Correlation of ex vivo cytokine secretion profiles with scoring indices in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: In ulcerative colitis, the complexity of mucosal cytokine secretion profiles and how they correlate with endoscopic and clinical scores is still unclear. METHODS: In this study, we collected fresh biopsies from UC patients to investigate which cytokines are produced in ex vivo culture conditions, a platform increasingly used for testing of novel drugs. Then, we correlated cytokine production with several scoring indices commonly used to assess the severity of the disease. RESULTS: Increased levels of IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, TNFα and IFNÉ£ were produced by biopsies of UC patients compared to non-IBD controls. Our results show a better correlation of cytokine levels with Mayo Endoscopic Subscore (MES) and Mayo score, than the more complex Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS). Out of 10 measured cytokines, eight correlated with MES, six with Mayo score and only three with UCEIS, due to the partial increase in cytokine secretion observed in donors with UCEIS = 7-8. When we analysed individual subscores within the UCEIS, Vascular Network subscore showed a correlation similar to MES (7/10 cytokines), while Bleeding as well as Erosions and Ulcers subscores correlated with only 3/10 cytokines, similarly to the total UCEIS. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that choosing biopsies from donors with MES = 2-3 and UCEIS = 2-6 from areas with no bleeding and no superficial and/or deep ulcers could enable a deeper insight into the cytokine profile of the inflamed tissue and represent a better tool for studying potential therapeutic targets and evaluation of novel therapies.

Rational design, synthesis and biological profiling of new KDM4C inhibitors.

The human histone demethylases of the KDM4 family have been related to diseases such as prostate and breast cancer. Majority of currently known inhibitors suffer from the low permeability and low selectivity between the enzyme isoforms. In this study, toxoflavin motif was used to design and synthesize new KDM4C inhibitors with improved biological activity and in vitro ADME properties. Inhibitors displayed good passive cellular permeability and metabolic stability. However, diminishing of redox liability and consequently non-specific influence on cell viability still remains a challenge.

Claudins: Beyond Tight Junctions in Human IBD and Murine Models.

Claudins are transmembrane proteins constituting one of three tight junction protein families. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), disease activity-dependent changes in expression of certain claudins have been noted, thus making certain claudin family members potential therapy targets. A study was undertaken with the aim of exploring expression of claudins in human disease and two different animal models of IBD: dextrane sulfate sodium-induced colitis and adoptive transfer model of colitis. The expression of sealing claudin-1, claudin-3, claudin-4, and claudin-8, and pore-forming claudin-2 in humans and rodents has been evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Claudins were expressed by epithelial and cells of mesodermal origin and were found to be situated at the membrane, within the cytoplasm, or within the nuclei. Claudin expression by human mononuclear cells isolated from lamina propria has been confirmed by Western blot and flow cytometry. The claudin expression pattern in uninflamed and inflamed colon varied between species and murine strains. In IBD and both animal models, diverse alterations in claudin expression by epithelial and inflammatory cells were recorded. Tissue mRNA levels for each studied claudin reflected changes within cell lineage and, at the same time, mirrored the ratio between various cell types. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that 1) claudins are not expressed exclusively by epithelial cells, but by certain types of cells of mesodermal origin as well; 2) changes in the claudin mRNA level should be interpreted in the context of overall tissue alterations; and 3) both IBD animal models that were analyzed can be used for investigating claudins as a therapy target, respecting their similarities and differences highlighted in this study.

Macrolide Inspired Macrocycles as Modulators of the IL-17A/IL-17RA Interaction.

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) cytokines promote inflammatory pathophysiology in many autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Such broad involvement of IL-17 in various autoimmune diseases makes it an ideal target for drug discovery. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by numerous defective components of the immune system. Significantly higher levels of IL-17A have been noticed in lesions of psoriatic patients, if compared to non-lesion parts. Therefore, this paper is focused on the macrolide inspired macrocycles as potential IL-17A/IL-17RA modulators and covers the molecular design, synthesis, and in vitro profiling. Macrocycles are designed to diversify and enrich chemical space through different ring sizes and a variety of three-dimensional shapes. Inhibitors in the nM range were identified in both target-based and phenotypic assays. In vitro ADME as well as in vivo PK properties are reported.