Development and in vitro Profiling of Dual FXR/LTA4H Modulators

Designed polypharmacology presents as an attractive strategy to increase therapeutic efficacy in multi-factorial diseases by a directed modulation of multiple involved targets with a single molecule. Such an approach appears particularly suitable in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which involves hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis as pathological hallmarks. Among various potential pharmacodynamic mechanisms, activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXRa) and inhibition of leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4Hi) hold promise to counteract NASH according to preclinical and clinical observations. We have developed dual FXR/LTA4H modulators as pharmacological tools, enabling evaluation of this polypharmacology concept to treat NASH and related pathologies. The optimized FXRa/LTA4Hi exhibits well-balanced dual activity on the intended targets with sub-micromolar potency and is highly selective over related nuclear receptors and enzymes rendering it suitable as tool to probe synergies of dual FXR/LTA4H targeting.     

Incorporation of α-tocopherol in marine lipid-based liposomes: in vitro and in vivo studies

Liposomes made from a natural marine lipid extract and containing a high polyunsaturated n−3 fatty lipid ratio were envisaged as oral route vectors and a potential α-tocopherol supplement. The behavior of vesicles obtained by simple filtration and of giant vesicles prepared by electroformation was investigated in gastrointestinal-like conditions. The influence of α-tocopherol incorporation into liposomes was studied on both physical and chemical membrane stability. Propanal, as an oxidation product of n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, was quantified by static headspace gas chromatography when α-tocopherol incorporation into liposome ratios ranged from 0.01 to 12 mol%. Best oxidative stability was obtained for liposomes that contained 5 mol% α-tocopherol. Compared to the other formulas, propanal formation was reduced, and time of the oxidation induction phase was longer. Moreover, α-tocopherol induced both liposome structural modifications, evidenced by turbidity, and phospholipid chemical hydrolysis, quantified as the amount of lysophospholipids. This physicochemical liposome instability was even more pronounced in acid storage conditions, i.e., α-tocopherol incorporation into liposome membranes accelerated the structural rearrangements and increased the rate of phospholipid hydrolysis. In particular, giant vesicles incubated at pH 1.5 underwent complex irreversible shape transformations including invaginations. In parallel, the absorption rate of α-tocopherol was measured in lymph-cannulated rats when α-tocopherol was administrated, as liposome suspension or added to sardine oil, through a gastrostomy tube. α-Tocopherol recovery in lymph was increased by almost threefold, following liposome administration. This may be related to phospholipids that should favor α-tocopherol solubilization and to liposome instability in the case of a high amount of α-tocopherol in the membranes. A need to correlate results obtained from in vitro liposome behavior with in vivo lipid absorption was demonstrated by this study.     

Synthesis of Combretastatin-A4 Carboxamidest that Mimic Sulfonyl Piperazines by a Molecular Hybridization Approach: in vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation and Inhibition of Tubulin Polymerization

Molecular hybridization approach is a promising structural modification tool to design new chemical entities (NCEs) by mimicking two different pharmacophoric units into one scaffold to enhance the biological properties. With this aim, combretastatin-A4 acids were integrated with sulfonyl piperazine scaffolds as a one molecular platform and evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against a panel of human cancer lines cell lines namely, lung (A549), mouse melanoma (B16F10), breast (MDA MB-231and MCF-7) and colon (HCT-15) by MTT assay. Amongst which the compound (E)-3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-(4-((4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one ( 5 ab ) displayed significant IC₅₀ values in the range of 0.36 to 7.08 μm against the selected cancer cell lines. Moreover, 5 ab was found to be the most potent member of this series with IC₅₀ 0.36±0.02 μm . Further investigations revealed that the compound 5 ab displayed significant inhibition of tubulin assembly with IC₅₀ 5.24±0.06 μm and molecular docking studies also disclosed the binding of 5 ab effectively in CA4 binding space at the colchicine binding site. The flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the compound 5 ab caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in A549 cells. Compound 5 ab induced apoptosis in A549 cells which was further evaluated by different staining assays such as DAPI and AO which undoubtedly speculated, the induction of apoptosis. To study the anti-migration with 5 ab , cell migration/scratch wound assay was performed and the extent of apoptosis was studied by Annexin-V, including mitochondrial potential by JC-1 staining.     

Formation of a Polymer-Coated Inclusion Complex of D-Limonene and β-Cyclodextrin by Spray Drying

The polymer-coated inclusion complex powder formation of D-limonene and β-cyclodextrin obtained by spray drying was investigated with respect to the effects of various types of polymer coating agents on the powder particle size and morphology. The addition of the polymer coating agent affected the average particle size, morphology, and internal structures of the spray-dried powders. The average particle diameter of the uncoated spray-dried powders was approximately 5 µm. The powder particle size increased upon the addition of a polymer coating reagent. With the addition of 9 wt% of the polymer coating agent, an average diameter of approximately 80 µm was obtained for the spray-dried powder particles. However, further addition showed a negligible effect on the particle size. Inclusion complex crystals were observed on the surface and inside of the powder particles.     

Comparative in vitro Studies of the Topoisomerase I Inhibition and Anticancer Activities of Metallated N-Confused Porphyrins and Metallated Porphyrins

Using the original approach, a series of metallated N-confused porphyrins and metallated porphyrins have been synthesized and characterized. For all the synthesized porphyrins, in vitro studies of cytotoxic activity against K562, U937, HL-60, Jurkat, A549 and HeLa cancer cell lines, the ability to induce apoptosis and effects on the cell cycle as well as the kinetics of proliferative activity of porphyrins and their respective metallated complexes in real time have been developed. The inhibitory activity of metallated porphyrins against human topoisomerase I and the possible mechanism of inhibition have been carried out by modelling using molecular docking.     

Enhanced Inhibition of Prostate Tumor Growth by Dual Targeting the Androgen Receptor and the Regulatory Subunit Type Iα of Protein Kinase A in Vivo

Progression to castration resistance is a major problem in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer and is likely to be driven by activation of several molecular pathways, including androgen receptor (AR) and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). In this study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of a combined inhibition of the AR and the regulatory subunit type Iα (RIα) of protein kinase A with second generation antisense oligonucleotides (ODNs) in androgen-sensitive LNCaP and castration-resistant LNCaPabl tumors in vivo. We found that targeting the AR alone inhibited LNCaP, as well as LNCaPabl tumors. Combined inhibition resulted in an improved response over single targeting and even a complete tumor remission in LNCaPabl. Western blot analysis revealed that both ODNs were effective in reducing their target proteins when administered alone or in combination. In addition, treatment with the ODNs was associated with an induction of apoptosis. Our data suggest that dual targeting of the AR and PKARIα is more effective in inhibiting LNCaP and LNCaPabl tumor growth than single treatment and may give a treatment benefit, especially in castration-resistant prostate cancers.     

In vitro and in vivo antitumor study of folic acid-conjugated carboxymethyl chitosan and phenylboronic acid–based nanoparticles

Folic acid-modified carboxymethyl chitosan was polymerized with N-3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid monomer to prepare tumor-targeting nanoparticles (NPs). Nanoparticles’ size was characterized by dynamic light scattering, while the micromorphology was observed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electronic microscope (SEM). Doxorubicin was then loaded into prepared nanoparticles. The cellular uptake of these NPs was investigated in monolayer cell model and multicellular spheroids. The results revealed that FA-modified nanoparticles possess excellent ability of accumulation and penetration in 2D and 3D cell models. It was also found that these nanoparticles enhanced drug accumulation in tumor, which finally increased antitumor efficiency in H22 tumor-bearing mice.     

Respiratory Deposition of Fibers in the Non-Inertial Regime—Development and Application of a Semi-Analytical Model

A semi-analytical model describing the motion of fibrous particles ranging from nano- to micro scale was developed, and some important differences in respiratory tract transport and deposition between fibrous particles of various sizes and shapes were elucidated. The aim of this work was to gain information regarding health risks associated with inhalation exposure to small fibers such as carbon nanotubes. The model, however, is general in the sense that it can be applied to arbitrary flows and geometries at small fiber Stokes and Reynolds numbers. Deposition due to gravitational settling, Brownian motion and interception was considered, and results were presented for steady, laminar, fully developed parabolic flow in straight airways. Regarding particle size, our model shows that decrease in particle size leads to reduced efficiency of sedimentation but increased intensity of Brownian diffusion, as expected. We studied the effects due to particle shape alone by varying the aspect ratios and diameters of the microfibers simultaneously, such that the effect of particle mass does not come into play. Our model suggests that deposition both due to gravitational settling and Brownian diffusion decreases with increased fiber aspect ratio. Regarding the combined effect of fiber size and shape, our results suggest that for particles with elongated shape the probability of reaching the vulnerable gas-exchange region in the deep lung is highest for particles with diameters in the size range 10–100 nm and lengths of several micrometers. Note that the popular multi-walled carbon nanotubes fall into this size-range.     

Anthracene-Walled Acyclic CB[n] Receptors: in vitro and in vivo Binding Properties toward Drugs of Abuse

We report studies of the interaction of six acyclic CB[n]-type receptors toward a panel of drugs of abuse by a combination of isothermal titration calorimetry and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Anthracene walled acyclic CB[n] host ( M3 ) displays highest binding affinity toward methamphetamine (K_d=15 nM) and fentanyl (K_d=4 nM). Host M3 is well tolerated by Hep G2 and HEK 293 cells up to 100 μM according to MTS metabolic and adenylate kinase release assays. An in vivo maximum tolerated dose study with Swiss Webster mice showed no adverse effects at the highest dose studied (44.7 mg kg⁻¹). Host M3 is not mutagenic based on the Ames fluctuation test and does not inhibit the hERG ion channel. In vivo efficacy studies showed that pretreatment of mice with M3 significantly reduces the hyperlocomotion after treatment with methamphetamine, but M3 does not function similarly when administered 30 seconds after methamphetamine.     

Adsorption and Thermal Desorption of Volatile Organic Compounds in a Fixed Bed – Experimental and Modeling

Adsorption and thermal desorption dynamics of acetone in fixed-bed silica gel were studied experimentally and theoretically. The effect of process factors on adsorption and desorption performances was established. Acetone adsorption from air stream was performed by the dynamic (flowing gas) method in a laboratory setup at two levels of air superficial velocity (0.7 and 1.7 cm s^?1), temperature (30 and 40°C), and adsorbent particle diameter (0.21 and 0.54 cm). The values of saturation adsorption capacity (0.147–0.270 g g^?1) increased up to 78% and 36%, respectively, with a decrease in air velocity and adsorption temperature. Acetone thermal desorption from spent silica gel was studied in a thermobalance at three levels of process temperature (60, 70, and 80°C) and two values of particle size (0.21 and 0.54 cm). Equilibrium desorption efficiency (63–81%) was up to 14% larger for finer particles and increased with the desorption temperature. Kinetic models with relevant parameters adjusted based on experimental data were adopted to predict the dynamics of acetone adsorption and thermal desorption. The models simulated well the real conditions and could be applied to scale up and operate the adsorption columns used for air remediation.     

Microencapsulation of α-Amylase by Carrying Out Complex Coacervation and Drying in a Single Step Using a Novel Three-Fluid Nozzle Spray Drying

The aim of this research was to develop an enzyme encapsulation process in which both the complex coacervation and drying processes are combined into a single step. For this purpose, we used a novel three-fluid nozzle at the atomization step of spray drying. α-Amylase as a model enzyme was encapsulated by coacervation in calcium (Ca) alginate and Ca-alginate + chitosan shell matrices and the powder was obtained in a single step through spray drying. The single-step process was compared to carrying out the complex coacervation and drying processes in two steps using freeze drying, in which α-amylase was encapsulated by carrying out the complexation process in the above-mentioned shell matrices using the same three-fluid atomizer and collecting the coacervates, which were subsequently freeze dried. The results showed that the microcapsules obtained from the single-step encapsulation process (three-fluid nozzle spray drying) had smaller particle sizes, were less porous, and provided better enzyme stability compared to the microcapsules obtained by carrying out the complexation and drying in two steps and the single-step process was faster. It was observed that the egg-box structure was formed in both types of powder particles; however, the complexation with chitosan partially disrupted the formation of this structure. The three-fluid nozzle–based spray drying is a promising technology in which both the complex coacervation and drying processes can be carried out in a single step.     

A Smart Nanotherapeutic Agent for in vitro and in vivo Reversal of Heavy-Metal-Induced Causality: Key Information from Optical Spectroscopy

Human exposure to heavy metals can cause a variety of life-threatening disorders, affecting almost every organ of the body, including the nervous, circulatory, cardiac, excretory, and hepatic systems. The presence of heavy metal (cause) and induced oxidative stress (effect) are both responsible for the observed toxic effects. The conventional and effective way to combat heavy metal overload diseases is through use of metal chelators. However, they possess several side effects and most importantly they fail to manage the entire causality. In this study, we introduce citrate-functionalized Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles (C−Mn₃O₄ NPs) as an efficient chelating agent for treatment of heavy metal overload diseases. By means of UV/Vis absorbance and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopic techniques we investigated the efficacy of the NPs in chelation of a model heavy metal, lead (Pb). We also explored the retention of antioxidant properties of the Pb-chelated C−Mn₃O₄ NPs using a UV/Vis-assisted DPPH assay. Through CD spectroscopic studies we established that the NPs can reverse the Pb-induced structural modifications of biological macromolecules. We also studied the in vivo efficacy of NPs in Pb-intoxicated C57BL/6j mice. The NPs were not only able to mobilize the Pb from various organs through chelation, but also saved the organs from oxidative damage. Thus, the C−Mn₃O₄ NPs could be an effective nanotherapeutic agent for complete reversal of heavy-metal-induced toxicity through chelation of the heavy metal and healing of the associated oxidative stress.     

Evaluation of a Platinum–Acridine Anticancer Agent and Its Liposomal Formulation in an in vivo Model of Lung Adenocarcinoma

Liposomal formulations have been developed for a highly cytotoxic platinum–acridine agent, [PtCl(pn)(C₁₈H₂₁N₄)](NO₃)₂ (PA, pn=propane-1,3-diamine), and fully characterized. Nanoliposomes consisting of hydrogenated soybean phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), 1,2-dihexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) (DPPG), and polyethylene glycol-2000-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE-mPEG_2k) were able to stably encapsulate PA at payload-to-lipid ratios of 2–20 %. The fusogenic properties of the liposomes promote efficient cellular uptake of PA across the plasma membrane, which results in vesicular transport of payload to the nucleus in cultured lung cancer cells. Unencapsulated PA and one of the newly designed liposomal formulations show promising tumor growth inhibition in tumor xenografts derived from A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells of 76 % and 72 %, respectively. Cisplatin showed no significant efficacy at a 10-fold higher dose. These findings underscore the utility of platinum-acridine agents for treating aggressive, chemoresistant forms of cancer and validate nanoliposomes as a biocompatible, expandable platform for their intravenous delivery and other potential routes of administration.     

FOXM1 Inhibitors as Potential Diagnostic Agents: First Generation of a PET Probe Targeting FOXM1 To Detect Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in vitro and in vivo

The FOXM1 protein controls the expression of essential genes related to cancer cell cycle progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. We hypothesize that FOXM1 inhibitors could represent a novel approach to develop ¹⁸F-based radiotracers for Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Therefore, in this report we describe the first attempt to use ¹⁸F-labeled FOXM1 inhibitors to detect triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Briefly, we replaced the original amide group in the parent drug FDI-6 for a ketone group in the novel AF-FDI molecule, to carry out an aromatic nucleophilic (¹⁸F)-fluorination. AF-FDI dissociated the FOXM1-DNA complex, decreased FOXM1 levels, and inhibited cell proliferation in a TNBC cell line (MDA-MB-231). [¹⁸F]AF-FDI was internalized in MDA-MB-231 cells. Cell uptake inhibition experiments showed that AF-FDI and FDI-6 significantly decreased the maximum uptake of [¹⁸F]AF-FDI, suggesting specificity towards FOXM1. [¹⁸F]AF-FDI reached a tumor uptake of SUV=0.31 in MDA-MB-231 tumor-bearing mice and was metabolically stable 60 min post-injection. These results provide preliminary evidence supporting the potential role of FOXM1 to develop PET radiotracers.     

Characterization and in vitro drug release properties of core–shell hydrogel prepared by gamma irradiation

A hydrogel system was prepared based on core–shell approach for the delivery of trifluoperazine. Acrylonitrile (AN) core and methacrylic acid (MAA) shell copolymer were performed using gamma irradiation. The resulted system has been characterized by FTIR, TGA, TEM, and SEM techniques. The in vitro release study showed that the maximum drug released was 6.11?mg?g^?1 for AN–MAA copolymer through 120?min and 22.34?mg?g^?1 for AN-core–MAAc shell through 240?min. The results demonstrated that AN-core–MAAc had better properties than AN–MAA copolymer which means the preparation technique highly affects the properties of the system.     

Structure and in vivo anticalcification properties of a polymeric calcium–sodium–phosphocitrate organic–inorganic hybrid

This paper describes the synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of an organic–inorganic polymeric hybrid composed of Ca, Na, and phosphocitrate (CaNaPC). CaNaPC is synthesized by reaction of CaCl₂·2H₂O and Na₄(HPC)·3H₂O in water, at pH 2. Its structure is polymeric with Ca(PC)₂(H₂O) “monomers” connected through Na⁺ bridges. The 9-coordinate Ca occupies the center of an irregular polyhedron defined by four phosphate, four carbonyl, and one H₂O oxygens. CaO(C) distances are in the 2.446(2)–2.586(2) Å range. There is a short distance of 2.477(1) Å between Ca and the ester O from C–O–PO₃H₂. All –COOH groups are protonated. There are three dissociated protons per two PC molecules, all coming from –PO₃H₂. Na ions are six-coordinate surrounded by –COOH’s. The anticalcification properties of CaNaPC on plaque growth were studied in vivo using rats as model systems. Na–phosphocitrate is an effective inhibitor, but its effectiveness diminishes when a lower dose is used (9.7 mg as H₅PC), resulting in only 30% plaque reduction. Superior inhibition activity becomes evident by following treatment with CaNaPC, at an equal dose (9.6 mg as H₅PC) giving nearly quantitative (95%) plaque inhibition.     

Comparative in Vivo Assessment of Some Adverse Bioeffects of Equidimensional Gold and Silver Nanoparticles and the Attenuation of Nanosilver’s Effects with a Complex of Innocuous Bioprotectors

Stable suspensions of nanogold (NG) and nanosilver (NS) with mean particle diameter 50 and 49 nm, respectively, were prepared by laser ablation of metals in water. To assess rat’s pulmonary phagocytosis response to a single intratracheal instillation of these suspensions, we used optical, transmission electron, and semi-contact atomic force microscopy. NG and NS were also repeatedly injected intraperitoneally into rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg (0.5 mg per mL of deionized water) three times a week, up to 20 injections. A group of rats was thus injected with NS after oral administration of a “bioprotective complex” (BPC) comprised of pectin, multivitamins, some amino acids, calcium, selenium, and omega-3 PUFA. After the termination of the injections, many functional and biochemical indices and histopathological features of the spleen, kidneys and liver were evaluated for signs of toxicity, and accumulation of NG or NS in these organs was measured. From the same rats, we obtained cell suspensions of different tissues for performing the RAPD test. It was demonstrated that, although both nanometals were adversely bioactive in all respects considered in this study, NS was more noxious as compared with NG, and that the BPC tested by us attenuated both the toxicity and genotoxicity of NS.