Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Dioxoles”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Inactivity of glycerol formal in a mouse micronucleus assay: relationship to its teratogenicity.

Glycerol formal (GF) has been reported to be teratogenic to the rat. Its mechanism of action in this respect has not been defined, but it has been discussed within the context of its being a possible slow formaldehyde-releasing agent. In order to evaluate this possibility, the hydrolysis of GF has been studied, and its activity as a mouse bone marrow clastogen assessed using the micronucleus assay. Neither was hydrolysis observed, nor was the test agent active as a clastogen in vivo. It is therefore concluded that the teratogenic activity of GF is unlikely to be associated with the release of formaldehyde in utero. However, GF bears a close structural similarity to the rodent teratogen, ethyleneglycol monomethylether (EGME), and this may provide a basis for understanding its teratogenic activity and for predicting similar activity for other cyclic ether alcohols.

Animals↗

DDB treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis.

We report 13 patients (10 with chronic hepatitis C, 1 with chronic hepatitis B, 2 with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) with persistently elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels who were treated with dimethyl-4,4'-dimethoxy-5,6,5',6-dimethylenedioxybiphenyl-2,2' dicarboxylate (DDB). ALT rapidly normalized in 12/13 patients and remained normal during treatment. Unlike ALT levels, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and glutamate dehydrogenase levels were not affected. Furthermore, there was no beneficial effect on the histological grade and stage of liver disease. In vitro experiments with hepatocytes resulted in a significant decrease of hepatocellular ALT levels in the DDB treated cells, suggesting, that DDB affects the synthesis and/or degradation of ALT in liver cells. In conclusion, the normalization of ALT during DDB treatment does not indicate therapeutic efficacy. In view of the wide use of DDB in patients with chronic liver diseases who participate in clinical studies DDB use should be excluded.

Dioxoles↗

Unique pattern of ET-743 activity in different cellular systems with defined deficiencies in DNA-repair pathways.

The cytotoxic activity of ecteinascidin 743 (ET-743), a natural product derived from the marine tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata that exhibits potent anti-tumor activity in pre-clinical systems and promising activity in phase I and II clinical trials, was investigated in a number of cell systems with well-defined deficiencies in DNA-repair mechanisms. ET-743 binds to N2 of guanine in the minor groove, but its activity does not appear to be related to DNA-topoisomerase I poisoning as the drug is equally active in wild-type yeast and in yeast with a deletion in the DNA-topoisomerase I gene. Defects in the mismatch repair pathway, usually associated with increased resistance to methylating agents and cisplatin, did not affect the cytotoxic activity of ET-743. However, ET-743 did show decreased activity (from 2- to 8-fold) in nucleotide excision repair (NER)-deficient cell lines compared to NER-proficient cell lines, from either hamsters or humans. Restoration of NER function sensitized cells to ET-743 treatment. The DNA double-strand-break repair pathway was also investigated using human glioblastoma cell lines MO59K and MO59J, respectively, proficient and deficient in DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). ET-743 was more effective in cells lacking DNA-PK; moreover, pre-treatment of HCT-116 colon carcinoma cells with wortmannin, a potent inhibitor of DNA-PK, sensitized cells to ET-743. An increase in ET-743 sensitivity was also observed in ataxia telangiectasia-mutated cells. Our data strongly suggest that ET-743 has a unique mechanism of interaction with DNA.

Androstadienes↗

Dietary agent indole-3-carbinol protects female rats against the hepatotoxicity of the antitumor drug ET-743 (trabectidin) without compromising efficacy in a rat mammary carcinoma.

ET-743, an experimental antitumor drug with promising activity in sarcoma, breast and ovarian carcinoma, is currently under phase 2 clinical evaluation. It is hepatotoxic in animals and patients. We tested the hypothesis that indole-3-carbinol (I3C), the hydrolysis product of glucosinolates occurring in cruciferous vegetables, may protect against ET-743-induced hepatotoxicity in the female Wistar rat, the animal species with the highest sensitivity toward the adverse hepatic effect of this drug. Hepatotoxicity was adjudged by measurement of plasma levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and by liver histopathology. The effect of I3C on the kinetics of ET-743 in rat plasma and liver was investigated by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The effect of I3C on the antitumor efficacy of ET-743 was explored in rats bearing the 13762 mammary carcinoma. ET-743 (40 microg/kg i.v.) alone caused an elevation of plasma bilirubin, ALP and AST levels and degeneration and patchy focal necrosis of bile duct epithelial cells. Addition of I3C to the diet (0.5%) for 6 days prior to ET-743 administration almost completely abolished manifestations of hepatotoxicity. In contrast, a dietary concentration of 0.1% I3C did not protect, nor did dietary diindolylmethane (0.2%), an acid-catalyzed condensation product of I3C. Ingestion by rats of I3C for 6 days prior to ET-743 (40 microg/kg i.v.) decreased plasma but not hepatic concentrations of ET-743 compared to animals that received ET-743 alone. I3C did not interfere with the antitumor efficacy of ET-743. The results suggest that ingestion of I3C may counteract the unwanted effect of ET-743 in the liver. I3C should be investigated as a hepatoprotectant in patients who receive ET-743 therapy.

Administration, Oral↗

Pharmacokinetics of stiripentol in normal man: evidence of nonlinearity.

The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of stiripentol, a new antiepileptic drug, were investigated in normal male subjects after single-dose and multiple-dose administration. Each of six subjects received single doses of 300, 600, and 1200 mg of stiripentol in powder form and another 600 mg in solution. In the multiple-dose study, each of six subjects received a 300-mg dose on day 1 and multiple doses (1200 mg/day) from day 2 to day 8. Five of these six subjects participated also in the single-dose study. Stiripentol and several of its metabolites, namely, stiripentol conjugate, DiOH, P-OH, and M-OH, were analyzed in plasma and urine. After single doses, the elimination curve of stiripentol appeared multiphasic. The oral clearance was 1.3 to 1.8 liter/hr/kg. The average mean residence time was 4 hours. There were no statistically significant differences in clearance or mean residence time among the three doses. However, dose dependence was found in all the four pathways when formation clearances were compared. Only trace amounts of the drug were excreted unchanged in urine. The active metabolite, P-OH, was not detectable in plasma. Stiripentol was very highly bound to plasma proteins in plasma from dosed subjects as well as spiked human plasma (free fraction of 1 per cent). In the multiple-dose study, there was a decrease (nearly eightfold) in oral clearance of stiripentol between day 1 and day 8. The fractions of dose metabolized through conjugation and methylenedioxy ring opening increased 183 and 49 per cent, respectively, but the formation clearances for all the pathways were decreased. These findings suggest that the steady-state plasma level/dose ratio of stiripentol will increase with the daily dose.

Adult↗

Quantitative analysis of alpha, beta-thujone, pulegone, safrole, coumarin and beta-asarone in alcoholic beverages by selected-ion monitoring.

Interest in the quantitative analysis of flavouring agents in alcoholic beverages arises from the possible toxicological consequences deriving from their use. The method reported here, based on gas chromatography with selected-ion monitoring mass spectrometry (SIM), allows the simultaneous measurement of alpha, beta-thujone, pulegone, safrole, coumarin and beta-asarone at the ppb level in alcoholic beverages.

Alcoholic Beverages↗

Differences in induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 isozymes by mice in eight methylenedioxyphenyl compounds.

Eight methylenedioxyphenyl (MDP) compounds were examined for their ability to induce cytochrome P450 (P450) in mouse liver. Induction by safrole, isosafrole, and dihydrosafrole was studied in both C57BL/6N (Ah-responsive) and DBA/2N (Ah-nonresponsive) male mice after IP administration of 200 mg/kg/day MDP compound for 3 days. Hepatic P450 content, ethylmorphine N-demethylase, ethoxy-resorufin O-deethylase, and acetanilide hydroxylase activities were induced to the same extent in both strains of mice. Benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase activity, however, was not induced in either C57 or DBA mice. The similarity of results in both strains of mice indicated induction of these P450 isozymes by these three MDP compounds is not mediated by the Ah receptor. Induction of P450 by butylbenzodioxole (n-butyl-BD), tertiarybutylbenzodioxole (t-butyl-BD), methylbenzodioxole (methyl-BD), nitrobenzodioxole (nitro-BD), and bromobenzodioxole (bromo-BD) was examined only in C57BL/6N mice. Methyl-BD, nitro-BD, and bromo-BD did not induce hepatic microsomal proteins or selected P450 monooxygenase activities. In contrast, n-butyl-BD, and t-butyl-BD induced P450 content, ethylmorphine N-demethylase, acetanilide hydroxylase, and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities. Benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase was not induced by any of the treatments. Induction of these P450 activities is consistent with induction of P450 IIB1 and P450 IA2, but not induction of P450 IA1. Western blot analysis with antibodies to P450 isozymes induced with either phenobarbital (Pb) or 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) confirmed that both IIB1 and IA2 were induced, but that IA1 was not induced.

Animals↗

Extreme sensitivity to Yondelis (Trabectedin, ET-743) in low passaged sarcoma cell lines correlates with mutated p53.

Yondelis (Trabectedin, ET-743) is a marine anticancer agent currently in Phase II/III development in patients with advanced pretreated soft tissue sarcoma. In the present study, we generated a panel of low passaged tumor cell lines from samples explanted from chemonaive sarcoma patients with different tumor types. We assessed in vitro sensitivity/resistance to Trabectedin and doxorubicin in a panel of sarcoma cell lines and examined the correlation between molecular alterations in DNA repair genes and sensitivity to Trabectedin. We treated cell lines with Trabectedin and doxorubicin in both 96-h and clonogenic assays. In both assays, well-defined groups of resistant and sensitive cell lines were observed. Resistance to Trabectedin did not correlate with resistance to doxorubicin, indicating that the two drugs may have different mechanisms of resistance. p53 mutations and deletions correlated with extreme sensitivity (IC50 < 1 nM) to Trabectedin (P < 0.01). In a pair of isogenic cell lines differing only in the presence or absence of wild-type p53, the absence of p53 rendered cells threefold more sensitive to Trabectedin.

Cell Proliferation↗

Beta 3-adrenergic activation of adenylyl cyclase in mouse white adipocytes: modulation by GTP and effect of obesity.

Lipolysis and adenylyl cyclase (AC) activation in response to beta-adrenergic agents are abnormally low in white epididymal adipose tissue (WAT) of the ob/ob mouse. The abundance of G-proteins (Gs alpha and Gi alpha) linked to AC is also abnormally low. By contrast, beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) levels were previously found to be normal in WAT and elevated in liver. The relative importance of various forms of the beta-AR in mouse WAT was reassessed in view of the discovery of the beta 3-AR. The results show that (1) the beta 3-AR is mainly responsible for AC activation in lean-mouse WAT; (2) the beta 3-AR is only partly responsible for AC activation in obese mouse WAT; and (3) GTP modulates beta 3--but not beta 1--or beta 2-AR activation of AC in a biphasic manner. Therefore, the beta 3-AR appears responsible for the well-known bimodal effect of GTP on beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated AC activity in WAT.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin↗

Upregulation of secretory connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in keratinocyte-fibroblast coculture contributes to keloid pathogenesis.

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a critical role in keloid pathogenesis by promoting collagen synthesis and deposition. Previous work suggested epithelial-mesenchymal interactions as a plausible factor affecting the expression of various growth factors and cytokines by both the epithelial and dermal mesenchymal cells. The aim of this study is to explore the role of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in modulating CTGF expression. Immunohistochemistry was employed to check CTGF localization in skin tissue. Western blot assay was performed on total protein extracts from skin tissue, cell lysates and conditioned media to detect the basal/expression levels of CTGF. Study groups were subjected to serum stimulation (fibroblast-single cell culture) and pharmacological inhibitors targeted against mTOR (Rapamycin), Sp1 (WP631 and Mitoxanthrone), Smad3 (SB431542), and PI3K (LY294002). Increased localization of CTGF in the basal layer of keloid epidermis and higher expression of CTGF was observed in the keloid tissue extract. Interestingly, lower basal levels of CTGF was observed in fibroblast cell lysates cocultured with keloid keratinocytes compared to normal keratinocytes, while the conditioned media from the former culture consistently demonstrated a higher expression of secreted CTGF as compared to the latter group. These results demonstrate an important role of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in the regulation of CTGF expression. Fibroblasts treated with inhibitors against mTOR, Sp1, Smad3, and PI3K demonstrated a reduced expression of CTGF, suggesting these signaling pathways to be important in the regulation of CTGF expression. Thus, revealing the therapeutic potentials for inhibitors that are selective for these factors in controlling CTGF expression in fibrotic conditions.

Benzamides↗

New designer drug 1-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl) piperazine (MDBP): studies on its metabolism and toxicological detection in rat urine using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Studies are described on the metabolism and toxicological analysis of the piperazine-derived designer drug 1-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)piperazine (MDBP) in rat urine using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The identified metabolites indicated that MDBP was metabolized by demethylenation and subsequent methylation to N-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)piperazine followed by partial glucuronidation or sulfation. Additionally, degradation of the piperazine moiety to N-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)ethylenediamine and 3,4-methylenedioxybenzylamine and N-dealkylation to piperazine were observed. The authors' systematic toxicological analysis (STA) procedure using full-scan GC/MS after acid hydrolysis, liquid/liquid extraction and microwave-assisted acetylation allowed the detection of MDBP and its above-mentioned metabolites in rat urine after single administration of a dose calculated from the doses commonly taken by drug users. Assuming similar metabolism, the described STA procedure should be suitable for proof of an intake of MDBP by analysis of human urine.

Animals↗

Simple and sensitive liquid chromatographic quantitative analysis of the novel marine anticancer drug Yondelis (ET-743, trabectedin) in human plasma using column switching and tandem mass spectrometric detection.

The development of a simple and sensitive assay for the quantitative analysis of the marine anticancer agent Yondelis (ET-743, trabectedin) in human plasma using liquid chromatography (LC) with column switching and tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) detection is described. After protein precipitation with methanol, diluted extracts were injected on to a small LC column (10 x 3.0 mm i.d.) for on-line concentration and further clean-up of the sample. Next, the analyte and deuterated internal standard were back-flushed on to an analytical column for separation and subsequent detection in an API 2000 triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. The lower limit of quantitation was 0.05 ng mL(-1) using 100 micro l of plasma with a linear dynamic range up to 2.5 ng ml(-1). Validation of the method was performed according to the most recent FDA guidelines for bioanalytical method validation. The time needed for off-line sample preparation has been reduced 10-fold compared with an existing LC/MS/MS method for ET-743 in human plasma, employing a labor-intensive solid-phase extraction procedure for sample pretreatment. The proposed column switching method was successfully applied in phase II clinical trials with Yondelis and pharmacokinetic monitoring.

Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating↗

Extended action of MKC-242, a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, on light-induced Per gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in mice.

We reported previously that (S)-5-[3-[(1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylmethyl)amino]propoxy]-1,3-benzodioxole hydrochloride (MKC-242) (3 mg kg(-1), i.p.), a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, accelerated the re-entrainment of hamster wheel-running rhythms to a new 8 hr delayed or advanced light-dark cycle, and also potentiated the phase advance of the wheel-running rhythm produced by light pulses. The molecular mechanism underlying MKC-242-induced potentiation of this phase shift, however, has not yet been elucidated. We examined the effects of MKC-242 on light-induced mPer1 and mPer2 mRNA expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of mice. MKC-242 (5 mg kg(-1), i.p.) potentiated light-induced mPer1 and mPer2 expression in the SCN of mice housed in constant darkness for 2 days, when mRNA levels were observed 3 hr after light-exposure. More potentiating action of MKC-242 on mPer2 expression in the SCN was observed in mice housed in constant darkness for 9-10 days. This facilitatory action of MKC-242 on mPer1 expression was antagonized by WAY100635, a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor blocker, indicating that MKC-242 activated 5-HT(1A) receptors. Other drugs such as 8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.), paroxetine (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.), buspirone (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.), and diazepam (10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) did not display a potentiating action on light-induced mPer1 and mPer2 expression in the SCN. In the behavioral experiments, we found that MKC-242 (5 mg kg(-1), i.p.) potentiated light-induced phase delays of free-running rhythm in mice. The present results suggest that prolonged increase of mPer1 or mPer2 expression in the SCN by MKC-242 may be involved in the potentiation of photic entrainment by MKC-242 in mice.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

Protective effects of sesamin and sesamolin on hypoxic neuronal and PC12 cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important mediators of a variety of pathological processes, including inflammation and ischemic injury. The neuroprotective effects of sesame antioxidants, sesamin and sesamolin, against hypoxia or H2O2-induced cell injury were evaluated by cell viability or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Sesamin and sesamolin reduced LDH release of PC12 cells under hypoxia or H2O2-stress in a dose-dependent manner. Dichlorofluorescein (DCF)-sensitive ROS production was induced in PC12 cells by hypoxia or H2O2-stress but was diminished in the presence of sesamin and sesamolin. We evaluated further the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and caspase-3 in hypoxia-induced PC12 cell death. Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1, c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPKs of signaling pathways were activated during hypoxia. We found that the inhibition of MAPKs and caspase-3 by sesamin and sesamolin correlated well with the reduction in LDH release under hypoxia. Furthermore, the hypoxia-induced apoptotic-like cell death in cultured cortical cells as detected by a fluorescent DNA binding dye was reduced significantly by sesamin and sesamolin. Taken together, these results suggest that the protective effect of sesamin and sesamolin on hypoxic neuronal and PC12 cells might be related to suppression of ROS generation and MAPK activation.

Animals↗

Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandra chinensis protect primary cultures of rat cortical cells from glutamate-induced toxicity.

A methanolic extract of dried Schisandra fruit (Schisandra chinensis Baill.; Schisandraceae) significantly attenuated the neurotoxicity induced by L-glutamate in primary cultures of rat cortical cells. Five dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans (deoxyschisandrin, gomisin N, gomisin A, schisandrin, and wuweizisu C) were isolated from the methanolic extract; their protective effects against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity were then evaluated. Among the five lignans, deoxyschisandrin, gomisin N, and wuweizisu C significantly attenuated glutamate-induced neurotoxicity as measured by 1). an inhibition in the increase of intracellular [Ca(2+)]; 2). an improvement in the glutathione defense system, the level of glutathione, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase; and 3). an inhibition in the formation of cellular peroxide. These results suggest that dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandra chinensis may possess therapeutic potential against oxidative neuronal damage induced by excitotoxin.

Animals↗

Glutamate AMPA receptors change in motor neurons of SOD1G93A transgenic mice and their inhibition by a noncompetitive antagonist ameliorates the progression of amytrophic lateral sclerosis-like disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder involving the selective degeneration of motor neurons. In a small proportion of patients, ALS is caused by mutations in copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), and mice overexpressing SOD1(G93A) mutant develop a syndrome that closely resembles the human disease. Excitotoxicity mediated by glutamate AMPA receptors has been suggested to be implicated in the selective susceptibility of motor neurons occurring in ALS. In SOD1(G93A) mice, we found that levels of GluR2 AMPA subunit, which plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of calcium impermeability of AMPA receptors, are decreased in spinal motor neurons before symptom onset in concomitance with a modest increase of GluR3 expression, a calcium-permeable AMPA subunit. This effect can result in a higher number of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors on motor neurons of SOD1(G93A) mice, predisposing these cells to be injured by AMPA-mediated glutamate firing. In support of this, we showed that treatment with a new noncompetitive AMPA antagonist, ZK 187638, partially protected motor neurons, improved motor function, and prolonged the survival of SOD1(G93A) mice.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗