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Thurau S, Deuter CME, Heiligenhaus A, Pleyer U, Van Calster J, Barisani-Asenbauer T, Obermayr F, Sperl S, Seda-Zehetner R, Wildner G. A new small molecule DHODH-inhibitor [KIO-100 (PP-001)] targeting activated T cells for intraocular treatment of uveitis — A phase I clinical trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1023224. [PMID: 36325389 PMCID: PMC9621317 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1023224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveitis is a T cell-mediated, intraocular inflammatory disease and one of the main causes of blindness in industrialized countries. There is a high unmet need for new immunomodulatory, steroid-sparing therapies, since only ciclosporin A and a single TNF-α-blocker are approved for non-infectious uveitis. A new small molecule inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), an enzyme pivotal for de novo synthesis of pyrimidines, has a high potency for suppressing T and B cells and has already proven highly effective for treating uveitis in experimental rat models. Systemic and intraocular application of KIO-100 (PP-001) (previously called PP-001, now KIO-100) could efficiently suppress rat uveitis in a preventive as well as therapeutic mode. Here we describe the outcome of the first clinical phase 1 trial comparing three different doses of a single intraocular injection of KIO-100 (PP-001) in patients with non-infectious posterior segment uveitis. No toxic side effects on intraocular tissues or other adverse events were observed, while intraocular inflammation decreased, and visual acuity significantly improved. Macular edema, a sight-threatening complication in uveitis, showed regression 2 weeks after intraocular KIO-100 (PP-001) injection in some patients, indicating that this novel small molecule has a high potential as a new intraocular therapy for uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Thurau
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU München, München, Germany
| | | | - Arnd Heiligenhaus
- Department of Ophthalmology, St.-Franziskus-Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Franz Obermayr
- Panoptes Pharma GmbH, Vienna, now Kiora Pharmaceuticals Inc., Vienna, Austria
- Epics Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Stefan Sperl
- Panoptes Pharma GmbH, Vienna, now Kiora Pharmaceuticals Inc., Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Gerhild Wildner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU München, München, Germany
- *Correspondence: Gerhild Wildner,
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2
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Adamczuk G, Humeniuk E, Iwan M, Natorska-Chomicka D, Adamczuk K, Korga-Plewko A. The Mitochondria-Independent Cytotoxic Effect of Leflunomide on RPMI-8226 Multiple Myeloma Cell Line. Molecules 2021; 26:5653. [PMID: 34577124 PMCID: PMC8469018 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leflunomide, an anti-inflammatory agent, has been shown to be effective in multiple myeloma (MM) treatment; however, the mechanism of this phenomenon has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to assess the role of mitochondria and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibition in the cytotoxicity of leflunomide in relation to the MM cell line RPMI 8226. The cytotoxic effect of teriflunomide-an active metabolite of leflunomide-was determined using MTT assay, apoptosis detection, and cell cycle analysis. To evaluate DHODH-dependent toxicity, the cultures treated with teriflunomide were supplemented with uridine. Additionally, the level of cellular thiols as oxidative stress symptom was measured as well as mitochondrial membrane potential and protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) activity. The localization of the compound in cell compartments was examined using HPLC method. Teriflunomide cytotoxicity was not abolished in uridine presence. Observed apoptosis occurred in a mitochondria-independent manner, there was also no decrease in cellular thiols level. Teriflunomide arrested cell cycle in the G2/M phase which is not typical for DHODH deficiency. PTK activity was decreased only at the highest drug concentration. Interestingly, teriflunomide was not detected in the mitochondria. The aforementioned results indicate DHODH- and mitochondria-independent mechanism of leflunomide toxicity against RPMI 8226 cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Adamczuk
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.H.); (A.K.-P.)
| | - Ewelina Humeniuk
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.H.); (A.K.-P.)
| | - Magdalena Iwan
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.I.); (D.N.-C.)
| | - Dorota Natorska-Chomicka
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.I.); (D.N.-C.)
| | - Kamila Adamczuk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Korga-Plewko
- Independent Medical Biology Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.H.); (A.K.-P.)
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3
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Alamri RD, Elmeligy MA, Albalawi GA, Alquayr SM, Alsubhi SS, El-Ghaiesh SH. Leflunomide an immunomodulator with antineoplastic and antiviral potentials but drug-induced liver injury: A comprehensive review. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 93:107398. [PMID: 33571819 PMCID: PMC7869628 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Leflunomide (LF) represents the prototype member of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) enzyme inhibitors. DHODH is a mitochondrial inner membrane enzyme responsible for catalytic conversion of dihydroorotate into orotate, a rate-limiting step in the de novo synthesis of the pyrimidine nucleotides. LF produces cellular depletion of pyrimidine nucleotides required for cell growth and proliferation. Based on the affected cells the outcome can be attainable as immunosuppression, antiproliferative, and/or the recently gained attention of the antiviral potentials of LF and its new congeners. Also, protein tyrosine kinase inhibition is an additional mechanistic benefit of LF, which inhibits immunological events such as cellular expansion and immunoglobulin production with an enhanced release of immunosuppressant cytokines. LF is approved for the treatment of autoimmune arthritis of rheumatoid and psoriatic pathogenesis. Also, LF has been used off-label for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. However, LF antiviral activity is repurposed and under investigation with related compounds under a phase-I trial as a SARS CoV-2 antiviral in cases with COVID-19. Despite success in improving patients' mobility and reducing joint destruction, reported events of LF-induced liver injury necessitated regulatory precautions. LF should not be used in patients with hepatic impairment or in combination with drugs elaborating a burden on the liver without regular monitoring of liver enzymes and serum bilirubin as safety biomarkers. This study aims to review the pharmacological and safety profile of LF with a focus on the LF-induced hepatic injury from the perspective of pathophysiology and possible protective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghad D Alamri
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Sarah M Alquayr
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sabah H El-Ghaiesh
- Deaprtment of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia.
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4
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Panga V, Kallor AA, Nair A, Harshan S, Raghunathan S. Mitochondrial dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis: A comprehensive analysis by integrating gene expression, protein-protein interactions and gene ontology data. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224632. [PMID: 31703070 PMCID: PMC6839853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have reported mitochondrial dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many nuclear DNA (nDNA) encoded proteins translocate to mitochondria, but their participation in the dysfunction of this cell organelle during RA is quite unclear. In this study, we have carried out an integrative analysis of gene expression, protein-protein interactions (PPI) and gene ontology data. The analysis has identified potential implications of the nDNA encoded proteins in RA mitochondrial dysfunction. Firstly, by analysing six synovial microarray datasets of RA patients and healthy controls obtained from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database, we found differentially expressed nDNA genes that encode mitochondrial proteins. We uncovered some of the roles of these genes in RA mitochondrial dysfunction using literature search and gene ontology analysis. Secondly, by employing gene co-expression from microarrays and collating reliable PPI from seven databases, we created the first mitochondrial PPI network that is specific to the RA synovial joint tissue. Further, we identified hubs of this network, and moreover, by integrating gene expression and network analysis, we found differentially expressed neighbours of the hub proteins. The results demonstrate that nDNA encoded proteins are (i) crucial for the elevation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and (ii) involved in membrane potential, transport processes, metabolism and intrinsic apoptosis during RA. Additionally, we proposed a model relating to mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation in the disease. Our analysis presents a novel perspective on the roles of nDNA encoded proteins in mitochondrial dysfunction, especially in apoptosis, oxidative stress-related processes and their relation to inflammation in RA. These findings provide a plethora of information for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venugopal Panga
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashwin Adrian Kallor
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Arunima Nair
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Shilpa Harshan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Srivatsan Raghunathan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- * E-mail:
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Novel AR-12 derivatives, P12-23 and P12-34, inhibit flavivirus replication by blocking host de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:187. [PMID: 30459406 PMCID: PMC6246607 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0191-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The genus Flavivirus contains many important pathogens, including dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). AR-12 is a celecoxib-derived anticancer agent that possesses antiviral activity against a broad range of viruses. We pharmacologically exploited this unique activity to develop additional antiviral agents, resulting in the production of the AR-12 derivatives P12-23 and P12-34. At nanomolar concentrations, these compounds were effective in suppressing DENV, ZIKV and JEV replication, exhibiting 10-fold improvements in the efficacy and selectivity indices as compared to AR-12. Regarding the mode of antiviral action, P12-23 and P12-34 inhibited viral RNA replication but had no effect on viral binding, entry or translation. Moreover, these AR-12 derivatives co-localized with mitochondrial markers, and their antiviral activity was lost in mitochondria-depleted cells. Interestingly, exogenous uridine or orotate, the latter being a metabolite of the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), abolished the antiviral activity of AR-12 and its derivatives. As DHODH is a key enzyme in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway, these AR-12 derivatives may act by targeting pyrimidine biosynthesis in host cells to inhibit viral replication. Importantly, treatment with P12-34 significantly improved the survival of mice that were subcutaneously challenged with DENV. Thus, P12-34 may warrant further evaluation as a therapeutic to control flaviviral outbreaks.
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6
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Leflunomide counter akt s cardiac hypertrophy. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:1069-1073. [PMID: 29802211 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is a major independent risk factor for heart failure and mortality. However, therapeutic interventions that target hypertrophy signaling in a load-independent way are unavailable. In a recent issue of Clinical Science (vol. 132, issue 6, 685-699), Ma et al. describe that the anti-inflammatory drug leflunomide markedly antagonized CH, dysfunction, and fibrosis induced by aortic banding or angiotensin-II in mice or by agonists in cultured cells. Unexpectedly, this occurred not via anti-inflammatory mechanisms but rather via inhibtion of Akt (protein kinase B, PKB) signaling. We further discuss the mechanisms underlying Akt activation and its effects on CH and review possible mechanisms of leflunomide effects. Despite some caveats, the availability of such a newly repurposed compound to treat CH can be a relevant advance.
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Abstract
T-cell infiltration and the subsequent increased intracardial chronic inflammation play crucial roles in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (HF). A77 1726, the active metabolite of leflunomide, has been reported to have powerful anti-inflammatory and T cell-inhibiting properties. However, the effect of A77 1726 on cardiac hypertrophy remains completely unknown. Herein, we found that A77 1726 treatment attenuated pressure overload or angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac hypertrophy in vivo, as well as agonist-induced hypertrophic response of cardiomyocytes in vitro In addition, we showed that A77 1726 administration prevented induction of cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting cardiac fibroblast (CF) transformation into myofibroblast. Surprisingly, we found that the protective effect of A77 1726 was not dependent on its T lymphocyte-inhibiting property. A77 1726 suppressed the activation of protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, and overexpression of constitutively active AKT completely abolished A77 1726-mediated cardioprotective effects in vivo and in vitro Pretreatment with siRNA targetting Fyn (si Fyn) blunted the protective effect elicited by A77 1726 in vitro More importantly, A77 1726 was capable of blocking pre-established cardiac hypertrophy in mice. In conclusion, A77 1726 attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis via inhibiting FYN/AKT signaling pathway.
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8
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Chen Y, Huang Q, Zhou H, Wang Y, Hu X, Li T. Inhibition of canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling is involved in leflunomide (LEF)-mediated cytotoxic effects on renal carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:50401-50416. [PMID: 27391060 PMCID: PMC5226591 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Leflunomide (LEF), an inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) in pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway, is an immunomodulatory agent approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we show that LEF significantly reduced cell proliferation of renal carcinoma cells in a concentration-dependent manner. LEF at 50 μM induced S-phase arrest and autophagy. Higher doses of LEF (>50 μM) effectively induced cell apoptosis. Modulating the concentration of LEF resulted in distinct effects on the expression of regulatory proteins associated with cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy. In particular, high concentrations of LEF inhibited canonical WNT signaling by promoting nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling and proteasome-dependent degradation of β-catenin. Mechanistic studies showed that the repression of AKT activation partly accounted for LEF-mediated WNT inhibition. Gene expression microarray revealed that LEF treatment greatly inhibited the expression of FZD10 gene, a receptor mediating WNT/β-catenin activation. In vivo xenograft study in NOD/SCID mice further validated the inhibitory effects of LEF on tumor growth and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, LEF treatment also triggered cell autophagy and elevated the expression of WNT3a, which ameliorated its cytotoxic effects. The combination of LEF with a WNT inhibitor IWP-2 or autophagy inhibitor HCQ could yield an enhanced anti-tumor outcome. Taken together, these results identify the potential utility and pharmacological feature of LEF in the chemotherapy of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Chen
- Department of Urology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Qiaoli Huang
- Department of Biology, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Biology, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China
| | - Yueping Wang
- Department of Urology, Wuyi First People's Hospital, Wuyi, Zhejiang 321200, China
| | - Xian Hu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Biology, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China
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Zhang X, Yang J, Chen M, Li L, Huan F, Li A, Liu Y, Xia Y, Duan JA, Ma S. Metabolomics profiles delineate uridine deficiency contributes to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis induced by celastrol in human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46557-46572. [PMID: 27374097 PMCID: PMC5216817 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Celastrol, extracted from “Thunder of God Vine”, is a promising anti-cancer natural product. However, its effect on acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and underlying molecular mechanism are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore its effect on APL and underlying mechanism based on metabolomics. Firstly, multiple assays indicated that celastrol could induce apoptosis of APL cells via p53-activated mitochondrial pathway. Secondly, unbiased metabolomics revealed that uridine was the most notable changed metabolite. Further study verified that uridine could reverse the apoptosis induced by celastrol. The decreased uridine was caused by suppressing the expression of gene encoding Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, whose inhibitor could also induce apoptosis of APL cells. At last, mouse model confirmed that celastrol inhibited tumor growth through enhanced apoptosis. Celastrol could also decrease uridine and DHODH protein level in tumor tissues. Our in vivo study also indicated that celastrol had no systemic toxicity at pharmacological dose (2 mg/kg, i.p., 21 days). Altogether, our metabolomics study firstly reveals that uridine deficiency contributes to mitochondrial apoptosis induced by celastrol in APL cells. Celastrol shows great potential for the treatment of APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Hygienic Analysis and Detection, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Hygienic Analysis and Detection, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Fei Huan
- Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drug of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Aiping Li
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shiping Ma
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Hanson K, Robinson SD, Al-Yousuf K, Hendry AE, Sexton DW, Sherwood V, Wheeler GN. The anti-rheumatic drug, leflunomide, synergizes with MEK inhibition to suppress melanoma growth. Oncotarget 2017; 9:3815-3829. [PMID: 29423085 PMCID: PMC5790502 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma, which develops from the pigment producing cells called melanocytes, is the most deadly form of skin cancer. Unlike the majority of other cancers, the incidence rates of melanoma are still on the rise and the treatment options currently available are being hindered by resistance, limited response rates and adverse toxicity. We have previously shown that an FDA approved drug leflunomide, used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), also holds potential therapeutic value in treating melanoma especially if used in combination with the mutant BRAF inhibitor, vemurafenib. We have further characterized the function of leflunomide and show that the drug reduces the number of viable cells in both wild-type and BRAFV600E mutant melanoma cell lines. Further experiments have revealed leflunomide reduces cell proliferation and causes cells to arrest in G1 of the cell cycle. Cell death assays show leflunomide causes apoptosis at treatment concentrations of 25 and 50 µM. To determine if leflunomide could be used combinatorialy with other anti-melanoma drugs, it was tested in combination with the MEK inhibitor, selumetinib. This combination showed a synergistic effect in the cell lines tested. This drug combination led to an enhanced decrease in tumor size when tested in vivo compared to either drug alone, demonstrating its potential as a novel combinatorial therapy for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley Hanson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Stephen D Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Karamallah Al-Yousuf
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Present address: Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Adam E Hendry
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Darren W Sexton
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Present address: Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Victoria Sherwood
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Present address: Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
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11
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Moon SJ, Kim EK, Jhun JY, Lee HJ, Lee WS, Park SH, Cho ML, Min JK. The active metabolite of leflunomide, A77 1726, attenuates inflammatory arthritis in mice with spontaneous arthritis via induction of heme oxygenase-1. J Transl Med 2017; 15:31. [PMID: 28193225 PMCID: PMC5304395 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1131-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leflunomide is a low-molecular-weight compound that is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Although leflunomide is thought to act through the inhibition of the de novo pyrimidine synthesis, the molecular mechanism of the drug remains largely unknown. We investigated the antiarthritis effects and mechanisms of action of the active metabolite of leflunomide, A77 1726, in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist-knockout (IL-1Ra-KO) mice. Methods 14- to 15-week-old male IL-1Ra-KO mice were treated with 10 or 30 mg/kg A77 1726 via intraperitoneal injection three times per week for 6 weeks. The effects of A77 1726 on arthritis severities were assessed by clinical scoring and histological analysis. The serum concentrations of IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histologic analysis of the joints was performed using Safranin O, and immunohistochemical staining. The frequencies of interleukin-17-producing CD4+ T (Th17) cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in splenic CD4+ T cells isolated from A77 1726-treated arthritis mice were assessed by western blotting. Results A77 1726 treatment induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in Jurkat cells and primary mouse T cells. Interestingly, A77 1726 inhibited Th17 cell differentiation. In vivo, A77 1726 reduced the clinical arthritis severity of histological inflammation and cartilage destruction. The joints isolated from A77 1726-treated mice showed decreased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine, TNF-α, and IL-1β. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and malondialdehyde were also decreased in A77 1726-treated mice. Whereas the number of Th17 cells in spleens was decreased in A77 1726-treated arthritis mice, a significant increase in the number of Treg cells in spleens was observed. Interestingly, HO-1 expression was significantly higher in splenic CD4+ T cells isolated from A77 1726-treated mice compared with those from vehicle-treated mice, whereas HO-1 expression of splenic non-CD4+ T cells did not differ between groups. Conclusion The inhibitory effects of A77 1726 on joint inflammation and oxidative stress in autoimmune arthritis may be associated with HO-1 induction in CD4+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jin Moon
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Kim
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joo Yeon Jhun
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hee Jin Lee
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute of Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Weon Sun Lee
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute of Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hi Park
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute of Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Mi-La Cho
- The Rheumatism Research Center, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun-Ki Min
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
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12
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Russi AE, Walker-Caulfield ME, Guo Y, Lucchinetti CF, Brown MA. Meningeal mast cell-T cell crosstalk regulates T cell encephalitogenicity. J Autoimmun 2016; 73:100-10. [PMID: 27396526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
GM-CSF is a cytokine produced by T helper (Th) cells that plays an essential role in orchestrating neuroinflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a rodent model of multiple sclerosis. Yet where and how Th cells acquire GM-CSF expression is unknown. In this study we identify mast cells in the meninges, tripartite tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, as important contributors to antigen-specific Th cell accumulation and GM-CSF expression. In the absence of mast cells, Th cells do not accumulate in the meninges nor produce GM-CSF. Mast cell-T cell co-culture experiments and selective mast cell reconstitution of the meninges of mast cell-deficient mice reveal that resident meningeal mast cells are an early source of caspase-1-dependent IL-1β that licenses Th cells to produce GM-CSF and become encephalitogenic. We also provide evidence of mast cell-T cell co-localization in the meninges and CNS of recently diagnosed acute MS patients indicating similar interactions may occur in human demyelinating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail E Russi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | | | - Yong Guo
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | | | - Melissa A Brown
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Mączyński M, Artym J, Kocięba M, Kochanowska I, Ryng S, Zimecki M. Anti-inflammatory properties of an isoxazole derivative - MZO-2. Pharmacol Rep 2016; 68:894-902. [PMID: 27351945 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2016.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A series of new isoxazole derivatives of expected immunosuppressive activities was synthesized. Following in vitro screening in the human cell models, the activity of MZO-2 compound (ethyl N-{4-[(2,4-dimethoxybenzyl)carbamoyl]-3-methylisoxazol-5-yl}acetimidate) in mouse in vivo models was evaluated. METHODS In vitro tests included evaluation of: peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) viability, phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced PBMC proliferation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) production in whole blood cell cultures. MZO-2 was studied in mice for its effects on: humoral immune response to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC), delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) to ovalbumin (OVA), contact sensitivity to oxazolone and carrageenan-induced foot pad edema. In addition, the effect of MZO-2 on expression of caspases in Jurkat cells was determined. RESULTS The studied compounds exhibited differential, dose-dependent effects to suppress PHA-induced PBMC proliferation and a weak property to suppress LPS-induced production of TNF α. MZO-2 had no effect on the induction phase of the humoral immune response to SRBC in vitro and in vivo, but moderately suppressed the induction phase of DTH to OVA. Its inhibitory effect on carrageenan-induced paw inflammation was potent. Likewise, MZO-2, applied in ointment, was very effective in reducing ear edema and number of lymphocytes in draining lymph nodes of mice sensitized to oxazolone, comparably to tacrolimus, the reference drug. The expression of caspases 3, 8 and 9 in Jurkat cells was inhibited by the compound. CONCLUSION MZO-2, applied systemically or locally, may serve as a potential drug for amelioration of inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Mączyński
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Jolanta Artym
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maja Kocięba
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Iwona Kochanowska
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Stanisław Ryng
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Michał Zimecki
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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14
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Histamine inhibits differentiation of skin fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:434-9. [PMID: 26036574 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.05.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Histamine and TGF-β, major mediators secreted by mast cells, are involved in skin inflammation and play critical roles in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. However, the roles of signaling mechanisms in the development of skin fibrosis remain largely unclear. Here we show that histamine suppressed the expression of α smooth muscle actin (αSMA), a marker of myofibroblasts, induced by TGF-β1 in skin fibroblasts. Histamine H1-receptor (H1R), but not H2-receptor (H2R) or H4-receptor (H4R), was expressed on skin fibroblasts at both mRNA and protein levels. Interestingly, an H1R antagonist, but not H2R or H4R antagonists, antagonized the histamine-mediated suppression of αSMA expression by TGF-β1. Correspondingly, phosphorylated Smad2 was detected after treatment with TGF-β1, whereas the addition of histamine inhibited this phosphorylation. Taken together, histamine-H1R decreased TGF-β1-mediated Smad2 phosphorylation and inhibited differentiation of skin fibroblasts into myofibroblasts.
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15
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Saurus P, Kuusela S, Lehtonen E, Hyvönen ME, Ristola M, Fogarty CL, Tienari J, Lassenius MI, Forsblom C, Lehto M, Saleem MA, Groop PH, Holthöfer H, Lehtonen S. Podocyte apoptosis is prevented by blocking the Toll-like receptor pathway. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1752. [PMID: 25950482 PMCID: PMC4669704 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
High serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activity in normoalbuminuric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) predicts the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN), but the mechanisms behind this remain unclear. We observed that treatment of cultured human podocytes with sera from normoalbuminuric T1D patients with high LPS activity downregulated 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1), an activator of the Akt cell survival pathway, and induced apoptosis. Knockdown of PDK1 in cultured human podocytes inhibited antiapoptotic Akt pathway, stimulated proapoptotic p38 MAPK pathway, and increased apoptosis demonstrating an antiapoptotic role for PDK1 in podocytes. Interestingly, PDK1 was downregulated in the glomeruli of diabetic rats and patients with type 2 diabetes before the onset of proteinuria, further suggesting that reduced expression of PDK1 associates with podocyte injury and development of DN. Treatment of podocytes in vitro and mice in vivo with LPS reduced PDK1 expression and induced apoptosis, which were prevented by inhibiting the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway with the immunomodulatory agent GIT27. Our data show that LPS downregulates the cell survival factor PDK1 and induces podocyte apoptosis, and that blocking the TLR pathway with GIT27 may provide a non-nephrotoxic means to prevent the progression of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Saurus
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Kuusela
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E Lehtonen
- 1] Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland [2] Laboratory Animal Centre, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M E Hyvönen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Ristola
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - C L Fogarty
- 1] Folkhälsan Research Center, Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Helsinki, Finland [2] Division of Nephrology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland [3] Diabetes and Obesity Research Program, Research Program's Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Tienari
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki and Hyvinkää, Finland
| | - M I Lassenius
- 1] Folkhälsan Research Center, Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Helsinki, Finland [2] Division of Nephrology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland [3] Diabetes and Obesity Research Program, Research Program's Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - C Forsblom
- 1] Folkhälsan Research Center, Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Helsinki, Finland [2] Division of Nephrology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland [3] Diabetes and Obesity Research Program, Research Program's Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Lehto
- 1] Folkhälsan Research Center, Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Helsinki, Finland [2] Division of Nephrology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland [3] Diabetes and Obesity Research Program, Research Program's Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M A Saleem
- Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - P-H Groop
- 1] Folkhälsan Research Center, Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Helsinki, Finland [2] Division of Nephrology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland [3] Diabetes and Obesity Research Program, Research Program's Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland [4] Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - H Holthöfer
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Lehtonen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Qiao G, Yang L, Li Z, Williams JW, Zhang J. A77 1726, the active metabolite of leflunomide, attenuates lupus nephritis by promoting the development of regulatory T cells and inhibiting IL-17-producing double negative T cells. Clin Immunol 2015; 157:166-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2015.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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17
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Sturm EM, Parzmair GP, Radnai B, Frei RB, Sturm GJ, Hammer A, Schuligoi R, Lippe IT, Heinemann A. Phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) mediates potent inhibitory effects on eosinophils. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:1548-59. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201445196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Sturm
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology; Medical University of Graz; Graz Austria
| | - Gerald P. Parzmair
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology; Medical University of Graz; Graz Austria
| | - Balázs Radnai
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology; Medical University of Graz; Graz Austria
| | - Robert B. Frei
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology; Medical University of Graz; Graz Austria
| | - Gunter J. Sturm
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology; Division of Environmental Dermatology and Venereology; Medical University of Graz; Graz Austria
| | - Astrid Hammer
- Institute of Cell Biology; Histology and Embryology; Medical University of Graz; Graz Austria
| | - Rufina Schuligoi
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology; Medical University of Graz; Graz Austria
| | - Irmgard Th. Lippe
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology; Medical University of Graz; Graz Austria
| | - Akos Heinemann
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology; Medical University of Graz; Graz Austria
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18
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Doscas ME, Williamson AJ, Usha L, Bogachkov Y, Rao GS, Xiao F, Wang Y, Ruby C, Kaufman H, Zhou J, Williams JW, Li Y, Xu X. Inhibition of p70 S6 kinase (S6K1) activity by A77 1726 and its effect on cell proliferation and cell cycle progress. Neoplasia 2014; 16:824-34. [PMID: 25379019 PMCID: PMC4212247 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leflunomide is a novel immunomodulatory drug prescribed for treating rheumatoid arthritis. It inhibits the activity of protein tyrosine kinases and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a rate-limiting enzyme in the pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis pathway. Here, we report that A77 1726, the active metabolite of leflunomide, inhibited the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 and two other substrates of S6K1, insulin receptor substrate-1 and carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 2, in an A375 melanoma cell line. A77 1726 increased the phosphorylation of AKT, p70 S6 (S6K1), ERK1/2, and MEK through the feedback activation of the IGF-1 receptor–mediated signaling pathway. Invitro kinase assay revealed that leflunomide and A77 1726 inhibited S6K1 activity with IC50 values of approximately 55 and 80 μM, respectively. Exogenous uridine partially blocked A77 1726–induced inhibition of A375 cell proliferation. S6K1 knockdown led to the inhibition of A375 cell proliferation but did not potentiate the antiproliferative effect of A77 1726. A77 1726 stimulated bromodeoxyuridine incorporation in A375 cells but arrested the cell cycle in the S phase, which was reversed by addition of exogenous uridine or by MAP kinase pathway inhibitors but not by rapamycin and LY294002 (a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor). These observations suggest that A77 1726 accelerates cell cycle entry into the S phase through MAP kinase activation and that pyrimidine nucleotide depletion halts the completion of the cell cycle. Our study identified a novel molecular target of A77 1726 and showed that the inhibition of S6K1 activity was in part responsible for its antiproliferative activity. Our study also provides a novel mechanistic insight into A77 1726–induced cell cycle arrest in the S phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E Doscas
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | | | - Lydia Usha
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Yedida Bogachkov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Geetha S Rao
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Fei Xiao
- Cinkate Corporation, Oak Park, IL 60302
| | - Yimin Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Carl Ruby
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 ; Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Howard Kaufman
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 ; Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Jingsong Zhou
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
| | | | - Yi Li
- Baylor College of Medicine, Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Xiulong Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 ; Department of General Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612
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20
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Zhu S, Yan X, Xiang Z, Ding HF, Cui H. Leflunomide reduces proliferation and induces apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71555. [PMID: 23977077 PMCID: PMC3743402 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Leflunomide as an immunosuppressive drug is generally used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It inhibits DHODH (dihydroorotate dehydrogenase ), which is one of the essential enzymes in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway. Here we showed that leflunomide significantly reduced cell proliferation and self-renewal activity. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay revealed that leflunomide induced S-phase cell cycle arrest, and promoted cell apoptosis. In vivo xenograft study in SCID mice showed that leflunomide inhibited tumor growth and development. We also observed that DHODH was commonly expressed in neuroblastoma. When treated with leflunomide, the neuroblastoma cell lines BE(2)-C, SK-N-DZ, and SK-N-F1 showed dramatic inhibition of DHODH at mRNA and protein levels. Considering the favorable toxicity profile and the successful clinical experience with leflunomide in rheumatoid arthritis, this drug represents a potential new candidate for targeted therapy in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunqin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaomin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhonghuai Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Han-Fei Ding
- Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail:
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Jin H, Liu L, Deng W, Lu Y, Tian J, Li H, Liu J. HDAC inhibitor DWP0016 suppresses miR-22 to induce growth inhibition and apoptosis via p53-independent PTEN activation in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Process Biochem 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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22
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Ohtsubo-Yoshioka M, Nunomura S, Kataoka TR, Okayama Y, Ra C. Fc receptor beta chain deficiency exacerbates murine arthritis in the anti-type II collagen antibody-induced experimental model. Mod Rheumatol 2013. [DOI: 10.3109/s10165-012-0749-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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23
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Vélez J, Hail N, Konopleva M, Zeng Z, Kojima K, Samudio I, Andreeff M. Mitochondrial uncoupling and the reprograming of intermediary metabolism in leukemia cells. Front Oncol 2013; 3:67. [PMID: 23565503 PMCID: PMC3613776 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly 60 years ago Otto Warburg proposed, in a seminal publication, that an irreparable defect in the oxidative capacity of normal cells supported the switch to glycolysis for energy generation and the appearance of the malignant phenotype (Warburg, 1956). Curiously, this phenotype was also observed by Warburg in embryonic tissues, and recent research demonstrated that normal stem cells may indeed rely on aerobic glycolysis – fermenting pyruvate to lactate in the presence of ample oxygen – rather than on the complete oxidation of pyruvate in the Krebs cycle – to generate cellular energy (Folmes et al., 2012). However, it remains to be determined whether this phenotype is causative for neoplastic development, or rather the result of malignant transformation. In addition, in light of mounting evidence demonstrating that cancer cells can carry out electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation, although in some cases predominantly using electrons from non-glucose carbon sources (Bloch-Frankenthal et al., 1965), Warburg’s hypothesis needs to be revisited. Lastly, recent evidence suggests that the leukemia bone marrow microenvironment promotes the Warburg phenotype adding another layer of complexity to the study of metabolism in hematological malignancies. In this review we will discuss some of the evidence for alterations in the intermediary metabolism of leukemia cells and present evidence for a concept put forth decades ago by lipid biochemist Feodor Lynen, and acknowledged by Warburg himself, that cancer cell mitochondria uncouple ATP synthesis from electron transport and therefore depend on glycolysis to meet their energy demands (Lynen, 1951; Warburg, 1956).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Vélez
- Grupo de Terapia Celular y Molecular Laboratorio de Bioquimica, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogotá, Colombia
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Conversion from tacrolimus/mycophenolic acid to tacrolimus/leflunomide to treat cutaneous warts in a series of four pediatric renal allograft recipients. Transplantation 2012; 94:450-5. [PMID: 22960763 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e318264351e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The challenge of immunosuppression in pediatric renal transplantation is to balance preventing rejection while avoiding infectious complications. A dermatological complication of immunosuppression is viral warts, which cause significant disfigurement and increase the risk of skin malignancy. METHODS We present three pediatric and adolescent renal allograft recipients with multiple, recalcitrant verrucae vulgares lesions and one patient with molluscum contagiosum who were switched from mycophenolate mofetil to leflunomide. Teriflunomide metabolite levels were carefully maintained between 50,000 and 100,000 ng/mL to balance its immunosuppressive and antiviral properties. No adverse events requiring discontinuation of leflunomide were encountered. RESULTS Switching from mycophenolate mofetil to leflunomide successfully cleared verrucae vulgares and molluscum lesions in all four renal transplant patients. CONCLUSIONS The ability to minimize and even resolve warts can improve quality of life by reducing risk of skin malignancies and emotional distress in solid organ transplant patients. Leflunomide is a potential therapeutic option for posttransplantation patients with skin warts because it serves both as an adjunct to the immunosuppressive regimen and an antiviral agent.
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Fc receptor beta chain deficiency exacerbates murine arthritis in the anti-type II collagen antibody-induced experimental model. Mod Rheumatol 2012; 23:804-10. [PMID: 23053716 DOI: 10.1007/s10165-012-0749-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fc receptor β chain (FcRβ) acts as a signaling component of FcγRIII in immune cells such as mast cells (MCs) or basophils. Recent studies reported that FcγRIII contributes to the development of arthritic inflammation. These findings suggest that FcRβ may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of arthritic inflammation. To address this possibility, we examined the function of FcRβ in arthritic inflammation employing a mouse model. METHODS For the induction of arthritis, we injected 2 mg of a cocktail of anti-type II collagen (CII) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) into C57BL/6J mice (FcRβ(+/+)) and FcRβ(-/-) mice intravenously. Three days later, 100 μg lipopolysaccharide (LPS; Escherichia coli 055:B5) was intraperitoneally injected. Joint swelling was evaluated by inspection. Histopathology of joint tissues was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. RESULTS Here, we demonstrate in a well-established experimental arthritis model induced by LPS and anti-CII mAbs that FcRβ(-/-) mice exhibit exacerbated arthritic inflammation manifested in paw swelling, leukocyte infiltration into the knee joint, and bone erosion and tissue cytokine expression. CONCLUSION Our findings clearly indicate that FcRβ negatively regulates arthritic inflammation in an experimental arthritis model.
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Dietrich S, Krämer OH, Hahn E, Schäfer C, Giese T, Hess M, Tretter T, Rieger M, Hüllein J, Zenz T, Ho AD, Dreger P, Luft T. Leflunomide induces apoptosis in fludarabine-resistant and clinically refractory CLL cells. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 18:417-31. [PMID: 22072733 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Environmental conditions in lymph node proliferation centers protect chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells from apoptotic triggers. This situation can be mimicked by in vitro stimulation with CD40 ligand (CD40L) and interleukin 4 (IL-4). Our study investigates the impact of the drug leflunomide to overcome apoptosis resistance of CLL cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN CLL cells were stimulated with CD40L and IL-4 and treated with fludarabine and the leflunomide metabolite A771726. RESULTS Resistance to fludarabine-mediated apoptosis was induced by CD40 activation alone stimulating high levels of BCL-XL and MCL1 protein expression. Apoptosis resistance was further enhanced by a complementary Janus-activated kinase (JAK)/STAT signal induced by IL-4. In contrast, CLL proliferation required both a CD40 and a JAK/STAT signal and could be completely blocked by pan-JAK inhibition. Leflunomide (A771726) antagonized CD40L/IL-4-induced proliferation at very low concentrations (3 μg/mL) reported to inhibit dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. At a concentration of 10 μg/mL, A771726 additionally attenuated STAT3/6 phosphorylation, whereas apoptosis of CD40L/IL-4-activated ("resistant") CLL cells was achieved with higher concentrations (IC(50): 80 μg/mL). Apoptosis was also effectively induced by A771726 in clinically refractory CLL cells with and without a defective p53 pathway. Induction of apoptosis involved inhibition of NF-κB activity and loss of BCL-XL and MCL1 expression. In combination with fludarabine, A771726 synergistically induced apoptosis (IC(50): 56 μg/mL). CONCLUSION We thus show that A771726 overcomes CD40L/IL-4-mediated resistance to fludarabine in CLL cells of untreated as well as clinically refractory CLL cells. We present a possible novel therapeutic principle for attacking chemoresistant CLL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Dietrich
- Department of Medicine V, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Fuentealba RA, Marasa J, Diamond MI, Piwnica-Worms D, Weihl CC. An aggregation sensing reporter identifies leflunomide and teriflunomide as polyglutamine aggregate inhibitors. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 21:664-80. [PMID: 22052286 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular protein aggregation is a common pathologic feature in neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington' disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson' disease. Although progress towards understanding protein aggregation in vitro has been made, little of this knowledge has translated to patient therapy. Moreover, mechanisms controlling aggregate formation and catabolism in cellulo remain poorly understood. One limitation is the lack of tools to quantitatively monitor protein aggregation and disaggregation. Here, we developed a protein-aggregation reporter that uses huntingtin exon 1 containing 72 glutamines fused to the N-terminal end of firefly luciferase (httQ72-Luc). httQ72-Luc fails to aggregate unless seeded by a non-luciferase-containing polyglutamine (polyQ) protein such as Q80-cfp. Upon co-aggregation, httQ72-luc becomes insoluble and loses its enzymatic activity. Using httQ72-Luc with Q80(CFP/YFP) as seeds, we screened the Johns Hopkins Clinical Compound Library and identified leflunomide, a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor with immunosuppressive and anti-psoriatic activities, as a novel drug that prevents polyQ aggregation. Leflunomide and its active metabolite teriflunomide inhibited protein aggregation independently of their known role in pyrimidine biosynthesis, since neither uridine treatment nor other pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibitors affected polyQ aggregation. Inducible cell line and cycloheximide-chase experiments indicate that these drugs prevent incorporation of expanded polyQ into an aggregate. This study demonstrates the usefulness of luciferase-based protein aggregate reporters for high-throughput screening applications. As current trials are under-way for teriflunomide in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, we propose that this drug be considered a possible therapeutic agent for polyQ diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A Fuentealba
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Basu G, Mohapatra A, Manipadam MT, Mani SE, John GT. Leflunomide with low-dose everolimus for treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma in a renal allograft recipient. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2011; 26:3412-5. [PMID: 21775763 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfr416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma is reduction of immunosuppression with or without addition of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi). Akt signalling plays a central role in oncogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma. We describe a case of multifocal Kaposi's sarcoma in a renal allograft recipient, which showed unsatisfactory early response to immunosuppression reduction along with everolimus therapy but completely resolved after adding leflunomide. mTORi impair Kaposi's sarcoma oncogenesis by inhibiting mTOR downstream from the Akt signalling. Leflunomide inhibits Akt phosphorylation. This synergistic effect may be beneficial in treatment of Kaposi sarcoma and needs to be explored in trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Basu
- Department of Nephrology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.
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Coulthard LG, Costello J, Robinson B, Shiels IA, Taylor SM, Woodruff TM. Comparative efficacy of a secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor with conventional anti-inflammatory agents in a rat model of antigen-induced arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2011; 13:R42. [PMID: 21401925 PMCID: PMC3132024 DOI: 10.1186/ar3278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Previously, secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) inhibition has been used as an adjunct to conventional rheumatoid arthritis therapy in human clinical trials without significant improvement of arthritic pathology. In this study, we compared the efficacy of a potent and orally active group IIa secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor (sPLA2I) to conventional anti-arthritic agents; infliximab, leflunomide and prednisolone, in a rat model of antigen-induced arthritis. Methods Initially, to establish efficacy and dose-response, rats were orally dosed with the sPLA2I (1 and 5 mg/kg) two days prior to arthritis induction, and then daily throughout the 14-day study period. In the second trial, rats were orally dosed with the sPLA2I (5 and 10 mg/kg/day) beginning two days after the induction of arthritis, at the peak of joint swelling. Separate groups of rats were also dosed with the tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor infliximab (single 3 mg/kg i.v. injection), leflunomide (10 mg/kg/day, oral) or prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day, oral) at this same time point and used as comparative treatments. Results In the pathology prevention trial, both 1 and 5 mg/kg dose groups of sPLA2I demonstrated a significant reduction in joint swelling and gait disturbances; however, only the higher 5 mg/kg dose resulted in significantly reduced histopathology scores. In the post-induction trial, rats dosed with sPLA2I showed a significant improvement in joint swelling and gait scoring, whereas none of the conventional therapeutics achieved a significant decrease in both of these two disease markers. Histopathological scoring at the end-point of the study demonstrated significantly reduced median scores in rats treated with 10 mg/kg sPLA2I and leflunomide. Conclusions The results from this study suggest a pathogenic role for sPLA2 enzymes in this model of arthritis in rats, and the potential clinical utility of sPLA2 inhibition as a safer, and more effective, alternative to conventional anti-arthritic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam G Coulthard
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Research Road, University of Queensland, St, Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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Mast cell death induced by 24(S),25-epoxycholesterol. Exp Cell Res 2010; 316:3272-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Revised: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Teriflunomide (leflunomide) promotes cytostatic, antioxidant, and apoptotic effects in transformed prostate epithelial cells: evidence supporting a role for teriflunomide in prostate cancer chemoprevention. Neoplasia 2010; 12:464-75. [PMID: 20563249 DOI: 10.1593/neo.10168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2010] [Revised: 03/22/2010] [Accepted: 03/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Teriflunomide (TFN) is an inhibitor of de novo pyrimidine synthesis and the active metabolite of leflunomide. Leflunomide is prescribed to patients worldwide as an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory disease-modifying prodrug. Leflunomide inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer xenographs in mice, and leflunomide or TFN promoted cytostasis and/or apoptosis in cultured cells. These findings suggest that TFN could be useful in prostate cancer chemoprevention. We investigated the possible mechanistic aspects of this tenet by characterizing the effects of TFN using premalignant PWR-1E and malignant DU-145 human prostate epithelial cells. TFN promoted a dose- and time-dependent cytostasis or apoptosis induction in these cells. The cytostatic effects of TFN, which were reversible but not by the presence of excess uridine in the culture medium, included diminished cellular uridine levels, an inhibition in oxygen consumption, a suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, S-phase cell cycle arrest, and a conspicuous reduction in the size and number of the nucleoli in the nuclei of these cells. Conversely, TFN's apoptogenic effects were characteristic of catastrophic mitochondrial disruption (i.e., a dissipation of mitochondrial inner transmembrane potential, enhanced ROS production, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and cytoplasmic vacuolization) and followed by DNA fragmentation. The respiration-deficient derivatives of the DU-145 cells, which are also uridine auxotrophs, were markedly resistant to the cytostatic and apoptotic effects of TFN, implicating de novo pyrimidine synthesis and mitochondrial bioenergetics as the primary targets for TFN in the respiration competent cells. These mechanistic findings advocate a role for TFN and mitochondrial bioenergetics in prostate cancer chemoprevention.
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Hail N, Chen P, Rower J, Bushman LR. Teriflunomide encourages cytostatic and apoptotic effects in premalignant and malignant cutaneous keratinocytes. Apoptosis 2010; 15:1234-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s10495-010-0518-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Sawamukai N, Yukawa S, Saito K, Nakayamada S, Kambayashi T, Tanaka Y. Mast cell-derived tryptase inhibits apoptosis of human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts via rho-mediated signaling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 62:952-9. [PMID: 20131259 DOI: 10.1002/art.27331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An abundance of mast cells are found in the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of RA remains unclear. This study was undertaken to elucidate a role for mast cells in RA by investigating the antiapoptotic effects of tryptase, a major product of mast cells, on RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs). METHODS RA synovial tissue was obtained from RA patients during joint replacement surgery, and histologic changes in the tissue were examined. The expression of cell surface molecules and apoptotic markers on RASFs were detected by flow cytometry. Rho activation was determined using a pull-down assay. RESULTS Mast cells, bearing both c-Kit and tryptase, accumulated in the sublining area of proliferating synovial tissue from RA patients. Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2), a receptor for tryptase, was expressed on RASFs in the lining area, close to tryptase-positive mast cells in the RA synovium. Fas-mediated apoptosis of RASFs was significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, by the addition of tryptase, and this effect correlated with increased activation of Rho kinase. Furthermore, Y27632, a Rho kinase inhibitor, reduced the antiapoptotic effect of tryptase on RASFs, suggesting that Rho was responsible for the antiapoptotic effects of tryptase. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that tryptase has a strong antiapoptotic effect on RASFs through the activation of Rho. Thus, we propose that the release of tryptase by mast cells leads to the binding of tryptase to PAR-2 on RASFs and inhibits the apoptosis of RASFs via the activation of Rho. Such mechanisms could play a pivotal role in the marked proliferation of RASFs and hyperplasia of synovial tissue seen in RA synovium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norifumi Sawamukai
- University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan, and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Baumann P, Mandl-Weber S, Völkl A, Adam C, Bumeder I, Oduncu F, Schmidmaier R. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor A771726 (leflunomide) induces apoptosis and diminishes proliferation of multiple myeloma cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2009; 8:366-75. [PMID: 19174558 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-08-0664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is still an incurable disease; therefore, new therapeutics are urgently needed. A771726 is the active metabolite of the immunosuppressive drug leflunomide, which is currently applied in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, BK virus nephropathy, and cytomegaly viremia. Here, we show that dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is commonly expressed in multiple myeloma cell lines and primary multiple myeloma cells. The DHODH inhibitor A771726 inhibits cell growth in common myeloma cell lines at clinically achievable concentrations in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining revealed induction of apoptosis of multiple myeloma cell lines and primary multiple myeloma cells. The 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine cell proliferation assay showed that inhibition of cell growth was partly due to inhibition of multiple myeloma cell proliferation. A771726 induced G(1) cell cycle arrest via modulation of cyclin D2 and pRb expression. A771726 decreased phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), p70S6K, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein-1 as shown by Western blotting experiments. Furthermore, we show that the stimulatory effect of conditioned medium of HS-5 bone marrow stromal cells on multiple myeloma cell growth is completely abrogated by A771726. In addition, synergism studies revealed synergistic and additive activity of A771726 together with the genotoxic agents melphalan, treosulfan, and doxorubicin as well as with dexamethasone and bortezomib. Taken together, we show that inhibition of DHODH by A771726/leflunomide is effective in multiple myeloma. Considering the favorable toxicity profile and the great clinical experience with leflunomide in rheumatoid arthritis, this drug represents a potential new candidate for targeted therapy in multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Baumann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medizinische Klinik Innenstadt, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany.
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The multiple roles of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in mast cell biology. Trends Immunol 2008; 29:493-501. [PMID: 18775670 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2008.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2008] [Revised: 07/28/2008] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mast cells play a central role in the initiation of inflammatory responses associated with asthma and other allergic disorders. Receptor-mediated mast cell growth, differentiation, homing to their target tissues, survival and activation are all controlled, to varying degrees, by phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)-driven pathways. It is not fully understood how such diverse responses can be differentially regulated by PI3K. However, recent studies have provided greater insight into the mechanisms that control, and those that are controlled by, different PI3K subunit isoforms in mast cells. In this review, we discuss how PI3K influences the mast cell processes described above. Furthermore, we describe how different mast cell receptors use alternative isoforms of PI3K for these functions and discuss potential downstream targets of these isoforms.
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Bingham CO. Immunomodulatory approaches to the management of chronic urticaria: an immune-mediated inflammatory disease. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2008; 8:278-87. [PMID: 18606079 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-008-0046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although commonly encountered in clinical practice, chronic urticaria (CU) remains difficult to treat. In contrast to acute urticaria, neither exogenous triggers nor specific immunoglobulin E are identified in most chronic cases. A body of evidence suggests that CU is represented within the spectrum of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID). Our understanding of the CU disease pathogenesis now recognizes a role for T cells, B cells, and autoantibodies, and intrinsic abnormalities of histamine-releasing effector cells, thus providing new targets of intervention beyond the current mainstay of often inadequate symptomatic treatment directed against histamine receptors and steroids, with their attendant morbidities. Agents previously used to treat other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases have demonstrated efficacy in CU. Newer biologic and nonbiologic immunomodulatory agents approved for other indications and in clinical development provide potential options for this often severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifton O Bingham
- Divisions of Rheumatology and Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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