Radiolabeled hydroxamate-based matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors: How chemical modifications affect pharmacokinetics and metabolic stability.

INTRODUCTION: Dysregulated MMP expression or activation is associated with several diseases. To study MMP activity in vivo by means of PET a radiolabeled MMP inhibitor (MMPI) functioning as radiotracer has been developed by our group based on the lead structure CGS 25966. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aiming at the modification of the pharmacokinetics of this lipophilic model tracer a new class of MMPIs has been discovered, consisting of additional fluorinated hydrophilic substructures, such as mini-PEG and/or 1,2,3-triazole units. To identify the best candidate for further clinical applications, radiofluorinated compounds of each subgroup have been (radio) synthesized and evaluated regarding their biodistribution behavior and their metabolic stability. RESULTS: Radiosyntheses of different triazole based MMPIs could be realized using two step "click chemistry" procedures. Compared to lead structure [(18)F]FEtO-CGS 25966 ([(18)F]1e, log D(exp) =2.02, IC50=2-50nM) all selected candidates showed increased hydrophilicities and inhibition potencies (log D(exp) =0.23-1.25, IC50=0.006-6nM). Interestingly, despite different hydrophilicities most triazole based MMPIs showed no significant differences in their in vivo biodistribution behavior and were cleared predominantly via the hepatobiliary excretion route. Biostability and metabolism studies in vitro and in vivo revealed significant higher metabolic stability for the triazole moiety compared to the benzyl ring in the lead structure. Cleavage of ethylene glycol subunits of the mini-PEG chain led to a faster metabolism of mini-PEG containing MMPIs. CONCLUSION: The introduction of hydrophilic groups such as mini-PEG and 1,2,3-triazole units did not lead to a significant shift of the hepatobiliary elimination towards renal clearance. Particularly the introduction of mini-PEG chains led to an intense metabolic decomposition. Substitution of the benzyl moiety in lead structure 1e by a 1,2,3-trizole ring resulted in an increased metabolic stability. Therefore, the 1,2,3-triazole-1-yl-methyl substituted MMPI [(18)F]3a was found to be the most stable candidate in this series and should be chosen for further preclinical evaluation.

Noninvasive molecular imaging of apoptosis in a mouse model of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and myocardial dysfunction may be associated with apoptosis. Caspase 3 catalyzes a terminal step in apoptosis, and its expression may serve as a marker of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. We synthesized 18F-CP18, a caspase-3 substrate and evaluated cardiac 18F-CP18 uptake in a mouse model of anthracycline cardiotoxicity. METHODS AND RESULTS: For 12 weeks, mice were injected with doxorubicin, 3 mg/kg/week, or vehicle (control). Left ventricular fractional shortening was quantified by echocardiography. CP18 uptake after intravenous injection of 250 µCi of 18F-CP18, 24 hours post-doxorubicin treatment was quantified by microPET, autoradiography, and gamma counting. Apoptosis was assessed by enzymatic assay of myocardial caspase 3 and TUNEL staining of tissue sections. Compared with controls, at 6 and 12 weeks of doxorubicin treatment, fractional shortening was reduced (20.7%±2.5% versus 31%±3.5%, P=0.010; and 20.3%±3.1% versus 32.4%±2.1%, P=0.011). Doxorubicin treatment was associated with increased 18F-CP18 uptake in %ID/g by gamma counting from 0.36±0.01 (week 1) to 0.78±0.01 (week 12), P=0.003. A similar increase in 18F-CP18 uptake was observed by microPET (0.41±0.04 versus 0.73±0.1, P=0.014) and autoradiography (1.1±0.3 versus 2.8±0.2 P=0.001). Caspase 3 enzymatic activity and apoptosis by TUNEL staining were also increased after 12 weeks of doxorubicin compared with weeks 1 and 3. CP18 uptake in controls was relatively unchanged at weeks 1, 3, and 12. CONCLUSIONS: In a mouse model of cardiotoxicity, doxorubicin treatment is associated with increased myocardial caspase 3 expression and an increase in CP18 uptake. 18F-CP18 may be useful for detection of anthracycline-induced myocardial apoptosis.

Atherosclerotic plaque uptake of a novel integrin tracer ¹8F-Flotegatide in a mouse model of atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaque that leads to stroke and myocardial infarction may be induced by macrophage infiltration and neovessel formation. A tracer that selectively binds to integrin αvß3 a protein expressed by macrophages and neovascular endothelium may identify rupture prone plaque. METHODS: (18)F-labeled "R-G-D" containing tripeptide (Flotegatide), a click chemistry derived radiotracer that binds to integrin αvß3 was injected in ApoE knockout mice fed a high fat diet. Uptake of Flotegatide by atherosclerotic plaque was visualized by micro-PET, autoradiography, and correlated to histologic markers of inflammation and angiogenesis. RESULTS: We found that Flotegatide preferentially binds to aortic plaque in an ApoE knockout mouse model of atherosclerosis. The tracer's uptake is strongly associated with presence of histologic markers for macrophage infiltration and integrin expression. There is a weaker but detectable association between Flotegatide uptake and presence of an immunohistochemical marker for neovascularization. DISCUSSION: We hypothesize that Flotegatide may be a useful tracer for visualization of inflamed plaque in clinical subjects with atherosclerosis and may have potential for detecting vulnerable plaque.

Inverse 1,2,3-triazole-1-yl-ethyl substituted hydroxamates as highly potent matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors: (radio)synthesis, in vitro and first in vivo evaluation.

Noninvasive imaging and quantification of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in vivo are of great (pre)clinical interest. This can potentially be realized by using radiolabeled MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) as positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents. Triazole-substituted MMPIs, discovered by our group, are highly potent inhibitors of MMP-2, -8, -9, and -13. The triazole ring and its position contribute significantly to the potency of the MMP inhibitor. To evaluate structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the initially discovered triazole-substituted MMPIs, an additional CH2-group between the backbone of the molecule and the triazole core was inserted, and the triazole ring was "inversed" by switching the alkyne and azide groups. Similar to the original triazole-substituted hydroxamates, the inverse triazole MMPIs are excellent inhibitors with promising in vivo properties. Pharmacokinetic properties and metabolic stability of an (18)F-labeled candidate in mice were investigated.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the caspase-3 substrate-based radiotracer [(18)F]-CP18 for PET imaging of apoptosis in tumors.

PURPOSE: A novel caspase-3 substrate-based probe [(18)F]-CP18 was evaluated as an in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent for monitoring apoptosis in tumors. METHODS: Uptake of [(18)F]-CP18 in cell assays and tumors was measured. Caspase-3/7 activities in cell lysates and tumor homogenates were determined. Autoradiography,Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining were performed on adjacent tumor sections to identify areas of apoptosis. RESULTS: The in vitro cell assays showed caspase-3-dependent uptake of [(18)F]-CP18 in tumor cells when treated with an apoptosis inducer. The in vivo microPET imaging signal of [(18)F]-CP18 in xenograft tumors correlated with the ex vivo caspase-3/7 activities in these tumors. Furthermore, tumor autoradiographies of [(18)F]-CP18 in tumor sections matched adjacent sections stained by TUNEL and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry (IHC). CONCLUSIONS: [(18)F]-CP18 demonstrated high affinity and selectivity for activated caspase-3 both in vitro and in vivo, and the results support [(18)F]-CP18 as a promising new PET imaging agent for apoptosis.

Evaluation of [(18)F]-CP18 as a PET imaging tracer for apoptosis.

PURPOSE: We identified and validated [(18)F]-CP18, a DEVD (the caspase 3 substrate recognition motif) containing substrate-based compound as an imaging tracer for caspase-3 activity in apoptotic cells. PROCEDURES: CP18 was radiolabeled with fluorine-18 using click chemistry. The affinity and selectivity of CP18 for caspase-3 were evaluated in vitro. The biodistribution and metabolism pattern of [(18)F]-CP18 were assessed in vivo. [(18)F]-CP18 positron emission tomography (PET) scans were performed in a dexamethasone-induced thymic apoptosis mouse model. After imaging, the mice were sacrificed, and individual organs were collected, measured in a gamma counter, and tested for caspase-3 activity. RESULTS: In vitro enzymatic caspase-3 assay demonstrated specific cleavage of CP18. In vivo, [(18)F]-CP18 is predominantly cleared through the kidneys and urine, and is rapidly eliminated from the bloodstream. There was a sixfold increase in caspase activity and a fourfold increase of [(18)F]-CP18 retention in the dexamethasone-induced thymus of treated versus control mice. CONCLUSIONS: We report the use [(18)F]-CP18 as a PET tracer for imaging apoptosis. Our data support further development of this tracer for clinical PET applications.

[(18)F]T807, a novel tau positron emission tomography imaging agent for Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE: We wished to develop a highly selective positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent targeting PHF-tau in human Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. METHODS: To screen potential tau binders, human AD brain sections were used as a source of native paired helical filament (PHF)-tau and Aß rather than synthetic tau aggregates or Aß fibrils generated in vitro to measure the affinity and selectivity of [(18)F]T807 to tau and Aß. Brain uptake and biodistribution of [(18)F]T807 in mice were also tested. RESULTS: In vitro autoradiography results show that [(18)F]T807 exhibits strong binding to PHF-tau-positive human brain sections. A dissociation constant (Kd) of [(18)F]T807 (14.6 nM) was measured using brain sections from the frontal lobe of AD patients. A comparison of autoradiography and double immunohistochemical staining of PHF-tau and Aß on adjacent sections demonstrated that [(18)F]T807 binding colocalized with immunoreactive PHF-tau pathology, but did not highlight Aß plaques. In vivo studies in mice demonstrated that [(18)F]T807 was able to cross the blood-brain barrier and washed out quickly. CONCLUSIONS: [(18)F]T807 demonstrates high affinity and selectivity to PHF-tau as well as favorable in vivo properties, making this a promising candidate as an imaging agent for AD.

A highly selective and specific PET tracer for imaging of tau pathologies.

Senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are prominent neuropathological hallmarks in Alzheimer's disease and are considered to be targets for therapeutic intervention as well as biomarkers for diagnostic in vivo imaging agents. While there are a number of amyloid-ß positron emission tomography (PET) tracers currently in different stages of clinical development and commercialization, there have been very few reports on imaging agents selectively targeting tau aggregates. In search of [18F]-PET tracers that possess great binding affinity and selectivity toward tau tangles, we tested more than 900 compounds utilizing a unique screening process. A competitive autoradiography assay was set up to test compounds for binding to native tau tangles and amyloid-ß plaques on human brain tissue sections. In our in vitro assays, the 18F labeled compound [18F]-T808 displayed a high level of binding affinity and good selectivity for tau aggregates over amyloid-ß plaques. [18F]-T808 showed rapid uptake and washout in rodent brains. Our in vitro and preclinical in vivo studies suggest that [18F]-T808 possesses suitable properties and characteristics to be a specific and selective PET probe for imaging of paired helical filament tau in human brains.

A new class of highly potent matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors based on triazole-substituted hydroxamates: (radio)synthesis and in vitro and first in vivo evaluation.

In vivo imaging of MMPs is of great (pre)clinical interest and can potentially be realized with modern three-dimensional and noninvasive in vivo molecular imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET). Consequently, MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) radiolabeled with positron emitting nuclides (e.g., (18)F) represent a suitable tool for the visualization of activated MMPs with PET. On the basis of our previous work and results regarding radiolabeled and unlabeled derivatives of the nonselective MMPIs, we discovered a new class of fluorinated MMPIs with a triazole-substituted hydroxamate substructure. These novel MMPIs are characterized by an increased hydrophilicity compared with the lead structures and excellent MMP inhibition potencies for MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-13 (IC(50) = 0.006-107 nM). Therefore, one promising fluorinated triazole-substituted hydroxamate (30b) was selected and resynthesised as its (18)F-labeled version to yield the potential PET radioligand [(18)F]30b. The biodistribution behavior of this novel compound was investigated with small animal PET.

Sonochemistry: a powerful way of enhancing the efficiency of carbohydrate synthesis.

Using sonication as a means of facilitating organic reactions in carbohydrate chemistry was explored under the conditions used for traditional organic synthesis. An array of representative reactions, including hydroxy group manipulation (acylation, protection/deprotection, acyl group migration), thioglycoside synthesis, azidoglycoside synthesis, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and reductive cleavage of benzylidene, commonly used in the synthesis of carbohydrate derivatives was examined. A series of glycosylation reactions that employ thioglycosides, glycosyl trichloroacetimidate, glycosyl bromide and glycosyl acetate as the glycosyl donors was also examined. Our results demonstrate that sonication can significantly shorten the reaction time, enhance the reactivity of reactant and lead to superior yield and excellent stereoselectivity. More importantly, a general protocol of glycosylation may finally be developed. Sonication is compatible to the conditions used for traditional organic synthesis. We believe that sonication can also be applied to other areas of synthetic processes.

A novel strategy for oligosaccharide synthesis via temporarily deactivated S-thiazolyl glycosides as glycosyl acceptors.

A new glycosylation strategy that allows chemoselective activation of the S-thiazolyl (STaz) moiety of a glycosyl donor over the temporarily deactivated glycosyl acceptor, bearing the same anomeric group, has been developed. This deactivation is achieved by engaging of the STaz moiety of the glycosyl acceptor into a stable palladium(II) complex. Therefore, obtained disaccharides are then released from the complex by simple ligand exchange. [reaction: see text]

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of cationic mononuclear oxovanadium(IV) complexes with tetradentate Schiff bases as ligands.

New tetradentate Schiff-base oxovanadium(IV) complexes [VOL']SO4 (where L' = tetradentate ligands derived from 2,4-dihydroxy 5-acetyl acetophenone and substituted diamines) were prepared and characterized by physico-chemical techniques. All the complexes are monomeric in nature and a square-pyramidal geometry is proposed. Various ligand-field and molecular-orbital parameters have been calculated.

Synthesis and characterization of 4,6-O-butylidene-N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine: crystal structures of 4,6-O-butylidene-alpha-D-glucopyranose, 4,6-O-butylidene-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine and 4,6-O-butylidene-N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine.

4,6-O-Butylidene-N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine was synthesized and characterized using analytical, spectral and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. 1H and 13C NMR studies showed the presence of the beta-anomer, which has also been confirmed by the crystal structure. The molecular structure of this compound showed the presence of the tridentate ONO ligation-core. Both precursors, 4,6-O-butylidene-alpha-D-glucopyranose and 4,6-O-butylidene-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine were characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction. The alpha-anomeric nature of the former and beta-anomeric nature of the latter were proposed based on 1H NMR studies and were confirmed by determining the crystal structures. In addition, the crystal structure of 4,6-O-butylidene-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine revealed the C-1-N-glycosylation. In all the three molecules, the saccharide unit exhibits a 4C(1) chair conformation. In the lattice, the molecules are connected by hydrogen-bond interactions. The conformation of 4,6-O-butylidene-N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine is stabilized via an O-H...N intramolecular interaction, and each molecule in the lattice interacts with three neighboring molecules through hydrogen bonds of the type O-H...O and C-H...O.

The stereochemical diversity of a new SNONS binucleating ligand towards 3d metal ions.

A new binucleating ligand containing phenoxide as an endogenous bridging group, 2,6-diformyl-p-cresol bis(2-furanthiocarboxyhydrazone) and its binuclear Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with chloride ion as an exogenous bridge, have been obtained. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivities, magnetic moment measurements at room temperature, electronic, IR, 1H-NMR, EPR, FAB spectral studies and thermal data. The copper complex assumes a tetranuclear structure composed of two binuclear units related by a center of symmetry. The dimeric nature of copper(II) complex is supported by FAB. This complex is EPR silent. Room temperature magnetic moment reveals the operation of a significant antiferromagnetic spin exchange between the metal centers. Ligand and its copper and zinc complexes exhibit fluorescence at room temperature in DMF. All the compounds show an appreciable antimicrobial activity.