Role of histamine H4 receptor in the anti-inflammatory pathway of glucocorticoid-induced leucin zipper (GILZ) in a model of lung fibrosis

INTRODUCTION

This study investigates the interactions between histaminergic system and glucocorticoid-induced leucin zipper (GILZ) in the inflammatory process and glucocorticoid modulation in lung fibrosis.

METHODS

Wild-type (WT) and GILZ Knock-Out (KO) mice were treated with bleomycin (0.05 IU) or saline, delivered by intra-tracheal injection. After surgery, mice received a continuous infusion of JNJ7777120 (JNJ, 2 mg/kg b.wt.) or vehicle for 21 days. Lung function was studied by measuring airway resistance to air insufflation through the analysis of pressure at airway opening (PAO). Lung samples were collected to evaluate the expression of histamine H4R, Anx-A1, and p65-NF-kB, the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

RESULTS

Airway fibrosis and remodeling were assessed by measuring TGF-β production and α-SMA deposition. JNJ reduces PAO in WT but not in GILZ KO mice (from 22 ± 1 mm to 15 ± 0.5 and from 24 ± 1.5 to 19 ± 0.5 respectively), MPO activity (from 204 ± 3.13 pmol/mg to 73.88 ± 2.63 in WT and from 221 ± 4.46 pmol/mg to 107 ± 5.54 in GILZ KO), the inflammatory response, TGF-β production, and α-SMA deposition in comparison to WT and GILZ KO vehicle groups.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the role of H4R and GILZ in relation to glucocorticoids could pave the way for innovative therapies to counteract pulmonary fibrosis.

NCX 470 Exerts Retinal Cell Protection and Enhances Ophthalmic Artery Blood Flow After Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury of Optic Nerve Head and Retina

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the retinal protective activity and ocular hemodynamics after NCX 470 (0.1%) compared to bimatoprost administered as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug (Lumigan - 0.01% ophthalmic solution, LUM) and at an equimolar dose (0.072%, BIM) to that released by NCX 470.

Methods

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) induced ischemia/reperfusion injury model in rabbits was used. ET-1 was injected nearby the optic nerve head (ONH) twice/week for 6 weeks. Starting on week 3, the animals received vehicle (VEH), NCX 470, LUM, or BIM (30 µL/eye, twice daily, 6 days/week) until the end of ET-1 treatment. Intraocular pressure (IOP), ophthalmic artery resistive index (OA-RI), and electroretinogram (ERG) data were collected prior to dosing and at different time points postdosing. Reduced glutathione, 8-Hydroxy 2-deoxyguanosine, and Caspase-3 were determined in the retina of treated eyes. DNA fragmentation was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining.

Results

ET-1 increased IOP (VEHIOP_Baseline = 20.5 ± 0.8 and VEHIOP_Week6 = 24.8 ± 0.3 mmHg) and OA-RI (VEHOA-RI_Baseline = 0.36 ± 0.02 and VEHOA-RI_Week6 = 0.55 ± 0.01) and reduced rod/cone responses over time. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic markers increased in ET-1-treated eyes. NCX 470 prevented IOP (NCX 470IOP_Week6 = 18.1 ± 0.6 mmHg) and OA-RI changes (NCX 470OA-RI_Week6 = 0.33 ± 0.01) and restored ERG amplitude leaving unaltered the respective latency; these effects were only partially demonstrated by LUM or BIM. Additionally, NCX 470 reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the retinas of treated eyes. BIM and LUM were numerically less effective on these parameters.

Conclusions

NCX 470 repeated ocular dosing ameliorates ocular hemodynamics and retinal cell dysfunction caused by ischemia/reperfusion via nitric oxide- and bimatoprost-mediated mechanisms.

Translational Relevance

If confirmed in clinical setting our data may open new therapeutic opportunities to reduce visual field loss in glaucoma.

Finding the missing children for TB care and prevention in Kenya

SETTING: One hundred high TB burden facilities in nine counties in Kenya.OBJECTIVES: 1) To increase uptake of TB preventive therapy (TPT) among child contacts aged <5 years, and 2) to increase TB diagnosis in children aged <15 years presenting to health facilities for routine care.DESIGN: For objective 1, a clinic-based child contact management strategy incorporating transport/healthcare cost reimbursement, monitoring and evaluation tools, and healthcare worker education was utilized. For objective 2, community health screeners were established in pediatric outpatient departments to perform verbal screening, flagging symptomatic children for further evaluation.RESULTS: Over 15 months, identification of 8,060 individuals diagnosed with bacteriologically confirmed TB led to 2,022 child contacts. Of these, 1,848 (91%) were evaluated; 149 (8%) were diagnosed with TB disease, leaving 1,699 (92%) eligible for TPT; 1,613 (95%) initiated TPT and 1,335 (83%) completed TPT. In outpatient settings, 140,444 children were screened; 54,236 (39%) had at least two TB symptoms; 2,395 (4%) were diagnosed with TB diseaseCONCLUSION: Health system strengthening supporting a clinic-based child contact management program increased the number of children initiating TPT. Systematic screening in outpatient clinics can lead to increased TB case notifications; however, optimal screening tools and clearer diagnostic pathways for the evaluation of these children are needed.

Adenosine A3 Receptor (A3AR) Agonist for the Treatment of Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Mice

Adenosine receptors (ARs) are involved in the suppression and development of inflammatory and fibrotic conditions. Specifically, AR activation promotes differentiation of lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, typical of a fibrotic event. Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of unknown etiology and lacking an effective treatment. The present investigation explored the action of MRS5980, a new, highly potent and selective A₃AR agonist, in an established murine model of lung fibrosis. The effects of either vehicle or MRS5980 were studied in mice following intratracheal bleomycin administration. We evaluated the role of the A₃AR agonist on lung stiffness, studying the airway resistance to inflation, oxidative stress (8-OHdG and MDA), inflammation, pro- and anti-inflammatory marker levels (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-17A) and fibrosis establishment, evaluating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β expression and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) deposition in lungs. Bleomycin administration increased lung stiffness, TGF-β levels, α-SMA deposition, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The treatment with MRS5980 attenuated all the analyzed functional, biochemical and histopathological markers in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings support the therapeutic potential of A₃AR agonists in lung fibrosis by demonstrating reduced disease progression, as indicated by decreased inflammation, TGF-β expression and fibrotic remodeling.

Improving TB case notification and treatment coverage through data use

BACKGROUND:

This was a study on national TB data.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess improvement in TB case notification and treatment coverage through improved data use for action in Nigeria

DESIGN:

We analysed pre- and post-intervention secondary TB programme data comprising data on increased supervisory visits, incentives for health workers, DOTS expansion, outreaches and geo-code monitoring. Trend analysis was performed using Cochran-Armitage χ² test for linear trends.

RESULTS:

Case-finding increased from 104,904 cases in 2017 to 138,591 in 2020. There was an increase of 2.0% from 2017 to 2018, 13.0% in 2018 to 2019 and 15.0% in 2019 to 2020 (P < 0.001). Facility DOTS coverage increased from 7,389 facilities in 2017 to 17,699 in 2020. There was an increase of 30.0% in 2018, 31.0% in 2019 and 40.0% in 2020 (P < 0.001). The number of reporting facilities increased from 5,854 in 2017 to 12,775 in 2020. Compared with 2017, there were an increase of 20.0% in 2018, 38.0% in 2019 and 32.0% in 2020 (P < 0.001). Treatment coverage rate increased from 24% in 2018 to 27% in 2019 and 30% in 2020.

CONCLUSION:

TB service expansion, improved monitoring and the use of data for decision making are key in increasing TB treatment coverage.

TB training in Kenya: building capacity for care and prevention

BACKGROUND: Devolution of healthcare services in Kenya resulted in a large number of newly recruited tuberculosis (TB) coordinators. We describe a unique collaboration between a national tuberculosis program (NTP), a local, and an international non-governmental organization to build human resource capacity in TB care and prevention.METHODS: From 2016 to 2021, the Kenya Division of National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program, Centre for Health Solutions-Kenya, and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease developed and conducted a series of 7-day training courses. A key focus of training was the introduction of TBData4Action, an approach involving the local use of routinely available data to strengthen decision-making and support supervision.RESULTS: Implementation outcomes included training 331 (96%) coordinators out of 344, representing all 47 counties, 37 national officers and 21 other stakeholders using the country-tailored curriculum, including hands-on group work by county teams and field practicals. Thirty-five national facilitators were identified and mentored as local faculty. Training costs were reduced by 75% compared with international alternatives.CONCLUSION: The collaboration resulted in the training of the majority of the coordinators in a standardized approach to TB care. A sustainable approach to capacity building in local data use was found feasible; the model could be adapted by other NTPs.

Can We Barter Local Taxes for Maintaining Our Green? A Psychological Perspective

Previous research highlighted that the desire for neighborhood improvement is an antecedent of the citizens’ involvement in green urban areas maintenance. Nevertheless, the topic of civic participation in the maintenance of green areas is not yet well developed in the literature and a link with local legislation is missing. We investigate the intention of participation in such maintenance through a web-based experiment. We hypothesize that stimuli of poor (vs. good) maintenance will be associated with a higher intention of contributing to the upkeep of green areas following the administrative barter law. The administrative barter is a law approved in Italy, which gives citizens the possibility of a reduction of local taxes in exchange for their involvement in the improvement of the territory. One hundred ninety-six participants (M_age = 33.81) were assigned randomly to good maintenance condition (n = 100) or poor maintenance condition (n = 96). The level of maintenance was manipulated through photographs of a neighborhood depicting good or poor maintenance of the urban green ornamentation. Results pointed out that people showed a greater willingness to engage in the improvement of green urban areas in the poor condition as compared to the good condition, according to the administrative barter law. This study suggests that local legislation may provide an incentive fostering citizens’ involvement in green urban areas maintenance.

One-Pot Procedure for the Synthesis of Asymmetric Substituted Ureido Benzene Sulfonamides as Effective Inhibitors of Carbonic Anhydrase Enzymes

We report a one-pot procedure for the synthesis of asymmetrical ureido-containing benzenesulfonamides based on in situ generation of the corresponding isocyanatobenezenesulfonamide species, which were trapped with the appropriate amines. A library of new compounds was generated and evaluated in vitro for their inhibition properties against a representative panel of the human (h) metalloenzymes carbonic anhydrases (EC 4.2.1.1), and the best performing compounds on the isozyme II (i.e., 7c, 9c, 11g, and 12c) were screened for their ability to reduce the intraocular pressure in glaucomatous rabbits. In addition, the binding modes of 7c, 11f, and 11g were assessed by means of X-ray crystallography.

The Histamine H4 Receptor Participates in the Anti-Neuropathic Effect of the Adenosine A3 Receptor Agonist IB-MECA: Role of CD4+ T Cells

A₃ adenosine receptor (A₃AR) agonists have emerged as potent relievers of neuropathic pain by a T cell-mediated production of IL-10. The H₄ histamine receptor (H₄R), also implicated in pain modulation, is expressed on T cells playing a preeminent role in its activation and release of IL-10. To improve the therapeutic opportunities, this study aimed to verify the hypothesis of a possible cross-talk between A₃AR and H₄R in the resolution of neuropathic pain. In the mouse model of Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI), the acute intraperitoneal co-administration of the A₃AR agonist IB-MECA (0.5 mg/kg) and the H₄R agonist VUF 8430 (10 mg/kg), were additive in counteracting mechano-allodynia increasing IL-10 plasma levels. In H₄R^−/− mice, IB-MECA activity was reduced, lower pain relief and lower modulation of plasma IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were shown. The complete anti-allodynia effect of IB-MECA in H₄R^−/− mice was restored after intravenous administration of CD4⁺ T cells obtained from naïve wild type mice. In conclusion, a role of the histaminergic system in the mechanism of A₃AR-mediated neuropathic pain relief was suggested highlighting the driving force evoked by CD4⁺ T cells throughout IL-10 up-regulation.

Can isoniazid preventive therapy be scaled up rapidly? Lessons learned in Kenya, 2014-2018

BACKGROUND: TB is the leading cause of mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV), for whom isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) has a proven mortality benefit. Despite WHO recommendations, countries have been slow in scaling up IPT. This study describes processes, challenges, solutions, outcomes and lessons learned during IPT scale-up in Kenya.METHODS: We conducted a desk review and analyzed aggregated Ministry of Health (MOH) IPT enrollment data from 2014 to 2018 to determine trends and impact of program activities. We further analyzed IPT completion reports for patients initiated from 2015 to 2017 in 745 MOH sites in Nairobi, Central, Eastern and Western Kenya.RESULTS: IPT was scaled up 75-fold from 2014 to 2018: the number of PLHIV covered increased from 9,981 to 749,890. The highest percentage increases in the cumulative number of PLHIV on IPT were seen in the quarters following IPT pilot projects in 2014 (49%), national launch in 2015 (54%), and HIV treatment acceleration in 2016 (158%). Among 250,069 patients initiating IPT from 2015 to 2017, 97.5% completed treatment, 0.2% died, 0.8% were lost to follow-up, 1.0% were not evaluated, and 0.6% discontinued treatment.CONCLUSIONS: IPT can be scaled up rapidly and effectively among PLHIV. Deliberate MOH efforts, strong leadership, service delivery integration, continuous mentorship, stakeholder involvement, and accountability are critical to program success.

D-Tagatose Feeding Reduces the Risk of Sugar-Induced Exacerbation of Myocardial I/R Injury When Compared to Its Isomer Fructose

It is known that fructose may contribute to myocardial vulnerability to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. D-tagatose is a fructose isomer with less caloric value and used as low-calorie sweetener. Here we compared the metabolic impact of fructose or D-tagatose enriched diets on potential exacerbation of myocardial I/R injury. Wistar rats were randomizedly allocated in the experimental groups and fed with one of the following diets: control (CTRL), 30% fructose-enriched (FRU 30%) or 30% D-tagatose-enriched (TAG 30%). After 24 weeks of dietary manipulation, rats underwent myocardial injury caused by 30 min ligature of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery followed by 24 h′ reperfusion. Fructose consumption resulted in body weight increase (49%) as well as altered glucose, insulin and lipid profiles. These effects were associated with increased I/R-induced myocardial damage, oxidative stress (36.5%) and inflammation marker expression. TAG 30%-fed rats showed lower oxidative stress (21%) and inflammation in comparison with FRU-fed rats. Besides, TAG diet significantly reduced plasmatic inflammatory cytokines and GDF8 expression (50%), while increased myocardial endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression (59%). Overall, we demonstrated that D-tagatose represents an interesting sugar alternative when compared to its isomer fructose with reduced deleterious impact not only on the metabolic profile but also on the related heart susceptibility to I/R injury.

The relationship between self-disorders (SDS) and depressive/anxious symptoms in a clinical sample of adolescents

Introduction

Self-disorders (SDs) have been described as a core feature of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Previous studies conducted on heterogeneous clinical adult and adolescents samples demonstrated that SDs aggregate selectively in the schizophrenia spectrum disorders compared to other disorders.

Objectives

To examine the specificity of SDs for schizophrenia spectrum disorders in adolescent inpatient sample.

Methods

Fifty-five adolescent inpatients admitted to the Child Psychiatry Unit at the Sapienza University in Rome were assessed for psychopathology using Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS-PL), Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS/SOPS),Examination of Anomalous Self-Experiences (EASE), Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC), Calgary depression scale for schizophrenia (CDSS)

Results

Patients, aged 14-18 years, were divided in four diagnostic groups: schizophrenia spectrum disorders (5 pts.), mood disorders (19 pts.), anxiety disorders (27 pts.) and other disorders (4 pts.). Frequency of self-disorders was different among the 4 groups. Including patients schizotypal personality disorder in the schizophrenia-spectrum disorder group, the difference is still significant. Mann-Whitney U test shows no differences between EOP and UHR patients in SD. Furthermore, correlations between EASE total score and Calgary and MASC total scores were significant.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the specificity of SDs for schizophrenia spectrum disorders and also the belonging of schizotypal personality disorder to schizophrenia-spectrum.

NCX 667, a Novel Nitric Oxide Donor, Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Rabbits, Dogs, and Non-Human Primates and Enhances TGFβ2-Induced Outflow in HTM/HSC Constructs

Purpose

NCX 667, a novel nitric oxide (NO) donor with an isomannide core, was characterized for its IOP-lowering ability in animal models of ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Bioengineered human trabecular meshwork/Schlemm's canal (HTM/HSC) constructs were used to explore the mode of action.

Methods

Ocular normotensive New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits (ONT-rabbits), spontaneously ocular hypertensive pigmented Dutch-belted rabbits (sOHT-rabbits), hypertonic saline (5%)–induced transient ocular hypertensive NZW rabbits (tOHT-rabbits), ocular normotensive Beagle dogs (ONT-dogs), and laser-induced ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkeys (OHT-monkeys) were used. NCX 667 or vehicle (30 µL) was instilled in a crossover, masked fashion and intraocular pressure (IOP) measured before dosing (baseline) and for several hours thereafter. The ONT-rabbits were used for cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) determination in ocular tissues after ocular dosing with NCX 667. Transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGFβ2) (2.5 ng/mL, six days)–treated HTM/HSC constructs were used to address changes in outflow facility.

Results

NCX 667 resulted in robust and dose-dependent IOP decrease in all models used. Maximal IOP-lowering efficacy at 1% was −4.1 ± 0.6, −12.2 ± 2.7, −10.5 ± 2.0, −5.3 ± 0.8, and −6.6 ± 1.9 mmHg, respectively, in ONT-dogs, sOHT-rabbits, tOHT-rabbits, ONT-rabbits, and OHT-monkeys. In ONT-rabbits NCX 667 (1%) increased cGMP in aqueous humor (AH) but not in retina and iris/ciliary body. NCX 667 concentration-dependently increased outflow facility in TGFβ2-treated HTM/HSC constructs (outflow facility, 0.10 ± 0.06 and 0.30 ± 0.10 µL/min/mmHg/mm², respectively, in vehicle- and NCX 667–treated constructs).

Conclusions

NCX 667 leads to robust IOP lowering in several animal models. Evidence in HTM/HSC constructs indicate that the IOP reduction likely results from NO-mediated increase of the conventional outflow pathway. Other mechanisms including changes in AH production and episcleral vein pressure may not be excluded at this time.

Effects of New NSAID-CAI Hybrid Compounds in Inflammation and Lung Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease with progressive worsening of dyspnea, characterized by chronic inflammation and remodeling of lung parenchyma. Carbonic anhydrases are a family of zinc-metallo-enzymes that catalyze the reversible interconversion of carbon-dioxide and water to bicarbonate and protons. Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor (CAI) exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in animals with permanent-middle-cerebral artery occlusion, arthritis and neuropathic pain. The pharmacological profile of a new class of hybrid compounds constituted by a CAI connected to a Nonsteroidal-Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) was studied in the modulation of inflammation and fibrosis. In-vitro tests were performed to assess their effects on cyclo-oxygenase enzyme (COX)-1 and COX-2, namely inhibition of platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 production in the human-platelet-rich plasma, and reduction of Prostaglandin-E2 production in lipopolysaccharide-treated-RAW-264.7 macrophage cell line. The activity of compound 3, one of the most active, was studied in a model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice. The hybrid compounds showed a higher potency in inhibiting PGE₂ production, but not in modifying the platelet aggregation and the TXB₂ production in comparison to the reference molecules, indicating an increased activity in COX-2 inhibition. In the in-vivo murine model, the compound 3 was more effective in decreasing inflammation, lung stiffness and oxidative stress in comparison to the reference drugs given alone or in association. In conclusion, these CAI-NSAID hybrid compounds are promising new anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of lung chronic inflammatory diseases.

Sulfonamide Inhibitors of Human Carbonic Anhydrases Designed through a Three-Tails Approach: Improving Ligand/Isoform Matching and Selectivity of Action

The “tail approach” has become a milestone in human carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (hCAI) design for various therapeutics, including antiglaucoma agents. Besides the classical hydrophobic/hydrophilic division of hCAs active site, several subpockets have been identified at the middle/outer active sites rim, which could be targeted to increase the CAI isoform selectivity. This postulate is explored here by three-tailed benzenesulfonamide CAIs (TTI) to fully exploit such amino acid differences among hCAs. In this proof-of-concept study, an extensive structure–activity relationship (SAR) study was carried out with 32 such benzenesulfonamides differing in tails combination that were assayed for hCAs I, II, IV, and XII inhibition. A structural study was undertaken by X-ray crystallography and in silico tools to assess the ligand/target interaction mode. The most active and selective inhibitors against isoforms implicated in glaucoma were assessed in a rabbit model of the disease achieving an intraocular pressure-lowering action comparable to the clinically used dorzolamide.

Discovery of Potent Dual-Tailed Benzenesulfonamide Inhibitors of Human Carbonic Anhydrases Implicated in Glaucoma and in Vivo Profiling of Their Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Action

The design of three dual-tailed sulfonamide series 11a-11g, 14a-14h, and 16a-16e as carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitors are presented. All compounds were evaluated for inhibitory action against pharmacologically relevant human CA isoforms I, II, IV, and VII. Compounds 11a-11g emerged as potent CA inhibitors against the four tested isoforms with a significant selectivity to CA II, which is implicated in glaucoma (K_i in the range 0.36-6.9 nM). X-ray crystallographic analysis of three compounds (11a, 11d, and 11g) bound to CA II showed the validity of the adopted drug design strategy as specific moieties within the ligand structure interacted directly with the hydrophobic and hydrophilic halves of the CA II active site. Compounds 11b-11d and 11g were evaluated for their intraocular pressure-lowering effects in a rabbit model of glaucoma. 11b and 11d showed significant efficacy when compared to the clinically used drug dorzolamide.

Histamine H4 receptor stimulation in the locus coeruleus attenuates neuropathic pain by promoting the coeruleospinal noradrenergic inhibitory pathway

The locus coeruleus (LC) adrenergic nuclei constitute a pain-control inhibitory system nucleus implicated in descending modulation of pain through the action on spinal α₂-adrenoceptors. Histaminergic innervation from the tuberomammillary nucleus of the LC increases firing of noradrenergic neurons and might contribute to pain control. Here we evaluated the contribution of LC histaminergic innervation in descending modulation of neuropathic hypersensitivity, by investigating the role of the histamine H₄ receptor subtype in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. Intra LC administration of the H₄ agonist VUF 8430 attenuated mechanical and thermal allodynia of mice that underwent spared nerve injury (SNI). Similarly, histamine in the LC showed mechanical and thermal anti-hypersensitivity. Pretreatment of LC with JNJ 10191584 (H₄ antagonist) prevented the beneficial effect of VUF 8430 and histamine on nociceptive behaviour. Comparable results were obtained after intrathecal administration of drugs. The intrathecal administration of the α₂-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine ameliorated mechanical and thermal allodynia in SNI mice. The clonidine-induced anti-hypersensitivity effect was prevented by intra LC pretreatment with JNJ 10191584. In addition, clonidine failed to suppress neuropathic pain in H₄ deficient mice. LC H₄ receptors showed a ubiquitous distribution within LC, a neuronal localization and H₄ immunostaining was detected on noradrenergic neurons expressing phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a marker of neuronal activation. Under pain pathological conditions H₄ stimulation might promote the activation of the coeruleospinal noradrenergic neurons that exert an inhibitory control over spinal dorsal horn neuronal excitability. Thus, histamine H₄ receptor stimulation may represent a perspective for neuropathic pain management.

Bioisosteric Development of Multitarget Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Carbonic Anhydrases Inhibitor Hybrids for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Multitarget nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI) agents for the management of rheumatoid arthritis are reported. The evidence of the plasma stability of the amide-linked hybrids previously reported prompted us to investigate their pain-relieving mechanism of action. A bioisosteric amide to ester substitution yielded a series of derivatives showing potent target CAs inhibition and to undergo cleavage in rat or human plasma depending on the NSAID portion. A selection of derivatives were assayed in vitro to indirectly evaluate their effect on COX-1 and COX-2. MD simulations demonstrated that the entire hybrids are also able to efficiently bind the COX active site. In a rat model of RA, the most promising derivative (5c) showed major antihyperalgesic action compared with the equimolar coadministration of the single agents. The gathered data provided new insights on the action mechanism of these multitarget compounds, which induce markedly improved pain relief compared with the parent NSAIDs.

Effect of Mediterranean Diet Enriched in High Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Gut Microbiota in Obese and Normal Weight Adult Subjects

Introduction: The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is useful in the prevention of overweight, obesity and metabolic disease. High Quality-Extra Virgin Olive Oil (HQ-EVOO), an essential component of this diet, exerts protective effects against chronic diseases. Gut Microbiota (GM), recognized as a key factor in driving metabolic activities, is involved in the regulation of host immunity. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and their probio-active cellular substances produce beneficial effects in the gastrointestinal tract.

Materials and Methods: Eighteen overweight/obese subjects (cases, BMI ≥25 kg/m²) and 18 normal weight controls (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m²) were fed with MD enriched with 40 g/die HQ-EVOO for three months. Feces and blood samples were collected at time 0 (T0) and after three months (T1) for LAB composition, oxidative stress, metabolic and inflammation parameter determinations.

Results: Myeloperoxidase and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, were significantly decreased after MD rich in HQ-EVOO both in controls and in cases. Proinflammatory cytokines levels were significantly decreased in cases in comparison to controls, while IL-10 and adiponectin were significantly increased in cases. LAB’s rpoB copies/ng of DNA increased 55.6 folds in cases compared to their baseline after MD rich in HQ-EVOO. MD rich in HQ-EVOO increased adiponectin and IL-10 concentration in overweight/obese subjects and decreased oxidative stress and inflammation parameters and at the same time, increased LAB number in GM.

Discussion: Our results indicate that MD rich in HQ-EVOO induces an increase of LAB in GM and could have a potential role in the prevention of inflammation.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03441802.

Effects of PARP-1 Deficiency and Histamine H4 Receptor Inhibition in an Inflammatory Model of Lung Fibrosis in Mice

Pulmonary fibrosis is the most frequent form of interstitial lung disease. Effective therapies are not yet available; novel therapeutic approaches are needed for counteracting fibrosis. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases are enzymes, involved in DNA repair and cell apoptosis. PARP-1 deficient mice exhibited reduced lung fibrosis in response to bleomycin treatment compared to wild-type controls. Histamine H₄ receptors (H₄Rs) have been recognized as a new target for inflammatory and immune diseases, and H₄R ligands reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in lung tissue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cross-talk between PARP-1 and H₄R in a model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in PARP-1^−/− and WT mice. Animals were treated with bleomycin or saline by intra-tracheal injection. JNJ7777120, an H₄R antagonist, or VUF8430, an H₄R agonist, were administered i.p for 21 days. Airway resistance to inflation was evaluated, and lung tissues were processed for PARylated protein content, oxidative stress evaluation, and histology of small bronchi. The levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β and TNF-α), regulatory (IL-10), and pro-fibrotic (TGF-β) cytokines were evaluated. The deposition of αSMA was determined by immunofluorescence analysis. The results indicate that JNJ7777120 reduces PARylated protein production, decreases oxidative stress damage, and MPO, a marker for leukocyte tissue infiltration, in PARP-1^−/− mice. A significant decrease in the production of both IL-1β and TNF-α and a significant increase in IL-10 levels are observed in mice treated with H₄R antagonist, suggesting a crucial anti-inflammatory activity of JNJ7777120. The smooth muscle layer thickness, the goblet cell relative number, and collagen deposition decreased following JNJ7777120 administration. The H₄R antagonist treatment also reduces TGF-β production and αSMA deposition, suggesting an important role of JNJ7777120 in airway remodeling. Our results show that PARylation is essential for the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and propose that PARP-1 and H₄Rs are both involved in inflammatory and fibrotic responses. JNJ7777120 treatment, in a condition of PARP-1 inhibition, exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects, reducing airway remodeling and bronchoconstriction. Therefore, selective inhibition of H₄Rs together with non-toxic doses of selective PARP-1 inhibitors could have clinical relevance for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Urban Growth, Land-use Efficiency and Local Socioeconomic Context: A Comparative Analysis of 417 Metropolitan Regions in Europe

The present study presents a multidimensional analysis of land-use efficiency in terms of per-capita built-up area over 417 metropolitan regions from 27 European countries. The study period encompasses two urban phases including economic expansion (2000-2007) and crisis (2008-2015). Multiple geographical gradients were identified as relevant predictors of land-use efficiency across Europe. The socioeconomic variables most associated with high land-use efficiency were per-capita disposable income (in Western, Atlantic and Central Europe) and income growth during 2000-2007 (in Eastern Europe), indicating that wealthier cities are characterized by higher land-use efficiency. Land-use efficiency increased in contexts with diversified urban landscapes.

Plasmatic carbonic anhydrase IX as a diagnostic marker for clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) IX is regarded as a tumour hypoxia marker and CA inhibitors have been proposed as a new class of antitumor agents, with one such agent in Phase II clinical trials. The expression of some CAs, in particular the isoforms CA IX and CA XII, has been correlated with tumour aggressiveness and progression in several cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility that CA IX could represent a marker related to clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC). Bcl-2 and Bax, and the activity of caspase-3, evaluated in tissue biopsies from patients, were congruent with resistance to apoptosis in ccRCCs with respect to healthy controls, respectively. In the same samples, the CA IX and pro-angiogenic factor VEGF expressions revealed that both these hypoxia responsive proteins were strongly increased in ccRCC with respect to controls. CA IX plasma concentration and CA activity were assessed in healthy volunteers and patients with benign kidney tumours and ccRCCs. CA IX expression levels were found strongly increased only in plasma from ccRCC subjects, whereas, CA activity was found similarly increased both in plasma from ccRCC and benign tumour patients, compared to healthy volunteers. These results show that the plasmatic level of CA IX, but not the CA total activity, can be considered a diagnostic marker of ccRCCs. Furthermore, as many reports exist relating CA IX inhibition to a better outcome to anticancer therapy in ccRCC, plasma levels of CA IX could be also predictive for response to therapy.

A Selective Histamine H4 Receptor Antagonist, JNJ7777120, Is Protective in a Rat Model of Transient Cerebral Ischemia

Cerebral ischemia is a multifactorial pathology characterized by different events evolving in time. The acute injury, characterized by excitoxicity, is followed by a secondary brain injury that develops from hours to days after ischemia. Extracellular levels of histamine increase in the ischemic area after focal cerebral ischemia induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAo). The histamine H4 receptor (H4R) is predominantly expressed in cell types of immune system where is involved in the regulation of immunological and inflammatory responses, and in numerous area of the Central Nervous System (CNS) including cortex and striatum. Our aim was to assess the putative neuroprotective effects of the potent and selective H4R antagonist, JNJ7777120 (JNJ), chronically administered (1 mg/kg, i.p., twice/day for 7 days) on damage parameters in a rat model of focal ischemia induced by transient MCAo (tMCAo). Chronic treatment with the H4R antagonist JNJ, significantly protected from the neurological deficit and from body weight loss after tMCAo. Seven days after the ischemic insult, JNJ reduced the volume of the ischemic cortical and striatal damage, the number of activated microglia and astrocytes in the ischemic cortex and striatum and decreased the plasma levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, while increased the levels of IL-10. Two days after ischemia, JNJ has reduced granulocyte infiltration in the ischemic area. Results demonstrate that the selective antagonist of H4R, JNJ, systemically and chronically administered after ischemia, reduces the ischemic brain damage, improves the neurological deficit and decreases blood pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that H4R is a valuable pharmacological target after focal brain ischemia.

Targeting Serotonin 2A and Adrenergic α1 Receptors for Ocular Antihypertensive Agents: Discovery of 3,4-Dihydropyrazino[1,2-b]indazol-1(2H)-one Derivatives

Glaucoma affects millions of people worldwide and causes optic nerve damage and blindness. The elevation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) is the main risk factor associated with this pathology, and decreasing IOP is the key therapeutic target of current pharmacological treatments. As potential ocular hypotensive agents, we studied compounds that act on two receptors (serotonin 2A and adrenergic α₁ ) linked to the regulation of aqueous humour dynamics. Herein we describe the design, synthesis, and pharmacological profiling of a series of novel bicyclic and tricyclic N2-alkyl-indazole-amide derivatives. This study identified a 3,4-dihydropyrazino[1,2-b]indazol-1(2H)-one derivative with potent serotonin 2A receptor antagonism, >100-fold selectivity over other serotonin subtype receptors, and high affinity for the α₁ receptor. Moreover, upon local administration, this compound showed superior ocular hypotensive action in vivo relative to the clinically used reference compound timolol.

Fructose liquid and solid formulations differently affect gut integrity, microbiota composition and related liver toxicity: a comparative in vivo study

Despite clinical findings suggesting that the form (liquid versus solid) of the sugars may significantly affect the development of metabolic diseases, no experimental data are available on the impact of their formulations on gut microbiota, integrity and hepatic outcomes. In the present sudy, C57Bl/6j mice were fed a standard diet plus water (SD), a standard diet plus 60% fructose syrup (L-Fr) or a 60% fructose solid diet plus water (S-Fr) for 12 weeks. Gut microbiota was characterized through 16S rRNA phylogenetic profiling and shotgun sequencing of microbial genes in ileum content and related volatilome profiling. Fructose feeding led to alterations of the gut microbiota depending on the fructose formulation, with increased colonization by Clostridium, Oscillospira and Clostridiales phyla in the S-Fr group and Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae and Dorea in the L-Fr. S-Fr evoked the highest accumulation of advanced glycation end products and barrier injury in the ileum intestinal mucosa. These effects were associated to a stronger activation of the lipopolysaccharide-dependent proinflammatory TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in the liver of S-Fr mice than of L-Fr mice. In contrast, L-Fr intake induced higher levels of hepatosteatosis and markers of fibrosis than S-Fr. Fructose-induced ex novo lipogenesis with production of SCFA and MCFA was confirmed by metagenomic analysis. These results suggest that consumption of fructose under different forms, liquid or solid, may differently affect gut microbiota, thus leading to impairment in intestinal mucosa integrity and liver homeostasis.

Methadone Dose Adjustments, Plasma R-Methadone Levels and Therapeutic Outcome of Heroin Users: A Randomized Clinical Trial

AIMS

We aimed to improve the retention in treatment and therapeutic outcome of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients by adjusting the oral methadone dose in order to reach a "target" plasma R-methadone level (80-250 ng/mL).

METHODS

A multicenter randomized controlled trial was organized.

RESULTS

The intention-to-treat statistical analysis showed that repeated dose adjustments performed in order to obtain therapeutic plasma R-methadone levels did not improve retention in treatment of heroin-dependent patients. However, patients having plasma methadone levels in the "target range" at the beginning of the study had a better retention in treatment than controls. Furthermore, patients succeeding in keeping plasma R-methadone target levels (per protocol analysis) remained in treatment and improved their social scores better than controls. -Conclusion: Although the primary endpoint of this study was not demonstrated, a post hoc and a per protocol analysis suggested that patients in MMT with plasma R-methadone concentrations in the target range have a better therapeutic outcome than controls.

Paths to Change: Bio-Economic Factors, Geographical Gradients and the Land-Use Structure of Italy

This study introduces a bio-economic approach to evaluate the influence of local socioeconomic contexts on complex processes of landscape transformation (urbanization, withdrawal of farming with woodland creation and loss in crop mosaics) in a sustainable development perspective. Land-use and socioeconomic indicators (including shares of agriculture, industry and services in total product, per-worker value added, productivity by economic sector, distance from central cities, latitude and elevation) at the local district scale in Italy have been considered together in an exploratory approach based on multivariate statistics. The combined use of land-use and socioeconomic indicators was preferred to more traditional approaches based on single-variable analysis and allows identifying latent factors of landscape transformation at the local scale. Our approach sheds light in the intimate relationship between regional economic structures and land-use change in districts with varying socio-environmental attributes across Italy. Urban-rural divides, coastal-inland dichotomy and the elevation gradient were relevant factors shaping urbanization-driven landscape transformations at the country scale. Indicators of economic structure (and especially industrial production and per-worker productivity of industry and services) were also documented to influence greatly entity and direction of change in the use of land. Discontinuous and dispersed urbanization has been demonstrated to be spatially-decoupled from consolidated (continuous and compact) urbanization, expanding into undeveloped rural areas progressively far away from central cities and being spatially associated with forest land.

Effects of a semi-synthetic N-,O-sulfated glycosaminoglycan K5 polysaccharide derivative in a rat model of cerebral ischaemia/ reperfusion injury

Heparin and low molecular weight heparins may reduce brain damage evoked by ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, although their use is hampered by the risk of haemorrhage. Chemical and enzymatic modifications of K5 polysaccharide have shown the possibility to produce heparin-like compounds with low anticoagulant activity and strong anti-inflammatory effects. Using a rat model of transient cerebral I/R, we investigated the effects of an epimerised N-,O-sulfated K5 polysaccharide derivative, K5-N,OSepi, on the infarct size, motor activity and injury caused by ischaemia (30 min) and reperfusion. Reperfusion was allowed for 60 min or 1–5 days. Rats reperfused for 5 days showed an infarct volume of 30.7 ±3.1% and K5-N,OSepi (0.1–1 mg/kg) caused dose-dependent reduction in infarct size (maximum at 1 mg/kg: 13.1 ±2.1% infarct volume). This effect was associated with a significant improvement in motor performance. In the rat hippocampus, one of the brain areas most sensitive to I/R injury, I/R induced a robust increase in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, a marker of neutrophil infiltration, that was halved by K5-N,OSepi administration (66.38 ±7.75 µU MPO/tissue g, 30.78 ±5.67 µU MPO/tissue g, respectively). K5-N,OSepi drastically reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2,inducible-nitric-oxide-synthase and intercellular-adhesion-molecule-1. I/R-induced activation of nuclear factor-kB was attenuated by drug treatment. Furthermore, K5-N,OSepi administration was associated with a significant modulation of apoptosis markers, such as Bid and Bcl-2. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the sulfated semi-synthetic K5 derivative K5-N,OSepi protects the brain against I/R injury by disrupting multiple levels of the apoptotic and inflammatory cascade, including inhibition of NF-κB activation.

gem-Dinitroalkyl Benzenes: A Novel Class of IOP-Lowering Agents for the Treatment of Ocular Hypertension

Primary open angle glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. Nitric oxide has recently received particular attention as a potential antiglaucoma agent. In this work, gem-dinitroalkyl benzenes are evaluated for their capability to act as a new class of IOP lowering agents. These derivatives have been endowed with a variety of NO-release capacities and found to relax contracted rat aorta strips in a concentration-dependent manner. They have been studied for their IOP-lowering activity in a transient ocular hypertensive rabbit model at 1% dose. The most effective IOP-lowering products were compounds 9-11 and 13, whose activity was similar to that of Molsidomine 120 min after administration. Compounds 9 and 13 were selected for evaluation using carbomer-induced glaucoma as the chronic model of IOP. They cause a significant reduction in IOP in the first 24 h, and their activity is maintained over 5 days, displaying a Molsidomine-like profile.

Diabetes and pre-diabetes in tuberculosis patients in western Kenya using point-of-care glycated haemoglobin

Setting: The tuberculosis (TB) clinics of five health facilities in western Kenya. Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated determinants of diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre-diabetes hyperglycaemia among adult TB patients using point-of-care DCA Vantage glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) devices. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Results: Of 454 patients, 272 (60%) were males, the median age was 34 years, 175 (39%) were co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the median duration of anti-tuberculosis treatment was 8 weeks; 180 (40%) patients reported at least one classical symptom suggestive of DM. The prevalence of DM (HbA1c ⩾6.5%) was 5.1% (95%CI 3.2-7.5), while that of pre-diabetes (HbA1c 5.7-6.4%) was 37.5% (95%CI 33.1-42.2). The number needed to screen (NNS) was 19.6 for DM and 2.7 for pre-diabetes. Combined, 42.6% (95%CI 38.0-47.3) of the patients had either pre-diabetes or DM (NNS 2.3). Seven of the 23 patients with DM knew their prior DM status. Higher rates of DM were associated with age ⩾40 years and a family history of DM, but not obesity, type of TB, HIV status or suggestive symptoms. Conclusions: High rates of pre-diabetes and DM were found in adult TB patients. This study supports the need for routine screening of all patients with TB for DM in Kenya.

The Inhibitory Effects of HYDAMTIQ, a Novel PARP Inhibitor, on Growth in Human Tumor Cell Lines With Defective DNA Damage Response Pathways

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes play a key role in the regulation of cellular processes (e.g., DNA damage repair, genomic stability). It has been shown that PARP inhibitors (PARPIs) are selectively cytotoxic against cells having dysfunctions in genes involved in DNA repair mechanisms (synthetic lethality). Drug-induced PARP inhibition potentiates the activity of anticancer drugs such as 5-fluorouracil in enhancing DNA damage, whose repair involves PARP-1 activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of a novel PARPI, HYDAMTIQ, on growth in human tumor cell lines characterized by different features with regard to DNA damage response pathways (BRCA mutational status, microsatellite status, and ATM expression level) and degree of sensitivity/resistance to 5-fluorouracil. HYDAMTIQ showed a more potent inhibitory effect on cell growth in a BRCA2 mutant cell line (CAPAN-1) compared with wild-type cells (C2-6, C2-12, and C2-14 CAPAN-1 clones, and MCF-7). No statistically significant difference was observed after HYDAMTIQ exposure between cells having a different MS status or a different MRE11 mutational status. HYDAMTIQ induced greater antiproliferative effects in SW620 cells expressing a low level of ATM than in H630 cells expressing a high level of ATM. Finally, the combination of HYDAMTIQ and 5-fluorouracil exerted a synergistic effect on the inhibition of SW620 cell growth and an antagonistic effect on that of H630 cell growth. Our results show that the novel PARP inhibitor HYDAMTIQ potently inhibits the growth of human tumor cells with defective DNA damage response pathways and exerts synergistic cytotoxicity in combination with 5-fluorouracil. These data provide relevant examples of synthetic lethality and evidence for further development of this novel PARPI.

New furoxan derivatives for the treatment of ocular hypertension

A small series of water-soluble NO-donor furoxans bearing a basic center at the 4-position, having a wide lipophilic-hydrophilic balance range, and endowed with different NO-release capacities, were synthesized and characterized. Selected members were studied for their IOP-lowering activity in the transient ocular hypertensive rabbit model at 1% dose. The most effective IOP-lowering products were compounds 3 and 7, whose activity 60min after administration was similar to that of Timolol. Notably, 7 was characterized by a long-lasting action. The IOP-lowering activity in this series of products appeared to be modulated by the lipophilic-hydrophilic balance rather than by the NO-donor capacity.

Benzenesulfonamides Incorporating Flexible Triazole Moieties Are Highly Effective Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: Synthesis and Kinetic, Crystallographic, Computational, and Intraocular Pressure Lowering Investigations

Herein we report the synthesis of two series of benzenesulfonamide containing compounds that incorporate the phenyl-1,2,3-triazole moieties. We explored the insertion of appropriate linkers, such as ether, thioether, and amino type, into the inner section of the molecules with the intent to confer additional flexibility. All obtained compounds were screened in vitro as inhibitors of the physiologically relevant human (h) isoforms of the metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1). Many of them were low nanomolar or subnanomolar hCA II, IX, and XII inhibitors, whereas they did not potently inhibit hCA I. Computational and X-ray crystallographic studies of the enzyme-inhibitor adducts helped us to rationalize the obtained results. Some of the sulfonamides reported here showed significant intraocular pressure lowering activity in an animal model of glaucoma.

Histamine H4 receptor agonist-induced relief from painful peripheral neuropathy is mediated by inhibition of spinal neuroinflammation and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neuropathic pain is under-treated, with a detrimental effect on quality of life, partly because of low treatment efficacy, but also because pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully elucidated. To clarify the pathobiology of neuropathic pain, we studied the contribution of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in a model of peripheral neuropathy. We also assessed an innovative treatment for neuropathic pain by investigating the effects of histamine H₄ receptor ligands in this model.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

A peripheral mononeuropathy was induced in mice, by spared nerve injury (SNI). Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated by spectrophotometry. The mechanical (von Frey test) and thermal (plantar test) nociceptive thresholds were evaluated.

KEY RESULTS

SNI mice showed increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α, decreased antioxidant enzyme Mn-containing SOD (MnSOD), increased levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an indicator of oxidative DNA damage, and of PARP, nuclear enzyme activated upon DNA damage. Intrathecal administration of VUF 8430 (H₄ receptor agonist) reversed the mechanical and thermal allodynia and was associated with decreased expression of IL-1ß, TNF-α, 8-OHdG and PARP and with restoration of MnSOD activity in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve. These effects were prevented by JNJ 10191584 (H₄ receptor antagonist).

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

In the SNI mouse model of neuropathic pain, neuronal H₄ receptor stimulation counteracts hyperalgesia and reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve. Targeting both oxidative stress and pro-neuroinflammatory pathways through H₄ receptor-mediated mechanisms could have promising therapeutic potential for neuropathic pain management.

HYDAMTIQ, a selective PARP-1 inhibitor, improves bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by dampening the TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a severe disease characterized by excessive myofibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix and fibrils deposition, remodelling of lung parenchyma and pulmonary insufficiency. Drugs able to reduce disease progression are available, but therapeutic results are unsatisfactory; new and safe treatments are urgently needed. Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases‐1 (PARP‐1) is an abundant nuclear enzyme involved in key biological processes: DNA repair, gene expression control, and cell survival or death. In liver and heart, PARP‐1 activity facilitates oxidative damage, collagen deposition and fibrosis development. In this study, we investigated the effects of HYDAMTIQ, a potent PARP‐1 inhibitor, in a murine model of lung fibrosis. We evaluated the role of PARP on transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) expression and TGF‐β/SMAD signalling pathway in lungs. Mice were intratracheally injected with bleomycin and then treated with either vehicle or different doses of HYDAMTIQ for 21 days. Airway resistance to inflation and lung static compliance, markers of lung stiffness, were assayed. Histochemical and biochemical parameters to evaluate TGF‐β/SMAD signalling pathway with alpha‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) deposition and the levels of a number of inflammatory markers (tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, iNOS and COX‐2) were performed. Bleomycin administration increased lung stiffness. It also increased lung PARP activity, TGF‐β levels, pSMAD3 expression, αSMA deposition and content of inflammatory markers. HYDAMTIQ attenuated all the above‐mentioned physiological, biochemical and histopathological markers. Our findings support the proposal that PARP inhibitors could have a therapeutic potential in reducing the progression of signs and symptoms of the disease by decreasing TGF‐β expression and the TGF‐β/SMAD transduction pathway.

Role of histamine H4 receptor ligands in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Fibrosis of lung tissue is a disease where a chronic inflammatory process determines a pathological remodelling of lung parenchyma. The animal model obtained by intra-tracheal administration of bleomycin in C57BL/6 mice is one of the most validated murine model. Bleomycin stimulates oxidative stress and the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Histamine H4R have recently been implicated in inflammation and immune diseases. This study was focused to investigate the effects of H4R ligands in the modulation of inflammation and in the reduction of lung fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice treated with bleomycin. C57BL/6 mice were treated with vehicle, JNJ7777120 (JNJ, selective H4R antagonist) or ST-1006 (partial H4R agonist), ST-994 (H4R neutral antagonist) and ST-1012 (inverse H4R agonist) at equimolar doses, released by micro-osmotic pumps for 21days. Airway resistance to inflation was assayed and lung samples were processed to measure malondialdehyde (TBARS); 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG); myeloperoxidase (MPO); COX-2 expression and activity as markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Fibrosis and airway remodelling were evaluated throughout transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), percentage of positive Goblet cells, smooth muscle layer thickness determination. Our results indicated that JNJ, ST-994 and ST-1012 decreased inflammation and oxidative stress markers, i.e. the number of infiltrating leukocytes evaluated as lung tissue MPO, COX-2 expression and activity, TBARS and 8OHdG production. They also reduced the level of TGF-β, a pro-fibrotic cytokine, collagen deposition, thickness of smooth muscle layer, Goblet cells hyperplasia; resulting in a decrease of airway functional impairment. The results here reported clearly demonstrated that H4R ligands have a beneficial effect in a model of lung fibrosis in the mouse, thus indicating that H4R antagonists or inverse agonists could be a novel therapeutic strategy for lung inflammatory diseases.

Monothiocarbamates Strongly Inhibit Carbonic Anhydrases in Vitro and Possess Intraocular Pressure Lowering Activity in an Animal Model of Glaucoma

A series of monothiocarbamates (MTCs) were prepared from primary/secondary amines and COS as potential carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitors, using the dithiocarbamates, the xanthates, and the trithiocarbonates as lead compounds. The MTCs effectively inhibited the pharmacologically relevant human (h) hCAs isoforms I, II, IX, and XII in vitro and showed KIs spanning between the low and medium nanomolar range. By means of a computational study, the MTC moiety binding mode on the CAs was explained. Furthermore, a selection of MTCs were evaluated in a normotensive glaucoma rabbit model for their intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects and showed interesting activity.

Protection from Cigarette Smoke-Induced Lung Dysfunction and Damage by H2 Relaxin (Serelaxin)

Cigarette smoke (CS) is the major etiologic factor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is characterized by airway remodeling, lung inflammation and fibrosis, emphysema, and respiratory failure. The current therapies can improve COPD management but cannot arrest its progression and reduce mortality. Hence, there is a major interest in identifying molecules susceptible of development into new drugs to prevent or reduce CS-induced lung injury. Serelaxin (RLX), or recombinant human relaxin-2, is a promising candidate because of its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties highlighted in lung disease models. Here, we used a guinea pig model of CS-induced lung inflammation, and remodeling reproducing some of the hallmarks of COPD. Animals exposed chronically to CS (8 weeks) were treated with vehicle or RLX, delivered by osmotic pumps (1 or 10 μg/day) or aerosol (10 μg/ml/day) during CS treatment. Controls were nonsmoking animals. RLX maintained airway compliance to a control-like pattern, likely because of its capability to counteract lung inflammation and bronchial remodeling. In fact, treatment of CS-exposed animals with RLX reduced the inflammatory recruitment of leukocytes, accompanied by a significant reduction of the release of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β). Moreover, RLX was able to counteract the adverse bronchial remodeling and emphysema induced by CS exposure by reducing goblet cell hyperplasia, smooth muscle thickening, and fibrosis. Of note, RLX delivered by aerosol has shown a comparable efficacy to systemic administration in reducing CS-induced lung dysfunction and damage. In conclusion, RLX emerges as a new molecule to counteract CS-induced inflammatory lung diseases.

Histamine Regulates Actin Cytoskeleton in Human Toll-like Receptor 4-activated Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells Tuning CD4+ T Lymphocyte Response

Histamine, a major mediator in allergic diseases, differentially regulates the polarizing ability of dendritic cells after Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation, by not completely explained mechanisms. In this study we investigated the effects of histamine on innate immune reaction during the response of human monocyte-derived DCs (mDCs) to different TLR stimuli: LPS, specific for TLR4, and Pam3Cys, specific for heterodimer molecule TLR1/TLR2. We investigated actin remodeling induced by histamine together with mDCs phenotype, cytokine production, and the stimulatory and polarizing ability of Th0. By confocal microscopy and RT-PCR expression of Rac1/CdC42 Rho GTPases, responsible for actin remodeling, we show that histamine selectively modifies actin cytoskeleton organization induced by TLR4, but not TLR2 and this correlates with increased IL4 production and decreased IFNγ by primed T cells. We also demonstrate that histamine-induced cytoskeleton organization is at least in part mediated by down-regulation of small Rho GTPase CdC42 and the protein target PAK1, but not by down-regulation of Rac1. The presence and relative expression of histamine receptors HR1-4 and TLRs were determined as well. Independently of actin remodeling, histamine down-regulates IL12p70 and CXCL10 production in mDCs after TLR2 and TLR4 stimulation. We also observed a trend of IL10 up-regulation that, despite previous reports, did not reach statistical significance.

Virus-induced gene silencing in Catharanthus roseus by biolistic inoculation of tobacco rattle virus vectors

Catharanthus roseus constitutes the unique source of several valuable monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, including the antineoplastics vinblastine and vincristine. These alkaloids result from a complex biosynthetic pathway encompassing between 30 and 50 enzymatic steps whose characterisation is still underway. The most recent identifications of genes from this pathway relied on a tobacco rattle virus-based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) approach, involving an Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation of plasmids encoding the two genomic components of the virus. As an alternative, we developed a biolistic-mediated approach of inoculation of virus-encoding plasmids that can be easily performed by a simple bombardment of young C. roseus plants. After optimisation of the transformation conditions, we showed that this approach efficiently silenced the phytoene desaturase gene, leading to strong and reproducible photobleaching of leaves. This biolistic transformation was also used to silence a previously characterised gene from the alkaloid biosynthetic pathway, encoding iridoid oxidase. Plant bombardment caused down-regulation of the targeted gene (70%), accompanied by a correlated decreased in MIA biosynthesis (45-90%), similar to results obtained via agro-transformation. Thus, the biolistic-based VIGS approach developed for C. roseus appears suitable for gene function elucidation and can readily be used instead of the Agrobacterium-based approach, e.g. when difficulties arise with agro-inoculations or when Agrobacterium-free procedures are required to avoid plant defence responses.

Cyclodextrin complexation highly enhances efficacy of arylsulfonylureido benzenesulfonamide carbonic anhydrase inhibitors as a topical antiglaucoma agents

Two new sulfonamides incorporating arylsulfonylureido moieties were complexed with gamma cyclodextrin (γ-CD), hydroxypropyl-gamma cyclodextrin (HPγ-CD), hydroxypropyl-beta cyclodextrin (HPβ-CD) and hydroxyethyl-beta cyclodextrin (HEβ-CD) in order to obtain drug formulations with effective topical intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects, in an animal model of glaucoma. The HPγ-CD was the best solubilizing agent for the two sulfonamides and its complexes were characterized in detail and administered to rabbits with eye hypertension of 45-50 mmHg. The peak IOP lowering was observed after 1h post-administration and was of 36-37 mmHg. A low IOP pressure (of around-35 mmHg) was then maintained for the next 24h post-administration, which has not been observed before with any IOP lowering drug.