-
1.
An In Silico and an In Vitro Inhibition Analysis of Glycogen Phosphorylase by Flavonoids, Styrylchromones, and Pyrazoles.
Rocha, S, Aniceto, N, Guedes, RC, Albuquerque, HMT, Silva, VLM, Silva, AMS, Corvo, ML, Fernandes, E, Freitas, M
Nutrients. 2022;(2)
Abstract
Glycogen phosphorylase (GP) is a key enzyme in the glycogenolysis pathway. GP inhibitors are currently under investigation as a new liver-targeted approach to managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inhibitory activity of a panel of 52 structurally related chromone derivatives; namely, flavonoids, 2-styrylchromones, 2-styrylchromone-related derivatives [2-(4-arylbuta-1,3-dien-1-yl)chromones], and 4- and 5-styrylpyrazoles against GP, using in silico and in vitro microanalysis screening systems. Several of the tested compounds showed a potent inhibitory effect. The structure-activity relationship study indicated that for 2-styrylchromones and 2-styrylchromone-related derivatives, the hydroxylations at the A and B rings, and in the flavonoid family, as well as the hydroxylation of the A ring, were determinants for the inhibitory activity. To support the in vitro experimental findings, molecular docking studies were performed, revealing clear hydrogen bonding patterns that favored the inhibitory effects of flavonoids, 2-styrylchromones, and 2-styrylchromone-related derivatives. Interestingly, the potency of the most active compounds increased almost four-fold when the concentration of glucose increased, presenting an IC50 < 10 µM. This effect may reduce the risk of hypoglycemia, a commonly reported side effect of antidiabetic agents. This work contributes with important considerations and provides a better understanding of potential scaffolds for the study of novel GP inhibitors.
-
2.
CALR mutant protein rescues the response of MPL p.R464G variant associated with CAMT to eltrombopag.
Basso-Valentina, F, Levy, G, Varghese, LN, Oufadem, M, Neven, B, Boussard, C, Balayn, N, Marty, C, Vainchenker, W, Plo, I, et al
Blood. 2021;(6):480-485
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (CAMT) is a severe inherited thrombocytopenia due to loss-of-function mutations affecting the thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor, MPL. Here, we report a new homozygous MPL variant responsible for CAMT in 1 consanguineous family. The propositus and her sister presented with severe thrombocytopenia associated with mild anemia. Next-generation sequencing revealed the presence of a homozygous MPLR464G mutation resulting in a weak cell-surface expression of the receptor in platelets. In cell lines, we observed a defect in MPLR464G maturation associated with its retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. The low cell-surface expression of MPLR464G induced very limited signaling with TPO stimulation, leading to survival and reduced proliferation of cells. Overexpression of a myeloproliferative neoplasm-associated calreticulin (CALR) mutant did not rescue trafficking of MPLR464G to the cell surface and did not induce constitutive signaling. However, it unexpectedly restored a normal response to eltrombopag (ELT), but not to TPO. This effect was only partially mimicked by the purified recombinant CALR mutant protein. Finally, the endogenous CALR mutant was able to restore the megakaryocyte differentiation of patient CD34+ cells carrying MPLR464G in response to ELT.
-
3.
A Scoping Review of Alternative Anticoagulation Strategies for Hemodialysis Patients with a Mechanical Heart Valve.
Thomson, BKA, Pilkey, NG, Monteith, B, Holden, RM
American journal of nephrology. 2021;(10-11):861-870
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have high rates of cardiac valvulopathy but can develop contraindications for vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy. We explored the evidence for alternative anticoagulation strategies in patients with ESRD with a contraindication for VKA therapy. METHODS A scoping review was completed, searching MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Conference abstracts from inception to March 30, 2021. The study population was patients with ESRD who were on VKA therapy and developed a contraindication to VKA therapy use. All data regarding studies, patient characteristics, anticoagulation strategy, and clinical outcomes were summarized. RESULTS Twenty-three articles met inclusion criteria. These articles included 57 patients. Contraindications to VKA therapy included calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) (n = 55) and warfarin-induced skin necrosis (n = 2). All studies were either case reports or case series. There were 10 anticoagulation strategies identified. Continuation of VKA therapy was associated with increased death and decreased rates of CUA resolution (80.0% and 10.0%, respectively), compared to apixaban (24.0% and 70.8%), subcutaneous (SC) low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) (14.3%, 85.7%), and SC unfractionated heparin (0.0%, 100.0%). While only 5 patient cases were reported with mechanical heart valves, SC LMWH use has been reported in this context with good outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In patients with ESRD who develop a contraindication to VKA therapy, several alternative anticoagulation strategies have been reported with superior outcomes to VKA continuation. While outcomes appear superior to continuation of VKA therapy, more data are required before definitive recommendations can be made for the patient with ESRD and a mechanical heart valve.
-
4.
Increased bleeding events with the addition of apixaban to the dual anti-platelet regimen for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome: A meta-analysis.
Jin, J, Zhuo, X, Xiao, M, Jiang, Z, Chen, L, Devi Shamloll, Y
Medicine. 2021;(12):e25185
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and clopidogrel has been the mainstay of treatment for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the recurrence of thrombotic events, potential aspirin and clopidogrel hypo-responsiveness, and other limitations of DAPT have led to the development of newer oral anti-thrombotic drugs. Apixaban, a new non-vitamin K antagonist, has been approved for use. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to compare the bleeding outcomes observed with the addition of apixaban to DAPT for the treatment of patients with ACS. METHODS Online databases including EMBASE, Cochrane Central, http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched for English based publications comparing the use of apixaban added to DAPT for the treatment of patients with ACS. Different categories of bleeding events and cardiovascular outcomes were assessed. The analysis was carried out by the RevMan software version 5.4. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to represent the data following analysis. RESULTS This research analysis consisted of 4 trials with a total number of 9010 participants. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) defined major bleeding (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.45-4.12; P = .0008), TIMI defined minor bleeding (OR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.71-5.70; P = .0002), International society of thrombosis and hemostasis (ISTH) major bleeding (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.80-3.45; P = .00001) and Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Arteries (GUSTO) defined severe bleeding (OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.56-5.78; P = .01) were significantly increased with the addition of apixaban to DAPT versus DAPT alone in these patients with ACS. However fatal bleeding (OR: 10.96, 95% CI: 0.61-198.3; P = .11) was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS Addition of the novel oral anticoagulant apixaban to the DAPT regimen significantly increased bleeding and therefore did not show any beneficial effect in these patients with ACS. However, due to the extremely limited data, we apparently have to rely on future larger studies to confirm this hypothesis.
-
5.
Relacorilant, a Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulator, Induces Clinical Improvements in Patients With Cushing Syndrome: Results From A Prospective, Open-Label Phase 2 Study.
Pivonello, R, Bancos, I, Feelders, RA, Kargi, AY, Kerr, JM, Gordon, MB, Mariash, CN, Terzolo, M, Ellison, N, Moraitis, AG
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2021;:662865
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE Relacorilant is a selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator (SGRM) with no progesterone receptor activity. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of relacorilant in patients with endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS). MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-arm, open-label, phase 2, dose-finding study with 2 dose groups (NCT02804750, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02804750) was conducted at 19 sites in the U.S. and Europe. Low-dose relacorilant (100-200 mg/d; n = 17) was administered for 12 weeks or high-dose relacorilant (250-400 mg/d; n = 18) for 16 weeks; doses were up-titrated by 50 mg every 4 weeks. Outcome measures included proportion of patients with clinically meaningful changes in hypertension and/or hyperglycemia from baseline to last observed visit. For patients with hypertension, clinical response was defined as a ≥5-mmHg decrease in mean systolic or diastolic blood pressure, measured by a standardized and validated 24-h ABPM. For patients with hyperglycemia, clinical response was defined ad-hoc as ≥0.5% decrease in HbA1c, normalization or ≥50-mg/dL decrease in 2-h plasma glucose value on oral glucose tolerance test, or decrease in daily insulin (≥25%) or sulfonylurea dose (≥50%). RESULTS 35 adults with CS and hypertension and/or hyperglycemia (impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes mellitus) were enrolled, of which 34 (24 women/10 men) received treatment and had postbaseline data. In the low-dose group, 5/12 patients (41.7%) with hypertension and 2/13 patients (15.4%) with hyperglycemia achieved response. In the high-dose group, 7/11 patients (63.6%) with hypertension and 6/12 patients (50%) with hyperglycemia achieved response. Common (≥20%) adverse events included back pain, headache, peripheral edema, nausea, pain at extremities, diarrhea, and dizziness. No drug-induced vaginal bleeding or hypokalemia occurred. CONCLUSIONS The SGRM relacorilant provided clinical benefit to patients with CS without undesirable antiprogesterone effects or drug-induced hypokalemia.
-
6.
Differential responses to folic acid in an established keloid fibroblast cell line are mediated by JAK1/2 and STAT3.
McCann, KJ, Yadav, M, Alishahedani, ME, Freeman, AF, Myles, IA
PloS one. 2021;(3):e0248011
Abstract
Keloids are a type of disordered scar formation which not only show heterogeneity between individuals and within the scar itself, but also share common features of hyperproliferation, abnormal extra-cellular matrix deposition and degradation, as well as altered expression of the molecular markers of wound healing. Numerous reports have established that cells from keloid scars display Warburg metabolism-a form of JAK2/STAT3-induced metabolic adaptation typical of rapidly dividing cells in which glycolysis becomes the predominant source of ATP over oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Using the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib, along with cells from patients with STAT3 loss of function (STA3 LOF; autosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome) we examined the role of JAK/STAT signaling in the hyperproliferation and metabolic dysregulation seen in keloid fibroblasts. Although ruxolitinib inhibited hyperactivity in the scratch assay in keloid fibroblasts, it paradoxically exacerbated the hyper-glycolytic state, possibly by further limiting OxPhos via alterations in mitochondrial phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3Ser727). In healthy volunteer fibroblasts, folic acid exposure recapitulated the exaggerated closure and hyper-glycolytic state of keloid fibroblasts through JAK1/2- and STAT3-dependent pathways. Although additional studies are needed before extrapolating from a representative cell line to keloids writ large, our results provide novel insights into the metabolic consequences of STAT3 dysfunction, suggest a possible role for folate metabolism in the pathogenesis of keloid scars, and offer in vitro pre-clinical data supporting considerations of clinical trials for ruxolitinib in keloid disorder.
-
7.
Characteristics of patients receiving extended treatment after incident venous thromboembolism.
Albertsen, IE, Jensen, M, Abdelgawwad, K, Søgaard, M, Larsen, TB, Nielsen, PB
Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology. 2021;(4):332-342
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Given high recurrence risk after venous thromboembolism (VTE), guidelines recommend extended dose rivaroxaban (10 mg OD) or apixaban (2.5 mg BID) to be considered after 6 months of initial treatment. This study aimed to provide insight into clinical practice regarding the use of extended preventive treatment and to describe duration of the initial treatment. Linkage of nationwide health registers identified all in- and outpatients with VTE from April 2017 through 2018. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated adjusting for other VTE-related factors. The study included 6030 patients with VTE. Among rivaroxaban users, 2.2% (n = 113) received the extended 10-mg dose after mean 9.4 (SD 3.1) months of standard treatment. For apixaban, 4.7% (n = 40) received extended 2.5-mg dose after mean 8.0 months (SD 3.9). After adjustments, incident pulmonary embolism (HR 1.81 95% CI 1.12;2.91) and trauma/fracture (HR 1.42 95% CI 0.46;4.43) were associated with switching to extended dose, whereas patients with unprovoked VTE were less likely to receive the extended dose (HR 0.68 95% CI 0.30;1.55). Less than 3% of patients with incident VTE received extended treatment after initial standard treatment. Even though international guidelines suggest that the risk-benefit balance is in favour of extended VTE treatment, this was yet to be translated into clinical practice as of 2018. Studies using contemporary data are warranted to investigate routine clinical practice of extended treatment for VTE recurrence.
-
8.
Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin monotherapy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise.
Ji, L, Ma, J, Lu, W, Liu, J, Zeng, J, Yang, J, Li, W, Zhang, X, Xiao, X, Takayanagi, G, et al
Journal of diabetes investigation. 2021;(4):537-545
Abstract
AIMS/INTRODUCTION Although the efficacy of teneligliptin, a highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, has been amply studied for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, no clinical trials of teneligliptin have been carried out in China. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin monotherapy compared with a placebo in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise. MATERIALS AND METHODS This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, carried out at 42 sites, enrolled type 2 diabetes patients with glycosylated hemoglobin 7.0 to <10.0% and fasting blood glucose <270 mg/dL. Patients were randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to treatment with 20 mg teneligliptin or a placebo (n = 127, each) administered orally once daily before breakfast for 24 weeks. Change in glycosylated hemoglobin from baseline to week 24 was the primary efficacy end-point. Safety was assessed by the incidence of adverse events and adverse drug reactions. RESULTS The least square mean (LSM) change in glycosylated hemoglobin from baseline to week 24 was -0.95% with teneligliptin versus -0.14% with a placebo, yielding an LSM difference (teneligliptin vs placebo) of -0.80% (P < 0.0001). For the secondary end-point, from baseline to week 24, the LSM change in fasting blood glucose was -21.9 mg/dL with teneligliptin versus -1.4 mg/dL with a placebo, yielding an LSM difference (teneligliptin vs placebo) of -20.5 mg/dL (P < 0.0001). The adverse event and adverse drug reaction incidence rates, including hypoglycemia, were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS At 24 weeks, teneligliptin was generally well tolerated and effective in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with diet and exercise.
-
9.
Effects of Iron Chelation in Osteosarcoma.
Argenziano, M, Di Paola, A, Tortora, C, Di Pinto, D, Pota, E, Di Martino, M, Perrotta, S, Rossi, F, Punzo, F
Current cancer drug targets. 2021;(5):443-455
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone tumor. It represents the principal cause of cancer-associated death in children. Considering the recent findings on the role of iron in cancer, iron chelation has been investigated for its antineoplastic properties in many tumors. Deferasirox is the most used iron chelator compound and in previous studies showed an anticancer effect in hematologic and solid malignancies. Eltrombopag is a Thrombopoietin receptor used in thrombocytopenia that also binds and mobilize iron. It demonstrated an effect on iron overload conditions and also in contrasting cancer cell proliferation. OBJECTIVE We analyzed the effects of deferasirox and eltrombopag in human osteosarcoma cells in an attempt to identify other therapeutic approaches for this tumor. METHODS We cultured and treated with deferasirox and Eltrombopag, alone and in combination, two human osteosarcoma cell lines, MG63 and 143B. After 72h exposure, we performed RTqPCR, Western Blotting, Iron Assay and cytofluorimetric assays to evaluate the effect on viability, apoptosis, cell cycle progression and ROS production. RESULTS The iron-chelating properties of the two compounds are also confirmed in osteosarcoma, but we did not observe any direct effect on tumor progression. DISCUSSION We tested deferasirox and eltrombopag, alone and in combination, in human osteosarcoma cells for the first time and demonstrated that their iron-chelating activity does not influence biochemical pathways related to cancer progression and maintenance. CONCLUSION Although further investigations on possible effects mediated by cells of the tumor microenvironment could be of great interest, in vitro iron chelation in osteosarcoma does not impair tumor progression.
-
10.
Efficacy and safety of teneligliptin added to metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with metformin: A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Ji, L, Li, L, Ma, J, Li, X, Li, D, Meng, B, Lu, W, Sun, J, Liu, Y, Takayanagi, G, et al
Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism. 2021;(2):e00222
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We evaluated the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin compared with placebo when added to metformin therapy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy. METHODS This multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study enrolled type 2 diabetes patients with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.0%-<10.0% and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <270 mg/dl, receiving a stable metformin dose ≥1000 mg/day. Teneligliptin 20 mg or placebo was administered orally once daily (qd) before breakfast for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy end-point was change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 24. Safety end-points included the incidence of adverse events (AEs). RESULTS The least square mean (LSM) change from baseline (standard error [SE]) was -0.72 (0.07) (95% confidence intervals [CI], -0.87, -0.58) for teneligliptin and -0.01 (0.07) (95% CI, -0.16, 0.13) for placebo. The differences (LSM ± SE) between the placebo and teneligliptin groups in HbA1c and FPG were -0.71% ± 0.11% (p < .0001) and -16.5 ± 4.7 mg/dl (p = .0005), respectively. Teneligliptin yielded significant changes in HbA1c (-0.81%; p < .0001) and FPG (-22.2 mg/dl; p < .0001) at Week 12. At Week 24, more patients achieved HbA1c <7.0% with teneligliptin (41.7%) compared with placebo (16.1%; p < .0001). Treatment-emergent AE incidence was similar with teneligliptin (58.9%) and placebo (68.3%); upper respiratory tract infection, hyperuricaemia and hyperlipidaemia were the most common AEs. CONCLUSIONS Teneligliptin 20 mg qd for 24 weeks added to ongoing metformin treatment significantly decreased HbA1c and FPG levels compared with placebo in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients. The combination was safe and tolerable.