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Biomedical subjects

K Kubo

Publications and source records attributed to K Kubo.

At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources

Nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Synthesis and biological activity of potential prodrugs of benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acids.

In order to improve the oral bioavailability (BA) of 2-butyl-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-benzimid azole - 7-carboxylic acid (3: CV-11194) and 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4- yl]methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (4: CV-11974), novel angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonists, chemical modification to yield prodrugs has been examined. After selective tritylation of the tetrazole rings in 3 and 4, treatment of N-tritylated benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acids (6, 7) with a variety of alkyl halides, followed by deprotection with hydrochloric acid, afforded esters of 3 and 4. Mainly 1-(acyloxy)alkyl esters and 1-[(alkoxycarbonyl)oxy]alkyl esters, double ester derivatives, were synthesized. Their inhibitory effect on AII-induced pressor response in rats and oral BA were investigated. (Pivaloyloxy)methyl and (+/-)-1-[[(cyclohexyloxy)-carbonyl]oxy]ethyl esters of 3 and 4 showed marked increases in oral bioavailability which significantly potentiated the inhibitory effect of the parent compounds on AII-induced pressor response. Among them, (+/-)-1-[[(cyclohexyloxy)carbonyl]oxy]ethyl 2- ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-benzimida zole- 7-carboxylate (10s, TCV-116) was selected as a candidate for clinical evaluation.

Administration, Oral↗

Nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Synthesis and biological activity of benzimidazolecarboxylic acids.

A series of 2-substituted-1-[(biphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-7- carboxylic acids was prepared from the key intermediate 3-amino-2-[[(biphenyl-4- yl)methyl]amino]benzoate (6a-c) in order to clarify the structure-activity relationships of various analogues of 2-butyl-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-ben zimidazole- 7-carboxylic acid (CV-11194), a potent and long acting angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonist. The AII antagonistic activity of the benzimidazoles was investigated by in vitro assays, which included an AII receptor binding assay and AII-induced vasocontraction assay, as well as by in vivo assays such as an AII-induced pressor response in rats. Most of the benzimidazoles showed high affinity for the AII receptor (IC50 value, 10(-6)-10(-7) M) and inhibited the AII-induced pressor response at 1 or 3 mg/kg po, and the effects were more potent than those of CV-11194 and DuP 753. The structure-activity relationship studies on the binding affinity and the inhibition of AII-induced pressor response suggested that straight chains of a certain length (e.g., ethoxy groups, ethyl groups) were the best as substituents at the 2-position and that their steric factors, lipophilicity, and electronic effects affected the potency of the AII antagonistic action. Both a carboxyl group at the 7-position and a tetrazole ring at the 2'-position were particularly important for potent and orally active AII antagonistic activity and a long-acting hypotensive effect. The representative compound, 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H- benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (26b, CV-11974), inhibited the specific binding of [125I]AII to bovine adrenal cortical membrane with an IC50 value of 1.1 x 10(-7) M. The AII-induced contraction of rabbit aortic strips was antagonized by CV-11974 (IC50 value, 3.0 x 10(-10) M). Oral administration of CV-11974 to conscious normotensive rats at 1 mg/kg resulted in long-lasting inhibition of the AII-induced pressor response. CV-11974 at 0.1-1 mg/kg iv reduced blood pressure dose-dependently in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists↗

Inhibition of rabbit aortic angiotensin II (AII) receptor by CV-11974, a new nonpeptide AII antagonist.

The angiotensin II (AII) antagonistic action of CV-11974 (2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl] benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid) was investigated in an AII-receptor binding assay using rabbit aortic membranes and an AII-induced contraction assay using rabbit aortic strips. A single class of [125I]AII-(Sar1,Ile8) binding sites was found in the membranes with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.15 nM and a receptor concentration (Bmax) of 86.9 fmol/mg protein. CV-11974 markedly reduced Kd without affecting Bmax. The specific binding of [125I]AII-(Sar1,Ile8) in this preparation was inhibited completely by CV-11974 [the inhibition constant (Ki) = 0.64 nM], DuP 753 [an angiotensin II type I (AT1) receptor-selective antagonist] (Ki = 51 nM) and EXP3174 (an active metabolite of DuP 753) (Ki = 6.8 nM), but was not affected by PD123177 (an AT2 receptor-selective antagonist). These results suggest that the single binding site in rabbit aortic membranes is an AT1 receptor subtype. The affinity of CV-11974 to these AT1 receptors was approximately 80 and 10 times higher than that of DuP 753 and EXP3174, respectively. CV-11974 showed no appreciable affinity for the AT2 receptors found in bovine cerebellum. In the in vitro functional study, CV-11974 markedly reduced the AII-induced maximal contractile response of rabbit aortic strips (pD'2 = 9.97). In contrast, Compound 7-H, which lacks the carboxyl group at the benzimidazole ring of CV-11974, inhibited the contraction in a competitive manner. The inhibition by CV-11974 was long lasting. These results suggest that CV-11974 is a potent and long-acting AT1 receptor-selective, competitive antagonist. The carboxyl group at the benzimidazole ring plays an important role in the interaction between CV-11974 and the AT1 receptor.

Angiotensin II↗

Nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Synthesis and biological activity of benzimidazoles.

A series of substituted 2-butylbenzimidazoles bearing a biphenylylmethyl moiety at the 1-position was prepared via three synthetic routes and evaluated for angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonistic activity (in vitro and in vivo). Binding affinity was determined using bovine adrenal cortical membrane. Substitution at the 4-, 5-, or 6-position reduced the affinity relative to that of the unsubstituted compound (13a). However, most of the compounds with a substituent at the 7-position showed binding affinity comparable to that of DuP 753 (losartan). In functional studies, a carboxyl group was found to be very important for antagonistic activity against AII. Comparison of 2-butyl-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]- 1H-benzimidazole-4-, -5-, -6-, and -7-carboxylic acids (15a-d) in an AII-induced rabbit aortic ring contraction assay clearly demonstrated the importance of the substitutional position of the carboxyl group. In an in vivo assay, oral administration of benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acids caused long-lasting inhibition of the AII-induced pressor response in rats. The optimum substituent at the 7-position of the benzimidazole ring was found to be a carboxyl or an ester group. The representative compound, 2-butyl-1-[[2'- (1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-7-carboxy lic acid (15d, CV-11194), inhibited the specific binding of [125I]AII to bovine adrenal cortical membrane with an IC50 value of 5.5 x 10(-7) M. The AII-induced contraction of rabbit aortic strips was antagonized by CV-11194 (IC50 value, 5.5 x 10(-11) M), while the compound had no effect on the contraction induced by norepinephrine or KCl. Orally administered CV-11194 at doses of 0.3-10 mg/kg dose-dependently inhibited the AII-induced pressor response in rats and dogs. CV-11194 at 1 mg/kg po reduced blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The three-dimensional molecular structure of CV-11194 was determined by X-ray diffraction.

Adrenal Cortex↗

Dibenzoxepin derivatives: thromboxane A2 synthase inhibition and thromboxane A2 receptor antagonism combined in one molecule.

A new series of 6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin derivatives exerting both thromboxane synthase inhibitory (TXS-I) and thromboxane receptor antagonist (TXRA) activities is described. (-)-11-[(3-Pyridylmethyl)thio]-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin -2- carboxylic acid [(-)-3] and (E)-11-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethylidene]-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin+ ++-2- carboxylic acid methanesulfonate (11E) exhibited potent inhibitory effects on bovine platelet thromboxane synthase with IC50 values of 4.0 and 14 nM, respectively, and these derivatives also antagonized guinea pig platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptors with Ki values of 85 and 180 nM, respectively. Compound 11E exhibited the dual inhibitory activity in ex vivo experiments and demonstrated a significant protective effect in a rat acute renal failure model.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Bioactive glass promoted formation of nodules in periodontal-ligament fibroblasts in vitro.

The effects of bioactive glass and vitamin D3 on cultured fibroblasts derived from periodontal-ligament, with respect to their proliferation and alkaline-phosphatase activity were studied. The cells were cultured with or without the bioactive glass and/or vitamin D3, then the number and alkaline-phosphatase activity of the cells were measured periodically until the 33rd day. Formation of mineralized deposits was assessed by staining with alizarin red and von Kossa staining techniques. Fewer fibroblasts grew when they were cultured in the presence of bioactive glass and/or vitamin D3 as compared to those cultures without them. Alkaline-phosphatase activity was greater in the fibroblasts cultured with bioactive glass and vitamin D3 than in the cells grown without them. Mineralized deposits assessed by alizarin red and von Kossa staining techniques were observed microscopically around the fibroblasts cultured with bioactive glass and/or vitamin D3. A nodule visible after drying was evident only when both bioactive glass and vitamin D3 were present in culture. The results showed that although the bioactive glass and vitamin D3 decreased cell proliferation, they increased the alkaline-phosphatase activity of the fibroblasts which formed a nodule, suggesting an effect which might be useful for implant materials.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Elimination of protein band "edge tailing" in Weber-Osborn-type slab gel electrophoresis by glycerol.

In sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) according to the method of Weber and Osborn, protein bands are often distorted by tailing at both ends, and the phenomenon is often called "edge tailing." This was eliminated by adding glycerol at a concentration of 10-15% (v/v) to the sample-well gel supplemented to form the sample wells. This simple modification made the protein bands as sharp and straight as those in SDS-PAGE according to the Laemmli procedure. The linearity of the semilogarithmic plot of mobilities versus molecular mass was better than that obtained by Laemmli-type SDS-PAGE.

Cytochrome c Group↗

A monoclonal antibody (H227) recognizing a new epitope of 4F2 molecular complex associated with T cell activation.

We developed and characterized a monoclonal antibody (mAb), H227, recognizing a new epitope of human 4F2 molecular complex whose roles remain to be identified. Both staining patterns and molecular sizes recognized by H227 mAb were the same to those of 4F2 mAb. Thus, both H227 and 4F2 mAbs were reactive to monocytes, thymocytes, and activated lymphocytes and immunoprecipitated the 125-kDa molecular weight membrane protein under nonreducing conditions and 85-kDa heavy-chain and 40-kDa light-chain proteins under reducing conditions. These two mAbs immunoprecipitated only the 85-kDa heavy-chain protein when the cell lysate was initially treated with dithiothreitol. Sequential immunoprecipitation proved their cross-reactivity. Both the mAbs inhibited phytohemagglutinin- or concanavalin A-induced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In contrast to these similarities, the pretreatment of cells with one mAb failed to block the reactivity to the other, suggesting that their epitopes were different from each other. Furthermore, only H227 mAb augmented phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced PBMC proliferation in association with increase in interleukin 2 receptor expression. In summary, H227 mAb recognizes a new epitope of 4F2 heavy chain that might be involved in the PMA-induced T cell activation pathway and therefore shall be a useful tool for understanding the roles of the 4F2 molecular complex.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

A novel antigen (H47 Ag) on human lymphocytes involved in T cell activation.

Surface molecules involved in human T cell activation were investigated using a newly developed monoclonal antibody (H47 mAb). H47 antigen (Ag) recognized by H47 mAb was expressed on approximately 10% of resting T cells (mostly CD4-CD8+), 30% of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-activated T cells (both CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+), and most NK, B cells, and monocytes in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). H47 mAb respectively immunoprecipitated a 100 or 120-kD molecular weight (MW) membrane protein of T cells and monocytes under nonreducing or reducing conditions, suggesting that H47 Ag consists of a single polypeptide that has intramolecular disulfide bonds. H47 mAb significantly enhanced PMA-induced proliferation of PBMC in a monocyte-independent fashion. H47 mAb, however, failed to enhance T cell proliferation induced by anti-CD3 mAb, anti-CD2 mAb, or phytohemagglutinin (PHA). H47 mAb also enhanced PMA-induced interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression and IL-2 synthesis, but did not induce a change in intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) of T cells. These results suggest that H47 Ag is a new membrane molecule involved in PMA-induced T cell activation.

Animals↗

Effects of continuous infusion of nitroglycerin on pulmonary hemodynamics, lung lymph balance, and prostanoid products in the response to endotoxin in awake sheep.

We examined the effects of continuous intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin (NTG) on lung dysfunction induced by endotoxemia in awake sheep chronically instrumented with lung lymph fistula. We measured the responses of hemodynamics, lung lymph balance, and thromboxane (Tx)B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F1 alpha levels in plasma and lung lymph to endotoxin administration (1 microgram/kg, intravenously [IV], over 30 min) with and without continuous infusion of NTG (1 microgram/kg/min). Continuous infusion of NTG alone (n = 5) over 5 hr did not significantly alter systemic, pulmonary hemodynamics, and/or lung lymph fluid filtration. Infusion of endotoxin alone (n = 7) caused remarkable increases in pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) and lung lymph flow (Qlym) in the early phase. Continuous infusion of NTG (n = 6) significantly prevented the early increases in Ppa and Qlym after endotoxin. The increased values of TxB2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in both plasma and lung lymph after endotoxemia showed the same increases in groups with and without NTG. These findings suggest that the reduction of pulmonary artery pressure induced by NTG decreased the filtration of fluid into the lungs associated with endotoxemia in sheep, and that the mechanism of vasodilating action of NTG is not due to modifications of constrictive-dilated cyclo-oxygenase products of arachidonate, such as TxA2 and PGI2.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Depolymerization of hyaluronan by sonication.

High molecular weight hyaluronan (M(r) 400,000) obtained from human umbilical cord was depolymerized by sonication for 10 h into small molecules and finally into molecules of constant size (M(r) 11,000). The molecular size of the depolymerized hyaluronan was unaltered even under different conditions of sonication. After sonication, the main sugar residues at the reducing and non-reducing termini of depolymerized hyaluronan were N-acetylglucosamine (86%) and glucuronic acid (98%), respectively. Hyaluronans derived from rooster comb (M(r) 1 x 10(6)) and Streptococcus zooepidemicus (M(r) 1.2 x 10(6)) were depolymerized into molecules of different but characteristic sizes by sonication. On the other hand, neither chondroitin sulfate nor glycogen was depolymerized by sonication. These results suggest that high molecular weight hyaluronan may have some weak linkages related to N-acetylglucosamine in the chain, which are extremely sensitive to sonication. At present, however, the nature of these linkages is still unclear.

Animals↗

Mechanisms of vancomycin-induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells.

The mechanisms of vancomycin (VCM)-induced histamine release were studied with rat peritoneal mast cells. VCM (> 1 x 10(-3) M) released histamine from the isolated mast cells in a dose-dependent and noncytotoxic manner. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, the histamine release was reduced markedly. When the intracellular Ca2+ was depleted, it was further decreased. The Fura-2-loaded single mast cells showed a biphasic increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by VCM: the first transient and the second sustained components. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, the transient component was unchanged, while the sustained component was eliminated completely. The IP3 content in the mast cells increased within 10 s after the application of VCM. These results suggest that VCM release histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells via an IP3 production and increase in [Ca2+]i.

Animals↗

Cardiopulmonary function after pulmonary lobectomy in patients with lung cancer.

The effects of pulmonary lobectomy on cardiopulmonary function were investigated in 9 patients with lung cancer. Hemodynamic studies at rest and during exercise were performed before and 4 to 6 months after the operation. Differences in hemodynamics between before and after operation were observed with respect to heart rate, pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance index, and stroke volume index. Heart rate, pulmonary arterial pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance index were significantly increased after operation, whereas stroke volume index was significantly decreased. It is thought that cardiac index was preserved by the increase in heart rate despite a decrease in stroke volume index associated with the decreased pulmonary vascular bed after the operation. When driving pressure and cardiac index were studied after operation, the pressure at rest and during exercise was higher, and the pressure-flow curve increased more steeply, as compared with the preoperative values. These results suggest a significant deterioration in cardiopulmonary function after lobectomy. As the patient characteristics were heterogeneous (five lobectomies and four bilobectomies), and their findings are limited, additional studies may be necessary in the future.

Aged↗

Minimal residual disease status in pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients after chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation: assessment of the anti-leukemic effects of chemotherapy and BMT.

We prospectively analyzed minimal residual disease (MRD) in four patients with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia who had been in complete remission for more than one year after chemotherapy and allogenic or autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT). MRD was quantitatively estimated using polymerase chain reaction amplification to detect the complementarity-determining region III of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene at limiting dilution DNA samples. Our study showed that remission induction chemotherapy reduced at most 2-logs of leukemia cells, and that subsequent consolidation chemotherapy induced further reduction of leukemia cells. In two cases, 10(-5) levels of MRD were detected two months after BMT. However, no MRD was detected four months after BMT. We also showed the effectiveness of ex vivo purging with anti-CALLA monoclonal antibodies which eliminated at least 2-logs of leukemia cells in autologous BMT. Our results suggest that this detection system is useful for assessing the reduction of the original leukemia clone, and that the presence of MRD within three months after BMT is not related to clinical outcome.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Natural course of jaw lesions in patients with familial adenomatosis coli (Gardner's syndrome).

Twenty-three patients suffering from familial adenomatosis coli (FAC) were followed for an average of 7 years (0.11-16.11 years). In 22 patients, jaw lesions including osteomas and/or odontomas were present at the first examination. In 12 patients, some changes occurred; that is, the number and size of the lesions increased. These findings indicate that changes of jaw lesions in FAC patients occur gradually even in adulthood.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Clonal analysis of multiple point mutations in the N-ras gene in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

We have screened mutations of the N-ras gene at codons 12, 13, and 61 in leukemia cells obtained from 100 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and found mutated N-ras alleles in 9 patients. We further analyzed the polyclonality of multiple N-ras gene mutations in 4 AML patients. One patient, who had the monoclonal karyotype, t(11;17), had two types of double missense mutations at codons 13 and 61 in the same allele. Each of the remaining three patients, one of whom had t(15;17) with a monoclonal rearrangement of the retinoic acid receptor alpha and PML genes, carried two missense mutations in a relatively small population of leukemia cells. We have demonstrated that multiple clonality of the N-ras gene is occasionally observed in leukemia with a monoclonal karyotype. These findings indicate that the N-ras mutations may not always be characterized simply by an accumulative process and that the activated N-ras gene alone is not sufficient to cause leukemia.

Acute Disease↗

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of (glycolato-O,O')diammine platinum(II) in lung lymph in sheep.

The pharmacokinetics of (glycolato-O,O')diammine platinum(II) (254-S), especially the distribution and behavior in the lung lymph in sheep, was investigated and compared with that of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP). The blood and lung lymph fluid were collected from the carotid artery and a lung lymph fistula, respectively, in conscious sheep following intravenous infusion of 100 mg/body of 254-S and CDDP for 30 min. The concentrations of these platinum complexes were measured by using atomic absorption spectrometry. We analyzed the data using an anatomically based model including part of the lymphatic circulation. The ultrafilterable platinum of 254-S showed much larger area under the curve (AUC) and transfer rate constants than that of CDDP, even though the mean residence times were the same. The total platinum showed the opposite pharmacokinetic behavior. In anesthetized sheep, when lung tissue samples were obtained by biopsy at the same times as those of blood and lung lymph sampling after infusion of these drugs, 254-S distributed in lung tissue appeared to move more easily into lung lymph than CDDP, which tended to be retained in lung tissue. These differences in pharmacokinetic behavior between 254-S and CDDP seemed to be caused by differences in their strength of protein binding; the association constants of 254-S for plasma and lymph protein were much less than those of CDDP. From these results, 254-S may have favorable therapeutic effects on intrathoracic malignancies such as lung cancer and lymph metastasis.

Anesthesia↗