Prevention of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice by a novel approach of parallel inhibition of cyclooxygenase and nitric-oxide donation using NCX 466, a prototype cyclooxygenase inhibitor and nitric-oxide donor.

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) donors (CINODs) are designed to inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 while releasing NO. COX inhibition is responsible for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, whereas NO donation can improve microcirculation and exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. In an in vivo mouse model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, we evaluated whether a prototype CINOD compound, (S)-(5S)-5,6-bis(nitrooxy)hexyl)2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)propanoate (NCX 466), may show an advantage over naproxen, its congener drug not releasing NO. Bleomycin (0.05 IU) was instilled intratracheally to C57BL/6 mice, which were then treated orally with vehicle, NCX 466 (1.9 or 19 mg/kg), or an equimolar dose of naproxen (1 or 10 mg/kg) once daily for 14 days. Afterward, airway resistance, assumed as lung stiffness index, was assayed, and lung specimens were collected for analysis of lung inflammation and fibrosis. NCX 466 and naproxen dose-dependently prevented bleomycin-induced airway stiffness and collagen accumulation. NCX 466, at the highest dose, was significantly more effective than naproxen in reducing the levels of the profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-ß and the oxidative stress markers thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. NCX 466 also decreased myeloperoxidase activity, a leukocyte recruitment index, to a greater extent than naproxen. A similar inhibition of prostaglandin E2 was achieved by both compounds. In conclusion, NCX 466 has shown a significantly higher efficacy than naproxen in reducing lung inflammation and preventing collagen accumulation. These findings suggest that COX inhibition along with NO donation may possess a therapeutic potential in lung inflammatory diseases with fibrotic outcome.

Regulation of lentivirus neurovirulence by lipopolysaccharide conditioning: suppression of CXCL10 in the brain by IL-10.

Lentivirus infections including HIV and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) cause neurovirulence, which is largely mediated by innate immunity. To investigate the interactions between neurovirulence and repeated conditioning by innate immune activation, models of lentivirus infection were exposed to LPS. Gene expression in HIV-infected (HIV+) and control (HIV-) patient brains was compared by real time RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Supernatants from mock and HIV-infected monocyte-derived macrophages exposed to LPS were applied to human neurons. FIV-infected (FIV+) and control (FIV-) animals were exposed repeatedly to LPS postinfection together with concurrent neurobehavioral testing, viral load, and host gene analyses. Brains from HIV+ individuals exhibited induction of CD3epsilon, CXCL10, and granzyme A expression (p < 0.05). Supernatants from HIV+ monocyte-derived macrophages induced CXCL10 expression in neurons, which was diminished by IL-10 treatment (p < 0.05). LPS-exposed FIV+ animals demonstrated lower plasma and brain viral loads (p < 0.05). Neuronal CXCL10 expression was increased in FIV+ animals but was suppressed by LPS exposure, together with reduced brain CD3epsilon and granzyme A expression (p < 0.05). In conjunction with preserved NeuN-positive neuronal counts in parietal cortex (p < 0.05), FIV+ animals exposed to LPS also showed less severe neurobehavioral deficits (p < 0.05). Repeated LPS exposures suppressed CXCL10 in the brain and ensuing T cell infiltration with a concomitant reduction in neurovirulence. Thus, innate immune chronic conditioning exerted beneficial effects on neurovirulence through suppression of a specific chemotactic factor, CXCL10, mediated by IL-10, leading to reduced leukocyte infiltration and release of neurotoxic factors.

Difference in PaO2/FiO2 between high-flow nasal cannula and Venturi mask in hypoxemic COVID-19 patients.

The ratio between arterial blood partial pressure of oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) was largely used for grading and managing the respiratory failure in non-mechanically ventilated COVID-19. In these patients, the assessment of the true FiO2 in the inspired mixture may be difficult with consequent inaccuracies in PaO2/FiO2 assessment. In 30 severe COVID-19 patients, we observed that PaO2/FiO2 values measured immediately before and after the transition from high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) to one commercially available Venturi mask O2 therapy were similar (bias mean value 0, standard deviation 23 mmHg). In COVID-19 patients recovering from respiratory failure, PaO2/FiO2 is not different whether measured with a commercially available Venturi mask or HFNC.

Cyclooxygenase-inhibiting nitric oxide donators for osteoarthritis.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the most commonly used medications for the treatment of the symptoms of many chronic inflammatory diseases, including osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, the toxicity of NSAIDs substantially limits their long-term use. Some newer NSAIDs, namely selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors, exhibit greater gastrointestinal safety, and concomitant use of anti-secretory drugs can also reduce NSAID-induced gastropathy. However, NSAIDs also adversely affect the cardiovascular system. A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs, COX-inhibiting nitric oxide donators (CINODs), has been designed to exert similar anti-inflammatory effects as NSAIDs, but with an improved safety profile. CINODs release nitric oxide, providing protective effects in the gastrointestinal tract and attenuating the detrimental effects on blood pressure normally associated with NSAIDs. We provide an outline of the rationale for CINODs and their activity, in addition to an overview of the pre-clinical and clinical profile of the most advanced CINOD, naproxcinod.

Inhibition of endogenous nitric oxide in the heart enhances matrix metalloproteinase-2 release.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity is upregulated in pathologies such as atherosclerosis during which endogenous nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis is reduced. Diminished levels of NO, an antioxidant species, may result in higher oxidative stress. Oxidants are capable of activating MMPs from their zymogen forms. We examined whether basal biosynthesis of NO in the coronary circulation regulates MMP-2 activity. In isolated rat hearts perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer at a constant flow of 10 ml min(-1), we measured the release of MMP-2 into the coronary effluent by gelatin zymography. The main gelatinolytic activity of 72-kDa corresponds to MMP-2. Infusion of the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) concentration dependently increased coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) (by 48+/-11 mmHg with 100 microM) and enhanced the release of the 72-kDa MMP-2 in the effluent. Coinfusion of the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP, 1 microM) with L-NAME abolished both the increase in CPP and the enhanced MMP-2 release. The thromboxane A2 mimetic U46619 increased CPP to the same extent as L-NAME without increasing 72-kDa activity in the effluent, suggesting that MMP-2 release is not caused simply by enhanced perfusion pressure. Infusion of either L-NAME or U46619 did not significantly enhance LDH release. L-NAME infusion concentration dependently increased the level of lipid hydroperoxides in homogenates prepared from the perfused hearts. Coinfusion of SNAP prevented this increase. These data reveal another cytoprotective mechanism of endogenous NO biosynthesis in the heart, the inhibition of MMP-2 release.

Cysteinyl-leukotrienes receptor activation in brain inflammatory reactions and cerebral edema formation: a role for transcellular biosynthesis of cysteinyl-leukotrienes.

We studied the effect of intravascular activation of human neutrophils on the synthesis of cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLT) and the formation of cerebral edema in guinea-pig brains. Challenge with the chemotactic formylated tripeptide fMLP (0.1 microM) of neutrophil-perfused brain in vitro resulted in blood-brain barrier disruption associated with a significant increase of cysLT. Both events were completely prevented by neutrophil pretreatment with a specific 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor. Perfusion with the 5-LO metabolite leukotriene B4 (10 nM), together with neutrophils treated with the 5-LO inhibitor, did not restore the alteration in permeability observed upon perfusion with untreated and activated neutrophils. The dual cysLT1-cysLT2 receptor antagonist BAYu9773 was more potent and more effective than a selective cysLT1 antagonist in preventing the brain permeability alteration induced by neutrophil activation. RT-PCR showed significant expression of cysLT2 receptor mRNA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Intravital microscopy in mice showed that inhibition of leukotriene synthesis significantly reduced firm adhesion of neutrophils to cerebral vessels without affecting rolling. These data support the hypothesis that neutrophil and endothelial cells cooperate toward the local synthesis of cysLT within the brain vasculature and, acting via the cysLT2 receptor on endothelial cells, may represent a contributing pathogenic mechanism in the development of cerebral inflammation and edema.

Leukotriene modifiers: novel therapeutic opportunities in asthma.

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys-LT) are powerful proinflammatory autacoids that cause long-lasting bronchoconstriction, plasma leakage, increased mucus production; their biological activity suggests a prominent role in the etiopathology of asthma and several Cys-LT receptor antagonists and synthetase inhibitors have been developed as new antiasthmatic drugs. Zafirlukast was discovered by a mechanism-based approach to drug discovery; early structure-activity relationship analyses of the prototype SRS-A antagonist FPL-55712, lead to the identification of an indole-containing lead compound that was more specific than FPL-55712. Modifications were made on the lipid-like tail, indole backbone and acidic head region of this lead compound, resulting in potent and selective leukotriene receptor antagonists such as ICI-198615 and 204219 (zafirlukast). On the basis of successful results in preclinical asthma models, zafirlukast was recommended for clinical development and became the first leukotriene-modifier to be approved for the treatment of asthma. Leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors (LSI) also represent a promising approach to the treatment of asthma and may theoretically provide a broader protection than Cys-LT receptor antagonists by inhibition of the synthesis of the two major leukotrienes, the Cys-LT and the chemotactic LTB4. The LSI BAY X-1005 is the result of a broad chemistry program that identified 15-HETE as an endogenous inhibitor of leukotriene synthesis and REV 5901 as a lead prototypic quinoline-based 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor. Clinical studies demonstrated the effectiveness of BAY X-1005 in experimental conditions such as allergen provocation and cold-air induced asthma. However, no consistent treatment effect in the overall asthma population (mild to moderately severe asthmatics) lead to discontinuation of its development.

Activation and modulation of 72kDa matrix metalloproteinase-2 by peroxynitrite and glutathione.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) has emerged as a key protease in various pathologies associated with oxidative stress, including myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, heart failure or inflammation. Peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), an important effector of oxidative stress, was reported to activate some full length MMP zymogens, particularly in the presence of glutathione (GSH), but whether this occurs for MMP-2 is unknown. Treating MMP-2 zymogen with ONOO(-) resulted in a concentration-dependent regulation of MMP-2, with 0.3-1 microM ONOO(-) increasing and 30-100 microM ONOO(-) attenuating enzyme activity. The enzyme's V(max) was also significantly increased by 1 microM ONOO(-). Comparable responses to ONOO(-) treatment were observed using the intracellular target of MMP-2, troponin I (TnI). GSH at 100 microM attenuated the effects of ONOO(-) on MMP-2. Mass spectrometry revealed that ONOO(-) can oxidize and, in the presence of GSH, S-glutathiolate the MMP-2 zymogen or a synthetic peptide containing the cysteine-switch motif in the enzyme's autoinhibitory domain. These results suggest that ONOO(-) and GSH can modulate the activity of 72 kDa MMP-2 by modifying the cysteine residue in the autoinhibitory domain of the zymogen, a process that may be relevant to pathophysiological conditions associated with increased oxidative stress.

The involvement of superoxide and iNOS-derived NO in cardiac dysfunction induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to depress myocardial mechanical function by enhancing peroxynitrite generation in the heart. The contribution of NO synthesized by different NOS isoforms, as well as the contribution of superoxide to this mechanism are still not clear. Isolated working hearts of iNOS(-/-) and wildtype mice were perfused for 120 min in the presence or absence of a mixture of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma). iNOS mRNA was detected only in cytokine-treated wildtype hearts. In wildtype hearts, cytokine treatment significantly decreased cardiac work, calculated as cardiac output times peak systolic pressure, to 31+/-9% of original values by the end of perfusion (P <0.05). The decline of cardiac work induced by cytokine treatment was significantly reduced in iNOS(-/-) hearts (63+/-5% of original value). Only cytokine-treated wildtype hearts showed decreased aconitase activity, indicating a higher level of oxidative stress in these hearts. Cytokines increased NADPH oxidase activity in both wildtype and iNOS(-/-) hearts, whereas NADH oxidase and xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase activities were unaffected. The SOD mimetic MnTE2PyP prevented the cytokine-induced decline of cardiac work in both wildtype and iNOS(-/-) hearts. Cardiac p38 MAPK activation was unaltered in all experimental groups. Although genetic disruption of the iNOS gene provides partial protection against cytokine-induced cardiac dysfunction, iNOS-independent mechanisms, including contribution of NO from other NOS enzymes and the generation of superoxide, are also important contributors.

KB130015, a new amiodarone derivative with multiple effects on cardiac ion channels.

KB130015 (KB015), a new drug structurally related to amiodarone, has been proposed to have antiarrhythmic properties. In contrast to amiodarone, KB015 markedly slows the kinetics of inactivation of Na(+) channels by enhancing concentration-dependently (K(0.5) asymptotically equal to 2 microM) a slow-inactivating I(Na) component (tau(slow) asymptotically equal to 50 ms) at the expense of the normal, fast-inactivating component (tau(fast) asymptotically equal to 2 to 3 ms). However, like amiodarone, KB015 slows the recovery from inactivation and causes a shift (K(0.5) asymptotically equal to 6.9 microM) of the steady-state voltage-dependent inactivation to more negative potentials. Despite prolonging the opening of Na(+) channels KB015 does not lengthen but often shortens the action potential duration (APD) in pig myocytes or in multicellular preparations. Only short APDs in mouse are markedly prolonged by KB015, which frequently induces early afterdepolarizations. KB015 has also an effect on other ion channels. It decreases the amplitude of the L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca-L)) without changing its time course, and it inhibits G-protein gated and ATP-gated K(+) channels. Both the receptor-activated I(K(ACh)) (induced in atrial myocytes by either ACh, adenosine or sphingosylphosphorylcholine) and the receptor-independent (GTPgammaS-induced or background) I(K(ACh)) are concentration-dependently (K(0.5) asymptotically equal to 0.6 - 0.9 microM) inhibited by KB015. I(K(ATP)), induced in atrial myocytes during metabolic inhibition with 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), is equally suppressed. However, KB015 has no effect on I(K1) or on I(to). Consistent with the effects in K(+) currents, KB015 does not depolarize the resting potential but antagonizes the APD shortening by muscarinic receptor activation or by DNP. Intracellular cell dialysis with KB015 has marginal or no effect on Na(+) or K(+) channels and does not prevent the effect of extracellularly applied drug, suggesting that KB015 interacts directly with channels at sites more easily accessible from the extracellular than the intracellular side of the membrane. At high concentrations KB015 exerts a positive inotropic action. It also interacts with thyroid hormone nuclear receptors. Its toxic effects remain largely unexplored, but it is well tolerated during chronic administration.