0
selected
-
1.
Fungal Naphthalenones; Promising Metabolites for Drug Discovery: Structures, Biosynthesis, Sources, and Pharmacological Potential.
Ibrahim, SRM, Fadil, SA, Fadil, HA, Eshmawi, BA, Mohamed, SGA, Mohamed, GA
Toxins. 2022;(2)
Abstract
Fungi are well-known for their abundant supply of metabolites with unrivaled structure and promising bioactivities. Naphthalenones are among these fungal metabolites, that are biosynthesized through the 1,8-dihydroxy-naphthalene polyketide pathway. They revealed a wide spectrum of bioactivities, including phytotoxic, neuro-protective, cytotoxic, antiviral, nematocidal, antimycobacterial, antimalarial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. The current review emphasizes the reported naphthalenone derivatives produced by various fungal species, including their sources, structures, biosynthesis, and bioactivities in the period from 1972 to 2021. Overall, more than 167 references with 159 metabolites are listed.
-
2.
Evocalcet: A New Oral Calcimimetic for Dialysis Patients With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism.
Akizawa, T, Ikejiri, K, Kondo, Y, Endo, Y, Fukagawa, M
Therapeutic apheresis and dialysis : official peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy. 2020;(3):248-257
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Patients with chronic kidney disease often develop secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), marked by high levels of circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Patients with SHPT are treated with a therapeutic combination that commonly includes calcimimetics, which have recently become popular in clinical settings, and other agents such as vitamin D preparations. Calcimimetics are a drug class that reduces PTH levels by targeting the calcium-sensing receptor. Cinacalcet, a representative calcimimetic, is widely used; however, a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract-related adverse events (AEs) can result in insufficient dosage and poor long-term compliance. The newly approved evocalcet has equivalent efficacy to cinacalcet at a lower clinical dose, with improved bioavailability, fewer upper GI tract-related AEs, and fewer safety concerns. This review gives an overview of calcimimetic agents, with a special focus on evocalcet, and describes the clinical advantages of evocalcet in the treatment of dialysis patients with SHPT.
-
3.
Tinea Capitis by Microsporum audouinii: Case Reports and Review of Published Global Literature 2000-2016.
Brito-Santos, F, Figueiredo-Carvalho, MHG, Coelho, RA, Sales, A, Almeida-Paes, R
Mycopathologia. 2017;(11-12):1053-1060
Abstract
Tinea capitis caused by Microsporum audouinii is reported herein from two Brazilian schoolchildren, which are brothers. Arthroconidia were evidenced on direct examination of scalp hair, and a fungus of the genus Microsporum was isolated from cultures of each patient. The isolated fungi were classified as M. audouinii by visualization of species-specific structures, including: pectinate hyphae, chlamydospores, and fusiform macroconidia, sterile growth with characteristic brown pigment in rice grains, and through DNA sequencing of the internal transcriber spacer region. Patients were refractory to ketoconazole, but the two cases had a satisfactory response to oral terbinafine. All M. audouinii infections described in this century were reviewed, and to our knowledge, this is the first literature description of this species from South America. Misidentification of M. audouinii with Microsporum canis can occur in this area, leading to erroneous data about the occurrence of this species.
-
4.
Translation of a Tissue-Selective Rexinoid, UAB30, to the Clinic for Breast Cancer Prevention.
Muccio, DD, Atigadda, VR, Brouillette, WJ, Bland, KI, Krontiras, H, Grubbs, CJ
Current topics in medicinal chemistry. 2017;(6):676-695
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
This review focuses on our efforts to translate a low-toxicity retinoid X receptor-selective agonist, UAB30, to the clinic for the prevention of breast cancers. The review is divided into several sections. First, the current status of breast cancer prevention is discussed. Next, preclinical studies are presented that support translation of rexinoids to the clinic for cancer prevention. While current FDAapproved retinoids and rexinoids demonstrate profound effects in treating cancers, they lack sufficient safety for long term use in the high risk population that is otherwise disease free. The review stresses the need to identify cancer preventive drugs that are effective and safe in order to gain wide use in the clinic. Due to the heterogeneity of the disease, UAB30 is evaluated for the prevention of ER-positive and ER-negative mammary cancers. Since selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors are used clinically to prevent and treat ER-positive breast cancers, preclinical studies also must demonstrate efficacy of UAB30 in combination with existing drugs under use in the clinic. To support an Investigational New Drug Application to the FDA, data on pharmacology and toxicity as well as mutagenicity is gathered prior to human trials. The review concludes with a discussion of the outcomes of human Phase 0/1 clinical trials that determine the safety and pharmacology of UAB30. These studies are essential before this agent is evaluated for efficacy in phase 2 trials. Success in phase 2 evaluation is critical before long-term and costly phase 3 trials are undertaken. The lack of surrogate biomarkers as endpoints for phase 2 evaluation of rexinoid preventive agents is discussed.
-
5.
Enzymes for synthetic biology of ambroxide-related diterpenoid fragrance compounds.
Zerbe, P, Bohlmann, J
Advances in biochemical engineering/biotechnology. 2015;:427-47
Abstract
Ambrox and related ambroxides are highly priced in the fragrance industry, and valued for their delicate odor and fixative properties. Historically, ambrox was obtained from ambergris, a waxy excretion produced by sperm whales, now an endangered species. Synthetic ambroxides have replaced ambergris in perfume manufacture. Plant labdane diterpenoids can serve as starting material for ambroxide synthesis. Among these, the diterpene alcohol sclareol is the major industrial precursor obtained from cultivated clary sage (Salvia sclarea). In plants, a large family of diterpene synthase (diTPS) enzymes controls key reactions in diterpenoid biosynthesis. Advanced metabolite profiling and high-throughput sequencing of fragrant and medicinal plants have accelerated discovery of novel diTPS functions, providing a resource for combinatorial synthetic biology and metabolic engineering approaches. This chapter highlights recent progress on the discovery, characterization, and engineering of plant diTPSs with potential uses in ambroxide production. It features biosynthesis of sclareol, cis-abienol, and diterpene resin acids, as sources of genes and enzymes for diterpenoid bioproducts.
-
6.
An unusual inflammatory rash.
Gathings, RM, Abide, JM, Brodell, RT
JAMA pediatrics. 2014;(2):185-6
-
7.
Cinacalcet monotherapy in neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism: a case study and review.
Gannon, AW, Monk, HM, Levine, MA
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. 2014;(1):7-11
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
CONTEXT Neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT) is a severe form of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia characterized by severe hypercalcemia and skeletal demineralization. In most cases, NSHPT is due to biallelic loss-of-function mutations in the CASR gene encoding the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), but some patients have heterozygous mutations. Conventional treatment consists of iv saline, bisphosphonates, and parathyroidectomy. OBJECTIVE The aim of this project was to characterize the molecular basis for NSHPT in an affected newborn and to describe the response to monotherapy with cinacalcet. METHODS Clinical and biochemical features were monitored as cinacalcet therapy was initiated and maintained. Genomic DNA was obtained from the proband and parents. The CASR gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced directly. RESULTS The patient was a full-term male who developed hypotonia and respiratory failure soon after birth. He was found to have multiple fractures and diffuse bone demineralization, with a marked elevation in serum ionized calcium (1.99 mmol/L) and elevated serum levels of intact PTH (1154 pg/mL); serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was low, and fractional excretion of calcium was reduced. The serum calcium level was not reduced by iv saline infusion. Based on an extensive family history of autosomal dominant hypercalcemia, a diagnosis of NSHPT was made, and cinacalcet therapy was initiated with a robust and durable effect. Molecular studies revealed a heterozygous R185Q missense mutation in the CASR in the patient and his father, whereas normal sequences for the CASR gene were present in the patient's mother. CONCLUSIONS We describe the first use of cinacalcet as monotherapy for severe hypercalcemia in a newborn with NSHPT. The rapid and durable response to cinacalcet suggests that a trial of calcimimetic therapy should be considered early in the course of NSHPT.
-
8.
Management of hypercalcemia after renal transplantation.
Torregrosa, JV, Barros, X
Nefrologia : publicacion oficial de la Sociedad Espanola Nefrologia. 2013;(6):751-7
Abstract
Post-transplant hypercalcemia due to persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) has a high prevalence in the first 3 months after surgery and decreases during the first year, but it persists over time in around 5-10% of renal transplant patients. The increased bone resorption and tubular reabsorption of calcium due to the action of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) appear to be the main mechanisms involved in hypercalcemia. At the time of the renal transplantation (RT), PTH is the factor that determines the development of post-RT hypercalcemia, although it is sometimes masked in patients who are well controlled with medical treatment. The number of dialysis patients receiving treatment with cinacalcet for secondary HPT is increasing. The withdrawal of the calcimimetic at the time of renal transplantation results in a higher prevalence of hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism in these patients. In patients with PTH well controlled with cinacalcet before transplantation, there is a direct relationship between the dose and the subsequent development of hypercalcemia, probably because it indicates the presence of a more severe secondary HPT. Hypercalcemia may have deleterious effects on the renal graft, resulting in tubulointerstitial calcification. Persistent hypercalcemia is a marker of an increased risk of bone disease deterioration in these patients. Nowadays, the first treatment option is cinacalcet and if there is no response, we consider performing a parathyroidectomy. In this review, we propose an algorithm for management of post-RT hypercalcemia.
-
9.
Targeting the adrenal gland in castration-resistant prostate cancer: a case for orteronel, a selective CYP-17 17,20-lyase inhibitor.
Zhu, H, Garcia, JA
Current oncology reports. 2013;(2):105-12
Abstract
Androgen and the androgen receptor (AR) pathway remain the key targets for emerging new therapies against castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Adrenal androgens and intratumoral testosterone production appear to be sufficient to activate AR in the castration-resistant setting. This process re-engages AR and allows it to continue to be the primary target responsible for prostate cancer progression. Adrenal androgen production can be blocked by inhibiting cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17), a key enzyme for androgen synthesis in adrenal glands and peripheral tissues. Therapeutic CYP17 inhibition by ketoconazole or by the recently approved adrenal inhibitor abiraterone acetate is the only available choice to target this pathway in CRPC. A new CYP17 inhibitor, with more selective inhibition of 17,20-lyase over 17α-hydroxylase, orteronel (TAK-700), is currently undergoing phase III clinical trials in pre- and postchemotherapy CRPC. In a completed phase II trial in CRPC patients, orteronel demonstrated its efficacy by lowering the levels of circulating androgens, reducing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and decreasing the levels of circulating tumor cells. Ongoing studies evaluating orteronel in CRPC will further define its safety and role in the management of this disease.
-
10.
Cinacalcet for secondary hyperparathyroidism: from improved mineral levels to improved mortality?
Vervloet, MG, du Buf-Vereijken, PW, Potter van Loon, BJ, Manamley, N, Reichert, LJ, Smak Gregoor, PJ
The Netherlands journal of medicine. 2013;(7):348-54
Abstract
Secondary hyperparathyroidism is an almost inevitable complication of advanced kidney failure. The introduction of the calcimimetic cinacalcet for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients on dialysis was based on its ability to reduce elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Subsequent clinical studies confirmed the beneficial effects of cinacalcet on biochemical parameters reflecting mineral disturbances and bone disease. In this review we summarise the impact of cinacalcet on biochemical, intermediate and clinical outcomes. We also present previously unpublished mineral metabolism data from 144 Dutch dialysis patients treated with cinacalcet who participated in the pan-European ECHO observational study. Although secondary hyperparathyroidism tended to be more severe in our Dutch cohort, compared with the entire ECHO cohort, cinacalcet was nevertheless effective in reducing PTH in these patients. Two recent clinical studies evaluated, respectively, the efficacy of cinacalcet in improving the intermediate endpoint of cardiovascular calcifications (ADVANCE trial), and its impact on clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events (EVOLVE trial). The ADVANCE trial provided evidence that cinacalcet may indeed improve calcification in both large arteries and cardiac valves. The EVOLVE trial, however, did not meet its clinical primary endpoint (time to all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, hospitalisation for unstable angina, heart failure or a peripheral vascular event), although secondary and sensitivity analysis suggested a beneficial effect. The clinical implications of these important studies are also addressed in this review.