Effect of Saccharolactone on CYP-mediated Metabolism of Xenobiotics.

BACKGROUND: Saccharolactone is used as a ß-glucuronidase inhibitor in in vitro microsomal and recombinant uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferases (rUGTs) incubations to enhance glucuronide pathway and, thereby, formation of glucuronide metabolites. We investigated its effect on CYP mediated metabolism of drugs (compound-174, phenacetin and quinidine) using human liver microsomes (HLM) supplemented with Phase-1 and Phase-2 co-factors. METHODS: Compounds were incubated in HLM supplemented with co-factors to assess Phase-1 (NADPH) and Phase-2 (NADPH, alamethicin, saccharolactone and UDPGA) metabolism. CYP phenotype assay for compound-174 was conducted in HLM (± 1-ABT) and human recombinant CYP isoforms. CYP inhibition profile of saccharolactone was also generated in HLM. RESULTS: The metabolism of compound-174, phenacetin and quinidine in HLM significantly decreased in reactions containing additional components like alamethicin, saccharolactone and UDPGA and indicated that the addition of saccharolactone inhibited the metabolism. Phenacetin and quinidine are known substrates of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 isoforms. The metabolism of compound- 174 was significantly inhibited in the presence of 1-ABT in HLM, and CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 isoforms were found to be the predominant isoforms responsible for its metabolism. Further evaluation of CYP inhibition in HLM indicated saccharolactone to be a strong inhibitor of CYP1A2, 2D6, 3A4 and 2C8 isoforms with IC50 values of less than 4 mM. CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that saccharolactone being a strong inhibitor of CYP1A2, 2D6, 3A4 and 2C8 isoforms (IC50 < 4 mM), resulted in significant inhibition of the metabolism of compound-174, phenacetin and quinidine in HLM and caution should be exercised in using it with proper titration of the concentrations.

An inhibitor of RORγ for chronic pulmonary obstructive disease treatment.

The role of RORγ as a transcription factor for Th17 cell differentiation and thereby regulation of IL-17 levels is well known. Increased RORγ expression along with IL-17A levels was observed in animal models, immune cells and BAL fluid of COPD patients. Increased IL-17A levels in severe COPD patients are positively correlated with decreased lung functions and increased severity symptoms and emphysema, supporting an urgency to develop novel therapies modulating IL-17 or RORγ for COPD treatment. We identified a potent RORγ inhibitor, PCCR-1 using hit to lead identification followed by extensive lead optimization by structure-activity relationship. PCCR-1 resulted in RORγ inhibition with a high degree of specificity in a biochemical assay, with > 300-fold selectivity over other isoforms of ROR. Our data suggest promising potency for IL-17A inhibition in human and canine PBMCs and mouse splenocytes with no significant impact on Th1 and Th2 cytokines. In vivo, PCCR-1 exhibited significant efficacy in the acute CS model with dose-dependent inhibition of the PD biomarkers that correlated well with the drug concentration in lung and BAL fluid, demonstrating an acceptable safety profile. This inhibitor effectively inhibited IL-17A release in whole blood and BALf samples from COPD patients. Overall, we identified a selective inhibitor of RORγ to pursue further development of novel scaffolds for COPD treatment.

Development of potent and selective Cathepsin C inhibitors free of aortic binding liability by application of a conformational restriction strategy.

Cathepsin C plays a key role in the activation of several degradative enzymes linked to tissue destruction in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, Cathepsin C inhibitors could potentially be effective therapeutics for the treatment of diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In our efforts towards the development of a novel series of Cathepsin C inhibitors, we started working around AZD5248 (1), an α-amino acid based scaffold having potential liability of aortic binding. A novel series of amidoacetonitrile based Cathepsin C inhibitors were developed by the application of a conformational restriction strategy on 1. In particular, this work led to the development of a potent and selective Cathepsin C inhibitor 3p, free of aortic binding liability.

Alleviating CYP and hERG liabilities by structure optimization of dihydrofuran-fused tricyclic benzo[d]imidazole series - Potent, selective and orally efficacious microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) inhibitors: Part-2.

In an effort to identify CYP and hERG clean mPGES-1 inhibitors from the dihydrofuran-fused tricyclic benzo[d]imidazole series lead 7, an extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies were performed. Optimization of A, D and E-rings in 7 afforded many potent compounds with human whole blood potency in the range of 160-950 nM. Selected inhibitors 21d, 21j, 21m, 21n, 21p and 22b provided selectivity against COX-enzymes and mPGES-1 isoforms (mPGES-2 and cPGES) along with sufficient selectivity against prostanoid synthases. Most of the tested analogs demonstrated required metabolic stability in liver microsomes, low hERG and CYP liability. Oral pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of lead compounds 21j, 21m and 21p are discussed in multiple species like rat, guinea pig, dog, and cynomolgus monkey. Besides, these compounds revealed low to moderate activity against human pregnane X receptor (hPXR). The selected lead 21j further demonstrated in vivo efficacy in acute hyperalgesia (ED50: 39.6 mg/kg) and MIA-induced osteoarthritic pain models (ED50: 106 mg/kg).

Discovery of furan and dihydrofuran-fused tricyclic benzo[d]imidazole derivatives as potent and orally efficacious microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) inhibitors: Part-1.

This letter describes the synthesis and biological evaluation of furan and dihydrofuran-fused tricyclic benzo[d]imidazole derivatives as novel mPGES-1 inhibitors, capable of inhibiting an increased PGE2 production in the disease state. Structure-activity optimization afforded many potent mPGES-1 inhibitors having <50 nM potencies in the A549 cellular assay and adequate metabolic stability in liver microsomes. Lead compounds 8l and 8m demonstrated reasonable in vitro pharmacology and pharmacokinetic properties over other compounds. In particular, 8m revealed satisfactory oral pharmacokinetics and bioavailability in multiple species like rat, guinea pig, dog and cynomolgus monkey. In addition, the representative compound 8m showed in vivo efficacy by inhibiting LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia with an ED50 of 14.3 mg/kg in guinea pig.

Tricyclic 4,4-dimethyl-3,4-dihydrochromeno[3,4-d]imidazole derivatives as microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) inhibitors: SAR and in vivo efficacy in hyperalgesia pain model.

A series of substituted tricyclic 4,4-dimethyl-3,4-dihydrochromeno[3,4-d]imidazole derivatives have been synthesized and their mPGES-1 biological activity has been disclosed in detail. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) optimization provided inhibitors with excellent mPGES-1 potency and low to moderate PGE2 release A549 cell potency. Among the mPGES-1 inhibitors studied, 7, 9 and 11l provided excellent selectivity over COX-2 (>200-fold) and >70-fold selectivity for COX-1 except 11l, which exhibited dual mPGES-1/COX-1 activity. Furthermore, the above tested mPGES-1 inhibitors demonstrated good metabolic stability in liver microsomes, high plasma protein binding (PPB) and no significant inhibition observed in clinically relevant CYP isoforms. Besides, selected mPGES-1 tool compounds 9 and 11l provided good in vivo pharmacokinetic profile and oral bioavailability (%F=33 and 85). Additionally, the representative mPGES-1 tool compounds 9 and 11l revealed moderate in vivo efficacy in the LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia guinea pig pain model.

Studies of the macroscopic and microscopic morphology (hippocampus) of brain in Vencobb broiler.

AIM: The aim of this study was to study the anatomy of different parts of brain and histology of hippocampus of Vencobb broiler chicken. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 12 adult experimental birds were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. After separation of the brain, gross anatomy features were studied. Brain tissue was fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin for 2-3 days, and then routine dehydration process in ascending grades of ethyl alcohol was done. After xylene cleaning, paraffin impregnation was prepared. Paraffin blocks were cut, and slides were stained by Harris hematoxylin and eosin. Photography was carried out both under lower (×10) and higher (×40) magnifications. RESULTS: The brain structure (dorsal view) of Vencobb bird resembled the outline of a playing card symbol of a "spade." The brain subdivisions are cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata. Cerebrum was devoid of usual convolutions (elevations), gyri, depressions (grooves), and sulci. The cerebral hemispheres were tightly apposed along a median sulcus called interhemispheric fissure and cerebrum and cerebellum were separated by a small transverse fissure. The olfactory bulb was small structures, and the pineal body was clearly visible. The optic lobes were partially hidden under cerebral hemispheres, but laterally, it was large, prominent rounded or spherical bodies of the midbrain. The hippocampal area appeared as dorso-medial protrusion. Different types of neurons were distinguished in the hippocampus were pyramidal neurons, pyramidal-like neurons, and multipolar neurons, etc. There was rich vascularization in the form of blood capillaries throughout the hippocampus. CONCLUSION: Cerebrum was pear shaped and largest part of the brain. Cerebrum hemisphere was smooth devoid of convolutions, gyri, and depressions, but in the surface of cerebellum, there was the presence of a number of transverse depression (grooves) and sulci subdividing into many folds. Olfactory bulb was poorly developed, whereas optic lobes were rounded and large. The exact boundary line of the hippocampus was not discernable. In hippocampus histology, two categories of neuron local circuit neurons and projection neurons, high vascularization and epididymal lining of lateral ventricle were observed. Hippocampal neurons were comparatively larger without any distinct layers. The afferent neurons projected to the medium septum.

Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel polycyclic heteroarene ethers as PDE10A inhibitors: Part I.

We report analogue-based rational design and synthesis of two novel series of polycyclic heteroarenes, pyrrolo[3,2-b]quinolines and pyrido[2,3-b]indoles, tethered to a biaryl system by a methyl-, ethyl- or propyl ether as PDE10A inhibitors. A number of analogues were prepared with variable chain length and evaluated for their ability to block PDE10A enzyme using a radiometric assay. Detailed SAR analyses revealed that compounds with an ethyl ether linker are superior in potency compared to compounds with methyl or propyl ether linkers. These compounds, in general, showed poor metabolic stability in rat and human liver microsomes. The metabolic profile of one of the potent compounds was studied in detail to identify metabolic liabilities of these compounds. Structural modifications were carried out that resulted in improved metabolic stability without significant loss of potency.

Effect of commonly used organic solvents on aldehyde oxidase-mediated vanillin, phthalazine and methotrexate oxidation in human, rat and mouse liver subcellular fractions.

1. Aldehyde oxidase (AOX) is a cytosolic molybdoflavoprotein enzyme widely distributed across many tissues. In this study, we report the effect of commonly used organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), acetonitrile (ACN), methanol and ethanol on AOX activity in human, rat and mouse liver S9 fractions using vanillin, phthalazine and methotrexate as probe substrates. 2. Methanol was found to be the most potent solvent in inhibiting vanillic acid and 1-phthalazinone formation in comparison to DMSO, ACN and ethanol across the species tested, except 7-hydroxy methotrexate. 3. Treatment with these solvents at approximate IC50 (% v/v) concentrations showed significant reduction in Clint and Vmax of the probe substrates and also resulted in different effects on Km across the species. 4. Marked differences in the activity and affinity towards AOX were observed with different probe substrates with methotrexate showing least activity and affinity as compared to vanillin and phthalazine. 5. Overall, AOX activity seemed to be more resilient to the presence of organic solvents at higher concentrations in human and rodent species. These results suggest that low concentrations of organic solvents are acceptable for in vitro incubations involving AOX-mediated metabolism.

Utility of a column-switching LC/MS/MS method in cytochrome P450 inhibition assays using human liver microsomes.

BACKGROUND: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)-based in vitro cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition assays in pooled human liver microsomes using therapeutically relevant probe drugs are recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration to assess the potential for drug-drug interactions. As these assays are used routinely in pharmaceutical drug discovery screening of new chemical entities for drug interaction liabilities, there is a need to have higher analytical throughput. Column-switching methods may offer increased chromatographic throughput while maintaining the quality of data generated. METHODS: In this study, the CYP3A4 inhibition assay was used as a potential application to demonstrate the performance of a dual-column parallel chromatographic system in a column-switching mode. Testosterone 6ß-hydroxylation was monitored and IC50 values of known CYP3A4 inhibitors were determined using conventional as well as column-switching LC/MS/MS methods. RESULTS: Mean IC50 values of ketoconazole, itraconazole and verapamil were 0.056, 0.061 and 23 µM (conventional method) compared to 0.05, 0.057 and 26 µM (column-switching method), respectively. The two different chromatographic methods resulted in IC50 values that were not statistically different and were within a twofold range, demonstrating reproducibility of results. Further, the column-switching method saved nearly 50% of analytical time in comparison to the conventional chromatographic method, indicating increased throughput leading to better utilization of mass spectrometer time without compromising the quality of data. CONCLUSIONS: Similar column-switching methods may be used for other isoforms as well and offer a convenient increased analytical throughput in CYP inhibition assays.

In vitro evaluation of hepatic and extra-hepatic metabolism of coumarins using rat subcellular fractions: correlation of in vitro clearance with in vivo data.

7-Ethoxycoumarin (7-EC) and 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) were chosen as model compounds to study hepatic and extra-hepatic metabolism in rat tissue subcellular (microsomal and S9) fractions and to scale the observed in vitro clearance to in vivo plasma clearance. 7-EC and 7-HC showed significant metabolic degradation in liver subcellular fractions as compared to subcellular fractions obtained from intestine, kidney, lung and brain. The total in vitro metabolic clearance for 7-EC and 7-HC was determined by adding the individual in vitro organ clearance values obtained in hepatic and extra-hepatic microsomes or S9 fractions. The predicted in vivo clearance for 7-HC was 63.6 and 81.6 ml/min/kg by in vitro scaling from microsomes and S9 fractions, respectively. For 7-EC, the values were 78.5 and 76.8 ml/min/kg, respectively. The predicted clearance was found to be reasonably accurate with slight over- and underprediction. Interestingly, the relative contribution of hepatic and extra-hepatic metabolism to the total clearance of 7-EC and 7-HC was remarkably high, ranging from 62-77% and 22-38%, respectively, of the total metabolic clearance. It is concluded that the model of multi-organ subcellular fractions is a useful in vitro tool for the prediction of in vivo metabolic clearance, as it can provide information about the relative contribution of extra-hepatic and hepatic metabolism to total metabolic clearance.