Ferula L. Plant Extracts and Dose-Dependent Activity of Natural Sesquiterpene Ferutinin: From Antioxidant Potential to Cytotoxic Effects.

The employment studies of natural extracts in the prevention and treatment of several diseases highlighted the role of different species of genus Ferula L., belonging to the Apiaceae family, dicotyledonous plants present in many temperate zones of our planet. Ferula communis L. is the main source of sesquiterpene ferutinin, a bioactive compound studied both in vitro and in vivo, because of different effects, such as phytoestrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, but also antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity, performed in a dose-dependent and cell-dependent way. The present review will focus on the molecular mechanisms involved in the different activities of Ferutinin, starting from its antioxidant potential at low doses until its ionophoric property and the subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction induced through administration of high doses, which represent the key point of its anticancer action. Furthermore, we will summarize the data acquired from some experimental studies on different cell types and on several diseases. The results obtained showed an important antioxidant and phytoestrogenic regulation with lack of typical side effects related to estrogenic therapy. The preferential cell death induction for tumor cell lines suggests that ferutinin may have anti-neoplastic properties, and may be used as an antiproliferative and cytotoxic agent in an estrogen dependent and independent manner. Nevertheless, more data are needed to clearly understand the effect of ferutinin in animals before using it as a phytoestrogen or anticancer drug.

Efficacy and safety of eberconazole 1% otic solution compared to clotrimazole 1% solution in patients with otomycosis.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate non-inferiority of eberconazole 1% otic solution to clotrimazole 1% solution, and to compare their safety profiles in the treatment of otomycosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active treatment-controlled phase 3 clinical trial. One hundred and ninety patients with diagnosis of otomycosis were randomly assigned to eberconazole 1% otic solution or clotrimazole 1% solution. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between both groups for age, gender, ethnicity, and clinical variables. Both study groups had high complete response rates: 81.8% in the eberconazole group and 83.5% in the clotrimazole group. Although non-inferiority of eberconazole relative to clotrimazole could not be demonstrated, a post-hoc sensitivity analysis demonstrated that eberconazole 1% otic solution was not inferior to clotrimazole 1% solution for the primary efficacy endpoint. Secondary endpoints also demonstrated that eberconazole 1% and clotrimazole 1% solutions were therapeutically similar at the end of the study. The incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups, and none had related AEs and withdrawals due to an AE. CONCLUSIONS: Eberconazole 1% otic solution is an efficacious and safe option to treat otomycosis-affected patients in the general practice.

Efficacy and safety of fezolinetant for vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes and night sweats, are highly prevalent and burdensome for women experiencing menopausal transition. Fezolinetant, a selective neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) antagonist, is a potential therapeutic option for mitigating VMS. OBJECTIVES: Our aim is to assess the efficacy and evaluate the safety profile of fezolinetant compared with placebo in post-menopausal women suffering from VMS, by pooling all the relevant data and reflecting the most current evidence. SEARCH STRATEGY/SELECTION CRITERIA: An extensive literature search was performed in the PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Library databases from inception until June 2023 to identify relevant trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous outcomes. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. All statistical analyses were performed using R Statistical Software. MAIN RESULTS: A total of six randomized controlled trials were added. For the frequency of daily VMS, the combined pooled result favored the fezolinetant group over placebo (MD -2.38, 95% CI -2.64 to -2.12; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%). For the severity of daily VMS, fezolinetant was again found to be superior to the placebo group (MD -0.40, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.29; P < 0.001, I2 = 70%). Fezolinetant (120 mg) consistently demonstrated a significant reduction in the severity of daily moderate/severe VMS compared with other doses at both 4 and 12 weeks. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), PROMIS the Sleep Disturbance Short Form 8b and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQoL) scores indicated significant improvement with fezolinetant. No significant difference in efficacy of fezolinetant at 4 and 12 weeks were observed in any outcome. As for safety, no significant differences in the treatment emergent adverse events at 12 weeks were found between fezolinetant and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Our study significantly favors fezolinetant over placebo regarding the primary efficacy outcomes of daily moderate to severe VMS frequency and severity, including PROs, while both the groups are comparable in terms of treatment emergent adverse events. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Selective aminopeptidase-N (CD13) inhibitors with relevance to cancer chemotherapy.

Aminopeptidase-N (APN/CD13) is highly expressed on the surface of numerous types of cancer cells and particularly on the endothelial cells of neoangiogenic vessels during tumourigenesis. This metallo-aminopeptidase has been identified as a potential target for cancer chemotherapy. In this work, we evaluated the efficacy of a novel series of benzosuberone analogues, which were previously reported to be highly potent, selective APN inhibitors with Ki values in the micromolar to sub-nanomolar range. Endothelial cell morphogenesis as well as cell motility were inhibited in vitro in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations that correlated with the potency of the compounds, thus confirming the key role of APN in these established models of angiogenesis. We report toxicity studies in mice showing that these compounds are well tolerated. We report the effects of the compounds, used alone or in combination with rapamycin, on the growth of a select panel of tumours that were subcutaneously xenografted onto Swiss nude mice. Our data indicate that the in vivo efficacy of these new APN inhibitors during the initial phase of tumour growth can be ascribed to their anti-angiogenic activities. However, we also provide evidence that these compounds are effective against established solid tumours. For colonic tumours, the anti-tumour effect depends on the level of APN expression in epithelial cells, and APN expression is associated with down-regulation of the transcription factor HIF-1α. These effects seem to be distinct from those of rapamycin. Our finding that the anti-tumour effect of the inhibitors in the colon requires APN expression strongly suggests that APN plays a crucial function in tumour cells that is distinct from its known role in neovascularisation.

Influence of ferutinin on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats. II: role in recovering osteoporosis.

The aim of the present investigation, which represents an extension of a previous study, was to investigate the effect of ferutinin in recovering severe osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency after rat ovariectomy and to compare phytoestrogen effects with those of estrogens commonly used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. The animal model used was the Sprague-Dawley ovariectomized rat. Ferutinin was orally administered (2 mg kg(-1) per day) for 30 or 60 days starting from 2 months after ovariectomy (i.e. when osteoporosis was clearly evident) and its effects were compared with those of estradiol benzoate (1.5 microg per rat twice a week, subcutaneously injected) vs. vehicle-treated ovariectomized (OVX) and sham-operated (SHAM) rats. Histomorphometric analyses were performed on trabecular bone of lumbar vertebrae (4th and 5th) and distal femoral epiphysis, as well as on cortical bone of femoral diaphysis. Bone histomorphometric analyses showed that ferutinin seems to display the same effects on bone mass recorded with estradiol benzoate, thus suggesting that it could enhance the recovery of bone loss due to severe estrogen deficiency in OVX rats. On this basis, the authors propose listing ferutinin among the substances representing a potential alternative for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, which occurs as a result of estrogen deficiency.

[Letter: Tinea faciei exacerbated by topical immunomodulation: Two case reports]. / Tiña faciei exacerbada por inmunomodulación tópica: A propósito de 2 casos.

Tinea faciei has commonly been included within the spectrum of tinea corporis. We report two pediatrics cases of tinea faciei that have been evaluated in our unit. Both were exacerbated by topical application of pimecrolimus cream. It is important to note the exacerbation of dermatophyte infection by pimecrolimus in addition to the better known exacerbation by topical corticosteroids.

Ferula hermonis: A Review of Current Use and Pharmacological Studies of its Sesquiterpene Ester Ferutinin.

Ferula hermonis Boiss, is an endemic plant of Lebanon, locally known as "shilsh Elzallouh". It has been extensively used in the traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac and for the treatment of sexual impotence. Crude extracts and isolated compounds of ferula hermonis contain phytoestrogenic substances having a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties including anti-osteoporosis, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-fungal, anti-cancer and as sexual activity enhancer. The aim of this mini-review is to highlight the traditional and novel applications of this plant's extracts and its major sesquiterpene ester, ferutinin. The phytochemical constituents and the pharmacological uses of ferula hermonis crude extract and ferutinin specifically will be discussed.

Blockade of NOP receptor modulates anxiety-related behaviors in mice exposed to inescapable stress.

RATIONALE: Depression and anxiety frequently co-occur, and this has important clinical implications. Previous studies showed that activation of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) elicits anxiolytic effects, while its blockade promotes consistent antidepressant actions. NOP antagonists are effective in reversing footshock-induced depressive-like behaviors, but their effects on stress-induced anxiety are still unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of the NOP antagonist SB-612111 on footshock stress-induced anxiety behaviors. METHODS: Male Swiss mice were exposed to inescapable electric footshock stress, and behavioral phenotype was screened based on the ability to escape from footshock (i.e., helpless or non-helpless). Animals were then treated with diazepam (1 mg/kg) and SB-612111 (0.1-10 mg/kg), and their behavior was assessed in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and open field test. RESULTS: When compared with non-stressed mice, helpless, but not non-helpless, animals displayed significant reductions in the time spent in and entries into open arms in the EPM. Diazepam significantly increased open arms exploration in helpless, non-helpless, and non-stressed mice. However, treatment with the NOP antagonist SB-612111 was inactive in naive mice, while it reversed anxiogenic-related behaviors in helpless mice and increased anxiety states in non-helpless mice. No effects on locomotion were observed. CONCLUSION: Helpless mice displayed increased anxiety compared to non-stressed and non-helpless animals, thus supporting use of this approach as an animal model to investigate anxiety/depression comorbidity. Additionally, SB-612111 modulated anxiety-like behaviors in male mice depending on individual stress susceptibility. Ultimately, NOP antagonists could be useful for treating anxiety in depressed patients.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor activation attenuates antinociception induced by mixed nociceptin/orphanin FQ/mu-opioid receptor agonists.

Activation of brain nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptors leads to attenuation of mu-opioid receptor (MOP receptor)-mediated antinociception. Buprenorphine, a high-affinity partial MOP receptor agonist also binds to NOP receptors with 80 nM affinity. The buprenorphine-induced inverted U-shaped dose-response curve for antinociception may be due to NOP receptor activation, given that, in the presence of the NOP receptor antagonist, 1-[(3R,4R)-1-cyclooctylmethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-4-piperidyl]-3-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one (J113397), or in NOP receptor knockout mice, buprenorphine has a steeper dose-response curve and acts as a full agonist. To further explore the involvement of the direct activation of NOP receptors by buprenorphine and other compounds that activate both NOP and MOP receptors, the antinociceptive effects of 1-(1-(2,3,3alpha,4,5,6-hexahydro-1H-phenalen-1-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-indolin-2-one. (SR16435), 3-ethyl-1-(1-(4-isopropylcyclohexyl)piperidin-4-yl)-indolin-2-one (SR16507), buprenorphine, pentazocine, and morphine, compounds with varying levels of MOP and NOP receptor affinity and efficacy, were assessed in mice using the tail-flick assay. The ability of the selective NOP receptor antagonist (-)-cis-1-methyl-7-[[4-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl]-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-ol (SB-612111) to potentiate antinociception induced by the above compounds was examined to investigate whether activation of NOP receptors leads to attenuation of MOP receptor-mediated antinociception. SB-612111 potentiated antinociception induced by buprenorphine and the other mixed NOP/MOP receptor agonists SR16435 and SR16507. However, SB-612111 had no effect on pentazocine or morphine antinociception, two compounds with no NOP receptor-binding affinity. These results further support the hypothesis that activation of NOP receptors can lead to attenuation of MOP receptor-mediated antinociception elicited by mixed NOP/MOP receptor compounds such as buprenorphine, SR16435, and SR16507 and that, although buprenorphine has low efficacy in vitro, it has significant NOP receptor agonist activity in vivo.

Evidence for the involvement of the monoaminergic system in the antidepressant-like action of two 4-amine derivatives of 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptane in mice evaluated in the tail suspension test.

Our previous study described the synthesis of 4-amine derivatives of 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo-alkylamine-cycloheptane, 4-amine (3-N,N-dimethylpropylamine)-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cycloheptane-5-one (ADDCH1), and 1,2,3,4,8,9-hexahydro-dibenzocycloheptane[4,4a,5-ef]1,4-diazepin (ADDCH2), and the characterization of their antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test in mice. This study investigated the involvement of monoaminergic pathways in the antidepressant-like effect of these compounds in mice evaluated in the tail suspension test (TST), another animal model to screen antidepressant drugs. Our results show that the immobility time in the TST was significantly reduced by ADDCH1 (15 to 50 mg/kg, i.p.) or ADDCH2 (30 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.). The antidepressant-like effect of ADDCH1 (30 mg/kg, i.p.) in the TST was prevented by pre-treatment of mice with methysergide (2 mg/kg, i.p.), a non-selective serotonin receptor antagonist, p-chlorophenylalanine methylester (pCPA, 100 mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, prazosin (62.5 microg/kg, i.p.), an alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, or yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), an alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist. In contrast, the antidepressant-like effect of ADDCH2 was antagonized only by yohimbine (1 mg/kg) or haloperidol (50 microg/kg, i.p.), a dopamine D2/D3/D4 receptor antagonist, and was not affected by methysergide, pCPA or prazosin. Altogether, the present results strongly suggest the differential involvement of monoaminergic systems, serotonin/noradrenaline (ADDCH1) and noradrenaline/dopamine (ADDCH2) pathways, respectively, in the antidepressant-like effect of dibenzosuberone compounds.

Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Ferula hermonis Boiss. - A Review.

Ferula hermonis, a well-known species of the genus Ferula found in Lebanon and Syria, has a brilliant history in traditional medicine as it has been used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and menopausal disturbances in women. Thanks to modern pharmacological and clinical investigations, F. hermonis is a valuable medicinal and condimental plant that may be used for the treatment of impotence and diabetes, the prevention of osteoporosis, and possesses anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Phytochemical investigations have shown that this plant contains daucane aryl esters such as ferutinin, which has exhibited various biological activities including hypoglycemic and estrogenic activities. Ferutinin is one of the strongest natural phytoestrogen which has agonistic activity on estrogen receptors, particularly α receptor. It seems that ferutinin and its derivatives play an important role in F. hermonis biological activities, mainly the beneficial effects of this plant on impotence, diabetes and osteoporosis. The present review discusses the available data on the active constituents and biological activities of F. hermonis and their possible underlying mechanisms of action.

Role of ferutinin in the impairment of female sexual function induced by Ferula hermonis.

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of single components of Ferula hermonis extract on female rat sexual behaviour. Ovariectomized rats hormonally primed with estradiol benzoate (1.5 or 10 microg/rat s.c.) and progesterone (500 microg/rat s.c.) were acutely treated by oral gavage with ferutinin, teferin and teferdin (2.5 mg/kg). Thereafter they were tested for: a) partner preference, b) receptivity, c) proceptivity, d) paced mating behaviour. In the partner preference test, the choice of the female for a sexually active male was not influenced by the different treatments. Similarly, during the paced mating test, the contact-return latencies as well as the percentage of exits from the male compartment were not different in control and treated rats. Therefore none of the three compounds showed the capacity to alter sexual motivation. On the other hand, ferutinin, but not teferin and teferdin, significantly inhibited female receptivity. These results suggest a primary role of ferutinin in the impairment of sexual behaviour elicited by F. hermonis extract in hormone primed-female rats.

Nociceptin receptor antagonist SB 612111 decreases high fat diet binge eating.

Binge eating is a dysregulated form of feeding behavior that occurs in multiple eating disorders including binge-eating disorder, the most common eating disorder. Feeding is a complex behavioral program supported through the function of multiple brain regions and influenced by a diverse array of receptor signaling pathways. Previous studies have shown the overexpression of the opioid neuropeptide nociceptin (orphanin FQ, N/OFQ) can induce hyperphagia, but the role of endogenous nociceptin receptor (NOP) in naturally occurring palatability-induced hyperphagia is unknown. In this study we adapted a simple, replicable form of binge eating of high fat food (HFD). We found that male and female C57BL/6J mice provided with daily one-hour access sessions to HFD eat significantly more during this period than those provided with continuous 24h access. This form of feeding is rapid and entrained. Chronic intermittent HFD binge eating produced hyperactivity and increased light zone exploration in the open field and light-dark assays respectively. Treatment with the potent and selective NOP antagonist SB 612111 resulted in a significant dose-dependent reduction in binge intake in both male and female mice, and, unlike treatment with the serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine, produced no change in total 24-h food intake. SB 612111 treatment also significantly decreased non-binge-like acute HFD consumption in male mice. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that high fat binge eating is modulated by NOP signaling and that the NOP system may represent a promising novel receptor to explore for the treatment of binge eating.

Comparative study between the effects of photodynamic therapy and conventional therapy on microbial reduction in ligature-induced peri-implantitis in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Progressive peri-implant bone losses, which are accompanied by inflammatory lesions in the soft tissues, are referred to as peri-implantitis. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and conventional technique on microbial reduction in ligature-induced peri-implantitis in dogs. METHODS: Eighteen third premolars from nine Labrador retriever dogs were extracted and the implants were submerged. After osseointegration, peri-implantitis was induced. After 4 months, ligature was removed and natural bacterial plaque was allowed to form for another 4 months. The animals were then randomly divided into two groups. In the conventional group, they were treated using mucoperiosteal flaps for scaling the implant surface and chlorexidine (conventional) irrigation. In the PDT group, only mucoperiosteal scaling was carried out before photodynamic therapy. Inside the peri-implant pocket, a paste-based azulene photosensitizer was placed and then a GaAlAs low-power laser (lambda=660 nm, P=40 mW, E=7.2 J for 3 minutes) was used. Microbiological samples were obtained before and immediately after treatment. Before treatment, one implant was removed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy to validate the contamination. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that Prevotella sp., Fusobacterium sp., and S. Beta-haemolyticus were significantly reduced for both groups. After treatment, no significant differences were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive method that could be used to reduce microorganisms in peri-implantitis.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of tropolone derivatives. 4.

Modifications of monotropolone 2 having poor potency against P388 in mice were studied. The alpha-ethoxy group of 2, prepared from hinokitiol and benzaldehyde diethyl acetal, was replaced with a phenolic or heteroaromatic compound by heating 2 with the appropriate nucleophile. Structure-activity relationships indicated that an acidic hydroxyl and a proton-accepting group situated in the neighboring position, which permits the formation of a chelate with a metal ion, contributed to enhanced activity. Among the compounds studied, the 8-hydroxyquinoline analogue 10f was the most favorable compound.

Cycloalkanoindoles. 1. Syntheses and antiinflammatory actions of some acidic tetrahydrocarbazoles, cyclopentindoles, and cycloheptindoles.

A novel series of acidic cycloalkanoindoles comprising tetrahydrocarbazole-, cyclopentindole-, and cycloheptindole-1-acetic acids has been synthesized via the Fischer indolization between a phenylhydrazine and a 1-alkyl-2-oxocycloalkaneacetic acid ester. These compounds were evaluated, orally, for their capacities to decrease estabished adjuvant arthritis in rats. The most active compound of the series was 1-ethyl-8-n-propyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole-1-acetic acid (AY-24 873),which had an ED50 of 1.1 +/- 0.2 mg/kg. AY-24 873 was also studied orally in rats for its effect on the acute inflammatory response in the carrageenin paw edema test. It was found that AY-24 873 was about ten times more active against the chromic than against the acute models of inflammation used.

[Effects of thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, KT2-962 on pulmonary hypertensive responses to antigen challenge in isolated sensitized rabbit lung].

We investigated whether KT2-962 (thromboxane H2/A2 receptor antagonist) could attenuate increases in pulmonary arterial and airway pressures after antigen challenge in isolated-perfused sensitized rabbit lungs. Sensitized rabbits were immunized intravenously with human O-N type erythrocytes until the agglutination titer against antigen reached above 1:10,000. Nineteen rabbits were divided into three groups. In N group (n = 9), antigen was challenged into perfusate. In KT2 group (n = 5), 1 mg.kg-1 of KT2-962 was given into reservoir 10 min prior to antigen challenge. In Indo group (n = 5), 5 mg.kg-1 of indomethacin was given into reservoir 20 min prior to antigen challenge. Maximal increase in pulmonary arterial pressure after antigen challenge in N group was significantly higher than that in KT2 group or in Indo group (13.4 +/- 3.3 mmHg, 1.5 +/- 0.5mmHg, 1.5 +/- 0.2mmHg, respectively). Maximal increase in airway pressure in N group was higher than that in KT2 group or in Indo group (2.9 +/- 0.8cmH2O, 0.8 +/- 0.2cmH2O, 0.5 +/- 0.2cmH2O, respectively), but this was not significant. Pharmacological potential of KT2-962 to attenuate pulmonary hypertensive responses was estimated 50 times stronger than that of indomethacin. In conclusion, KT2-962 can exert therapeutic effect on pulmonary hypertensive responses induced by immunological reactions.

Investigating anticancer properties of the sesquiterpene ferutinin on colon carcinoma cells, in vitro and in vivo.

AIMS: In this research, ferutinin was evaluated for its possible cytotoxic and apoptotic inducing effects in vitro and in vivo. MAIN METHODS: To determine IC50 values of ferutinin, CT26, HT29 and NIH/3T3 cells were treated with different concentrations of ferutinin. In addition to morphological changes in cells, the DNA damage was studied using DAPI staining, comet assay and PI staining. Ferutinin was also tested for its in vivo activity. KEY FINDINGS: Analyses of cell survival by MTT assay showed that the IC50 values of ferutinin on CT26 and HT29 cells were 26 and 29 µg/ml, respectively, while after treating nontumoural mouse cells even with 50 µg/ml ferutinin, 70% of cells was still surviving. The results of DAPI staining and comet assay revealed that ferutinin significantly induced DNA damage in treated cells. Induction of sub-G1 peak after PI staining was also indicative of apoptotic effects of ferutinin in cancerous cells. In vivo studies showed a significant regression in tumour size in mice treated with ferutinin as compared to control groups. Its antitumour effects were very similar to the cisplatin treated group. Histological studies demonstrated that apoptosis rate in tumour cells was increased in comparison to tumour cells in control mice without ferutinin treatment. Interestingly, haematoxylin and eosin staining showed no damage in the spleen and liver of ferutinin treated mice. SIGNIFICANCE: As ferutinin showed less toxic effects in nontumoural cells, and induced its effects via apoptosis induction, it could be considered as an effective anticancer agent for future preclinical experiments.

Acute and chronic antiparkinsonian effects of the novel nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonist NiK-21273 in comparison with SB-612111.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor antagonists have been proposed as a novel therapeutic approach to Parkinson's disease. Main limitations of previous studies were the use of structurally similar compounds and the evaluation of their acute effects only. We report here on the acute and long-term antiparkinsonian effects of the novel compound 2-[3-[4-(2-chloro-6-fluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-1-ylmethyl]-2-(morpholine-4-carbonyl)-indol-1-yl]-acetamide (NiK-21273) in comparison with the potent and selective NOP receptor antagonist SB-612111. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Basic pharmacological properties of NiK-21273 were studied in cell lines and isolated tissues (mouse and rat vas deferens). Antiparkinsonian effects were studied in reserpinized mice and 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats under both acute and chronic administration protocols. KEY RESULTS: In vitro, NiK-21273 behaved as a potent (pA(2) 7.7) and selective NOP receptor antagonist. In vivo, it reduced hypokinesia in reserpinized mice at 0.1 and 1 but not 10 mg·kg(-1), whereas SB-612111 (0.01-1 mg·kg(-1)) provided a dose-dependent antiparkinsonian effect. NiK-21273 ameliorated motor performance in 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats at 0.5 and 5 but not 15 mg·kg(-1). SB-612111 replicated these effects in the 0.01-1 mg·kg(-1) range without loss of efficacy. Both antagonists synergized with L-DOPA at subthreshold doses. Chronic administration of NiK-21273 provided delayed improvement in baseline activity at 0.5 and 1.5 mg·kg(-1), although tolerance to the higher dose was observed. Conversely, SB-612111 (1 mg·kg(-1)) maintained its effects over time without modifying baseline activity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: NOP receptor antagonists provide motor benefit in parkinsonism models although the 'therapeutic' window and long-term effects may vary between compounds.

Structural and histomorphometric evaluations of ferutinin effects on the uterus of ovariectomized rats during osteoporosis treatment.

AIMS: The effects of chronic administration of Ferutinin (phytoestrogen found in the plants of genus Ferula), compared with those elicited by estradiol benzoate, were evaluated, following ovariectomy, on the uterus of ovariectomized rats as regard weight, size, structure and histomorphometry. MAIN METHODS: The experimental study included 40 female Sprague-Dawley rats, assigned to two different protocols, i.e. preventive and recovering. In the preventive protocol, ferutinin (2mg/kg/day) was orally administered for 30days, starting from the day after ovariectomy; in the recovering protocol, ferutinin was administered, at the same dosage, for 30days starting from the 60th day after ovariectomy, when osteoporosis was clearly established. Its effects were compared with those of estradiol benzoate (1.5µg per rat twice a week, subcutaneously injected) vs. vehicle-treated ovariectomized controls and vehicle-treated sham-operated controls. Uteri were removed, weighed and analysed under both the structural and histomorphometrical points of view. KEY FINDINGS: Our data show that ferutinin acts, similarly to estradiol benzoate, on the uterus stimulating endometrial and myometrial hypertrophy; this notwithstanding, the phytoestrogen ferutinin, in contrast to estrogen treatment, appears to increase apoptosis in uterine luminal and glandular epithelia. SIGNIFICANCE: Ferutinin, used in osteoporosis treatment primarily for bone mass recovering, seems in line with an eventual protective function against uterine carcinoma, unlike estrogens so far employed in hormone replacement therapy (HRT).