scholarly journals Benefits and Toxicity of Disulfiram in Preclinical Models of Nephropathic Cystinosis

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 3294
Author(s):  
Anna Taranta ◽  
Mohamed A. Elmonem ◽  
Francesco Bellomo ◽  
Ester De Leo ◽  
Sara Boenzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Repositioning ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Chronic Kidney Failure ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Current Therapy ◽  
Nephropathic Cystinosis ◽  
Long Term Treatment

Nephropathic cystinosis is a rare disease caused by mutations of the CTNS gene that encodes for cystinosin, a lysosomal cystine/H+ symporter. The disease is characterized by early-onset chronic kidney failure and progressive development of extra-renal complications related to cystine accumulation in all tissues. At the cellular level, several alterations have been demonstrated, including enhanced apoptosis, altered autophagy, defective intracellular trafficking, and cell oxidation, among others. Current therapy with cysteamine only partially reverts some of these changes, highlighting the need to develop additional treatments. Among compounds that were identified in a previous drug-repositioning study, disulfiram (DSF) was selected for in vivo studies. The cystine depleting and anti-apoptotic properties of DSF were confirmed by secondary in vitro assays and after treating Ctns-/- mice with 200 mg/kg/day of DSF for 3 months. However, at this dosage, growth impairment was observed. Long-term treatment with a lower dose (100 mg/kg/day) did not inhibit growth, but failed to reduce cystine accumulation, caused premature death, and did not prevent the development of renal lesions. In addition, DSF also caused adverse effects in cystinotic zebrafish larvae. DSF toxicity was significantly more pronounced in Ctns-/- mice and zebrafish compared to wild-type animals, suggesting higher cell toxicity of DSF in cystinotic cells.

In-silico Studies of Isolated Phytoalkaloid Against Lipoxygenase: Study Based on Possible Correlation

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-221
Author(s):  
Haroon Khan ◽  
Muhammad Zafar ◽  
Helena Den-Haan ◽  
Horacio Perez-Sanchez ◽  
Mohammad Amjad Kamal
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Lipoxygenase Inhibitors ◽  
Lipoxygenase Inhibition ◽  
In Silico Studies

Aim and Objective: Lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes play an important role in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory and allergic diseases including bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Inhibitors of the LOX are believed to be an ideal approach in the treatment of diseases caused by its over-expression. In this regard, several synthetic and natural agents are under investigation worldwide. Alkaloids are the most thoroughly investigated class of natural compounds with outstanding past in clinically useful drugs. In this article, we have discussed various alkaloids of plant origin that have already shown lipoxygenase inhibition in-vitro with possible correlation in in silico studies. Materials and Methods: Molecular docking studies were performed using MOE (Molecular Operating Environment) software. Among the ten reported LOX alkaloids inhibitors, derived from plant, compounds 4, 2, 3 and 1 showed excellent docking scores and receptor sensitivity. Result and Conclusion: These compounds already exhibited in vitro lipoxygenase inhibition and the MOE results strongly correlated with the experimental results. On the basis of these in vitro assays and computer aided results, we suggest that these compounds need further detail in vivo studies and clinical trial for the discovery of new more effective and safe lipoxygenase inhibitors. In conclusion, these results might be useful in the design of new and potential lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors.

scholarly journals TGFβ signalling acts as a molecular brake of myoblast fusion

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Melendez ◽  
Daniel Sieiro ◽  
David Salgado ◽  
Valérie Morin ◽  
Marie-Julie Dejardin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Control ◽  
Muscle Growth ◽  
Myoblast Fusion ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Receptor Complex ◽  
Tgfβ Signalling ◽  
Molecular Brake

AbstractFusion of nascent myoblasts to pre-existing myofibres is critical for skeletal muscle growth and repair. The vast majority of molecules known to regulate myoblast fusion are necessary in this process. Here, we uncover, through high-throughput in vitro assays and in vivo studies in the chicken embryo, that TGFβ (SMAD2/3-dependent) signalling acts specifically and uniquely as a molecular brake on muscle fusion. While constitutive activation of the pathway arrests fusion, its inhibition leads to a striking over-fusion phenotype. This dynamic control of TGFβ signalling in the embryonic muscle relies on a receptor complementation mechanism, prompted by the merging of myoblasts with myofibres, each carrying one component of the heterodimer receptor complex. The competence of myofibres to fuse is likely restored through endocytic degradation of activated receptors. Altogether, this study shows that muscle fusion relies on TGFβ signalling to regulate its pace.

STUDIES ON THE ANTICOAGULANT AND ANTITHROMBOTIC ACTIONS OF DERMATANS AND THEIR SULFATED DERIVATIVES

1987 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Hoppensteadt ◽  
A Kumar ◽  
J Fareed ◽  
J Mardigian
Keyword(s):  
Antithrombin Iii ◽  
Femoral Vein ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Protease Inhibition ◽  
Thrombosis Model ◽  
Antithrombotic Effects ◽  
Activated Prothrombin Complex Concentrates

Non-antithrombin III mediated effects such as interaction with heparin cofactor II, modulation of endothelium and polymorphonuclear leukocytes contribute to the overall antithrombotic effects of glycosaminoglycans. In order to study the role of these dermatans, we investigated their in vitro anticoagulant effects using the clot based (PT, APTT, TT, and Heptest), antiprotease (anti IIa and anti Xa) and Thromboplastin C activated fibrinopeptide A generation test. The in vivo antithrombotic actions were investigated, against activated and non activated prothrombin complex concentrates, and in combination with Russells viper venom in jugular and femoral vein stasis thrombosis models (rabbit). The dermatans studied consisted of a standard dermatan of porcine intestinal origin and four sulfated dermatans with varying degrees of sulfation. All of the dermatans studied showed weak anticoagulant effects on the routinely performed clot based assays. Marked variability was seen on the protease inhibition (anti Xa and anti IIa) assays. In the in vivo studies all dermatans studied showed varying degrees of antithrombotic actions against various thrombogenic agents in a modified stasis thrombosis model. Sulfation appeared to produce stronger anticoagulant effects as determined by in vitro assays, whereas the intravenous antithrombotic actions of native dermatan were stronger than sulfated derivatives. This data suggests that dermatans produce their antithrombotic actions via non-antithrombin III mediated pathways. Furthermore, in vitro testing methods are of limited value in the evaluation of the biologic actions of dermatans and their derivatives.

Can in vitro assays substitute for in vivo studies in assessing the pulmonary hazards of fine and nanoscale materials?

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 421-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christie M. Sayes ◽  
Kenneth L. Reed ◽  
Shekhar Subramoney ◽  
Lloyd Abrams ◽  
David B. Warheit
Keyword(s):  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Nanoscale Materials

Effect of prostaglandin E1-induced elevation of cyclic AMP on glucose repression in the lactic streptococci

1980 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy L. Ratliff ◽  
Robert S. Stinson ◽  
Dwight E. Talburt
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Repression ◽  
Streptococcus Thermophilus ◽  
Adenyl Cyclase ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Prostaglandin E ◽  
Intracellular Camp ◽  
Streptococcus Lactis

Cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) activity was observed in Streptococcus lactis C2, Streptococcus cremoris C10, Streptococcus diacetlactis 18-16, and Streptococcus thermophilus C3. In vitro assays of cell-free extracts obtained from S. lactis C2 showed that the cAMP-associated enzymes adenyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase were also present. In vitro experiments showed that prostaglandin E1 (PGE) stimulation of adenyl cyclase increased cAMP concentrations approximately fivefold, and in vivo studies showed that PGE treatment of S. lactis C2 increased intracellular cAMP concentrations twofold. Furthermore, PGE-induced elevation of intracellular cAMP levels was shown to prevent the repression of β-D-phosphogalactoside galactohydrolase synthesis by glucose.

scholarly journals A New Calcium Oral Controlled-Release System Based on Zeolite for Prevention of Osteoporosis

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Fabiano ◽  
Anna Maria Piras ◽  
Vincenzo Calderone ◽  
Lara Testai ◽  
Lorenzo Flori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Calcium Ions ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Current Therapy ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Prevention Of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, a systemic skeleton disease, can be prevented by increasing calcium levels in serum via administration of calcium salts. However, traditional calcium-based formulations have not appeared to be effective, hence the purpose of the present work has been to prepare and test in vitro/vivo a formulation able to gradually release calcium during transit over the GI tract, thus increasing bioavailability and reducing daily dose, and hence, side effects. Calcium controlled-release granules based on zeolite and Precirol® were prepared. In the best case, represented by granules sized 1.2 mm, containing 20% Precirol®, 19% zeolite, 60% calcium (granule), the release lasted ≈6 h. The release is controlled by diffusion of calcium ions through the aqueous channels forming within granules, once these come into contact with physiological fluids. Such a diffusion is hindered by the interaction of calcium ions with the negatively charged surface of the zeolite. Ovariectomy was used to make rats osteopenic. For in vivo studies, rats were divided into the following groups. Sham: not treated; ova: ovariectomized (ova); CaCl2 1.0 g: ova, treated with 1.0 g/die Ca2+; CaCl2 0.5 g: ova, treated with 0.5 g/die Ca2+; granule 1.0 g, or granule 0.5 g: ova, treated with granules equivalent to 1.0 g/die or 0.5 g/die Ca2+ in humans. Ca2+ amounts in femur bone and bone marrow, femur mechanical characteristics, and femur medullary canalicule diameter were measured and the same efficacy rank order was obtained: ova < CaCl2 0.5 g < CaCl2 1.0 g < granule 0.5 g ≈ granule 1.0 g ≈ sham. The results show promise of an effective prevention of osteoporosis, based on a controlled-rate administration of a calcium dose half that administered by the current therapy, with reduced side effects.

Angiotensin II formation in dog heart is mediated by different pathways in vivo and in vitro

1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (2) ◽  
pp. H417-H421 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Balcells ◽  
Q. C. Meng ◽  
G. R. Hageman ◽  
R. W. Palmer ◽  
J. N. Durand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Heart Tissue ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Dog Heart ◽  
Tissue Extracts

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (I) have beneficial effects that are presumably mediated by decreased angiotensin II (ANG II) production. However, in vitro assays in human heart extracts have demonstrated that > 75% of ANG II-forming enzyme activity was not inhibited by captopril (Cap) and therefore did not appear to be related to ACE but was inhibited by chymostatin, suggesting that it was predominantly chymase-like activity. Previous work in our laboratory has demonstrated a similar relative contribution of ACE and chymase-like activity toward ANG II formation in vitro in dog heart tissue extracts. Accordingly, we compared Cap-inhibitable ANG II formation in vitro in heart tissue of five adult mongrel dogs to the in vivo Cap-inhibitable, ANG II-forming activity across the myocardial bed in four openchest, adult mongrel dogs. In vitro studies demonstrated that only 6 +/- 2% of ANG II formation was inhibited by Cap from heart tissue extracts of the left ventricular midwall. In in vivo studies, ANG I (0.5 nmol/min) followed by ANG I plus the ACE inhibitor Cap (0.1 mumol/min) was infused into the left anterior descending artery, and ANG II was assayed in the proximal aorta and coronary sinus. The arterial-venous (A-V) difference of ANG II across the myocardial circulation increased significantly during ANG I infusion (-13.4 +/- 23.5 to 142.8 +/- 71.4 pg/ml; P < 0.03). Subsequent coinfusion of Cap with ANG I significantly decreased the myocardial A-V difference of ANG II by 60 +/- 18% (P < 0.05). Thus, in contrast to the in vitro situation, ANG II formation in vivo is inhibited significantly by Cap in the normal dog heart. This comparison of in vivo and in vitro conversion of ANG I to ANG II by ACE and chymase-like activity suggests that in vitro assays may underestimate the functional contribution of ACE to intracardiac ANG II formation.

scholarly journals Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Rce1p CaaX Protease

2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 983-993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surya P. Manandhar ◽  
Emily R. Hildebrandt ◽  
Walter K. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecule ◽  
Small Molecule Inhibitors ◽  
Proteolytic Processing ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Selective Agents ◽  
Wild Type Yeast ◽  
Micromolar Range

The Rce1p protease is required for the maturation of the Ras GTPase and certain other isoprenylated proteins and is considered a chemotherapeutic target. To identify new small-molecule inhibitors of Rce1p, the authors screened the National Cancer Institute Diversity Set compound library using in vitro assays to monitor the proteolytic processing of peptides derived from Ras and the yeast a-factor mating pheromone. Of 46 inhibitors initially identified with a Ras-based assay, only 9 were effective in the pheromone-based assay. The IC50 values of these 9 compounds were in the low micromolar range for both yeast (6-35 µM) and human Rce1p (0.4-46 µM). Four compounds were somewhat Rce1p selective in that they partially inhibited the Ste24p protease and did not inhibit Ste14p isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase, 2 enzymes also involved in the maturation of isoprenylated proteins. The remaining 5 compounds inhibited all 3 enzymes. The 2 most Rce1p-selective agents were ineffective trypsin inhibitors, further supporting the specificity of these agents for Rce1p. The 5 least specific compounds formed colloidal aggregates, a proposed common feature of promiscuous inhibitors. Interestingly, the most specific Rce1p inhibitor also formed a colloidal aggregate. In vivo studies revealed that treatment of wild-type yeast with 1 compound induced a Ras2p delocalization phenotype that mimics observed effects in rce1 ste24 null yeast. The 9 compounds identified in this study represent new tools for understanding the enzymology of postisoprenylation-modifying enzymes and provide new insight for the future development of Rce1p inhibitors. ( Journal of Biomolecular Screening 2007:983-993)

scholarly journals MODL-29. EVALUATING TUMOR-IMMUNE INTERACTIONS IN MOUSE MODELS OF DIFFUSE INTRINSIC PONTINE GLIOMA

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii417-iii417
Author(s):  
Robin Furnish ◽  
Heather Bear ◽  
Xin Wei ◽  
Timothy Phoenix
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Models ◽  
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Preclinical Studies ◽  
Check Point ◽  
Pontine Glioma ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits

Abstract BACKGROUND While adult gliomas show some level of immune cell infiltration, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is characterized as having an “immune cold” state. We have developed new immunocompetent mouse models of DIPG. These models faithfully recapitulate the pathological hallmarks of DIPG and provides a unique platform to investigate immune modulatory therapies and potential therapeutic benefits of check point inhibitor combination therapies. METHODS To evaluate the effects of CDK4/6 inhibition (CDK4/6i) on cell proliferation and immune interactions we performed a series of in vitro and in vivo studies using DIPG mouse models. In vitro assays included dose response curves, transcriptional profiling, and MHC1 expression. In vivo preclinical studies treated mouse models with CDK4/6i with or without immune check-point inhibitors (ICI). We also examined other candidate immune modulatory therapies in vitro. RESULTS CDK4/6i (Abemeciclib) reduced proliferation of DIPG cells derived from mouse models, and displayed a modest increase in immune activation by MHC1 expression and transcriptome. Pilot in vivo preclinical studies did not show any significant changes in DIPG proliferation or immune changes with CDK4/6i treatment, ICI treatment, or the combination of CDK4/6i + ICI. In vitro testing of other immune-modulatory drugs identified additional candidates that can be tested in vivo. CONCLUSION CDK4/6i displayed in vitro action, but lacked efficacy in DIPG mouse models in vivo. Further use of spontaneous DIPG mouse models will provide a rapid preclinical platform to evaluate in vivo tumor-immune interactions, drug efficacy, and mechanisms of resistance.

Natural Products as Potential Agents Against SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanda Paolla Raimundo e Silva ◽  
Chonny Alexander Herrera Acevedo ◽  
Thalisson Amorim de Souza ◽  
Renata Priscila Barros de Menezes ◽  
Zoe L. Sessions ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Products ◽  
In Silico ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Natural Substances ◽  
Effective Drugs

Background: Natural products are useful agents for the discovery of new lead-compounds and effective drugs to combat coronaviruses (CoV). Objective: The present work provides an overview of natural substances, plant extracts, and essential oils as potential antiSARS-CoV agents. In addition, this work evaluates their drug-like properties which are essential in the selection of compounds in order to accelerate the drug development process. Methods: The search was carried out using PubMed, ScienceDirect and SciFinder. Articles addressing plant-based natural products as potential SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 agents within the last seventeen years were analyzed and selected. The descriptors for Chemometrics analyzes were obtained in alvaDesc and the principal component analyzes (PCA) were carried out in SIMCA version 13.0. Results: Based on in vitro assays and computational analyzes, this review covers twenty nine medicinal plant species and more than 300 isolated substances as potential anti-coronavirus agents. Among them, flavonoids and terpenes were the most promising compound classes. In silico analyses of drug-like properties corroborate these findings and indicate promising candidates for in vitro and in vivo studies to validate their activity. Conclusion: This paper highlights the role of ethnopharmacology in drug discovery and simulates the use of integrative (in silico/ in vitro) and chemocentric approaches to strengthen current studies and guide future research in the field of antivirals agents.

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