Transthyretin deposition in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy

The subject of the review is on hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis which is a genetically transmitted disease that results from a mutation in the gene encoding the plasma TTR protein. TTR is a transport protein for thyroid hormones and vitamin A and is predominantly synthesised in the liver. Although originally regarded as a rare disease, it is now becoming clear that many kindreds exist worldwide. Current knowledge and hypotheses on the biology of TTR, mechanisms of TTR amyloid fibril formation, phenotypic consequences TTR amyloid deposition and pre-clinical models of the disease will be discussed.     

TRPM8的研究进展

TRP(transient receptor potential)离子通道是一类广泛存在于细胞膜上的跨膜蛋白质,可以辨别酸甜苦辣等各种味觉和温暖、冷、热等各种温度觉。TRP通道亚型TRPM8最初作为一种前列腺特异性蛋白被克隆出来,并可在热敏反应中被冷刺激和薄荷醇激活。TRPM8可以感知温度觉和痛觉,并可缓解疼痛,具有重要的研究意义。该文拟就当前TR-PM8的生物物理学、门控机制和这类TRP通道的药理及病理生理机制等进行综述。     

Pharmacokinetic studies of oral L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine in normal subjects and patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy

Summary The pharmacokinetics of oralL-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-threo-DOPS) was studied in 7 normal subjects and 7 patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy. Each person swallowed a single 300 mg dose in the fasting state, andL-threo-DOPS in plasma and urine was determined by high performance liquid chromatography with an electrochemical detector after separation on a boric acid gel column.L-threo-DOPS was slowly absorbed by normal subjects; the maximum plasma concentration occurred 3 h after administration and 20% of the oral dose was recovered unchanged in the urine within 12 h. It induced a substantial elevation of plasma norepinephrine levels, the peak being attained at 5 h, but without any change in blood pressure. In the patients, the absorption and metabolism ofL-threo-DOPS were delayed, and a prolonged pressor response was observed, with a peak after 8 h. It was concluded that the effects on plasma norepinephrine and blood pressure of oralL-threo-DOPS were essentially equal to those of twice as large a dose ofDl-threo-DOPS.An outline of this study was presented at the Eighth International Congress of Pharmacology, Tokyo, 19–24th July, 1981     

Effect of infused L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine on adrenergic activity in patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy

Summary L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (DOPS), an immediate precursor amino acid of (-)-norepinephrine, was used as a pharmacological tool to investigate the pathophysiology of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system in Type 1 familial amyloid polyneuropathy. Patients with the well-established disorder showed an enhanced pressor reponse to L-threo-DOPS under conditions that produced no change in normal subjects. While octopamine induced a brisk pressor response, L-threo-DOPS produced a slow and prolonged change in blood pressure, with a marked concomitant increase in urinary excretion of norepinephrine. A slight increase in urinary excretion of total metanephrine was observed in both groups, but there was no significant increase in serum dopamine--hydroxylase activity. Since infusion of dilute norepinephrine into patients also produced a markedly hypersensitive response, the characteristic pressor response to L-threo-DOPS was indicative of denervation supersensitivity of adrenergic receptors to norepinephrine formed enzymatically from L-threo-DOPS.     

Transient receptor potential ion channels in primary sensory neurons as targets for novel analgesics

The last decade has witnessed an explosion in novel findings relating to the molecules involved in mediating the sensation of pain in humans. Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels emerged as the greatest group of molecules involved in the transduction of various physical stimuli into neuronal signals in primary sensory neurons, as well as, in the development of pain. Here, we review the role of TRP ion channels in primary sensory neurons in the development of pain associated with peripheral pathologies and possible strategies to translate preclinical data into the development of effective new analgesics. Based on available evidence, we argue that nociception-related TRP channels on primary sensory neurons provide highly valuable targets for the development of novel analgesics and that, in order to reduce possible undesirable side effects, novel analgesics should prevent the translocation from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane and the sensitization of the channels rather than blocking the channel pore or binding sites for exogenous or endogenous activators.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on the pharmacology of TRP channels. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-10     

Inotersen for the treatment of adults with polyneuropathy caused by hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTRv; v for variant) is an underdiagnosed, progressive, and fatal multisystemic disease with a heterogenous clinical phenotype that is caused by TTR gene mutations that destabilize the TTR protein, resulting in its misfolding, aggregation, and deposition in tissues throughout the body.

Areas covered: Inotersen, an antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor, was recently approved in the United States and Europe for the treatment of the polyneuropathy of ATTRv based on the positive results obtained in the pivotal phase 3 trial, NEURO-TTR. This review will discuss the mechanism of action of inotersen and its pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and safety and tolerability. A PubMed search using the terms ‘inotersen,’ ‘AG10,’ ‘antisense oligonucleotide,’ ‘hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis,’ ‘familial amyloid polyneuropathy,’ and ‘familial amyloid cardiomyopathy’ was performed, and the results were screened for the most relevant English language publications. The bibliographies of all retrieved articles were manually searched to identify additional studies of relevance.

Expert opinion: Inotersen targets the disease-forming protein, TTR, and has been shown to improve quality of life and neuropathy progression in patients with stage 1 or 2 ATTRv with polyneuropathy. Inotersen is well tolerated, with a manageable safety profile through regular monitoring for the development of glomerulonephritis or thrombocytopenia.     

基质相互作用蛋白分子1在肿瘤发生发展和 临床应用中的研究进展

基质相互作用蛋白分子1（STIM1）与肿瘤的发生发展密切相关,其参与多种癌症细胞凋亡、增殖、迁移和侵袭的调节过程。阻断或敲除STIM1可以显著抑制癌细胞的增殖和迁移。阐明STIM1在癌症细胞中的调节机制,将有助于新的治疗靶点的确定。本文对STIM1分子在不同肿瘤中的作用机制及临床应用前景作一综述。     

Stim, ORAI and TRPC channels in the control of calcium entry signals in smooth muscle

Ca2+ entry signals are crucial in the control of smooth muscle contraction. Smooth muscle cells are unusual in containing plasma membrane (PM) Ca2+ entry channels that respond to voltage changes, receptor activation and Ca2+ store depletion. Activation of these channel subtypes is highly coordinated. The TRPC6 channel, widely expressed in most smooth muscle cell types, is largely non-selective to cations and is activated by diacylglycerol arising from receptor-induced phosholipase C activation. Receptor activation results largely in Na+ ion movement through TRPC6 channels, depolarization and subsequent activation of voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels. The TRPC6 channels also appear to be activated by mechanical stretch, resulting again in depolarization and L-type Ca2+ channel activation. Such a coupling may be crucial in mediating the myogenic tone response in vascular smooth muscle. The emptying of stores mediated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors triggers the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ sensing protein stromal-interacting molecule (STIM) 1 to translocate into defined ER-PM junctional areas in which coupling occurs to Orai proteins, which serve as highly Ca2+-selective low-conductance Ca2+ entry channels. These ER-PM junctional domains may serve as crucial sites of interaction and integration between the function of store-operated, receptor-operated and voltage-operated Ca2+ channels. The STIM, Orai and TRPC channels represent highly promising new pharmacological targets through which such control may be induced.     

Structural and in Vitro Functional Characterization of a Menthyl TRPM8 Antagonist Indicates Species-Dependent Regulation

TRPM8 antagonists derived from its cognate ligand, (−)-menthol, are underrepresented. We determine the absolute stereochemistry of a well-known TRPM8 antagonist, (−)-menthyl 1, using VCD and 2D NMR. We explore 1 for its antagonist effects of the human TRPM8 (hTRPM8) orthologue to uncover species-dependent inhibition versus rat channels. (−)-Menthyl 1 inhibits menthol- and icilin-evoked Ca²⁺ responses at hTRPM8 with IC₅₀ values of 805 ± 200 nM and 1.8 ± 0.6 μM, respectively, while more potently inhibiting agonist responses at the rat orthologue (rTRPM8 IC₅₀ (menthol) = 117 ± 18 nM, IC₅₀ (icilin) = 521 ± 20 nM). Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of hTRPM8 confirm the 1 inhibition of menthol-stimulated currents, with an IC₅₀ of 700 ± 200 nM. We demonstrate that 1 possesses ≥400-fold selectivity for hTRPM8 versus hTRPA1/hTRPV1. (−)-menthyl 1 can be used as a novel chemical tool to study hTRPM8 pharmacology and differences in species commonly used in drug discovery.     

Selective inhibition of TRPM2 channel by two novel synthesized ADPR analogues

Transient receptor potential melastatin‐2 (TRPM2) channel critical for monitoring internal body temperature is implicated in the pathological processes such as neurodegeneration. However, lacking selective and potent TRPM2 inhibitors impedes investigation and validation of the channel as a drug target. To discover novel and selective TRPM2 inhibitors, a series of adenosine 5′‐diphosphoribose analogues were synthesized, and their activities and selectivity were evaluated. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings were employed for screen and evaluation of synthesized compounds. Two compounds, 7i and 8a , were identified as TRPM2 inhibitors with IC₅₀ of 5.7 and 5.4 μm , respectively. Both 7i and 8a inhibited TRPM2 current without affecting TRPM7, TRPM8, TRPV1 and TRPV3. These two TRPM2 inhibitors can serve as new pharmacological tools for further investigation and validation of TRPM2 channel as a drug target, and the summarized structure–activity relationship (SAR) may also provide insights into further improving existing inhibitors as potential lead compounds.     

Calcium influx pathways in breast cancer: opportunities for pharmacological intervention

Ca²⁺ influx through Ca²⁺ permeable ion channels is a key trigger and regulator of a diverse set of cellular events, such as neurotransmitter release and muscle contraction. Ca²⁺ influx is also a regulator of processes relevant to cancer, including cellular proliferation and migration. This review focuses on calcium influx in breast cancer cells as well as the potential for pharmacological modulators of specific Ca²⁺ influx channels to represent future agents for breast cancer therapy. Altered expression of specific calcium permeable ion channels is present in some breast cancers. In some cases, such changes can be related to breast cancer subtype and even prognosis. In vitro and in vivo models have now helped identify specific Ca²⁺ channels that play important roles in the proliferation and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. However, some aspects of our understanding of Ca²⁺ influx in breast cancer still require further study. These include identifying the mechanisms responsible for altered expression and the most effective therapeutic strategy to target breast cancer cells through specific Ca²⁺ channels. The role of Ca²⁺ influx in processes beyond breast cancer cell proliferation and migration should become the focus of studies in the next decade.     

Sphingosine and FTY720 are potent inhibitors of the transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) channels

Background and Purpose

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a unique channel kinase which is crucial for various physiological functions. However, the mechanism by which TRPM7 is gated and modulated is not fully understood. To better understand how modulation of TRPM7 may impact biological processes, we investigated if TRPM7 can be regulated by the phospholipids sphingosine (SPH) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), two potent bioactive sphingolipids that mediate a variety of physiological functions. Moreover, we also tested the effects of the structural analogues of SPH, N,N-dimethyl-D-erythro-sphingosine (DMS), ceramides and FTY720 on TRPM7.

Experimental Approach

HEK293 cells stably expressing TRPM7 were used for whole-cell, single-channel and macropatch current recordings. Cardiac fibroblasts were used for native TRPM7 current recording.

Key Results

SPH potently inhibited TRPM7 in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas S1P and other ceramides did not produce noticeable effects. DMS also markedly inhibited TRPM7. Moreover, FTY720, an immunosuppressant and the first oral drug for treatment of multiple sclerosis, inhibited TRPM7 with a similar potency to that of SPH. In contrast, FTY720-P has no effect on TRPM7. It appears that SPH and FTY720 inhibit TRPM7 by reducing channel open probability. Furthermore, endogenous TRPM7 in cardiac fibroblasts was markedly inhibited by SPH, DMS and FTY720.

Conclusions and Implications

This is the first study demonstrating that SPH and FTY720 are potent inhibitors of TRPM7. Our results not only provide a new modulation mechanism of TRPM7, but also suggest that TRPM7 may serve as a direct target of SPH and FTY720, thereby mediating S1P-independent physiological/pathological functions of SPH and FTY720.

Linked Article

This article is commented on by Rohacs, pp. 1291–1293 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.12070     

Cinnamaldehyde up-regulates the mRNA expression level of TRPV1 receptor potential ion channel protein and its function in primary rat DRG neurons in vitro

Cinnamaldehyde (1) is a pharmacologically active ingredient isolated from cassia twig (Ramulus Cinnamomi), which is commonly used in herbal remedies to treat fever-related diseases. Both TRPV1 and TRPM8 ion channel proteins are abundantly expressed in sensory neurons, and are assumed to act as a thermosensor, with the former mediating the feeling of warmth and the latter the feeling of cold in the body. Both of them have recently been reported to be involved in thermoregulation. The purpose of this paper is to further uncover the antipyretic mechanisms of 1 by investigating its effects on the mRNA expression levels and functions of both TRPV1 and TRPM8. The results showed that 1 could up-regulate the mRNA expression levels of TRPV1 at both 37 and 39°C, and its calcium-mediating function was significantly increased at 39°C, all of which could not be blocked by pretreatment of the neuronal cells with ruthenium red, a general transient receptor potential (TRP) blocker, indicating that the action of 1 was achieved through a non-TRPA1 channel pathway. In conclusion, the findings in our in vitro studies might account for part of the peripheral molecular mechanisms for the antipyretic action of 1.     

Exposure to formaldehyde at low temperatures aggravates allergic asthma involved in transient receptor potential ion channel

Studies have indicated that formaldehyde and low temperature are considered to be the factors associated with several respiratory diseases. However, the effect of co-exposure to formaldehyde and low temperature on allergic asthma, and the potential mechanisms, are unknown. In this study, an allergic asthma mouse model was built and mice were exposed to 0.8 mg/m³ formaldehyde and/or subjected to low temperatures of 16 °C. The data showed that exposure to either low temperature or formaldehyde did not induce a significant aggravation on allergic asthma. However, simultaneous exposure to formaldehyde and low temperature was shown to aggravate mucus hypersecretion and inflammation in the lung, lead to an exacerbation of allergic asthma. After blocking the TRPM8 and TRPA1 ion channels, the levels of inflammatory factors reduced. These results demonstrated that co-exposure to formaldehyde and low temperature exacerbate allergic asthma, and that TRPM8 and TRPA1 are involved in this process.     

Functional role of T-type calcium channels in tumour growth and progression: prospective in cancer therapy

T-type Ca²⁺ channels represent a specific channel family overexpressed in different types of tumours. Their involvement in controlling the proliferation, angiogenesis and invasion of tumour cells, has been partially clarified. The article by Zhang et al. in this issue of BJP provides the first evidence of anti-tumoural effects of endostatin (ES) in U87 glioma cells. He demonstrated that ES or mibefradil (a L/T-type calcium channel blocker), reduces the proliferation and migration of U87 glioma cells in a T-type Ca²⁺ channel-dependent manner. However, the difference in the blocking effect of mibefradil on T-type calcium channel expression as compared with its ability to inhibit proliferation and migration, supports the idea of a broader T/L-type-independent effect of the mibefradil blocker. Overall, these findings provide new insights for the future development of a novel class of anti-T-type calcium channel blockers in the therapy of glioblastoma.

LINKED ARTICLE

This article is a commentary on Zhang et al., pp. 1247–1260 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01852.x     

TTR kinetic stabilizers and TTR gene silencing: a new era in therapy for familial amyloidotic polyneuropathies

Introduction: Transthyretin Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) is a rare disease with autosomal dominant transmission due to a point mutation of the TTR gene. By removing the main source of systemic mutant TTR, liver transplantation (LT) has become the reference therapy of this severe and fatal polyneuropathy of adult-onset, stopping disease progression in subgroup of patients. Recently, new therapeutic strategies have emerged, which intend to stabilize TTR or to silence the TTR gene. Amongst them, the TTR kinetic stabilizer tafamidis is the first drug approved in the EU.

Areas covered: We shall review the natural history of TTR-FAP and the best indications for LT. Data on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the TTR kinetic stabilizers, tafamidis and diflunisal, have been reviewed, from the pivotal Phase III clinical trials published in PubMed medical journals or presented at international meetings. We will review the ongoing phase III clinical trials of TTR gene silencing with RNAi therapeutics and ASO published in clinicaltrialgov.

Expert opinion: Due to the data on efficacy, tolerability, safety, tafamidis and diflunisal became the first line anti-amyloid treatment in stage 1 TTR-FAP. Both drugs slow progression of the disease. Only tafamidis got marketing authorization. We are waiting for results of the 2 phase III clinical trials of TTR gene silencing in varied stages of the disease.     

罗哌卡因对豚鼠心室肌细胞钠电流、钙电流和钾电流的影响

目的:研究罗哌卡因(Rop)对豚鼠心室肌细胞钠电流(Ⅰ_(Na))、L-型钙电流(Ⅰ_(Ca-L)、内向整流钾电流(Ⅰ_(Kl)及延迟整流钾电流(I_K)的影响.方法:全细胞膜片箝技术.结果:罗哌卡因10,50与100μmol/L使Ⅰ_(Na)的峰电流分别减小8.3％、33.3 ％和62.5％(P<0.01),使失活时间常数分别延长8.2％、24.7％和64.1％(P<0.05);罗哌卡因50与100μmol/L使Ⅰ_(Ca-L)的峰电流分别减小7.6％和22.5％(P<0.05),使慢失活时间常数分别延长15.5％和33.0％(P<0.01);罗哌卡因50与100μmol/L对Ⅰ_(Kl)和Ⅰ_K的峰电流无明显影响.结论:罗哌卡因抑制Ⅰ_(Na)和Ⅰ_(Ca-L),可能与其心脏毒性作用有关.     

高血压发展过程中脑血管平滑肌细胞离子通道的变化

脑血管重构是高血压发展过程中最重要的病理生理改变,由此引起的脑卒中更日益危害人类的健康。在高血压发展过程中,脑血管平滑肌细胞上分布的多种离子通道,如钾钙、氯等均发生变化,导致细胞内离子浓度异常,在脑血管重构的发生发展过程中发挥了重要作用。