Trans ethosomal hybrid composites of naproxen-sulfapyridine in hydrogel carrier: anti-inflammatory response in complete Freund's adjuvant induced arthritis rats.

Current treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) utilizes Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or its combination, to decrease joint inflammation. In the present study, naproxen (NAP) and sulfapyridine (SULF) ethosomes were prepared by a thin-film hydration technique using PL90G and cholesterol, later crosslinked with carbopol®934. The ethosomes and ethosomal hydrogel were evaluated for rheological properties, physico-chemical analysis, in vitro and in vivo study. The results show, NAP and SULF ethosomes exhibited an average vesicle size between 251.1 ± 1.80-343.5 ± 3.23 nm and 269.0 ± 1.17-358.8 ± 1.22 nm, respectively, with good stability (zeta potential > 30 mV) and polydispersity index. Differential scanning calorimeter and Fourier transform infrared studies reveal no significant changes in the drug properties of ethosomes. Transmission electron microscopy analysis discloses spherical shape vesicles below 200 nm. The entrapment efficiency of NAP and SULF ethosomes was above 66%, and NAP-SULF ethosomes-hydrogel (EH) exhibited a sustained release effect (>8 h). In vivo studies on NAP-SULF EH shows significant inhibition of inflammation (84.63%), with less paw volume (0.1935 ± 0.08 ml) on induced arthritis Albino Wistar rats, (p < .01). NAP-SULF EH was stable at 25 °C ± 0.5 for 3-months. To conclude, a hybrid composite of NAP-SULF in hydrogel carrier prevents inflammation effectively, and could be novel for trans delivery of drugs in RA.

Synthesis of sulpha drug based hydroxytriazene derivatives: Anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity and their molecular docking studies.

Herein, we report synthesis, characterization, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of hydroxytriazenes derived from sulpha drugs, namely sulphanilamide, sulphadiazine, sulphapyridine and sulphamethazine. Before biological screening of the compounds, theoretical prediction using PASS was done which indicates probable activities ranging from Pa (probable activity) values 65-98% for anti-inflammatory activity. As per the predication, experimental validation of some of the predicted activities particularly anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant was done. Anti-diabetic activities have been screened using two methods namely α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition method and IC50 values were ranging from 66 to 260 and 148 to 401 µg/mL, while for standard drug acarbose the values were 12 µg/mL and 70 µg/mL, respectively. Docking studies have also been done for antidiabetic target pancreatic alpha amylase. The molecular docking studies in α-amylase enzyme reveal that the middle phenyl ring of all the compounds mainly occupies in the small hydrophobic pocket formed by the Ala198, Trp58, Leu162, Leu165 and Ile235 residues and sulphonamide moiety establish H-bond interaction by two water molecules. Further, anti-inflammatory activity has been evaluated using carrageenan induced paw-edema method and results indicate excellent anti-inflammatory activity by hydroxytriazenes (71 to 97%) and standard drug diclofenac 94% after 4 h of treatment. Moreover, antioxidant effect of the compounds was tested using DPPH and ABTS methods. All the compounds displayed good results (24-488 µg/mL) against ABTS radical and many compounds are more active than ascorbic acid (69 µg/mL) while all other compounds showed moderate activity against DPPH radical (292-774 µg/mL) and ascorbic acid (29 µg/mL). Thus, the studies reveal potential of sulfa drug based hydroxytriazenes as candidates for antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities which have been experimentally validated.

Effects of salazosulfapyridine on the profile of cell surface proteins, revealed by biotinylation of cell surface proteins and 2-dimentional electrophoresis.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated effects of salazosulfapyridine (SASP) on the protein profile of cell surface (CS)-proteins of SW982, a human synovial sarcoma cell line, using biotinylation of CS-proteins and 2-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). METHODS: SW982 cells were treated with SASP and its metabolites, sulfapyridine (SP) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5ASA). Then the cells were treated with a membrane-impermeable biotinylating reagent. Biotinylated CS-proteins were isolated using NeutrAvidin-bound beads. CS-proteins affected by the drugs were detected by 2D-DIGE and subjected to mass spectrometry. RESULTS: By the 2D-DIGE analysis, in total 576 spots were detected, 29 out of which showed more than ±1.5-fold different intensity in the SASP-, SP-, and 5ASA-treated cells, compared to non-treated cells (p < 0.05). Interestingly, 7 out of the 29 spots changed their intensity only by SASP and 17 spots changed their intensity only by SP. We identified 9 protein from 15 out of the 29 spots, most of which were evidenced to exist on the cell surface by flow cytometry. CONCLUSION: We found novel effects of SASP and its metabolites on SW982 cells by the combination of biotinylation of cell surface proteins and 2D-DIGE analysis. These data would help understanding of anti-rheumatic actions of SASP. Furthermore, the combination would be a useful method for the analysis of CS-proteins in various conditions.

Screening a small molecule library to identify inhibitors of NF-κB inducing kinase and pro-labor genes in human placenta.

The non-canonical NF-κB signaling (RelB/p52) pathway drives pro-labor genes in the human placenta, including corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), making this a potential therapeutic target to delay onset of labor. Here we sought to identify small molecule compounds from a pre-existing chemical library of orally active drugs that can inhibit this NF-κB signaling, and in turn, human placental CRH and COX-2 production. We used a cell-based assay coupled with a dual-luciferase reporter system to perform an in vitro screening of a small molecule library of 1,120 compounds for inhibition of the non-canonical NF-κB pathway. Cell toxicity studies and drug efflux transport MRP1 assays were used to further characterize the lead compounds. We have found that 14 drugs have selective inhibitory activity against lymphotoxin beta complex-induced activation of RelB/p52 in HEK293T cells, several of which also inhibited expression of CRH and COX-2 in human term trophoblast. We identified sulfapyridine and propranolol with activity against CRH and COX-2 that deserve further study. These drugs could serve as the basis for development of orally active drugs to affect length of gestation, first in an animal model, and then in clinical trials to prevent preterm birth during human pregnancy.

Crystal structure, antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of a new complex of bismuth(III) with sulfapyridine.

A new complex of Bi(III) and sulfapyridine was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry, conductivity analysis, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), infrared spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The antimicrobial and the cytotoxic activities of the compound were investigated. Elemental and conductivity analyses are in accordance to the formulation [BiCl3(C11H11N3O2S)3]. The structure of the complex reveals a distorted octahedral geometry around the bismuth atom, which is bound to three sulfonamidic nitrogens from sulfapyridine, acting as a monodentate ligand, and to three chloride ions. The presence of the compound in solution was confirmed by ESI-MS studies. The complex is 3 times more potent than the ligand against Salmonella typhimurium, 4 times against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, and Shigella sonnei and 8 times more potent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The compound inhibits the growth of chronic myelogenous leukemia cells with an IC50 value of 44 µM whereas the free ligand has no effect up to 100 µM.

New Ni(II)-sulfonamide complexes: synthesis, structural characterization and antibacterial properties. X-ray diffraction of [Ni(sulfisoxazole)2(H2O)4].2H2O and [Ni(sulfapyridine)2].

The synthesis, structural characterization, voltammetric experiments and antibacterial activity of [Ni(sulfisoxazole)(2)(H(2)O)(4)].2H(2)O and [Ni(sulfapyridine)(2)] were studied and compared with similar previously reported copper complexes. [Ni(sulfisoxazole)(2)(H(2)O)(4)].2H(2)O crystallized in a monoclinic system, space group C2/c where the nickel ion was in a slightly distorted octahedral environment, coordinated with two sulfisoxazole molecules through the heterocyclic nitrogen and four water molecules. [Ni(sulfapyridine)(2)] crystallized in a orthorhombic crystal system, space group Pnab. The nickel ion was in a distorted octahedral environment, coordinated by two aryl amine N from two sulfonamides acting as monodentate ligands and four N atoms (two sulfonamidic N and two heterocyclic N) from two different sulfonamide molecules acting as bidentate ligands. Differential pulse voltammograms were recorded showing irreversible peaks at 1040 and 1070 mV, respectively, attributed to Ni(II)/Ni(III) process. [Ni(sulfisoxazole)(2)(H(2)O)(4)].2H(2)O and [Ni(sulfapyridine)(2)] presented different antibacterial behavior against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli from the similar copper complexes and they were inactive against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

On the action of 5-amino-salicylic acid and sulfapyridine on M. avium including subspecies paratuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Introduced in 1942, sulfasalazine (a conjugate of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine) is the most prescribed medication used to treat "inflammatory" bowel disease (IBD.) Although controversial, there are increasingly compelling data that Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) may be an etiological agent in some or all of IBD. We have shown that two other agents used in the therapy of IBD (methotrexate and 6-MP) profoundly inhibit MAP growth. We concluded that their most plausible mechanism of action is as antiMAP antibiotics. We herein hypothesize that the mechanism of action of 5-ASA and/or sulfapyridine may also simply be to inhibit MAP growth. METHODOLOGY: The effect on MAP growth kinetics by sulfasalazine and its components were evaluated in bacterial culture of two strains each of MAP and M. avium, using a radiometric ((14)CO(2) BACTEC(R)) detection system that quantifies mycobacterial growth as arbitrary "growth index units" (GI). Efficacy data are presented as "percent decrease in cumulative GI" (%-DeltacGI). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: There are disparate responses to 5-ASA and sulfapyridine in the two subspecies. Against MAP, 5-ASA is inhibitory in a dose-dependent manner (MAP ATCC 19698 46%-DeltacGI at 64 microg/ml), whereas sulfapyridine has virtually no effect. In contrast, against M. avium ATCC 25291, 5-ASA has no effect, whereas sulfapyridine (88%-DeltacGI at 4 microg/ml) is as effective as methotrexate, our positive control (88%-DeltacGI at 4 microg/ml). CONCLUSIONS: 5-ASA inhibits MAP growth in culture. We posit that, unknowingly, the medical profession has been treating MAP infections since sulfasalazine's introduction in 1942. These observations may explain, in part, why MAP has not previously been identified as a human pathogen. We conclude that henceforth in clinical trials evaluating antiMAP agents in IBD, if considered ethical, the use of 5-ASA (as well as methotrexate and 6-MP) should be excluded from control groups.

Sulfasalazine reduces bile acid induced apoptosis in human hepatoma cells and perfused rat livers.

BACKGROUND: Bile acid induced apoptosis in hepatocytes can be antagonised by nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) dependent survival pathways. Sulfasalazine modulates NFkappaB in different cell types. We aimed to determine the effects of sulfasalazine and its metabolites sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) on bile acid induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. METHODS: Apoptosis was determined by caspase assays and immunoblotting, NFkappaB activation by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and reporter gene assays, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorometrically, bile secretion gravimetrically, and bile acid uptake radiochemically and by gas chromatography in HepG2-Ntcp cells and isolated perfused rat livers. RESULTS: Glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA 75 micromol/l) induced apoptosis was reduced by sulfasalazine dose dependently (1-1000 micromol/l) in HepG2-Ntcp cells whereas its metabolites 5-ASA and sulfapyridine had no effect. Sulfasalazine significantly reduced GCDCA induced activation of caspases 9 and 3. In addition, sulfasalazine activated NFkappaB and decreased GCDCA induced generation of ROS. Bile acid uptake was competitively inhibited by sulfasalazine. In perfused rat livers, GCDCA (25 micromol/l) induced liver injury and extensive hepatocyte apoptosis were significantly reduced by simultaneous administration of 100 micromol/l sulfasalazine: lactate dehydrogenase and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase activities were reduced by 82% and 87%, respectively, and apoptotic hepatocytes were observed only occasionally. GCDCA uptake was reduced by 45 (5)% when sulfasalazine was coadministered. However, when 50% of GCDCA (12.5 micromol/l) was administered alone, marked hepatocyte apoptosis and liver injury were again observed, questioning the impact of reduced GCDCA uptake for the antiapoptotic effect of sulfasalazine. CONCLUSION: Sulfasalazine is a potent inhibitor of GCDCA induced hepatocyte apoptosis in vitro and in the intact liver.

Free radical scavenging reactions of sulfasalazine, 5-aminosalicylic acid and sulfapyridine: mechanistic aspects and antioxidant activity.

Reactions of sulfasalazine (SAZ) and its metabolites, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine (SP), with various oxidizing and reducing free radicals (hydroxyl, haloperoxyl, one-electron oxidizing, lipid peroxyl, glutathiyl, superoxide, tryptophanyl, etc.) have been studied to understand the mechanistic aspects of its action against free radicals produced during inflammation. Nanosecond pulse radiolysis technique coupled with transient spectrophotometry has been used for in situ generation of free radicals and to follow their reaction pathways. The transients produced in these reactions have been assigned and radical scavenging rate constants have been measured. In addition to scavenging of various primary and secondary free radicals by SAZ, 5-ASA and SP, 5-ASA has also been observed to efficiently scavenge radicals of biomolecules. 5-ASA has been found to be the active moiety of SAZ involved in the scavenging of oxidizing free radicals whereas reduction of SAZ produced molecular radical anion. The study suggests that free radical scavenging activity of 5-ASA may be a major path of pharmacological action of SAZ against inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Induction of T lymphocyte apoptosis by sulphasalazine in patients with Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Lamina propria T lymphocytes (LPL) of the intestinal mucosa are chronically activated in Crohn's disease (CD). Defective apoptosis of activated LPL was proposed as a key pathogenic mechanism. In fact, increased expression of antiapoptotic molecules was observed in CD LPL. In the present work, we aimed to analyse the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) and derivatives on apoptosis of LPL and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in patients with CD compared with ulcerative colitis (UC) and in non-inflammatory controls. METHODS: PBL and LPL were isolated by Ficoll-Hypopaque gradient centrifugation and the EGTA-collagenase method, respectively. PBL/LPL were stimulated with FasL, 5-ASA, sulphapyridine, and sulphasalazine for 24/48 hours and apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry (annexin V- propidium iodide method) and immunofluorescence. The molecular mechanisms of drug induced apoptosis were analysed in wild-type and FADD-/- Jurkat T cells using western blots and caspase assays. RESULTS: While PBL displayed a normal apoptosis pattern after Fas stimulation in patients with active CD, LPL from inflammatory areas were highly resistant. Comparable resistance to apoptosis was observed in LPL of UC patients. In contrast with 5-ASA, which did not induce apoptosis in lymphocytes, sulphasalazine proved to be a potent proapoptotic agent. Sulphasalazine induced T lymphocyte apoptosis was independent of the Fas pathway but associated with marked downregulation of antiapoptotic bcl-xl and bcl2, activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis signalling pathway, and subsequent activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. CONCLUSION: The beneficial effect of sulphasalazine in treating inflammatory bowel disease is at least in part attributable to its proapoptotic effects on LPL which allows potent downregulation of lymphocyte activation.

Susceptibility of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans intestinal strains to sulfasalazine and its biotransformation products.

BACKGROUND: Desulfovibrio desulfuricans intestinal bacteria may contribute to toxic hydrogen sulfide production in the human gut. Our objective was to examine whether the D. desulfuricans strains isolated from the human body are susceptible to sulfasalazine (SAS) and the products of its biotransformation, i.e. 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine (SP), in order to determine the relationship between the strains' susceptibility to SAS and their ability to reduce the azo bond within this drug. MATERIAL/METHODS: Six wild strains of D. desulfuricans (isolated from feces and biopsy specimens from patients with colitis ulcerosa, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colonic diverticula, primary biliary cirrhosis, or tubular adenomas of the colon) were cultured in the presence of SAS, 5-ASA, and SP. Growth inhibition coefficients were compared with coefficients of inhibition of the azo-bond reduction in SAS. RESULTS: The D. desulfuricans strains present in the human digestive tract were susceptible to a small degree to SAS and to 5-ASA and SP. CONCLUSIONS: The intestinal D. desulfuricans strains differed in their susceptibility to SAS and its biotransformation products. The strains showing higher susceptibility to SAS lost the ability to reduce the azo bond in this drug, which may be attributed to the lower metabolic activity of the bacteria. The presence of D. desulfuricans in the large intestines of patients with ulcerative colitis and the confirmed diversity of the biological activity of the isolated strains demonstrate the need for clinical examination of the role of these bacteria in the development of some inflammatory disorders.

The effect of sulfasalazine on rheumatoid arthritic synovial tissue chemokine production.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an aggressive inflammatory disease in which chemokines are thought to recruit leukocytes and induce angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sulfasalazine (SASP) and its metabolites, sulfapyridine (SP), and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5ASA) on chemokine production by RA synovial tissue explants and interleukin (IL)-1beta-stimulated RA synovial tissue fibroblasts using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and flow cytometry. Synovial tissue explants from RA patients secreted a decreased amount of the chemokines IL-8 and growth-related gene product alpha (GROalpha) when treated with SASP over a broad range of concentrations based on the typical clinical dosage of 2 g/day. SP had a significant effect in that it decreased RA synovial tissue explant secretion of IL-8 (22%), GROalpha (55%), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) (42%) (P < 0.05). 5ASA had no effect on RA synovial tissue explant production of IL-8 and MCP-1, while increasing GROalpha production. In IL-1beta-stimulated RA synovial tissue fibroblasts, SASP significantly increased chemokine secretion, while SP significantly decreased IL-8 (24%) and GROalpha (21%) secretion (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry showed that the number of IL-8 expressing RA synovial tissue fibroblasts did not significantly change following SP treatment. These data suggest that SASP may function to reduce inflammation in RA through the effects of its metabolite SP to reduce the secretion of the inflammatory chemokines IL-8, GROalpha, and MCP-1.

Sulphasalazine inhibits macrophage activation: inhibitory effects on inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, interleukin-12 production and major histocompatibility complex II expression.

The anti-inflammatory agent sulphasalazine is an important component of several treatment regimens in the therapy of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Sulphasalazine has many immunomodulatory actions, including modulation of the function of a variety of cell types, such as lymphocytes, natural killer cells, epithelial cells and mast cells. However, the effect of this agent on macrophage (M phi) function has not been characterized in detail. In the present study, we investigated the effect of sulphasalazine and two related compounds - sulphapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid - on M phi activation induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). In J774 M phi stimulated with LPS (10 microg/ml) and IFN-gamma (100 U/ml), sulphasalazine (50-500 microM) suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production in a concentration-dependent manner. The expression of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was suppressed by sulphasalazine at 500 microM. Sulphasalazine inhibited the LPS/IFN-gamma-induced production of both interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40 and p70. The suppression of both NO and IL-12 production by sulphasalazine was superior to that by either sulphapyridine or 5-aminosalicylic acid. Although the combination of LPS and IFN-gamma induced a rapid expression of the active forms of p38 and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinases and c-Jun terminal kinase, sulphasalazine failed to interfere with the activation of any of these kinases. Finally, sulphasalazine suppressed the IFN-gamma-induced expression of major histocompatibility complex class II. These results demonstrate that the M phi is an important target of the immunosuppressive effect of sulphasalazine.

Inhibitory effect of mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions by sulfapyridine.

We examined the effect of sulfapyridine on mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. Sulfapyridine (1 and 10 microg/kg) significantly inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80 in rats. Sulfapyridine (1 and 10 microg/kg) also inhibited significantly local mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. Moreover, sulfapyridine inhibited histamine release dose-dependently in the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. When sulfapyridine was added, the level of cAMP in RPMC, transiently and significantly increased about 4-fold compared with that of basal cells. These results indicate that sulfapyridine inhibits mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions in vivo and in vitro.

Effects of sulfasalazine and its metabolites on steady state messenger RNA concentrations for inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of sulfasalazine (SASP) and its metabolites sulfapyridine (SP) and 5-amino salicylic acid (5ASA) on steady state mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)], matrix metalloproteinases [collagenase (MMP1), stromelysin (MMP3), gelatinase 72 kDa (MMP2)], tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP 1 and TIMP 2), and the TNF-alpha receptor in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. METHODS: Cells were dosed with each compound for 24 h in the presence or absence of PMA inducer and messenger RNA (mRNA) extracted and subjected to Northern blot analysis. Messenger RNA levels were quantitated by densitometry and normalized to GAPDH or 18S rRNA. RESULTS: We observed some modest effects of sulfasalazine and its metabolites on steady state mRNA levels including: (1) repressed mRNA levels for TNF-alpha [approximately 40% with 3x (drug median serum concentration) all 3 drugs], stromelysin (approximately 24% with 3x all 3 drugs and approximately 31% with 3x 5ASA), and collagenase (approximately 27% with 3x 5ASA); (2) elevated mRNA levels for TIMP 2 (3.5 kb transcript) (51% with 3x SP and 44% with 3x 5ASA), gelatinase (approximately 20% with 3x SP and 3x 5ASA), stromelysin (approximately 40% with 3x and 1x SASP), IL-1beta (approximately 31% with 0.1x 5ASA); and (3) no effect on mRNA levels for TNF-alpha receptor and TIMP 1. CONCLUSION: (1) SASP and its metabolites showed varied effects on steady state mRNA concentrations for gene transcripts that fell into 3 categories: (a) repressed, (b) elevated, (c) no effect on mRNA levels. (2) No apparent linear dose response effect was observed for SASP or its metabolites, although a generalized suppression of mRNA levels at all doses was seen in some cases. (3) No predominant suppressive effect (> or = 50%) of mRNA levels by any of the drugs was observed for any of the genes studied; however, TIMP 2 mRNA levels increased 51% with 3x SP and 44% with 3x 5ASA.

Inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B and induction of apoptosis in T-lymphocytes by sulfasalazine.

1. Chronic inflammatory diseases have been shown to be associated with NF-kappaB activation and impaired apoptosis of immune cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate if sulfasalazine and its colonic metabolites 5-aminosalicylic acid (5ASA) and sulfapyridine affect NF-kappaB/Rel activation and viability of T-lymphocytes. 2. Sulfasalazine inhibits NF-kappaB/Rel activation in the murine T-lymphocyte cell line RBL5 using electrophoretic mobility shift assays. In transfection assays sulfasalazine treatment for 4 h inhibits kappaB-dependent transcription with an IC50 value of approximately 0.625 mM. 3. Higher doses or prolonged treatment result in cell death of T-lymphocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cell death is caused by apoptosis as judged by DNA fragmentation, annexin V and Apo 2.7 staining. Induction of apoptosis is a fast event with 50% apoptotic cells after a 4 h incubation with 2.5 mM sulfasalazine. The ED50 value for apoptosis induction after 24 h treatment was approximately 0.625 mM. 4. In contrast, 5ASA and sulfapyridine neither inhibit NF-kappaB/Rel activation nor induce apoptosis in T-lymphocytes at doses up to 5.0 mM. 5. These results demonstrate that sulfasalazine, but not 5ASA or sulfapyridine, strongly inhibits NF-kappaB activation and potently induces apoptosis in T-lymphocytes. Inhibition of NF-kappaB/Rel activation and subsequent clearance of activated T-lymphocytes by apoptosis might thus explain the beneficial effects of sulfasalazine in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders.

Treatment with sulfasalazine or sulfapyridine, but not 5-aminosalicyclic acid, inhibits basic fibroblast growth factor-induced endothelial cell chemotaxis.

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by leukocyte recruitment and angiogenesis. We investigated the effects of sulfasalazine (SSZ) and its metabolites, sulfapyridine (SP) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), on components of angiogenesis, namely, endothelial cell (EC) chemotaxis and proliferation, as well as on EC chemokine and soluble adhesion molecule expression. METHODS: SSZ, SP, and 5-ASA were assayed for their effects on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HMVEC) chemotaxis and proliferation. EC were plated on Matrigel to assess the effect of SSZ on EC tube formation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to determine changes in HMVEC production of interleukin-8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), growth-related oncogene alpha (GROalpha), epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide 78 (ENA-78), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) upon treatment with SSZ or its metabolites. RESULTS: HMVEC incubated with SSZ or SP exhibited reduced bFGF-induced chemotaxis (59%, [n = 7] and 22%, [n = 3], respectively) (P<0.05). SSZ and SP decreased basal HMVEC proliferation, while 5-ASA increased proliferation (P<0.05; [n = 5]). SSZ decreased bFGF-induced HMVEC proliferation (P<0.05 [n = 5]). SSZ inhibited phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced HMVEC tube formation (P<0.05; [minimum n = 5]). Tumor necrosis factor alpha-stimulated HMVEC shedding of sICAM-1 was reduced by incubation with either SSZ (19%) or 5-ASA (23%) (P<0.05; [n = 6]). SP inhibited cytokine-stimulated HMVEC expression of IL-8 and MCP-1 (P<0.05; [n = 4]). Neither SSZ nor its metabolites had any effect on HMVEC production of sE-selectin, GROalpha, or ENA-78. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that SSZ and its metabolite SP may affect the pathogenesis of RA by inhibiting EC chemotaxis, proliferation, tube formation, and expression of sICAM-1, IL-8, and MCP-1.

Effects of sulphapyridine on sperm transport through the rat epididymis and contractility of the epididymal duct.

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of sulphapyridine on the transport of spermatozoa through different regions of the epididymis and on the contractility of the epididymal duct in the rat. Sperm transport was investigated by labelling testicular spermatozoa with [3H]thymidine and measuring intraluminal pressures of the epididymis by micropuncture, using a servo-nulling pressure transducer system. In control rats, the transit times of epididymal spermatozoa from the initial segment to the caput, from the caput to the proximal cauda, and from the proximal cauda to the distal cauda were 2, 6 and 3 days, respectively, giving a total transit time of 11 days. The total transit time was shortened to 8 days after treatment with sulphapyridine at a dosage of 450 mg kg-1 for 38-52 days. The rate of sperm transport was most affected in the caput epididymidis. Measurements of intraluminal pressures showed that sulphapyridine had no effect on spontaneous contractions in any regions of the epididymis. However, the frequency of contraction of the corpus and cauda epididymides in response to administration of 10 micrograms noradrenaline kg-1 in the sulphapyridine-treated rats was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than it was in the controls. Methacholine, at a dose of 20 micrograms kg-1, produced a smaller increase in basal pressure in the caput epididymidis of sulphapyridine-treated rats (P < 0.05) compared with controls. The results led to the conclusion that sulphapyridine increases the rate of sperm transport from the caput through the cauda epididymidis, in part, by changes in the responsiveness of the epididymis to the autonomic nervous system.

Determination of the active moiety of BX661A, a new therapeutic agent for ulcerative colitis, by studying its therapeutic effects on ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium in rats.

5-[4-(2-Carboxyethylcarbamoyl)phenylazo]salicylic acid disodium salt dihydrate (CAS 80573-04-2, BX661A) is being developed as a therapeutic drug for ulcerative colitis. To determine the active therapeutic moiety of BX661A, the therapeutic effects with single and combined administration of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), 4-aminobenzoyl-beta-alanine (4-ABA) and 4-amino-N-2-pyridinyl-benzenesulfonamide (CAS 144-83-2, sulfapyridine, SP) on ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in rats were investigated, and the following results were obtained. 1. BX661A at doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg (p.o.) dose-dependently decreased the erosion area (mm2) in the large intestine with % inhibition values of 28.7, 49.1 and 61.6%, and the shortening of the large intestine with % inhibition values of 17.1, 25.7 and 48.6%, respectively. Salazosulfapyridine (SASP) at doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg (p.o.) decreased the erosion area (mm2) in the large intestine with % inhibition values of 30.7 and 45.3%, respectively, but did not improve the shortening of the large intestine. However, at a dose of 300 mg/kg (p.o.) SASP, the % inhibition value of the erosion area in the large intestine was reduced. 2. A single intrarectal administration of 5-ASA (105 mg/kg, i.r.) significantly decreased the erosion area (mm2) in the large intestine, but a single administration of 4-ABA or SP did not show any significant effect on the erosion area. Combined administration with 5-ASA (105 mg/kg, i.r.) and 4-ABA (142.8 mg/kg, i.r.) significantly decreased the erosion area (mm2) in the large intestine with a % inhibition value of 63.8%. On the other hand, the efficacy of 5-ASA disappeared with combined administration with SP (% inhibition value of 7.3%). These results suggest that 5-ASA is the active moiety for the therapeutic effects of BX661A and indicate that the efficacy of 5-ASA disappears with the combined use of SP, but not of 4-ABA. Therefore, it seems that BX661A is clinically safe and more effective than SASP in the treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis.

Effects of BX661A, a new therapeutic agent for ulcerative colitis, on reactive oxygen species in comparison with salazosulfapyridine and its metabolite sulfapyridine.

5-[4-(2-Carboxyethylcarbamoyl)phenylazo]salicylic acid disodium salt dihydrate (CAS 80573-04-2, BX661A) is developed as a therapeutic agent for ulcerative colitis. To clarify its mechanism of action, the effects of BX661A and its metabolites 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and 4-aminobenzoyl-beta-alanine (4-ABA) on reactive oxygen species: superoxide radicals (O2-) generated by hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorite radicals (OCl-) and hydroxyl radicals (OH.), were investigated and compared with the effects of 2-hydroxy-5-[[4-[(2-pyridinylamino)sulfonyl]phenyl]azo]-benzoic acid (CAS 599-79-1, salazosulfapyridine, SASP) and its metabolite 4-amino-N-2-pyridinyl-benzenesulfonamide (CAS 144-83-2, sulfapyridine, SP). 1. BX661A, SASP and 5-ASA inhibited O2- radical production in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 0.14, 0.13 and 0.19 mmol/l, respectively). The effects of 4-ABA and SP on O2- radical production were weak (IC50 = > 10 and > 3 mmol/l, respectively). In contrast, superoxide dismutase inhibited O2- radical production in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 1.7 U/ml). 2. BX661A, SASP, 4-ABA and SP had no H2O2 scavenging effects. 5-ASA scavenged H2O2, but its maximal scavenging action was 51.3%. In contrast, catalase scavenged H2O2 in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 0.47 U/ml). 3. BX661A, SASP and 5-ASA scavenged OCl- radicals in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 69.5, 73.8 and 21.7 mumol/l, respectively). 4-ABA and SP had no OCl- radical scavenging effects. In contrast, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) scavenged OCl- radicals in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 8.7 mumol/l). 4. BX661A and SASP scavenged OH. radicals in a concentration-dependent manner; the maximal scavenging values were 39.5 (10 mmol/l) and 48.6% (3 mmol/l), respectively. 4-ABA and SP had no OH. radical scavenging effects. In contrast, 5-ASA scavenged OH. radical in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 1.46 mmol/l). These results suggest that BX661A has O2- and OCl- radical scavenging effects and that 5-ASA has O2-, OCl- and OH. radical scavenging effects. Therefore, these effects may be partially involved in the therapeutic effects of BX661A on ulcerative colitis.