Impact of genetic deficiencies of P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein on pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole

Abstract

1.?We investigated how deficiencies in P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) affect the pharmacokinetics of atypical antipsychotics aripiprazole and its active metabolite (dehydroaripiprazole) using normal Friend leukemia virus strain B (FVB) mice, BCRP knockout (Bcrp[?/?]) mice, and P-gp and BCRP triple knockout (Mdr1a/1b[?/?]Bcrp[?/?]) mice.

2.?While plasma concentrations of aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole after oral administration were slightly higher in both Bcrp(?/?) and Mdr1a/1b(?/?)/Bcrp(?/?) mice than in normal FVB mice, the difference was not marked. The increase in absolute bioavailability (F) compared with normal mice (approximately 1.3-fold increase) was comparable between Bcrp(?/?) and Mdr1a/1b(?/?)/Bcrp(?/?) mice. This finding suggests that BCRP may be involved in the intestinal absorption of aripiprazole in mice, albeit with minimal contribution to absorption at best.

3.?In contrast, the brain-to-plasma concentration ratio (K_p,brain) for aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole after oral administration was significantly higher in Mdr1a/1b(?/?)/Bcrp(?/?) mice than in normal mice, whereas Bcrp(?/?) mice exhibited K_p,brain values similar to those in normal mice. In addition, the K_p,brain values in Mdr1a/1b(?/?)/Bcrp(?/?) mice were not drastically different from those previously reported in Mdr1a/1b(?/?) mice, suggesting that brain penetration of aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole can be affected by P-gp, but with little synergistic effect of BCRP.     

Absorption,metabolism and excretion of cobimetinib,an oral MEK inhibitor,in rats and dogs

1.?The absorption, metabolism and excretion of cobimetinib, an allosteric inhibitor of MEK1/2, was characterized in mass balance studies following single oral administration of radiolabeled (¹⁴C) cobimetinib to Sprague–Dawley rats (30?mg/kg) and Beagle dogs (5?mg/kg).

2.?The oral dose of cobimetinib was well absorbed (81% and 71% in rats and dogs, respectively). The maximal plasma concentrations for cobimetinib and total radioactivity were reached at 2–3?h post-dose. Drug-derived radioactivity was fully recovered (～90% of the administered dose) with the majority eliminated in feces via biliary excretion (78% of the dose for rats and 65% for dogs). The recoveries were nearly complete after the first 48?h following dosing.

3.?The metabolic profiles indicated extensive metabolism of cobimetinib prior to its elimination. For rats, the predominant metabolic pathway was hydroxylation at the aromatic core. Lower exposures for cobimetinib and total radioactivity were observed in male rats compared with female rats, which was consistent to in vitro higher clearance of cobimetinib for male rats. For dogs, sequential oxidative reactions occurred at the aliphatic portion of the molecule. Though rat metabolism was well-predicted in vitro with liver microsomes, dog metabolism was not.

4.?Rats and dogs were exposed to the two major human circulating Phase II metabolites, which provided relevant metabolite safety assessment. In general, the extensive sequential oxidative metabolism in dogs, and not the aromatic hydroxylation in rats, was more indicative of the metabolism of cobimetinib in humans.     

Mixed effects of OATP1B1, BCRP and NTCP polymorphisms on the population pharmacokinetics of pravastatin in healthy volunteers

1.?Pravastatin is a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor used for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia. This study aims to investigate the effects of genetic polymorphisms in OATP1B1, BCRP and NTCP on pravastatin population pharmacokinetics in healthy Chinese volunteers using a non-linear mixed-effect modelling (NONMEM) approach. A two-compartment model with a first-order absorption and elimination described plasma pravastatin concentrations well.

2.?Genetic polymorphisms of rs4149056 (OATP1B1) and rs2306283 (OATP1B1) were found to be associated with a significant (p?<?0.01) decrease in the apparent clearance from the central compartment (CL/F), while rs2296651 (NTCP) increased CL/F to a significant degree (p?<?0.01). The combination of these three polymorphisms reduced the inter-individual variability of CL/F by 78.8%.

3.?There was minimal effect of rs2231137 (BCRP) and rs2231142 (BCRP) on pravastatin pharmacokinetics (0.01?<?p?<?0.05), whereas rs11045819 (OATP1B1), rs1061018 (BCRP) and rs61745930 (NTCP) genotypes do not appear to be associated with pravastatin pharmacokinetics based on the population model (p?>?0.05).

4.?The current data suggest that the combination of rs4149056, rs2306283 and rs2296651 polymorphisms is an important determinant of pravastatin pharmacokinetics.     

Drug interaction profile of the HIV integrase inhibitor cabotegravir: assessment from in vitro studies and a clinical investigation with midazolam

1.?Cabotegravir (CAB; GSK1265744) is a potent HIV integrase inhibitor in clinical development as an oral lead-in tablet and long-acting injectable for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection.

2.?This work investigated if CAB was a substrate for efflux transporters, the potential for CAB to interact with drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters to cause clinical drug interactions, and the effect of CAB on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam, a CYP3A4 probe substrate, in humans.

3.?CAB is a substrate for Pgp and BCRP; however, its high intrinsic membrane permeability limits the impact of these transporters on its intestinal absorption.

4.?At clinically relevant concentrations, CAB did not inhibit or induce any of the CYP or UGT enzymes evaluated in vitro and had no effect on the clinical pharmacokinetics of midazolam.

5.?CAB is an inhibitor of OAT1 (IC₅₀ 0.81?µM) and OAT3 (IC₅₀ 0.41?µM) but did not or only weakly inhibited Pgp, BCRP, MRP2, MRP4, MATE1, MATE2-K, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OCT1, OCT2 or BSEP.

6.?Based on regulatory guidelines and quantitative extrapolations, CAB has a low propensity to cause clinically significant drug interactions, except for coadministration with OAT1 or OAT3 substrates.     

Efflux transporter breast cancer resistance protein dominantly expresses on the membrane of red blood cells,hinders partitioning of its substrates into the cells,and alters drug–drug interaction profiles

1. Red blood cell (RBC) partitioning is important in determining pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a compound; however, active transport across RBC membranes is not well understood, particularly without transporter-related cell membrane proteomics data.

2. In this study, we quantified breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/Bcrp) and MDR1/P-glycoprotein (P-gp) protein expression in RBCs from humans, monkeys, dogs, rats and mice using nanoLC/MS/MS, and evaluated their effect on RBC partitioning and plasma exposure of their substrates. BCRP-specific substrate Cpd-1 and MDR1-specific substrate Cpd-2 were characterized using Caco-2 Transwell® system and then administered to Bcrp or P-gp knockout mice.

3. The quantification revealed BCRP/Bcrp but not MDR1/P-gp to be highly expressed on RBC membranes. The knockout mouse study indicated BCRP/Bcrp pumps the substrate out of RBCs, lowering its partitioning and thus preventing binding to intracellular targets. This result was supported by a Cpd-1 and Bcrp inhibitor ML753286 drug–drug interaction (DDI) study in mice. Because of enhanced partitioning of Cpd-1 into RBCs after BCRP/Bcrp inhibition, Cpd-1 plasma concentration changed much less extent with genetic or chemical knockout of Bcrp albeit marked blood concentration increase, suggesting less DDI effect.

4. This finding is fundamentally meaningful to RBC partitioning, pharmacokinetics and DDI studies of BCRP-specific substrates.     

In vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic characterizations of AMG 900, an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of aurora kinases

1. AMG 900 is a small molecule being developed as an orally administered, highly potent, and selective pan-aurora kinase inhibitor. The aim of the investigations was to characterize in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of AMG 900 in preclinical species.

2. AMG 900 was rapidly metabolized in liver microsomes and highly bound to plasma proteins in the species tested. It was a weak Pgp substrate with good passive permeability.

3. AMG 900 exhibited a low-to-moderate clearance and a small volume of distribution. Its terminal elimination half-life ranged from 0.6 to 2.4?h. AMG 900 was well-absorbed in fasted animals with an oral bioavailability of 31% to 107%. Food intake had an effect on rate (rats) or extent (dogs) of AMG 900 oral absorption.

4. The clearance and volume of distribution at steady state in humans were predicted to be 27.3?mL/h/kg and 93.9?mL/kg, respectively.

5. AMG 900 exhibited acceptable PK properties in preclinical species and was predicted to have low clearance in humans. AMG 900 is currently in Phase I clinical testing as a treatment for solid tumours. Preliminary human PK results appear to be consistent with the predictions.

     

The effect of resveratrol on pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole in vivo and in vitro

1.?The objective of this study were to investigate the effect of orally administered resveratrol on the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole (APZ) in rat, and the inhibitory effects of resveratrol on APZ dehydrogenation activity in liver microsomes and human cytochrome P450 3A4 and 2D6.

2.?Twenty-five healthy male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: A (control group), B (multiple dose of 200?mg/kg resveratrol), C (multiple dose of 100?mg/kg resveratrol), D (a single dose of 200?mg/kg resveratrol) and E (a single dose of 100?mg/kg resveratrol). A single dose of 3?mg/kg APZ administered orally 30?min after administration of resveratrol. In addition, CYP2D6*1, CYP3A4*1, human and rat liver microsomes were performed to determine the effect of resveratrol on the metabolism of APZ in vitro.

3.?The multiple dose of 200 or 100?mg/kg resveratrol significantly increased the AUC and C_max of APZ. The resveratrol also obviously decreased the CL, but without any significant difference on t_1/2 in vivo. On the other hand, resveratrol showed inhibitory effect on CYP3A4*1, CYP2D6*1, human and rat microsomes, the IC₅₀ of resveratrol was 6.771, 87.87, 45.11 and 35.59?μmol?l^?1, respectively.

4.?Those results indicated more attention should be paid when APZ was administrated combined with resveratrol.     

Species differences in metabolism of EPZ015666, an oxetane-containing protein arginine methyltransferase-5 (PRMT5) inhibitor

Abstract

1.?Metabolite profiling and identification studies were conducted to understand the cross-species differences in the metabolic clearance of EPZ015666, a first-in-class protein arginine methyltransferase-5 (PRMT5) inhibitor, with anti-proliferative effects in preclinical models of Mantle Cell Lymphoma. EPZ015666 exhibited low clearance in human, mouse and rat liver microsomes, in part by introduction of a 3-substituted oxetane ring on the molecule. In contrast, a higher clearance was observed in dog liver microsomes (DLM) that translated to a higher in vivo clearance in dog compared with rodent.

2.?Structure elucidation via high resolution, accurate mass LC-MSⁿ revealed that the prominent metabolites of EPZ015666 were present in hepatocytes from all species, with the highest turnover rate in dogs. M1 and M2 resulted from oxidative oxetane ring scission, whereas M3 resulted from loss of the oxetane ring via an N-dealkylation reaction.

3.?The formation of M1 and M2 in DLM was significantly abrogated in the presence of the specific CYP2D inhibitor, quinidine, and to a lesser extent by the CYP3A inhibitor, ketoconazole, corroborating data from human recombinant isozymes.

4.?Our data indicate a marked species difference in the metabolism of the PRMT5 inhibitor EPZ015666, with oxetane ring scission the predominant metabolic pathway in dog mediated largely by CYP2D.     

Pharmacokinetics of tafamidis,a transthyretin amyloidosis drug,in rats

1.?We characterized the pharmacokinetics of tafamidis, a novel drug to treat transthyretin-related amyloidosis, in rats after intravenous and oral administration at doses of 0.3–3?mg/kg. In vitro Caco-2 cell permeability and liver microsomal stability, as well as in vivo tissue distribution and plasma protein binding were also examined.

2.?After intravenous injection, systemic clearance (CL), volumes of distribution at steady state (V_ss) and half-life (T_½) remained unaltered as a function of dose, with values in the ranges of 6.41–7.03?mL/h/kg, 270–354?mL/kg and 39.5–46.9?h, respectively. Following oral administration, absolute bioavailability was 99.7–104% and was independent of doses from 0.3 to 3?mg/kg. In the urine and faeces, 4.36% and 48.9% of tafamidis, respectively, were recovered.

3.?Tafamidis was distributed primarily in the liver and not in the brain, kidney, testis, heart, spleen, lung, gut, muscle, or adipose tissue. Further, tafamidis was very stable in rat liver microsomes, and its plasma protein binding was 99.9%.

4.?In conclusion, tafamidis showed dose-independent pharmacokinetics with intravenous and oral doses of 0.3–3?mg/kg. Tafamidis undergoes minimal first-pass metabolism, distributes mostly in the liver and plasma, and appears to be eliminated primarily via biliary excretion.     

Leishmanicidal candidate LASSBio-1736, a cysteine protease inhibitor with favorable pharmacokinetics: low clearance and good distribution

Abstract

1.?LASSBio-1736 ((E)-1-4(trifluoromethyl) benzylidene)-5-(2-4-dichlorozoyl) carbonylhydrazine) is proposed to be an oral cysteine protease leishmanicidal inhibitor.

2.?This work aimed to investigate plasma pharmacokinetics, protein binding and tissue distribution of LASSBio-1736 in male Wistar rats.

3.?LASSBio-1736 was administered to male Wistar rats at doses of 3.2?mg/kg intravenously and 12.6?mg/kg oral and intraperitoneal. The individual plasma-concentration profiles were determined by HPLC-UV and evaluated by non-compartmental and population pharmacokinetic analysis (Monolix 2016R1, Lixoft). Tissue distribution was evaluated after iv injection of 3.2?mg/kg drug by non-compartmental approach.

4.?After intravenous administration, Vd_ss (1.79?L/kg), t _½ (23.1?h) and CL_tot (56.1?mL/h/kg) were determined, and they were statistically similar (α?=0.05) to oral and intraperitoneal pharmacokinetic parameters. The plasma profiles obtained after intravenous, oral and intraperitoneal administration of the compound were best fitted to a three-compartment and one-compartment open model with first-order absorption.

5.?The intraperitoneal and oral bioavailability were around 40 and 15%, respectively.

6.?Liver, spleen and skin tissues showed penetration of 340, 130 and 40%, respectively, with t _½ like plasma values.

7.?LASSBio-1736 protein binding was 95?±?2%.

8.?The t _½, CL_tot and tissue distribution of the compound agreed with the desired drug characteristics for leishmanicidal activity.     

In vitro evaluation of potential drug interactions mediated by cytochrome P450 and transporters for luseogliflozin,an SGLT2 inhibitor

1.?We evaluated potential in vitro drug interactions of luseogliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, mediated by CYP inhibition, CYP induction and drug transporters using human liver microsomes, primary hepatocytes and recombinant cells-expressing efflux or uptake transporters, respectively.

2.?Human CYP inhibition studies indicated that luseogliflozin was a weak inhibitor for CYP2C19 with an IC₅₀ value of 58.3?μM, whereas it was not an inhibitor of the other eight major isoforms that were tested. The exposure of primary hepatocytes to luseogliflozin for 72?hrs weakly induced CYP3A4 at a concentration of 10?μM, whereas it did not induce CYP1A2 or CYP2B6 at concentrations of 0.1–10?μM.

3.?An in vitro transport study suggested that luseogliflozin is a substrate for human P-glycoprotein (P-gp), but not for breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1 and OATP1B3, organic anion transporter (OAT) 1 and OAT3, or organic cation transporter (OCT) 2. Luseogliflozin weakly inhibited OATP1B3 with an IC₅₀ value of 93.1?μM, but those for other transporters are greater than 100?μM.

4.?Based on the therapeutic plasma concentration of the drug, clinically relevant drug interactions are unlikely to occur between luseogliflozin and coadministered drugs mediated by CYPs and/or transporters.     

Human mass balance,metabolite profile and identification of metabolic enzymes of [14C]ASP015K,a novel oral janus kinase inhibitor

Abstract

1.?The human mass balance of ¹⁴C-labelled ASP015K ([¹⁴C]ASP015K), an orally bioavailable Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, was characterized in six healthy male subjects after a single oral dose of [¹⁴C]ASP015K (100?mg, 3.7?MBq) in solution. [¹⁴C]ASP015K was rapidly absorbed with t_max of 1.6 and 1.8?h for ASP015K and total radioactivity in plasma, respectively. Mean recovery in urine and feces amounted to 36.8% and 56.6% of the administered dose, respectively. The main components of radioactivity in plasma and urine were ASP015K and M2 (5′-O-sulfo ASP015K). In feces, ASP015K and M4 (7-N-methyl ASP015K) were the main components.

2.?In vitro study of ASP015K metabolism showed that the major isozyme contributing to the formation of M2 was human sulfotransferase (SULT) 2A1 and of M4 was nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT).

3.?The in vitro intrinsic clearance (CL_{int_in?vitro}) of M4 formation from ASP015K in human liver cytosol (HLC) was 11-fold higher than that of M2. The competitive inhibitory effect of nicotinamide on M4 formation in the human liver was considered the reason for high CL_{int_in vitro} of M4 formation, while each metabolic pathway made a near equal contribution to the in vivo elimination of ASP015K. ASP015K was cleared by multiple mechanisms.     

Pharmacokinetics,metabolism, and excretion of cycloastragenol,a potent telomerase activator in rats

1.?The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics, excretion, and metabolic fate of cycloastragenol (CA) in rats.

2.?An LC-MS method was developed and used to quantify CA in biological samples. Rats were orally administrated with CA at 10, 20, and 40?mg/kg or intravenously administrated at 10?mg/kg to determine pharmacokinetic parameters of CA. For excretion experiment, urine, feces, and bile were collected at 24?h after oral administration (40?mg/kg), also at 12?h after intravenous administration (10?mg/kg). An LC-MS/MS method was developed to identify the metabolites of CA.

3.?The results showed that the oral bioavailability of CA was about 25.70% at 10?mg/kg. CA was excreted through bile and feces and eliminated predominantly by the kidney in rats. It also might exist an enterohepatic circulation of CA in rats. CA could be metabolized widely in vivo in rat, seven, six, and one phase I metabolites were found in feces, urine, and bile samples respectively, but no phase II metabolite was found.

4.?In summary, this study defined pharmacokinetics characteristics of CA, described its excretion, and established its in vivo metabolism in rats.     

Pharmacokinetics of chlorogenic acid and corydaline in DA-9701, a new botanical gastroprokinetic agent,in rats

Abstract

1.?Few studies describing the pharmacokinetic properties of chlorogenic acid (CA) and corydaline (CRD) which are marker compounds of a new prokinetic botanical agent, DA-9701, have been reported. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties CA and CRD following intravenous and oral administration of pure CA (1–8?mg/kg) or CRD (1.1–4.5?mg/kg) and their equivalent dose of DA-9701 to rats.

2.?Dose-proportional AUC and dose-independent clearance (10.3–12.1?ml/min/kg) of CA were observed following its administration. Oral administration of CA as DA-9701 did not influence the oral pharmacokinetic parameters of CA. Incomplete absorption of CA, its decomposition in the gastrointestinal tract, and/or pre-systemic metabolism resulted in extremely low oral bioavailability (F) of CA (0.478–0.899%).

3.?CRD showed greater dose-normalized AUC in the higher dose group than that in lower dose group(s) after its administration due to saturation of its metabolism via decreased non-renal clearance (by 51.3%) and first-pass extraction. As a result, the F of CRD following 4.5?mg/kg oral CRD (21.1%) was considerably greater than those of the lower dose groups (9.10 and 13.8%). However, oral administration of CRD as DA-9701 showed linear pharmacokinetics as a result of increased AUC and F in lower-dose groups (by 182% and 78.5%, respectively) compared to those of pure CRD. The greater oral AUC of CRD for DA-9701 than for pure CRD could be due to decreased hepatic and/or GI first-pass extraction of CRD by other components in DA-9701.     

Evaluation of drug interactions of GSK1292263 (a GPR119 agonist) with statins: from in vitro data to clinical study design

1.?This work investigated the drug interaction potential of GSK1292263, a novel GPR119 agonist, with the HMG-coA reductase inhibitors simvastatin and rosuvastatin.

2.?In vitro experiments assessed the inhibition of transporters and CYP enzymes by GSK1292263, and a clinical drug interaction study investigated the effect of GSK1292263 (300?mg BID) on the pharmacokinetic profile of simvastatin (40?mg single dose) and rosuvastatin (10?mg single dose).

3.?In vitro, GSK1292263 demonstrated little/weak inhibition (IC₅₀ values >30 μM) towards CYPs (CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 3A4), Pgp, OATP1B3, or OCT2. However, GSK1292263 inhibited BCRP and OATP1B1, which are transporters involved in statin disposition.

4.?In the clinical study, small increases in the AUC(0-inf) of simvastatin [mean ratio (90% CI) of 1.34 (1.22, 1.48)] and rosuvastatin [mean ratio (90% CI) of 1.39 (1.30, 1.49)] were observed when co-administered with GSK1292263, which is consistent with an inhibitory effect on intestinal BCRP and CYP3A4. In contrast, GSK1292263 did not inhibit OATP1B1 based on the lack of changes in simvastatin acid exposure [mean AUC(0-inf) ratio (90% CI) of 1.05 (0.91, 1.21)].

5.?GSK1292263 has a weak drug interaction with simvastatin and rosuvastain. This study provides a mechanistic understanding of the in vivo inhibition of transporters and enzymes by GSK1292263.     

Establishment and assessment of a novel in vitro bio-PK/PD system in predicting the in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cyclophosphamide

1.?A novel bio-pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) system was established and assessed in predicting the PK parameters and PD effects of the model drug cyclophosphamide (CP) considering the interrelationships between drug metabolism, pharmacological effects and dynamic blood circulation processes in vitro.

2.?The system contains a peristaltic pump, a reaction chamber with rat liver microsomes (RLMs) encapsulated in pluronic F127–acrylamide–bisacrylamide (FAB) hydrogels, an effector cell chamber and a recirculating pipeline. The metabolism and pharmacological effects of CP (5, 10 and 20?mM) were measured by HPLC and MTT assay. A mathematical model based on mass balance was used to predict the in vitro clearance of CP. In vivo clearance of CP was estimated by in vitro to in vivo extrapolations (IVIVE) and simulations using Simcyp® software.

3.?The predicted in vivo clearance of CP at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20?mM was 11.36, 10.12 and 10.68?mL/min/kg, respectively, within two-fold differences compared with the reported 11.1?mL/min/kg. The survival ratio of effector cells during the metabolism and circulation of CP was significantly enhanced.

4.?This system may serve as an alternative approach to predict in vivo metabolism, pharmacological effects and toxicity of drugs, ensuring an efficient drug screening process.     

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate decreases the transport and metabolism of simvastatin in rats

1.?This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the pharmacokinetic behaviors of simvastatin and its metabolite simvastatin acid and explored the possible role of metabolizing enzymes and transporters of this food–drug interaction.

2.?Female SD rats were intravenously administered with EGCG (5?mg/kg), ketoconazole (10?mg/kg) and rifampin (10?mg/kg), followed by intravenous administration of 2?mg/kg simvastatin. In vitro, the effects of EGCG on Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450) and organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) were studied using human hepatic microsomes and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells overexpressing OATP1B1 or OATP1B3. The results showed that areas under concentration–time (AUC) curves of simvastatin and simvastatin acid increased by 2.21- and 1.4-fold while the clearance was reduced by 2.29- and 1.4-fold, respectively, when co-administered with EGCG. In vitro experiments suggested the inhibitory effect of EGCG on CYP enzymes (IC₅₀: 18.37?±?1.36?μM, 26.08?±?1.51?μM for simvastatin and simvastatin acid, respectively). Simvastatin transport by OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 was also inhibited by EGCG (IC₅₀: 8.68?±?1.27?μM and 22.67?±?1.42?μM, respectively).

3.?The presently reported novel food–drug interaction between EGCG and simvastatin involves the inhibition of not only CYP450 enzymes but also OATPs by EGCG.     

Absence of both MDR1 (ABCB1) and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (ABCG2) Transporters Significantly Alters Rivaroxaban Disposition and Central Nervous System Entry

Rivaroxaban is a novel factor 10a inhibitor, where hepatic metabolism and renal clearance account for its overall disposition. Renal impairment is known to increase rivaroxaban‐associated bleeding risk in patients. As renal rivaroxaban clearance exceeds glomerular filtration rate, we suggested that active secretion by efflux transporters P‐glycoprotein (MDR1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) contributes to rivaroxaban clearance. The ability of MDR1 and BCRP efflux transporters to mediate rivaroxaban transport in vitro was assessed in polarized cell monolayers. A significantly greater vectorial transport of rivaroxaban was observed in the basal to apical direction in Caco‐2 cells, which was attenuated in the presence of the selective inhibitors. After oral administration of rivaroxaban (2 mg/kg), plasma concentrations did not significantly differ between wild‐type and Mdr1a^def or Bcrp^?/? mice (n = 6 per group). However, rivaroxaban clearance was significantly reduced in Mdr1a/Mdr1b^?/?/Bcrp^?/? mice. Interestingly, rivaroxaban brain‐to‐plasma ratio did not differ in mice lacking only Mdr1a or Bcrp, but more than two times higher in the Mdr1a/Mdr1b^?/?/Bcrp^?/? mice. Rivaroxaban is a shared substrate of MDR1 and BCRP. In vivo, MDR and BCRP function synergistically to modulate rivaroxaban disposition and appear to be particularly relevant to limiting its central nervous system entry. These data have important implications for safety and efficacy of anticoagulation therapy with rivaroxaban as many drugs in clinical use are known MDR1 inhibitors and loss‐of‐function polymorphisms in BCRP are common.     

ATP-binding cassette proteins BCRP,MRP1 and P-gp expression and localization in the human umbilical cord

1.?The umbilical cord is a direct conduit to the fetus hence transporters could have roles in partitioning substances between the maternal-placental-fetal units. Here we determined the expression and localization of the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporters BCRP (ABCG2), P-gp (ABCB1) and MRP1 (ABCC1) in human umbilical cords.

2.?The mRNA for BCRP and MRP1 was detected in 25/25 samples, but P-gp was detected in only 5/25. ABC transporter mRNA expression relative to 18S was 25.6?±?0.3, 26.5?±?0.6 and 22.2?±?0.2 cycles for BCRP, MRP1 and P-gp respectively.

3.?Using a subset of 10 umbilical cords, BCRP protein was present in all samples (immunoblot) with positive correlation between mRNA and proteins (p?=?0.07, r?=?0.62) and between immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) (p?=?0.03, r?=?0.67). P-gp protein was observed in 4/10 samples by both immunoblot and IHC, with no correlation between mRNA and protein (p?=?0.45, r?=?0.55) or immunoblotting and IHC (p?=?0.2, r?=?0.72), likely due to small sample size. MRP1 protein was not observed.

4.?Localization of BCRP and P-gp proteins was to Wharton’s jelly with no specific staining in arterial or venous endothelia.

5.?Understanding ABC transporter expression in the umbilical cord may be useful for determining fetal exposures to xenobiotics if functional properties can be defined.     

Nanocurcumin: a novel antifilarial agent with DNA topoisomerase II inhibitory activity

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antifilarial, antiwolbachial and DNA topoisomerase II inhibitory activity of nanocurcumin (nano-CUR).

Methods: Nano-CUR formulations (F1–F6) were prepared using free radical polymerization and were characterized by particle size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release kinetics. Antifilarial potential was evaluated in vivo against Brugian filariasis in an experimental rodent model, Mastomys coucha, by selecting the formulation that maximized parasite elimination characteristics. Wolbachial status was determined by PCR and a relaxation assay was used to estimate DNA topoisomerase II inhibitory activity.

Results: Nano-CUR (F3) having a 60?nm diameter and 89.78% entrapment efficiency showed the most favorable characteristics for the elimination of filarial parasites. In vivo pharmacokinetic and organ distribution studies demonstrate significantly greater C_(max) (86.6?±?2.56?ng?ml^?1), AUC_0–∞ (796?±?89.8?ng?d?ml^?1), MRT (19.5?±?7.82 days) and bioavailability of CUR (70.02%) in the organs from which the adult parasites were recovered. The optimized nano-CUR (F3) (5?×?5?mg/kg, orally) significantly augmented the microfilariciadal and adulticidal action of CUR over free CUR (5?×?50?mg/kg, orally) or Diethylcarbamizine (50?mg/kg, orally) against the Brugia malayi Mastomys coucha rodent model. The PCR results showed complete elimination of wolbachia from the recovered female parasites. Interestingly, nano-CUR was also found to be a novel inhibitor of filarial worm DNA topoisomerase II, Setaria Cervi in vitro.

Conclusion: This study recognizes the beforehand antimicrofilarial, antimacrofilarial, anti-wolbachial activity of nano-CUR (F3) over free forms and additionally its strong inhibitory action against the major target filarial parasite enzyme DNA topoisomerase II in vitro.