Analysis of Three Epoetin Alpha Products by LC and LC-MS Indicates Differences in Glycosylation Critical Quality Attributes, Including Sialic Acid Content.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is one of the main therapeutics used to treat anemic patients, greatly improving their quality of life. In this study, biosimilars Binocrit and a development product, called here CIGB-EPO, were compared to the originator product, Eprex. All three are epoetin alpha products, reputed to have similar glycosylation profiles. The quality, safety, and efficacy of this biotherapeutic depend on the following glycosylation critical quality attributes (GCQAs): sialylation, N-glycolyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) content, branching, N-acetyl-lactosamine (LacNAc) extensions, and O-acetylation pattern. Reverse-phase ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-UHPLC) analysis of acid-released, 1,2-diamino-4,5-methylenedioxybenzene (DMB) labeled sialic acid derivatives and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) in combination with mass spectrometry (HILIC-UHPLC-MS) of procainamide (PROC) labeled N-glycans were the analytical tools used. An automated method for enzymatic release and PROC labeling was applied for the first time to the erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) products, which facilitated novel, in-depth characterization, and allowed identification of precise structural features including the location of O-acetyl groups on sialic acid (SA) moieties. Samples were digested by a sialate-O-acetylesterase (NanS) to confirm the presence of O-acetyl groups. It was found that Eprex contained the greatest relative abundance of O-acetylated derivatives, Binocrit expressed the least Neu5Gc, and CIGB-EPO showed the greatest variety of high-mannose-phosphate structures. The sialylation and LacNAc extension patterns of the three ESAs were similar, with a maximum of four N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) moieties detected per glycan. Such differences in SA derivatization, particularly O-acetylation, could have consequences for the quality and safety of a biotherapeutic, as well as its efficacy.

Synthesis and cytotoxicity studies of new dimethylamino-functionalised and aryl-substituted titanocene anti-cancer agents.

From the carbolithiation of 6-N,N-dimethylamino fulvene (3a) and different lithiated aryl species [p-N,N-dimethylanilinyl lithium, p-anisyl lithium and 4-lithio-benzo[1.3]dioxole (2a-c)], the corresponding lithium cyclopentadienide intermediates 4a-c were formed. These three lithiated intermediates underwent a transmetallation reaction with TiCl4 resulting in dimethylamino-functionalised and aryl-substituted titanocenes 5a-c. When these titanocenes were tested against LLC-PK cells, the IC50 values obtained were of 54, 45 and 26microM for titanocenes 5a, b and c, respectively. The most cytotoxic titanocene in this paper, 5c is approximately 10 times less cytotoxic than cis-platin, which showed an IC50 value of 3.3microM, when tested on the LLC-PK cell line, but approximately 100 times better than titanocene dichloride.

Ruthenium-conjugated chrysin analogues modulate platelet activity, thrombus formation and haemostasis with enhanced efficacy.

The constant increase in cardiovascular disease rate coupled with significant drawbacks of existing therapies emphasise the necessity to improve therapeutic strategies. Natural flavonoids exert innumerable pharmacological effects in humans. Here, we demonstrate the effects of chrysin, a natural flavonoid found largely in honey and passionflower on the modulation of platelet function, haemostasis and thrombosis. Chrysin displayed significant inhibitory effects on isolated platelets, however, its activity was substantially reduced under physiological conditions. In order to increase the efficacy of chrysin, a sulfur derivative (thio-chrysin), and ruthenium-complexes (Ru-chrysin and Ru-thio-chrysin) were synthesised and their effects on the modulation of platelet function were evaluated. Indeed, Ru-thio-chrysin displayed a 4-fold greater inhibition of platelet function and thrombus formation in vitro than chrysin under physiologically relevant conditions such as in platelet-rich plasma and whole blood. Notably, Ru-thio-chrysin exhibited similar efficacy to chrysin in the modulation of haemostasis in mice. Increased bioavailability and cell permeability of Ru-thio-chrysin compared to chrysin were found to be the basis for its enhanced activity. Together, these results demonstrate that Ru-thio-coupled natural compounds such as chrysin may serve as promising templates for the development of novel anti-thrombotic agents.

Antitumour activity of [1,2-di(cyclopentadienyl)-1,2-di(p-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-ethanediyl] titanium dichloride in xenografted Ehrlich's ascites tumour.

The effects of a new titanocene compound with an ansa ligand in the cyclopentadienyl rings, the 1,2-di(cyclopentadienyl)-1,2-di(p-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-ethanediyl] titanium dichloride (TITANOCENE X), on the growth and differentiation of granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells [colony-forming unit-granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM)] and Natural killer (NK) cell activity in Ehrlich's ascites tumour (EAT)-bearing mice were studied. Myelosuppression concomitant with increased numbers of spleen CFU-GM was observed in tumour-bearing mice. Treatment of these animals with TITANOCENE X (2.5-50 mg/kg/day) produced an increase in myelopoiesis, in a dose-dependent manner, and reduced spleen colony formation. In addition, the treatment of EAT-bearing mice with 3 doses of 20 or 50 mg/kg TITANOCENE X restored to normal values the reduced Natural killer cell function observed during tumour growth. In parallel, TITANOCENE X prolonged, in a dose-dependent manner, the survival of mice inoculated with Ehrlich's ascites tumour. The highest dose of 50 mg/kg prolonged in 50% the survival time of EAT-bearing mice, compared to non-treated tumour-bearing controls. In comparison with previous results from our laboratory addressing the effects of titanocenes on haematopoiesis, we observed with TITANOCENE X a similar effective profile as for bis(cyclopentadienyl) dithiocyanate titanium(IV), being both less effective than di(cyclopentadienyl) dichloro titanium(IV), since the latter not only prolonged, but also increased the rate of survival. These differences in efficacy may be due to the nature of the ansa-cyclopentadienyl ligand used in TITANOCENE X, since the C2 bridge between the two cyclopentadienyl groups will increase the hydrolytic stability by an organometallic chelate effect. Also, the introduction of two dimethylamino substituents increases the water solubility of TITANOCENE X when compared to titanocene dichloride itself.

Heteroaryl substituted titanocenes as potential anti-cancer drugs.

From the reaction of Super Hydride (LiBEt(3)H) with 6-(furyl)fulvene (1a), 6-(thiophenyl)fulvene (1b) or 6-(N-methyl-pyrrole)fulvene (1c) the corresponding lithium cyclopentadienide intermediates (2a-c) were obtained. These intermediates were reacted with titanium tetrachloride and bis-[(furyl-2-cyclopentadienylmethane)] titanium(IV) dichloride (3a) and bis-[(thiophenyl-2-cyclopentadienylmethane)] titanium(IV) dichloride (3b) and bis-[(N-methylpyrrole-2-cyclopentadienylmethane)] titanium(IV) dichloride (3c) were obtained and subsequently characterised by X-ray crystallography. When titanocenes 3a-c were tested against pig kidney (LLC-PK) cells inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) of 1.6x10(-4)M, 1.5x10(-4)M and 9.1x10(-4)M, respectively, were observed. These values represent improved cytotoxicity against LLC-PK, when compared to their corresponding ansa substituted analogues and also in comparison to unsubstituted titanocene dichloride.

Using Problem-Based Learning in a Chemistry Practical Class for Pharmacy Students and Engaging Them with Feedback.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a new approach to problem-based learning (PBL) used in a medicinal chemistry practical class for pharmacy students. DESIGN: The chemistry practical class was based on independent studies by small groups of undergraduate students (4-5), who designed their own practical work, taking relevant professional standards into account. Students were guided by feedback and acquired a set of skills important for health-care professionals. The model was tailored to the application of PBL in a chemistry practical class setting for a large student cohort (150 students). The achievement of learning outcomes was based on the submission of relevant documentation, including a certificate of analysis, in addition to peer assessment. Some of the learning outcomes also were assessed in the final written examination. ASSESSMENT: The practical was assessed at several time points using detailed marking schemes in order to provide the students with feedback. Students were required to engage with the feedback to succeed in the practical. CONCLUSION: A novel PBL chemistry laboratory course for pharmacy students was successful in that self-reflective learning and engagement with feedback were encouraged, and students enjoyed the challenging learning experience. Essential skills for health-care professionals were also promoted.

Titanocene anticancer complexes and their binding mode of action to human serum albumin: a computational study.

Due to the pivotal role played by human serum albumin (HSA) in the transport and cytotoxicity of titanocene complexes, a docking study has been performed on a selected set of titanocene complexes to aid in the current understanding of the potential mode of action of these titanocenes upon binding HSA. Analysis of the docking results has revealed potential binding at the known drug binding sites in HSA and has provided some explanation for the specificity and subsequent cytotoxicity of these titanocenes. Additionally, a new alternative binding site for these titanocenes has been postulated.

A model for self-directed problem-based learning for renal therapeutics.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a new approach to problem-based learning (PBL) for self-directed learning in renal therapeutics. DESIGN: This 5-week course, designed for large student cohorts using minimal teaching resources, was based on a series of case studies and subsequent pharmaceutical care plans, followed by intensive and regular feedback from the instructor. ASSESSMENT: Assessment of achievement of the learning outcomes was based on weekly-graded care plans and peer review assessment, allowing each student to judge the contributions of each group member and their own, along with a written case-study based examination. The pharmaceutical care plan template, designed using a "tick-box" system, significantly reduced staff time for feedback and scoring. CONCLUSION: The proposed instructional model achieved the desired learning outcomes with appropriate student feedback, while promoting skills that are essential for the students' future careers as health care professionals.

Bioorganometallic fulvene-derived titanocene anti-cancer drugs.

6-Substituted fulvenes are interesting and easily accessible starting materials for the synthesis of novel substituted titanocenes via reductive dimerisation, carbolithiation or hydridolithiation reactions, which are followed by a transmetallation reaction with titanium tetrachloride in the latter two cases. Depending on the substitution pattern, these titanocenes prove to be bioorganometallic anti-cancer drugs, which have significant potential against advanced or metastatic renal-cell cancer. Patients bearing these stages of kidney cancer have a poor prognosis so far and therefore real progress in the area of metal-based anti-cancer drugs may come from this simple and effective synthetic approach. This tutorial review provides an insight into the synthesis of fulvene-derived titanocenes and their activity in preclinical experiments.

Antiproliferative activity of Titanocene Y against tumor colony-forming units.

Bis-[(p-methoxybenzyl)cyclopentadienyl] titanium dichloride, better known as Titanocene Y, is a newly synthesized titanium-based anticancer drug. We studied the antitumor activity of Titanocene Y with concentrations of 2.1, 21 and 210 micromol/l against a range of freshly explanted human tumors, using an in-vitro soft agar cloning system. The sensitivity against Titanocene Y was highly remarkable in the case of renal cell, ovarian, nonsmall cell lung and colon cancer. In particular the surprisingly good response of nonsmall cell lung cancer and colon cancer against Titanocene Y at its lowest concentration of 2.1 micromol/l was well comparable or better with respect to cisplatin, given at a concentration of 1.0 micromol/l. Further clinical development of Titanocene Y appears to be warranted because of the broad cytotoxic activity shown and the specific activity of Titanocene Y against renal cell cancer.

Antitumor activity of Titanocene Y against freshly explanted human breast tumor cells and in xenografted MCF-7 tumors in mice.

Bis-[(p-methoxybenzyl)cyclopentadienyl] titanium dichloride, better known as Titanocene Y, is a newly synthesized transition metal-based anticancer drug. We studied the antitumor activity of Titanocene Y with concentrations of 2.1, 21 and 210 micromol/l against a freshly explanted human breast cancer, using an in-vitro soft agar cloning system. The sensitivity against Titanocene Y was highly remarkable in the breast cancer tumor in the full concentration range. Titanocene Y showed cell death induction at 2.1 micromol/l, well comparable to cisplatin, given at a concentration of 1.0 micromol/l. A further preclinical development of Titanocene Y was warranted and therefore an MCF-7 human breast cancer xenograft nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mouse model was used. Titanocene Y was given for 21 days at 30 mg/kg/day (75% of the maximum tolerable dose of Titanocene Y), which resulted in the reduction of the tumor volume to around one-third, whereas no mouse was lost because of the surprisingly low toxicity of Titanocene Y.

Anti-tumor activity of Titanocene Y in xenografted Caki-1 tumors in mice.

The benzyl-substituted unbridged titanocene bis-[(p-methoxybenzyl)cyclopentadienyl] titanium(IV) dichloride (Titanocene Y) was tested in vitro against human renal cancer cells (Caki-1), in which it showed an IC50 value of 36 x 10 mol/l. Titanocene Y was then given in vivo in doses of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg on 5 consecutive days to Caki-1-bearing mice, and it showed concentration-dependent and statistically significant tumor growth reduction with respect to a solvent-treated control cohort. The maximum tolerable dose of Titanocene Y was determined to be 40 mg/kg and it showed significantly better tumor volume growth reduction than cisplatin given at a dose of 2 mg/kg. This superior activity of Titanocene Y with respect to cisplatin will hopefully lead to clinical tests against metastatic renal cell cancer in the near future.

Activity of [1,2-di(cyclopentadienyl)-1,2-di(p-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-ethanediyl] titanium dichloride against tumor colony-forming units.

[1,2-di(cyclopentadienyl)-1,2-di(p-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-ethanediyl] titanium dichloride is a newly synthesized transition metal-based anti-cancer drug. We studied the anti-tumor activity of this drug (final concentrations: 25, 250 and 2,500 micromol/l) against freshly explanted human tumors, using an in vitro soft agar cloning system. A total of eight tumor samples were evaluated using 1-h exposures. Additionally, the breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 was examined with regard to sensitivity. The tested compound was markedly active against one renal cancer sample, whereas other renal tumors were resistant. Concentration-dependent anti-tumor activity was demonstrated for all samples except for melanoma. At concentrations of 250 micromol/l or less, the compound was less active than cisplatin or equally active at 0.2 microg/ml, whereas at 2,500 micromol/l it showed a significant cytotoxic activity against a wide spectrum of tumor types. The highest activity was observed against renal carcinomas (three of three tumor specimens inhibited at 2,500 micromol/l). Sensitivity was also highly remarkable in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 inhibited in a range of 25-2,500 micromol/l, whereas melanoma cells seemed to be profoundly resistant. Further clinical development of this drug appears warranted because of the broad cytotoxic activity shown.

In-vitro anti-tumor activity studies of bridged and unbridged benzyl-substituted titanocenes.

The benzyl-substituted ansa-titanocenes [1,2-di(cyclopentadienyl)-1,2-di-(4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)ethanediyl] titanium dichloride (Titanocene X) and [1,2-di(cyclopentadienyl)-1,2-bis(m-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanediyl] titanium dichloride (Titanocene Z), and the benzyl-substituted unbridged titanocene bis-[(p-methoxybenzyl)cyclopentadienyl] titanium(IV) dichloride (Titanocene Y) were tested on the growth of a wide variety of tumor cells in vitro on a panel of 36 human tumor cell lines containing 14 different tumor types investigated in a cellular proliferation assay. Titanocene Y with a mean IC50 value of 65.8 x 10 mol/l over the full panel of 36 cancer cell lines reaches the activity of cisplatin with 14.7 x 10 mol/l within a factor of 4, whereas Titanocene X and Z show significantly less cytotoxic activity. Titanocene Y is most effective on pleura mesothelioma, and uterine and renal cell cancer, where the IC50 values are comparable or significantly better than for cisplatin. In particular, in the case of renal cell cancer and pleura mesothelioma there is an obvious lack of chemotherapeutic reagents, which might be filled by Titanocene Y, where a very promising cytotoxic effect in comparison with cisplatin could be shown.

The crystal structures of the chiral alkyllithium bases [n-BuLi.(-)-sparteine]2 and [Et2O.(i-PrLi)2.(-)-sparteine].

The crystal structures of the two chiral alkyllithium bases [n-BuLi.(-)-sparteine]2 (1) and [Et2O.(i-PrLi)2.(-)-sparteine] (2) have been determined. For compound 1, a symmetric dimer is observed in the solid state, with two (-)-sparteine ligands coordinating to the lithium centers. Because of steric reasons, compound 2 crystallizes as an unsymmetric dimer with the four methyl groups pointing away from the sterically demanding (-)-sparteine ligand. Compound 2 contains one four-coordinate lithium center [coordinated to (-)-sparteine] and one three-coordinate lithium center (coordinated to Et2O). As a result of this arrangement, significantly different Li-C distances are found in the central four-membered ring of compound 2.