Targeted Library of Phosphonic-Type Inhibitors of Human Neutrophil Elastase

Despite many years of research, human neutrophil elastase (HNE) still remains an area of interest for many researchers. This multifunctional representative of neutrophil serine proteases is one of the most destructive enzymes found in the human body which can degrade most of the extracellular matrix. Overexpression or dysregulation of HNE may lead to the development of several inflammatory diseases. Previously, we presented the HNE inhibitor with kinact/KI value over 2,000,000 [M-1s-1]. In order to optimize its structure, over 100 novel tripeptidyl derivatives of α-aminoalkylphosphonate diaryl esters were synthesized, and their activity toward HNE was checked. To confirm the selectivity of the resultant compounds, several of the most active were additionally checked against the two other neutrophil proteases: proteinase 3 and cathepsin G. The developed modifications allowed us to obtain a compound with significantly increased inhibitory activity against human neutrophil elastase with high selectivity toward cathepsin G, but none toward proteinase 3.

Diisothiocyanate-Derived Mercapturic Acids Are a Promising Partner for Combination Therapies in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma represents the most aggressive tumor of the central nervous system. Due to invasion of glioblastoma stem cells into the healthy tissue, chemoresistance, and recurrence of the tumor, it is difficult to successfully treat glioblastoma patients, which is demonstrated by the low life expectancy of patients after standard therapy treatment. Recently, we found that diisothiocyanate-derived mercapturic acids, which are isothiocyanate derivatives from plants of the Cruciferae family, provoked a decrease in glioblastoma cell viability. These findings were extended by combining diisothiocyanate-derived mercapturic acids with dinaciclib (a small-molecule inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases with anti-proliferative capacity) or temozolomide (TMZ, standard chemotherapeutic agent) to test whether the components have a cytotoxic effect on glioblastoma cells when the dosage is low. Here, we demonstrate that the combination of diisothiocyanate-derived mercapturic acids with dinaciclib or TMZ had an additive or even synergistic effect in the restriction of cell growth dependent on the combination of the components and the glioblastoma cell source. This strategy could be applied to inhibit glioblastoma cell growth as a therapeutic interference of glioblastoma.

The 45-second anterior knee pain provocation test: A quick test of knee pain and sporting function in 10-14-year-old adolescents with patellofemoral pain

OBJECTIVE

To test 1) if the 45-second Anterior Knee Pain Provocation Test (AKPP-test) could differentiate between adolescents with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and pain-free controls and; 2) whether improvements in the AKPP-test over 12 weeks were associated with improvements in self-reported knee function and pain.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort.

PATIENTS

151 with PFP and 50 pain-free controls (age 10-14 years).

OUTCOMES

The AKPP-test was performed at baseline, 4- and 12-week follow-up. Pain and function were collected using Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).

RESULTS

At baseline, the AKPP-test provoked pain to a median of 5 points (IQR: 3-7) on the 0-10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale in adolescents with PFP, compared to 0 (IQR 0-0) in controls. Higher pain during the AKPP-test was associated with worse KOOS-Sport/Rec (r = -0.33, P < 0.001), worse KOOS-Pain (r = -0.47, P < 0.001), and pain intensity (worst pain last 24 hours) (r = -0.39, P < 0.001) at baseline. Improvements in the AKPP-test over 12 weeks were associated with improvements in KOOS Pain (r = 0.48, P < 0.001) and KOOS Sport/Rec (r = 0.40, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in the AKPP-test were associated with improvements in self-report knee pain and limitations in sports, suggesting the AKPP-test may be a clinically responsive test of knee pain and sporting function in adolescents with PFP.

Activity Modification and Knee Strengthening for Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background:

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) affects 1 in 10 adolescents. There is a lack of evidence-based interventions, and passive approaches (eg, rest and avoidance of painful activities) are often prescribed.

Purpose:

To investigate an intervention consisting of education on activity modification and knee-strengthening exercises designed for adolescents with OSD.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This study included 51 adolescents (51% female; age range, 10-14 years) with OSD. The 12-week intervention consisted of an activity ladder designed to manage patellar tendon loading and pain, knee-strengthening exercises, and a gradual return to sport. The primary outcome was the global reporting of change at 12 weeks, evaluated with a 7-point Likert scale (successful outcome was considered “much improved” or “improved”). Additional endpoints were at 4, 8, 26, and 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), objective strength, and jump performance.

Results:

Adolescents reported a mean pain duration of 21 months at enrollment. After 12 weeks, 80% reported a successful outcome, which increased to 90% at 12 months. At 12 weeks, 16% returned to playing sport, which increased to 69% at 12 months. The KOOS subscores of Pain, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation, and Quality of Life improved significantly (7-20 points), and there were improvements in knee extension strength (32%; P < .001), hip abduction strength (24%; P < .001), and jumping for distance (14%; P < .001) and height (19%; P < .001) at 12 weeks.

Conclusion:

An intervention consisting of activity modification, pain monitoring, progressive strengthening, and a return-to-sport paradigm was associated with improved self-reported outcomes, hip and knee muscle strength, and jumping performance. This approach may offer an alternative to passive approaches such as rest or wait-and-see, often prescribed for adolescents with OSD.

Registration:

NCT02799394 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier)

Activity Modification and Load Management of Adolescents With Patellofemoral Pain: A Prospective Intervention Study Including 151 Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) affects 7% of adolescents, especially those who are highly active. Exercise-focused treatments show limited effect and overlook activity modification and load management. As many adolescents continue at high levels of sports despite pain, a new strategy addressing this problem is warranted.

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of a treatment strategy for adolescents that focuses on activity modification and load management.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

Adolescents aged 10 to 14 years with PFP were included (N = 151). The 12-week intervention included 4 supervised sessions with a physical therapist, which adolescents and parents were required to attend. The intervention included activity modification (weeks 1-4) to reduce loading of the patellofemoral joint via an activity ladder and pain monitoring, home-based exercises (weeks 5-8), and return-to-sport guidance (weeks 9-12). Primary outcome was a 7-point global rating of change, ranging from "much improved" to "much worse." Adolescents were considered to have a successful outcome if they reported "much improved" or "improved." The primary endpoint was at 12 weeks, with additional follow-up at 4, 24, and 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), hip and knee torque, sports participation, satisfaction with treatment, and use of painkillers.

RESULTS

At 12 weeks, 87% completed the full questionnaire, of which 86% reported a successful outcome, as compared with 77% (95% CI, 68%-83%) at 6 months and 81% (95% CI, 73%-88%) at 12 months. There were large clinically relevant improvements in 3 KOOS subscales: Pain, Sport/Recreation, and Quality of Life (13-24 points). Hip and knee torque increased by 20% to 33%. In total, 68% were back playing sport after 3 months, which increased to 79% at 6 months and 81% at 12 months. The majority were satisfied with the treatment (90%) and would recommend it to a friend (95%). No specific patient characteristics were associated with prognosis.

CONCLUSION

A treatment strategy focusing on activity modification and load management was associated with high rates of successful outcome among adolescents with PFP at 12 and 52 weeks. These short- and longer-term outcomes were supported by improvements in symptoms and objective measures of hip and knee torque.

REGISTRATION

NCT02402673 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Viability of glioblastoma stem cells is effectively reduced by diisothiocyanate-derived mercapturic acids

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive tumor of the central nervous system and is manifested by diffuse invasion of glioblastoma stem cells into the healthy tissue, chemoresistance and recurrence. Despite aggressive therapy, consisting of maximal surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide (Temodal^®), life expectancy of patients with glioblastoma is typically less than 15 months. In general, natural isothiocyanates isolated from plants of the Cruciferae family are selectively cytotoxic to tumor cells. It has been demonstrated previously that diisothiocyanate-derived mercapturic acids are highly cytotoxic to colon cancer cells. In the present study, the application of diisothiocyanate-derived mercapturic acids led to a decrease in the viability of an established glioblastoma cell line, primary patient-derived sphere-cultured stem cell-enriched cell populations (SCs), and cells differentiated from SCs. Consequently, targeting glioblastoma cells by diisothiocyanate-derived mercapturic acids is a promising approach to restrict tumor cell growth and may be a novel therapeutic intervention for the treatment of glioblastoma.