Oropharyngeal samples versus lesion specimens at diagnosis in patients infected with monkeypox virus in Northern France.

The ongoing outbreak of monkeypox virus (MPXV) is the largest one in historically non-endemic countries. Early reports described atypical epidemiological and clinical presentations. We investigated MPXV DNA detection in oropharyngeal samples (OPS), and compared the viral load to that in lesion samples at diagnosis in patients infected with MPXV. We retrospectively included patients suspected to have monkeypox in Northern France, who underwent a MPXV PCR in the Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Lille, from May 23 to August 18, 2022. Overall, a total of 228 patients (376 samples) were included. A positive result in at least one sample was found in 138 patients (60.5%). We compared PCR results between OPS and lesion samples (i.e., cutaneous or anal/rectal samples) in patients with both samples. A positive result in OPS was observed in 54 out of 60 patients (90%). The viral load in OPS (median Ct value = 29.5; interquartile range [IQR] = 24.7-34) was significantly lower than that in lesion samples (median Ct  value = 17.8; IQR = 16.3 and 19.7) (p < 0.0001). This report shows that pharyngeal sampling does not bring additional information for the initial diagnosis in patients presenting with typical lesions.

Pharmacological Characterization of Apraglutide, a Novel Long-Acting Peptidic Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Agonist, for the Treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) agonists have therapeutic potential in clinical indications in which the integrity or absorptive function of the intestinal mucosa is compromised, such as in short bowel syndrome (SBS). Native hGLP-2, a 33-amino acid peptide secreted from the small intestine, contributes to nutritional absorption but has a very short half-life because of enzymatic cleavage and renal clearance and thus is of limited therapeutic value. The GLP-2 analog teduglutide (Revestive/Gattex; Shire Inc.) has been approved for use in SBS since 2012 but has a once-daily injection regimen. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic studies confirm that apraglutide, a novel GLP-2 analog, has very low clearance, long elimination half-life, and high plasma protein binding compared with GLP-2 analogs teduglutide and glepaglutide. Apraglutide and teduglutide retain potency and selectivity at the GLP-2 receptor comparable to native hGLP-2, whereas glepaglutide was less potent and less selective. In rat intravenous PK studies, hGLP-2, teduglutide, glepaglutide, and apraglutide had clearances of 25, 9.9, 2.8, and 0.27 ml/kg per minute, respectively, and elimination half-lives of 6.4, 19, 16, and 159 minutes, respectively. The unique PK profile of apraglutide administered via intravenous and subcutaneous routes was confirmed in monkey and minipig and translated into significantly greater in vivo pharmacodynamic activity, measured as small intestinal growth in rats. Apraglutide showed greater intestinotrophic activity than the other peptides when administered at less-frequent dosing intervals because of its prolonged half-life. We postulate that apraglutide offers several advantages over existing GLP-2 analogs and is an excellent candidate for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, such as SBS. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Apraglutide is a potent and selective GLP-2 agonist with an extremely low clearance and prolonged elimination half-life, which differentiates it from teduglutide (the only approved GLP-2 agonist). The enhanced pharmacokinetics of apraglutide will benefit patients by enabling a reduced dosing frequency and removing the need for daily injections.

Bayesian inference of natural selection from spatiotemporal phenotypic data.

Spatiotemporal variations of natural selection may influence the evolution of various features of organisms such as local adaptation or specialisation. This article develops a method for inferring how selection varies between locations and between generations from phenotypic data. It is assumed that generations are non-overlapping and that individuals reproduce by selfing or asexually. A quantitative genetics model taking account of the effects of stabilising natural selection, the environment and mutation on phenotypic means and variances is developed. Explicit results on the evolution of populations are derived and used to develop a Bayesian inference method. The latter is applied to simulated data and to data from a wheat participatory plant breeding programme. It has some ability to infer evolutionary parameters, but estimates may be sensitive to prior distributions, for example when phenotypic time series are short and when environmental effects are large. In such cases, sensitivity to prior distributions may be reported or more data may be collected.

IKK phosphorylates RelB to modulate its promoter specificity and promote fibroblast migration downstream of TNF receptors.

TNFα is a potent cytokine that plays a critical role in numerous cellular processes, particularly immune and inflammatory responses, programmed cell death, angiogenesis, and cell migration. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that mediate TNFα-induced cellular responses is a crucial issue. It is generally accepted that global DNA binding activity of the NF-κB avian reticuloendotheliosis viral (v-rel) oncogene related B (RelB) subunit is not induced upon TNFα treatment in fibroblasts, despite its TNFα-induced nuclear accumulation. Here, we demonstrate that RelB plays a critical role in promoting fibroblast migration upon prolonged TNFα treatment. We identified the two kinases IκB kinase α (IKKα) and IκB kinase ß (IKKß) as RelB interacting partners whose activation by TNFα promotes RelB phosphorylation at serine 472. Once phosphorylated on serine 472, nuclear RelB dissociates from its interaction with the inhibitory protein IκBα and binds to the promoter of critical migration-associated genes, such as the matrix metallopeptidase 3 (MMP3). Further, we show that RelB serine 472 phosphorylation status controls MMP3 expression and promigration activity downstream of TNF receptors. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation of RelB activity and reveal a novel link between selective NF-κB target gene expression and cellular response in response to TNFα.

The selective vasopressin type 1a receptor agonist selepressin (FE 202158) blocks vascular leak in ovine severe sepsis*.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the selective vasopressin type 1a receptor agonist selepressin (FE 202158) is as effective as the mixed vasopressin type 1a receptor/vasopressin V2 receptor agonist vasopressor hormone arginine vasopressin when used as a titrated first-line vasopressor therapy in an ovine model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia-induced severe sepsis. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled laboratory experiment. SETTING: University animal research facility. SUBJECTS: Forty-five chronically instrumented sheep. INTERVENTIONS: Sheep were anesthetized, insufflated with cooled cotton smoke via tracheostomy, and P. aeruginosa were instilled into their airways. They were then placed on assisted ventilation, awakened, and resuscitated with lactated Ringer's solution titrated to maintain hematocrit ± 3% from baseline levels. If, despite fluid management, mean arterial pressure fell by more than 10 mm Hg from baseline level, an additional continuous IV infusion of arginine vasopressin or selepressin was titrated to raise and maintain mean arterial pressure within no less than 10 mm Hg from baseline level. Effects of combination treatment of selepressin with the selective vasopressin V2 receptor agonist desmopressin were similarly investigated. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In septic sheep, MAP fell by ~30 mm Hg, systemic vascular resistance index decreased by ~50%, and ~7 L of fluid were retained over 24 hours; this fluid accumulation was partially reduced by arginine vasopressin and almost completely blocked by selepressin; and combined infusion of selepressin and desmopressin increased fluid accumulation to levels similar to arginine vasopressin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Resuscitation with the selective vasopressin type 1a receptor agonist selepressin blocked vascular leak more effectively than the mixed vasopressin type 1a receptor/vasopressin V2 receptor agonist arginine vasopressin because of its lack of agonist activity at the vasopressin V2 receptor.

Effect of medical staff training on vaccination coverage in outpatients with cancer: An interventional multicenter before-and-after study.

Purpose: Despite widely disseminated guidelines, pneumococcal and influenza vaccination coverage (VC) remains insufficient in patients with cancer receiving cancer treatment. We performed an interventional study to evaluate VC in patients with cancer treated at the medical oncology departments of three North-of-France hospitals and to assess the effect of medical staff training on VC in these patients. Methods: A standardized questionnaire assessed VC in adult patients with cancer receiving anticancer treatment at three day hospitals during December 2-7, 2019. Subsequently (January 2020), we organized educational training sessions for medical staff from each hospital to discuss the current vaccination guidelines. To assess the impact of training on pneumococcal and influenza VC, we re-administered the same questionnaire in March 2020. Because there are no specific guidelines on Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) vaccination and no improvement was expected, DTP VC acted as an internal control. Results: In total, 272 patients from all three hospitals were enrolled in the "before study"; 156 patients from only two hospitals were enrolled in the "after study" as medical training and data collection at the third were impossible because of administrative reasons and COVID-19 pandemic. The predictors were age for DTP VC; treatment center for pneumococcal VC; and age, sex, and tumor histology (adenocarcinoma vs. others) for influenza VC. Neither influenza VC (42.6% vs. 55.1%, p = 0.08), nor pneumococcal VC were significantly improved post-intervention (11.8% vs. 15.4%, p = 1). There seems to be a small effect in the most fragile for influenza VC. Conclusion: As expected, VC was very low in patients with cancer, consistent with the literature. There was no impact of the intervention for pneumococcal and influenza VC.

Discovery and characterization of prolactin neutralizing monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of female-prevalent pain disorders.

Prolactin (PRL) has recently been demonstrated to elicit female-selective nociceptor sensitization and increase pain-like behaviors in female animals. Here we report the discovery and characterization of first-in-class, humanized PRL neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (PRL mAbs). We obtained two potent and selective PRL mAbs, PL 200,031 and PL 200,039. PL 200,031 was engineered as human IgG1 whereas PL 200,039 was reformatted as human IgG4. Both mAbs have sub-nanomolar affinity for human PRL (hPRL) and produce concentration-dependent and complete inhibition of hPRL signaling at the hPRL receptor (hPRLR). These two PRL mAbs are selective for hPRL as they do not inhibit other hPRLR agonists such as human growth hormone or placental lactogen. They also cross-react with non-human primate PRL but not with rodent PRL. Further, both mAbs show long clearance half-lives after intravenous administration in FcRn-humanized mice. Consistent with their isotypes, these mAbs only differ in binding affinities to Fcγ receptors, as expected by design. Finally, PL 200,019, the murine parental mAb of PL 200,031 and PL 200,039, fully blocked stress-induced and PRL-dependent pain behaviors in female PRL-humanized mice, thereby providing in vivo preclinical proof-of-efficacy for PRL mAbs in mechanisms relevant to pain in females.

Unlike arginine vasopressin, the selective V1a receptor agonist FE 202158 does not cause procoagulant effects by releasing von Willebrand factor.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects on von Willebrand factor release of the mixed vasopressin type 1a and type 2 receptor agonist arginine vasopressin and the selective vasopressin type 1a receptor agonist FE 202158, [Phe2,Ile3,Hgn4,Orn(iPr)8]vasopressin, at doses required for the treatment of septic shock. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled laboratory experiment. SETTING: University animal research facility. SUBJECTS: Twenty-four chronically instrumented sheep. INTERVENTIONS: After a 5-day recovery from instrumentation, sheep were randomly assigned to receive a single intravenous bolus of the selective vasopressin type 2 receptor agonist desmopressin (1 nmol·kg(-1)) or continuous intravenous infusions of arginine vasopressin (3 pmol·kg(-1)·min(-1)), the selective vasopressin type 1a receptor agonist FE 202158 (10 pmol·kg(-1)·min(-1)), or vehicle (0.9% NaCl) (n = 6 each). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The von Willebrand factor antigen activity relative to hemoglobin concentration (vWF:Ag/Hb ratio) was measured at different time points during the 120-min study period. Maximal vWF:Ag/Hb ratio expressed as percentage of baseline level was significantly increased compared to vehicle-infused animals (3 ± 2%) in the desmopressin (40 ± 6%, p < .001) and arginine vasopressin groups (25 ± 4%, p < .001). The ratio for the FE 202158 group was not statistically different from the sham group (9 ± 2%, p = .208). Notably, maximal vWF:Ag/Hb ratio was lower in the FE 202158 than the arginine vasopressin group (p < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Unlike the mixed vasopressin type 1a receptor/vasopressin type 2 receptor agonist arginine vasopressin, the selective vasopressin type 1a receptor agonist FE 202158 does not release von Willebrand factor. Because von Willebrand factor is involved in coagulatory and inflammatory pathways during septic shock, future studies should clarify the role of the vasopressin type 2 receptor-mediated von Willebrand factor increase by arginine vasopressin and the potential benefit of selective vasopressin type 1a receptor-agonists like FE 202158.

Inhibiting Kiss1 Neurons With Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonists to Treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Vasomotor Symptoms.

CONTEXT: Recent evidence suggests that vasomotor symptoms (VMS) or hot flashes in the postmenopausal reproductive state and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in the premenopausal reproductive state emanate from the hyperactivity of Kiss1 neurons in the hypothalamic infundibular/arcuate nucleus (KNDy neurons). OBJECTIVE: We demonstrate in 2 murine models simulating menopause and PCOS that a peripherally restricted kappa receptor agonist (PRKA) inhibits hyperactive KNDy neurons (accessible from outside the blood-brain barrier) and impedes their downstream effects. DESIGN: Case/control. SETTING: Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Mice. INTERVENTIONS: Administration of peripherally restricted kappa receptor agonists and frequent blood sampling to determine hormone release and body temperature. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: LH pulse parameters and body temperature. RESULTS: First, chronic administration of a PRKA to bilaterally ovariectomized mice with experimentally induced hyperactivity of KNDy neurons reduces the animals' elevated body temperature, mean plasma LH level, and mean peak LH per pulse. Second, chronic administration of a PRKA to a murine model of PCOS, having elevated plasma testosterone levels and irregular ovarian cycles, suppresses circulating levels of LH and testosterone and restores normal ovarian cyclicity. CONCLUSION: The inhibition of kisspeptin neuronal activity by activation of kappa receptors shows promise as a novel therapeutic approach to treat both VMS and PCOS in humans.

Pharmacological characterization of FE 202158, a novel, potent, selective, and short-acting peptidic vasopressin V1a receptor full agonist for the treatment of vasodilatory hypotension.

FE 202158, ([Phe(2),Ile(3),Hgn(4),Orn(iPr)(8)]vasopressin, where Hgn is homoglutamine and iPr is isopropyl), a peptidic analog of the vasoconstrictor hormone [Arg(8)]vasopressin (AVP), was designed to be a potent, selective, and short-acting vasopressin type 1a receptor (V(1a)R) agonist. In functional reporter gene assays, FE 202158 was a potent and selective human V(1a)R agonist [EC(50) = 2.4 nM; selectivity ratio of 1:142:1107:440 versus human vasopressin type 1b receptor, vasopressin type 2 receptor (V(2)R), and oxytocin receptor, respectively] contrasting with AVP's lack of selectivity, especially versus the V(2)R (selectivity ratio of 1:18:0.2:92; human V(1a)R EC(50) = 0.24 nM). This activity and selectivity profile was confirmed in radioligand binding assays. FE 202158 was a potent vasoconstrictor in the isolated rat common iliac artery ex vivo (EC(50) = 3.6 nM versus 0.8 nM for AVP) and reduced rat ear skin blood flow after intravenous infusion in vivo (ED(50) = 4.0 versus 3.4 pmol/kg/min for AVP). The duration of its vasopressor effect by intravenous bolus in rats was as short as AVP at submaximally effective doses. FE 202158 had no V(2)R-mediated antidiuretic activity in rats by intravenous infusion at its ED(50) for reduction of ear skin blood flow, in contrast with the pronounced antidiuretic effect of AVP. Thus, FE 202158 seems suitable for treatment of conditions where V(1a)R activity is desirable but V(2)R activity is potentially deleterious, such as vasodilatory hypotension in septic shock. In addition to the desirable selectivity profile, its short-acting nature should allow dose titration with rapid onset and offset of action to optimize vasoconstriction efficacy and safety.

Staphylococcus aureus mediastinitis due to subclavian vein perforation and catheter-related-infection.

In rare cases the implantation or use of a port-a-cath can be complicated by venous perforation or catheter-related infection. We describe a patient with these two complications resulting in Staphylococcus aureus mediastinitis. Removal of the device and prolonged antibiotic therapy cured the infection.

SHiNeMaS: a web tool dedicated to seed lots history, phenotyping and cultural practices.

MOTIVATION: In 2005, researchers from the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement, INRAE) started a collaboration with the French farmers' seed network Réseau Semences Paysannes (RSP) on bread wheat participatory breeding (PPB). The aims were: (1) to study on-farm management of crop diversity, (2) to develop population-varieties adapted to organic and low-inputs agriculture, (3) to co-develop tools and methods adapted to on-farm experiments. In this project, researchers and farmers' organizations needed to map the history and life cycle of the population-varieties using network formalism to represent relationships between seed lots. All this information had to be centralized and stored in a database. RESULTS: We describe here SHiNeMaS (Seeds History and Network Management System) a web tool database. SHiNeMaS aims to provide useful interfaces to track seed lot history and related data (phenotyping, environment, cultural practices). Although SHiNeMaS has been developed in the context of a bread wheat participatory breeding program, the database has been designed to manage any kind and even multiple cultivated plant species. SHiNeMaS is available under Affero GPL licence and uses free technologies such as the Python language, Django framework or PostgreSQL database management system (DBMS). CONCLUSION: We developed SHiNeMaS, a web tool database, dedicated to the management of the history of seed lots and related data like phenotyping, environmental information and cultural practices. SHiNeMaS has been used in production in our laboratory for 5 years and farmers' organizations facilitators manage their own information in the system.

Amphiphilic polyesters derived from silylated and germylated fatty compounds.

New classes of amphiphilic polyesters were prepared from metallated (Si, Ge) fatty methyl ester (FAME) precursors and poly(tetramethylene oxide) glycol. Hydrosilylation of 10-undecenoic methyl ester by tetramethyldisiloxane occurred at 80 degrees C in the presence of Karstedt's catalyst, and hydrogermylation of the same FAME derivative was obtained at the same temperature under radical AIBN initiation. These diester precursors, obtained in high yields (approximately 90%), reacted with poly(tetramethylene oxide) glycol under free solvent to give silicon polymers or germanium oligomers. These condensed materials display both the characteristic of organic-inorganic hybrid materials and those of amphiphilic polymers. The nature of organometallic fragment (hydrophobicity of tetramethyldisiloxy and sterical hindrance of diphenylgermyl) was shown to influence the chemical reactivity of the polymerizable monomers and the physical properties of the resulting copolymers. The amphiphilicity of these materials provides a driving force for the formation of small objects (approximately 1 nm), making them very attractive as hybrid nanocontainers.

Discovery of Potent, Selective, and Short-Acting Peptidic V2 Receptor Agonists.

The vasopressin analogue desmopressin (desamino-d-arginine8 vasopressin, dDAVP, 1) is a potent vasopressin 2 (V2) receptor (V2R) agonist approved in many countries for the treatment of diabetes insipidus, primary nocturnal enuresis, nocturia, and coagulation disorders. Since 1 is primarily excreted via the kidneys, an age-related decline in kidney function leads to slower elimination, prolonged antidiuresis, and hyponatremia. In search of novel, potent, selective, and short-acting peptidic V2R agonists, we synthesized a series of C-terminally truncated analogues of [Val4]dDAVP, 2, modified in positions 2, 3, and 7 and/or at the disulfide bridge. The peptides were evaluated for in vitro potency at the human V2 receptor, selectivity versus the related receptors (human vasopressin 1a receptor, human vasopressin 1b receptor, and human oxytocin receptor), and pharmacokinetic profiles in rodents and other higher species. The truncated analogues show excellent potency at the V2R, increased systemic clearance, and shorter half-life in rats. Two compounds 19 (c(Bua-Cpa-Thi-Val-Asn-Cys)-Pro-Agm) and 38 (c(Bua-Cpa-Thi-Val-Asn-Cys)-Pro-d-Arg-NEt2) have been selected for clinical development for nocturia.

GPR87 is an overexpressed G-protein coupled receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The overall 5-year survival after therapy is about 16% and there is a clear need for better treatment options, such as therapies targeting specific molecular structures. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), as the largest family of cell surface receptors, represent an important group of potential targets for diagnostics and therapy. We therefore used laser capture microdissection and GPCR-focused Affymetrix microarrays to examine the expression of 929 GPCR transcripts in tissue samples of 10 patients with squamous cell carcinoma and 7 with adenocarcinoma in order to identify novel targets in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The relative gene expression levels were calculated in tumour samples compared to samples of the neighbouring alveolar tissue in every patient. Based on this unique study design, we identified 5 significantly overexpressed GPCRs in squamous cell carcinoma, in the following decreasing order of expression: GPR87 > CMKOR1 > FZD10 > LGR4 > P2RY11. All are non-olfactory and GRAFS (glutamate, rhodopsin, adhesion, frizzled/taste2, secretin family) classified. GPR87, LGR4 and CMKOR1 are orphan receptors. GPR87 stands out as a candidate for further target validation due to its marked overexpression and correlation on a mutation-based level to squamous cell carcinoma.

Novel D-amino acid tetrapeptides produce potent antinociception by selectively acting at peripheral kappa-opioid receptors.

Kappa-(kappa) opioid receptors are widely distributed in the periphery and activation results in antinociception; however supraspinal acting kappa-agonists result in unwanted side effects. Two novel, all d-amino acid, tetrapeptide kappa-opioid receptor agonists, FE 200665 and FE 200666, were identified and compared to brain penetrating (enadoline) and peripherally selective (asimadoline) kappa-agonists as potential analgesics lacking unwanted central nervous system (CNS) side effects. In vitro characterization was performed using radioligand binding and GTP gamma S binding. Antinociception was evaluated in both mice and rats. Rotarod tests were performed to determine motor impairment effects of the kappa-agonists. FE 200665 and FE 200666 showed high affinity for human kappa-opioid receptor 1 (Ki of 0.24 nM and 0.08 nM, respectively) and selectivity for human kappa-opioid receptor 1 (human kappa-opioid receptor 1/human mu-opioid receptor/human delta-opioid receptor selectivity ratios of 1/16,900/84,600 and 1/88,600/>1,250,000, respectively). Both compounds demonstrated agonist activity in the human kappa-opioid receptor 1 [35S]GTP gamma S binding assay (EC50 of 0.08 nM and 0.03 nM) and resulted in dose-related antinociception in the mouse writhing test (A50: 0.007 and 0.013 mg/kg, i.v., respectively). Markedly higher doses of FE 200665 and FE 200666 were required to induce centrally-mediated effects in the rotarod assay (548- and 182-fold higher doses, respectively), and antinociception determined in the mouse tail-flick assay (>1429- and 430-fold fold higher doses, respectively) after peripheral administration supporting a peripheral site of action. The potency ratios between central and peripheral activity suggest a therapeutic window significantly higher than previous kappa-agonists. Furthermore, FE 200665 has entered into clinical trials with great promise as a novel analgesic lacking unwanted side effects seen with current therapeutics.

Health and Nutrition Studies Related to Cereal Biodiversity: A Participatory Multi-Actor Literature Review Approach.

Recently, a large and growing body of literature has investigated the health potential of different wheat species. In particular, a considerable number of studies dealing with nutritional aspects has grown up around the theme of the recovery of ancient wheat varieties (species that have remained unchanged over the last hundred years). According to several studies, indeed, ancient varieties present a healthier nutritional profile than modern ones. In the framework of the European project "CERERE, CEreal REnaissance in Rural Europe: embedding diversity in organic and low-input food systems", this paper aimed to review recent research on the issue of health and nutritional cereal systems by adopting an innovative and participatory multi-actor approach which involved practitioners along with researchers. The participatory approach is the main innovation and peculiarity of this literature review. Nevertheless, the review highlights the many positive effects derived from eating whole and ancient grains such as a significant reduction in the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and also a more favorable long-term weight management and increase in satiety. This review may be considered as a fruitful starting point that integrates research results to foster current and future healthier and sustainable practices in cereal systems.

Silylation of triacylglycerol: an easy route to new biosiloxanes.

A new approach to functionalize triacylglycerol fish oils has been achieved. For the first time, hydrosilylation of various terminal and internal C=C double bonds in ethylenic triacylglycerol was performed under radical initiation sequence, which, after ethanolysis, gave the sol-gel processable triethoxysilyltriacylglycerol P(2). By the use of silyltriflate, new metalated triglycerides P(3), in which silyl fragments are C-bonded in alpha-position to glycerol groups, were synthesized. The sol-gel hydrolysis and polycondensation of triethoxysilyltriacylglycerol led to hybrid materials in which organic and inorganic moieties are covalently linked. These materials open new applications in drug delivery and pharmaceutical formulation.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Characterization of Novel Glucagon-like Peptide-2 (GLP-2) Analogues with Low Systemic Clearance.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 receptor agonists have therapeutic potential for the treatment of intestinal diseases. The native hGLP-2, a 33 amino acid gastrointestinal peptide, is not a suitable clinical candidate, due to its very short half-life in humans. In search of GLP-2 receptor agonists with better pharmacokinetic characteristics, a series of GLP-2 analogues containing Gly substitution at position 2, norleucine in position 10, and hydrophobic substitutions in positions 11 and/or 16 was designed and synthesized. In vitro receptor potency at the human GLP-2, selectivity vs the human GLP-1 and GCG receptors, and PK profile in rats were determined for the new analogues. A number of compounds more potent at the hGLP-2R than the native hormone, showing excellent receptor selectivity and very low systemic clearance (CL) were discovered. Analogues 69 ([Gly(2),Nle(10),D-Thi(11),Phe(16)]hGLP-2-(1-30)-NH2), 72 ([Gly(2),Nle(10),D-Phe(11),Leu(16)]hGLP-2-(1-33)-OH), 73 ([Gly(2),Nle(10),D-Phe(11),Leu(16)]hGLP-2-(1-33)-NH2), 81 ([Gly(2),Nle(10),D-Phe(11),Leu(16)]hGLP-2-(1-33)-NHEt), and 85 ([Gly(2),Nle(10),D-Phe(11),Leu(16)]hGLP-2-(1-33)-NH-((CH2)2O)4-(CH2)2-CONH2) displayed the desired profiles (EC50 (hGLP-2R) < 100 pM, CL in rat <0.3 mL/min/kg, selective vs hGLP-1R and hGCGR). Compound 73 (FE 203799) was selected as a candidate for clinical development.

Peripheral kappa-opioid agonists for visceral pain.

Kappa (kappa)-opioid receptor agonists are particularly effective analgesics in experimental models of visceral pain. Their analgesic effects are mediated in the periphery. The molecular targets involved include peripherally located kappa-receptors and possibly, at least for some nonpeptidic kappa-agonists, additional nonopioid molecular targets such as sodium channels located on primary sensory afferents. Overall, these properties are expected to be of therapeutic interest in various visceral pain conditions, including abdominal surgery associated with postoperative pain and ileus, pancreatitis pain, dysmenorrhea, labor pain and functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or dyspepsia. The first kappa-agonists to be developed were brain-penetrating organic small molecules. Their development was eventually discontinued due to central side effects such as sedation and dysphoria attributed to kappa-receptors located behind the blood-brain barrier. New drug discovery programs are now geared towards the design of peripherally-selective kappa-agonists. So far, most of the organic molecule-based peripheral kappa-agonists have achieved limited peripheral selectivity and a practically insufficient therapeutic window to justify full development. These compounds have been used in a small number of clinical pilot studies involving visceral pain. Although encouraging, the clinical data available so far with this class of compounds are too limited and fragmented to fully validate the therapeutic utility of kappa-agonists in visceral pain. Additional clinical studies with safer kappa-agonists (i.e. with higher peripheral selectivity) are still required. The most suitable tools to address this question in the future appear to be the newly discovered class of tetrapeptide-based kappa-agonists, which have shown unprecedented levels of peripheral selectivity.