Biopharmaceutical Industry Capability Building in India: Report from a Symposium

The biopharmaceutical industry is evolving with a shift in focus from recombinant proteins and antibodies towards more complex cell and gene therapies. To be competitive globally, biomanufacturers need to focus on aligning with global standards with regard to drug quality, reducing manufacturing failures and delivering drugs to market quickly. Building these capabilities requires a multifaceted approach that includes improvements in operations, quality compliance, and control strategies. To address these needs, the US Pharmacopeia (USP), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) India, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) held a symposium to discuss the requirements and gaps in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors in India and other developing countries. A panel of experts from academia, manufacturing, and governmental agencies identified several drivers needed for capability building, including a skilled workforce, public-private partnerships, advanced manufacturing technologies, novel biologics, and favorable policies. This article summarizes the recommendations put forward by this panel.

Building trust in the quality of vaccines

To date, several COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for the voluntary immunization of adults. The quick availability of multiple vaccines is a good strategy to achieve herd immunity during a pandemic. However, the fast-track development of vaccines during this pandemic has raised concerns regarding the quality, safety, and effectiveness of vaccines. In response, USP organized a roundtable to discuss challenges and to solicit input on ways to build trust in vaccines. Key discussion points included manufacturing capacity, availability of a skilled workforce, and investment in new technologies that would enable the safety and quality of vaccine products. There was also a consensus that a rigorous and transparent clinical trial design is essential for understanding the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.

The management of menopausal symptoms in women following treatment for cancer at a specialist menopause service

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify prescribing patterns at a specialist menopause service in a central London teaching hospital for women following treatment for a malignancy.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study with data collected over a seven-month period from December 2019 to June 2020. All women reviewed at the specialist menopause services following treatment of a malignancy, BRCA carriers and Lynch syndrome were included in the study, with management options divided into three categories: hormonal, non-hormonal and no treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome of this study was to identify prescribing patterns for all women reviewed following a diagnosis of a malignancy, as well as those with genetic mutations necessitating risk-reducing prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy (BSO).

RESULTS

Altogether 71 women were included in this study, with the majority of women post management of a non-gynaecological malignancy (51/71, 72%), of which breast cancer was the most common (37/71, 52%). While non-hormonal treatment was the most popular among those treated for breast cancer, for all other malignancies, hormonal treatment was more widespread. Fourteen women also had genetic mutations, with all of these women commencing hormonal treatment post risk reducing surgery.

CONCLUSION

With the exception of those with a history of hormone-sensitive breast cancer, the use of hormonal treatment for menopausal symptoms remained widespread. While this was a relatively small study, the need for long-term follow-up across specialist menopause services, to assess the risk of recurrence is vital.

Recommendations for Enhancing Quality and Capability of Indian Biopharmaceutical Industry: Summary of a Workshop

The biopharmaceutical industry is undergoing an evolutionary phase with the rise of advanced manufacturing technologies. The regulatory and customer requirements are shifting towards the development of personalized or targeted medicines. With this changing landscape, industry must evaluate the relevance of quality management systems. Over the past two decades, Indian companies have played a significant role in generating access and reducing costs of medicines. The quality management systems that enable the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals require companies to adapt to regulatory requirements of process development, clinical trials, production, and life cycle management. To better understand the status and potential opportunities to enhance the quality management systems of manufacturing biopharmaceuticals, a workshop was organized by United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE). This paper summarizes the recommendations by the panel and participants of the workshop to industry stakeholders, governance bodies, and policymakers. Following points were proposed to strengthen the culture of quality processes in Indian biopharmaceutical industry: i) Inculcating a culture of quality; ii) Effective training programs on quality processes; iii) Focus on quality beyond compliance; iv) Focus on automation and digitization. v) Enhance processes for pharmacovigilance and product life cycle management. vi) Understanding global regulatory processes.

Growth and digestive enzyme activities of rohu labeo rohita fed diets containing macrophytes and almond oil-cake

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Rohu were fed with almond oil-cake/ duckweed/ water fern and fishmeal blend diets.

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Highest growth was found in duckweed-based diet fed rohu.

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Duckweed is a rich source of amino acids for rohu.

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Feed composition influenced amylase, protease and lipase activities.

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Duckweed helped to replace 300 g/kg dietary fishmeal without affecting growth.

The impact of plant-based diets on the digestive physiology of rohu Labeo rohita fingerlings (10.66 ± 0.53 g) was evaluated. A diet with all protein supplied by fishmeal was included as a control (F). Four test diets containing 300 g/kg protein were formulated using the following plant ingredients and fishmeal in a 1:1 blend: almond oil-cake Terminalia catappa (FTC), duckweed Lemna minor (FLM), water fern Salvania molesta (FSM) and combination of these three ingredients (FTCLMSM). The final body weight and specific growth rate were significantly higher in rohu fed diet FLM compared to the other treatments. Significantly lower feed conversion ratio in rohu fed diet FLM showed that diet was utilized efficiently in this feeding regime compared to the other diets. The composition of diets also influenced the digestive enzyme activities of the fish. Thus, amylase, trypsin and chymotrypsin activities were significantly higher in rohu fed diet FLM compared to the rohu fed the other diets. Protease activity was significantly higher in rohu fed diets FTC and F and lipase activity was significantly higher in rohu fed diet FTC compared to the rohu fed the other diets. The inclusion of raw duckweed in feed replaced 300 g/kg of dietary fishmeal without affecting growth.

NIST Interlaboratory Study on Glycosylation Analysis of Monoclonal Antibodies: Comparison of Results from Diverse Analytical Methods

Glycosylation is a topic of intense current interest in the development of biopharmaceuticals because it is related to drug safety and efficacy. This work describes results of an interlaboratory study on the glycosylation of the Primary Sample (PS) of NISTmAb, a monoclonal antibody reference material. Seventy-six laboratories from industry, university, research, government, and hospital sectors in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia submitted a total of 103 reports on glycan distributions. The principal objective of this study was to report and compare results for the full range of analytical methods presently used in the glycosylation analysis of mAbs. Therefore, participation was unrestricted, with laboratories choosing their own measurement techniques. Protein glycosylation was determined in various ways, including at the level of intact mAb, protein fragments, glycopeptides, or released glycans, using a wide variety of methods for derivatization, separation, identification, and quantification. Consequently, the diversity of results was enormous, with the number of glycan compositions identified by each laboratory ranging from 4 to 48. In total, one hundred sixteen glycan compositions were reported, of which 57 compositions could be assigned consensus abundance values. These consensus medians provide community-derived values for NISTmAb PS. Agreement with the consensus medians did not depend on the specific method or laboratory type. The study provides a view of the current state-of-the-art for biologic glycosylation measurement and suggests a clear need for harmonization of glycosylation analysis methods.

Abstract P5-05-10: Estrogen receptor β suppresses metastasis of inflammatory breast cancer by regulating cell cytoskeleton and cytokine signaling

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most lethal form of breast cancer that accounts for about 10% of breast cancer mortality annually in US. Poor prognosis is largely due to the high propensity of IBC tumors to develop distant metastasis that occurs directly from the gland epithelium and through lymphatic invasion in which dermal lymphatics are filled with tumor emboli. Owing to the complex metastatic process, the molecular basis of IBC aggressiveness is poorly understood, and no specific therapeutic target has been identified. Despite the lack of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in the majority of IBC tumors, estrogen may still play a role in these cancers through pathways that involve ERβ. Our tissue staining reveals expression of ERβ in more than 50% of IBCs that is reproduced in IBC cell lines. Furthermore, analysis of IBC datasets indicates correlation of receptor expression with good prognosis. We studied this association in preclinical models of IBC by knocking out ERβ in IBC cells. This promotes migration and invasion through cytoskeleton remodeling whereas re-expression of the receptor in knockout cells restores the cytoskeletal structure and migration to the levels of control cells. Consistent with increased migration, deletion of ERβ activates large gene networks of cell de-differentiation and cytokine synthesis that trigger tumor microenvironment responses to promote the motile phenotype of IBC cells. In contrast, ligands that activate the receptor inhibit signaling that contributes to metastasis in IBC. Analysis of an orthotopic xenograft model shows that IBC tumors lacking ERβ have higher propensity for metastasis compared with the ERβ-proficient tumors supporting the anti-metastatic activity of the receptor. Our findings point towards a role of ERβ in preventing distant metastases by inhibiting dissemination of IBC cells and maintaining the integrity of emboli. This function combined with distinct expression indicates the potential of ERβ to represent a unique prognostic marker and therapeutic target that can be utilized to repress IBC metastasis and eliminate its associated mortality.

Citation Format: Thomas C, Karagounis I, Srivastava RK, Kumar S, Karar J, Chao H-H, Kazimierczak A, Bado I, Nikolos F, Leli N, Koumenis C, Krishnamurthy S, Ueno NT, Chakrabarti R, Maity A. Estrogen receptor β suppresses metastasis of inflammatory breast cancer by regulating cell cytoskeleton and cytokine signaling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-05-10.

Artificial intelligence and the radiologist: the future in the Armed Forces Medical Services

Artificial intelligence (AI) involves computational networks (neural networks) that simulate human intelligence. The incorporation of AI in radiology will help in dealing with the tedious, repetitive, time-consuming job of detecting relevant findings in diagnostic imaging and segmenting the detected images into smaller data. It would also help in identifying details that are oblivious to the human eye. AI will have an immense impact in populations with deficiency of radiologists and in screening programmes. By correlating imaging data from millions of patients and their clinico-demographic-therapy-morbidity-mortality profiles, AI could lead to identification of new imaging biomarkers. This would change therapy and direct new research. However, issues of standardisation, transparency, ethics, regulations, training, accreditation and safety are the challenges ahead. The Armed Forces Medical Services has widely dispersed units, medical echelons and roles ranging from small field units to large static tertiary care centres. They can incorporate AI-enabled radiological services to subserve small remotely located hospitals and detachments without posted radiologists and ease the load of radiologists in larger hospitals. Early widespread incorporation of information technology and enabled services in our hospitals, adequate funding, regular upgradation of software and hardware, dedicated trained manpower to manage the information technology services and train staff, and cyber security are issues that need to be addressed.

Dietary supplementation of vitamin C: an effective measure for protection against UV-B irradiation using fish as a model organism

The development of UV-B protective mechanisms in aquacultural species is essential for the sustainable production of healthy aqua crop. Freshwater carp Catla catla larvae (13.5 ± 1.12 mg) were fed with a diet containing 0.5% vitamin C (D1) and a control diet (D2) for 40 days. Each group was exposed to two doses of UV-B irradiation: 360 (5 min, D1_{5 min} and D2_{5 min}) and 720 mJ cm^-2 (10 min, D1_{10 min} and D2_{10 min}) for 15 days. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher survival and average weight were recorded in D1 compared to D2 exposed to the same dose. Also, significantly (p < 0.001) higher nitric oxide synthase and lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and heat shock protein 70 levels were recorded in D1_{5 min} compared to the other groups. A direct relationship was found between the dose of UV-B and DNA fragmentation in muscles. DNA damage indices such as tail DNA, tail extent moment and olive tail moment were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in D1_{5 min}. Thus, supplementation of vitamin C in the diet provides UV-B protection to larvae.

The Effect of Plasma Fibrinogen Levels on Measures of Fibrinolytic Activity

It has been claimed that lysis time methods may be inappropriate as measures of fibrinolytic activity on the grounds that they are largely determined by plasma fibrinogen levels. The dilute blood clot lysis time (DBCLT) has therefore been measured in 103 subjects; fibrinolytic activity (expressed as 100/DBCLT) has been compared with the fibrin plate area (FPA) lysed by the euglobulin fraction, the latter method being, of course, virtually independent of plasma fibrinogen. Plasma fibrinogen levels have also been measured; they ranged from 167 to 416 mg%. Results have been analysed by the technique of multiple regression. The incorporation of plasma fibrinogen levels in the regression equation relating 100/DBCLT to FPA does not result in a significant increase in the proportion of the variance in 100/DBCLT that can be explained. It is concluded that there is no evidence that DBCLT is influenced by plasma fibrinogen levels within the physiological range.

Overview of Fibrinolysis

The modern concepts of fibrinolytic activation and inhibition are discussed in this paper and the importance of the complex interlinkage with the kallikrein-kinin, coagulation, complement and immunity mechanisms is underlined.

The importance of the fibrinolytic balance as a protective mechanism in prevention of thrombus formation, in inflammation and in cancer is postulated and in population studies the normal decline with age is standardised.

The possibilities for long term fibrinolytic enhancement by use of a variety of drugs, such as the biguanides and anabolic steroids has been demonstrated.

Effect of dietary supplementation with Achyranthes aspera seed on larval rohu Labeo rohita challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

Larval rohu Labeo rohita were fed four different diets: three of the diets contained Achyranthes aspera (prickly chaff-flower) seeds at 0.10% (D1), 0.25% (D2), or 0.50% (D3); the fourth diet was a control diet (D4; no A. aspera supplementation). After 70 d, the rohu were injected intraperitoneally with live Aeromonas hydrophila. Mortality of fish was recorded for 7 d. In the D4 group, the first mortality was observed within 12 h of exposure, whereas in the D1-D3 treatment groups, mortality was first observed at 24 h postexposure. In the D4 group, 50% of fish died within 72 h of exposure, whereas in the D3 group, 10-15% mortality occurred between 72 and 84 h. The cumulative mortality rate was 50% for D4, 40% for D1, 35% for D2, and 15% for D3. Total tissue protein level in the larvae was higher for the D2 and D3 groups than for the other groups. Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels were significantly lower in D3 larvae than in the other groups, whereas lysozyme and nitric oxide synthase levels were significantly higher in D3 larvae compared with the other groups. Dietary supplementation with A. aspera seeds at the 0.50% level provided protection against oxidative stress, prevented tissue damage, and enhanced disease resistance in rohu larvae.

Novel pyrazole-3-carboxamide derivatives as cannabinoid-1 (CB1) antagonists: journey from non-polar to polar amides

The synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrazole-3-carboxamide derivatives as CB1 antagonists are described. As a part of eastern amide SAR, various chemically diverse motifs were introduced. In general, a range of modifications were well tolerated. Several molecules with high polar surface area were also identified as potent CB1 receptor antagonists. The in vivo proof of principle for weight loss is exemplified with a lead compound from this series.

Reproductive function for a C-terminus extended, male-transmitted cytochrome c oxidase subunit II protein expressed in both spermatozoa and eggs

Our previous study documented expression of a male-transmitted cytochrome c oxidase subunit II protein (MCOX2), with a C-terminus extension (MCOX2e), in unionoidean bivalve testes and sperm mitochondria. Here, we present evidence demonstrating that MCOX2 is seasonally expressed in testis, with a peak shortly before fertilization that is independent of sperm density. MCOX2 is localized to the inner and outer sperm mitochondrial membranes and the MCOX2 antibody's epitope is conserved across >65 million years of evolution. We also demonstrate the presence of male-transmitted mtDNA and season-specific MCOX2 spatial variation in ovaries. We hypothesize that MCOX2 plays a role in reproduction through gamete maturation, fertilization and/or embryogenesis.

Advances in antithrombotic agents

Thrombosis is the condition where an imbalance in the homeostatic mechanism results in unwanted intravascular thrombus formation. Imbalances in this highly regulated process of coagulation and anticoagulation can lead to a variety of pathophysiological conditions leading to stroke, pulmonary heart attack and other serious conditions. In the western world, thromboembolic diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Remarkable progress has occurred over the last decade in the development of antithrombotic drugs, which can be classified into 3 major categories - Anticoagulants, Antiplatelets and thrombolytics. Increased understanding of the pathobiology of thrombotic and vascular disorders has helped researchers to target novel pathways involving the coagulation, thrombolytic, fibrinolytic and integrin systems. Traditionally aspirin and unfractionated heparin was used for myocardial infarction. Newer antiplatelet agents such as, clopidogrel, GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, low molecular weight heparin, direct thrombin inhibitors and several improved thrombolytic agents have been introduced for clinical use. This review will discuss different important drugs, which have been launched in recent years and also some new targets pursued by different companies.

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial evaluation of DRF 8417, a new oxazolidinone

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

DRF 8417, a novel oxazolidinone, has been evaluated against Gram-positive and fastidious Gram-negative bacteria. In vitro activity of DRF 8417 was determined by broth microdilution method and in vivo efficacy studies were carried out in different murine systemic infection models.

RESULTS

DRF 8417 exhibited potent activity against Gram-positive pathogens with MIC(50) and MIC(90) values ranging from 0.06 to 1 mg/L. MICs against Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis were one to two dilutions lower than those of linezolid. The in vivo efficacy, by oral route, in different susceptible and resistant Gram-positive systemic bacterial infection models ranged from 2.0 to 2.9 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies displayed the excellent in vitro and in vivo activity of DRF 8417 against Gram-positive pathogens and lower MICs when compared with linezolid against H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis.

Synthesis and evaluation of N-acetyl-l-tyrosine based compounds as PPARα selective activators

The development of type 2 diabetes in obese individuals is linked to lipid accumulation in non-adipose tissues. A series of N-acetyl-L-tyrosine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for PPAR transactivation. Compounds 4d and 4f were found to show better PPARalpha transactivation as compared to PPARgamma. Molecular docking analysis was carried out to study their important interactions with the active site of PPARalpha.

The role of AMP kinase in diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by abnormal metabolism of glucose and fat, due in part to resistance to the actions of insulin in peripheral tissues. If untreated it leads to several complications such as blindness, kidney failure, neuropathy and amputations. The benefit of exercise in diabetic patients is well known and recent research indicates that AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a major role in this exercise related effect. AMPK is considered as a master switch regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. The AMPK is an enzyme that works as a fuel gauge, being activated in conditions of high energy phosphate depletion. AMPK is also activated robustly by skeletal muscle contraction and myocardial ischaemia, and is involved in the stimulation of glucose transport and fatty acid oxidation produced by these stimuli. In liver, activation of AMPK results in enhanced fatty acid oxidation and decreased production of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The two leading diabetic drugs namely, metformin and rosiglitazone, show their metabolic effects partially through AMPK. These data, along with evidence from studies showing that chemical activation of AMPK in vivo with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) improves blood glucose concentrations and lipid profiles, make this enzyme an attractive pharmacological target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Synthesis, in vitro and in silico evaluation of l-tyrosine containing PPARα/γ dual agonists

A novel series of l-tyrosine derivatives have been reported with potential PPARalpha/gamma dual agonistic activity. In vitro cell based PPARalpha/gamma transactivation studies have shown compound 4a and compound 4f to be the most potent PPARgamma and PPARalpha activators, respectively. Molecular docking studies performed on these series of compounds have complemented the experimental results and have led to interesting inferences.

Biochemical mechanism of insulin sensitization, lipid modulation and anti-atherogenic potential of PPAR alpha/gamma dual agonist: Ragaglitazar

The current goal in the treatment of diabetes is not only to enhance the glycemic control but also to improve the associated cardiovascular risk factors. Among many of the strategies available, a co-ligand of PPARalpha and gamma in a single molecule which combines the insulin sensitizing potential of PPARgamma and the beneficial lipid modulating properties of PPARalpha agonism, has gained attention in the recent past. Here we report the biochemical mechanism by which a dual PPAR alpha/gamma agonist Ragaglitazar (Raga) achieves this goal. The PPARalpha component of Raga appears to contribute to a significant increase in beta oxidation, ApoA1 secretion and inhibition of TG biosynthesis in HepG2 cells. These effects of Raga at 60 microM were similar to that shown by Fenofibrate (Feno) at 250 microM. The PPARgamma component of Raga showed significant G3PDH activity and TG accumulation with a corresponding increase in aP2 expression in 3T3L1 cells. Significantly reduced levels of IL-6 and TNFalpha were observed in the culture supernatants of Raga treated 3T3L1 cells. Raga resulted in significant insulin dependent glucose uptake in 3T3L1 with a corresponding increase in GLUT4 expression. Further, Raga showed a significant cholesterol efflux with a corresponding increase in ABCA1 protein expression in THP-1 macrophages. In conclusion, Raga activates both PPARalpha and gamma regulated pathway in adipocytes as well as in hepatocytes which together contributes for its insulin sensitizing and lipid lowering activity. In addition the dual activation of PPAR alpha/gamma also shows an athero-protective potential by inducing reverse cholesterol efflux and inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Antiobesity therapy: emerging drugs and targets

Obesity and its associated morbidities and mortalities are the effects of imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. The healthcare burden for the treatment of obesity is significantly high, due to increased risk of secondary chronic diseases such as hypertension and associated co-morbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Lack of physical activity, high fat diets and sedentary life styles are major factors contributing to obesity. However, genetic predisposition and ethnicity are increasingly found to cause obesity. Till date, approved therapeutics have addressed excess energy intake by acting on central neural circuits that regulate feeding or on peripheral mechanisms to reduce nutrient absorption from the gut. These approaches have met with moderate success; and recently with safety concerns, leaving an unmet medical need for effective and safe pharmacotherapy for obesity thereby posing a significant challenge to pharmaceutical industry. Potential antiobesity drugs, which are being investigated by different companies, can be classified in 4 broad categories: 1) Agents that primarily decrease appetite through central action; 2) Agents that primarily increase metabolic rate or affect metabolism through peripheral action; 3) Agents that act on gastrointestinal tract; and 4) Agents that not only affect obesity but also overall Metabolic Syndrome. The current review will deal mainly with different molecules, which are under development for the above-mentioned targets and also their potential benefits and disadvantages.

Antihypertensive effect of ragaglitazar: A novel PPARα and γ dual activator

Ragaglitazar is a novel and potent dual peroxisome proliferators activated receptor (PPAR) alpha and gamma activator. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of ragaglitazar on blood pressure and endothelial function in insulin resistant animal model and non-insulin resistant hypertensive models. The effects ragaglitazar were tested in Zucker fa/fa, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), 2 kidney 1clip rat (2K1C) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Pioglitazone was taken as a comparative standard. Ragaglitazar showed significant reduction (P<0.001) of systolic blood pressure (SBP) in insulin resistant fa/fa rats, with concomitant reduction in plasma triglycerides (TG) and insulin levels while pioglitazone (10 mg kg(-1)) showed significant (P<0.05) but comparatively less reduction. Ragaglitazar in contrast to pioglitazone showed significant reduction (P<0.05) of SBP in SHR, 2K1C while the same dose did not have any effect on normotensive WKY. Ragaglitazar also showed significant improvement in acetylcholine-induced relaxation in isolated aorta of Zucker fa/fa, SHR, 2K1C and also potentiated the insulin-induced vasorelaxation in Zucker fa/fa rats. These findings summarize that ragaglitazar shows significant reduction of BP and improvement in endothelial function not only in insulin resistant but also in non-insulin resistant hypertensive models where standard thiazolidinediones are ineffective. These data indicates that dual PPARalpha and gamma activator ragaglitazar can be beneficial for the treatment of hypertension and vascular disease commonly associated with type 2 diabetes.

Insulin sensitizing property of Indigofera mysorensis extract

Indigofera mysorens is a shrub used for its antidiabetic activity in rural India. Here, we elucidate the antidiabetic potential of Indigofera mysorensis extract. Ethanolic extract of the whole shrub of Indigofera (EEI) at 300 mg/kg for 10 days, produced a 63% reduction in plasma glucose, 41% reduction in plasma triglyceride and 77% reduction in plasma insulin levels in insulin resistant db/db mice, which is better than insulin sensitizer, troglitazone (400 mg/kg). EEI unlike sulphonylureas failed to show any acute hypoglycemic effect in normoglycemic Swiss albino mice (SAM). Even in a chronic study (10 days) in SAM, EEI (300 mg/kg) like insulin sensitizers showed no effect on plasma glucose, but an 81% reduction in plasma insulin levels. When challenged with 3 gm/kg sucrose, SAM treated with EEI (300 mg/kg, 7 days) failed to show any effect on the absorption of sugar, whereas standard drug, acarbose (10 mg/kg) showed 52% reduction in the area under the plasma glucose curve. EEI failed to show any significant transactivation of PPARgamma, a proposed target of synthetic insulin sensitizers. Taken together, our data indicate that the antidiabetic effect of the ethanolic extract of Indigofera is due to its insulin sensitizing property and is clearly different from that of sulfonylurea or acarbose.

Presence of a unique male-specific extension of C-terminus to the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II protein coded by the male-transmitted mitochondrial genome of Venustaconcha ellipsiformis (Bivalvia: Unionoidea)

Analyses of unionoidean bivalve male-transmitted (M) mtDNA genomes revealed an approximately 555 bp 3' coding extension to cox2. An antibody was generated against this predicted C-terminus extension to determine if the unique cox2 protein is expressed. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses demonstrated that the protein was predominantly expressed in testes. Weak expression was detected in other male tissues but the protein was not detected in female tissues. This is the first report documenting the expression of a cox2 protein with a long C-terminus in animals. Its universal presence in unionoidean bivalve testes suggests a functional significance for the protein.

Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus: present therapies and new drug targets

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes cases and has become a major health concern over the years. This disease has assumed frightening proportions due to unhealthy food habits and sedentary life style. About a decade ago, due to the absence of defined molecular targets or an understanding of disease pathophysiology, treatment of this disease was mostly focused on insulin secretion or administration of external insulin. During the past decade however, advent of genomics and proteomics has helped in understanding the molecular alteration characteristics of NIDDM. Untreated type 2 diabetes leads to several complications such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension and atherosclerosis--collectively known as Syndrome X. Though United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) showed that normalization of hyperglycemia could prevent majority of diabetes complications, the available treatment regime does not adequately normalize the blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic patients. Currently, four distinct classes of oral hypoglycemic agents are available, some of which can act as lipid lowering agents as well. The efficacy and side effect profiles of these drugs are still to be optimized, so there is an unmet need for better candidates. Several new targets as well as better drugs for old targets are under investigation across the world. Availability of such drugs, based on the validated targets, may lead to a new therapeutic paradigm for the prevention of diabetes as well as complications arising out of it. The current review will deal with existing oral therapies for type 2 diabetes as well as the emerging therapeutic targets.

Dual PPAR-alpha and -gamma activators derived from novel benzoxazinone containing thiazolidinediones having antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential

2,4-Thiazolidinedione derivatives of 1,3-benzoxazinone were synthesized and evaluated for their PPAR-alpha and -gamma dual activation. DRF-2519, a compound obtained through SAR of TZD derivatives of benzoxazinone, has shown potent dual PPAR activation. In ob/ob mice, it showed better efficacy than the comparator molecules. In fat fed rat model, it showed significant improvement in lipid parameters, which was better than fibrates.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of carbazole derivatives as PPAR alpha/gamma dual agonists and antioxidants

A series of hydroxycarbazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for PPAR alpha/gamma dual agonist as well as antioxidant activities. While most compounds showed good antioxidant activity, some compounds were identified as potential PPAR alpha/gamma dual agonists as well. Compounds 10a and 16 were found to be active in animal studies.

Digestive enzyme patterns and evaluation of protease classes in Catla catla (Family: Cyprinidae) during early developmental stages

Digestive enzymes of Catla catla were studied during ontogenic development. Specific amylase activity was 0.12+/-0.01 mg maltose mg protein(-1) h(-1) in fish 4 days after hatching (DAH) and reached a maximum on (0.41+/-0.12 mg maltose mg protein(-1) h(-1)) 34 DAH. Total protease activity was minimum (123.2+/-16.5 mU mg protein(-1) min(-1)) on day-8 and reached its highest level (2713+/-147.2 mU mg protein(-1) min(-1)) on day-32. Trypsin activity showed constant increasing trend from day-16 onwards and was maximum on day-34 (118.1+/-7.09 mU mg protein(-1) min(-1)). Highest chymotrypsin activity was found on day-32 (1789.0+/-111.7 mU mg protein(-1) min(-1)). Lipase activity was detected in 4 DAH catla. Lipase activity increased steadily from day-22 onwards. SDS-PAGE of crude enzyme extracts showed that high molecular mass bands (41.8-127.8 kDa) appeared during the early stages followed by low molecular mass bands (17.8-37.2 kDa). The number of protease activity bands in substrate SDS-PAGE increased with age of fish. During ontogenesis of carp, soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), PMSF and TLCK inhibited 75.5+/-1.19% to 92.8+/-0.85%, 53.3+/-9.47% to 90.5+/-2.6% and 39.8+/-3.8% to 84.7+/-1.54% of total protease activity, respectively. There was only 2.58+/-0.66% to 10.21+/-0.09% inhibition of protease activity with EDTA. SBTI and PMSF inhibited 8 and 4 activity bands, respectively. TLCK, a specific trypsin inhibitor, inhibited four trypsin-like enzymes in carp during ontogenesis.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced paw edema model for detection of cytokine modulating anti-inflammatory agents

Cytokines are critical to pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders. So inhibition of their action provides therapeutic benefits in various diseases. Although inhibition of inflammation caused by intraperitoneally administered LPS can identify cytokine modulators, this inflammatory test-agent does not allow one to determine overall anti-inflammatory potential. Functional characteristics of Carrageenan (Cara)-induced edema were valuable for identification of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Hence, the potential of LPS-induced paw inflammation was investigated and compared to that by Cara. Stimulation of isolated rat peritoneal exudates cells (PEC) with 10 ng/ml LPS, but not Cara, induced IL-6 (3.04+/-0.2 ng/ml) and TNFalpha (1.030.09 ng/ml). At least 100 mg/ml Cara was necessary for detection of IL-6 (2.03+/-0.1 ng/ml) and TNFalpha (0.6+0.09 ng/ml) in PEC. Similar to Cara, subplantar administration of LPS-induced inflammatory paw edema in rats. LPS, but not Cara, induced TNFalpha (2.14+/-0.6 ng/ml) and IL-6 (2.9+/-0.5 ng/ml) in serum at 1 and 3 h, respectively, which returned to basal levels by 5 h. LPS-induced serum TNFalpha (sTNFalpha) levels closely paralleled paw swelling and its neutralization by anti-TNFalpha antibody or inhibition by pentoxifylline and nimesulide correlated with inhibition of inflammation. Similar to earlier reports, rofecoxib induced sTNFalpha at 30 mg/kg and exhibited pro-inflammatory effect by enhancing paw swelling. LPS-induced edema provides a useful functional model for identification of cytokine modulating anti-inflammatory agents.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential of DRF 2519—a dual activator of PPAR-α and PPAR-γ

We investigated the biological activity of Dr. Reddy's Research Foundation (DRF) 2519, a benzoxazinone analogue of the thiazolidinedione class of compounds. In the in vitro transactivation assay, DRF 2519 showed interesting dual activation of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor (PPAR) alpha and gamma. In insulin-resistant ob/ob mouse model, DRF 2519 showed significant alleviation of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, which is better than rosiglitazone. Fatty Zucker rats treated with DRF 2519 showed better reduction of plasma insulin, triglyceride and free fatty acid levels than those treated with rosiglitazone. In addition, these rats were able to clear plasma lipids better when challenged with exogenous lipid (i.v.). DRF 2519 treatment resulted in improved plasma lipid profiles in high-fat-fed Sprague-Dawley rats. Treated rats showed better plasma lipid clearance and hepatic triglyceride secretion. When compared to DRF 2519, fenofibrate was comparatively less efficacious while rosigltiazone showed no activity in these models. In ex vivo studies, DRF 2519 showed induction of liver acyl CoA oxidase mRNA and increase in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) protein expression and activity in adipose tissue. In the in vitro studies, DRF 2519 inhibited the lipid biosynthesis and secretion of apolipoprotein B from human hepatoma (Hep)G2 cells. It also enhanced insulin-induced relaxation of rat aortic smooth muscle. These results indicate that DRF 2519, a dual activator of PPAR-alpha and gamma, could be an interesting development candidate in the management of metabolic disorders and associated complications.

Studies on some glitazones having pyridine as the linker unit

Molecular modeling on various well-known glitazones carrying a pyridine ring instead of benzene ring as the middle linker unit showed conformational rigidity as compared to their parent molecules. Blocking the lone pair of electrons on the pyridine N, made them flexible once again. A few representatives of these analogues were synthesized and their efficacy as PPARgamma agonists evaluated.

Ragaglitazar: a novel PPAR alpha PPAR gamma agonist with potent lipid-lowering and insulin-sensitizing efficacy in animal models

Ragaglitazar [(-) DRF 2725; NNC 61-0029] is a coligand of PPARalpha and PPARgamma. In ob/ob mice, ragaglitazar showed significant reduction in plasma glucose, triglyceride and insulin (ED50 values <0.03, 6.1 and <0.1 mg kg-1). These effects are three-fold better than rosiglitazone and KRP-297. In Zucker fa/fa rats, ragaglitazar showed dose-dependent reduction in triglyceride and insulin, hepatic triglyceride secretion and triglyceride clearance kinetics (maximum of 74, 53, 32 and 50% at 3 mg kg-1), which are better than rosiglitazone and KRP-297. In a high-fat-fed hyperlipidaemic rat model, the compound showed an ED50 of 3.95, 3.78 mg kg-1 for triglyceride and cholesterol lowering, and 0.29 mg kg-1 for HDL-C increase. It also showed improvement in clearance of plasma triglyceride and hepatic triglyceride secretion rate. All these effects are 3-10-fold better than fenofibrate and KRP-297. Ragaglitazar treatment showed significant reduction in plasma Apo B and Apo CIII levels, and increase in liver CPT1 and CAT activity and ACO mRNA. Significant increase of both liver and fat LPL activity and fat aP2 mRNA was also observed. In a high-fat-fed hamster model, ragaglitazar at 1 mg kg-1 showed 83 and 61% reduction in triglyceride and total cholesterol, and also 17% reduction in fat feed-induced body weight increase. In these hyperlipidaemic animal models, PPARgamma ligands failed to show any significant efficacy. Taken together, ragaglitazar shows better insulin-sensitizing and lipid-lowering potential, as compared to the standard compounds.

Novel coumarin derivatives of heterocyclic compounds as lipid-lowering agents

Coumarin derivatives of different heterocycles (5,7a-i, 10 and 11) were designed based on cyclisation of 2-ethoxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid and 2-benzylmalonic acid as novel lipid-lowering agents and their preliminary in vivo screening indicates 7c has moderate triglyceride-lowering activity.

PAT5A: a partial agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma is a potent antidiabetic thiazolidinedione yet weakly adipogenic

PAT5A [5-[4-[N-(2-pyridyl)-(2S)-pyrrolidine-2-methoxyl]phenylmethylene[thiazolidine-2,4-dione, malic acid salt]], a chemically distinct unsaturated thiazolidinedione, activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) submaximally in vitro with the binding affinity approximately 10 times less than that of rosiglitazone, a highly potent thiazolidinedione. PAT5A reduces plasma glucose level and improves insulin sensitivity in insulin resistant db/db mice, similar to that of rosiglitazone, while exerting a relatively weak adipogenic effect. In contrast to rosiglitazone, PAT5A inhibits cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis suggesting that PAT5A possesses a unique receptor-independent non-PPAR related property. PAT5A induces qualitatively similar but quantitatively different protease digestion patterns and interacts with PPARgamma differently than rosiglitazone. PAT5A shows differential cofactor recruitment and gene activation than that of rosiglitazone. Thus, the partial agonism of PAT5A to PPARgamma together with its receptor independent effects may contribute to its antidiabetic potency similar to rosiglitazone in vivo despite reduced affinity for PPARgamma. These biological effects suggest that PAT5A is a PPARgamma modulator that activates some (insulin sensitization), but not all (adipogenesis), PPARgamma-signaling pathways.

Novel thieno oxazine analogues as antihyperglycemic and lipid modulating agents

A series of phenyl acetic acid and alpha-hydroxy propionic acid derivatives were synthesized. In vivo studies of the compounds indicated compound 2c as the most potent in one of the series, which has both glucose and lipid lowering properties. The syntheses and biological studies have been discussed.

DRF 2655: a unique molecule that reduces body weight and ameliorates metabolic abnormalities

OBJECTIVE

Preclinical evaluation of DRF 2655, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) and PPARgamma agonist, as a body-weight lowering, hypolipidemic and euglycemic agent.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

DRF 2655 was studied in different genetic, normal, and hyperlipidemic animal models. HEK 293 cells were used to conduct the reporter-based transactivation of PPARalpha and PPARgamma. To understand the biochemical mechanism of lipid-, body-weight-, and glucose-lowering effects, activities of key beta-oxidation and lipid catabolism enzymes and gluconeogenic enzymes were studied in db/db mice treated with DRF 2655. 3T3L1 cells were used for adipogenesis study, and HepG2 cells were used to study the effect of DRF 2655 on total cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis using [(14)C]acetate and [(3)H]glycerol.

RESULTS

DRF 2655 showed concentration-dependent transactivation of PPARalpha and PPARgamma. In the 3T3L1 cell-differentiation study, DRF 2655 and rosiglitazone showed 369% and 471% increases, respectively, in triglyceride accumulation. DRF 2655 showed body-weight lowering and euglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in various animal models. db/db mice treated with DRF 2655 showed 5- and 3.6-fold inhibition in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose 6-phosphatase activity and 651% and 77% increases in the beta-oxidation enzymes carnitine palmitoyltransferase and carnitine acetyltransferase, respectively. HepG2 cells treated with DRF 2655 showed significant reduction in lipid synthesis.

DISCUSSION

DRF 2655 showed excellent euglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in different animal models. An exciting finding is its body-weight lowering effect in these models, which might be mediated by the induction of target enzymes involved in hepatic lipid catabolism through PPARalpha activation.

PMT13, a pyrimidone analogue of thiazolidinedione improves insulin resistance-associated disorders in animal models of type 2 diabetes

AIM

To evaluate the antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic potential of a novel thiazolidinedione, PMT13, in different animal models of insulin resistance.

METHODS

PPAR transactivation study was performed in HEK293T cells using ligand binding domains of PPARalpha, gamma and delta. Insulin-resistant db/db and ob/ob mice were treated orally with different doses of PMT13 at 0.3-10 mg/kg/day for 15 and 14 days respectively. Zucker fa/fa rats were treated with 3 mg/kg (p.o.) dose of the compound. Plasma glucose, triglyceride, free fatty acid and insulin levels were measured. Liver glucose 6-phosphatase (G6-Ptase) and adipose lipoprotein lipase activity was measured in treated mice. Isolated rat aortic preparations preconstricted with phenylephrine were used to study the vascular relaxation potential of PMT13 in presence of insulin. A 28-day oral toxicity study was performed in Wistar rats.

RESULTS

PMT13 showed similar PPARgamma activation as rosiglitazone, but failed to show any activity against PPARalpha or PPARdelta. In obese and diabetic db/db and ob/ob mice, PMT13 showed better reduction in plasma glucose, triglyceride and insulin levels than rosiglitazone and an improvement in glucose tolerance. In insulin-resistant Zucker fa/fa rat model, PMT13 treatment showed better reduction in plasma triglyceride, free fatty acid and insulin levels than that of rosiglitazone. Treated mice showed decreased G6-Ptase activity in liver. The LPL activity was increased in post-heparin plasma and epididymal fat of treated db/db mice. In an isolated, precontracted rat aortic preparation, PMT13 treatment significantly increased insulin-induced relaxation. A 28-day oral toxicity study in rats showed no treatment-related adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Our studies indicate that PMT13 is a potent activator of PPARgamma with antidiabetic, hypolipidaemic and insulin-sensitizing properties. Additionally, PMT13 inhibited liver G6-Ptase activity and increased lipoprotein lipase activity. It showed improvement in insulin-induced vasorelaxation. The compound also showed a good safety margin. Therefore, PMT13 can be a potential drug candidate for future development.