Research Results in Pharmacology

Study of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and mineralizing effects of an N-isopropenylimidazole zinc metal complex derivative in experimental endodontic-periodontal lesions in rats

Pavel A. Galenko-Yaroshevsky — 2024-11-11

Introduction: The combination treatment of patients with dentition problems including endodontic-periodontal lesions (EPL) is known to widely involve anti-inflammatory drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and antimicrobial drugs, in particular antibiotics and antiseptics, from which the former often lead to the development of gastro- and neuropathy, lesions of kidneys and liver, as well as the cardiovascular system, and the latter, in addition to serious side effects, lead to the development of steady resistance of pathogenic microorganisms and dysbacteriosis. This necessitates search for and development of new molecules with a wide range of therapeutic effects aimed to block the infectious and inflammatory process and to restore the functional ability of teeth in EPLs as much as possible (depending on a lesion severity). The aim of the study was to examine the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and mineralizing effects of an N-isopropenylimidazole zinc metal complex derivative in experimental endodontic-periodontal lesions in rats.

Materials and Methods: EPL simulation in experiments on the anesthetized rats was conducted in the following way: first, the pulp cavity of lower incisors was opened and left exposed to infection; then periodontal inflammation was induced using a ligature. Thirty days later, EPL developed in the animals. An N-isopropenylimidazole zinc metal complex derivative (laboratory code Pilim-1, prepared in form of gel), reference drug Metrogyl Denta® (M-D, dental gel), as well as the combination Pilim-1 + M-D were applied daily for 14 days on the lower incisors and appropriate gums, and also placed in the gingival pockets and pulp cavities, with pulp partially removed beforehands. After euthanasia of the animals on the 15^th day of the experiments, gingival homogenates were assayed for the activity of elastase, urease, catalase, the level of malondialdehyde, and the antioxidant-prooxidant index was calculated, while pulp homogenates were assayed for the activity of elastase, urease, alkaline and acidic phosphatases, and the mineralizing index was calculated.

Results and Discussion: In the gum in EPL, Pilim-1 and, especially, the combination Pilim-1+M-D more significantly than M-D have a pronounced anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial (reduce a microbial content level) effects. In the pulp in EPL, Pilim-1 and, to a greater extent, the combination Pilim-1 + M-D in a more pronounced way than M-D have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (reduce a microbial content level) and mineralizing effects. In the therapeutic action mechanisms of Pilim-1 and, especially, the combination Pilim-1 + M-D in EPL conditions, their ability to have an antihypoxic effect and an inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase is likely to play a very important role, in addition to their identified effect on the examined metabolic processes. Besides, a certain role may be played by the presence of zinc and imidazole in the structure of Pilim-1, as they have a wide range of biological activity.

Conclusion: The presented results of studying Pilim-1 and its combination with M-D indicate their high therapeutic efficiency, especially when using the latter in the experimental EPL in rats, which makes it possible to consider Pilim-1 and Pilim-1 + M-D as potential therapeutic agents to treat EPL.

Novel derivative of nicotinic acid ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury via regulation of redox homeostasis

Yana V. Loboda — 2024-09-30

Introduction: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline antibiotic with considerable significance in clinics as an anticancer agent, which is limited by its cardiotoxicity, though. A large number of possible therapeutic strategies for reducing cardiotoxicity with doxorubicin have been studied. However, none of them fully meets the requirements of clinical practice. The aim of the study: to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of a new original heterocyclic compound, a pyridine-3-carboxylic acid derivative potassium 5-hydroxynicotinate.

Materials and Methods: Cardiac injury was induced by intraperitoneal administration of doxorubicin (DOX) at a dose of 20 mg/kg. After 48 hours, the parameters of left ventricular contractility and S_tTTI coefficient were assessed on isolated heart in the Langendorff system under the conditions of 480 beats per minute for 11 seconds. Additionally, specific markers of myocardial injury were determined. The lipid peroxidation products and SOD activity were measured as well to challenge whether the compound is able to reduce oxidative stress.

Results: The study showed that pretreatment by potassium 5-hydroxynicotinate (35 mg/kg, 48 h) attenuated DOX-induced damage, resulting in a significant decrease in the S_t_ТТ_I coefficient to 3.3 values and in the restoration of the antioxidant activity of enzymes.

Conclusion: The obtained data totally demonstrate the protective effects of potassium 5-hydroxynicotinate in DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. A significant role in potassium 5-hydroxynicotinate-mediated cardioprotection is, apparently, related to the reduction of oxidative stress and down-regulation of the level of intracellular calcium.

Ascorbic acid-containing compound efficacy in ischemic brain damage

Rita M. Termulaeva — 2024-09-09

Introduction: Ischemic brain injury remains one of the main causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Protection of cellular population, depriving from oxygen supply and nutrients, is of extreme importance for further both clinical and health outcomes of timely implemented intravascular intervention. The aim: to assess anti-ischemic activity of 3-hydroxypyridine ascorbate in the in vitro and in vivo models of brain cell and tissue response to ischemia and reoxygenation.

Materials and Methods: 3-hydroxypyridine ascorbate (laboratory code 3-EA) was assessed as chemical substance (purity 99.8%) diluted in sterile phosphate-buffered saline. Intracellular Ca²⁺ response to glutamate excitotoxicity (GluTox), ischemia and reoxygenation as well as cellular viability was evaluated on NMRI murine fresh cortical neuro-glial cell culture incubated with 2-EA by registering intracellular Fura-2 and propidium iodide fluorescence respectively. Expression of apoptosis regulating genes BCL-2, STAT3, SOCS3, inflammation regulating genes TRAIL, MLKL, Cas-1, Cas-3, IL-1β и TNFα, and genes MAO-A and MAO-B was determined by real-time PCR. The substance neuroprotection was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats with intraluminal middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion/reperfusion treated with 18 mg/kg of 2-EA along with neurological deficiency evaluation and morphological assessment of brain sections.

Results: Preincubation of cortical cells with 10-100 μM of 3-EA leads to inhibition of [Ca²⁺]i in cytosol of neurons and astrocytes under GluTox and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions. Reducing [Ca²⁺]i inhibits necrotic cell death in an acute experiment. Incubation of cerebral cortex cells with 3-EA leads to an overexpression of anti-apoptotic genes BCL-2, STAT3, SOCS3, along with downregulation of genes TRAIL, MLKL, Cas-1, Cas-3, IL-1β and TNFα. Intraperitoneal administration of 3-EA reduces the volume of necrotic areas, perinecrotic edema, cell damage, and neurological deficits in rats with MCA occlusion.

Conclusion: 3-EA dose-dependently suppresses the death of cerebral cortex cells under the excitotoxic effects of glutamate and ischemia/reoxygenation. Cell-protective effect of 3-EA involves changes in the basal and ischemia/reoxygenation-induced expression of genes encoding anti-apoptotic proteins and oxidative status proteins, which leads to inhibition of the late irreversible stages of apoptosis. A course administration of 3-hydroxypyridine ascorbate at a dose of 18 mg/kg per day reduces the severity of damage both by preserving the population of neurons in the penumbra zone and by limiting the local stress response.

Efficacy of various combined treatment regimens in patients with stable effort angina, functional classes II-III

Svetlana G. Dorofeeva — 2024-08-17

Introduction: Inflammation and metabolic disorders of cardiomyocytes are undoubtedly important pathogenetic links in the development of coronary heart disease and its complications. Our study assessed the effect of various combined treatment regimens on cycle ergometry performance and plasma concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory interleukins in patients with stable effort angina, functional classes II-III.

Materials and Methods: The clinical study included 120 patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease: stable effort angina, functional classes II–III, and 40 healthy participants who met the inclusion criteria. Further, four groups were randomly formed: a group receiving the standard treatment; a group receiving Mexicor for 10 days in addition to the standard treatment; a group receiving Mexicor and Phosphogliv for 10 days in an addition to the standard treatment; and a group receiving Mexicor and Polyoxidonium for 10 days in addition to the standard treatment. After the treatment, cycle ergometry performance and plasma concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were assessed in the patients. Mathematical statistical analysis was carried out using Statistica 10.0 software. The statistical significance of differences between the qualitative indicators was assessed using the χ2 test. The results of the statistical analysis were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.

Results: The combined treatment with using the above-mentioned pharmacological agents resulted in a statistically significant improvement in cycle ergometry indicators: Mexicor made it possible to increase the threshold load power by 43.0% and the total load power – by 70.3%. In the groups of patients with coronary heart disease who had received Mexicor and Phosphogliv or Mexicor and Polyoxidonium, there was an increase in the load duration by an average of 69.0% and in the rate-pressure product – by 25%, respectively. When analyzing the dynamics of plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, it was found that a statistically significant decrease in the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 was registered only in the groups receiving Mexicor and Phosphogliv or Mexicorand Polyoxidonium in addition to the standard treatment.

Conclusion: Applying the combined treatment regimens using Mexicor and Phosphogliv or Polyoxidonium results in the most effective improvement of the cycle ergometry performance and the dynamics of plasma concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory interleukins in patients with stable effort angina, functional classes II-III.

The Identification and synthesis of metabolites of 4-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide

Alexander L. Khokhlov — 2024-11-21

Introduction: 4-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide is a new selective type II carbonic anhydrase inhibitor with local action through instillation into the eyes. For a complete pharmacokinetic study of this drug, it is necessary to detect and synthesize its metabolites for their systemic exposure evaluation.

Materials and Methods: The investigation was performed on 6 Wistar rats and 6 Soviet Chinchilla rabbits. The drug in the form of a 1% suspension was administered by intraperitoneal injection. Blood was sampled in a volume of 0.2 mL at the following time points: before administration and 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 24 h after administration. Then 150 µL of each sample was centrifuged to produce plasma. Urine was simultaneously sampled in rats using metabolic cells: before administration and at intervals of 0-2 h, 2-4 h, 4-6 h, 6-24 h after administration of the drug. The identification of metabolites in these objects was performed using HPLC-MS/MS. Then the detected biotransformation products were synthesized. The structure of the obtained substances was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. At the final stage, animal biological fluids and model samples with the addition of the synthesized compounds were analyzed using HPLC-MS/MS to establish the structure of metabolites.Results and Discussion: N-hydroxy-4-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, 4-(5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide and 4-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-benzenesulfonic acid were identified and synthesized. The complete coincidence of the structure of metabolites and the synthesized substances was established as a result of their comparison in retention time, the ratio of the areas of chromatographic peaks at the main MRM transitions, as well as mass spectra.Conclusion: N-hydroxy-4-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide and 4-(5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide are products of biotransformation of the studied drug. It was found that 4-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)-benzenesulfonic acid is formed by decomposition of N-hydroxymetabolite in urine samples during the collection process.

Chemoproteomic analysis of the promising candidate molecule of the indole derivative with lab code SV-1010 and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Pavel A. Galenko-Yaroshevsky — 2024-07-19

Introduction: For effective and safe pharmacotherapy of pain, it is important to evaluate the mechanisms and spectrum of action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including their effect on the proteom, central effect, as well as pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the complex of differences between the promising candidate-molecule of indole derivative SV-1010 and the well-known NSAIDs.

Materials and Methods: Chemoproteomic moduling of pharmacological effects of SV-1010 and NSAID diclofenac, nimesulide and ketorolac on the rat proteom by means of topological analysis of chemographs.

Results: The significant differences in the effects of the studied molecules were found for 820 proteins of the rat proteom. SV-1010, to a lesser degree than the other molecules, can inhibit dopamine D1- and D2-type receptors and, at the same time, stimulate the release of dopamine in the neostriatum (EC50 = 27 nM). SV-1010, to a greater extent than the other molecules, can inhibit the GABA conveyor (EC50 = 65 nM) and the NMDA receptors Grin1/Grin2b (IC50 175 nM). SV-1010 can activate Cannabinoid CB2 receptors, inhibit enzymes of leukotriene biosynthesis, CC receptors of pro-inflammatory chemokines and leukotrienes.

Conclusion: The chemoreactomic and chemoproteomic profiling of SV-1010 indicated its potential central effect through dopaminergic and GABA-neurotransmission and additional anti-inflammatory mechanisms, which can help increase pain-relieving effects.

Ethical aspects of clinical trials in Russia and BRICS countries: an overview

Sergey Y. Simeniv — 2024-09-17

Introduction: In the context of the globalization of the clinical trials market, the rapid growth in their number, the fast development of biomedical research using new technologies, and insufficient control over their conduct by state regulatory authorities and independent ethics committees, ethical aspects of conducting clinical trials and the issue of protecting patients’ rights remain relevant. The aim of the study: To review and compare the legislative frameworks and regulations of ethical aspects of clinical trials in Russia and the BRICS countries, which possess significant scientific, industrial, and economic potential – China, India, and Brazil.

Material and Methods: The search was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases, with descriptors including ethics in clinical trials, legislative regulation of clinical trials, and ethic committee. The selection criteria included publications from 2010 to 2024 and articles focusing on the regulation of clinical trials in Russia, China, India, and Brazil, along with their histories and evaluation forms.

Results and Discussion: In Russia, the work of Ethics Committees is based on the European model, grounded in modern international ethical norms and regulatory documents of the Russian Federation and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). A drawback is the lack of structured interaction between Ethics Committees at both national and local levels. The work of Ethics Committees in China and India faces several problems, such as weak organizational structure, unjustified membership composition, low training, incompetence, weak control and management mechanisms, and flawed systems for obtaining informed consent. The Brazil’s ethical and regulatory system meets global requirements and ethical standards, aimed at protecting the rights of clinical trials participants. However, in all developing countries, there remains a potential danger for clinical trial participants with a low socio-economic standard of living.

Conclusion: The experience of BRICS countries, which are intensively developing in the field of clinical trials, is interesting in terms of developing possible approaches to monitoring activities, ensuring interaction, certifying Ethics Committees, and centrally training Ethic Committee members in Russia.

Study of the neuroprotective properties of the heteroreceptor EPOR/CD131 agonist of peptide structure in tau-proteinopathy modeling

Yulia V. Stepenko — 2024-06-17

Introduction: Tau proteinopathy is a pathology associated with the activation of post-translational modifications and interactions of pathophysiological cascades of neuroinflammation with hyperphosphorylation of Tau aggregates. Therefore, preference is given to agents that have properties in reducing or slowing down the processes of neuroinflammation and post-translational modifications in the brain.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on male and female homozygous individuals of a transgenic murine line with overexpression of mutant human Tau gene (P301S) and a background wild mouse line C57Bl/6J. To assess the progression of Tau proteinopathy, behavioral tests were used at two control time points, and the last one measured the level of neuroinflammation markers and tau-proteinopathy.

Results and Discussion: In the group of P301S mice treated with ARA-290, an improvement in the phenotypic picture of Tau proteinopathy was demonstrated compared with intact animals. In the Barnes circular maze test, mice showed a decrease in the total distance traveled and the latent time spent on the platform, which indicates a rapid entry into the shelter. In the O-shaped maze test, the group maintained a fairly high level of spontaneous exploratory behavior. In the vertical rod test, the animals recorded the best time indicators that they needed to turn and maintain balance compared to the intact group. A statistically significant decrease in the level of GSK-3β and an increase in CDK5 and PP2A were revealed, which indicates a dephosphorylating effect on Tau protein, as well as markers of neuroinflammation. NF-KB and TNF-α were significantly reduced by 57% and 32%, respectively, compared to the intact group.

Conclusion: In the model of transgenic P301S murine line with overexpression of the mutant human Tau gene, the peptide agonist of the EPOR/CD 131 heteroreceptor demonstrated neuroprotective properties, which were confirmed by indicators of behavioral tests and markers of neuroinflammation and tau-proteinopathy.

Research on the influence of Siberian fir polyprenols on learning and memory of mice with an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease

Nikolay I. Suslov — 2024-08-08

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease is increasingly becoming a cause of early disability and death. Attempts to create a pharmacotherapeutic agent that provides an effective result in treating this pathology have so far been unsuccessful. This article presents the results of experimental studies aimed at creating a more effective treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Materials and Methods: The object of the study was polyisoprenoids isolated from Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.). Experiments were conducted on 108 outbred adult male mice from the CD1 (cluster of differentiation 1) stock, weighing 28-30 g (at 5 weeks old). The effect of the sum of polyisoprenoids on learning and memory was studied in a dose range of 5, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg. Gliatilin was used as a reference drug at a dose of 90 mg/kg. The experimental model of cognitive dysfunction was created by chronic (for 20 days) intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine at a dose of 2 mg/kg. Cognitive dysfunction was assessed by changes in the indicators of conditioned passive avoidance reflex (CPAR).

Results and Discussion: The results of the experiments showed that chronic administration of scopolamine caused a pronounced decrease in the reproducibility of CPAR. Simultaneously, the studied substance at doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg restored the reproducibility of the reflex to a level close to the values of intact control. Gliatilin showed a similar effect. The authors believe that cholinergic receptors are involved in the development of the anti-amnestic effect.

Conclusion: The presented study demonstrates the discovery of a new agent with anti-amnestic action based on the sum of polyprenols from Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.), family Pinaceae. This agent can be used for the treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.

Development of a transcutaneous form of desloratadine

Valentin P. Ageev — 2024-06-28

Introduction: For people with allergies, it is not always possible to prevent allergens admission to the body. For this reason, it is essential to create a long-acting drug that can prevent an allergic reaction. The very promising option is a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS), with H1 blockers. The aim of the study: To create a technology for the production of desloratadine-based TTS, suitable for routine use with prolonged drug releasing.

Materials and Methods: Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP) was used as the main matrix polymer for TTS, and the Kruofilm polymer membrane was used as the adhesive layer. The formation of the polymer membrane was carried out by drying a water-alcohol solution of the components at a temperature of 60ºC. Characterization of the obtained dosage forms was made by spectrophotometry. The resulting micelles size was measured by dynamic light scattering.

Results and Discussion: Round shaped TTS (patches) with water-dissolved DL and its micellar form were obtained. The size of micelles with DL was 22.8±5.2 nm. The spectrophotometric method for determining DL has been developed. The containing of DL in the patches ranged from 5 to 25 mg per patch, depending on the manufacturing technology.

Conclusion: We have developed TTSs containing DL by a solution and a micellar form. A top adhesive layer has been selected that has moisture resistance, strength and reliable fixation of the matrix with the active substance on the skin. A method for the spectrophotometric determination of DL in solutions and patches was developed and validated.