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Biomedical subjects

Bernard Masereel

Publications and source records attributed to Bernard Masereel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Indanesulfonamides as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Toward structure-based design of selective inhibitors of the tumor-associated isozyme CA IX.

Carbonic anhydrases are ubiquitous metalloenzymes which are involved in fundamental processes (i.e., acid-base regulation, respiration, calcification, etc.). The carbonic anhydrase isozyme IX becomes an interesting pharmacological target due to its overexpression in cancer and its absence in normal tissue. Therefore, several indanesulfonamides were synthesized and tested for their inhibition both against the human CA IX and against two other biologically relevant isozymes (CA I and II). Structure-activity relationships are discussed and point out different compounds for its selectivity and activity against CA IX. To establish preliminary hypothesis for the design of new isozyme-selective CA IX inhibitors, we conducted molecular modeling. We describe here the first human CA IX model built by homology with another CA isozyme already crystallized. Docking studies were performed to explore the binding mode of our indanesulfonamide derivatives.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Prostanoids as pharmacological targets in COPD and asthma.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and bronchial asthma are two severe lung diseases which represent a major problem of world public health. Leukotrienes and prostanoids play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases. Prostanoids: prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2), the cyclooxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid are implicated in the inflammatory cascade that occurs in asthmatic airways. Recently, the roles played by isoprostanes or prostaglandin-like compounds nonenzymatically generated via peroxidation of membrane phospholipids by reactive oxygen species, in particular F2-isoprostanes, in pulmonary pathophysiology have been highlighted. This article aims to provide an overview of the role of prostanoids and isoprostanes in the pathogenesis of COPD and asthma and to discuss the pharmacological strategies developed in prevention and/or treatment of these pathologies.

Animals↗

Investigation of mechanism-based thrombin inhibitors: Implications of a highly conserved water molecule for the binding of coumarins within the S pocket.

The synthesis of novel coumarins bearing on the lateral side chain in the 3-position an amine or a guanidine group is described. In vitro evaluation highlighted 14d which possesses a meta aniline side chain as a very potent THR inhibitor. Surprisingly, the introduction of a guanidine moiety always led to a decrease in THR inhibiting properties. We, thus, used docking experiments to rationalize the SAR in the series. This study showed the crucial role of a conserved water molecule in the specificity pocket of THR during docking simulation in order to explain the inactivity of guanidine derivatives.

Antithrombins↗

Evaluation of BM-573, a novel TXA2 synthase inhibitor and receptor antagonist, in a porcine model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.

AIMS: To investigate whether BM-573 (N-tert-butyl-N'-[2-(4'-methylphenylamino)-5-nitro-benzenesulfonyl]urea), an original combined thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor and receptor antagonist, prevents reperfusion injury in acutely ischemic pigs. METHODS: Twelve animals were randomly divided in two groups: a control group (n = 6) intravenously infused with vehicle, and a BM-573-treated group (n = 6) infused with BM-573 (10 mg kg(-1) h(-1)). In both groups, the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was occluded for 60 min and reperfused for 240 min. Either vehicle or BM-573 was infused 30 min before LAD occlusion and throughout the experiment. Platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid ex vivo measured was prevented by BM-573. RESULTS: In both groups, LAD occlusion decreased cardiac output, ejection fraction, slope of stroke work--end-diastolic volume relationship, and induced end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) rightward shift, while left ventricular afterload increased. Ventriculo-arterial coupling and mechanical efficiency decreased. In both groups, reperfusion further decreased cardiac output and ejection fraction, while ESPVR displayed a further rightward shift. Ventriculo-arterial coupling and mechanical efficiency remained impaired. Area at risk, evidenced with Evans blue, was 33.2+/-3.4% of the LV mass (LVM) in both groups, and mean infarct size, revealed by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), was 27.3+/-2.6% of the LVM in the BM-573-treated group (NS). Histological examination and immunohistochemical identification of desmin revealed necrosis in the anteroseptal region similar in both groups, while myocardial ATP dosages and electron microscopy also showed that BM-573 had no cardioprotective effect. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that BM-573 failed to prevent reperfusion injury in acutely ischemic pigs.

Animals↗

3,6-disubstituted coumarins as mechanism-based inhibitors of thrombin and factor Xa.

In this work, coumarins were screened on thrombin (THR) and factor Xa (FXa), two of the most promising targets for the development of anticoagulant drugs. This allowed us to highlight compound 30, characterized by a 2,5-dichlorophenyl ester in the 3-position and a chloromethyl moiety in the 6-position, as a very potent THR inhibitor (ki/KI= 37,000 M(-1) s(-1)). Moreover, this compound exhibits good selectivity over FXa (168-fold) and trypsin (54-fold). The mechanism of inactivation was investigated in this series and significantly differs from that previously observed with alpha-chymotrypsin. Indeed, the addition of hydrazine on the THR-inhibitor complex promotes a partial induced THR reactivation. This reactivation, confirmed by LC/MS, showed the resurgence of the native THR and a new dihydrazide complex. Docking experiments were then efficiently used to explain the trends observed in the enzymatic assays as well as to corroborate the postulated inhibition mechanism. Finally, the cell permeability of our derivatives was estimated using a computational approach.

Animals↗

Synthesis, molecular modelling and enzymatic evaluation of (+/-)3,5-diphenyl-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-ones as new potential cyclooxygenase inhibitors.

A series of substituted (+/-)3,5-diphenyl-2-thioxoimidazolin-4-ones was synthesized in order to design new type-2 cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors. This study has led to molecules which completely inhibit human recombinant COX-2 at 50 microM. Molecular modelling highlighted drug interactions with the active site of both cyclooxygenases and suggested modifications to enhance the selectivity of the compounds. In human blood, COX-2 expression was then induced by LPS, and the inhibitory potency of these drugs was disappointing. This weak activity was attributed to a poor aqueous stability of these imidazolidinones substituted by two aryl in position 3 and 5 (15 min < t(1/2) < 130 min). The improvement of the stability of this heterocycle could generate a novel template to treat COX-associated diseases such as arthritis, rheumatoid polyarthritis and cancer.

Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors↗

Characterization of an original model of myocardial infarction provoked by coronary artery thrombosis induced by ferric chloride in pig.

BACKGROUND: Great advances have been made in the prevention of thrombotic disorders by developments of new pharmacological and surgical treatments. Animal models of arterial thrombosis have largely contributed to the discovery and to the validation of original treatments. The purpose of the present work was to develop and validate an original model of acute myocardial infarction provoked in pig by thrombosis of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery induced by topical application of ferric chloride solution. METHODS AND RESULTS: Myocardial infarction, resulting from an occlusive and adherent mixed thrombus formed in the LAD coronary artery, was examined at macroscopic level using dual staining technique (Evans blue dye; triphenyltetrazolium chloride) and at microscopic level using conventional histological analyses and immunohistochemical detection of desmin. Biochemical markers (troponin T and ATP), platelet reactivity and standard hemodynamic parameters (such as stroke volume, ejection fraction, stroke work and cardiac output) have also been evaluated. From these analyses, it was demonstrated that each pig developed a transmural area of irreversible damage mainly located in the anteroseptal region of the left ventricle. The more progressive development of coronary artery occlusion, as compared to an abrupt ligation, was accompanied by a correspondingly progressive impairment in hemodynamics. CONCLUSION: We conclude that this original porcine model of myocardial infarction is quite close to clinical pathophysiological conditions, such as thrombus formation occurring after atherosclerotic plaque rupture. This certainly constitutes a further argument in favour of this model to assess pharmaceutical or mechanical support of an acutely ischemic heart.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Pharmacological profile and therapeutic potential of BM-573, a combined thromboxane receptor antagonist and synthase inhibitor.

BM-573 (N-terbutyl-N'-[2-(4'-methylphenylamino)-5-nitro-benzenesulfonyl]urea), a torsemide derivative, is a novel non-carboxylic dual TXA2 synthase inhibitor and receptor antagonist. The pharmacological profile of the drug is characterized by a higher affinity for the thromboxane receptor than that of SQ-29548, one of the most powerful antagonists described to date, by a complete prevention of human platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid at a lower dose than either torsemide or sulotroban, and by a significantly prolonged closure time measured by the platelet function analyser (PFA-100). Moreover, at the concentrations of 1 and 10 microM, BM-573 completely prevented production of TXB2 by human platelets activated by 0.6 mM of arachidonic acid. BM-573 prevents rat fundus contraction induced by U-46619 but not by prostacyclin or other prostaglandins. Despite possessing a chemical structure very similar to that of a diuretic torsemide, BM-573 has no diuretic activity. BM-573 does not prolong bleeding time and, unlike some of the other sulfonylureas, has no effect on blood glucose levels. In vivo, BM-573 appears to have antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities since it reduced thrombus weight and prolonged the time to abdominal aorta occlusion induced by ferric chloride. BM-573 also relaxed rat aorta and guinea pig trachea precontracted with U-46619. In pigs, BM-573 completely antagonized pulmonary hypertensive effects of U-46619 and reduced the early phase of pulmonary hypertension in models of endotoxic shock and pulmonary embolism. Finally, BM-573 protected pigs from myocardial infarction induced by coronary thrombosis. These results suggest that BM-573 should be viewed as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension and syndromes associated with platelet activation.

Animals↗

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of BM-613 [N-n-pentyl-N'-[2-(4'-methylphenylamino)-5-nitrobenzenesulfonyl]urea], a novel dual thromboxane synthase inhibitor and thromboxane receptor antagonist.

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is a key mediator of platelet aggregation and smooth muscle contraction. Its action is mediated by its G protein-coupled receptor of which two isoforms, termed TPalpha and TPbeta, occur in humans. TXA2 has been implicated in pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary embolism, atherosclerosis, and asthma. This study describes the pharmacological characterization of BM-613 [N-n-pentyl-N'-[2-(4'-methylphenylamino)-5-nitrobenzenesulfonyl]urea], a new combined TXA2 receptor antagonist and TXA2 synthase inhibitor. It exhibits a strong affinity for human platelet TP receptors (IC50 = 1.4 nM), TPalpha and TPbeta expressed in COS-7 cells (IC(50) = 2.1 and 3.1 nM, respectively), and TPs expressed in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (IC50 = 29 microM). BM-613 shows a weak ability to prevent contraction of isolated rat aorta (ED50 = 1.52 microM) and guinea pig trachea (ED50 = 2.5 microM) induced by TXA2 agonist U-46619 (9.11-dideoxy-9.11-methanoepoxy-prostaglandin F2). Besides, BM-613 antagonizes TPalpha (IC50 = 0.11 microM) and TPbeta (IC50 = 0.17 microM) calcium mobilization induced by U-46619 and inhibits human platelet aggregation induced by U-46619 (ED50 = 0.278 microM), arachidonic acid (ED50 = 0.375 microM), and the second wave of ADP. BM-613 also dose dependently prevents TXA2 production by human platelets (IC50 = 0.15 microM). In a rat model of ferric chloride-induced thrombosis, BM-613 significantly reduces weight of formed thrombus by 79, 49, and 28% at 5, 2, and 1 mg/kg i.v., respectively. In conclusion, BM-613 is a dual and potent TP receptor antagonist and TXA2 synthase inhibitor characterized by a strong antiplatelet and antithrombotic potency. These results suggest that BM-613 could be a potential therapeutic drug for thrombotic disorders.

Aniline Compounds↗

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Design of anticonvulsant sulfonamides incorporating indane moieties.

A series of aromatic sulfonamides incorporating indane moieties were prepared starting from commercially available 1- and 2-indanamine, and their activity as inhibitors of two carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isozymes, hCA I and II was studied. The new sulfonamides incorporating acetamido, 4-chloro-benzoyl, valproyl, tetra-, and pentafluorobenzoyl moieties acted as very potent inhibitors of the slow red blood cell isozyme hCA I (K(i)s in the range of 1.6-8.5 nM), which usually has a lower affinity for such inhibitors, as compared to isozyme II. Some derivatives also showed excellent hCA II inhibitory properties (K(i)s in the range of 2.3-12 nM), but the anticonvulsant activity of these sulfonamides was rather low as compared to that of other sulfonamide/sulfamate CA inhibitors, such as methazolamide. Furthermore, the 2-amino/acetamido-indane-5-sulfonic acids prepared during this work also showed interesting CA inhibitory properties, with inhibition constants in the range of 43-89 nM against the two isozymes, being among the most potent sulfonic acid CA inhibitors reported so far.

Animals↗

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: aromatic and heterocyclic sulfonamides incorporating adamantyl moieties with strong anticonvulsant activity.

A series of aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamides incorporating adamantyl moieties were prepared by reaction of aromatic/heterocyclic aminosulfonamides with the acyl chlorides derived from adamantyl-1-carboxylic acid and 1-adamantyl-acetic acid. Related derivatives were obtained from the above-mentioned aminosulfonamides with adamantyl isocyanate and adamantyl isothiocyanate, respectively. Some of these derivatives showed good inhibitory potency against two human CA isozymes involved in important physiological processes, CA I, and CA II, of the same order of magnitude as the clinically used drugs acetazolamide and methazolamide. The lipophilicity of the best CA inhibitors was determined and expressed as their experimental log k' IAM and theoretical ClogP value. Their lipophilicity was propitious with the crossing of the blood-brain barrier (log k' > IAM > 1.35). The anticonvulsant activity of some of the best CA inhibitors reported here has been evaluated in a MES test in mice. After intraperitoneal injection (30 mg kg(-1)), compounds A8 and A9 exhibited a high protection against electrically induced convulsions (> 90%). Their ED50 was 3.5 and 2.6 mg kg(-1), respectively.

Animals↗

Pharmacological characterization of N-tert-butyl-N'-[2-(4'-methylphenylamino)-5-nitrobenzenesulfonyl]urea (BM-573), a novel thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist and thromboxane synthase inhibitor in a rat model of arterial thrombosis and its effects on bleeding time.

The present study was undertaken to characterize the antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of BM-573 [N-tert-butyl-N'-[2-(4'-methylphenylamino)-5-nitrobenzenesulfonyl]urea], an original combined thromboxane receptor antagonist and thromboxane synthase inhibitor in rats, and to determine its effects on mice bleeding time. Intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 5 mg/kg BM-573 to rats inhibited U-46619 (9,11-dideoxy-9,11-methanoepoxy-prostaglandin F(2))-induced washed platelet aggregation 30 min and 1, 2, and 4 h after drug administration with a maximum antiplatelet effect observed after 1 and 2 h. In a rat model of thrombosis induced by ferric chloride application on the abdominal aorta, BM-573 significantly reduced the thrombus weight by 92.53, 80.20, 64.75, and 18.21% at doses of 5, 2, 0.5, and 0.2 mg/kg, respectively. Time to occlusion of abdominal aorta in the BM-573-treated group (41.50 +/- 5.21 min) was significantly prolonged compared with the vehicle-treated rats (16.16 +/- 0.79 min). Like furegrelate, seratrodast, and acetylsalicylic acid, BM-573 did not affect the tail bleeding time induced by tail transection in mice compared with vehicle-treated mice. Moreover, BM-573, a close derivative of the loop diuretic torasemide, failed to induce a significant increase in diuresis in rat and did not produce a decrease in blood glucose concentration as observed with the sulfonylurea glibenclamide. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the nitrobenzenic sulfonylurea BM-573, an original combined thromboxane receptor antagonist and thromboxane synthase inhibitor, is a potent antithrombotic agent that does not affect bleeding time. Moreover, BM-573 lost the diuretic property of torasemide and has no impact on glycemia.

Animals↗

Effect of a novel thromboxane A2 inhibitor on right ventricular-arterial coupling in endotoxic shock.

We investigated the effects of a dual thromboxane (TX)A2 synthase inhibitor and TXA2 receptor antagonist (BM-573) on right ventricular-arterial coupling in a porcine model of endotoxic shock. Thirty minutes before the onset of 0.5 mg/kg endotoxin infusion, six pigs (Endo group) received an infusion with a placebo solution, and six other pigs (Anta group) with BM-573. Right ventricular pressure-volume loops were obtained by the conductance catheter technique. The slope (Ees) of the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship and its volume intercept at 25 mmHg were calculated as measures of right ventricular systolic function. RV afterload was quantified by pulmonary arterial elastance (Ea), and Ees/Ea ratio represented right ventricular-arterial coupling. Mechanical efficiency was defined as the ratio of stroke work and pressure-volume area. In this model of endotoxic shock, BM-573 blunted the early phase of pulmonary hypertension, improved arterial oxygenation, and prevented a decrease in right ventricular myocardial efficiency and right ventricular dilatation. However, the drug could not prevent the loss of homeometric regulation and alterations in right ventricular-arterial coupling. In conclusion, dual TXA2 synthase inhibitor and receptor antagonists such as BM-573 have potential therapeutic applications, improving right ventricular efficiency and arterial oxygenation in endotoxic shock.

Animals↗

New developments on thromboxane and prostacyclin modulators part I: thromboxane modulators.

The pathogenesis of numerous cardiovascular, pulmonary, inflammatory, and thromboembolic diseases can be related to arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites. One of these bioactive metabolites of particular importance is thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)). It is produced by the action of thromboxane synthase on the prostaglandin endoperoxide H(2)(PGH(2)), which results from the enzymatic degradation of AA by the cyclooxygenases. TXA(2) is a potent inducer of platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction and bronchoconstriction. It is involved in a series of major pathophysiological states such as asthma, myocardial ischemia, pulmonary hypertension, and thromboembolic disorders. Therefore, TXA(2) receptor antagonists, thromboxane synthase inhibitors and drugs combining both properties have been developed by several pharmaceutical companies since the early 1980s. Several compounds have been launched on the market and others are under clinical evaluation. Moreover, the recent literature reported the interest of thromboxane modulators, which combine another pharmacological activity such as, platelet activating factor antagonism, angiotensin II antagonism, or 5-lipoxygenase inhibition. In this review, we will propose a description of the recently described thromboxane modulators of major interest from both a pharmacological and a chemical point of view.

Arachidonic Acid↗

New developments on thromboxane and prostacyclin modulators part II: prostacyclin modulators.

Prostacyclin (PGI(2)) is a potent endogenous inhibitor of platelet function and possesses a strong vasodilator effect. Furthermore, prostacyclin is currently presented as the physiologic antagonist of thromboxane A(2)(TXA(2)), which exhibits pro-aggregatory and vasoconstrictor properties. So, the balance between PGI(2) and TXA(2) production is crucial for the cardiovascular system. Indeed, an imbalance in the production or effect of these products is deleterious for the circulatory system and can lead to characterized vascular diseases such as hypertension, stroke, atherosclerosis or myocardial infarction. Although the biological effects of PGI(2) are considered to be clinically useful, its use as therapeutic agent is largely limited by both its chemical and metabolic instability. Actually, several prostacyclin agonists have been synthesized and pharmacologically evaluated. Among these, some have been clinically evaluated as therapeutic agents in several vascular diseases. This review focuses on the latest chemical and pharmacological developments in the field of the prostacyclin agonists.

Cardiovascular System↗

Coumarin and isocoumarin as serine protease inhibitors.

Serine proteases are attractive targets for the design of enzyme inhibitors since they are involved in the etiology of several diseases. Within the class of serine proteases, HLE is one of the most destructive enzymes in the body. It is implicated in the promotion or exacerbation of a number of diseases including pancreatitis, acute respiratory syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, pulmonary emphysema, and cystic fibrosis. Thrombin, a trypsin-like serine protease, plays a dual role in thrombogenesis, including fibrin formation and platelet activation. As a result, thrombin constitutes one of the most widely studied targets for antithrombotic strategy. Numerous inhibitors of serine proteases have been reported during the past three decades. Among them, coumarin-type molecules displayed a high inhibitory potency towards various serine proteases. At that time, halomethyl dihydrocoumarins have been shown to behave as the first general suicide inhibitors of serine protease. These molecules inhibit several proteases such as human leucocyte elastase, porcine pancreatic elastase, thrombin, urokinase and human plasmin. Isocoumarins are very effective as mechanism-based inhibitors of serine proteases. Pharmacomodulation on the 3-alkoxy-4-chloroisocoumarins and the 3-alkoxy-7-amino-4-chloroisocoumarins led to strong inhibitors of numerous serine proteases such as HLE, human factor XIa and XIIa, thrombin, urokinase and kallikrein. Recently, a series of coumarins characterised by an alkyl, aryl ester, amide, thioester or ketone in the position 3 and an electrophilic chloromethyl moiety in the position 6 have been developed. These compounds were found to be high inhibitors of alpha-chymotrypin, HLE and human thrombin.

Binding Sites↗

New developments on thromboxane modulators.

Thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) is a labile product formed from arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenase. The pathogenesis of numerous cardiovascular, pulmonary, and thromboembolic diseases can be related to this metabolite. Therefore, TXA(2) modulators have been developed for 20 years. This review will highlight the evolution in the field of TXA(2) modulators.

Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Effects of endotoxic shock on right ventricular systolic function and mechanical efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of endotoxin infusion on right ventricular (RV) systolic function and mechanical efficiency. METHODS: Six anesthetized pigs (Endo group) received a 0.5 mg/kg endotoxin infusion over 30 min and were compared with six other anesthetized pigs (Control group) receiving placebo for 5 h. RV pressure-volume (PV) loops were obtained by the conductance catheter technique and pulmonary artery flow and pressure were measured with high-fidelity transducers. RESULTS: RV adaptation to increased afterload during the early phase of endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension (T30) was obtained by both homeometric and hetereometric regulations: the slope of the end-systolic PV relationship of the right ventricle increased from 1.4+/-0.2 mmHg/ml to 2.9+/-0.4 mmHg/ml (P<0.05) and RV end-diastolic volume increased from 56+/-6 ml to 64+/-11 ml (P<0.05). Consequently, right ventricular-vascular coupling was maintained at a maximum efficiency. Ninety minutes later (T120), facing the same increased afterload, the right ventricle failed to maintain its contractility to such an elevated level and, as a consequence, right ventricular-vascular uncoupling occurred. PV loop area, which is known to be highly correlated with oxygen myocardial consumption, increased from 1154+/-127 mmHg/ml (T0) to 1798+/-122 mmHg/ml (T180) (P<0.05) while RV mechanical efficiency decreased from 63+/-2% (T0) to 45+/-5% (T270) (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the very early phase of endotoxinic shock, right ventricular-vascular coupling is preserved by an increase in RV contractility. Later, myocardial oxygen consumption and energetic cost of RV contractility are increased, as evidenced by the decrease in RV efficiency, and right ventricular-vascular uncoupling occurs. Therefore, therapies aiming at restoring right ventricular-vascular coupling in endotoxic shock should attempt to increase RV contractility and to decrease RV afterload but also to preserve RV mechanical efficiency.

Animals↗