The aminosalicylate - folate connection

Two aminosalicylate isomers have been found to possess useful pharmacological behavior: p-aminosalicylate (PAS, 4AS) is an anti-tubercular agent that targets M. tuberculosis, and 5-aminosalicylate (5AS, mesalamine, mesalazine) is used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). PAS, a structural analog of pABA, is biosynthetically incorporated by bacterial dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS), ultimately yielding a dihydrofolate (DHF) analog containing an additional hydroxyl group in the pABA ring: 2'-hydroxy-7,8-dihydrofolate. It has been reported to perturb folate metabolism in M. tuberculosis, and to selectively target M. tuberculosis dihydrofolate reductase (mtDHFR). Studies of PAS metabolism are reviewed, and possible mechanisms for its mtDHFR inhibition are considered. Although 5AS is a more distant structural relative of pABA, multiple lines of evidence suggest a related role as a pABA antagonist that inhibits bacterial folate biosynthesis. Structural data support the likelihood that 5AS is recognized by the DHPS pABA binding site, and its effects probably range from blocking pABA binding to formation of a dead-end dihydropterin-5AS adduct. These studies suggest that mesalamine acts as a gut bacteria-directed antifolate, that selectively targets faster growing, more folate-dependent species.

p-Aminobenzoic acid inhibits the growth of soybean pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines by altering outer membrane integrity

BACKGROUND

p-Aminobenzoic acid (pABA) is an environmentally friendly bioactive metabolite synthesized by Lysobacter antibioticus. This compound showed an unusual antifungal mode of action based on cytokinesis inhibition. However, the potential antibacterial properties of pABA remain unexplored.

RESULTS

In this study, pABA showed antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. This metabolite inhibited growth (EC50  = 4.02 mM), and reduced swimming motility, extracellular protease activity, and biofilm formation in the soybean pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines (Xag). Although pABA was previously reported to inhibit fungal cell division, no apparent effect was observed on Xag cell division genes. Instead, pABA reduced the expression of various membrane integrity-related genes, such as cirA, czcA, czcB, emrE, and tolC. Consistently, scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that pABA caused major alternations in Xag morphology and blocked the formation of bacterial consortiums. In addition, pABA reduced the content and profile of outer membrane proteins and lipopolysaccharides in Xag, which may explain the observed effects. Preventive and curative applications of 10 mM pABA reduced Xag symptoms in soybean plants by 52.1% and 75.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The antibacterial properties of pABA were studied for the first time, revealing new insights into its potential application for the management of bacterial pathogens. Although pABA was previously reported to show an antifungal mode of action based on cytokinesis inhibition, this compound inhibited Xag growth by altering the outer membrane's integrity. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Molecular docking and antimalarial evaluation of hybrid para-aminobenzoic acid 1,3,5 triazine derivatives via inhibition of Pf-DHFR

In this study, a structurally guided pharmacophore hybridization strategy is used to combine the two key structural scaffolds, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and 1,3,5 triazine in search of new series of antimalarial agents. A combinatorial library of 100 compounds was prepared in five different series as [4A (1-22), 4B (1-21), 4 C (1-20), 4D (1-19) and 4E (1-18)] using different primary and secondary amines, from where 10 compounds were finally screened out through molecular property filter analysis and molecular docking study as promising PABA substituted 1,3,5-triazine scaffold as an antimalarial agent. The docking results showed that compounds 4A12 and 4A20 exhibited good binding interaction with Phe58, IIe164, Ser111, Arg122, Asp54 (-424.19 to -360.34 kcal/mol) and Arg122, Phe116, Ser111, Phe58 (-506.29 to -431.75 kcal/mol) against wild (1J3I) and quadruple mutant (1J3K) type of Pf-DHFR. These compounds were synthesized by conventional as well as microwave-assisted synthesis and characterized by different spectroscopic methods. In-vitro antimalarial activity results indicated that two compounds 4A12 and 4A20 showed promising antimalarial activity against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum with IC50 (1.24-4.77 μg mL-1) and (2.11-3.60 μg mL-1). These hybrid PABA substituted 1,3,5-triazine derivatives might be used in the lead discovery towards a new class of Pf-DHFR inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid Derivatives: Converting Folate Precursor to Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Agents

4-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), an essential nutrient for many human pathogens, but dispensable for humans, and its derivatives have exhibited various biological activities. In this study, we combined two pharmacophores using a molecular hybridization approach: this vitamin-like molecule and various aromatic aldehydes, including salicylaldehydes and 5-nitrofurfural, via imine bond in one-step reaction. Resulting Schiff bases were screened as potential antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents. The simple chemical modification of non-toxic PABA resulted in constitution of antibacterial activity including inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (minimum inhibitory concentrations, MIC, from 15.62 µM), moderate antimycobacterial activity (MIC ≥ 62.5 µM) and potent broad-spectrum antifungal properties (MIC of ≥ 7.81 µM). Some of the Schiff bases also exhibited notable cytotoxicity for cancer HepG2 cell line (IC50 ≥ 15.0 µM). Regarding aldehyde used for the derivatization of PABA, it is possible to tune up the particular activities and obtain derivatives with promising bioactivities.

Drugging the Folate Pathway in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: The Role of Multi-targeting Agents

The folate biosynthetic pathway offers many druggable targets that have yet to be exploited in tuberculosis therapy. Herein, we have identified a series of small molecules that interrupt Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) folate metabolism by dual targeting of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), a key enzyme in the folate pathway, and its functional analog, Rv2671. We have also compared the antifolate activity of these compounds with that of para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS). We found that the bioactive metabolite of PAS, in addition to previously reported activity against DHFR, inhibits flavin-dependent thymidylate synthase in Mtb, suggesting a multi-targeted mechanism of action for this drug. Finally, we have shown that antifolate treatment in Mtb decreases the production of mycolic acids, most likely due to perturbation of the activated methyl cycle. We conclude that multi-targeting of the folate pathway in Mtb is associated with highly potent anti-mycobacterial activity.

Molecular Antioxidant Properties and In Vitro Cell Toxicity of the p-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) Functionalized Peptide Dendrimers

BACKGROUND

Exposure to ozone level and ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the major concerns in the context of public health. Numerous studies confirmed that abundant free radicals initiate undesired processes, e.g. carcinogenesis, cells degeneration, etc. Therefore, the design of redox-active molecules with novel structures, containing radical quenchers molecules with novel structures, and understanding their chemistry and biology, might be one of the prospective solutions. Methods: We designed a group of peptide dendrimers carrying multiple copies of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and evaluated their molecular antioxidant properties in 1,1'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) tests. Cytotoxicity against human melanoma and fibroblast cells as well as against primary cerebral granule cells (CGC) alone and challenged by neurotoxic sodium glutamate and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in presence of dendrimers were measured. Results: PABA-terminated dendrimers express enhanced radical and radical cation scavenging properties in relation to PABA alone. In cellular tests, the dendrimers at 100 M fully suppress and between 20⁻100 M reduce proliferation of the human melanoma cell line. In concentration 20 M dendrimers generate small amount of the reactive oxygen species (<25%) but even in their presence human fibroblast and mouse cerebellar granule cells remain intact Moreover, dendrimers at 0.2⁻20 µM concentration (except one) increased the percentage of viable fibroblasts and CGC cells treated with 100 M glutamate. Conclusions: Designed PABA-functionalized peptide dendrimers might be a potential source of new antioxidants with cationic and neutral radicals scavenging potency and/or new compounds with marked selectivity against human melanoma cell or glutamate-stressed CGC neurons. The scavenging level of dendrimers depends strongly on the chemical structure of dendrimer and the presence of other groups that may be prompted into radical form. The present studies found different biological properties for dendrimers constructed from the same chemical fragments but the differing structure of the dendrimer tree provides once again evidence that the structure of dendrimer can have a significant impact on drug⁻target interactions.

Antifungal Metabolite p-Aminobenzoic Acid (pABA): Mechanism of Action and Efficacy for the Biocontrol of Pear Bitter Rot Disease

Colletotrichum fructicola, a fungal pathogen that causes bitter rot disease in pears, has recently emerged in Eastern Asia and caused enormous economic losses and crop penalties. For this reason, new strategies for the management of bitter rot disease are greatly needed and can have a great impact on the field. In this regard, our research group recently reported that p-aminobenzoic acid (pABA), which was found in the secretions of rhizobacterium Lysobacter antibioticus OH13, showed a broad spectrum of antifungal activities. Following this project, the antifungal mode of action of pABA has been elucidated in this work indicating that pABA affects the fungal cell cycle of C. fructicola by inhibiting septation during cell division. pABA stability and diffusion screening revealed that pABA degrades after 15 days and is able to cross the pear skin into the external parts of the mesocarp. In vivo studies demonstrated that pABA shows high curative ability against the infection of C. fructicola in pears. To show the efficacy of OH13 for the biocontrol of bitter rot disease, cultures of OH13 containing 379.4 mg/L pABA were sprayed on inoculated pears, significantly reducing the symptoms of the pathogen.

Antitumor activity of the polo-like kinase inhibitor, TAK-960, against preclinical models of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a serine/threonine kinase that is a key regulator of multiple stages of mitotic progression. Plk1 is upregulated in many tumor types including colorectal cancer (CRC) and portends a poor prognosis. TAK-960 is an ATP-competitive Plk1 inhibitor that has demonstrated efficacy across a broad range of cancer cell lines, including CRC. In this study, we investigated the activity of TAK-960 against a large collection of CRC models including 55 cell lines and 18 patient-derived xenografts.

METHODS

Fifty-five CRC cell lines and 18 PDX models were exposed to TAK-960 and evaluated for proliferation (IC50) and Tumor Growth Inhibition Index, respectively. Additionally, 2 KRAS wild type and 2 KRAS mutant PDX models were treated with TAK-960 as single agent or in combination with cetuximab or irinotecan. TAK-960 mechanism of action was elucidated through immunoblotting and cell cycle analysis.

RESULTS

CRC cell lines demonstrated a variable anti-proliferative response to TAK-960 with IC50 values ranging from 0.001 to > 0.75 μmol/L. Anti-proliferative effects were sustained after removal of drug. Following TAK-960 treatment a highly variable accumulation of mitotic (indicating cell cycle arrest) and apoptotic markers was observed. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that TAK-960 treatment induced G2/M arrest and polyploidy. Six out of the eighteen PDX models responded to single agent TAK-960 therapy (TGII< 20). The addition of TAK-960 to standard of care chemotherapy resulted in largely additive antitumor effects.

CONCLUSION

TAK-960 is an active anti-proliferative agent against CRC cell lines and PDX models. Collectively, these data suggest that TAK-960 may be of therapeutic benefit alone or in combination with other agents, although future work should focus on the development of predictive biomarkers and hypothesis-driven rational combinations.

Production of Antifungal p-Aminobenzoic Acid in Lysobacter antibioticus OH13

Among Lysobacter species, Lysobacter antibioticus has been demonstrated to be an interesting source of antimicrobial metabolites for the biocontrol of plant diseases. Although the antibacterial activity was attributed to N-oxide phenazines, the active compounds involved in the antifungal function remained unknown. In this work, an antifungal compound was isolated and identified as p-aminobenzoic acid (pABA). Antifungal activity screening revealed that pABA shows activity against a number of plant pathogens. The genes involved in the synthetic route of this compound in OH13 were identified. Further, the production of pABA was optimized by modification of the carbon source using engineered L. antibioticus OH13 strains.

Myeloperoxidase Stimulates Neutrophil Degranulation

Myeloperoxidase, heme enzyme of azurophilic granules in neutrophils, is released into the extracellular space in the inflammation foci. In neutrophils, it stimulates a dose-dependent release of lactoferrin (a protein of specific granules), lysozyme (a protein of specific and azurophilic granules), and elastase (a protein of azurophilic granules). 4-Aminobenzoic acid hydrazide, a potent inhibitor of peroxidase activity of myeloperoxidase, produced no effect on neutrophil degranulation. Using signal transduction inhibitors (genistein, methoxyverapamil, wortmannin, and NiCl2), we demonstrated that myeloperoxidase-induced degranulation of neutrophils resulted from enzyme interaction with the plasma membrane and depends on activation of tyrosine kinases, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), and calcium signaling. Myeloperoxidase modified by oxidative/halogenation stress (chlorinated and monomeric forms of the enzyme) lost the potency to activate neutrophil degranulation.

Inhibition of polo like kinase 1 in sarcomas induces apoptosis that is dependent on Mcl-1 suppression

Sarcomas are rare cancers and the current treatments in inoperable or metastatic disease have not been shown to prolong survival. In order to develop novel targeted therapies, we tested the efficacy of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1) inhibitor (TAK-960) in sarcoma. All the sarcoma cell lines were sensitive to TAK-960 with IC50s in the low nanomolar range. We chose MPNST, CHP100 and LS141 for our studies and of which MPNST cells exclusively underwent polyploidy after a delay in mitosis for about 18 hours; CHP100 cells, after a 24h mitotic delay, died of apoptosis; LS141, after a delay in mitosis stayed at 4N with mild apoptosis. Apoptosis induced by TAK-960 in CHP100 was associated with down-regulation of Mcl-1 and the effect was recapitulated by down-regulating PLK1 by siRNA, confirming that the effect of TAK-960 on Mcl-1 expression is target specific. With suppression of Mcl-1 by siRNA, TAK-960 induced apoptosis in MPNST cells as well. These effects were confirmed in vivo, such that TAK-960 more effectively inhibited CHP100 than MPNST xenografts. In the setting of PLK-1 inhibition, Mcl-1 down regulation is shown to be an important determinant of apoptosis. Collectively, the net effect of this is to drive cells to apoptosis, resulting in a greater anti-tumor effect in vivo. Therefore, targeting PLK-1 should have a greater impact in treating sarcomas provided there is concomitant suppression of Mcl-1. These results further indicate that Mcl-1 could be an important biomarker to predict sensitivity to the induction of apoptosis by PLK-1 targeted therapy in sarcoma.

Efficacy of olive mill wastewater for protecting Bacillus thuringiensis formulation from UV radiations

The effectiveness of 10 low-cost UV-absorbers in protecting Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki BLB1 toxins against inactivation by UV-A and UV-B irradiation was evaluated in this study. Among them, two by-products, molasses and olive mill wastewater (OMW) were selected for further studies. They were tested at different concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2% using the para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) as a common UV protectant. Interestingly, addition of PABA and OMW to BLB1 formulations was found to be most effective in protecting BLB1 spores at 90.8 and 76.4% respectively and in preserving delta-endotoxin concentration at a level of 81.7 and 72.2%, respectively when used at a concentration of 0.2%. The lowest preserved spores (46.3%) and delta-endotoxin level (12.4%) was found using molasses. In contrast, spore count and delta-endotoxin concentration were completely reduced after an exposure of unprotected Bt strain BLB1 to UV radiations up to 96h. SDS-PAGE analysis of protected and unprotected samples revealed that delta-endotoxin bands (130, 65-70kDa) were conserved until 96h of UV exposure in presence of PABA or OMW compared with their disappearance in presence of molasses after 72h of exposure and their dramatically decline from 8h of exposure in unprotected mixture. A complete loss of larvicidal toxicity against Ephestia kuehniella was found after 24h of exposure in absence of any UV-absorber. Addition of OMW or PABA offered the highest levels of insecticidal activity with 63.2 and 74.7% of residual toxicity, respectively. Whereas, molasses addition, as UV protectant retained only 26.3% of residual activity after 96h of exposure. Therefore, addition of OMW by-product to Bt formulation may be a suitable alternative to others synthetic chemical compounds. OMW may also provided added value, be environmentally friendly and less hazardous, when used at low concentration.

Synthesis, crystal structure and biological activity of 2-hydroxyethylammonium salt of p-aminobenzoic acid

p-Aminobenzoic acid (pABA) plays important roles in a wide variety of metabolic processes. Herein we report the synthesis, theoretical calculations, crystallographic investigation, and in vitro determination of the biological activity and phytotoxicity of the pABA salt, 2-hydroxyethylammonium p-aminobenzoate (HEA-pABA). The ability of neutral and anionic forms of pABA to interact with TIR1 pocket was investigated by calculation of molecular electrostatic potential maps on the accessible surface area, docking experiments, Molecular Dynamics and Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics calculations. The docking study of the folate precursor pABA, its anionic form and natural auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) with the auxin receptor TIR1 revealed a similar binding mode in the active site. The phytotoxic evaluation of HEA-pABA, pABA and 2-hydroxyethylamine (HEA) was performed on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Col 0 at five different concentrations. HEA-pABA and pABA acted as potential auxin-like regulators of root development in Arabidopsis thaliana (0.1 and 0.2 mM) and displayed an agravitropic root response at high concentration (2 mM). This study suggests that HEA-pABA and pABA might be considered as potential new regulators of plant growth.

Discovery of TAK-960: an orally available small molecule inhibitor of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1)

Using structure-based drug design, we identified and optimized a novel series of pyrimidodiazepinone PLK1 inhibitors resulting in the selection of the development candidate TAK-960. TAK-960 is currently undergoing Phase I evaluation in adult patients with advanced solid malignancies.

The folate precursor para-aminobenzoic acid elicits induced resistance against Cucumber mosaic virus and Xanthomonas axonopodis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The use of vitamins including vitamin B1, B2 and K3 for the induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) to protect crops against plant pathogens has been evaluated previously. The use of vitamins is beneficial because it is cost effective and safe for the environment. The use of folate precursors, including ortho-aminobenzoic acid, to induce SAR against a soft-rot pathogen in tobacco has been reported previously.

METHODS

In the present study, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA, also referred to as vitamin Bx) was selected owing to its effect on the induction of SAR against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria in pepper plants through greenhouse screening.

KEY RESULTS

Dipping of pepper seedlings in a 1 mm PABA solution in field trials induced SAR against artificially infiltrated X. axonopodis pv. vesicatoria and naturally occurring cucumber mosaic virus. Expression of the Capsicum annuum pathogenesis-related 4 gene was primed in response to pathogen infection as assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. The accumulation of cucumber mosaic virus RNA was reduced in PABA-treated pepper plants at 40 and 105 d post-treatment. Unexpectedly, fruit yield was increased in PABA-treated plants, indicating that PABA-mediated SAR successfully protected pepper plants from infection by bacterial and viral pathogens without significant fitness allocation costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study is the first to demonstrate the effective elicitation of SAR by a folate precursor under field conditions.

Human neuronal coenzyme Q10 deficiency results in global loss of mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, increased mitochondrial oxidative stress and reversal of ATP synthase activity: implications for pathogenesis and treatment

Disorders of coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) biosynthesis represent the most treatable subgroup of mitochondrial diseases. Neurological involvement is frequently observed in CoQ(10) deficiency, typically presenting as cerebellar ataxia and/or seizures. The aetiology of the neurological presentation of CoQ(10) deficiency has yet to be fully elucidated and therefore in order to investigate these phenomena we have established a neuronal cell model of CoQ(10) deficiency by treatment of neuronal SH-SY5Y cell line with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). PABA is a competitive inhibitor of the CoQ(10) biosynthetic pathway enzyme, COQ2. PABA treatment (1 mM) resulted in a 54 % decrease (46 % residual CoQ(10)) decrease in neuronal CoQ(10) status (p < 0.01). Reduction of neuronal CoQ(10) status was accompanied by a progressive decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities, with a 67.5 % decrease in cellular ATP production at 46 % residual CoQ(10). Mitochondrial oxidative stress increased four-fold at 77 % and 46 % residual CoQ(10). A 40 % increase in mitochondrial membrane potential was detected at 46 % residual CoQ(10) with depolarisation following oligomycin treatment suggesting a reversal of complex V activity. This neuronal cell model provides insights into the effects of CoQ(10) deficiency on neuronal mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, and will be an important tool to evaluate candidate therapies for neurological conditions associated with CoQ(10) deficiency.

Sulfamethazine suppresses epigenetic silencing in Arabidopsis by impairing folate synthesis

DNA methylation is a critical, dynamically regulated epigenetic mark. Small chemicals can be valuable tools in probing cellular processes, but the set of chemicals with broad effects on epigenetic regulation is very limited. Using the Arabidopsis thaliana repressor of silencing1 mutant, in which transgenes are transcriptionally silenced, we performed chemical genetic screens and found sulfamethazine (SMZ) as a chemical suppressor of epigenetic silencing. SMZ treatment released the silencing of transgenes as well as endogenous transposons and other repetitive elements. Plants treated with SMZ exhibit substantially reduced levels of DNA methylation and histone H3 Lys-9 dimethylation, but heterochromatic siRNA levels were not affected. SMZ is a structural analog and competitive antagonist to p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which is a precursor of folates. SMZ decreased the plant folate pool size and caused methyl deficiency, as demonstrated by reductions in S-adenosylmethionine levels and in global DNA methylation. Exogenous application of PABA or compounds downstream in the folate biosynthesis pathway restored transcriptional silencing in SMZ-treated plants. Together, our results revealed a novel type of chemical suppressor of epigenetic silencing, which may serve as a valuable tool for studying the roles and mechanisms of epigenetic regulation and underscores an important linkage between primary metabolism and epigenetic gene regulation.

TAK-960, a novel, orally available, selective inhibitor of polo-like kinase 1, shows broad-spectrum preclinical antitumor activity in multiple dosing regimens

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a serine/threonine protein kinase involved in key processes during mitosis. Human PLK1 has been shown to be overexpressed in various human cancers, and elevated levels of PLK1 have been associated with poor prognosis, making it an attractive target for anticancer therapy. TAK-960 [4-[(9-cyclopentyl-7,7-difluoro-5-methyl-6-oxo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-pyrimido[4,5-b][1,4]diazepin-2-yl)amino]-2-fluoro-5-methoxy-N-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl) benzamide] is a novel, investigational, orally bioavailable, potent, and selective PLK1 inhibitor that has shown activity in several tumor cell lines, including those that express multidrug-resistant protein 1 (MDR1). Consistent with PLK1 inhibition, TAK-960 treatment caused accumulation of G(2)-M cells, aberrant polo mitosis morphology, and increased phosphorylation of histone H3 (pHH3) in vitro and in vivo. TAK-960 inhibited proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines, with mean EC(50) values ranging from 8.4 to 46.9 nmol/L, but not in nondividing normal cells (EC(50) >1,000 nmol/L). The mutation status of TP53 or KRAS and MDR1 expression did not correlate with the potency of TAK-960 in the cell lines tested. In animal models, oral administration of TAK-960 increased pHH3 in a dose-dependent manner and significantly inhibited the growth of HT-29 colorectal cancer xenografts. Treatment with once daily TAK-960 exhibited significant efficacy against multiple tumor xenografts, including an adriamycin/paclitaxel-resistant xenograft model and a disseminated leukemia model. TAK-960 has entered clinical evaluation in patients with advanced cancers.

Aminaphtone in the treatment of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema: a case report

PURPOSE

Cystoid macular edema (CME) following cataract surgery has been recognized for over 50 years as an important cause of suboptimal post-operative vision. The incidence of CME varies widely, but is likely in the range of 1-2% using modern cataract extraction techniques. We report the case of resolution of post-operative CME after treatment with aminaphtone 75 mg three time a day for one month.

METHODS

A 74-year-old causasian woman presented with reduced vision in the left eye after one month from uneventful cataract phacoemulsification. She underwent a complete ophthalmological examination comprehensive of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) which showed CME and a central foveal thickness (CFT) of 703 micron. The patient was treated with aminaphtone for one month.

RESULTS

CME disappeared, the CFT was within normal limits when aminaphtone was ceased, and best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 at the end of the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Aminaphtone is a novel proposal in the treatment of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema.

Diazeniumdiolate mediated nitrosative stress alters nitric oxide homeostasis through intracellular calcium and S-glutathionylation of nitric oxide synthetase

BACKGROUND

PABA/NO is a diazeniumdiolate that acts as a direct nitrogen monoxide (NO) donor and is in development as an anticancer drug. Its mechanism of action and effect on cells is not yet fully understood.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We used HPLC and mass spectrometry to identify a primary nitroaromatic glutathione metabolite of PABA/NO and used fluorescent assays to characterize drug effects on calcium and NO homeostasis, relating these to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Unexpectedly, the glutathione conjugate was found to be a competitive inhibitor of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) presumably at the same site as thapsigargin, increasing intracellular Ca2+ release and causing auto-regulation of eNOS through S-glutathionylation.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The initial direct release of NO after PABA/NO was followed by an eNOS-mediated generation of NO as a consequence of drug-induced increase in Ca2+ flux and calmodulin (CaM) activation. PABA/NO has a unique dual mechanism of action with direct intracellular NO generation combined with metabolite driven regulation of eNOS activation.

[Synthesis and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of N-(1,5-diaryl-3-pentone-1-yl)-4-aminobenzoic acid]

In order to find highly active antidiabetic lead compound, sixteen 4-aminobenzoic acid derivatives were designed and synthesized directly through Mannich reaction in the solution of ethanol at 15-35 degrees C with facile method, mild reaction condition and high yield (45%-90%). Fifteen of them are new compounds. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, ESI-MS and HR-MS. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity of these compounds indicated that most of these compounds possess the activity with the order: 2c > 2b > 2h > 1a > 1f. The structure-activity relationship of these 4-aminobenzoic acid derivatives was also discussed.

Chemosensitizing effects of sphingosine kinase-1 inhibition in prostate cancer cell and animal models

We have previously reported that, in prostate cancer, inhibition of the oncogenic sphingosine kinase-1/sphingosine 1-phosphate (SphK1/S1P) pathway is a key element in chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Here, we show that selective pharmacologic inhibition of SphK1 triggers apoptosis in LNCaP and PC-3 prostate cancer cells, an effect that is reversed by SphK1 enforced expression. More importantly, we show for the first time that the up-regulation of the SphK1/S1P pathway plays a crucial role in the resistance of prostate cancer cells to chemotherapy. Importantly, pharmacologic SphK1 inhibition with the B-5354c compound sensitizes LNCaP and PC-3 cells to docetaxel and camptothecin, respectively. In vivo, camptothecin and B-5354c alone display a limited effect on tumor growth in PC-3 cells, whereas in combination there is a synergy of effect on tumor size with a significant increase in the ceramide to S1P sphingolipid ratio. To conclude, our study highlights the notion that drugs specifically designed to inhibit SphK1 could provide a means of enhancing the effects of conventional treatment through the prosurvival antiapoptotic SphK1/S1P pathway.

QSAR studies on benzoylaminobenzoic acid derivatives as inhibitors of β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase III

Fatty acid biosynthesis is essential for most of the bacterial survival. Components of this biosynthetic pathway have been identified as attractive targets for the development of new antibacterial agents. FabH, beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase III, is a attractive target since it is central to the initiation of fatty acid biosynthesis. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies have been carried out on a series of benzoylaminobenzoic acid derivatives as potent inhibitors of FabH and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Neisseria meningitidis and Escherichia coli, which demonstrate FabH inhibitory activity in cell free and whole cell system. The QSAR studies revealed that inhibitory activity increases with increase in hydrophobicity, molar refractivity, aromaticity, and presence of OH group (on x position of the nucleus). On the other side presence of hetero-atoms like N, O, or S at R(1) position of the nucleus decreases the inhibitory activity. The comparison of QSAR between the FabH inhibitory activity and antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis, N. meningitidis also demonstrates that the hydrophobicity, aromaticity and presence of OH group (on x position of the nucleus) are conducive for the inhibitory activity.

Synthesis, nitric oxide release, and anti-leukemic activity of glutathione-activated nitric oxide prodrugs: Structural analogues of PABA/NO, an anti-cancer lead compound

Diazeniumdiolate anions and their prodrug forms are reliable sources of nitric oxide (NO) that have generated interest as promising therapeutic agents. A number of structural analogues of O(2)-(2,4-dinitro-5-(4-(N-methylamino)benzoyloxy)phenyl) 1-(N,N-dimethylamino)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (PABA/NO), an anti-cancer lead compound that is designed to release NO upon activation by glutathione, were prepared. The nitric oxide release patterns of these O(2)-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) diazeniumdiolates in the presence of glutathione were tested and it was found that in the absence of competing pathways, these compounds release nearly quantitative amounts of NO. The ability of PABA/NO and its structural analogues to inhibit human leukemia cell proliferation was determined and it was found that compounds releasing elevated amounts of NO displayed superior cytotoxic effects.

Structure–antileukemic activity relationship study of B- and D-ring modified and nonmodified steroidal esters of 4-methyl-3-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino benzoic acid: a comparative study

This study was designed as a rational continuation of our research regarding the functional requirements essential for the antileukemic activity of compounds comprising an alkylating moiety and a modified steroid. The steroidal esteric derivatives of 4-methyl-3-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino benzoic acid were tested on leukemias P388 and L1210 in vivo and in normal human lymphocytes in vitro. Among them the B-lactamic steroidal esters proved more potent antileukemic agents than the 7-oxidized and those with a simple B-ring, but not more effective inducers of DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in vitro. We speculate that these results indicate a different mechanism of action induced by the lactamized B steroidal ring, in comparison to the 7-keto or the D-lactamic groups, which involves the interaction of the -NHCO- moiety with cellularcomponents essential for tumor growth. 4-Methyl-3-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino benzoic acid proved a more proper module for the B-lactams than chlorambucil and phenyl acetic acid's nitrogen mustard probably because the esteric bond is less cleaved by the esterases, resulting in an increased concentration of the drug in the vinicity of the target site essential for an antineoplasmatic response.

Effect of the combination of organic and inorganic filters on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) determined by in vitro method

This paper describes the effect on Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of the combination of inorganic and organic filters in sunscreen products as determined by an in vitro method. O/W emulsions containing inorganic filters, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, combined with 18 EU-authorized UV-B organic filters were tested. SPF measurements were carried out using a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere. This study observed a synergic effect when titanium dioxide was combined with either anisotriazine or octyldimethylPABA. The combination of zinc oxide with 11 UV-B organic filters also exhibited a similar synergy; however, the measured SPF was systematically lower than the protection factor achieved with titanium dioxide.

Study on enhancement of fibronectin-mediated bacillus Calmette-Guérin attachment to urinary bladder wall in rabbits

To clarify whether intravesical usage of fibrin clot stabilizer epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) or p-aminomethyl benzoic acid (PAMBA) and different injuries enhance fibronectin (FN)-mediated bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) attachment to bladder wall. Thirty New Zealand male white rabbits were randomly divided into five groups and the bladder wall of each rabbit was injured by electrocautery, cryocautery or knife cutting on left lateral wall, right lateral wall and posterior wall in different groups, respectively. Different drug was instilled into the bladder: Group A: pure PBS; B: PBS and radiolabeled BCG ((3)H-BCG); C: EACA and (3)H-BCG; D: PAMBA and (3)H-BCG; E: heparin and (3)H-BCG. After instillation, each injured and non-injured bladder wall were surgically harvested and digested. The quantity of BCG attachment was detected by liquid scintillation counter (scintillation times per min, STPM). Quantity of BCG attachment to injured bladder wall was significantly (P < 0.01) greater than that of non-injured one, no matter which injury was performed. The BCG attachment to bladder wall in Group C or Group D was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than that of Group B. The quantity of BCG attachment to bladder of Group E was significantly (P < 0.05) less than that of Group B, C and D, respectively. Intravesical instillation of fibrin clot stabilizer (PAMBA, EACA) enhances FN-mediated BCG attachment to bladder wall while heparin inhibits this process. Injuries; e.g., cutting, cryocautery or electrocautery of bladder wall can significantly increase BCG attachment to the bladder wall.

(S)-1-((S)-2-{[1-(4-amino-3-chloro-phenyl)-methanoyl]-amino}-3,3-dimethyl-butanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid ((2R,3S)-2-ethoxy-5-oxo-tetrahydro-furan-3-yl)-amide (VX-765), an orally available selective interleukin (IL)-converting enzyme/caspase-1 inhibitor, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting the release of IL-1beta and IL-18

(S)-1-((S)-2-{[1-(4-amino-3-chloro-phenyl)-methanoyl]-amino}-3,3-dimethyl-butanoyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid ((2R,3S)-2-ethoxy-5-oxo-tetrahydro-furan-3-yl)-amide (VX-765) is an orally absorbed prodrug of (S)-3-({1-[(S)-1-((S)-2-{[1-(4-amino-3-chlorophenyl)-methanoyl]-amino}-3,3-dimethyl-butanoyl)-pyrrolidin-2yl]-methanoyl}-amino)-4-oxo-butyric acid (VRT-043198), a potent and selective inhibitor of interleukin-converting enzyme/caspase-1 subfamily caspases. VRT-043198 exhibits 100- to 10,000-fold selectivity against other caspase-3 and -6 to -9. The therapeutic potential of VX-765 was assessed by determining the effects of VRT-043198 on cytokine release by monocytes in vitro and of orally administered VX-765 in several animal models in vivo. In cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and whole blood from healthy subjects stimulated with bacterial products, VRT-043198 inhibited the release of interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-18, but it had little effect on the release of several other cytokines, including IL-1alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8. In contrast, VRT-043198 had little or no demonstrable activity in cellular models of apoptosis, and it did not affect the proliferation of activated primary T cells or T-cell lines. VX-765 was efficiently converted to VRT-043198 when administered orally to mice, and it inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine secretion. In addition, VX-765 reduced disease severity and the expression of inflammatory mediators in models of rheumatoid arthritis and skin inflammation. These data suggest that VX-765 is a novel cytokine inhibitor useful for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

A novel class of potent nonglycosidic and nonpeptidic pan-selectin inhibitors

An early step of the inflammatory response, the rolling of leukocytes on activated endothelial cells, is mediated by selectin/carbohydrate interactions. The tetrasaccharide sialy Lewisx is a ligand for E-, P-, and L-selectin and therefore serves as a lead structure for the development of analogues. A combination of synthesis and structure-based design allowed rapid optimization. The current lead 2a was evaluated in our E-selectin cell flow chamber assay where it proved to inhibit rolling and adhesion with an IC50 of 28+/-7 microM. The assays used are predictive for the in vivo efficacy of test compounds as shown for 2a in a proteose peptone induced peritonitis model of acute inflammation in mice.

A novel role for human sulfiredoxin in the reversal of glutathionylation

Modification of protein cysteine residues by disulfide formation with glutathione (glutathionylation) is a reversible posttranslational modification of critical importance in controlling cell signaling events following oxidative and/or nitrosative stress. Here, we show that human sulfiredoxin, a small redox protein conserved in eukaryotes, can act as a novel regulator of the redox-activated thiol switch in cells by catalyzing deglutathionylation of a number of distinct proteins in response to oxidative and/or nitrosative stress. Actin and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B were identified in vitro as targets of sulfiredoxin 1 (Srx1)-dependent deglutathionylation and confirmed in vivo by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis. In addition, we show that Srx1-dependent deglutathionylation is functionally relevant through restoration of phosphatase activity. Human sulfiredoxin contains one cysteine residue (Cys(99)) that is conserved in all family members. Mutation of the cysteine residue inhibits deglutathionylation but did not affect its capacity to bind intracellular proteins. Furthermore, sulfiredoxin is not an acceptor molecule for the GS(-) moiety during the reaction process. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, we identified multiple protein targets in vivo that are deglutathionylated by sulfiredoxin following oxidative and/or nitrosative stress. This novel deglutathionylation function of sulfiredoxin suggests it has a central role in redox control with potential implications in cell signaling.

Drug evolution concept in drug design: 2. Chimera method

The drug evolution method represents a novel approach towards efficient rational drug design by implementing the drug evolution concept to the creation and development of general chemical libraries with the purpose of allowing the identification of drug candidates with improved odds and lesser costs than the traditional drug design strategies. As another example of successful translation of the biological evolution into chemical evolution, the chimera method comprises the grafting of selected building blocks, identified through a basic search within a drug library, onto the same substitution sites on a rationally chosen scaffold. The method allows the creation of a library containing both drugs and prospective drug candidates without any priorly required knowledge on the pursued disease or molecular target. Two libraries having scaffolds derived from para-aminobenzoic acid and salicylic acid have exemplified the application of the chimera method. The validation of the method has been achieved through the high number of recognized drugs within the library, which exhibit in the same time a wide variety of therapeutic activities and interact with a broad spectrum of molecular targets. The drug-enriched chimera libraries are expected to provide a highly efficient access to novel drug candidates whose unspecified therapeutic effects should be further revealed through high-throughput screening.

PABA/NO as an anticancer lead: analogue synthesis, structure revision, solution chemistry, reactivity toward glutathione, and in vitro activity

PABA/NO is a diazeniumdiolate of structure Me(2)NN(O)=NOAr (where Ar is a 5-substituted-2,4-dinitrophenyl ring whose 5-substituent is N-methyl-p-aminobenzoic acid). It has shown activity against human ovarian cancer xenografts in mice rivaling that of cisplatin, but it is poorly soluble and relatively unstable in water. Here we report structure-based optimization efforts resulting in three analogues with improved solubility and stability in aqueous solution. We sought to explain PABA/NO's physicochemical uniqueness among these four compounds, whose aminobenzoic acid precursors differ structurally only in the presence or absence of the N-methyl group and/or the position of the carboxyl moiety (meta or para). Studies revealed that PABA/NO's N-methyl-p-aminobenzoic acid substituent is bound to the dinitrobenzene ring via its carboxyl oxygen while the other three are linked through the aniline nitrogen. This constitutes a revision of the previously published PABA/NO structure. All four analogues reacted with GSH to produce bioactive nitric oxide (NO), but PABA/NO was the most reactive. Consistent with PABA/NO's potent suppression of A2780 human ovarian cancer xenograft growth in mice, it was the most potent of the four in the OVCAR-3 cell line.

Functional roles of 5-hydroxytryptamine 3/4 receptors in neurons of rat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus

In neurons of dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus that is involved in the gastric motility and possibly emesis, application of 5-hydroxytryptamine produces membrane depolarization, and suppresses spike-repolarization and spike-afterhyperpolarization, suggesting divergent effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine through activating multiple subtypes of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. However, only the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptors has been established to be responsible for the depolarization, and the mechanisms underlying the modulation of spikes remain unknown although a role of 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptors was implicated in modulations of spikes. There is now increasing evidence for the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors in neurons involved in generating emesis following administration of anticancer drug. Since antagonists of 5-hydroxytryptamine 3/4 receptors are widely used as anti-emetic drugs, we have reevaluated the functional roles of 5-hydroxytryptamine 3/4 receptors of dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus neurons, especially in modulating transient outward currents that are presumed to be involved in spike-repolarization and spike-afterhyperpolarization. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus neurons, which were identified by a retrograde tracing method with dextran-tetramethylrhodamine-lysine injected into a bundle of abdominal vagus nerves. Under a voltage-clamp condition, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus neurons expressed a prominent A-like current. The activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptors reversibly increased the resting membrane conductance while the activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptors led to an almost irreversible decrease in the A-like current. A long-lasting suppression of A-like current by transient activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptors would result in a long-lasting increase in the excitability of dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus neurons, which might be involved in generation of the long-lasting facilitation of gastric motility or in generation of the long-lasting gastric relaxation through the activation of enteric non-adrenergic non-cholinergic neurons as implicated in the delayed emesis induced by anticancer drugs.

Pharmacological Profiles of the Novel Analgesic M58996 in Rat Models of Persistent and Neuropathic Pain

We investigated the effects of 4-(N-{1-[2-(4-cyanophenyl)ethyl]-4-hydroxypiperidin-4-ylmethyl}-N-methylamino)benzoic acid monohydrochloride (M58996), a novel analgesic, on persistent and neuropathic pain in rats. In the formalin test, oral M58996 (0.3 - 10 mg/kg) reduced nociceptive behaviors only in the late phase. In the neuropathic pain model, oral M58996 (1 - 10 mg/kg) attenuated mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia in the nerve-injured paw without affecting normal responses of the uninjured paw. High doses (10 - 100 mg/kg) of oral M58996 did not influence normal motor function. Thus, M58996 had a wide dose range showing antinociceptive, antiallodynic, and antihyperalgesic effects without motor dysfunction. In addition, we studied the possible mechanisms involved in the M58996-induced antinociception. The antinociceptive effect of M58996 was reversed by intrathecal pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of the inhibitory- and other-GTP-binding protein (G(i/o) protein), but not by subcutaneous naloxone, an opioid-receptor antagonist. This effect was also reversed by intracerebroventricular or intrathecal tropisetron, a 5-hydroxytryptamine(3) (5-HT(3))-receptor antagonist, and intraperitoneal bicuculline, a gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A))-receptor antagonist. These results suggest that M58996 produces its antinociceptive effect by a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein mechanism. In addition, the GABA released by the activation of supraspinal and/or spinal 5-HT(3) receptors is likely to contribute to the M58996-induced antinociception.

Effect of aromatic ring-containing drugs on carnitine biosynthesis in rats with special regard to p-aminomethylbenzoic acid

Secondary carnitine deficiencies are associated with metabolic disorders or may be the consequence of the side effects of some drugs. The mechanisms may be either a facilitated urinary excretion or an inhibited biosynthesis. Based on our earlier findings with drugs and benzoic acid analogue metabolites, in the present study, we studied the possible inhibitory effect of some benzoic acid analogue drugs. In the pathway of carnitine biosynthesis, we tested the last step, the hydroxylation of gamma-butyrobetaine (Bu) to carnitine in the liver. (Liver is the only organ in rats where this step takes place.) Of the 5 tested compounds, the p-aminomethylbenzoic acid (PAMBA) was found to be inhibitory. In tracer experiments with radioactive Bu, PAMBA (a single injection of 1.2 mmol/kg) reduced the conversion of [Me-(3)H]Bu to [Me-(3)H]carnitine from 62.6% +/- 5.11% to 46.8% +/- 5.02% (means +/- SEM, P < .02). This single dose also markedly reduced the conversion of loading amount of exogenous unlabeled Bu, as measured by enzymatic analysis of carnitine. The conversion of endogenous Bu was also hampered by long-term administration of PAMBA, as indicated by increased Bu and decreased carnitine levels. Furthermore, single injection of PAMBA markedly reduced the Glu level in the liver from 2.87 +/- 0.17 to 1.42 +/- 0.11 mumol/g (P < .001). Trying to get closer to a mechanism by which the flux through the Bu hydroxylase was depressed, we supposed that alfa-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG), an obligatory cofactor of the enzyme, was also be depressed. It was expected because alpha-KG is a reversible copartner of l-glutamate through the Glu-dehydrogenase reaction. We found that PAMBA reduced the alpha-KG level from 207 +/- 17.5 to 180 +/- 19.1 nmol/g (means +/- SEM, P < .02). Considering the conditions of the enzyme in vitro and in vivo, this decrease may contribute to the decreased in vivo flux through the butyrobetaine hydroxylase enzyme.

A glutathione S-transferase pi-activated prodrug causes kinase activation concurrent with S-glutathionylation of proteins

Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous, diffusible, transcellular messenger shown to affect regulatory and signaling pathways with impact on cell survival. Exposure to NO can impart direct post-translational modifications on target proteins such as nitration and/or nitrosylation. As an alternative, after interaction with oxygen, superoxide, glutathione, or certain metals, NO can lead to S-glutathionylation, a post-translational modification potentially critical to signaling pathways. A novel glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTpi)-activated pro-drug, O(2)-[2,4-dinitro-5-[4-(N-methylamino)benzoyloxy]phenyl]1-(N,N-dimethylamino)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (PABA/NO), liberates NO and elicits toxicity in vitro and in vivo. We now show that PABA/NO induces nitrosative stress, resulting in undetectable nitrosylation, limited nitration, and high levels of S-glutathionylation. After a single pharmacologically relevant dose of PABA/NO, S-glutathionylation occurs rapidly (<5 min) and is sustained for approximately 7 h, implying a half-life for the deglutathionylation process of approximately 3 h. Two-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting with a monoclonal antibody to S-glutathionylated residues indicated that numerous proteins were S-glutathionylated. Subsequent matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight analysis identified 10 proteins, including beta-lactate dehydrogenase, Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor beta, ATP synthase, elongation factor 2, protein disulfide isomerase, nucleophosmin-1, chaperonin, actin, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), and glucosidase II. In addition, we showed that sustained S-glutathionylation was temporally concurrent with drug-induced activation of the stress kinases, known to be linked with cell death pathways. This is consistent with the fact that PABA/NO induces S-glutathionylation and inactivation of PTP1B, one phosphatase that can participate in deactivation of kinases. These effects were consistent with the presence of intracellular PABA/NO or metabolites, because cells overexpressing MRP1 were less sensitive to the drug and had reduced levels of S-glutathionylated proteins.

Mechanisms of action of novel skin penetration enhancers: Phospholipid versus skin lipid liposomes

Employing thermal analysis, we investigated the mechanism of action of novel enhancers and probed phospholipid (PL) versus stratum corneum lipid (SCL) liposomes as model membranes. The enhancers included octyl salicylate (OS), padimate O (PADO) and 2-(1-nonyl)-1,3-dioxolane (ND). The negative controls were the empty liposomes. Positive controls employed dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and Azone (AZ). For PL liposomes, DMSO sharpened the transitions. AZ abolished the pre-transition, broadened the main transition and linearly reduced its transition temperature (T(m)). OS or PADO reduced T(m) and size of pre-transition, broadened the main transition and decreased its T(m) (non-linearly). ND abolished the pre-transition but increased T(m) of the main endotherm, suggesting retardation rather than enhancement. The results of SCL correlated with PL liposomes except for ND. In SCL liposomes, ND reduced T(m) and broadened the peaks indicating lipid disruption, which indicated its enhancing effects. In conclusion, OS, PADO and ND can enhance drugs by disrupting intercellular lipid domain but they differ from AZ in terms of the relationship between efficacy and concentration. Although PL liposomes are simple model membranes with sharp transitions which give detailed information about the effects of enhancers, they can provide misleading results. Simultaneous use of other models like SCL liposomes is recommended.

Molecular docking and 3D-QSAR on 2-(oxalylamino) benzoic acid and its analogues as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

In this paper, molecular docking technique was used to investigate the binding conformation of twelve 2-(oxalylamino) benzoic acid (OBA) inhibitors in the active site of PTP1B. The predicted binding affinities are linearly correlated to the experimental values (r(2)=0.859). Furthermore, comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) was conducted based on the binding conformation predicted by molecular docking. The predicted CoMFA model has satisfactory statistical significance and good actual predicted power. The information from molecular docking and CoMFA may give us some valuable hints to the optimization of lead compounds.

p–Aminobenzoic acid derivatives as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Because Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a medical problem characterized by progressive loss of memory and cognition that is associated with a deficient cholinergic system, this work aims to evaluate some p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) derivatives as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in vitro, in continuation with our last studies. The assayed compounds are low toxic, simple-structured and low cost.

Activation of vagal afferents in the rat duodenum by protein digests requires PepT1

Intestinal infusion of protein digests activates a vago-vagal reflex inhibition of gastric motility. Protein digests release cholecystokinin (CCK) from enteroendocrine cells; however, the precise cellular mechanisms leading to vagal afferent activation is unclear. The hypothesis that the oligopeptide transporter PepT1 plays a major role in the initiation of this vago-vagal reflex was tested by recording activation of duodenal vagal afferent activity and inhibition of gastric motility in response to protein hydrolysates in the presence of 4-aminomethylbenzoic acid (4-AMBA), a competitive inhibitor of PepT1, or 4-aminophenylacetic acid (4-APAA), an inactive 4-AMBA analog. Duodenal infusion of the protein hydrolysate increased vagal afferent discharge and inhibited gastric motility; these responses were abolished by concomitant infusion of 4-AMBA, but not 4-APAA. Duodenal infusion with Cefaclor, a substrate of PepT1, increased duodenal vagal afferent activity; Cefaclor and protein hydrolysates selectively activated CCK-responsive vagal afferents. This study demonstrates that products of protein digestion increase spontaneous activity of CCK-sensitive duodenal vagal afferents via a mechanism involving the oligopeptide transporter PepT1.

Arylsulfonyl acridinyl derivatives acting on Plasmodium falciparum

Several arylacridinyl sulfones have been synthesized and their antimalarial action was tested on Plasmodium falciparum. PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) has no antagonistic effect with these compounds as opposed to the observed effect with dapsone and sulfonamides previously studied. A possible relationship between the ability of cleavage of the S-9C acridinic bond and activity is suggested.

Coenzyme Q and the regulation of intracellular steady-state levels of superoxide in HL-60 cells

The present work was set to study how CoQ concentrations affected steady-state levels of superoxide in a cellular model of partial CoQ(10) deficiency in cultured human myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells. Culturing HL-60 cells in the presence of p-aminobenzoate, a competitive inhibitor of polyprenyl-4-hydroxybenzoate transferase (Coq2p), produced a significant decrease of CoQ(10) levels without affecting cell viability. Concomitant decreases in CoQ-dependent electron transport activity and mitochondrial membrane potential were observed under these conditions. Intracellular superoxide was significantly elevated in cells treated with p-aminobenzoate, both under serum-containing and serum-free conditions, and this effect was reversed by exogenous CoQ(10). A slight increase of superoxide was also observed in CoQ(10)-supplemented cells in the absence of serum. Our results support a requirement for CoQ(10) to control superoxide levels in HL-60 cells. The importance of extramitochondrial sources of superoxide in cells with impaired CoQ(10) biosynthesis is discussed.

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) enhances the release of acetylcholine by 5-HT4 and D1 receptor mechanisms in the rat prefrontal cortex

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), an amphetamine analog, has been shown recently to increase the release of acetylcholine (ACh) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The present study further characterizes the stimulatory effect of MDMA on cortical ACh release and examines the role of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) receptors in this response. The extracellular concentration of ACh was increased dose-dependently and similarly by the (+) and (-) enantiomers of MDMA (5 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.). The systemic administration of the 5-HT(4) antagonist SDZ 205,557 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), but not the 5-HT(2A/2B/2C) antagonist LY-53,857 (3 mg/kg, i.p.), significantly decreased cortical ACh release induced by MDMA. The MDMA-induced increase in the extracellular concentration of ACh also was significantly blunted in rats treated with the D(1) receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). The extent to which the coadministration of SDZ 205,557 and SCH 23390 suppressed the MDMA-induced release of ACh in the PFC was no greater than that produced by either antagonist alone. These results suggest that the 5-HT(4) and D(1) receptor subtypes contribute to the mechanism by which MDMA increases ACh release in the PFC.

Dihydropteroate synthase mutations in Pneumocystis jiroveci can affect sulfamethoxazole resistance in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model

Dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) mutations in Pneumocystis jiroveci have been associated epidemiologically with resistance to sulfamethoxazole (SMX). Since P. jiroveci cannot be cultured, inherent drug resistance cannot be measured. This study explores the effects of these mutations in a tractable model organism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Based on the sequence conservation between the DHPS enzymes of P. jiroveci and S. cerevisiae, together with the structural conservation of the three known DHPS structures, DHPS substitutions commonly observed in P. jiroveci were reverse engineered into the S. cerevisiae DHPS. Those mutations, T(597)A and P(599)S, can occur singly but are most commonly found together and are associated with SMX treatment failure. Mutations encoding the corresponding changes in the S. cerevisiae dhps were made in a yeast centromere vector, p414FYC, which encodes the native yeast DHPS as part of a trifunctional protein that also includes the two enzymes upstream of DHPS in the folic acid synthesis pathway, dihydroneopterin aldolase and 2-amino-4-hydroxymethyl dihydropteridine pyrophosphokinase. A yeast strain with dhps deleted was employed as the host strain, and transformants having DHPS activity were recovered. Mutants having both T(597) and P(599) substitutions had a requirement for p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), consistent with resistance being associated with altered substrate binding. These mutants could be adapted for growth in the absence of PABA, which coincided with increased sulfa drug resistance. Upregulated PABA synthesis was thus implicated as a mechanism for sulfa drug resistance for mutants having two DHPS substitutions.

The hypolipidemic compound cetaben induces changes in Golgi morphology and vesicle movement

The human hepatoma cell line HepG2 was used to study the effect of cetaben, a non-fibrate hypolipidemic drug, on cell morphology and vesicle distribution. Cetaben treatment correlated with a fragmentation and/or condensation of Golgi cisternae and the appearance of large electron-lucent vesicles. The Golgi apparatus, demonstrated, for example, by fluorescence-lectin histochemistry, was fragmented after cetaben treatment. The lectin-positive remnants were dispersed throughout the cytoplasm, but with a preference for being transported to tips of cells. However, microtubules and the intermediate filaments as well as the actin microfilaments were unchanged after cetaben treatment indicating that changes in Golgi morphology are not caused by alterations in the cytoskeleton. Cetaben decreases the cholesterol content due to inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis. Changes in the intracellular cholesterol content are known to influence the intracellular vesicle distribution and are most likely responsible for cetaben-induced Golgi alterations, as depletion of cellular cholesterol by starvation or lovastatin and/or cyclodextrin treatment resulted in a similar redistribution of Golgi-derived wheat germ agglutinin vesicles. These lectin-stained vesicles colocalized with lysosomal marker proteins such as Limp-1 and Lamp-2, but not with the early endosomal markers Rab5 and EEA1. Upon removal of cetaben the lectin- and Limp-1/Lamp-2-costained vesicles dissociated and were transported back to the perinuclear region. Thus, cetaben-induced changes such as fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus and the dispersion of lysosomes away from their juxtanuclear location were reversible.

Synthesis and SAR of bis-statine based peptides as BACE 1 inhibitors

A new series of bis-statine based peptidomimetic inhibitors of human beta-secretase (BACE 1) was developed by structure-based modification of the three regions to the initial lead 3: an N-terminus, a central bis-statine core, and a C-terminus. Introduction of a 4-aminomethylbenzoic acid on the C-terminus resulted in a potent BACE 1 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 21 nM. The general requirements for the optimal substrate-enzyme interaction are disclosed herein.

Tumor cell responses to a novel glutathione S-transferase-activated nitric oxide-releasing prodrug

We have used structure-based design techniques to introduce the drug O(2)-[2,4-dinitro-5-(N-methyl-N-4-carboxyphenylamino) phenyl] 1-N,N-dimethylamino)diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (PABA/NO), which is efficiently metabolized to potentially cytolytic nitric oxide by the pi isoform of glutathione S-transferase, an enzyme expressed at high levels in many tumors. We have used mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) null for GSTpi (GSTpi(-/-)) to show that the absence of GSTpi results in a decreased sensitivity to PABA/NO. Cytotoxicity of PABA/NO was also examined in a mouse skin fibroblast (NIH3T3) cell line that was stably transfected with GSTpi and/or various combinations of gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase and the ATP-binding cassette transporter MRP1. Overexpression of MRP1 conferred the most significant degree of resistance, and in vitro transport studies confirmed that a GSTpi-activated metabolite of PABA/NO was effluxed by MRP1 in a GSH-dependent manner. Additional studies showed that in the absence of MRP1, PABA/NO activated the extracellular-regulated and stress-activated protein kinases ERK, c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. Selective inhibition studies showed that the activation of JNK and p38 were critical to the cytotoxic effects of PABA/NO. Finally, PABA/NO produced antitumor effects in a human ovarian cancer model grown in SCID mice.

Proteasomal Degradation of N-Acetyltransferase 1 Is Prevented by Acetylation of the Active Site Cysteine

Many drugs and chemicals found in the environment are either detoxified by N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1, EC 2.3.1.5) and eliminated from the body or bioactivated to metabolites that have the potential to cause toxicity and/or cancer. NAT1 activity in the body is regulated by genetic polymorphisms as well as environmental factors such as substrate-dependent down-regulation and oxidative stress. Here we report the molecular mechanism for the low protein expression from mutant NAT1 alleles that gives rise to the slow acetylator phenotype and show that a similar process accounts for enzyme down-regulation by NAT1 substrates. NAT1 allozymes NAT1 14, NAT1 15, NAT1 17, and NAT1 22 are devoid of enzyme activity and have short intracellular half-lives ( approximately 4 h) compared with wild-type NAT1 4 and the active allozyme NAT1 24. The inactive allozymes are unable to be acetylated by cofactor, resulting in ubiquitination and rapid degradation by the 26 S proteasome. This was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis of the active site cysteine 68. The NAT1 substrate p-aminobenzoic acid induced ubiquitination of the usually stable NAT1 4, leading to its rapid degradation. From this study, we conclude that NAT1 exists in the cell in either a stable acetylated state or an unstable non-acetylated state and that mutations in the NAT1 gene that prevent protein acetylation produce a slow acetylator phenotype.

Targeting methanopterin biosynthesis to inhibit methanogenesis

This paper describes the design, synthesis, and successful employment of inhibitors of 4-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)aminobenzene-5'-phosphate (RFA-P) synthase, which catalyzes the first committed step in the biosynthesis of methanopterin, to specifically halt the growth of methane-producing microbes. RFA-P synthase catalyzes the first step in the synthesis of tetrahydromethanopterin, a key cofactor required for methane formation and for one-carbon transformations in methanogens. A number of inhibitors, which are N-substituted derivatives of p-aminobenzoic acid (pABA), have been synthesized and their inhibition constants with RFA-P synthase have been determined. Based on comparisons of the inhibition constants among various inhibitors, we propose that the pABA binding site in RFA-P synthase has a relatively large hydrophobic pocket near the amino group. These enzyme-targeted inhibitors arrest the methanogenesis and growth of pure cultures of methanogens. Supplying pABA to the culture relieves the inhibition, indicating a competitive interaction between pABA and the inhibitor at the cellular target, which is most likely RFAP synthase. The inhibitors do not adversely affect the growth of pure cultures of the bacteria (acetogens) that play a beneficial role in the rumen. Inhibitors added to dense ruminal fluid cultures (artificial rumena) halt methanogenesis; however, they do not inhibit volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and, in some cases, VFA levels are slightly elevated in the methanogenesis-inhibited cultures. We suggest that inhibiting methanopterin biosynthesis could be considered in strategies to decrease anthropogenic methane emissions, which could have an environmental benefit since methane is a potent greenhouse gas.