Effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 (7-36 amide) on insulin-mediated glucose uptake in patients with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To examine the insulinomimetic insulin-independent effects of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 on glucose uptake in type 1 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We used the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (480 pmol. m(-2) x min(-1)) in paired randomized studies of six women and five men with type 1 diabetes. In the course of one of the paired studies, the subjects also received GLP-1 at a dose of 1.5 pmol. kg(-1) x min(-1). The patients were 41 +/- 3 years old with a BMI of 25 +/- 1 kg/m(2). The mean duration of diabetes was 23 +/- 3 years. RESULTS: Plasma glucose was allowed to fall from a fasting level of approximately 11 mmol/l to 5.3 mmol/l in each study and thereafter was held stable at that level. Plasma insulin levels during both studies were approximately 900 pmol/l. Plasma C-peptide levels did not change during the studies. In the GLP-1 study, plasma total GLP-1 levels were elevated from the fasting level of 31 +/- 3 to 150 +/- 17 pmol/l. Plasma glucagon levels fell from the fasting levels of approximately 14 pmol/l to 9 pmol/l during both paired studies. Hepatic glucose production was suppressed during the glucose clamps in all studies. Glucose uptake was not different between the two studies ( approximately 40 micromol. kg(-1) x min(-1)). CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1 does not augment insulin-mediated glucose uptake in lean type 1 diabetic patients.     

Hyperglycaemia but not hyperinsulinaemia prevents the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36 amide) stimulated by fat ingestion.

The effect of insulin and glucose on fat-induced gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36 amide) (GLP-1 (7-36 amide)) was studied in five healthy subjects during continuous glucose infusion (Protocol 1) and during hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic blood glucose clamp (Protocol 2). In Protocol 1, 50 g fat was orally ingested and glucose was infused at a rate of 0.7 g/kg/h for 2 h continuously from the time of fat ingestion. Either glucose infusion alone or fat ingestion alone was carried out in the same subjects as the control. The release of GIP and GLP-1 (7-36 amide) was suppressed in the hyperglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic state. In protocol 2, 50 g of fat was ingested and insulin was infused at a rate of 0.1 U/kg/h with an artificial pancreas system to obtain the normoglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic state. The release of GIP was significantly suppressed in the normoglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic state as well as in the hyperglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic state. However, the release of GLP-1 (7-36 amide) was suppressed in the hyperglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic state but not in the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic state. Thus, it is concluded that insulin inhibits fat-induced GIP, but not GLP-1 (7-36 amide), secretion and that glucose is likely to inhibit GLP-1 (7-36 amide) secretion.     

Antitumor activity of polyoxomolybdate, [NH3Pri]6[Mo7O24].3H2O, against, human gastric cancer model.

Polyoxometalates are negatively charged inorganic compounds which contain metal ions such as tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium etc. and which make clusters with the surrounding oxygen atoms. [NH3Pri]6[Mo7O24].3H2O (PM-8) was found to be a significant antitumor polyoxomolybdates. It had already been reported that the PM-8 suppressed the growth of Co-4 human colon cancer, MX-1 human breast cancer and OAT human lung cancer xenografted in nude mice. However, the mechanism of the antitumor activity has not been clarified. In this study, the antitumor activity of one of the metal oxide clusters (polyoxometalates), hexabis(isopropylammonium) heptamolybdate trihydrate, [NH3Pri]6[Mo7O24].3H2O (PM-8) were shown in an MTS assay. DNA ladder formation and detection of apoptotic bodies in nuclei were revealed that antitumor activity of PM-8 in MKN45 cells was due to apoptosis. It is concluded that the observation of significant tumor growth suppression of PM-8 in MKN45-bearing mice results from the induction of apoptosis. PM-8 shows promise as a novel anti-cancer agent.     

A review of efficacy and safety data regarding the use of liraglutide,a once-daily human glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue,in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Liraglutide, a human glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue that has received marketing approval from the European Commission, is a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) that is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection.Objective: The aim of this review was to summarize the efficacy and safety data published about liraglutide, focusing on data from Phase III clinical trials.Methods: Relevant English-language publications were identified through a search of MEDLINE and EMBASE (from 1948 to October 2009). The search terms included the following: GLP-1, incretin effect, liraglutide, NN2211, exenatide, sitagliptin, and vildagliptin. Original research papers about liraglutide that were published in peer-reviewed journals were considered.Results: The literature search identified 39 relevant publications. The efficacy and tolerability of oncedaily liraglutide at doses of 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mg for type 2 DM, in combination with, and compared with, other type 2 DM treatments were investigated in the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes (LEAD) Phase III clinical trial program. In the LEAD studies, consistent reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) of up to 1.6% were seen with liraglutide, and up to 66% of patients achieved the HbA_1c goal of <7%. Fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels were also consistently reduced across the LEAD trials by up to 43 mg/dL (2.4 mmol/L) and 49 mg/dL (2.7 mmol/L), respectively. Hypoglycemia was reported at a rate of 0.03 to 1.9 events per patient annually. Liraglutide significantly improved β-cell function, as measured by homeostasis model assessment for β-cell function analysis (20%–44%) and by ratios of pro-insulin to insulin (?0.11 to 0.01). Consistent reductions in systolic blood pressure up to 6.7 mm Hg were also observed for liraglutide treatment. Liraglutide treatment, as monotherapy and in combination with oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), was associated with weight loss of up to 3.24 kg. Overall, liraglutide was well tolerated. Nausea was the most common adverse event observed with liraglutide treatment, reported by 5% to 29% of patients; however, nausea was generally mild and transient.Conclusion: Once-daily liraglutide was effective and well tolerated when used as monotherapy or in combination with OADs in patients with type 2 DM, and is therefore a promising new treatment option for the management of type 2 DM.     

瑞舒伐他汀对冠心病合并 2 型糖尿病患者血浆 Omentin -1 的影响简

目的探讨冠心病（CHD）合并2型糖尿病（T2DM）患者血浆网膜素-1（Omentin-1）水平的变化及瑞舒伐他汀治疗对Omentin-1水平的影响。方法选择临床确诊的住院和门诊单纯T2DM患者42例和CHD合并T2DM患者47例。同期选择健康体检者37例作为正常对照组（NC组）。采用ELISA法测定所有研究对象及CHD合并T2DM组瑞舒伐他汀治疗后血浆Omentin-1水平,并分析血浆Omentin-1水平与白细胞介素6（IL-6）、空腹胰岛素（FINS）、体重指数（BMI）、内皮素（ET）、胰岛素抵抗指数（HOMA-IR）和-氧化氮（NO）等的关系。结果与NC组（24．79±6．18ng／m1）比较,CHD合并T2DM组治疗前（14．75±4．02ng／m1）和单纯T2DM组（19．32±5．17ng／m1）患者血浆Omentin-1水平均明显降低（P均〈0．01）,CHD合并T2DM组治疗前血浆Omentin-1水平显著低于单纯T2DM组（14．75±4．02V8．18．30±5．17ng／ml,P〈0．01）。CHD合并T2DM患者血浆Omentin-1水平与FINS、BMI、HOMA—IR、IL-6、ET呈明显负相关,与NO呈正相关（P〈0．01或P〈0．05）。HOMA-IR、IL-6和NO是影响CHD合并T2DM患者血浆Omentin-1水平的独立相关因素。CHD合并T2DM患者经瑞舒伐他汀治疗后TC、LDL-C、IL-6和ET均显著降低,而HDL—C和NO则显著增高（P〈0．05）,同时血浆Omentin-1水平也明显升高（18．35±3．97vs．14．75±4．02ng／ml,P〈0．01）。结论瑞舒伐他汀在有效调节CHD合并T2DM患者脂代谢,减轻炎症反应,改善内皮功能的同时,升高血浆Omentin-1水平。     

A new hypoglycemic agent, JTT-608, evokes protein kinase A-mediated Ca(2+) signaling in rat islet beta-cells: strict regulation by glucose, link to insulin release, and cooperation with glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide

A new nonsulfonylurea oral hypoglycemic agent, JTT-608, has been reported to stimulate insulin release at elevated, but not low, glucose concentrations and consequently not to induce hypoglycemia in rats. Accordingly, this drug is potentially a safer antidiabetic agent than sulfonylureas. To explore the mechanisms underlying this glucose-dependent insulinotropism, the present study investigated the effects of JTT-608 on cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and protein kinase A (PKA) activity in rat islet beta-cells by microfluorometry using, respectively, fura-2 and a fluorescence PKA substrate, DR II. In the presence of glucose at normal and elevated concentrations (5.0-16.7 mM) JTT-608 (30-1000 microM) concentration dependently increased [Ca(2+)](i) in up to 88% of single beta-cells, whereas at lower glucose concentrations (2.8 and 4.2 mM) it had little effect. The [Ca(2+)](i) responses were inhibited under Ca(2+)-free conditions and by nitrendipine, an L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker. JTT-608 rapidly activated PKA and a PKA inhibitor, H89, inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) responses to JTT-608. JTT-608 also stimulated insulin release from rat islets in a glucose- and Ca(2+)-dependent manner. The glucose-unresponsive beta-cells, which failed to respond to 8.3 mM glucose with increases in [Ca(2+)](i), were frequently recruited to [Ca(2+)](i) increases by JTT-608. JTT-608 also induced oscillations of [Ca(2+)](i). Glucagon-like peptide-1(7-36)amide (GLP-1), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), and acetylcholine (ACh) enhanced the action of JTT-608 on [Ca(2+)](i). In conclusion, JTT-608 evokes PKA-mediated Ca(2+) influx and Ca(2+) signaling in rat islet beta-cells in a glucose-regulated manner, which may account for its glucose-dependent insulinotropism. JTT-608 and neurohormones may cooperatively activate islet beta-cells under physiological conditions.     

Biotransformation and elimination of [2-14C]-1-(2-deoxy-2''-fluoro-beta-D -arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodocytosine in immunosuppressed patients with herpesvirus infections.

The metabolism of the drug [2-14C]-1-(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-beta-D -arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodocytosine (FIAC), a potent inhibitor of herpesvirus replication, was studied in immunosuppressed patients with herpesvirus infections. FIAC was administered intravenously by 15-min infusion and by mouth 24 h later to four patients at doses of 50 or 100 mg/m2. FIAC was cleared from the plasma primarily by biotransformation in liver, kidney, and peripheral blood, with a terminal-phase half-life of 0.92 to 1.80 h (mean, 1.36 h) after intravenous administration. The area under the concentration-time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0-infinity) for FIAC was 1.6 to 4.7% (mean, 3.4%) of the AUC0-infinity for total radioactivity. 1-(2'-Deoxy-2'-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-iodouracil (FIAU) was the major metabolite; the AUC0-infinity for FIAU was 54.3 to 72.5% (mean, 63.4%) of the AUC0-infinity for total radioactivity. The terminal-phase half-life for FIAU was 3.32 to 4.49 h (mean, 3.91 h); FIAU was cleared from plasma by renal elimination and further biotransformation. lesser amounts of 1-(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil, 1-(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)cytosine, the glucuronide conjugates of these metabolites, and the glucuronide conjugates of FIAC and FIAU were also formed. A comparison of the AUC0-infinity for total radioactivity after intravenous and oral administration suggested that nearly all of the oral dose was absorbed. Plasma levels of FIAU, also a potent inhibitor of herpesvirus replication in vitro, exceeded the 50% effective dose for herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus as late as 12 h after administration of FIAC.     

Potent cephalosporinase inhibitors: 7 beta-[2-(1, 3-dithiolan-2-ylidene) acetamido] cephalosporins and related compounds.

Cephalosporins possessing a 1, 3-dithiolane, 1, 3-dithiane, or 1, 3-dithietane ring on their 7 beta-substituents showed potent inhibitory activity against cephaloridine hydrolysis by cephalosporinases purified from proteus morganii, Proteus rettgeri, and Proteus inconstans, which were not inhibited by clavulanic acid, a well-known beta-lactamase inhibitor. The mode of inhibition was competitive. The dithiolane cephalosporins themselves were stable against hydrolysis by the beta-lactamases tested. A combination of a dithiolane cephalosporin and cephaloridine synergistically inhibited in vitro growth of strains of P. morganii, P. rettgeri, P. inconstans, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, and Serratia marcescens.     

WAY-163909 [(7bR,10aR)-1,2,3,4,8,9,10,10a-octahydro-7bH-cyclopenta-[b][1,4]diazepino[6,7,1hi]indole]: A novel 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor-selective agonist with preclinical antipsychotic-like activity.

Serotonin-2C (5-HT2C) receptor antagonists and agonists have been shown to affect dopamine (DA) neurotransmission, with agonists selectively decreasing mesolimbic DA. As antipsychotic efficacy is proposed to be associated with decreased mesolimbic DA neurotransmission by virtue of DA D2 receptor antagonism, the 5-HT2C-selective receptor agonist, WAY-163909 [(7bR,10aR)-1,2, 3,4,8,9,10,10a-octahydro-7bH-cyclopenta-[b][1,4]diazepino[6,7, 1hi]indole], was evaluated in animal models of schizophrenia and in vivo microdialysis and electrophysiology to determine the effects on mesolimbic and nigrostriatal DA neurotransmission. Similar to clozapine, WAY-163909 (1.7-30 mg/kg i.p.) decreased apomorphine-induced climbing with little effect on stereotypy and no significant induction of catalepsy. WAY-163909 (0.3-3 mg/kg s.c.) more potently reduced phencyclidine-induced locomotor activity compared with d-amphetamine with no effect on spontaneous activity. WAY-163909 (1.7-17 mg/kg i.p.) reversed MK-801 (5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine (dizocilpine maleate)- and DOI [1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane]-disrupted prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI) and improved PPI in DBA/2N mice. In conditioned avoidance responding, WAY-163909 (0.3-3 mg/kg i.p.; 1-17 mg/kg p.o.) reduced avoidance responding, an effect blocked by the 5-HT(2B/2C) receptor antagonist SB 206553 [5-methyl-1-(3-pyridylcarbamoyl)-1,2,3,5-tetrahydropyrrolo[2,3-f]indole]. WAY-163909 (10 mg/kg s.c.) selectively decreased extracellular levels of DA in the nucleus accumbens without affecting the striatum. Likewise, in vivo electrophysiological recordings showed a decrease in the number of spontaneously firing DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area but not in the substantia nigra with both acute and chronic (21-day) administration of WAY-163909 (1-10 mg/kg i.p.). Thus, the profile of the 5-HT2C selective receptor agonist WAY-163909 is similar to that of an atypical antipsychotic and additionally may have rapid onset properties.     

(-)U50,488H [(trans)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide] induces internalization and down-regulation of the human,but not the rat,kappa-opioid receptor: structural basis for the differential regulation

We showed previously that prolonged activation by (-)U50,488H [(trans)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide] led to internalization and down-regulation of the human kappa opioid receptor (hkor), but not the rat kappa opioid receptor (rkor). Herein, we investigated structural determinants in the receptors underlying these differences using chimeric and mutant receptor constructs epitope tagged with FLAG and stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO). The FLAG-hkor, but not the FLAG-rkor, underwent internalization and down-regulation after exposure to (-)U50,488H. Monensin did not have any effect on the intracellular receptor pool of the FLAG-rkor or rkor with or without (-)U50,488H treatment, indicating that the lack of (-)U50,488H-induced internalization is not due to rapid resurfacing of the rkor. Two chimeric receptors, FLAG-h/rkor and FLAG-r/hkor, were generated, in which the C-terminal domains of the hkor and the rkor were switched. The FLAG-r/hkor displayed significant (-)U50,488H-induced internalization and down-regulation, whereas the FLAG-h/rkor did not, indicating that the C-terminal domain contributes to the differences between the rkor and the hkor. To further characterize, we generated two mutants, FLAG-hkorS358N and FLAG-rkorN358S in which the locus 358 was exchanged. The FLAG-hkorS358N mutant displayed greatly reduced (-)U50,488H-induced internalization and no down-regulation compared with the FLAG-hkor, indicating that Ser358 in the hkor is critical for these processes. However, the FLAG-rkorN358S mutant was internalized, but not down-regulated, demonstrating that N358 prevents the rkor from being internalized, but it may not have a role in the lack of down-regulation of the rkor. In addition, the trafficking of the FLAG-rkorN358S mutant seems to be more complex than the rkor and the hkor.     

Sugar-free zinc gluconate glycine lozenges (Cold-Eeze) do not adversely affect glucose control in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Several controlled clinical trials have shown that zinc gluconate glycine lozenges can reduce symptom severity and duration of symptoms in patients with the common cold. Over-the-counter zinc lozenges are used commonly by the general population, including people with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of sugar-free Cold-Eeze (The Quigley Corp., Doylestown, PA), a commonly used zinc preparation, on glucose control in patients maintained on stable antidiabetic therapy. Forty-eight patients with either type 1 (n = 3) or type 2 (n = 45) diabetes were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive either zinc lozenges (four to six lozenges/day for 10 days) or matching placebo. The primary endpoint was change in serum fructosamine concentration. Secondary endpoints included daily home glucose and fasting blood glucose monitoring (baseline, days 10 and 21). The mean age for all patients was 54 years (range, 25 to 76), with slightly more women (60%). The treatment groups did not differ with respect to age, sex, body mass index, duration of diabetes, baseline hemoglobin A1C level, or fasting plasma glucose level. The patients treated with placebo (n = 13) and zinc (n = 34) had similar fructosamine levels (mean +/- SD) at baseline (318 +/- 90 versus 297 +/- 86 micromol/l, respectively). After 10 days of dosing, both groups showed modest reductions in serum fructosamine (-7 +/- 42 and -9 +/- 90 micromol/l). These changes were not statistically significant. In conclusion, these findings suggest that sugar-free zinc lozenges can be administered safely to patients with diabetes without deleterious effects on glycemic control.     

Metabolism of [1-(14)C] and [2-(14)C] leucine in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients with isovaleric acidemia. Characterization of metabolic defects.

Leucine metabolism in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients with isovaleric acidemia was compared with that in normal fibroblasts and in cells from patients with maple syrup urine disease using [1-(14)C] and [2-(14)C] leucine as substrates. Inhibitory effects of methylenecyclopropylacetic acid on leucine metabolism in normal cells were also investigated. Production of 14CO2 from [2-(14)C] leucine was very reduced (96-99%) in both types of mutant cells. Radioactive isovaleric acid accumulated in assay media with isovaleric acidemia cells but not in those with maple syrup urine disease cells. Unexpectedly, 14CO2 production from [1-(14)C] leucine was partially depressed (80%) in isovaleric acidemia cells whereas in maple syrup urine disease cells it was strongly depressed (99%) as expected. These two mutant cells were clearly distinguished by detection of 14C-isovaleric acid accumulation after incubation with [2-(14)C] leucine. A pattern of inhibition of leucine oxidation similar to that seen in isovaleric acidemia cells was induced in normal cells by the addition of 0.7 mM methylenecyclopropylacetic acid to the assay medium. The partial inhibition of [1-(14)C] leucine oxidation seen in isovaleric acidemia cells and also in normal cells in the presence of the inhibitor appears to be, at least in part, due to an accumulation of isovalerate in the cells. Isovaleric acid (5-10) mM) inhibited [1-(14)C] leucine oxidation 32-68% when added to the assay medium with normal cells. Addition of flavin adenine dinucleoside to culture medium or assay medium or both did not restore oxidation of either leucine substrate in isovaleric acidemia cells.     

2-[4-(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyloxy)phenoxy]-propionic acid (XK469) inhibition of topoisomerase IIbeta is not sufficient for therapeutic response in human Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia xenograft model

The role of DNA topoisomerase (Topo) IIbeta in cancer chemotherapy remains unclear, although this particular isoform has been implicated in drug resistance. In this study, we investigated Topo IIbeta as a target for 2-[4-(7-chloro-2-quinoxalinyloxy)phenoxy]-propionic acid (XK469), a novel synthetic quinoxaline phenoxypropionic acid derivative, in a Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) model. In vitro, the WSU-WM cell line was exposed to 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 8.0, and 10 microM XK469. Our results demonstrate a concentration-dependent cell growth inhibition with a concentration-independent inhibition of Topo IIbeta, as determined by band depletion assay. The cell growth inhibition of cells correlated well with increase in Bax:Bcl-2 ratio and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. We used our established WSU-WM severe combined immunodeficient mouse xenograft model to test the efficacy and effect of XK469 on Topo IIbeta in vivo. Topo IIbeta was inhibited equally using two different dose schedules (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.v., for a total of 120 and 240 mg/kg, respectively); however, there was no significant decrease in tumor weight. Western blot analysis of cells isolated from s.c. tumors showed no induction of the Bax protein and a very low Bax:Bcl-2 ratio of approximately 0.3 in correlation with minimum PARP cleavage. Our study shows that XK469 inhibits Topo IIbeta in WSU-WM cells both in vitro and in vivo at or below the maximum tolerated dose in severe combined immunodeficient mice. However, there was no change of apoptosis-related molecules such as PARP, Bax, and Bcl-2 or reduction in tumor weight in association with Topo IIbeta inhibition. We conclude that Topo IIbeta inhibition by XK469 as a target is not sufficient for therapeutic effects in WSU-WM.     

The effect of subchronic administration of 7-(4-fluorobenzyloxy)-2,3-dimethyl-1-{[(1S,2S)-2-methylcyclopropyl]methyl}-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine (CS-526), a novel acid pump antagonist, on gastric acid secretion and gastrin levels in rats

In the present report, we evaluated the effect of the novel acid pump antagonist 7-(4-fluorobenzyloxy)-2,3-dimethyl-1-{[(1S,2S)-2-methylcyclopropyl]methyl}-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyridazine (CS-526) and 2-[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-pyridin-2-ylmethanesulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (lansoprazole) on rebound gastric acid secretion, using an intragastric dialysis membrane perfusion model and on the serum and antral gastrin level after a 14-day treatment in rats. The effect of CS-526 on gastric acid secretion was almost constant during the 14 days of treatment. After the 14-day treatment, gastric acid secretion had returned to pretreatment levels. However, CS-526 slightly increased and lansoprazole potently increased gastric acid secretion thereafter. In the posttreatment period, the influence on rebound gastric acid secretion by lansoprazole treatment was significant, but that by CS-526 was not. The serum gastrin concentration after the 14-day treatment with CS-526 did not increase significantly, even at 100 mg/kg/day. On the other hand, lansoprazole at 100 mg/kg/day significantly elevated the serum gastrin concentration. After the 14-day treatment with CS-526 at 100 mg/kg/day, the antral gastrin content significantly increased. Lansoprazole at the doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg/day also significantly increased the antral gastrin content after the 14-day treatment. The elevation of the serum gastrin level after the lansoprazole treatment was suppressed by the concomitant administration of CS-526. In conclusion, CS-526 has a potent antisecretory effect on gastric acid secretion without rebound gastric hypersecretion. Moreover, CS-526 had minimal effects on the serum and antral gastrin elevation. It is suggested that these effects on gastric acid secretion and serum gastrin after subchronic treatment with CS-526 would be beneficial in clinical use.     

In vitro activity and killing effect of the synthetic hybrid cecropin A-melittin peptide CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH(2) on methicillin-resistant nosocomial isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and interactions with clinically used antibiotics

The in vitro activity of CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH(2), a 15-residue synthetic hybrid peptide derived from the sequences of cecropin A and melittin, alone and in combination with amoxicillin-clavulanate, imipenem, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, rifampin, and vancomycin, was investigated against 40 nosocomial isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrobial activity of CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH(2) was measured by minimal inhibitory concentration, MBC, and time-kill studies. All isolates were inhibited at concentrations of 1 to 16 microg/mL. Combination studies performed with S. aureusATCC 43300 demonstrated synergy only when CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH(2) was combined with amoxicillin-clavulanate and imipenem. Our findings show that CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH(2) is active against methicillin-resistant S. aureusand that its activity is enhanced when it is combined with several antimicrobial agents.     

In vivo antiviral activity and pharmacokinetics of (-)-cis-5-fluoro-1-[2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl]cytosine in woodchuck hepatitis virus-infected woodchucks.

The (-) enantiomer of cis-5-fluoro-1l-[2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl]cytosine [(-)-FTC)], a substituted oxathiolane compound with anti-hepatitis B virus activity in vitro, was assessed for its efficacy in woodchucks with naturally acquired woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infection. Pharmacokinetics and in vitro anabolism were also determined. (-)-FTC was anabolized to the 5'-triphosphate in a dose-related fashion, reaching a maximum concentration at about 24 h in cultured woodchuck hepatocytes. Following administration of a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight intraperitoneally (i.p.), the clearance of (-)-FTC from plasma was monoexponential, the terminal half-life was 3.76 +/- 1.4 h, and the systemic clearance was 0.12 +/- 0.06 liters/h/kg. The antiviral efficacy of (-)-FTC in the woodchuck model was assessed by quantitation of serum WHV DNA levels and by WHV particle-associated DNA polymerase activity at two dosages, 30 and 20 mg/kg given i.p. twice daily (b.i.d.), respectively. The level of WHV DNA in serum was reduced 20- to 150-fold (average, 56-fold) in the 30-mg/kg-b.i.d. treatment group and 6- to 49-fold (average, 27-fold) in the 20-mg/kg-b.i.d. treatment group. Viral DNA polymerase levels diminished accordingly. One week after treatment was discontinued, WHV levels returned to pretreatment levels in both studies. These animals were biopsied before and following treatment with 30 mg of (-)-FTC per kg. Their livers were characterized by a mild increase in cytoplasmic lipid levels, but this change was not associated with altered liver enzyme levels. Serum chemistry and hematology results were within the normal ranges for all treated animals. We conclude that (-)-FTC is a potent antihepadnaviral agent and that it has no detectable toxic effects in woodchucks when given for up to 25 days. Further development of (-)-FTC as an anti-hepatitis B virus therapy for patients is warranted.     

7-Chloro-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methyl-3-(naphthalen-2-ylmethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-benzo[b][1,4]diazepin-2(3H)-one (Bz-423), a benzodiazepine, suppresses keratinocyte proliferation and has antipsoriatic activity in the human skin-severe, combined immunodeficient mouse transplant model

7-Chloro-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methyl-3-(naphthalen-2-ylmethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-benzo[b][1,4]diazepin-2(3H)-one (Bz-423) is a benzodiazepine that has cytotoxic and cytostatic activity against a variety of cells in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we demonstrate that Bz-423 (formulated for topical delivery) reduces epidermal hyperplasia in human psoriatic skin after transplantation to severe, combined immunodeficient (scid) mice. Bz-423 also suppresses the hyperplasia that develops in nonpsoriatic human skin as a consequence of transplantation to scid mice. Proliferation of human epidermal keratinocytes in monolayer culture was suppressed by Bz-423 at concentrations of 0.5 to 2.0 muM (noncytotoxic concentrations). Keratinocyte growth inhibition was accompanied by increased oxidant generation in Bz-423-treated cells, and treatment with vitamin E along with Bz-423 reversed the growth inhibition. Growth inhibition was accompanied by a redistribution of beta-catenin from a cytoplasmic pool to the cell membrane and by reduced levels of c-myc and cyclin D1 (two molecules associated with Wnt pathway signaling). Several analogs of Bz-423 were examined for antiproliferative activity against human epidermal keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts in monolayer culture. Each of the analogs tested suppressed growth of both cell types, but in all cases, keratinocytes were more sensitive than fibroblasts. Two of the compounds were found to suppress epidermal hyperplasia induced with all-trans retinoic acid in organ cultures of human skin. Taken together, these data show that Bz-423 and certain analogs produce biological responses in skin cells in vitro and in vivo that are consistent with therapeutic goals for treating psoriasis or epidermal hyperplasia resulting from other causes.