A validated LC-MS/MS method for determination of neuro-pharmacokinetic behavior of niraparib in brain tumor patients.

Niraparib is a potent and orally bioavailable inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) with high specificity for isoforms 1 and 2. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for ovarian cancer maintenance therapy and is currently under development for various cancers, including glioblastoma. To assess central nervous system (CNS) penetration of niraparib in glioblastoma patients, a novel bioanalytical method was developed to measure total and unbound niraparib levels in human brain tumor tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The method was validated using plasma as a surrogate matrix over the concentration range of 1-10,000 nM on an LC-MS/MS system. The MS/MS detection was conducted in positive electrospray ionization mode, while chromatography was performed using a Kinetex™ PS C18 column with a total 3.5-minute gradient elution run time. The maximum coefficient of variation for both intra- and inter-day precision was 10.6%, with accuracy ranging from 92.8% - 118.5% across all matrices. Niraparib was stable in human brain homogenate for at least 6 hours at room temperature (RT) and 32 days at -20°C, as well as in stock and working solutions for at least 21 hours (RT) and 278 days (4°C). Equilibrium dialysis experiments revealed the fractions unbound of 0.05 and 0.16 for niraparib in human brain and plasma, respectively. The validated method is currently employed to assess niraparib levels in human glioblastoma tissue, CSF, and plasma in an ongoing trial on newly diagnosed glioblastoma and recurrent IDH1/2(+) ATRX mutant glioma patients (NCT05076513). Initial results of calculated total (Kp) and unbound (Kp,uu) tumor-to-plasma partition coefficients indicate significant brain penetration ability of niraparib in glioblastoma patients.

Effect of the nature of the chelated metal on the photodynamic activity of metalloporphyrins.

Coordination of metal ions by the tetrapyrrolic macrocyclic ring of porphyrin-based photosensitizers (PSs) affects their photophysical properties and consequently, their photodynamic activity. Diamagnetic metals increase the singlet oxygen quantum yield while paramagnetic metals have the opposite effect. Since singlet oxygen is considered the main cell-damaging species in photodynamic therapy (PDT), the nature of the chelated cation would directly affect PDT efficacy. This expectation, however, is not always supported by experimental results and numerous exceptions have been reported. Understanding the effect of the chelated metal is hindered because different chelators were used. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the nature of chelated cation on the photophysical and photodynamic properties of metalloporphyrins, using the same tetrapyrrole core as a chelator of Ag(II), Cu(II), Fe(III), In(III), Mn(III), or Zn(II). Results demonstrated that with the exception of Ag(II), all paramagnetic metalloporphyrins were inefficient as generators of singlet oxygen and did not act as PSs. In contrast, the coordination of diamagnetic ions produced highly efficient PSs. The unexpected photodynamic activity of the Ag(II)-containing porphyrin was attributed to reduction of the chelated Ag(II) to Ag(I) or to demetallation of the complex, caused by cellular reductants and/or by exposure to light. Our results indicate that in biological systems, where PSs localize to various organelles and are subjected to the action of enzymes, reactive metabolites, and reducing or oxidizing agents, their physicochemical and photosensitizing properties change. Consequently, the photophysical properties alone cannot predict the anticancer efficacy of a PS.

Quisinostat is a brain-penetrant radiosensitizer in glioblastoma.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have garnered considerable interest for the treatment of adult and pediatric malignant brain tumors. However, owing to their broad-spectrum nature and inability to effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier, HDAC inhibitors have failed to provide substantial clinical benefit to patients with glioblastoma (GBM) to date. Moreover, global inhibition of HDACs results in widespread toxicity, highlighting the need for selective isoform targeting. Although no isoform-specific HDAC inhibitors are currently available, the second-generation hydroxamic acid-based HDAC inhibitor quisinostat possesses subnanomolar specificity for class I HDAC isoforms, particularly HDAC1 and HDAC2. It has been shown that HDAC1 is the essential HDAC in GBM. This study analyzed the neuropharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and radiation-sensitizing properties of quisinostat in preclinical models of GBM. It was found that quisinostat is a well-tolerated and brain-penetrant molecule that extended survival when administered in combination with radiation in vivo. The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic-efficacy relationship was established by correlating free drug concentrations and evidence of target modulation in the brain with survival benefit. Together, these data provide a strong rationale for clinical development of quisinostat as a radiosensitizer for the treatment of GBM.

Folic Acid Improves Parkin-Null Drosophila Phenotypes and Transiently Reduces Vulnerable Dopaminergic Neuron Mitochondrial Hydrogen Peroxide Levels and Glutathione Redox Equilibrium.

Loss-of-function parkin mutations cause oxidative stress and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Several consequences of parkin mutations have been described; to what degree they contribute to selective neurodegeneration remains unclear. Specific factors initiating excessive reactive oxygen species production, inefficient antioxidant capacity, or a combination are elusive. Identifying key oxidative stress contributors could inform targeted therapy. The absence of Drosophila parkin causes selective degeneration of a dopaminergic neuron cluster that is functionally homologous to the substantia nigra. By comparing observations in these to similar non-degenerating neurons, we may begin to understand mechanisms by which parkin loss of function causes selective degeneration. Using mitochondrially targeted redox-sensitive GFP2 fused with redox enzymes, we observed a sustained increased mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide levels in vulnerable dopaminergic neurons of parkin-null flies. Only transient increases in hydrogen peroxide were observed in similar but non-degenerating neurons. Glutathione redox equilibrium is preferentially dysregulated in vulnerable neuron mitochondria. To shed light on whether dysregulated glutathione redox equilibrium primarily contributes to oxidative stress, we supplemented food with folic acid, which can increase cysteine and glutathione levels. Folic acid improved survival, climbing, and transiently decreased hydrogen peroxide and glutathione redox equilibrium but did not mitigate whole-brain oxidative stress.

Simultaneous determination of LY3214996, abemaciclib, and M2 and M20 metabolites in human plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tumor by LC-MS/MS.

A sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was established for the quantification of total and unbound concentrations of LY3214996, an extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor; abemaciclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor; and abemaciclib active metabolites, M2 and M20, in human plasma, brain tumor, and cerebrospinal fluid samples. The method was validated over a concentration range of 0.2-500 nM within a total run time of 3.8 min using isocratic elution on a Kinetex™ F5 column. Detection was performed on a Sciex QTRAP 6500+ mass spectrometer employing multiple reaction monitoring mode under positive electrospray ionization. The intra- and inter-batch accuracy as well as the precision of the method for all matrices was within ±20% and ≤20% at the lower limit of quantification, and within ±15% and ≤15% for other quality control levels for all analytes. The unbound fractions of drugs and metabolites in spiked and patient samples were determined using an optimized equilibrium dialysis. The validated method was successfully applied in a phase 0/2 clinical trial to assess the central nervous system penetration of LY3214996 and abemaciclib.

A Redox-active Mn Porphyrin, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+, Synergizes with Carboplatin in Treatment of Chemoresistant Ovarian Cell Line.

We have employed a redox-active MnP (MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+, Mn(III) meso-tetrakis (N-n-butoxyethylpyridinium-2-yl) porphyrin) frequently identified as superoxide dismutase mimic or BMX-001, to explore the redox status of normal ovarian cell in relation to two ovarian cancer cell lines: OV90 human serous ovarian cancer cell and chemotherapy-resistant OV90 cell (OVCD). We identified that OVCD cells are under oxidative stress due to high hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels and low glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin 1. Furthermore, OVCD cells have increased glycolysis activity and mitochondrial respiration when compared to immortalized ovarian cells (hTER7) and parental cancer cells (OV90). Our goal was to study how ovarian cell growth depends upon the redox state of the cell; hence, we used MnP (BMX-001), a redox-active MnSOD mimetic, as a molecular tool to alter ovarian cancer redox state. Interestingly, OVCD cells preferentially uptake MnP relative to OV90 cells which led to increased inhibition of cell growth, glycolytic activity, OXPHOS, and ATP, in OVCD cells. These effects were further increased when MnP was combined with carboplatin. The effects were discussed with regard to the elevation in H2O2 levels, increased oxidative stress, and reduced Nrf2 levels and its downstream targets when cells were exposed to either MnP or MnP/carboplatin. It is significant to emphasize that MnP protects normal ovarian cell line, hTER7, against carboplatin toxicity. Our data demonstrate that the addition of MnP-based redox-active drugs may be used (via increasing excessively the oxidative stress of serous ovarian cancer cells) to improve cancer patients' chemotherapy outcomes, which develop resistance to platinum-based drugs.

Simultaneous determination of LY3214996,abemaciclib,and M2 and M20 metabolites in human plasma,cerebrospinal fluid,and brain tumor by LC-MS/MS / 药物分析学报

A sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)method was established for the quantification of total and unbound concentrations of LY3214996,an extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor;abemaciclib,a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor;and abemaciclib active metabolites,M2 and M20,in human plasma,brain tumor,and cerebrospinal fluid samples.The method was validated over a concentration range of 0.2-500 nM within a total run time of 3.8 min using isocratic elution on a Kinetex? Fs column.Detection was performed on a Sciex QTRAP 6500+mass spectrometer employing multiple reaction monitoring mode under positive electrospray ionization.The intra-and inter-batch accuracy as well as the precision of the method for all matrices was within±20％and≤20％at the lower limit of quantification,and within±15％and≤15％for other quality control levels for all analytes.The unbound fractions of drugs and metabolites in spiked and patient samples were determined using an optimized equilibrium dialysis.The validated method was successfully applied in a phase 0/2 clinical trial to assess the central nervous system penetration of LY3214996 and abemaciclib.

Roles of Phytoestrogen in the Pathophysiology of Intracranial Aneurysm.

Background and Purpose: The incidences of intracranial aneurysm and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are high in postmenopausal women. Although population-based studies suggest that hormone replacement therapy is beneficial for postmenopausal women with intracranial aneurysms, estrogen replacement may no longer be recommended for the prevention of chronic diseases given its association with adverse outcomes, such as cancer and ischemic stroke. The isoflavone daidzein and its intestinal metabolite equol are bioactive phytoestrogens and potent agonists of estrogen receptors. Given their estrogenic properties, we investigated whether the isoflavones daidzein and equol are protective against the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms in a mouse model of the postmenopausal state. Methods: We induced intracranial aneurysms in ovariectomized adult female mice using a combination of induced systemic hypertension and a single injection of elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid. We fed the mice with an isoflavone-free diet with/without daidzein supplementation, or in a combination of intraperitoneal equol, or oral vancomycin treatment. We also used estrogen receptor beta knockout mice. Results: Both dietary daidzein and supplementation with its metabolite, equol, were protective against aneurysm formation in ovariectomized mice. The protective effects of daidzein and equol required estrogen receptor-ß. The disruption of the intestinal microbial conversion of daidzein to equol abolished daidzein's protective effect against aneurysm formation. Mice treated with equol had lower inflammatory cytokines in the cerebral arteries, suggesting that phytoestrogens modulate inflammatory processes important to intracranial aneurysm pathogenesis. Conclusions: Our study establishes that both dietary daidzein and its metabolite, equol, protect against aneurysm formation in ovariectomized female mice through the activation of estrogen receptor-ß and subsequent suppression of inflammation. Dietary daidzein's protective effect required the intestinal conversion to equol. Our results indicate the potential therapeutic value of dietary daidzein and its metabolite, equol, for the prevention of the formation of intracranial aneurysms and related subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Ascorbate-dependent and ascorbate-independent Mn porphyrin cytotoxicity: anticancer activity of Mn porphyrin-based SOD mimics through ascorbate-dependent and -independent routes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate how modifications at the periphery of the porphyrin ring affect the anticancer activity of Mn porphyrins (MnPs)-based SOD mimics. METHODS: Six compounds: MnTE-2-PyP with a short ethyl chain on the pyridyl ring; MnTnHexOE-2-PyP and MnTnOct-2-PyP with linear 8-atom alkyl chains, but the former with an oxygen atom within the alkyl chain; MnTE-2-PyPhP and MnTPhE-2-PyP with pyridyl and phenyl substituents, were investigated. Cytotoxicity was studied using pII and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. Viability was assessed by the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and cell proliferation was determined by the sulforhodamine B assay. RESULTS: Cellular uptake was increased with the increase of the lipophilicity of the compounds, whereas reduction potential (E½) of the Mn(III)/Mn(II) redox couple shifted away from the optimal value for efficient redox cycling with ascorbate, necessary for ROS production. Amphiphilic MnPs, however, exerted anticancer activity by a mechanism not involving ROS. CONCLUSION: Two different processes account for MnPs cytotoxicity. MnPs with appropriate E½ act via a ROS-dependent mechanism. Amphiphilic MnPs with suitable structure damage sensitive cellular constituents, leading to the suppression of proliferation and loss of viability. Design of compounds interacting directly with sensitive cellular targets is highly promising in the development of anticancer drugs with high selectivity and specificity.

H2O2-Driven Anticancer Activity of Mn Porphyrins and the Underlying Molecular Pathways.

Mn(III) ortho-N-alkyl- and N-alkoxyalkyl porphyrins (MnPs) were initially developed as superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics. These compounds were later shown to react with numerous reactive species (such as ONOO-, H2O2, H2S, CO3 •-, ascorbate, and GSH). Moreover, the ability of MnPs to oxidatively modify activities of numerous proteins has emerged as their major mechanism of action both in normal and in cancer cells. Among those proteins are transcription factors (NF-κB and Nrf2), mitogen-activated protein kinases, MAPKs, antiapoptotic bcl-2, and endogenous antioxidative defenses. The lead Mn porphyrins, namely, MnTE-2-PyP5+ (BMX-010, AEOL10113), MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+ (BMX-001), and MnTnHex-2-PyP5+, were tested in numerous injuries of normal tissue and cellular and animal cancer models. The wealth of the data led to the progression of MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+ into four Phase II clinical trials on glioma, head and neck cancer, anal cancer, and multiple brain metastases, while MnTE-2-PyP5+ is in Phase II clinical trial on atopic dermatitis and itch.

Antibacterial Activity of Synthetic Cationic Iron Porphyrins.

Widespread antibiotic resistance demands new strategies for fighting infections. Porphyrin-based compounds were long ago introduced as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy, but light-independent antimicrobial activity of such compounds has not been systematically explored. The results of this study demonstrate that synthetic cationic amphiphilic iron N-alkylpyridylporphyrins exert strong bactericidal action at concentrations as low as 5 µM. Iron porphyrin, FeTnHex-2-PyP, which is well tolerated by laboratory animals, efficiently killed Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms. Its bactericidal activity was oxygen-independent and was controlled by the lipophilicity and accumulation of the compound in bacterial cells. Such behavior is in contrast with the anionic gallium protoporphyrin IX, whose efficacy depends on cellular heme uptake systems. Under aerobic conditions, however, the activity of FeTnHex-2-PyP was limited by its destruction due to redox-cycling. Neither iron released from the Fe-porphyrin nor other decomposition products were the cause of the bactericidal activity. FeTnHex-2-PyP was as efficient against antibiotic-sensitive E. coli and S. aureus as against their antibiotic-resistant counterparts. Our data demonstrate that development of amphiphilic, positively charged metalloporphyrins might be a promising approach in the introduction of new weapons against antibiotic-resistant strains.

Fe Porphyrin-Based SOD Mimic and Redox-Active Compound, (OH)FeTnHex-2-PyP4+, in a Rodent Ischemic Stroke (MCAO) Model: Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics as Compared to Its Mn Analogue, (H2O)MnTnHex-2-PyP5+.

Mn(III) meso-tetrakis(N-n-hexylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin, (H2O)MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ (MnHex) carrying long hexyl chains, is a lipophilic mimic of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and a redox-active drug candidate. MnHex crosses the blood-brain barrier, and improved neurologic outcome and decreased infarct size and inflammation in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) ischemic stroke model. Yet, the dose and the therapeutic efficacy of Mn porphyrin were limited by an adverse effect of arterial hypotension. An equally lipophilic Fe analog, (OH)FeTnHex-2-PyP4+ (FeHex), is as redox-active and potent SOD mimic in vitro. With different coordination geometry of the metal site, FeHex has one hydroxo (OH) ligand (instead of water) bound to the Fe center in the axial position. It has ~2 orders of magnitude higher efficacy than MnHex in an SOD-deficient E. coli model of oxidative stress. In vivo, it does not cause arterial hypotension and is less toxic to mice. We thus evaluated FeHex versus MnHex in a rodent MCAO model. We first performed short- and long-term pharmacokinetics (PK) of both porphyrins in the plasma, brain, and liver of rats and mice. Given that damage to the brain during stroke occurs very rapidly, fast delivery of a sufficient dose of drug is important. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate if, and how fast after reperfusion, Fe porphyrin reaches the brain relative to the Mn analog. A markedly different plasma half-life was found with FeHex (~23 h) than with MnHex (~1.4 h), which resulted in a more than 2-fold higher plasma exposure (AUC) in a 7-day twice-daily treatment of rats. The increased plasma half-life is explained by the much lower liver retention of FeHex than typically found in Mn analogs. In the brain, a 3-day mouse PK study showed similar levels of MnHex and FeHex. The same result was obtained in a 7-day rat PK study, despite the higher plasma exposure of FeHex. Importantly, in a short-term PK study with treatment starting 2 h post MCAO, both Fe- and Mn- analogs distributed at a higher level to the injured brain hemisphere, with a more pronounced effect observed with FeHex. While a 3-day mouse MCAO study suggested the efficacy of Fe porphyrin, in a 7-day rat MCAO study, Mn-, but not Fe porphyrin, was efficacious. The observed lack of FeHex efficacy was discussed in terms of significant differences in the chemistry of Fe vs the Mn center of metalloporphyrin; relative to MnHex, FeHex has the propensity for axial coordination, which in vivo would preclude the reactivity of the Fe center towards small reactive species.

Preclinical Testing of a Novel Niclosamide Stearate Prodrug Therapeutic (NSPT) Shows Efficacy Against Osteosarcoma.

Therapeutic advances for osteosarcoma have stagnated over the past several decades, leading to an unmet clinical need for patients. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel therapy for osteosarcoma by reformulating and validating niclosamide, an established anthelminthic agent, as a niclosamide stearate prodrug therapeutic (NSPT). We sought to improve the low and inefficient clinical bioavailability of oral dosing, especially for the relatively hydrophobic classes of anticancer drugs. Nanoparticles were fabricated by rapid solvent shifting and verified using dynamic light scattering and UV-vis spectrophotometry. NSPT efficacy was then studied in vitro for cell viability, cell proliferation, and intracellular signaling by Western blot analysis; ex vivo pulmonary metastatic assay model; and in vivo pharmacokinetic and lung mouse metastatic model of osteosarcoma. NSPT formulation stabilizes niclosamide stearate against hydrolysis and delays enzymolysis; increases circulation in vivo with t 1/2 approximately 5 hours; reduces cell viability and cell proliferation in human and canine osteosarcoma cells in vitro at 0.2-2 µmol/L IC50; inhibits recognized growth pathways and induces apoptosis at 20 µmol/L; eliminates metastatic lesions in the ex vivo lung metastatic model; and when injected intravenously at 50 mg/kg weekly, it prevents metastatic spread in the lungs in a mouse model of osteosarcoma over 30 days. In conclusion, niclosamide was optimized for preclinical drug delivery as a unique prodrug nanoparticle injected intravenously at 50 mg/kg (1.9 mmol/L). This increased bioavailability of niclosamide in the blood stream prevented metastatic disease in the mouse. This chemotherapeutic strategy is now ready for canine trials, and if successful, will be targeted for human trials in patients with osteosarcoma.

Porphyrin-Based SOD Mimic MnTnBu OE -2-PyP5+ Inhibits Mechanisms of Aortic Valve Remodeling in Human and Murine Models of Aortic Valve Sclerosis.

Background Aortic valve sclerosis ( AVS c), the early asymptomatic presentation of calcific aortic valve (AV) disease, affects 25% to 30% of patients aged >65 years. In vitro and ex vivo experiments with antioxidant strategies and antagonists of osteogenic differentiation revealed that AVS c is reversible. In this study, we characterized the underlying changes in the extracellular matrix architecture and valve interstitial cell activation in AVSc and tested in vitro and in vivo the activity of a clinically approved SOD (superoxide dismutase) mimic and redox-active drug MnTnBu OE -2-PyP5+ ( BMX -001). Methods and Results After receiving informed consent, samples from patients with AVS c, AV stenosis, and controls were collected. Uniaxial mechanical stimulation and in vitro studies on human valve interstitial cells were performed. An angiotensin II chronic infusion model was used to impose AV thickening and remodeling. We characterized extracellular matrix structures by small-angle light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, histology, and mass spectrometry. Diseased human valves showed altered collagen fiber alignment and ultrastructural changes in AVS c, accumulation of oxidized cross-linking products in AV stenosis, and reversible expression of extracellular matrix regulators ex vivo. We demonstrated that MnTnBu OE -2-PyP5+ inhibits human valve interstitial cell activation and extracellular matrix remodeling in a murine model (C57 BL /6J) of AVS c by electron microscopy and histology. Conclusions AVS c is associated with architectural remodeling despite marginal effects on the mechanical properties in both human and mice. MnTnBu OE -2-PyP5+ controls AV thickening in a murine model of AVS c. Because this compound has been approved recently for clinical use, this work could shift the focus for the treatment of calcific AV disease, moving from AV stenosis to an earlier presentation ( AVS c) that could be more responsive to medical therapies.

Sublethal Photodynamic Treatment Does Not Lead to Development of Resistance.

A promising new alternative approach for eradication of antibiotic-resistant strains is to expose microbes to photosensitizers, which upon illumination generate reactive oxygen species. Among the requirements for a potent, medically applicable photosensitizer, are high efficacy in killing microbes and low toxicity to the host. Since photodynamic treatment is based on production of reactive species which are potentially DNA damaging and mutagenic, it might be expected that under selective pressure, microbes would develop resistance. The aim of this study was to determine if antibacterial photodynamic treatment with a highly photoefficient photosensitizer, Zn(II) meso-tetrakis(N-n-hexylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin would lead to development of resistance. To answer that question, bacterial cultures were subjected to multiple cycles of sublethal photodynamic stress and regrowth, and to continuous growth under photodynamic exposure. Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli clinical isolates were also tested for susceptibility to photodynamic inactivation and for development of resistance. Results demonstrated that multiple photodynamic exposures and regrowth of surviving cells or continuous growth under sublethal photodynamic conditions, did not lead to development of resistance to photosensitizers or to antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant E. coli and S. aureus were as sensitive to photodynamic killing as were their antibiotic-sensitive counterparts and no changes in their sensitivity to antibiotics or to photodynamic inactivation after multiple cycles of photodynamic treatment and regrowth were observed. In conclusion, photosensitizers with high photodynamic antimicrobial efficiency can be used successfully for eradication of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains without causing development of resistance.

Manganese porphyrin redox state in endothelial cells: Resonance Raman studies and implications for antioxidant protection towards peroxynitrite.

Cationic manganese(III) ortho N-substituted pyridylporphyrins (MnP) act as efficient antioxidants catalyzing superoxide dismutation and accelerating peroxynitrite reduction. Importantly, MnP can reach mitochondria offering protection against reactive species in different animal models of disease. Although an LC-MS/MS-based method for MnP quantitation and subcellular distribution has been reported, a direct method capable of evaluating both the uptake and the redox state of MnP in living cells has not yet been developed. In the present work we applied resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy to analyze the intracellular accumulation of two potent MnP-based lipophilic SOD mimics, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+ and MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ within endothelial cells. RR experiments with isolated mitochondria revealed that the reduction of Mn(III)P was affected by inhibitors of the electron transport chain, supporting the action of MnP as efficient redox active compounds in mitochondria. Indeed, RR spectra confirmed that MnP added in the Mn(III) state can be incorporated into the cells, readily reduced by intracellular components to the Mn(II) state and oxidized by peroxynitrite. To assess the combined impact of reactivity and bioavailability, we studied the kinetics of Mn(III)TnBuOE-2-PyP5+ with peroxynitrite and evaluated the cytoprotective capacity of MnP by exposing the endothelial cells to nitro-oxidative stress induced by peroxynitrite. We observed a preservation of normal mitochondrial function, attenuation of cell damage and prevention of apoptotic cell death. These data introduce a novel application of RR spectroscopy for the direct detection of MnP and their redox states inside living cells, and helps to rationalize their antioxidant capacity in biological systems.

Mn Porphyrin-Based Redox-Active Drugs: Differential Effects as Cancer Therapeutics and Protectors of Normal Tissue Against Oxidative Injury.

SIGNIFICANCE: After approximatelty three decades of research, two Mn(III) porphyrins (MnPs), MnTE-2-PyP5+ (BMX-010, AEOL10113) and MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+ (BMX-001), have progressed to five clinical trials. In parallel, another similarly potent metal-based superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimic-Mn(II)pentaaza macrocycle, GC4419-has been tested in clinical trial on application, identical to that of MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+-radioprotection of normal tissue in head and neck cancer patients. This clearly indicates that Mn complexes that target cellular redox environment have reached sufficient maturity for clinical applications. Recent Advances: While originally developed as SOD mimics, MnPs undergo intricate interactions with numerous redox-sensitive pathways, such as those involving nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), thereby impacting cellular transcriptional activity. An increasing amount of data support the notion that MnP/H2O2/glutathione (GSH)-driven catalysis of S-glutathionylation of protein cysteine, associated with modification of protein function, is a major action of MnPs on molecular level. CRITICAL ISSUES: Differential effects of MnPs on normal versus tumor cells/tissues, which support their translation into clinic, arise from differences in their accumulation and redox environment of such tissues. This in turn results in different yields of MnP-driven modifications of proteins. Thus far, direct evidence for such modification of NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphatases, Nrf2, and endogenous antioxidative defenses was provided in tumor, while indirect evidence shows the modification of NF-κB and Nrf2 translational activities by MnPs in normal tissue. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Studies that simultaneously explore differential effects in same animal are lacking, while they are essential for understanding of extremely intricate interactions of metal-based drugs with complex cellular networks of normal and cancer cells/tissues.

Post-Irradiation Treatment with a Superoxide Dismutase Mimic, MnTnHex-2-PyP5+, Mitigates Radiation Injury in the Lungs of Non-Human Primates after Whole-Thorax Exposure to Ionizing Radiation.

Radiation injury to the lung is the result of acute and chronic free radical formation, and there are currently few effective means of mitigating such injury. Studies in rodents indicate that superoxide dismutase mimetics may be effective in this regard; however, studies in humans or large animals are lacking. We hypothesized that post-exposure treatment with the lipophilic mitochondrial superoxide dismutase mimetic, MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ (hexyl), would reduce radiation-induced pneumonitis and fibrosis in the lungs of nonhuman primates. Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) received 10 Gy whole thorax irradiation, 10 Gy + hexyl treatment, sham irradiation, or sham irradiation + hexyl. Hexyl was given twice daily, subcutaneously, at 0.05 mg/kg, for 2 months. Animals were monitored daily, and respiratory rates, pulse oximetry, hematology and serum chemistry panels were performed weekly. Computed tomography scans were performed at 0, 2, and 4 months after irradiation. Supportive fluid therapy, corticosteroids, analgesics, and antibiotics were given as needed. All animals were humanely euthanized 4.5 months after irradiation, and pathologic assessments were made. Multifocal, progressive lung lesions were seen at 2 and 4 months in both irradiated groups. Hexyl treatment delayed the onset of radiation-induced lung lesions, reduced elevations of respiratory rate, and reduced pathologic increases in lung weight. No adverse effects of hexyl treatment were found. These results demonstrate (1) development of a nonhuman primate model of radiation-induced lung injury, (2) a significant mitigating effect of hexyl treatment on lung pathology in this model, and (3) no evidence for toxicity of hexyl at the dose studied.

Mitochondrial ROS cause motor deficits induced by synaptic inactivity: Implications for synapse pruning.

Developmental synapse pruning refines burgeoning connectomes. The basic mechanisms of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production suggest they select inactive synapses for pruning: whether they do so is unknown. To begin to unravel whether mitochondrial ROS regulate pruning, we made the local consequences of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) pruning detectable as motor deficits by using disparate exogenous and endogenous models to induce synaptic inactivity en masse in developing Xenopus laevis tadpoles. We resolved whether: (1) synaptic inactivity increases mitochondrial ROS; and (2) chemically heterogeneous antioxidants rescue synaptic inactivity induced motor deficits. Regardless of whether it was achieved with muscle (α-bungarotoxin), nerve (α-latrotoxin) targeted neurotoxins or an endogenous pruning cue (SPARC), synaptic inactivity increased mitochondrial ROS in vivo. The manganese porphyrins MnTE-2-PyP5+ and/or MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+ blocked mitochondrial ROS to significantly reduce neurotoxin and endogenous pruning cue induced motor deficits. Selectively inducing mitochondrial ROS-using mitochondria-targeted Paraquat (MitoPQ)-recapitulated synaptic inactivity induced motor deficits; which were significantly reduced by blocking mitochondrial ROS with MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+. We unveil mitochondrial ROS as synaptic activity sentinels that regulate the phenotypical consequences of forced synaptic inactivity at the NMJ. Our novel results are relevant to pruning because synaptic inactivity is one of its defining features.