from Week 1 to Week 4, with the greatest ensifentrine effect on the breathlessness subscale, and all four doses superior to placebo from Week 2 onwards (p<0.05). For TDI focal score, all ensifentrine doses were superior to placebo at Weeks 2 and 4 (p<0.05). In the individual SGRQ-C domains at Week 4, ensifentrine had the greatest effect on the symptoms domain, with ensifentrine 6mg superior to placebo (p<0.05).

Conclusion

In these analyses, ensifentrine demonstrated a notable early and meaningful effect on dyspnea, with this effect observed across two different assessment tools.

A Gene Cluster That Encodes Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Contributes to Bacterial Persistence and Antibiotic Tolerance in Burkholderia thailandensis

The discovery of antibiotics such as penicillin and streptomycin marked a historic milestone in the 1940s and heralded a new era of antimicrobial therapy as the modern standard for medical treatment. Yet, even in those early days of discovery, it was noted that a small subset of cells (∼1 in 10⁵) survived antibiotic treatment and continued to persist, leading to recurrence of chronic infection. These persisters are phenotypic variants that have modified their physiology to survive environmental stress. In this study, we have performed three transcriptomic screens to identify persistence genes that are common between three different stressor conditions. In particular, we identified genes that function in the synthesis of secondary metabolites, small molecules, and complex lipids, which are likely required to maintain the persistence state. Targeting universal persistence genes can lead to the development of clinically relevant antipersistence therapeutics for infectious disease management.

Persister cells are genetically identical variants in a bacterial population that have phenotypically modified their physiology to survive environmental stress. In bacterial pathogens, persisters are able to survive antibiotic treatment and reinfect patients in a frustrating cycle of chronic infection. To better define core persistence mechanisms for therapeutics development, we performed transcriptomics analyses of Burkholderia thailandensis populations enriched for persisters via three methods: flow sorting for low proton motive force, meropenem treatment, and culture aging. Although the three persister-enriched populations generally displayed divergent gene expression profiles that reflect the multimechanistic nature of stress adaptations, there were several common gene pathways activated in two or all three populations. These include polyketide and nonribosomal peptide synthesis, Clp proteases, mobile elements, enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter systems. In particular, identification of genes that encode polyketide synthases (PKSs) and fatty acid catabolism factors indicates that generation of secondary metabolites, natural products, and complex lipids could be part of the metabolic program that governs the persistence state. We also found that loss-of-function mutations in the PKS-encoding gene locus BTH_I2366, which plays a role in biosynthesis of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, resulted in increased sensitivity to antibiotics targeting DNA replication. Furthermore, treatment of multiple bacterial pathogens with a fatty acid synthesis inhibitor, CP-640186, potentiated the efficacy of meropenem against the persister populations. Altogether, our results suggest that bacterial persisters may exhibit an outwardly dormant physiology but maintain active metabolic processes that are required to maintain persistence.

IMPORTANCE The discovery of antibiotics such as penicillin and streptomycin marked a historic milestone in the 1940s and heralded a new era of antimicrobial therapy as the modern standard for medical treatment. Yet, even in those early days of discovery, it was noted that a small subset of cells (∼1 in 10⁵) survived antibiotic treatment and continued to persist, leading to recurrence of chronic infection. These persisters are phenotypic variants that have modified their physiology to survive environmental stress. In this study, we have performed three transcriptomic screens to identify persistence genes that are common between three different stressor conditions. In particular, we identified genes that function in the synthesis of secondary metabolites, small molecules, and complex lipids, which are likely required to maintain the persistence state. Targeting universal persistence genes can lead to the development of clinically relevant antipersistence therapeutics for infectious disease management.

A dose-ranging study of the inhaled dual phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 inhibitor ensifentrine in COPD

BACKGROUND

Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) still experience daily symptoms, exacerbations, and accelerated lung function decline, even when receiving maximal combined treatment with inhaled long-acting bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Novel treatment options are needed for these patients. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that impact a range of cellular functions by modulating levels of cyclic nucleotides, and there is evidence to suggest that combined inhibition of PDE3 and PDE4 can have additive (or perhaps synergistic) effects. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of ensifentrine, a first-in-class dual inhibitor of PDE 3 and 4, in patients with COPD.

METHODS

This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-ranging study recruited patients with COPD, post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 40-80% predicted and FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio ≤ 0.7. Patients were randomised equally to inhale nebulised ensifentrine 0.75, 1.5, 3 or 6 mg or placebo, all twice daily.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

placebo-adjusted difference in peak FEV1 (assessed over 3 h) at Week 4.

RESULTS

The study took place between July 2017 and February 2018. Of 405 patients randomly assigned to medication, 375 (92.6%) completed the study. For peak FEV1 at Week 4, all four ensifentrine doses were superior to placebo (p ≤ 0.0001) with least squares mean differences of 146 (95% CI 75-216), 153 (83-222), 200 (131-270) and 139 (69-210) mL for ensifentrine 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6 mg, respectively. Respiratory symptoms (assessed using the Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms questionnaire) were also significantly improved with all ensifentrine doses at Week 4. Adverse events were reported by 33.3, 44.4, 35.4 and 36.3% patients with ensifentrine 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6 mg, respectively, and 39.2% with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

In this four-week Phase IIb study, all four ensifentrine doses significantly improved bronchodilation and symptoms, with a dose-ranging effect from 0.75 to 3 mg twice daily, and all doses well tolerated. The study supports the continuing development of ensifentrine in COPD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT 2016-005205-40, registered 30 May 2017.

Ensifentrine (RPL554): an investigational PDE3/4 inhibitor for the treatment of COPD

Introduction: A compound that simultaneously inhibits PDE3 and PDE4 should increase airway caliber by relaxing the smooth muscle and, simultaneously, suppress airway inflammatory responses. Ensifentrine (RPL554) is considered a PDE3/4 inhibitor, although its affinity for PDE3 is 3,440 times higher than that for PDE4, that is under clinical development for the treatment of asthma and COPD and, potentially, cystic fibrosis. Areas covered: We analyze the development of this molecule from its basic pharmacology to the present clinical Phase II studies. Expert opinion: Ensifentrine is an interesting drug but there is a lack of solid studies that still does not allow us to correctly allocate this molecule in the current COPD and even asthma therapeutic armamentarium. Furthermore, apparently ensifentrine has not yet entered Phase III clinical development and, in any case, there is no reliable evidence of its ability to elicit an anti-inflammatory activity in patients with COPD or asthma. Therefore, the real anti-inflammatory profile of ensifentrine must be clarified with new studies of basic pharmacology and adequate clinical studies specifically designed. However, at present the most intriguing perspective is linked to its possible use in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, also considering the lack of valid therapeutic options for this disease.

Effects of intravenous phosphodiesterase inhibitors and corticosteroids on severe meconium aspiration syndrome

BACKGROUND

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a major cause of severe respiratory failure in near- and full-term neonates. Alleviating inflammation is key to successfully treating severe MAS. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors are known to play a role in airway smooth muscle relaxation and alveolar inflammation inhibition. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various intravenous (IV) PDE inhibitors and corticosteroids on MAS.

METHODS

MAS was induced in newborn piglets by instilling human meconium in them. The piglets were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5 in each group): (1) control (sham treatment); (2) dexamethasone (Dex) (IV 0.6 mg/kg of dexamethasone); (3) aminophylline (Ami) (IV 6 mg/kg of aminophylline, followed by continuous infusion of 0.5 mg/kg/h of aminophylline; (4) milrinone (Mil) (IV 50 μg/kg of milrinone, followed by continuous infusion of 0.75 μg/kg/h of milrinone); and (5) rolipram (Rol) (IV 0.8 mg/kg of rolipram). The duration of the experimental period was 4 hours.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, all the four treatment groups revealed better oxygenation 3 hours and more after the start of treatment. The Rol group had a significantly elevated heart beat (p < 0.05) and relatively lower blood pressure compared to the other groups during the first 2 hours of the experiment. The Dex group had significantly lower interleukin (IL)-1β levels in the lung tissue compared to the other groups (p < 0.05) and significantly lower IL-6 levels compared to the Ami and Mil groups (p < 0.05). Lung histology showed slightly less inflammation and atelectasis in the Dex group compared to the other groups, but lung injury scores showed no significant between-group differences.

CONCLUSION

Using IV corticosteroids or any type of PDE inhibitors has some beneficial effects in improving oxygenation in MAS. PDE inhibitors are not superior to IV corticosteroids; in fact, adverse cardiovascular effects occur with the phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. Further investigations are required before using IV corticosteroids and PDE inhibitors in future clinical application.

Efficacy and safety of a first-in-class inhaled PDE3/4 inhibitor (ensifentrine) vs salbutamol in asthma

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the dose-response and pharmacology of a range of single doses of nebulised ensifentrine (RPL554), an inhaled dual phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3/4 inhibitor in patients with asthma.

METHODS

In this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study, patients received single nebulised doses of ensifentrine 0.4, 1.5, 6 and 24 mg, salbutamol 2.5 and 7.5 mg, and placebo. Eligible patients were adults with asthma, pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) 60-90% predicted and ≥1.5 L, with post-salbutamol FEV₁ increase ≥15%. The co-primary objectives were peak and average FEV₁ over 12 h for ensifentrine vs placebo and salbutamol. Secondary endpoints included: peak and average systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and ECG heart rate; and safety and tolerability (adverse events [AEs], and serum potassium). ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02427165.

RESULTS

A total of 29 patients were randomised, with 25 (89%) completing the study. For the two co-primary endpoints there was a clear ensifentrine dose-response relationship, with all treatments superior to placebo (p < 0.001). There was no relationship between the ensifentrine dose and AE incidence or blood pressure. Ensifentrine 0.4, 1.5 and 6 mg had significantly lower effects than both salbutamol doses on pulse and heart rates. Ensifentrine did not impact potassium, whereas there was a was a dose-related reduction for salbutamol. Inhalation of ensifentrine resulted in a dose-related increase in plasma exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-dose ensifentrine demonstrated dose-dependent bronchodilation, and was as effective as a therapeutic dose of nebulised salbutamol. All ensifentrine doses were similarly well tolerated, and did not show the characteristic β₂-agonist systemic adverse effects.

Ensifentrine (RPL554): an inhaled 'bifunctional' dual PDE3/4 inhibitor for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Ensifentrine (RPL554), an inhaled 'bifunctional' dual phosphodiesterase 3/4 inhibitor that exhibits both bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory activities, provides a new option in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other inflammatory airway diseases that are under clinical development. Ensifentrine appears to be initially under development for the treatment of COPD although it is not yet clear whether it should be understood as an add-on therapy in patients for the treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD or for the regular maintenance treatment of patients either alone, or on top of existing drug classes.

The short-term bronchodilator effects of the dual phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 inhibitor RPL554 in COPD

We investigated the short-term bronchodilator effects of RPL554 (an inhaled dual phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 inhibitor) combined with other bronchodilators in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with reversibility (>150 mL to short-acting bronchodilators).

Study 1 was a six-way, placebo-controlled crossover study (n=36) with single doses of RPL554 (6 mg), salbutamol (200 µg), ipratropium (40 µg), RPL554 (6 mg)+salbutamol (200 µg), RPL554 (6 mg)+ipratropium (40 µg) or placebo. Study 2 was a three-way crossover study (n=30) of tiotropium (18 µg) combined with RPL554 (1.5 or 6 mg) or placebo for 3 days. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), lung volumes and specific airway conductance (sG_aw) were measured.

In study 1, peak FEV₁ change compared with placebo was similar with RPL554, ipratropium and salbutamol (mean 223, 199 and 187 mL, respectively). The peak FEV₁ was higher for RPL554+ipratropium versus ipratropium (mean difference 94 mL; p<0.0001) and RPL554+salbutamol versus salbutamol (mean difference 108 mL; p<0.0001). In study 2 (day 3), both RPL554 doses caused greater peak FEV₁ effects than placebo. The average FEV_{1(0–12 h)} increase was greater with RPL554 6 mg only versus placebo (mean difference 65 mL; p=0.0009). In both studies, lung volumes and sG_aw showed greater RPL554 combination treatment effects versus monotherapy.

RPL554 combined with standard bronchodilators caused additional bronchodilation and hyperinflation reduction.

The dual PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitor RPL554 causes additional bronchodilation when combined with commonly used short- or long-acting bronchodilatorshttp://ow.ly/CUYi30lDcYW

Spontaneous and Drug-induced Arteritis/Polyarteritis in the Göttingen Minipig—Review

Arteritis/polyarteritis occurs spontaneously in many species used in preclinical toxicology studies. In Göttingen minipigs, arteritis/polyarteritis is an occasionally observed background change. In the minipig, this finding differs in frequency and nature from age-related polyarteritis nodosa in rats or monkeys, and Beagle pain syndrome in dogs. In minipigs, it can be present in a single small- or medium-sized artery of an organ or a few organs and is most commonly recorded in the cardiac and extracardiac blood vessels, vagina, oviduct, rectum, epididymis, spinal cord, pancreas, urinary bladder, kidneys, and stomach. The etiology is unknown although it has been considered in minipigs as well as in rats, dogs, and monkeys to be possibly immune mediated. This background change is important with respect to its nature and distribution in the minipig in order to distinguish it from drug-induced vascular changes, which might occur in similar locations and have similar morphologic features. This review summarizes the morphology, incidence, and predilection sites of arteritis as a spontaneously occurring background change and as a drug-induced vasculopathy in the minipig, and also describes the main aspects to consider when evaluating vascular changes in Göttingen minipig toxicity studies and their human relevance.

Phosphodiesterase inhibition and modulation of corticostriatal and hippocampal circuits: Clinical overview and translational considerations

The corticostriatal and hippocampal circuits contribute to the neurobiological underpinnings of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. Based on biological function, these circuits can be clustered into motor circuits, associative/cognitive circuits and limbic circuits. Together, dysfunctions in these circuits produce the wide range of symptoms observed in related neuropsychiatric disorders. Intracellular signaling in these circuits is largely mediated through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway with an additional role for the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/ protein kinase G (PKG) pathway, both of which can be regulated by phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE inhibitors). Through their effects on cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and Dopamine- and cAMP-Regulated PhosphoProtein MR 32 kDa (DARPP-32), cyclic nucleotide pathways are involved in synaptic transmission, neuron excitability, neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. In this clinical review, we provide an overview of the current clinical status, discuss the general mechanism of action of PDE inhibitors in relation to the corticostriatal and hippocampal circuits and consider several translational challenges.

A pathophysiological role of PDE3 in allergic airway inflammation

Phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) and PDE4 regulate levels of cyclic AMP, which are critical in various cell types involved in allergic airway inflammation. Although PDE4 inhibition attenuates allergic airway inflammation, reported side effects preclude its application as an antiasthma drug in humans. Case reports showed that enoximone, which is a smooth muscle relaxant that inhibits PDE3, is beneficial and lifesaving in status asthmaticus and is well tolerated. However, clinical observations also showed antiinflammatory effects of PDE3 inhibition. In this study, we investigated the role of PDE3 in a house dust mite-driven (HDM-driven) allergic airway inflammation (AAI) model that is characterized by T helper 2 cell activation, eosinophilia, and reduced mucosal barrier function. Compared with wild-type (WT) littermates, mice with a targeted deletion of the PDE3A or PDE3B gene showed significantly reduced HDM-driven AAI. Therapeutic intervention in WT mice showed that all hallmarks of HDM-driven AAI were abrogated by the PDE3 inhibitors enoximone and milrinone. Importantly, we found that enoximone also reduced the upregulation of the CD11b integrin on mouse and human eosinophils in vitro, which is crucial for their recruitment during allergic inflammation. This study provides evidence for a hitherto unknown antiinflammatory role of PDE3 inhibition in allergic airway inflammation and offers a potentially novel treatment approach.

Roflumilast and aquaporin-2 regulation in rat renal inner medullary collecting duct

Roflumilast is a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor that is FDA‐approved for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. With a view toward possible use for treatment of patients with X‐linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) due to hemizygous mutations in the V2 vasopressin receptor, this study sought to determine the effect of roflumilast on aquaporin‐2 (AQP2) phosphorylation, AQP2 trafficking, and water permeability in the rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). In the presence of the vasopressin analog dDAVP (0.1 nmol/L), both roflumilast and its active metabolite roflumilast N‐oxide (RNO) significantly increased phosphorylation at S256, S264, and S269, and decreased phosphorylation at S261 (immunoblotting) in IMCD suspensions in a dose‐dependent manner (3–3000 nmol/L). Another commonly used phosphodiesterase inhibitor, IBMX, affected phosphorylation only at the highest concentration in this range. However, neither roflumilast nor RNO had an effect on AQP2 phosphorylation in the absence of vasopressin. Furthermore, roflumilast alone did not increase AQP2 trafficking to the plasma membrane (immunofluorescence) or increase water permeability in freshly microdissected perfused IMCD segments. We conclude that roflumilast can be used to enhance vasopressin's action on AQP2 activity in the renal collecting duct, but has no detectable effect in the absence of vasopressin. These findings suggest that roflumilast may not have a beneficial effect in X‐linked NDI, but could find useful application in acquired NDI.

The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, ibudilast, attenuates neuroinflammation in the MPTP model of Parkinson's disease

Background/Aims

Since the degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with the inflammation process and decreased levels of cyclic nucleotides, inhibition of up-regulated cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy. We used ibudilast (IBD), a non-selective PDE3,4,10,11 inhibitor, due to the abundant PDE 4 and 10 expression in the striatum. The present study for the first time examined the efficacy of IBD in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD.

Methods

IBD [0, 20, 30, 40, or 50 mg/kg] was injected b.i.d. subcutaneously for nine days to three-month-old male C57Bl/10Tar mice, beginning two days prior to MPTP (60 mg/kg) intoxication. High-pressure liquid chromatography, Western blot analysis, and real time RT-PCR methods were applied.

Results

Our study demonstrated that chronic administration of IBD attenuated astroglial reactivity and increased glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) production in the striatum. Moreover, IBD reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β expression.

Conclusion

IBD had a well-defined effect on astroglial activation in the mouse model of PD; however, there was no protective effect in the acute phase of injury. Diminished inflammation and an increased level of GDNF may provide a better outcome in the later stages of neurodegeneration.

Propentofylline, phosphodiesterase and adenosine reuptake inhibitor modulates lymphocyte subsets and lymphocyte activity after in-vivo administration in non-immunized and SRBC-immunized mice

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate immunomodulatory effect of in-vivo administered propentofylline on the subsets and activity of murine lymphocytes.

METHODS

Propentofylline (3 mg/kg) was administered orally to 8-week-old Balb/c mice, once or six times at 12-h intervals. The lymphocyte subsets, regulatory T cells, IL-5 and TNF levels were determined 12 h and 24 h after a single dose or after the sixth dose of the drug in non-immunized mice. Humoral immune response in sheep red blood cells (SRBC)-immunized mice was determined 4, 7 and 14 days after immunization.

KEY FINDINGS

Propentofylline inhibited thymocyte maturation (increase in CD4^- CD8^- thymocyte subset and decrease in the percentage of CD4⁺ CD8⁺ thymocytes) and modulated the lymphocyte subsets in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. An increase in the absolute count and percentage of splenic regulatory T cells (CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ cells) was noticed 24 h after single administration of the drug. Propentofylline lowered serum level of IL-5 and did not affect TNF concentration. Only a weak inhibitory effect on anti-SRBC humoral immune response was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Propentofylline administration induced inhibition of thymocyte maturation and an increase in Treg subset that might be beneficial for an inhibition of immune response.

Co-inhalation of roflumilast, rather than formoterol, with fluticasone more effectively improves asthma in asthmatic mice

Roflumilast is approved as an add-on therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is mainly neutrophilic, while in asthma it is mainly eosinophilic, studies addressing role of roflumilast in eosinophilic inflammation are recommended. Also in severe asthma, the dominant inflammatory cells are neutrophils. Thus, roflumilast has a potential off-label use in the treatment of asthma. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of co-inhalation of roflumilast and fluticasone compared to that of formoterol and fluticasone in ovalbumin-sensitized and-challenged BALB/c mice. Besides normal control group, the ovalbumin-asthmatic mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 8): positive control, vehicle-treated, and five drug-treated groups. Treatments (µg/kg) were given as 15 min-inhalation once/day for five days as follows: roflumilast (500), formoterol (50), fluticasone (1000), roflumilast + fluticasone (500 + 1000), and formoterol + fluticasone (50 + 1000). Penh values were measured in conscious unrestrained mice using the single-chamber whole-body plethysmography. Airway hyperreactivity to inhaled methacholine was evaluated. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was used for the measurements of levels of IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, OVA-specific IgE, and total and differential white cells. Lung sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff. The asthmatic mice showed significant increases in airway hyperreactivity which were significantly reversed by the combination treatments. The asthmatic mice showed significant increases in levels of IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, ovalbumin-specific IgE, and total and differential white cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. All treatments (except formoterol) significantly reversed these changes mainly with roflumilast + fluticasone. The asthmatic mice showed severe inflammatory infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia which were maximally reversed by roflumilast + fluticasone, while minimally reversed by formoterol. In conclusion, co-inhalation of roflumilast + fluticasone more significantly improved inflammation and histopathological changes than co-inhalation of formoterol + fluticasone in ovalumin-asthmatic mice. Further studies are needed to help confirm the potential off-label add-on use of roflumilast in typical and atypical asthma and asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome. Impact statement Roflumilast, a selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, was approved for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study showed that co-inhalation of roflumilast and fluticasone significantly decreased airway hyperresponsiveness in ovalumin-asthmatic mice. Also, it more significantly improved inflammation and histopathological changes than co-inhalation of formoterol and fluticasone. The current results showed that inhaled roflumilast reduced counts of eosinophils, neutrophils, and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Consequently, inhaled roflumilast might be of potential off-label benefit in treatment of eosinophilic and neutrophilic asthma and asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS). These results could also support other experimental and clinical studies addressing the same issue.

Therapeutic approaches to asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndromes

The recognition that there are some patients with features of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has highlighted the need to develop more specific treatments for these clinical phenotypes. Some patients with COPD have predominantly eosinophilic inflammation and might respond to high doses of inhaled corticosteroids and newly developed specific antieosinophil therapies, including blocking antibodies against IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin, as well as oral chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on TH2 cells antagonists. Other patients have severe asthma or are asthmatic patients who smoke with features of COPD-induced inflammation and might benefit from treatments targeting neutrophils, including macrolides, CXCR2 antagonists, phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, p38 mitogen-activating protein kinase inhibitors, and antibodies against IL-1 and IL-17. Other patients appear to have largely fixed obstruction with little inflammation and might respond to long-acting bronchodilators, including long-acting muscarinic antagonists, to reduce hyperinflation. Highly selected patients with severe asthma might benefit from bronchial thermoplasty. Some patients with overlap syndromes can be conveniently treated with triple fixed-dose combination inhaler therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting β2-agonist, and long-acting muscarinic antagonist, several of which are now in development. Corticosteroid resistance is a feature of asthma-COPD overlap syndrome, and understanding the various molecular mechanisms of this resistance has identified novel therapeutic targets and presented the prospect of therapies that can restore corticosteroid responsiveness.

Identification and Characterization of Baicalin as a Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitor

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of lung airways, and pharmacological inhibitors of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) have been considered as therapeutics for the treatment of asthma. However, development of PDE4 inhibitors in clinical trials has been hampered because of the severe side effects of non-selective PDE4 inhibitors. Here, screening of a plant extract library in conjunction with dereplication technology led to identification of baicalin as a new type of PDE4-selective inhibitor. We demonstrated that while rolipram inhibited the enzyme activity of a range of PDE4 subtypes in in vitro enzyme assays, baicalin selectively inhibited the enzyme activity of PDE4A and 4B. In addition, baicalin suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α expression in macrophage where PDE4B plays a key role in lipopolysaccharide-induced signaling. Furthermore, baicalin treatment in an animal model of allergic asthma reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and TNF-α levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, indicating that the antiinflammatory effects of baicalin in vivo are attributable, in part, to its ability to inhibit PDE4.

Modelling of compound combination effects and applications to efficacy and toxicity: state-of-the-art, challenges and perspectives

The development of treatments involving combinations of drugs is a promising approach towards combating complex or multifactorial disorders. However, the large number of compound combinations that can be generated, even from small compound collections, means that exhaustive experimental testing is infeasible. The ability to predict the behaviour of compound combinations in biological systems, whittling down the number of combinations to be tested, is therefore crucial. Here, we review the current state-of-the-art in the field of compound combination modelling, with the aim to support the development of approaches that, as we hope, will finally lead to an integration of chemical with systems-level biological information for predicting the effect of chemical mixtures.

Immunomodulatory effects of Lippia sidoides extract: induction of IL-10 through cAMP and p38 MAPK-dependent mechanisms

Lippia sidoides is an aromatic shrub that grows wild in the northeastern region of Brazil. In local traditional medicine, the aerial portions of this species are used as anti-infectives, antiseptics, spasmolytics, sedatives, hypotensives, and anti-inflammatory agents. In this research, we evaluate the potential immunological properties of Lippia extract through in vitro analysis of its ability to modulate intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production. These results show that Lippia extract increases intracellular cAMP through the inhibition of phosphodiesterase activity. They also demonstrate that Lippia extract increases IL-10 production in THP-1 monocytes through both an increase in intracellular cAMP and the activation of p38 MAPK. These results suggest that the Lippia-mediated inhibition of phosphodiesterase activity and the subsequent increase in intracellular cAMP may explain some of the biological activities associated with L. sidoides. In addition, the anti-inflammatory activity of L. sidoides may also be due, in part, to its ability to induce IL-10 production through the inhibition of cyclic nucleotide-dependent phosphodiesterase activity and by its activation of the p38 MAPK pathway.

Superiority of combined phosphodiesterase PDE3/PDE4 inhibition over PDE4 inhibition alone on glucocorticoid- and long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonist-induced gene expression in human airway epithelial cells

Glucocorticoids, also known as corticosteroids, induce effector gene transcription as a part of their anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action. Such genomic effects can be significantly enhanced by long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists (LABAs) and may contribute to the clinical superiority of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/LABA combinations in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) over ICSs alone. Using models of cAMP- and glucocorticoid-induced transcription in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells, we show that combining inhibitors of phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 and PDE4 provides greater benefits compared with inhibiting either PDE alone. In respect to cAMP-dependent transcription, inhibitors of PDE3 (siguazodan, cilostazol) and PDE4 (rolipram, GSK256066, roflumilast N-oxide) each sensitized to the LABA, formoterol. This effect was magnified by dual PDE3 and PDE4 inhibition. Siguazodan plus rolipram was also more effective at inducing cAMP-dependent transcription than either inhibitor alone. Conversely, the concentration-response curve describing the enhancement of dexamethasone-induced, glucocorticoid response element-dependent transcription by formoterol was displaced to the left by PDE4, but not PDE3, inhibition. Overall, similar effects were described for bona fide genes, including RGS2, CD200, and CRISPLD2. Importantly, the combination of siguazodan plus rolipram prolonged the duration of gene expression induced by formoterol, dexamethasone, or dexamethasone plus formoterol. This was most apparent for RGS2, a bronchoprotective gene that may also reduce the proinflammatory effects of constrictor mediators. Collectively, these data provide a rationale for the use of PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of COPD and asthma where they may enhance, sensitize, and prolong the effects of LABA/ICS combination therapies.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases: important signaling modulators and therapeutic targets

By catalyzing hydrolysis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases are critical regulators of their intracellular concentrations and their biological effects. As these intracellular second messengers control many cellular homeostatic processes, dysregulation of their signals and signaling pathways initiate or modulate pathophysiological pathways related to various disease states, including erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, acute refractory cardiac failure, intermittent claudication, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and psoriasis. Alterations in expression of PDEs and PDE-gene mutations (especially mutations in PDE6, PDE8B, PDE11A, and PDE4) have been implicated in various diseases and cancer pathologies. PDEs also play important role in formation and function of multimolecular signaling/regulatory complexes, called signalosomes. At specific intracellular locations, individual PDEs, together with pathway-specific signaling molecules, regulators, and effectors, are incorporated into specific signalosomes, where they facilitate and regulate compartmentalization of cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways and specific cellular functions. Currently, only a limited number of PDE inhibitors (PDE3, PDE4, PDE5 inhibitors) are used in clinical practice. Future paths to novel drug discovery include the crystal structure-based design approach, which has resulted in generation of more effective family-selective inhibitors, as well as burgeoning development of strategies to alter compartmentalized cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways by selectively targeting individual PDEs and their signalosome partners.

Epac1 and Epac2 are differentially involved in inflammatory and remodeling processes induced by cigarette smoke

Cigarette smoke (CS) induces inflammatory responses characterized by increase of immune cells and cytokine release. Remodeling processes, such as mucus hypersecretion and extracellular matrix protein production, are also directly or indirectly induced by CS. Recently, we showed that activation of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) attenuates CS extract-induced interleukin (IL)-8 release from cultured airway smooth muscle cells. Using an acute, short-term model of CS exposure, we now studied the role of Epac1, Epac2, and the Epac effector phospholipase-Cε (PLCε) in airway inflammation and remodeling in vivo. Compared to wild-type mice exposed to CS, the number of total inflammatory cells, macrophages, and neutrophils and total IL-6 release was lower in Epac2(-/-) mice, which was also the case for neutrophils and IL-6 in PLCε(-/-) mice. Taken together, Epac2, acting partly via PLCε, but not Epac1, enhances CS-induced airway inflammation in vivo. In total lung homogenates of Epac1(-/-) mice, MUC5AC and matrix remodeling parameters (transforming growth factor-β1, collagen I, and fibronectin) were increased at baseline. Our findings suggest that Epac1 primarily is capable of inhibiting remodeling processes, whereas Epac2 primarily increases inflammatory processes in vivo.

PDE inhibitors currently in early clinical trials for the treatment of asthma

INTRODUCTION

PDE inhibitors could be useful in the treatment of asthma because of their bronchodilator and/or anti-inflammatory activities. Recently, some selective PDE3, PDE4 and PDE3/4 inhibitors have been shown to have beneficial effects in patients with asthma suggesting that such drugs may offer novel therapeutic options for the treatment of this disease.

AREAS COVERED

The authors describe the main PDE families that could be involved in asthma as well as the PDE inhibitors that have been evaluated for the treatment of asthma.

EXPERT OPINION

Although the potential therapeutic utility of PDE inhibitors has been demonstrated in various animal models of asthma, their clinical efficacy have been restricted by the dose-limiting side effects; no PDE inhibitor has yet been approved for the treatment of patients with asthma. Although new PDE inhibitors have been synthesised, most data are from cellular and tissue-level studies with human trials still on the horizon. Apparently, only CHF 6001, an inhaled PDE4 inhibitor, and RPL554, a dual PDE3/4 inhibitor, are still under clinical development. Further data from these new drugs are eagerly anticipated to better understand where these drugs might stand in the future treatment of asthma.

Advances in targeting cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) catalyse the hydrolysis of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, thereby regulating the intracellular concentrations of these cyclic nucleotides, their signalling pathways and, consequently, myriad biological responses in health and disease. Currently, a small number of PDE inhibitors are used clinically for treating the pathophysiological dysregulation of cyclic nucleotide signalling in several disorders, including erectile dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, acute refractory cardiac failure, intermittent claudication and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, pharmaceutical interest in PDEs has been reignited by the increasing understanding of the roles of individual PDEs in regulating the subcellular compartmentalization of specific cyclic nucleotide signalling pathways, by the structure-based design of novel specific inhibitors and by the development of more sophisticated strategies to target individual PDE variants.

Cyclic nucleotide-based therapeutics for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) defines a group of chronic inflammatory disorders of the airways that are characterised by a progressive and largely irreversible decline in expiratory airflow. Drugs used to treat COPD through actions mediated by cyclic AMP (cAMP) are restricted to long-acting and short-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists and, in a subset of patients with chronic bronchitis, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, roflumilast. These agents relax airway smooth muscle and suppress inflammation. At the molecular level, these effects in the airways are mediated by two cAMP effectors, cAMP-dependent protein kinase and exchange proteins activated by cAMP. The pharmacology of newer agents, acting through these systems, is discussed here with an emphasis on their potential to interact and increase therapeutic effectiveness.

Clinical and molecular genetics of the phosphodiesterases (PDEs)

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that have the unique function of terminating cyclic nucleotide signaling by catalyzing the hydrolysis of cAMP and GMP. They are critical regulators of the intracellular concentrations of cAMP and cGMP as well as of their signaling pathways and downstream biological effects. PDEs have been exploited pharmacologically for more than half a century, and some of the most successful drugs worldwide today affect PDE function. Recently, mutations in PDE genes have been identified as causative of certain human genetic diseases; even more recently, functional variants of PDE genes have been suggested to play a potential role in predisposition to tumors and/or cancer, especially in cAMP-sensitive tissues. Mouse models have been developed that point to wide developmental effects of PDEs from heart function to reproduction, to tumors, and beyond. This review brings together knowledge from a variety of disciplines (biochemistry and pharmacology, oncology, endocrinology, and reproductive sciences) with emphasis on recent research on PDEs, how PDEs affect cAMP and cGMP signaling in health and disease, and what pharmacological exploitations of PDEs may be useful in modulating cyclic nucleotide signaling in a way that prevents or treats certain human diseases.

Low-level laser therapy suppresses the oxidative stress-induced glucocorticoids resistance in U937 cells: relevance to cytokine secretion and histone deacetylase in alveolar macrophages

Oxidative stress is present in severe asthma and contributes to the low response to corticoids through the downregulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and the increase of cytokines. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been proven to be an anti-inflammatory. Thus, we investigated the laser effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine secretion and HDAC activity in U937 cells under oxidative stress. U937 cells activated with oxidative stress were treated with dexamethasone (dexa) or laser. Cytokines and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) were measured by ELISA whilst the HDAC was detected through colorimetric assay. LPS activated- U937 cells cytokines secretion increased with H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) as well as with TSA (trichostatin). The HDAC activity in activated U937 cells was decreased. LLLT and dexa inhibited the LPS-stimulated U937 cells cytokines, but dexa effect disappeared with H2O2. With TSA, the LLLT was less effective on H2O2/LPS stimulated- U937 cells cytokines. Dexa failed on H2O2/LPS- induced HDAC, while LLLT restored the HDAC and the dexa effect. LLLT plus prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and potentiated the laser action on oxidative stress-induced cytokine. LLLT reduced the PI3K and its effects on cytokine and HDAC was suppressed with LY294002. In situations of corticoid resistance, LLLT acts decreasing the cytokines and HDAC through the activation of the protein kinase A via the inhibition of PI3K.

Theophylline

Theophylline (dimethylxanthine) has been used to treat airway diseases for more than 80 years. It was originally used as a bronchodilator, but the relatively high doses required are associated with frequent side effects, so its use declined as inhaled β2-agonists became more widely used. More recently it has been shown to have antiinflammatory effects in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at lower concentrations. The molecular mechanism of bronchodilatation is inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE)3, but the antiinflammatory effect may be due to inhibition of PDE4 and histone deacetylase-2 activation, resulting in switching off of activated inflammatory genes. Through this mechanism, theophylline also reverses corticosteroid resistance, and this may be of particular value in severe asthma and COPD, wherein histone deacetylase-2 activity is reduced. Theophylline is given systemically (orally as slow-release preparations for chronic treatment and intravenously for acute exacerbations of asthma). Efficacy is related to blood concentrations, which are determined mainly by hepatic metabolism, which may be increased or decreased in several diseases and by concomitant drug therapy. Theophylline is now usually used as an add-on therapy in patients with asthma not well controlled on inhaled corticosteroids with or without long-acting β2-agonists and in patients with COPD with severe disease not controlled by bronchodilator therapy. Side effects are related to plasma concentrations and include nausea, vomiting, and headaches due to PDE inhibition and at higher concentrations to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures due to adenosine A1-receptor antagonism. In the future, low-dose theophylline may be useful in reversing corticosteroid resistance in COPD and severe asthma.

Efficacy and safety of RPL554, a dual PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitor, in healthy volunteers and in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: findings from four clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Many patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) routinely receive a combination of an inhaled bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory glucocorticosteroid, but those with severe disease often respond poorly to these classes of drug. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a novel inhaled dual phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) and PDE4 inhibitor, RPL554 for its ability to act as a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory drug.

METHODS

Between February, 2009, and January, 2013, we undertook four proof-of-concept clinical trials in the Netherlands, Italy, and the UK. Nebulised RPL554 was examined in study 1 for safety in 18 healthy men who were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive an inhaled dose of RPL554 (0·003 mg/kg or 0·009 mg/kg) or placebo by a computer-generated randomisation table. Subsequently, six non-smoking men with mild allergic asthma received single doses of RPL554 (three received 0·009 mg/kg and three received 0·018 mg/kg) in an open-label, adaptive study, and then ten men with mild allergic asthma were randomly assigned to receive placebo or RPL554 (0·018 mg/kg) by a computer-generated randomisation table for an assessment of safety, bronchodilation, and bronchoprotection. Study 2 examined the reproducibility of the bronchodilator response to a daily dose of nebulised RPL554 (0·018 mg/kg) for 6 consecutive days in a single-blind (patients masked), placebo-controlled study in 12 men with clinically stable asthma. The safety and bronchodilator effect of RPL554 (0·018 mg/kg) was assessed in study 3, an open-label, placebo-controlled crossover trial, in 12 men with mild-to-moderate COPD. In study 4, a placebo-controlled crossover trial, the effect of RPL554 (0·018 mg/kg) on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cell infiltration in induced sputum was investigated in 21 healthy men. In studies 3 and 4, randomisation was done by computer-generated permutation with a block size of two for study 3 and four for study 4. Unless otherwise stated, participants and clinicians were masked to treatment assignment. Analyses were by intention to treat. All trials were registered with EudraCT, numbers 2008-005048-17, 2011-001698-22, 2010-023573-18, and 2012-000742-34.

FINDINGS

Safety was a primary endpoint of studies 1 and 3 and a secondary endpoint of studies 2 and 4. Overall, RPL554 was well tolerated, and adverse events were generally mild and of equal frequency between placebo and active treatment groups. Efficacy was a primary endpoint of study 2 and a secondary endpoint of studies 1 and 3. Study 1 measured change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20MCh) in participants with asthma. RPL554 produced rapid bronchodilation in patients with asthma with an FEV1 increase at 1 h of 520 mL (95% CI 320-720; p<0·0001), which was a 14% increase from placebo, and increased the PC20MCh by 1·5 doubling doses (95% CI 0·63-2·28; p=0·004) compared with placebo. The primary endpoint of study 2 was maximum FEV1 reached during 6 h after dosing with RPL554 in patients with asthma. RPL554 produced a similar maximum mean increase in FEV1 from placebo on day 1 (555 mL, 95% CI 442-668), day 3 (505 mL, 392-618), and day 6 (485 mL, 371-598; overall p<0·0001). A secondary endpoint of study 3 (patients with COPD) was the increase from baseline in FEV1. RPL554 produced bronchodilation with a mean maximum FEV1 increase of 17·2% (SE 5·2). In healthy individuals (study 4), the primary endpoint was percentage change in neutrophil counts in induced sputum 6 h after lipopolysaccharide challenge. RPL554 (0·018 mg/kg) did not significantly reduce the percentage of neutrophils in sputum (80·3% in the RPL554 group vs 84·2% in the placebo group; difference -3·9%, 95% CI -9·4 to 1·6, p=0·15), since RPL554 significantly reduced neutrophils (p=0·002) and total cells (p=0·002) to a similar degree.

INTERPRETATION

In four exploratory studies, inhaled RPL554 is an effective and well tolerated bronchodilator, bronchoprotector, and anti-inflammatory drug and further studies will establish the full potential of this new drug for the treatment of patients with COPD or asthma.

FUNDING

Verona Pharma.

Inhibition of PDE4B suppresses inflammation by increasing expression of the deubiquitinase CYLD

The deubiquitinase CYLD acts as a key negative regulator to tightly control overactive inflammation. Most anti-inflammatory strategies have focused on directly targeting the positive regulator, which often results in significant side effects such as suppression of the host defence response. Here, we show that inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) markedly enhances upregulation of CYLD expression in response to bacteria, thereby suggesting that PDE4B acts as a negative regulator for CYLD. Interestingly, in Cyld-deficient mice, inhibition of PDE4B no longer suppresses inflammation. Moreover, PDE4B negatively regulates CYLD via specific activation of JNK2 but not JNK1. Importantly, ototopical post-inoculation administration of a PDE4 inhibitor suppresses inflammation in this animal model, thus demonstrating the therapeutic potential of targeting PDE4. These studies provide insights into how inflammation is tightly regulated via the inhibition of its negative regulator and may also lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory therapeutics that upregulate CYLD expression.

Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors are under development as anti-inflammatory drugs, however, their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Komatsu et al. show that Rolipram, a specific inhibitor of PDE4, reduces inflammation in a model of middle ear infection by upregulating the deubiquitinase CYLD.

Inhibitory effects of hesperetin derivatives on guinea pig phosphodiesterases and their ratios between high- and low-affinity rolipram binding

The phosphodiesterase (PDE)4 molecule exists as two distinct conformers, PDE4H and PDE4L , which have high and low affinities, respectively, for the selective PDE4 inhibitor, rolipram. The inhibition of PDE4H and PDE4L is associated with adverse responses, such as nausea, vomiting, and gastric hypersecretion, and with anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects, respectively. We determined the therapeutic (PDE4H/PDE4L) ratios of hesperetin-7-O-methylether, hesperetin-5,7,3'-O-trimethylether (HTME), hesperetin-7-O-acetate, hesperetin-7,3'-O-diacetate, hesperetin-5,7,3'-O-triacetate (HTA), hesperetin-5,7,3'-O-tripropionate, hesperetin-5,7,3'-O-tributyrate, hesperetin-5,7,3'-O-triisobutyrate, and hesperetin-5,7,3'-O-tripivatate, and compared these ratios to those of hesperetin, hesperetin-7,3'-O-dimethylether, hesperidin, and hesperidin-3'-O-methylether to identify derivatives with therapeutic ratios and to characterize the structure-activity relationships among these compounds. The activities of PDE isozymes 1 through 5 were measured using a two-step procedure using [(3)H]adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate or [(3)H]guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate as substrates. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) for 50% of PDE4 inhibition and effective concentration (EC50) for replacing 50% of [(3)H]rolipram binding on high-affinity rolipram-binding sites was taken as the PDE4L and PDE4H value, respectively. The HTME and the HTA dually inhibited PDE3 and PDE4, and displayed PDE4H/PDE4L ratios of 18.3 and 20.8, respectively, suggesting that they may be candidate drugs for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because the combined inhibition of PDE3 and PDE4 has synergistically anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects in COPD patients.

PDE3 and PDE4 isozyme-selective inhibitors are both required for synergistic activation of brown adipose tissue

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a highly thermogenic organ that converts lipids and glucose into heat. Many of the metabolic and gene transcriptional hallmarks of BAT activation, namely increased lipolysis, uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) mRNA, and glucose uptake, are regulated by the adrenergic second messenger, cAMP. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) catalyze the breakdown of cAMP, thereby regulating the magnitude and duration of this signaling molecule. In the absence of adrenergic stimulus, we found that it required a combination of a PDE3 and a PDE4 inhibitor to fully induce UCP1 mRNA and lipolysis in brown adipocytes, whereas neither PDE inhibitor alone had any substantial effect under basal conditions. Under submaximal β-adrenoceptor stimulation of brown adipocytes, a PDE3 inhibitor alone could potentiate induction of UCP1 mRNA, whereas a PDE4 inhibitor alone could augment lipolysis, indicating differential roles for each of these two PDEs. Neither induction of UCP1 nor lipolysis was altered by inhibition of PDE1, PDE2, or PDE8A. Finally, when injected into mice, the combination of PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitors stimulated glucose uptake in BAT under thermoneutral and fasted conditions, a response that was further potentiated by the global ablation of PDE8A. Taken together, these data reveal that multiple PDEs work in concert to regulate three of the important pathways leading to BAT activation, a finding that may provide an improved conceptual basis for the development of therapies for obesity-related diseases.