Block Synthesis and Step-Growth Polymerization of C-6-Sulfonatomethyl-Containing Sulfated Malto-Oligosaccharides and Their Biological Profiling.

Highly sulfated malto-oligomers, similar to heparin and heparan-sulfate, have good antiviral, antimetastatic, anti-inflammatory and cell growth inhibitory effects. Due to their broad biological activities and simple structure, sulfated malto-oligomer derivatives have a great therapeutic potential, therefore, the development of efficient synthesis methods for their production is of utmost importance. In this work, preparation of α-(1→4)-linked oligoglucosides containing a sulfonatomethyl moiety at position C-6 of each glucose unit was studied by different approaches. Malto-oligomeric sulfonic acid derivatives up to dodecasaccharides were prepared by polymerization using different protecting groups, and the composition of the product mixtures was analyzed by MALDI-MS methods and size-exclusion chromatography. Synthesis of lower oligomers was also accomplished by stepwise and block synthetic methods, and then the oligosaccharide products were persulfated. The antiviral, anti-inflammatory and cell growth inhibitory activity of the fully sulfated malto-oligosaccharide sulfonic acids were determined by in vitro tests. Four tested di- and trisaccharide sulfonic acids effectively inhibited the activation of the TNF-α-mediated inflammatory pathway without showing cytotoxicity.

Evaluation of the Diagnosis and Antibiotic Prescription Pattern in Patients Hospitalized with Urinary Tract Infections: Single-Center Study from a University-Affiliated Hospital.

UTIs (urinary tract infections) are common bacterial infections with a non-negligible hospitalization rate. The diagnosis of UTIs remains a challenge for prescribers and a common source of misdiagnosis. This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate whether recorded diagnosis by clinicians and empirical antibiotic therapy met the EAU (European Association of Urology) guideline in patients hospitalized with UTI. The study was conducted at an internal medicine unit of a tertiary care medical center in Hungary. The diagnosis was assessed based on clinical presentation, physical examination, and laboratory (including microbiological) results, considering all the potential risk factors. Diagnosis was considered misdiagnosis when not confirmed by clinical presentation or clinical signs and symptoms. Evaluation of empirical antibiotic therapy was performed only for confirmed UTIs. Empirical treatment was considered guideline-adherent when complying with the relevant recommendations. Out of 185 patients, 41.6% failed to meet EAU-based UTI diagnosis criteria, of which 27.6% were misdiagnosed and 14.1% were ABU (asymptomatic bacteriuria). The diagnosis of urosepsis recorded at admission (9.7%, 18/185) was not confirmed either by clinical or microbiological tests in five (5/18) cases. The initial empirical therapies for UTI showed a relatively low rate (45.4%) of guideline adherence regarding agent selection. The most common guideline-non-adherent therapies were combinations with metronidazole (16.7%). Dosage appropriateness assessments showed a guideline adherence rate of 36.1%, and underdosing due to high body weight was common (9.3%). Overall (agent, route of administration, dose, duration) guideline adherence was found to be substantially low (10.2%). We found a relatively high rate of misdiagnosed UTIs. Written protocols on the ward may be crucial in reducing misdiagnosis and in optimizing antibiotic use.

Pharmacological Evaluation of Newly Synthesized Cannabidiol Derivates on H9c2 Cells.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonpsychoactive phytocannabinoid that can be found in Cannabis sativa and possesses numerous pharmacological effects. Due to these promising effects, CBD can be used in a wide variety of diseases, for instance cardiovascular diseases. However, CBD, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has low bioavailability, poor water solubility, and a variable pharmacokinetic profile, which hinders its therapeutic use. Chemical derivatization of CBD offers us potential ways to overcome these issues. We prepared three new CBD derivatives substituted on the aromatic ring by Mannich-type reactions, which have not been described so far for the modification of cannabinoids, and studied the protective effect they have on cardiomyocytes exposed to oxidative stress and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) compared to the parent compound. An MTT assay was performed to determine the viability of rat cardiomyocytes treated with test compounds. Trypan blue exclusion and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays were carried out to study the effect of the new compounds in cells exposed to H2O2 or hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Direct antioxidant activity was evaluated by a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay. To study antioxidant protein levels, HO-1, SOD, catalase, and Western blot analysis were carried out. pIC50 (the negative log of the IC50) values were as follows: CBD1: 4.113, CBD2: 3.995, CBD3: 4.190, and CBD: 4.671. The newly synthesized CBD derivatives prevented cell death induced by H/R, especially CBD2. CBD has the largest direct antioxidant activity. The levels of antioxidant proteins were increased differently after pretreatment with synthetic CBD derivatives and CBD. Taken together, our newly synthesized CBD derivatives are able to decrease cytotoxicity during oxidative stress and H/R. The compounds have similar or better effects than CBD on H9c2 cells.

In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of Topical Dosage Forms Containing Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System Loaded with Curcumin.

The external use of curcumin is rare, although it can be a valuable active ingredient in the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases. The aim of our experimental work was to formulate topical dosage forms containing curcumin for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Curcumin has extremely poor solubility and bioavailability, so we have tried to increase it with the usage of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems. Creams and gels were formulated using penetration-enhancing surfactants and gelling agents. The release of the drug from the vehicle and its penetration through the membrane were determined using a Franz diffusion cell. An MTT cytotoxicity and in vitro antioxidant assays were performed on HaCaT cell line. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of the preparations was tested by measuring rat paw edema. In addition, we examined the degree of inflammation induced by UV radiation after pretreatment with the cream and the gel on rats. For the gels containing SNEDDS, the highest penetration was measured after half an hour, while for the cream, it took one hour to reach the maximum concentration. The gel containing Pemulen TR-1 showed the highest drug release. It was determined that the curcumin-containing preparations can be safely applied on the skin and have antioxidant effects. The animal experiments have proven the effectiveness of curcumin-containing topical preparations.

Development and Evaluation of an FDM Printed Nasal Device for CPZ Solid Nanoparticles.

Nasal drug delivery has been a focus of scientific interest for decades. A number of drug delivery systems and devices are available and have been highly successful in providing better and more comfortable therapy. The benefits of nasal drug delivery are not in question. The nasal surface provides an excellent context for the targeted delivery of active substances. In addition to the large nasal surface area and intensive absorption, the active substances delivered through the nose overcome the blood-brain barrier and can be delivered directly to the central nervous system. Formulations for nasal administration are typically solutions or liquid dispersed systems such as emulsions or suspensions. Formulation techniques for nanostructures have recently undergone intensive development. Solid-phase heterogeneous dispersed systems represent a new direction in pharmaceutical formulations. The wide range of possible examples and the variety of excipients allow for the delivery of a wide range of active ingredients. The aim of our experimental work was to develop a solid drug delivery system that possesses all of the above-mentioned advantageous properties. In developing solid nanosystems, we not only exploited the advantages of size but also the adhesive and penetration-enhancing properties of excipients. During formulation, several amphiphilic compounds with adhesion properties and penetration enhancing effects were incorporated. We used chlorpromazine (CPZ), which is mainly used in the treatment of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Chlorpromazine has been previously investigated by our team in other projects. With the availability of previous methods, the analytical characterization of the drug was carried out effectively. Due to the frequent and severe side effects of the drug, the need for therapeutic dose reduction is indisputable. In this series of experiments, we succeeded in constructing drug delivery systems. Finely divided Na nanoparticles were formed using a Büchi B90 nanospray dryer. An important step in the development of the drug carrier was the selection of suitable inert carrier compounds. Particle size determination and particle size distribution analysis were performed to characterize the prepared nanostructures. As safety is the most important aspect of any drug formulation, all components and systems were tested with different biocompatibility assays. The tests performed demonstrated the safe applicability of our systems. The bioavailability of chlorpromazine was studied as a function of the ratio of the active ingredient administered nasally and intravenously. As described above, most nasal formulations are liquids, but our system is solid, so there is currently no tool available to accurately target this system. As a supplement of the project, a nasal dosing device was developed, corresponding to the anatomical structure; a prototype of the device was made using 3D FDM technology. Our results lay the foundation for the design and industrial scaling of a new approach to the design and production of a high-bioavailability nasal medicinal product.

Rapamycin treatment increases survival, autophagy biomarkers and expression of the anti-aging klotho protein in elderly mice.

Previous investigations have demonstrated that treatment of animals with rapamycin increases levels of autophagy, which is a process by which cells degrade intracellular detritus, thus suppressing the emergence of senescent cells, whose pro-inflammatory properties, are primary drivers of age-associated physical decline. A hypothesis is tested here that rapamycin treatment of mice approaching the end of their normal lifespan exhibits increased survival, enhanced expression of autophagic proteins; and klotho protein-a biomarker of aging that affects whole organism senescence, and systemic suppression of inflammatory mediator production. Test groups of 24-month-old C57BL mice were injected intraperitoneally with either 1.5 mg/kg/week rapamycin or vehicle. All mice administered rapamycin survived the 12-week course, whereas 43% of the controls died. Relative to controls, rapamycin-treated mice experienced minor but significant weight loss; moreover, nonsignificant trends toward decreased levels of leptin, IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-1α, and IGF-1, along with slight elevations in VEGF, MCP-1 were observed in the blood serum of rapamycin-treated mice. Rapamycin-treated mice exhibited significantly enhanced autophagy and elevated expression of klotho protein, particularly in the kidney. Rapamycin treatment also increased cardiomyocyte Ca2+ -sensitivity and enhanced the rate constant of force re-development, which may also contribute to the enhanced survival rate in elderly mice.

BGP-15 Protects against Doxorubicin-Induced Cell Toxicity via Enhanced Mitochondrial Function.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficacious and commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. However, its clinical use is limited due to dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Several mechanisms have been proposed to play a role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, such as free radical generation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, altered apoptosis, and autophagy dysregulation. BGP-15 has a wide range of cytoprotective effects, including mitochondrial protection, but up to now, there is no information about any of its beneficial effects on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. In this study, we investigated whether the protective effects of BGP-15 pretreatment are predominantly via preserving mitochondrial function, reducing mitochondrial ROS production, and if it has an influence on autophagy processes. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were pretreated with 50 µM of BGP-15 prior to different concentrations (0.1; 1; 3 µM) of DOX exposure. We found that BGP-15 pretreatment significantly improved the cell viability after 12 and 24 h DOX exposure. BGP-15 ameliorated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and cell apoptosis induced by DOX. Additionally, BGP-15 pretreatment attenuated the level of mitochondrial oxidative stress and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, BGP-15 further slightly modulated the autophagic flux, which was measurably decreased by DOX treatment. Hence, our findings clearly revealed that BGP-15 might be a promising agent for alleviating the cardiotoxicity of DOX. This critical mechanism appears to be given by the protective effect of BGP-15 on mitochondria.

Enhanced Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Self-Nano and Microemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems Containing Curcumin.

Turmeric has been used for decades for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, which is due to an active ingredient isolated from the plant, called curcumin. However, the extremely poor water-solubility of curcumin often limits the bioavailability of the drug. The aim of our experimental work was to improve the solubility and thus bioavailability of curcumin by developing self-nano/microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SN/MEDDS). Labrasol and Cremophor RH 40 as nonionic surfactants, Transcutol P as co-surfactant and isopropyl myristate as the oily phase were used during the formulation. The average droplet size of SN/MEDDS containing curcumin was between 32 and 405 nm. It was found that the higher oil content resulted in larger particle size. The drug loading efficiency was between 93.11% and 99.12% and all formulations were thermodynamically stable. The curcumin release was studied at pH 6.8, and the release efficiency ranged between 57.3% and 80.9% after 180 min. The results of the MTT cytotoxicity assay on human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) and colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) showed that the curcumin-containing preparations were non-cytotoxic at 5 w/v%. According to the results of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays, SNEDDS showed significantly higher antioxidant activity. The anti-inflammatory effect of the SN/MEDDS was screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SNEDDS formulated with Labrasol as surfactant, reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) levels below 60% at a concentration of 10 w/w%. Our results verified the promising use of SN/MEDDS for the delivery of curcumin. This study demonstrates that the SN/MEDDS could be promising alternatives for the formulation of poorly soluble lipophilic compounds with low bioavailability.

Beta-Carotene Affects the Effects of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Isolated, Ischemic/Reperfused Rat Hearts: Potential Role of the Iron.

Beta-carotene (BC) is a well-known antioxidant. However, increasing evidence shows that under severe oxidative conditions, BC can become pro-oxidant, an effect that may be enhanced in the presence of iron (II). In our earlier studies, we observed that despite increasing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in the heart, the protective effects of BC have been lost when it was used at a high concentration. Since iron releases from heme as a consequence of HO-1 activity, we hypothesized that the application of an iron-chelator (IC) would reverse the lost cardiac protection associated with an elevated HO-1 level. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the effects of desferrioxiamine (DFO) in isolated, ischemic/reperfused rat hearts after long-term treatment with vehicle or high-dose (HD) BC. Vehicle or 150 mg/bw kg daily doses of BC were administered to the rats for 4 weeks, and then their hearts were removed and subjected to 30 min of global ischemia (ISA) followed by 120 min of reperfusion (REP). During the experiments, cardiac function was registered, and at the end of the REP period, infarct size (IS) and HO-1 expression were measured. The results show that DFO treatment alone during REP significantly ameliorated postischemic cardiac function and decreased IS, although HO-1 expression was not increased significantly. In hearts isolated from BC-treated rats, no cardioprotective effects, despite an elevated HO-1 level, were observed, while DFO administration after ISA resulted in a mild improvement in heart function and IS. Our results suggest that iron could have a role whether BC exerts antioxidant or pro-oxidant effects in ISA/REP-injured hearts.

Nicotinic Amidoxime Derivate BGP-15, Topical Dosage Formulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effect.

BGP-15 is a Hungarian-developed drug candidate with numerous beneficial effects. Its potential anti-inflammatory effect is a common assumption, but it has not been investigated in topical formulations yet. The aim of our study was to formulate 10% BGP-15 creams with different penetration enhancers to ensure good drug delivery, improve bioavailability of the drug and investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of BGP-15 creams in vivo. Since the exact mechanism of the effect is still unknown, the antioxidant effect (tested with UVB radiation) and the ability of BGP-15 to decrease macrophage activation were evaluated. Biocompatibility investigations were carried out on HaCaT cells to make sure that the formulations and the selected excipients can be safely used. Dosage form studies were also completed with texture analysis and in vitro release with Franz diffusion chamber apparatus. Our results show that the ointments were able to reduce the extent of local inflammation in mice, but the exact mechanism of the effect remains unknown since BGP-15 did not show any antioxidant effect, nor was it able to decrease LPS-induced macrophage activation. Our results support the hypothesis that BGP-15 has a potential anti-inflammatory effect, even if it is topically applied, but the mechanism of the effect remains unclear and requires further pharmacological studies.

Preparation of Acyclovir-Containing Solid Foam by Ultrasonic Batch Technology.

In recent years, the application of solid foams has become widespread. Solid foams are not only used in the aerospace field but also in everyday life. Although foams are promising dosage forms in the pharmaceutical industry, their usage is not prevalent due to decreased stability of the solid foam structure. These special dosage forms can result in increased bioavailability of drugs. Low-density floating formulations can also increase the gastric residence time of drugs; therefore, drug release will be sustained. Our aim was to produce a stable floating formula by foaming. Matrix components, PEG 4000 and stearic acid type 50, were selected with the criteria of low gastric irritation, a melting range below 70 °C, and well-known use in oral drug formulations. This matrix was melted at 54 °C in order to produce a dispersion of active substance and was foamed by different gases at atmospheric pressure using an ultrasonic homogenizer. The density of the molded solid foam was studied by the pycnometer method, and its structure was investigated by SEM and micro-CT. The prolonged drug release and mucoadhesive properties were proved in a pH 1.2 buffer. According to our experiments, a stable foam could be produced by rapid homogenization (less than 1 min) without any surfactant material.

Effects of Functional Training on Sarcopenia in Elderly Women in the Presence or Absence of ACE Inhibitors.

Sarcopenia, defined as loss of muscle mass and strength, develops gradually with aging or after chronic disease. Efforts are ongoing to identify the best interventions that can slow down or stop sarcopenia. Nutrition-based interventions and exercise therapy may be beneficial; however, pharmacotherapy also could play a role. The effect of ACE inhibitors on physical performance is controversial. The present study investigates the impact of functional training on sarcopenia in the presence or absence of ACEi in elderly females. A total of 35 women over 65 years of age were selected for two groups on the basis that they were taking ACEi (n = 18) or not (n = 17). All subjects conducted a training program two times a week for 6 months. We examined various factors related to sarcopenia. After completing the short physical performance battery (SPPB) test, we found a significant improvement after 6 months of functional training. SPPB values of the ACEi group were significantly lower at the beginning of the study; however, we observed no difference between the SPPB results of the two groups after the training period. We conducted further studies to measure posture and spine mobility. Our Schober and Cobra test results revealed significantly improved spine mobility (both flexor and extensor) in both groups after 6 months of training. Furthermore, the grip strength of the hands, studied by an electric dynamometer, was significantly improved in both groups at the end of the training period. Our results indicated that functional training may improve body composition and muscle strength in patients diagnosed with sarcopenia. Furthermore, ACEi may be a helpful additional therapy in older adult patients suffering from severe sarcopenia.

Basic Pharmacological Characterization of EV-34, a New H2S-Releasing Ibuprofen Derivative.

BACKGROUND: Cardioprotective effects of H2S are being suggested by numerous studies. Furthermore, H2S plays a role in relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, protects against oxidative stress, and modulates inflammation. Long-term high-dose use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, have been associated with enhanced cardiovascular risk. The goal of the present work is the synthesis and basic pharmacological characterization of a newly designed H2S-releasing ibuprofen derivative. METHODS: Following the synthesis of EV-34, a new H2S-releasing derivative of ibuprofen, oxidative stability assays were performed (Fenton and porphyrin assays). Furthermore, stability of the molecule was studied in rat serum and liver lysates. H2S-releasing ability of the EC-34 was studied with a hydrogen sulfide sensor. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol 2-yl)-2,5-(diphenyltetrazolium bromide)) assay was carried out to monitor the possible cytotoxic effect of the compound. Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory property of EV-34 was also evaluated. Carrageenan assay was carried out to compare the anti-inflammatory effect of EV-34 to ibuprofen in rat paws. RESULTS: The results revealed that the molecule is stable under oxidative condition of Fenton reaction. However, EV-34 undergoes biodegradation in rat serum and liver lysates. In cell culture medium H2S is being released from EV-34. No cytotoxic effect was observed at concentrations of 10, 100, 500 µM. The COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory effects of the molecule are comparable to those of ibuprofen. Furthermore, based on the carrageenan assay, EV-34 exhibits the same anti-inflammatory effect to that of equimolar amount of ibuprofen (100 mg/bwkg). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that EV-34 is a safe H2S releasing ibuprofen derivative bearing anti-inflammatory properties.

Prophylactic, single-drug cardioprotection in a comparative, experimental study of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyopathy is a common side effect of doxorubicin (DOX) chemotherapy. Despite intensive research efforts in the field, there is still no evidence available for routine cardioprotective prophylaxis to prevent cardiotoxicity in the majority of oncological patients at low risk of cardiovascular disease. We have recently demonstrated the advantages of a prophylactic, combined heart failure therapy in an experimental model of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. In the current work, we focus on individually applied prophylactic medications studied in the same translational environment to clarify their distinct roles in the prevention of DOX cardiotoxicity. METHODS: Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into 5 subgroups. Prophylactic ß-blocker (BB, bisoprolol), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI, perindopril) or aldosterone antagonist (AA, eplerenone) treatments were applied 1 week before DOX administration, then 6 cycles of intravenous DOX chemotherapy were administered. Rats receiving only intravenous DOX or saline served as positive and negative controls. Blood pressure, heart rate, body weight, and echocardiographic parameters were monitored in vivo. Two months after the last DOX administration, the animals were sacrificed, and their heart and serum samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen for histological, mechanical, and biochemical measurements. RESULTS: All prophylactic treatments increased the survival of DOX-receiving animals. The lowest mortality rates were seen in the BB and ACEI groups. The left ventricular ejection fraction was only preserved in the BB group. The DOX-induced increase in the isovolumetric relaxation time could not be prevented by any prophylactic treatment. A decreased number of apoptotic nuclei and a preserved myocardial ultrastructure were found in all groups receiving prophylactic cardioprotection, while the DOX-induced fibrotic remodelling and the increase in caspase-3 levels could only be substantially prevented by the BB and ACEI treatments. CONCLUSION: Primary prophylaxis with cardioprotective agents like BB or ACEI has a key role in the prevention of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in healthy rats. Future human studies are necessary to implement this finding in the clinical management of oncological patients free of cardiovascular risk factors.

Advantages of prophylactic versus conventionally scheduled heart failure therapy in an experimental model of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced left ventricular dysfunction represents a major clinical problem, which is often only recognised at an advanced stage, when supportive therapy is ineffective. Although an early heart failure treatment could positively influence the health status and clinical outcome, there is still no evidence of routine prophylactic cardioprotection for the majority of patients without previous cardiovascular history awaiting potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy. In this study, we set out to investigate whether a prophylactic cardioprotective therapy relative to a conventionally scheduled heart failure treatment is more effective in preventing cardiotoxicity in a rodent model of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 7-11 per group) were divided into 4 subgroups, namely negative controls receiving intravenous saline (CON), positive controls receiving intravenous DOX (6 cycles; D-CON), and DOX-treated animals receiving either prophylactic (PRE, started 1 week before DOX) or conventionally applied (POST, started 1 month after DOX) combined heart failure therapy of oral bisoprolol, perindopril and eplerenone. Blood pressure, heart rate, body weight and echocardiographic parameters were monitored in vivo, whereas myocardial fibrosis, capillarisation, ultrastructure, myofilament function, apoptosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial biogenesis were studied in vitro. RESULTS: The survival rate in the PRE group was significantly improved compared to D-CON (p = 0.0207). DOX increased the heart rate of the animals (p = 0.0193), while the blood pressure (p ≤ 0.0105) and heart rate (p = 0.0029) were significantly reduced in the PRE group compared to D-CON and POST. The ejection fraction remained preserved in the PRE group compared to D-CON or POST (p ≤ 0.0237), while none of the treatments could prevent the DOX-induced increase in the isovolumetric relaxation time. DOX decreased the rate of the actin-myosin cross-bridge cycle, irrespective of any treatment applied (p ≤ 0.0433). The myocardium of the D-CON and POST animals displayed pronounced ultrastructural damage, which was not apparent in the PRE group (p ≤ 0.033). While the DOX-induced apoptotic activity could be reduced in both the PRE and POST groups (p ≤ 0.0433), no treatment was able to prevent fibrotic remodelling or the disturbed mitochondrial biogenesis. CONCLUSION: For attenuating DOX-induced adverse myocardial effects, prophylactic cardioprotection has many advantages compared to a late-applied treatment.

Dataset on structure, stability and myocardial effects of a new hybrid aspirin containing nitrogen monoxide-releasing molsidomine moiety.

Herein 1H and 13C NMR spectra of ERJ-500, a new hybrid aspirin derivative, covalently conjugated to nitrogen monoxide donor linsidomine are presented as well as NMR spectra of its synthetic intermediate compounds. HPLC-MS measurements data are also included, demonstrating the stability of the linsidomine-aspirin hybrid in oxidation reactions. This data article also concerns miscellaneous myocardial parameters of isolated rat hearts as a complementation of the tables shown in the paper entitled "A new, vasoactive hybrid aspirin containing nitrogen monoxide-releasing molsidomine moiety" Szoke et al., 2019. Column tables represent data of aorta flow, aortic pressure, derivated aortic pressure and cardiac output.

The Role of Autophagy and Death Pathways in Dose-dependent Isoproterenolinduced Cardiotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Isoproterenol (ISO) is a non-selective ß-adrenergic agonist. Our aims were to investigate the autophagy and cell death pathways including apoptosis and necrosis in ISO-induced cardiac injury in a dosedependent manner. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 24 hours with I. vehicle (saline); II. 0.005 mg/kg ISO; III. 0.05 mg/kg ISO; IV. 0.5 mg/kg ISO; V. 5 mg/kg ISO; VI. 50 mg/kg ISO, respectively. Hearts were isolated and infarct size was measured. Serum levels of Troponin T (TrT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) were measured. TUNEL assay was carried out to monitor apoptotic cell death and Western blot was performed to evaluate the level of autophagic and apoptotic markers. RESULTS: Survival rate of animals was dose-dependently decreased by ISO. Serum markers and infarct size revealed the development of cardiac toxicity. Level of Caspase-3, and results of TUNEL assay, demonstrated that the level of apoptosis was dose-dependently increased. They reached the highest level in ISO 5 and it decreased slightly in ISO 50 group. Focusing on autophagic proteins, we found that level of Beclin-1 was increased in a dose-dependent manner, but significantly increased in ISO 50 treated group. Level of LC3B-II and p62 showed the same manner, but the elevated level of p62 indicated that autophagy was impaired in both ISO 5 and ISO 50 groups. CONCLUSION: Taken together these results suggest that at smaller dose of ISO autophagy may cope with the toxic effect of ISO; however, at higher dose apoptosis is initiated and at the highest dose substantial necrosis occurs.

Electrically-Induced Ventricular Fibrillation Alters Cardiovascular Function and Expression of Apoptotic and Autophagic Proteins in Rat Hearts.

BACKGROUND: The pathological heart contractions, called arrhythmias, especially ventricular fibrillation (VF), are a prominent feature of many cardiovascular diseases leading to sudden cardiac death. The present investigation evaluates the effect of electrically stimulated VF on cardiac functions related to autophagy and apoptotic mechanisms in isolated working rat hearts. METHODS: Each group of hearts was subjected to 0 (Control), 1, 3, or 10 min of spacing-induced VF, followed by 120 min of recovery period and evaluated for cardiac functions, including aortic flow (AF), coronary flow (CF), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), and heart rate (HR). Hearts were also evaluated for VF effects on infarcted zone magnitude and Western blot analysis was conducted on heart tissue for expression of the apoptotic biomarker cleaved-caspase-3 and the autophagy proteins: p62, P-mTOR/mTOR, LC3BII/LC3BI ratio, and Atg5-12 complexes. RESULTS: Data revealed that VF induced degradation in AF, CF, CO, and SV, which prominently included-variable post-VF capacity for recovery of normal heart rhythm; increased extent of infarcted heart tissue; altered expression of cleaved-caspase-3 suggesting potential for VF-mediated amplification of apoptosis. VF influence on expression of p62, LC3BII/LC3BI, and Atg5-12 proteins was complex, possibly due to differential effects of VF-induced expression on proteins comprising the autophagic program. CONCLUSIONS: VF was observed to cause time-dependent changes in autophagy processes, which with additional analysis under ongoing investigations, likely to yield novel therapeutic targets for the prevention of VF and sudden cardiac death.

Inhibited autophagy may contribute to heme toxicity in cardiomyoblast cells.

Several groups have demonstrated that induction of heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) could protect the myocardium against ischemic events; however, heme accumulation could lead to toxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of autophagy in heme toxicity. H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells were treated with different dose of hemin or cobalt-protoporphyrin IX (CoPPIX) or vehicle. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. DCF and MitoSOX staining was employed to detect reactive oxygen species. Western blot analysis was performed to analyse the levels of HO-1, certain autophagy related proteins and pro-caspase-3 as an apoptosis marker. To study the autophagic flux, CytoID staining was carried out and cells were analyzed by fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry. Decreased cell viability was detected at high dose of hemin and CoPPIX treated H9c2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, at concentration of the inducers used in the present study a significantly enhanced level of ROS were detected. As it was expected both treatments induced a robust elevation of HO-1 level. In addition, the Beclin-1- independent autophagy was significantly increased, but caused a defective autophagic flux with triggered activation of caspase-3. In conclusion, these results suggest that overexpression of HO-1 by high dose of hemin and CoPPIX can induce cell toxicity in H9c2 cells via enhanced ROS level and impaired autophagy.

A new, vasoactive hybrid aspirin containing nitrogen monoxide-releasing molsidomine moiety.

Ischemic heart conditions are among the main causes of sudden cardiac death worldwide. One of the strategies for avoiding myocardial infarction is the low-dose, prophylactic use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), an inhibitor of platelet aggregation. To avoid the gastrointestinal damage, ASA prodrugs bearing nitric oxide (NO)-donating moiety covalently conjugated to ASA have been synthesized and evaluated extensively worldwide. Herein the synthesis of a new hybrid ASA ester covalently attached to the NO donor linsidomine, an active metabolite of molsidomine (MOL) is reported. Cell viability assay and hemolysis tests were performed in H9c2 cells and rat erythrocytes, respectively. Our new compound, the ERJ-500 not affected negatively the viability of living cells in the concentration range of 100 nM to 100 µM. Using the ex vivo Langendorff method on hearts originated from female rats, compound ERJ-500 displayed a dose-dependent, outwashable vasodilative effect in coronary arteries. Vasodilation was observed on isolated working heart model as well, with elevated stroke volume in hearts treated with ERJ-500. Furthermore, a decreased infarct size was also noticed in ERJ-500 treated hearts after ischemia/reperfusion. Based on these observations it can be expected that our new hybrid ASA may contribute to new pharmacological tool in the therapy of ischemic heart conditions and associated syndromes.