Biomedical subjects

F Lavelle

Publications and source records attributed to F Lavelle.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1993

Intoplicine (RP 60475) and its derivatives, a new class of antitumor agents inhibiting both topoisomerase I and II activities.

Intoplicine (RP 60475, NSC 645008) is an antitumor derivative in the 7H-benzo[e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole series which is now being tested in clinical trials. Intoplicine strongly binds DNA (KA = 2 x 10(5) M-1) and thereby increases the length of linear DNA. These properties are consistent with DNA unwinding by intoplicine. Intoplicine was found to be a dual topoisomerase I and II inhibitor, with DNA sites of enzyme inhibition being different for these two enzymes. In this study, 22 analogues of intoplicine were evaluated for their effects on topoisomerase I- and II-mediated DNA cleavage reactions by using enzymes purified from calf thymus. Site-specific DNA cleavage mediated by topoisomerase I was observed with 7H-benzo[e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole derivatives but not with 11H-benzo[g]-pyrido[4,3-b]indole derivatives. Site-specific DNA cleavage mediated by topoisomerase II occurred with derivatives having hydroxyl groups at the 3-position on the 7H-benzo[e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole ring or at the 4-position on the 11H-benzo[g]pyrido[4,3-b]indole ring. Study of the relationships between the in vivo antitumor activity on P388 leukemia and the topoisomerase I- and/or II-mediated DNA cleavage activity revealed that the most highly active antitumor compounds possessed both topoisomerase I-and II-inhibitory properties. Compounds selectively inhibiting either topoisomerase I or II were less active. These results suggest that dual topoisomerase I and II inhibition is critical for the antitumor activity of this new series of antitumor compounds.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Molecular and cellular interactions between intoplicine, DNA, and topoisomerase II studied by surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy.

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra of the new antitumoral agent, intoplicine (RP 60475, NSC 645008), and those of its complexes with DNA and topoisomerase II in vitro and in K562 cancer cells were obtained. Intoplicine was found to unwind DNA and to inhibit purified calf thymus topoisomerase II via a stabilization of the ternary cleavable complex. The intensity of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectrum of intoplicine was not modified by the addition of plasmid pBR322 or calf thymus DNA. In the complex of this antitumor agent with topoisomerase II, the signal of intoplicine was completely abolished, indicating that at least some portion of intoplicine binds to an internal part of the enzyme. During the formation of the ternary complex, intoplicine was released from the interior of the protein and formed hydrogen bonds via its hydroxyl and/or amino groups. Similar modifications of the intoplicine spectra were found by microsurface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy of the compound in the nucleus of treated K562 cells. In contrast, intoplicine was found to be in a free form in the cytoplasm.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Altered topoisomerase I activity and recombination activating gene expression in a human leukemia cell line resistant to doxorubicin.

We examined the expression of the genes encoding topoisomerases I and II and those associated with V(D)J [variable(diversity)joining] recombination in two human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T.ALL) cell lines, CEM and CEM/DOX. In CEM/DOX cells, which are resistant to doxorubicin, the topoisomerase I gene was found to be 4-fold overexpressed and nuclear topoisomerase I relaxation activity was 2-fold greater in CEM/DOX than in CEM cells. Furthermore, the cleavable complex reaction induced by camptothecin, a specific topoisomerase I inhibitor, was found to be 2.5-increased in the presence of topoisomerase I extracted from CEM/DOX, in comparison to that in CEM cells. Conversely, the topoisomerase II mRNA levels, nuclear decatenation activities and (mAMSA) 4'(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide-induced cleavable complex formation in CEM/DOX were similar to those of the doxorubicin-sensitive cells. The results indicate that topoisomerase I activity is elevated in CEM/DOX cells. Nevertheless, CEM/DOX cells were 11-fold more resistant to camptothecin than were CEM cells, and cross-resistance to camptothecin was not reversed by verapamil. Furthermore, using an intact cell assay for DNA-protein complexes, we found that camptothecin-stimulated cleavable complexes formed in CEM/DOX cells were increased in correlation with the elevated topoisomerase I activity. These results suggest that camptothecin resistance in CEM/DOX cells is due to different mechanism(s) than topoisomerase- or P-glycoprotein-associated multidrug resistance. The recombination activating gene, RAG1, which is one of the components of the site-specific V(D)J recombination complex, was 20-fold overexpressed in CEM/DOX cells. In contrast, RAG2 and T160 gene transcripts, other components of the V(D)J complex, were at best poorly detected in both sensitive and resistant cells. No specific V(D)J recombinase activity was found in CEM or CEM/DOX cells when the pJH201 transfection assay was used. The results indicate that CEM/DOX cells failed to generate V(D)J recombination although RAG1 gene is overexpressed. The mechanism of the RAG1 gene activation was not gene amplification, and no rearrangement was detected in the RAG1 gene locus. RAG1 presents homology with the yeast gene HPR1, itself homologous to yeast topoisomerase I and responsible for the control of recombination in somatic cells. Since DNA topoisomerases are themselves involved in the control of DNA topology, recombination and DNA repair, the possible coactivation of RAG1 and topoisomerase I genes in CEM/DOX cells is discussed.

Amsacrine↗

PubMed1993

Sequential modifications of topoisomerase I activity in a camptothecin-resistant cell line established by progressive adaptation.

The DNA-topoisomerase I (Topo I) inhibitor, camptothecin (CPT), is a plant alkaloid with an important antitumor activity. In order to investigate the cellular mechanism leading to the development of the resistance to this agent, we have established by progressive adaptation a P388 subline resistant to CPT. After 5 months of continuous drug exposure, the resistance index reached a value of 20 and the resistant cell line, P388CPT0.3, was maintained in the presence of CPT. CPT-induced single strand breaks measured by alkaline elution were found drastically reduced in the resistant cell line. Topo I activity and CPT-induced DNA cleavage were measured on cells at different steps of resistance. We first observed that the Topo I activity was strongly decreased. In addition, the resistant cells recovered the ATP-independent relaxation activity after 3 months of exposure to CPT, but still kept a reduced CPT-induced DNA cleavage. Further evaluations at the final stage of the resistance induction have indicated that cells presented a CPT-resistant form of Topo I. Rearranged Topo I gene on one allele and a reduced Topo I transcription were also observed in resistant cells. The putative role of the rearrangement was discussed. These data show that the resistance mechanism has evolved from a decreased Topo I activity to an altered form of the enzyme, and suggest that multiple mechanisms of Topo I modifications could contribute to CPT resistance.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Antitumor activity of intoplicine (RP 60475, NSC 645008), a new benzo-pyrido-indole: evaluation against solid tumors and leukemias in mice.

Intoplicine (RP 60475, NSC 645008) is a new 7H-benzo[e]pyrido [4,3-b] indole derivative which interacts with DNA and inhibits both topoisomerases I and II. In vitro it was found cytotoxic against various cell types with greater cytotoxicity towards solid tumor cells. We report here the anticancer activity of RP 60475 against a variety of transplantable tumors of mice, and also its cross-resistance profile in leukemias. The end points used were % T/C (median tumor weight of the Treated over the Control x 100) and logCK (log10 cell kill total). RP 60475 administered i.v. was found schedule-independent with a peak plasma level problem. It had a good therapeutic index and host recovery usually occurred 7.5 days post last treatment. RP 60475 was found to be highly active against early stage colon 38 (T/C = 0%, 2.9 logCK) and could induce 5/5 complete regressions of advanced stage tumor. It was found active against colon adenocarcinoma 51 (T/C = 3.6%, 1.9 logCK) and colon carcinoma 26 (T/C = 11.7%, 1.2 logCK). Most of the mammary adenocarcinomas were found very responsive, MA16/C (T/C = 0%, 2.8 logCK), MA14/A (T/C = 0%, 1.4 logCK), MA13/C (T/C = 0%, 3.1 log CK) and MA44 (T/C = 34%). Excellent activity was also observed against early stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma 03 (T/C = 0%) and RP 60475 could achieve 5/5 complete regressions of upstaged tumor. Activity was also obtained on Glasgow osteogenic sarcoma (T/C = 0%, 3.3 logCK), on B16 melanoma (T/C = 14%, 1.3 logCK) and to a lesser extent on Lewis lung carcinoma (T/C = 33.2%). Evaluation of RP 60475 against leukemia sublines with acquired resistance, revealed that L1210/cisplatin and L1210/BCNU were not cross-resistant to RP 60475 whereas P388/vincristine was partially cross-resistant to RP 60475 and P388/doxorubicin was cross-resistant to RP 60475. Based on RP 60475 broad activity against transplantable tumors of mice, its effectiveness against some resistant sublines, its original mechanism of action and its acceptable toxicological profile, this compound was selected for clinical trials.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

[Taxotere: from yew's needles to clinical practice].

Taxotere [N-debenzoyl-N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-10-deacetyl taxol] is a new chemical entity obtained by semisynthesis from 10-deacetylbaccatin III, a non cytotoxic precursor extracted from the needles of the European yew Taxus baccata. Taxotere retains the unique mechanism of action of taxol and inhibits the depolymerisation of microtubules into tubulin. In vitro, Taxotere is cytotoxic against murine and human tumor cells with IC50 values ranging from 4 to 35 ng/ml. Taxotere inhibits the clonogenic properties of fresh human tumor cells at clinically relevant concentrations. Taxotere is highly active in vivo against several experimental models: it is 2.7-fold more active than taxol on a log cell kill basis against B16 melanoma; ten out of the twelve models of grafted murine tumors tested respond to Taxotere; it is active with 80% complete regressions against advanced C38 colon adenocarcinoma and PO3 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Finally, Taxotere is active against several human xenografts implanted in nude mice. Safety studies were performed in dogs and mice according to NCI guidelines. Toxicological effects are observed mostly is tissues with high cell turnover (bone marrow in mice and dogs, gastrointestinal tract in dogs only) or in those where microtubules play an important role (peripheral nerves in mice only). Because of its availability, due to an efficient process using a renewable source of natural precursor, its preclinical profile (higher antitumoral activity than taxol with a comparable toxicological profile) and its unique mechanism of action, Taxotere has entered Phase I clinical trials in Europe, United States and Japan. The dose limiting toxicity is a neutropenia. Evidence of clinical activity has been noted (breast, ovarian, lung). Taxotere is now in Phase II clinical trials.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Dual topoisomerase I and II inhibition by intoplicine (RP-60475), a new antitumor agent in early clinical trials.

The mechanisms of action of intoplicine (RP-60475), a 7H-benzo[e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole derivative that is presently in early clinical trials, have been investigated. Intoplicine induced both topoisomerase I- and II-mediated DNA strand breaks, using purified topoisomerases. The topoisomerase cleavage site patterns induced by intoplicine were unique, relative to those of camptothecin, 4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (m-AMSA), and other known topoisomerase inhibitors. Both topoisomerase I- and II-induced DNA breaks decreased at drug concentrations higher than 1 microM, which is consistent with the DNA-intercalating activity of intoplicine. DNA damage was investigated in KB cells in culture by using alkaline elution. Intoplicine induced single-strand breaks (SSB) in a bell-shaped manner with respect to drug concentration (maximum frequency at 1 microM approximately 220 rad-equivalents). SSB formation was fast, whereas reversal after drug removal was slow. Similar bell-shaped curves were obtained for DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) and DNA-protein cross-links. SSB and DNA-protein cross-link frequencies were approximately equal, and no protein-free breaks were detectable, indicating the protein concealment of the breaks, as expected for topoisomerase inhibition. Comparison of SSB and DSB frequencies indicated that intoplicine produced a significant amount of SSB not related to DSB, which is consistent with concomitant inhibition of both DNA topoisomerases I and II in cells. Data derived from resistant cell lines indicated that multidrug-resistant cells were cross-resistant to intoplicine but that m-AMSA- and camptothecin-resistant cells were sensitive to intoplicine. Hence, intoplicine might circumvent topoisomerase I-mediated and topoisomerase II-mediated resistance by poisoning both enzymes simultaneously.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Effects of Taxotere on murine and human tumor cell lines.

Taxotere (RP 56976, NSC 628503), an analog of taxol, is an inhibitor of depolymerisation of microtubules and is currently in Phase I clinical trials. Comparisons of the cytotoxicities of Taxotere and taxol have been studied on several murine (P388, SVras) and human cell lines (Calc18, HCT116, T24, N417, KB). Taxotere was found more potent than taxol (1.3-12 fold), a result which could be explained by its higher affinity than taxol for microtubules. In agreement with its postulated mechanism of action, Taxotere is more cytotoxic on proliferating than on non proliferating N417 cells and does not inhibit cellular DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. Taxotere gives partial cross resistance on P-glycoprotein resistant P388/DOX cell line, in contrast to taxol which gives a complete cross resistance. On the other hand, no cross resistances were observed on Calc18/AM and P388/CPT5 cell lines, bearing modified activities of topoisomerase II and topoisomerase I, respectively. These results underline the higher cytotoxic activity of Taxotere compared to taxol, and the lack of cross resistance of that class of agent with the topoisomerase I and II-related multidrug resistance phenotypes.

Alkaloids↗

PubMed1992

Metastatic phenotype of murine tumor cells expressing different cooperating oncogenes.

Four murine cellular tumor models expressing various combinations of oncogenes (SV40 large T and v-Ha-ras, SV40 large T and v-src, SV40 large T and neu, adenovirus EIA and v-Ha-ras) induce sarcoma when they are inoculated s.c. into the DBA/2 syngenic mice. The metastatic patterns, distribution and fate of these tumor cells transplanted by two different routes into syngenic DBA/2 mice have been studied. All the tumor cell lines except EIA-ras, induce massive overt artificial metastases principally in the lung after i.v. injection. In s.c. tumor-bearing mice, a few resting cells colonize the lung as micrometastases. When removed from this tissue context and injected s.c. these cells regain their proliferative potential and grow as local tumors which again give rise to occult pulmonary micrometastases.

Adenovirus Early Proteins↗

PubMed1992

Mode of action of the antitumor compound girodazole (RP 49532A, NSC 627434).

Girodazole (RP 49532A) or 3-amino-1-[4-(2 amino-1H-imidazolyl]-propanol, 2HCl is an experimental antitumor compound which inhibits protein synthesis in cell cultures and in cell free systems. The compound has been evaluated for its capacity to inhibit specific assays of initiation, elongation and termination of protein synthesis. Girodazole inhibited the release of nascent peptides from polyribosomes in rabbit reticulocyte lysates indicating that the major effect of the compound is on the protein synthesis termination step.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Further SAR in the new antitumor 1-amino-substituted gamma-carbolines and 5H-benzo[e]pyrido[4,3-b]indoles series.

Using previously described techniques, various new 1-amino-substituted 5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indoles (gamma-carbolines, gamma-C) and 5H-benzo[e]pyrido[4,3-b]indoles (BPI) have been synthesized and evaluated. For known compounds containing a 1-[(dimethylamino)propyl] group, 1a and 1b in the gamma-C series and 2 in the BPI series are the most active. Studies with newly synthesized derivatives show that: (i) in the gamma-C series, the 4-unsubstituted-8-hydroxy-compound was inactive, whereas the 4-unsubstituted-9-hydroxy-5H-benzo[e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole is active; (ii) the 4-ethyl-8-hydroxy-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole derivative retains antitumor properties, but the 1-amino-substituted 4-ethyl-9-hydroxy-5H-benzo[e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole analog is devoid of biological activity; (iii) in the 5H-benzo[e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole series, the displacement of a hydroxyl group from the 9- to 10-position leads to inactive compounds. Based on the structural analogies, these results were unexpected because the same substituents on the 4-position lead to different biological properties in the two series.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Synthesis and antitumor properties of new 4-methyl-substituted- pyrido[4,3-b]indoles (gamma-carbolines).

A new class of antineoplastic agents, 4-methyl-pyrido[4,3-b]indoles (5) and the related 4-hydroxymethyl derivatives (7), has been synthesized by a new pathway. Key transformations include regiospecific chlorination at the C(4)-position of 3-nitro-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-pyridin-2-(1H)-one (11) and photochemical cyclization of the intermediate triazolopyridones (15). This new synthesis was developed since an attempt to prepare 4-hydrazino-5-ethoxymethyl-pyridin-2-(1H)-one (10b) by the method previously used to obtain 4-hydrazino-5-methyl-pyridin-2-(1H)-one (10a) failed. The biological results obtained in different in vitro and in vivo models indicate that the substitution of the 4-CH3 by a 4-CH2OH group leads to a decrease of the antitumor properties.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Experimental antitumor activity of taxotere (RP 56976, NSC 628503), a taxol analogue.

Taxotere (RP 56976; NSC 628503; N-debenzoyl-N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-10-deacetyl taxol) is a new microtubule stabilizing agent. It is obtained by semisynthesis from a noncytotoxic precursor extracted from the needles of the tree, Taxus baccata L. Taxotere was evaluated for antitumor activity against a variety of transplantable tumors of mice. Taxotere had no marked schedule dependency and was found active by the i.v. and the i.p. routes. Upon i.v. administration, 9 of 11 tumor models tested responded to Taxotere. B16 melanoma was found highly sensitive to Taxotere, with a tumor growth inhibition of 0% and a 3.0 log10 tumor cell kill at the maximum tolerated dose. In the same trial, taxol produced only a 1.1 log10 tumor cell kill at the maximum tolerated dose. Taxotere cured early stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma 03 (6 of 6 cures) and colon adenocarcinoma 38 (7 of 7 cures). It also effected greater than 80% complete regressions of advanced stage disease with both tumors. Taxotere was active against early and advanced stage colon adenocarcinoma 51, with 2.3 and 1.7 log10 cell kill, respectively. Four other tumors responded to a lesser extent: Lewis lung (5.5% tumor growth inhibition), Glasgow osteogenic sarcoma (27.2% tumor growth inhibition), L1210 and P388 leukemias (70 and 54% increase in life span, respectively). Because of its good preclinical activity and its unique mechanism of action, Taxotere has entered Phase I clinical trials.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1991

Antitumor activity and mechanism of action of the marine compound girodazole.

Girodazole, a new marine compound has been isolated from the sponge Pseudaxinyssa cantharella. Girodazole is active in vivo on several murine grafted tumors including leukemias (P388, L1210, i.p./i.p.) and solid tumors (MA 16/C mammary adenocarcinoma, M5076 histiocytosarcoma, s.c./i.v.). In addition, girodazole has identical cytotoxic properties in vitro on P388 and P388/DOX cells and retains antitumor activity in vivo on P388/DOX. Girodazole has a unique chemical structure different from those of known anticancer agents and of new compounds undergoing clinical trials. Biochemical studies indicate that girodazole inhibits protein synthesis during the elongation/termination steps. Toxicological studies have been done in mice and in dogs and did not reveal any major toxic effect which could preclude administration in patients. Girodazole is now undergoing phase I clinical studies.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Heterocyclic quinones. 17. A new in vivo active antineoplastic drug: 6,7-bis(1-aziridinyl)-4-[[3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl]amino]-5,8- quinazolinedione.

A series of heterocyclic quinones, 6-substituted and 6,7-disubstituted 4-(alkylamino)-5,8-quinazolinediones, have been synthesized in order to evaluate their in vitro cytotoxicity on L1210 leukemia cells. Among 14 derivatives that have been prepared and studied for the structure-activity relationship, the most potent cytotoxic compound on L1210 leukemia cells was the 6,7-bis(1-aziridinyl)-4-[[3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl]amino]-5,8- quinazolinedione (24). This compound has been tested with the use of a cell-image processor on MCF-7 human mammary and HBL human melanoma cell lines. The results show that compound 24 influences cell proliferation and blocks both cells lines in the S phase. In vivo antineoplastic activity of compound 24 has been demonstrated on a broad spectrum of murine experimental models, but it was found highly toxic and produced long-delayed deaths.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Relationships between the structure of taxol analogues and their antimitotic activity.

A variety of synthetic analogues of taxol, a naturally occurring antitumor diterpene, were examined for their potency to inhibit microtubule disassembly. For some of the compounds, the in vitro cytotoxic properties showed a good correlation with the tubulin assay. This structure-activity relationship study shows that inhibition of microtubule disassembly is quite sensitive to the configuration at C-2' and C-3'. A correlation between the conformation of the side chain at C-13 and the activity is suggested. Of all the compounds examined, one of the most potent in inhibiting microtubule disassembly and in inhibiting murine P388 leukemic cells, N-debenzoyl-N-tert-(butoxycarbonyl)-10-deacetyltaxol, named taxotere, was selected for evaluation as a potential anticancer agent.

Alkaloids↗

PubMed1990

Antitumor imidazotetrazines. 20. Preparation of the 8-acid derivative of mitozolomide and its utility in the preparation of active antitumor agents.

The preparation of 3-(2-chlorethyl)-4-oxo-3H-imidazo[5,1-d]-1,2,3,5- tetrazine-8-carboxylic acid, a key derivative of mitozolomide in our exploration of the structure-activity relationships of this class of antitumor agents, is described. The facile conversion to the 8-carbonyl chloride gave a derivative that reacted preferentially with nucleophiles at the 8-position rather than at the reactive 4-oxo group, allowing the preparation of a wide range of ester, thioester, amide (including an amide derived from an amino acid), hydroxamic acid, hydrazide and sulfoximide, azide and diazoacetyl derivatives. The in vivo activity is presented of a range of these compounds against TLX5 lymphoma and L1210 leukemia cell lines.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Synthesis and antitumor activity of 1-[[(dialkylamino)alkyl]amino]-4-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]benzo[e]- and -benzo[g])indoles. A new class of antineoplastic agents.

The thermal Fischer indolization of hydrazones resulting from 4-hydrazino-5-methyl-1H-pyridin-2-one and various beta- and alpha-tetralones led to 4-methyl-6,7-dihydro-2H,5H-pyrido[4,3- b]benzo[e]indol-1-ones and 4-methyl-11-dihydro-2H,5H-pyrido[4,3- b]benzo[g]indol-1-ones, respectively. After aromatization, these compounds were transformed by phosphorus oxychloride, giving 1-chloro-4-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3- b]benzo[e]- and -benzo[g]indoles which were substituted by [(dialkylamino)alkyl]amines. The resulting 1-[[(dialkylamino)alkyl]amino]-4-methyl-5H-pyrido- [4,3-b]benzo[e]- and -benzo[g]indoles, as well as hydroxy derivatives obtained by demethylation of methoxylated compounds with hydrobromic acid, were tested for antitumor activity in vitro (leukemic and solid tumor cells) and in vivo on various experimental tumor models using the standard NCI protocols. 1-[[3-(Dialkylamino)propyl]-amino]-4-methyl-9-hydroxy-5H-pyrido[4,3- b]benzo[e]indoles appeared as a promising new class of antineoplastic agents.

Animals↗