Abstract P6-09-12: Breast cancer characteristics and the levonorgestrel intrauterine device. A monocentric retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: The levonorgestrel-intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is a widely used contraceptive method. It is not clear if LNG-IUD users are more likely to develop breast cancer. Breast cancer growth through the estrogen and/or the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) pathway could be influenced by a continuous low systemic dose of levonorgestrel. In this study, we compare breast cancer characteristics and the receptor expression of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and HER2 in women with and without a LNG- IUD at the time of diagnosis.

METHODS: In this retrospective, observational study, we included 2599 consecutive breast cancer patients who were younger than 55 years at diagnosis and treated between 2000 and 2014 in the University Hospitals Leuven for a primary invasive, non-metastatic tumor. The non LNG-IUD group was matched by age and parity at diagnosis. ER, PR and HER2 status were reported according to ASCO/CAP guidelines. The Chi-square test was used to compare receptor status between groups. All tests were two-sided, and a 5% significance level was assumed. An additional analysis was performed to detect the occurrence of HER 2 expression with or without intake of oral contraception by diagnosis in the control group.

RESULTS: 366 LNG-IUD users and 2233 women without a LNG-IUD were included. Compared to the control group, the LNG-IUD users had a lower Nottingham prognostic index (4.2 vs 4.4; p=0.048), more PR expression (79.2% vs 73.4%; p=0.021) but less HER2 expression (11.6% vs 17.2%; p=0.009). A significant higher rate of ER+PR+HER2- was observed in the LNG-IUD group (63.26 % vs 73.46%; p<0.001). These differences in receptor expression were mainly observed in the age group 45-49 years at diagnosis. Additionally, a trend of more HER2 positivity associated with oral contraceptive use was noticed in the control group.

CONCLUSION: We found in a breast cancer population, matched for age and parity, significant differences in the PR and HER2 expression according to use of LNG-IUD at time of diagnosis. ER positive, PR positive and HER2 negative breast cancers are more frequently seen in LNG-IUD users. There is a trend of less HER 2 positivity in LNG-IUD users and it is more common seen in oral contraception users.

Citation Format: Borowski E, Poppe A, Laenen A, Remmerie C, Van Asten K, Nevelsteen I, Smeets A, Weltens C, Peeters S, Leunen K, Berteloot P, Amant F, Vergote I, Van Limbergen E, Christiaens M-R, Wildiers H, Floris G, Poppe W, Neven P. Breast cancer characteristics and the levonorgestrel intrauterine device. A monocentric retrospective study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-12.

Molecular dynamics of amphotericin B I. Single molecule in vacuum and water

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed for an antifungal polyene antibiotic amphotericin B (AMB). A single molecule of the AMB was modeled in vacuum as well as in water. In the latter case it was surrounded by 354 SPC water molecules and a periodic boundary condition was applied. An amino-sugar mycosamine ring was found to be rigid in the conditions studied. The mean orientation of this ring in relation to a macrolide ring was found to be common in both simulations and similar to that observed in a crystal of N-iodoacetyl derivative. A large flexibility of the amino-sugar orientation was observed in vacuum in contrast to water simulation. Several conformers of the macrolide ring were observed in vacuum as well as in water simulation. Interactions which may force these conformational transitions have been proposed. The structuring of the water molecules around polar and ionizable parts of the AMB molecule were analysed. The influence of the dynamic behavior of the AMB on structures of supramolecular complexes containing this antibiotic is discussed.

How does the N-acylation and esterification of amphotericin B molecule affect its interactions with cellular membrane components—the Langmuir monolayer study

This work presents the results of Langmuir monolayers study of two amphotericin B derivatives obtained by N-acylation (N-acetylamphotericin B, Ac-AmB) and esterification (amphotericin B methyl ester, AME) of the parent AmB molecule. The main objective of present investigations was to examine the strength and nature of interactions of Ac-AmB and AME with natural membrane components as compared to AmB, and verify the monolayer results with biological studies in vitro. Our experiments were based on surface pressure-area measurements of mixed monolayers formed by the investigated antibiotics and sterols/DPPC. The interactions were analyzed with the following dependencies: compression modulus-surface pressure, mean molecular area-composition, excess molecular area-composition and excess free energy-composition plots. It has been found that both Ac-AmB and AME form monolayers of a liquid expanded state and their stability is highest as compared to AmB films. The investigated compounds mix in monolayers with natural membrane components within the whole range of the antibiotic mole fraction. The quantitative analysis of the interactions of the investigated antibiotics with sterols and DPPC as well as sterols/DPPC interactions allow us to verify the monolayer results with biological results. A good correlation between both kinds of studies has been found.

N-(1-Piperidinepropionyl)amphotericin B methyl ester (PAME)— a new derivative of the antifungal antibiotic amphotericin B: Searching for the mechanism of its reduced toxicity

N-(1-piperidinepropionyl)amphotericin B methyl ester (in short, PAME), a low-toxicity amphotericin B derivative, has been investigated in Langmuir monolayers at the air/water interface alone and in mixtures with cellular membrane sterols (a mammalian sterol, cholesterol, and a fungal sterol, ergosterol) and a model phospholipid (DPPC). The analysis of the strength of interaction between PAME and both sterols as well as DPPC was based, on surface pressure measurements and analysis of the isothermal compressibility (C(s)(-1)), the mean area per molecule (A(12)), the excess free energy of mixing (DeltaG(Exc)) and the total free energy of mixing (DeltaG(M)). It has been found that the interactions between PAME and sterols are attractive; however, their strength is significantly weaker for mixtures of PAME with cholesterol than with ergosterol. This casts light on the improved selectivity of PAME toward fungal cells. The strongest interactions, found for PAME/DPPC mixtures, proved an important role of DPPC in the mechanism of reduced toxicity of PAME as compared to amphotericin B. Due to stable complex formation between PAME and DPPC the antibiotic is immobilized with DPPC molecules, which reduces the concentration of free antibiotic, which is capable of interacting with membrane sterols.

Interactions of amphotericin B derivative of low toxicity with biological membrane components—the Langmuir monolayer approach

Amphotericin B (AmB)--a polyene macrolide antibiotic--exhibits strong antifungal activity, however, is known to be very toxic to mammalian cells. In order to decrease AmB toxicity, a number of its derivatives have been synthesized. Basing on in vitro and in vivo research, it was evidenced that one of AmB derivatives, namely N-methyl-N-D-fructopyranosylamphotericin B methyl ester (in short MF-AME) retained most of the antifungal activity of the parent antibiotic, however, exhibited dramatically lower animal toxicity. Therefore, MF-AME seems to be a very promising modification product of AmB. However, further development of this derivative as potential new antifungal drug requires the elucidation of its molecular mechanism of reduced toxicity, which was the aim of the present investigations. Our studies were based on examining the binding energies by determining the strength of interaction between MF-AME and membrane sterols (ergosterol-fungi sterol, and cholesterol-mammalian sterol) and DPPC (model membrane phospholipid) using the Langmuir monolayer technique, which serves as a model of cellular membrane. Our results revealed that at low concentration the affinity of MF-AME to ergosterol is considerably stronger as compared to cholesterol, which correlates with the improved selective toxicity of this drug. It is of importance that the presence of phospholipids is essential since--due to very strong interactions between MF-AME and DPPC--the antibiotic used in higher concentration is "immobilized" by DPPC molecules, which reduces the concentration of free antibiotic, thus enabling it to selectively interact with both sterols.

The proteins of the Hepatitis C virus: their features and interactions with intracellular protein phosphorylation

Chronic infection with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) often results in cirrhosis and enhances the probability of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The underlying mechanisms that lead to malignant transformation of infected cells, however, remain unclear. Observations made with isolated HCV antigens and/or with HCV subgenomic replicon systems demonstrated that the products encoded in the HCV genome interfere with and disturb intracellular signal transduction, often by phosphorylation of cellular proteins. Moreover, some of the HCV-encoded proteins seem to serve as substrates for host cell protein kinases. These phosphorylations affect the biological functions of the antigens. In many cases it could be demonstrated that only short stretches of the linear sequence of the viral or cellular proteins are involved and play a crucial role for these phosphorylation events. The identification of these small polypeptide elements and the subsequent development of strategies to inhibit protein-protein interactions involving them may be the first step towards reducing the chronicity and/or of the carcinogenicity of the virus. This review summarizes current knowledge of intracellular phosphorylation processes that are affected by HCV.

Anthrapyridones, a novel group of antitumour non-cross resistant anthraquinone analogues. Synthesis and molecular basis of the cytotoxic activity towards K562/DOX cells

1. Multidrug resistance (MDR) to antitumour agents, structurally dissimilar and having different intracellular targets, is the major problem in cancer therapy. MDR phenomenon is associated with the presence of membrane proteins which belong to the ATP-binding cassette family transporters responsible for the active drug efflux leading to the decreased intracellular accumulation. 2. The search of new compounds able to overcome MDR is of prime importance. 3. Recently we have synthesized a new family of anthrapyridone compounds. The series contained derivatives modified with appropriate hydrophobic or hydrophylic substituents at the side chain. 4. The interaction of these derivatives with erythroleukemia K562 sensitive and K562/DOX resistant (overexpressing P-glycoprotein) cell lines has been examined. The study was performed using a spectrofluorometric method which allows to continuously follow the uptake and efflux of fluorescent molecules by living cells. 5. It was demonstrated that the increase in the lipophilicity of anthrapyridones favoured the very fast cellular uptake exceeding the rate of P-gp dependent efflux out of the cell. For these derivatives, very high accumulation (the same for sensitive and resistant cells) was observed and the in vitro biological data confirmed that these compounds exhibited comparable cytotoxic activity towards sensitive and P-gp resistant cell line. In contrast, anthrapyridones modified with hydrophylic substituents exhibited relatively low kinetics of cellular uptake. 6. For these derivatives decreased accumulation in resistant cells was observed and the in vitro biological data demonstrated that they were much less active against P-gp resistant cells in comparison to sensitive cells. 7. We also studied, using confocal microscopy, the intracellular distribution of anthrapyridones in NIH-3T3 cells. Our data showed that these compounds were strongly accumulated in the nucleus and lysosomes.

MFAME, N-methyl-N-D-fructosyl amphotericin B methyl ester, a new amphotericin B derivative of low toxicity: relationship between self-association and effects on red blood cells

In aqueous solutions N-methyl-N-D-fructosyl amphotericin B methyl ester (MFAME), a novel amphotericin B derivative with low animal toxicity, similar to its parent antibiotic, exists in three forms: monomeric, soluble and insoluble aggregates in equilibrium [1]. The aim of our work was to examine the influence of medium composition on the MFAME self-association and the relationship between MFAME self-association and its toxicity towards red blood cells. The toxicity of MFAME in aggregated state towards red blood cells was tested by measuring the induction of potassium leakage and extent of haemolysis. The proportions of antibiotic species present in various aqueous media were determined by analysis of the UV-Vis spectra as a function of the antibiotic concentration. Numeric decomposition of the spectra allowed identification of four spectral species present in MFAME solutions: monomeric and three aggregated forms. Our results indicate that these aggregates, named type I, type II and type III, are different in terms of spectral properties, as well as effectiveness towards red blood cells. Soluble aggregate types I and III are the active forms of MFAME towards erythrocytes. The medium composition seems to be the main factor determining which type of antibiotic aggregate prevails in solution.

Amide and ester derivatives of N3-(4-methoxyfumaroyl)-(S)-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid

Several amide and ester derivatives of a glutamine analogue, N3-(4-methoxyfumaroyl)-(S)-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid (FMDP) (1-8), were synthesized and evaluated for the inhibitory activity in regard to glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase from Candida albicans. The syntheses were accomplished by the reaction of N2-tert-butoxycarbonyl-N3-(4-methoxyfumaroyl)-(S)-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid (BocFMDP) with the corresponding amines to give the FMDP amides (1-4) or with alkyl halides to give corresponding esters of FMDP (5-8). Among the synthesized compounds, the acetoxymethyl ester of FMDP was the most active inhibitor of the enzyme. Its IC50 value compared to that of FMDP (4 microM) was equal to 11.5 microM. The methyl and allyl esters and the N-hexyl-N-methyl-amide of FMDP exhibited a moderate enzyme inhibitory activity.

N3-oxoacyl derivatives of L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid and their peptides; novel inhibitors of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase

Novel inhibitors 1-4 of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase from Candida albicans have been designed based on acylation of the N3 amino group of L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid with the corresponding ketoacids. These inhibitors have been shown to alkylate the fungal enzyme in a time-dependent manner. Compound 3 containing trans-beta-benzoyl acrylic acid as an acyl residue was found to be the most potent inhibitor in the series. Dipeptides composed of the active inhibitors and norvaline demonstrated potent antifungal activity against selected strains of Candida spp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Their activity was reversed upon addition of N-acetylglucosamine to the medium.

The ability of new formamidine sugar-modified derivatives of daunorubicin to stimulate free radical formation in three enzymatic systems: NADH dehydrogenase, NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase and xanthine oxidase

Some sterically hindered N-substituted derivatives of daunorubicin are known to be poor substrates for NADH dehydrogenase, NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase and xanthine oxidase. In consequence, poor oxygen radical generation by these compounds is observed. In this study we examined a new family of sugar-N-substituted derivatives of daunorubicin bearing a bulky substituent introduced on the nitrogen atom through the amidine spacer. These compounds were found to be very active in radical formation catalyzed by all three studied enzymes. Thus, the introduction of a heterocyclic ring, even if it is bulky but flexible, on the nitrogen atom of daunosamine moiety through the one-atom spacer (amidine group), does not induce the steric hindrance effect on the interaction of daunorubicin derivatives with these flavoprotein enzymes.

Comparative studies on cell stimulatory, permeabilizing and toxic effects induced in sensitive and multidrug resistant fungal strains by amphotericin B (AMB) and N-methyl-N-D-fructosyl amphotericin B methyl ester (MFAME)

N-Methyl-N-D-fructosyl-amphotericin B methyl ester (MFAME) is a new derivative of amphotericin B, which is characterised by low toxicity to mammalian cells and good solubility in water of its salts. The antifungal activity and effects of MFAME towards Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae multidrug resistant MDR(+) and sensitive MDR(-) strains was compared with those of parent compound. The results obtained indicate that MDR(+) S. cerevisiae was sensitive to MFAME as well as to AMB. MFAME exhibited the same effects on fungal cells studied as parent antibiotic. The two antibiotics, depending on the dose applied induced cell stimulation, K+ efflux, and/or had a toxic effect.

Transport of new non-cross-resistant antitumor compounds of the benzoperimidine family in multidrug resistant cells

Multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype in mammalian cells is often correlated with overexpression of P-glycoprotein or multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1). Both proteins are energy-dependent drug efflux pumps that efficiently reduce the intracellular accumulation and hence the cytotoxicity of many natural cytotoxins. The influx and efflux of drugs across the cell membrane are in large part responsible for their intracellular concentrations, and in the search for new compounds able to overcome MDR, it is of prime importance to determine the molecular parameters whose modification would lead to an increase in the kinetics of uptake and/or to a decrease in the pump-mediated efflux. Here, we studied three members of a new family of benzoperimidine antitumor compounds which exhibit comparable cytotoxicity towards resistant cells expressing P-glycoprotein, or MRP1, and sensitive cells. We used spectrofluorometric methods to determine the kinetics of the uptake and release of these three drugs in different cell lines: the erythroleukemia cell line K562 and the resistant K562/Adr expressing P-glycoprotein, the small-cell lung cancer cell line GLC4 and resistant GLC4/Adr expressing MRP1. We also studied, using confocal microscopy, the intracellular distribution of these drugs in NIH/3T3 cells. Our data show that (i) the kinetics for the uptake of these drugs is very rapid, higher than 2 x 10(-17) mole cell(-1) s(-1), (ii) the drugs are strongly accumulated in the nucleus and lysosomes, (iii) the three drugs are recognized and pumped out by both transporters, as shown by the inhibition of P-glycoprotein- and MRP1-mediated efflux of pirarubicin by benzoperimidine, with inhibitory constants of 1.5 and 2.1 microM for P-glycoprotein and MRP1, respectively, suggesting that benzoperimidine is transported by the two transporters with K(m) approximately 2 microM. In conclusion, the fast uptake kinetics of the benzoperimidines counterbalance their efflux by P-glycoprotein and MRP1.

Unusual susceptibility of a multidrug-resistant yeast strain to peptidic antifungals

The susceptibility of Saccharomyces cerevisiae JG436 multidrug transporter deletion mutant, Deltapdr5, to several antifungal agents was compared to that of JG436-derived JGCDR1 and JGCaMDR1 transformants, harboring the CDR1 and CaMDR1 genes, encoding the main drug-extruding membrane proteins of Candida albicans. The JGCDR1 and JGCaMDR1 yeasts demonstrated markedly diminished susceptibility to the azole antifungals, terbinafine and cycloheximide, while that to amphotericin B was unchanged. Surprisingly, JGCDR1 but not JGCaMDR1 cells showed enhanced susceptibility to peptidic antifungals, rationally designed compounds containing inhibitors of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase. It was found that these antifungal oligopeptides, as well as model oligopeptides built of proteinogenic amino acids, were not effluxed from JGCDR1 cells. Moreover, they were taken up by these cells at rates two to three times higher than by JG436. The tested oligopeptides were rapidly cleaved to constitutive amino acids by cytoplasmic peptidases. Studies on the mechanism of the observed phenomenon suggested that an additive proton motive force generated by Cdr1p stimulated uptake of oligopeptides into JGCDR1 cells, thus giving rise to the higher antifungal activity of FMDP [N(3)-(4-methoxyfumaroyl)-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid]-peptides.

Conformational properties of amphotericin B amide derivatives--impact on selective toxicity

Even though it is highly toxic, Amphotericin B (AmB), an amphipathic polyene macrolide antibiotic, is used in the treatment of severe systemic fungal infections as a life-saving drug. To examine the influence of conformational factors on selective toxicity of these compounds, we have investigated the conformational properties of five AmB amide derivatives. It was found that the extended conformation with torsional angles (phi,psi)=(290 degrees,180 degrees) is a common minimum of the potential energy surfaces (PES) of unsubstituted AmB and its amide derivatives. The extended conformation of the studied compounds allows for the formation of an intermolecular hydrogen bond network between adjacent antibiotic molecules in the open channel configuration. Therefore, the extended conformation is expected to be the dominant conformer in an open AmB (or its amide derivatives) membrane channel. The derivative compounds for calculations were chosen according to their selective toxicity compared to AmB and they had a wide range of selective toxicity. Except for two AmB derivatives, the PES maps of the derivatives reveal that the molecules can coexist in more than one conformer. Taking into account the cumulative conclusions drawn from the earlier MD simulation studies of AmB membrane channel, the results of the potential energy surface maps, and the physical considerations of the molecular structures, we hypothesize a new model of structure-selective toxicity of AmB derivatives. In this proposed model the presence of the extended conformation as the only well defined global conformer for AmB derivatives is taken as the indicator of their higher selective toxicity. This model successfully explains our results. To further test our model, we also investigated an AmB derivative whose selective toxicity has not been experimentally measured before. Our prediction for the selective toxicity of this compound can be tested in experiments to validate or invalidate the proposed model.

Purification to homogeneity of Candida albicans glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase overexpressed in Escherichia coli

The Candida albicans GFA1 gene encoding glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase, an enzyme of cell wall biosynthesis pathway in fungi and bacteria, recently an object of interest as a target for the chemotherapy of systemic mycoses, was PCR amplified and cloned to an Escherichia coli expression vector pET23b. The activity of the enzyme in the lysates from the overproducing E. coli strain was approximately 50-100 times higher than in the lysates from the control E. coli strain. This abundant overproduction allows to purify milligram amounts of the enzyme to homogeneity.

Delivery systems for antisense oligonucleotides

In vitro, the efficacy of the antisense approach is strongly increased by systems delivering oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) to cells. Up to now, most of the developed vectors favor ODN entrance by a mechanism based on endocytosis. Such is the case for particulate systems, including liposomes (cationic or non-cationic), cationic polyelectrolytes, and delivery systems targeted to specific receptors. Under these conditions, endosomal compartments may represent a dead end for ODNs. Current research attempts to develop conditions for escaping from these compartments. A new class of vectors acts by passive permeabilization of the plasma membrane. It includes peptides, streptolysin O, and cationic derivatives of polyene antibiotics. In vivo, the interest of a delivery system, up to now, has appeared limited. Development of vectors insensitive to the presence of serum seems to be a prerequisite for future improvements.

The ability of new formamidine sugar-modified derivatives of daunorubicin to stimulate free radical formation in three enzymatic systems: NADH dehydrogenase, NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase and xanthine oxidase

Some sterically hindered N-substituted derivatives of daunorubicin are known to be poor substrates for NADH dehydrogenase, NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase and xanthine oxidase. In consequence, poor oxygen radical generation by these compounds is observed. In this study we examined a new family of sugar-N-substituted derivatives of daunorubicin bearing a bulky substituent introduced on the nitrogen atom through the amidine spacer. These compounds were found to be very active in radical formation catalyzed by all three studied enzymes. Thus, the introduction of a heterocyclic ring, even if it is bulky but flexible, on the nitrogen atom of daunosamine moiety through the one-atom spacer (amidine group), does not induce the steric hindrance effect on the interaction of daunorubicin derivatives with these flavoprotein enzymes.

Comparative studies on cell stimulatory, permeabilizing and toxic effects induced in sensitive and multidrug resistant fungal strains by amphotericin B (AMB) and N-methyl-N-D-fructosyl amphotericin B methyl ester (MFAME)

N-Methyl-N-D-fructosyl-amphotericin B methyl ester (MFAME) is a new derivative of amphotericin B, which is characterised by low toxicity to mammalian cells and good solubility in water of its salts. The antifungal activity and effects of MFAME towards Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae multidrug resistant MDR(+) and sensitive MDR(-) strains was compared with those of parent compound. The results obtained indicate that MDR(+) S. cerevisiae was sensitive to MFAME as well as to AMB. MFAME exhibited the same effects on fungal cells studied as parent antibiotic. The two antibiotics, depending on the dose applied induced cell stimulation, K+ efflux, and/or had a toxic effect.

Novel approaches in the rational design of antifungal agents of low toxicity

This paper presents an overview of studies on novel strategies for the rational design of antifungal agents of low toxicity and overcoming the multidrug resistance (MDR) of fungi. This goal was achieved both due to the introduction of a novel target, glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase, as well as to the recognition of molecular basis of selectivity of action of amphotericin B derivatives.

8,11-dihydroxy-6-[(aminoalkyl)amino]-7H-benzo[e]perimidin-7-ones with activity in multidrug-resistant cell lines: synthesis and antitumor evaluation

The synthesis of dihydroxybenzoperimidine derivatives, which are chromophore-modified dihydroxyanthracenediones with an additional pyrimidine ring incorporated into the chromophore, is reported. These derivatives are structurally related to the antitumor agent mitoxantrone. Their synthesis was carried out by the reaction of 6-amino-8,11-dihydroxy-7H-benzo[e]perimidin-7-one (5) or 6,8, 11-trihydroxy-7H-benzo[e]perimidin-7-one (10) with a number of respective (alkylamino)alkylamines. The dihydroxybenzoperimidine derivatives exhibited in vitro cytotoxic activity against murine leukemia L1210 and human leukemia HL60 cell lines comparable to that of mitoxantrone. These compounds also exhibited a range of in vitro activity against the human MDR-type resistant leukemia K562R cell line with the MDR phenotype. The most active compound of this series, namely 6a, exhibited potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against a panel of human cell lines. Furthermore, in contrast to both mitoxantrone and doxorubicin, it displayed little cross-resistance in cell lines characterized by a MDR phenotype. Cell cycle analysis in the sensitive HT-29 and mitoxantrone-resistant HT-29/Mx (not identified resistance mechanism) cell lines has revealed that both mitoxantrone and 6a induce a G2/M block. However, while the proportion of apoptotic cells after mitoxantrone treatment is similar for both sensitive and resistant cell lines, it is much lower for 6a. Compound 6a tested against P388 murine leukemia in vivo displayed a significant antitumor effect (%T/C 196 at an optimal dose of 10 mg/kg). The property of overcoming the cross-resistance was maintained also in in vivo efficacy studies, where no difference was observed in the antitumor activity of compound 6a against the A2780 human tumor xenograft and its MDR A2780/Dx subline. We conclude that benzoperimidines, if properly substituted, constitute a novel class of compounds that can overcome multidrug resistance.

The role of structural factors of anthraquinone compounds and their quinone-modified analogues in NADH dehydrogenase-catalysed oxygen radical formation

Anthraquinone compounds belong to the most important class of clinical antitumour agents. However, their use is limited by their peroxidating activity, being the consequence of free radical formation initiated by three oxyreductases. This activity is considered to be the main cause of cardiotoxic effects. The affinity of anthraquinone compounds to these enzymes is an essential factor governing the rate of one-electron transfer and the generation of oxygen radicals. A series of novel derivatives and analogues of natural and synthetic anthraquinones has been examined with the aim of identifying the structural factors essential for the ability to stimulate oxygen radical formation catalysed by NADH dehydrogenase. Functional groups and moieties favouring or disfavouring the interaction of the compounds with the enzyme have been determined. The quinonoid moiety as well as at least two phenolic groups in peri positions favoured the affinity of these compounds for NADH dehydrogenase. The modification of the quinonoid structure to iminoquinonoid or carboquinonoid forms dramatically decreased interaction with the enzyme. The O'-substitution by a bulky group in the sugar moiety of daunorubicin decreased the ability of the derivatives to stimulate oxygen radical formation. It has also been shown that the presence of an ionizable amino group on the sugar moiety of daunorubicin favours interaction with the NADH dehydrogenase. However, its location is not essential for this effect.

The geometry of intercalation complex of antitumor mitoxantrone and ametantrone with DNA: molecular dynamics simulations

Intercalative binding of the antitumor drugs ametantrone and mitoxantrone to the dodecamer duplex d(CGCGAGCTCGCG)2 was studied by applying molecular dynamics in water with the GROMOS 87 force field. A number of reasonable binding orientations were tested by short pre-simulations. It was shown that in energetically favourable orientation the anthraquinone chromophore is perpendicular to the direction of inter-base hydrogen bonds. Helically shaped side-chains of the drugs fit to the minor groove. The best orientation obtained in pre-simulations was applied in the main simulations. Small but significant differences were found between structures of intercalation complexes of the two drugs with the dodecamer duplex, the mitoxantrone complex possessing more favourable energy. The molecular nature of interactions responsible for those differences has been discussed.

Antihistoplasmal in vitro and in vivo effect of Lys-Nva-FMDP

The new synthetic antifungal agent, L-Lysyl-L-Norvalyl-FMDP, inhibits growth of the yeast form of Histoplasma capsulatum. The compound is transported into the fungal cells by peptide permeases, cleaved intracellularly to constitutive amino acids, and the released C-terminal amino acid inhibits glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase. Promising antihistoplasmal in vivo activity of the FMDP-peptide was observed in an organ load test in mice.

The geometry of intercalation complex of antitumor mitoxantrone and ametantrone with DNA: molecular dynamics simulations

Intercalative binding of the antitumor drugs ametantrone and mitoxantrone to the dodecamer duplex d(CGCGAGCTCGCG)2 was studied by applying molecular dynamics in water with the GROMOS 87 force field. A number of reasonable binding orientations were tested by short pre-simulations. It was shown that in energetically favourable orientation the anthraquinone chromophore is perpendicular to the direction of inter-base hydrogen bonds. Helically shaped side-chains of the drugs fit to the minor groove. The best orientation obtained in pre-simulations was applied in the main simulations. Small but significant differences were found between structures of intercalation complexes of the two drugs with the dodecamer duplex, the mitoxantrone complex possessing more favourable energy. The molecular nature of interactions responsible for those differences has been discussed.

Conformational analysis of Amphotericin B

Within a theoretical approach to the problem of antifungal action of Amphotericin B (AmB), a conformational analysis of the neutral and zwitterionic form of this antibiotic in vacuo was performed by the MM2P and AM1 methods. The analysis was carried out with regard to the mutual orientation of the macrolidic and glycosidic fragments of the molecule, which is defined by the phi and psi steric angles. This orientation defines the overall shape of the molecule and is postulated to be important for the antifungal action of the drug. As a result of the MM2P calculations, phi, psi steric energy and population maps were prepared. Several conformers were found on these maps but only two of them (one each for the zwitterionic and the neutral forms of the antibiotic) were previously observed experimentally for isolated molecules. Our other calculated conformers were not observed experimentally but we propose that they may also appear in the AmB channel structure. The results of our conformational analysis were compared with experimental NMR data (nuclear Overhauser effects between selected hydrogen atoms) obtained previously. New structural information obtained for AmB in the present work will be useful for building a molecular model of AmB-target interactions as well as for designing new derivatives of AmB.

The direct reduction of cytochrome c by some anthraquinone antitumor compounds

The ability of various anthraquinone antitumor agents to undergo oxidative metabolism with concomitant cytochrome c reduction has been examined. The reduction of cytochrome c by the compounds had enzymatic character and occurred without the formation of oxygen radicals. We have found that the presence of at least two phenolic groups in ring A of the compounds studied was indispensable for their oxidative metabolism. It is suggested that these groups are essential for the binding to cytochrome c. Furthermore, it has been shown that the existence of hydroxy groups in side chains of these compounds augments their interaction with this hemoprotein. On the basis of the results obtained for a series of analogs of mitoxantrone, we can conclude that the structural factor directly responsible for cytochrome c reduction is the primary or secondary amino group of the side chains.

Molecular dynamics of amphotericin B. II. Dimer in water

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed for a dimer of the antifungal antibiotic, amphotericin B, in water. In the first step of the work three appropriately selected versions of the dimer structure were taken into consideration. In each version antibiotic molecules were placed antiparallel with polar and ionizable groups outside the hydrophobic core formed by polyene chromophores. During short dynamic simulations versions of the dimer structure were compared in respect of the energy of dimerization. The highest energy was observed for the structure in which polyene chromophores superimposed each other as much as possible and this version was subjected to the main simulation. The analysis of 66 snapshot geometries stored during 33 ps dynamic trajectory allowed us to draw three main conclusions: (i) the relative orientation of the amino-sugar moiety and chromophore as well as conformation of the antibiotic macrolide ring were different in both molecules and could exhibit dynamic changes, (ii) the dimer structure exhibited intrinsic asymmetry which could be responsible for characteristic circular dichroism spectra of the aggregated form of the antibiotic, (iii) relatively high stability of the dimer structure resulted not only from hydrophobic interactions between chromophores but also from hydrogen bonds networks that were observed around polar terminals of antibiotic molecules. Implications of these features of the dimer structure for its susceptibility on the ionic state of carboxyl and/or amino groups are also discussed.

Molecular modeling of singlet-oxygen binding to anthraquinones in relation to the peroxidating activity of antitumor anthraquinone drugs

Anthraquinone derivatives are important anti-cancer drugs possessing, however, undesirable peroxidating and, in consequence, cardiotoxic properties. This results from the mediation by these compounds of the one-electron reduction processes of the oxygen molecule, which produces the highly toxic superoxide anion radical and other active oxygen species. This article summarizes the results of our studies on the molecular aspects of the mechanism of anthraquinone-mediated peroxidation which were carried out using enzymatic-assay, electrochemical, and quantum-mechanical methods.

Identification of the structural elements of amphotericin B and other polyene macrolide antibiotics of the hepteane group influencing the ionic selectivity of the permeability pathways formed in the red cell membrane

The selectivity of the transmembrane permeability induced by polyene antibiotics was studied in human erythrocytes and related to the hemolytic potency of the drugs. The selectivity induced was differently, dependent on the antibiotic structure in aromatic (vacidin A, gedamycin) and nonaromatic heptaenes (amphotericin B, candidin). Aromatic heptaenes were more effective than nonaromatic in inducing permeability to K+. For both groups of antibiotics, permeability to K+ was not affected by substitution at the carboxyl group but important differences in the induction of permeability to H+, OH- and Cl- were found. The strongly hemolytic aromatic heptaenes vacidin A and gedamycin exhibited much higher protonophoric activity than the nonaromatic ones: amphotericin B, and candidin. The protonophoric properties of aromatic heptaenes were related to the presence of a free carboxyl group in the antibiotic molecule. Indeed the esterification or amidation of the carboxyl group of vacidin A or gedamycin eliminated the ability of the antibiotic to increase H+ conductance and consequently diminished their hemolytic activity to an important extent. Both groups of antibiotics differed also in the efficiency of anion permeability induction. Only unsubstituted aromatic heptaenes, at high concentration, induced Cl-/OH- exchange and conductive flux of Cl- in a concentration-dependent manner. Substitution at the carboxyl group of vacidin A or gedamycin eliminated this property. Amphotericin B as well as its carboxyl-substituted derivatives formed a pathway characterized by low K+ over Cl- selectivity, whatever the concentration. The hemolytic activity, related to K+ permeability increased by heptaenes was dependent on simultaneous increase of the permeability to anions, and net KCl influx. Carboxyl-substituted derivatives of aromatic heptaenes presenting a remarkably high selectivity for K+, had consequently a very poor hemolytic activity.

Stereostructure of Rimocidin

NMR studies of rimocidin, consisting of DQF-COSY, ROESY, HSQC, HMBC and 1D-TOCSY experiments, resulted in the assignment of the absolute configuration of the rimocidin chiral centers as 2S, 3R, 9S, 11R, 13S, 14R, 15S, 17R, and 27R. The geometry of tetraene chromophore was found to be all-trans.

Stereostructure of perimycin A

The gross structure of perimycin A was revised: the position of the keto group was changed from C-13 to C-5. The stereostructure of perimycin A was established based upon NMR studies.

Synthesis of (dialkylamino)alkyl-disubstituted pyrimido[5,6,1- de]acridines, a novel group of anticancer agents active on a multidrug resistant cell line

A series of pyrimidoacridine derivatives with two basic side chains, 7a-e, was synthesized, as potential antitumor drugs, starting from 2-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-6-chloropyrimido[5,6,1-de]acridine-1,3, 7- trione (6) and a suitable (alkylamino)alkylamine. The products 6 and 7a-e showed significant cytotoxic activity in vitro against L1210 leukemia. Compounds 7a,d were 2 orders of magnitude more cytotoxic than ametantrone. All compounds were also examined for their activity on LoVo and resistant LoVo/Dx cell lines. Unlike ametantrone, the compounds have shown to be able to overcome the multidrug resistance. Compounds 7a,d, the two most active in vitro, were tested in vivo against murine P388 leukemia showing good activity.

Effect of the modifications of ionizable groups of amphotericin B on its ability to form complexes with sterols in hydroalcoholic media

The interaction of amphotericin B and some of its semisynthetic derivatives with cholesterol and ergosterol has been tested in 1:4 (v/v) ethanol/water mixture by circular dichroism and absorption spectroscopy. The effect of the chemical modification of the 'ionizable head' of the antibiotic, the pH of the medium, and the sterol/antibiotic ratio has been studied. The results obtained show that in the presence of the sterols, amphotericin B forms several spectroscopically different species. A high extent of polyene-sterol interaction is observed for: (i) amphotericin B in neutral or acidic media, (ii) esters and amides at neutral or alkaline media, (iii) N-acyl derivatives only in acidic medium. The extent of interaction at neutral pH is highly correlated with the biological activity of compounds tested. The implication of these findings on the nature of the forces responsible for the antibiotic-sterol interaction is discussed.

Amide and ester derivatives of N3-trans-epoxysuccinoyl-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid: inhibitors of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase

Several analogs 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 of the C-terminal fragment of a peptide antibiotic Sch 37137 were designed and tested as inhibitors of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. From IC50 values and kinetic parameters of inhibition of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase by compounds 5-11 it has been found that the inhibitory potency of these compounds follows the order: 6 > 5 > 8 > 9 > 7, 10, 11. This suggests that an inhibitor with a primary amido group binds better to the active site of the enzyme than other inhibitors. The order of reactivity of compounds 5-11 may be attributed to a steric inability of the inhibitor to fit into the active site of the enzyme and also indicates the importance of the chirality of trans-epoxysuccinic acid on the inhibitory properties of the synthesized compounds.

Constrained search of conformational hyperspace of inactivators of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase

Glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN-6-P) synthase (EC 2.6.1.16) is a key enzyme in amino sugar metabolism in micro-organisms and its selective and irreversible inhibitors can become valuable antifungal drugs. We performed a constrained search of the conformational hyperspace of glutamine and of the set of specific inactivators of the enzyme, as well as of some non-specific inhibitors of many cysteine containing enzymes. From these calculations we obtained spatial relationships of functional groups, the presence and specific orientation of which in the active site of the enzyme is important for effective and selective action of the inhibitor. Subsequent quantum chemical calculations confirmed the correctness of the pharmacophore conformation we obtained. Pharmacophore conformation of FMDP molecule, the most potent inhibitor in the selective inhibitors group, is placed close to the energy minimum on the conformational energy map.

Synthesis and anticandidal activities of optimized analogs of antibiotic Sch 37137

Peptide analogues of Sch 37137 the antifungal antibiotic have been synthesized and evaluated in vitro against Candida sp. Di- and tripeptides containing methionine, leucine, norvaline, lysine, glutamic acid and N3-(trans-epoxysuccinamoyl)-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid, (EADP) were obtained. Peptides containing (D)-, and (L)-trans-epoxysuccinamic acid were also prepared. All of the analogues examined displayed in general higher anticandidal activity than a mixture of diastereomers of Sch 37137.

The role of amphotericin B amino group basicity in its antifungal action. A theoretical approach

The role of basicity of the amine group of amphotericin B in the molecular mechanism of antifungal activity of this antibiotic has been investigated by AM1 and MNDO quantum chemistry methods. Calculations of proton affinity of the amine group, as a measure of its basicity, for appropriate models of free amphotericin B and its N-alkyl derivatives were carried out. These studies were preceded by a critical examination of the usefulness and reliability of both methods to predict the proton affinities of several aliphatic amines. It has been concluded that the diminution of protonability of the substituted amine group of amphotericin B correlates with the decrease of antifungal activity of the appropriate derivatives of antibiotic. It was experimentally demonstrated (A. Czerwiński et al., J. Antibiot. 44 (1991) 979) that the introduction of additional amine groups in such a derivative restores antifungal activity of the compound. In our studies it was evidenced, using theoretical methods, that the proton affinity of this additional amine group is similar to that in free amphotericin B.

Stereostructure and NMR characterization of the antibiotic candidin

The stereostructure of the heptaene macrolide antibiotic candidin was established on the basis of NMR studies: 13C, DQF-COSY, ROESY and C,H-COSY experiments. The absolute configuration of the candidin chiral centers were assigned as 3R, 5S, 10R, 11R, 13R, 15S, 16R, 17S, 19S, 34S, 35R, 36R and 37S.

A theoretical study of the mechanism of oxygen binding by model anthraquinones. Part II. Quantum-mechanical studies of the energetics of oxygen binding to model anthraquinones

Anthracycline derivatives, which constitute an important class of antitumor drugs, exhibit undesirable cardiotoxicity owing to their mediation in the process of oxygen reduction to the superoxide anion radical. Earlier work showed that this mediation could be facilitated by the formation of complexes with the 1 delta g oxygen molecule prior to reduction. In this paper, we investigate the energetics of the possible peroxides formed by a series of model anthraquinones: 1,4-dihydroxyl- (quinizarin), 1,8-dihydroxyl-, 1-hydroxy-8-methoxy-, 1,8-dimethoxy-, 1,4,5-trimethoxy- and 1,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-9,10-anthracenedione, as well as of daunorubicin and demethoxydaunorubicin, by semi-empirical quantum-mechanical MNDO and PM3 methods, and limited STO-3G ab initio calculations. It was found that the oxygen-binding site is determined by three factors: the high electron density and high HOMO coefficients on the carbon atoms to which oxygen binds, the minimum loss of conjugation within the anthraquinone moiety on oxygen binding and the minimum number of bonds to other heavy atoms of the oxygen-binding carbons (the steric effect). For different molecules, the energy of the most stable oxygen complex is the greatest for compounds with the lowest ionization potential. On the basis of this and our earlier studies, it was concluded that the anthracycline derivatives with reduced ability to bind oxygen and, therefore, reduced cardiotoxicity, should possess a high symmetry of II-electron density distribution, a high ionization potential and have all of the oxygen-binding sites condensed to other rings or substituted by bulky groups.