JM25-1, a Lidocaine Analog Combining Airway Relaxant and Antiinflammatory Properties

Background Inhaled lidocaine antagonized bronchospasm in animal models and patients, but adverse effects limited its efficacy. This study evaluated the antibronchospasm potential of the analog JM25-1, exploring in vitro mechanisms and translation to an animal model. Methods The effectiveness of JM25-1 was assessed in GH3 cells, rat tracheal rings, mouse lymphocytes, and human eosinophil systems in vitro, assessing changes in Na+ current, contraction, proliferation, and survival, respectively. Lung function and inflammatory changes were studied in ovalbumin-sensitized mice. Results The efficacy of JM25-1 was higher than lidocaine in inhibiting carbachol-induced and calcium-induced tracheal contractions (maximum effect inhibition at 1 mM [%]: 67 ± 10 [JM25-1] vs. 41 ± 11 [lidocaine] [P < 0.001] for carbachol; 100 ± 3 [JM25-1] vs. 36 ± 26 [lidocaine] [P < 0.001] for Ca2+; mean ± SD; n = 9 each) but lower in Na+ current (50% inhibitory concentration = 151.5, n = 8 vs. 0.2 mM; n = 5; P < 0.001). JM25-1 also inhibited eosinophil survival (dead cells [%]: 65 ± 6; n = 4; P < 0.001 at 1 mM) and lymphocyte proliferation (cells in phase S + G2 [%]: 94 ± 10; n = 6; P < 0.001) at 0.6 mM. Aerosolized JM25-1 (1%) decreased lung eosinophil numbers from 13.2 ± 2.4 to 1.7 ± 0.7 × 104/μm2 (n = 6; P < 0.001) and neutrophils from 1.9 ± 0.4 to 0.2 ± 0.1 × 104/μm2 (n = 7; P < 0.001). Other parameters, including airway hyperreactivity, cytokines, mucus, and extracellular matrix deposition, were also sensitive to aerosolized JM25-1. Conclusion These findings highlight the potential of JM25-1, emphasizing its putative value in drug development for clinical conditions where there is bronchospasm.

Eosinophil-specific deletion of IκBα in mice reveals a critical role of NF-κB–induced Bcl-xL for inhibition of apoptosis

Key Points IL-3, IL-5, and GM-CSF promote eosinophil survival by NF-κB–induced upregulation of Bcl-xL, which can be blocked by specific inhibitors. Specific and constitutive deletion of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα) in eosinophils in vivo reduced apoptosis during helminth infection.