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Zhao Z, Hua Z, Luo X, Li Y, Yu L, Li M, Lu C, Zhao T, Liu Y. Application and pharmacological mechanism of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113074. [PMID: 35658215 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) has been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for about forty years and to date MTX remains the part of global standard of treatment for RA. The efficacy of MTX in RA is the result of multiple mechanisms of action. In order to summarize the possible pharmacological mechanisms of MTX in the treatment of RA, this review will elaborate on folate antagonism, promotion of adenosine accumulation, regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, bone protection and maintenance of immune system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Zhenglai Hua
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xinyi Luo
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Liuchunyang Yu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ming Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Ting Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Yuanyan Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
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Choi DH, Lee D, Jo BS, Park KS, Lee KE, Choi JK, Park YJ, Lee JY, Park YS. A Synthetic Cell-Penetrating Heparin-Binding Peptide Derived from BMP4 with Anti-Inflammatory and Chondrogenic Functions for the Treatment of Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124251. [PMID: 32549254 PMCID: PMC7352680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We report dual therapeutic effects of a synthetic heparin-binding peptide (HBP) corresponding to residues 15–24 of the heparin binding site in BMP4 in a collagen-induced rheumatic arthritis model (CIA) for the first time. The cell penetrating capacity of HBP led to improved cartilage recovery and anti-inflammatory effects via down-regulation of the iNOS-IFNγ-IL6 signaling pathway in inflamed RAW264.7 cells. Both arthritis and paw swelling scores were significantly improved following HBP injection into CIA model mice. Anti-rheumatic effects were accelerated upon combined treatment with Enbrel® and HBP. Serum IFNγ and IL6 concentrations were markedly reduced following intraperitoneal HBP injection in CIA mice. The anti-rheumatic effects of HBP in mice were similar to those of Enbrel®. Furthermore, the combination of Enbrel® and HBP induced similar anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory effects as Enbrel®. We further investigated the effect of HBP on damaged chondrocytes in CIA mice. Regenerative capacity of HBP was confirmed based on increased expression of chondrocyte biomarker genes, including aggrecan, collagen type II and TNFα, in adult human knee chondrocytes. These findings collectively support the utility of our cell-permeable bifunctional HBP with anti-inflammatory and chondrogenic properties as a potential source of therapeutic agents for degenerative inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Hyeon Choi
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (D.H.C.); (K.E.L.); (J.K.C.)
| | - Dongwoo Lee
- Central Research Institute, Nano Intelligent Biomedical Engineering Corporation (NIBEC), School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (D.L.); (B.S.J.); (Y.J.P.)
| | - Beom Soo Jo
- Central Research Institute, Nano Intelligent Biomedical Engineering Corporation (NIBEC), School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (D.L.); (B.S.J.); (Y.J.P.)
| | - Kwang-Sook Park
- Department of Dental Regenerative Bioengineering and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Kyeong Eun Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (D.H.C.); (K.E.L.); (J.K.C.)
| | - Ju Kwang Choi
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (D.H.C.); (K.E.L.); (J.K.C.)
| | - Yoon Jeong Park
- Central Research Institute, Nano Intelligent Biomedical Engineering Corporation (NIBEC), School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (D.L.); (B.S.J.); (Y.J.P.)
- Department of Dental Regenerative Bioengineering and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Jue-Yeon Lee
- Central Research Institute, Nano Intelligent Biomedical Engineering Corporation (NIBEC), School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (D.L.); (B.S.J.); (Y.J.P.)
- Correspondence: (J.-Y.L.); (Y.S.P.); Tel.: +82-2-765-1976 (J.-Y.L.); +82-43-261-2303 (Y.S.P.)
| | - Yoon Shin Park
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (D.H.C.); (K.E.L.); (J.K.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.-Y.L.); (Y.S.P.); Tel.: +82-2-765-1976 (J.-Y.L.); +82-43-261-2303 (Y.S.P.)
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Anti-arthritic activity of ferulic acid in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats: JAK2 inhibition. Inflammopharmacology 2019; 28:463-473. [PMID: 31562605 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-019-00642-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ferulic acid (FA), a hydroxycinnamic acid, is an organic compound found in several plant species. Previous studies have shown that FA contains anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. This study aimed to investigate the anti-arthritic activity and possible mechanism(s) of action of FA in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. The progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves the activation of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway by proinflammatory cytokines. Molecular docking of FA showed promising Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibition with a docking score of - 6.7, which is comparable with that of ruxolitinib, a standard inhibitor. However, in vitro JAK2 inhibition assay showed a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 6.67 ± 0.88 µg/ml. Both doses of FA (25 and 50 mg/kg) significantly attenuated primary (volume of paw edema) and secondary lesions. CFA-induced arthritic rats showed a significant decrease in body weight, A/G ratio, and Hb but showed a greater arthritic index, ESR levels, and percentage of lymphocytes. These alterations were significantly reduced in rats treated with FA and prednisolone. FA also reversed changes to biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and rhematoid factor (RF). Additionally, we found CFA-induced arthritis triggered the secretion of TNF- α, increased JAK2 levels, and reduced TGF-β levels in tissue homogenates. However, in rats treated with FA, such alterations significantly improved. Thus, our results reveal that FA contains anti-arthritic activity, which is possibly mediated by the inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway.
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Malemud CJ. Inhibition of MMPs and ADAM/ADAMTS. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 165:33-40. [PMID: 30826330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM) and A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motif (ADAMTS) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that play a critical role in the destruction of extracellular matrix proteins and, the shedding of membrane-bound receptor molecules in various forms of arthritis and other diseases. Under normal conditions, MMP, ADAM and ADAMTS gene expression aids in the maintenance of homeostasis. However, in inflamed synovial joints characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. MMP, ADAM and ADAMTS production is greatly increased under the influence of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Analyses based on medicinal chemistry strategies designed to directly inhibit the activity of MMPs have been largely unsuccessful when these MMP inhibitors were employed in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This is despite the fact that these MMP inhibitors were largely able to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced MMP production in vitro. A focus on ADAM and ADAMTS inhibitors has also been pursued. Thus, recent progress has identified the "sheddase" activity of ADAMs as a viable target and the development of GW280264X is an experimental ADAM17 inhibitor. Of note, a monoclonal antibody, GLPG1972, developed as an ADAMTS-5 inhibitor, entered a Phase I OA clinical trial. However, the failure of many of these previously developed inhibitors to move beyond the preclinical testing phase has required that novel strategies be developed that are designed to suppress both MMP, ADAM and ADAMTS production and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Malemud
- Division of Rheumatic Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States; Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Foley Medical Building, 2061 Cornell Road, Room 207, Cleveland, OH 44106-5076, United States.
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Lazić Mosler E, Lukač N, Flegar D, Fadljević M, Radanović I, Cvija H, Kelava T, Ivčević S, Šućur A, Markotić A, Katavić V, Marušić A, Grčević D, Kovačić N. Fas receptor induces apoptosis of synovial bone and cartilage progenitor populations and promotes bone loss in antigen-induced arthritis. FASEB J 2018; 33:3330-3342. [PMID: 30383451 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801426r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory joint disease that eventually leads to permanent bone and cartilage destruction. Fas has already been established as the regulator of inflammation in RA, but its role in bone formation under arthritic conditions is not completely defined. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Fas inactivation on the bone damage during murine antigen-induced arthritis. Subchondral bone of wild-type (WT) and Fas-knockout (Fas-/-) mice was evaluated by histomorphometry and microcomputerized tomography. Proportions of synovial bone and cartilage progenitors were assessed by flow cytometry. Synovial bone and cartilage progenitors were purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and expression of Fas and Fas-induced apoptosis were analyzed in vitro. Results showed that Fas-/- mice developed attenuated arthritis characterized by preserved epiphyseal bone and cartilage. A proportion of the earliest CD200+ bone and cartilage progenitors was reduced in WT mice with arthritis and was unaltered in Fas-/- mice. During osteoblastic differentiation in vitro, CD200+ cells express the highest levels of Fas and are removed by Fas ligation. These results suggest that Fas-induced apoptosis of early CD200+ osteoprogenitor population represents potential mechanism underlying the impaired bone formation in arthritis, so their preservation may represent the bone-protective mechanism during arthritis.-Lazić Mosler, E., Lukač, N., Flegar, D., Fadljević, M., Radanović, I., Cvija, H., Kelava, T., Ivčević, S., Šućur, A., Markotić, A., Katavić, V., Marušić, A., Grčević, D., Kovačić, N. Fas receptor induces apoptosis of synovial bone and cartilage progenitor populations and promotes bone loss in antigen-induced arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Lazić Mosler
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Dermatology and Venerology, General Hospital Dr. Ivo Pedišić, Sisak, Croatia.,Department of Nursing, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Lukač
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Anatomy, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Darja Flegar
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Physiology and Immunology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Fadljević
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Igor Radanović
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Cvija
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Kelava
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Physiology and Immunology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Ivčević
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Alan Šućur
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Physiology and Immunology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Antonio Markotić
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; and
| | - Vedran Katavić
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Anatomy, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Marušić
- Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Danka Grčević
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Physiology and Immunology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nataša Kovačić
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Anatomy, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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Malemud CJ. The role of the JAK/STAT signal pathway in rheumatoid arthritis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2018; 10:117-127. [PMID: 29942363 PMCID: PMC6009092 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x18776224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Proinflammatory cytokine activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) signal transduction pathway is a critical event in the pathogenesis and progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Under normal conditions, JAK/STAT signaling reflects the influence of negative regulators of JAK/STAT, exemplified by the suppressor of cytokine signaling and protein inhibitor of activated STAT. However, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) both of these regulators are dysfunctional. Thus, continuous activation of JAK/STAT signaling in RA synovial joints results in the elevated level of matrix metalloproteinase gene expression, increased frequency of apoptotic chondrocytes and most prominently 'apoptosis resistance' in the inflamed synovial tissue. Tofacitinib, a JAK small molecule inhibitor, with selectivity for JAK2/JAK3 was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for the therapy of RA. Importantly, tofacitinib has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy for RA in the post-US FDA-approval surveillance period. Of note, the success of tofacitinib has spurred the development of JAK1, JAK2 and other JAK3-selective small molecule inhibitors, some of which have also entered the clinical setting, whereas other JAK inhibitors are currently being evaluated in RA clinical trials.
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Meszaros EC, Malemud CJ. Phosphorylation of STAT proteins by recombinant human IL-6 in immortalized human chondrocyte cell lines, T/C28a2 and C28/I2. J Inflamm Res 2017; 10:143-150. [PMID: 29026328 PMCID: PMC5627728 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s93797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Two immortalized human juvenile chondrocyte cell lines, T/C28a2 and C28/I2, were employed to determine the extent to which recombinant human (rh) IL-6, a known cytokine activator of the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway in many cell types, caused STAT proteins to be phosphorylated. The results showed that STAT3 was constitutively phosphorylated in the absence of rhIL-6 in T/C28a2 chondrocytes. However, C28/I2 chondrocytes treated with rhIL-6 caused STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5 to be phosphorylated without altering total unphosphorylated STAT proteins. STAT3 phosphorylation in response to rhIL-6 in T/C28a and C28/I2 chondrocytes was efficiently blocked by the JAK3-selective inhibitor WHI-P131 (Janex-1) and by soluble IL-6 receptor-α (sIL-6R). However, the combination of rhIL-6 and ruxolitinib, a JAK1/JAK2-selective inhibitor, was a less effective inhibitor of STAT protein activation. These findings showed that rhIL-6 activated STAT proteins in the C28/I2 chondrocyte cell line. STAT protein phosphorylation could be blocked by a JAK3-selective inhibitor or by the combination of rhIL-6 and sIL-6R.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles J Malemud
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic Diseases.,Department of Anatomy, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Meszaros EC, Malemud CJ. STAT1 is Constitutively Activated in the T/C28a2 Immortalized Juvenile Human Chondrocyte Line and Stimulated by IL-6 Plus Soluble IL-6R. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [PMID: 26213636 DOI: 10.4172/2155-9899.1000307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
T/C28a2 immortalized juvenile human chondrocytes were employed to determine the extent to which activation of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription-1 (STAT1) occurred in response to recombinant human interleukin-6 (rhIL-6) or rhIL-6 in combination with the soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R). Two forms of STAT1, STAT1A and STAT1B, were identified on SDS-PAGE and western blotting with anti-STAT1 antibody. Western blotting revealed that STAT1 was constitutively phosphorylated (p-STAT1). Although incubation of T/C28a2 chondrocytes with rhIL-6 (50 ng/ml) increased p-STAT1A by Δ=22.3% after 30 min, this percent difference failed to reach significance by Chi-square analysis. Similarly, no effect of rhIL-6 (Δ=+10.7%) on p-STAT1B was seen at 30 min. In contrast, although the combination of rhIL-6 plus sIL-6R had no effect on p-STAT1A, rhIL-6 plus sIL-6R increased p-STAT1B by Δ=73.3% (p<0.0001) after 30 min compared to the control group and by Δ=56.7% (p<0.0001) compared to rhIL-6 alone. Janex-1, a Janus kinase-3-specific inhibitor (100 μM) partially reduced the effect of rhIL-6 on p-STAT1B by Δ=27.7% (p<0.05). The results of this study showed that STAT1A/STAT1B was constitutively activated in T/C28a2 chondrocytes. Although rhIL-6 increased p-STAT1B to a small extent, the combination of rhIL-6 plus sIL-6R was far more effective in stimulating STAT1B phosphorylation compared to controls or rhIL-6 alone. These data support the likelihood that although JAK3-mediated activation of STAT1 in T/C28a2 chondrocytes may involve the IL-6/IL-6R/gp130 pathway, these results indicated that STAT1 activation in response to IL-6 preferentially involved IL-6 trans-signaling via sIL-6R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan C Meszaros
- Division of Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Arthritis Research Laboratory, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | - Charles J Malemud
- Division of Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Arthritis Research Laboratory, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA ; Department of Anatomy, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
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New R, Bansal GS, Dryjska M, Bogus M, Green P, Feldmann M, Brennan F. Design and optimisation of bioactive cyclic peptides: generation of a down-regulator of TNF secretion. Molecules 2014; 19:21529-40. [PMID: 25532847 PMCID: PMC6271530 DOI: 10.3390/molecules191221529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although strong binding interactions between protein receptor and ligand do not require the participation of a large number of amino acids in either site, short peptide chains are generally poor at recreating the types of protein-protein interactions which take place during cell recognition and signalling process, probably because their flexible backbones prevent the side chains from forming sufficiently rigid and stable epitopes, which can take part in binding with the desired strength and specificity. In a recently-reported study, it was shown that a proto-epitope containing F, R and S amino acids has the ability to down-regulate TNF secretion by macrophages. This paper extends these findings, putting those amino acids into a short cyclic peptide scaffold, and determining the optimal configuration required to overcome the problems of conformational instability, and give rise to molecules which have potential as therapeutic agents in human disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger New
- Proxima Concepts Limited, c/o London Bioscience Innovation Centre, 2 Royal College Street, London NW1 0NH, UK; E-Mails: (G.S.B.); (M.D.); (M.B.)
- Bone Medical Limited, 16 Ord Street, West Perth, WA 6005, Australia
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +44-207-419-5980
| | - Gurpal S. Bansal
- Proxima Concepts Limited, c/o London Bioscience Innovation Centre, 2 Royal College Street, London NW1 0NH, UK; E-Mails: (G.S.B.); (M.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Malgorzata Dryjska
- Proxima Concepts Limited, c/o London Bioscience Innovation Centre, 2 Royal College Street, London NW1 0NH, UK; E-Mails: (G.S.B.); (M.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Michal Bogus
- Proxima Concepts Limited, c/o London Bioscience Innovation Centre, 2 Royal College Street, London NW1 0NH, UK; E-Mails: (G.S.B.); (M.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Patricia Green
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Headington OX3 7FY, UK; E-Mails: (P.G.); (M.F.)
| | - Marc Feldmann
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Headington OX3 7FY, UK; E-Mails: (P.G.); (M.F.)
| | - Fionula Brennan
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Headington OX3 7FY, UK; E-Mails: (P.G.); (M.F.)
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Meszaros E, Malemud CJ. Prospects for treating osteoarthritis: enzyme-protein interactions regulating matrix metalloproteinase activity. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2013; 3:219-29. [PMID: 23342237 DOI: 10.1177/2040622312454157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal disorder of unknown etiology. OA is characterized by an imbalance between anabolism and catabolism in, and altered homeostasis of articular cartilage. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif are upregulated in OA joints. Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are critical for resistance to compressive forces and for maintaining the tensile properties of the tissue. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) is the endogenous inhibitor of MMPs, but in OA, TIMPs do not effectively neutralize MMP activity. Upregulation of MMP gene expression occurs in OA in a milieu of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α. Presently, the medical therapy of OA includes mainly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids which dampen pain and inflammation but appear to have little effect on restoring joint function. Experimental interventions to restore the imbalance between anabolism and catabolism include small molecule inhibitors of MMP subtypes or inhibitors of the interaction between IL-1 and its receptor. Although these agents have some positive effects on reducing MMP subtype activity they have little efficacy at the clinical level. MMP-9 is one MMP subtype implicated in the degradation of articular cartilage ECM proteins. MMP-9 was found in OA synovial fluid as a complex with neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) which protected MMP-9 from autodegradation. Suppressing NGAL synthesis or promoting NGAL degradation may result in reducing the activity of MMP-9. We also propose initiating a search for enzyme-protein interactions to dampen other MMP subtype activity which could suppress ECM protein breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Meszaros
- Division of Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Abstract
Dysfunctional intracellular signaling involving deregulated activation of the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) and "cross-talk" between JAK/STAT and the stress-activated protein kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (SAPK/MAPK) and Phosphatidylinositide-3-Kinase/AKT/mammalian Target of Rapamycin (PI-3K/AKT/mTOR) pathways play a critical role in rheumatoid arthritis. This is exemplified by immune-mediated chronic inflammation, up-regulated matrix metalloproteinase gene expression, induction of articular chondrocyte apoptosis and "apoptosis-resistance" in rheumatoid synovial tissue. An important consideration in the development of novel therapeutics for rheumatoid arthritis will be the extent to which inhibiting these signal transduction pathways will sufficiently suppress immune cell-mediated inflammation to produce a lasting clinical remission and halt the progression of rheumatoid arthritis pathology. In that regard, the majority of the evidence accumulated over the past decade indicated that merely suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine-mediated JAK/ STAT, SAPK/MAPK or PI-3K/AKT/mTOR activation in RA patients may be necessary but not sufficient to result in clinical improvement. Thus, targeting aberrant enzyme activities of spleen tyrosine kinase, sphingosine kinases-1, -2, transforming growth factor β-activated kinase-1, bone marrow kinase, and nuclear factor-κB-inducing kinase for intervention may also have to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Malemud
- Arthritis Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatic Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
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Inhibitors of JAK for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: rationale and clinical data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4155/cli.11.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Soory M. Association of periodontitis with rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis: Novel paradigms in etiopathogeneses and management? Open Access Rheumatol 2010; 2:1-16. [PMID: 27789992 PMCID: PMC5074770 DOI: 10.2147/oarrr.s10928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing documentation of a link between inflammatory periodontal disease affecting the supporting structure of teeth, rheumatoid arthritis, and coronary artery disease. Periodontitis is initiated predominantly by Gram-negative bacteria and progresses as a consequence of the host inflammatory response to periodontal pathogens. Lipopolysaccharide, a cell wall constituent stimulates the production of inflammatory cytokines via the activation of signaling pathways perpetuating inflammatory pathogenesis in a cyclical manner in susceptible individuals; with an element of autoimmune stimulation, not dissimilar to the sequential events seen in RA. Periodontitis, also implicated as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, promotes mechanisms for atherosclerosis by enhancing an imbalance in systemic inflammatory mediators; more direct mechanisms attributed to microbial products are also implicated in both RA and atherogenesis. Severe periodontal disease characterized by clinical and radiographic parameters has been associated with ischemic stroke risk, significant levels of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A, amongst others common to both periodontitis and atherosclerosis. Existing data supports the hypothesis that persistent localized infection in periodontitis may influence systemic levels of inflammatory markers and pose a risk for RA and atherosclerosis. A common nucleus of activity in their pathogeneses provides novel paradigms of therapeutic targeting for reciprocal benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mena Soory
- King's College London Dental Institute, Denmark Hill, London UK
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Malemud CJ. Suppression of Autoimmune Arthritis by Small Molecule Inhibitors of the JAK/STAT Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:1446-1455. [PMID: 27713312 PMCID: PMC4033991 DOI: 10.3390/ph3051446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Revised: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A skewed ratio of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory cytokines, elevated growth factor synthesis and T- and B-lymphocyte activation are 3 hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathology. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-7, IL-17, IL-12/IL-23 and growth factors, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, IL-3, and erythropoietin activate the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway. Evidence showed that STAT protein phosphorylation (p-STAT) by activated JAKs is permissive for p-STAT to act as transcription factors by binding to STAT-responsive gene promoter sequences. This event is critical for perpetuating RA, in part, by up-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine gene transcription. Activation of JAK/STAT by cytokines and growth factors can induce ‘cross-talk’ with other signaling pathways by which Stress-Activated Protein/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (SAP/MAPK) and Phosphatidylinositide-3-Kinase (PI3K)-mediated signaling are also activated. JAK-specific small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) were developed to test whether JAK/STAT pathway blockade would regulate autoimmune-mediated inflammation. JAK-specific SMI blockade inhibited p-STAT induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Systemically administered JAK-specific SMI blockade also ameliorated biomarkers of inflammation in well-validated arthritis animal models. A few JAK-specific SMIs have made their way into RA clinical trials. In fact, the JAK3-specific SMI, CP-690,500 is the first JAK/STAT SMI to be assessed for clinical efficacy in a Phase III RA trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Malemud
- Division of Rheumatic Diseases, Departments of Medicine & Anatomy, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
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The discovery of novel experimental therapies for inflammatory arthritis. Mediators Inflamm 2010; 2009:698769. [PMID: 20339519 PMCID: PMC2842969 DOI: 10.1155/2009/698769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs have revolutionized the medical therapy of inflammatory arthritis. However, it remains unclear as to what can be done to treat immune-mediated chronic inflammation after patients become refractory to these therapies or develop serious side-effects and/or infections forcing drug withdrawal. Because of these concerns it is imperative that novel targets be continuously identified and experimental strategies designed to test potential arthritis interventions in vitro, but more importantly, in well-validated animal models of inflammatory arthritis. Over the past few years, sphingosine-1-phosphate, interleukin-7 receptor, spleen tyrosine kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase 5/p38 kinase regulated/activated protein kinase, micro-RNAs, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand and the polyubiquitin-proteasome pathway were identified as promising novel targets for potential antiarthritis drug development. Indeed several experimental compounds alter the biological activity of these targets and have shown clinical efficacy in animal models of arthritis. A few of them have even entered the first phase of human clinical trials.
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