BACKGROUND/AIMS: The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) relies on the principle of impedance planimetry that enables direct measurement of intraluminal pressure, cross-sectional areas, and wall biomechanical properties. The aim of our pilot project was to introduce this method to assess function of the lower oesophageal sphincter and pyloric muscle in experimental pigs. METHODS: All measurements were accomplished in one session in six adult female pigs (mean weight 34.2 ± 3.6 kg), using the EndoFLIP 1.0 System with EndoFLIP catheters. Five major parameters were evaluated: balloon pressure (mm Hg), estimated diameter (mm), cross-sectional area (mm2), distensibility (mm2/mm Hg), and zone compliance (mm3/mm Hg). RESULTS: In total, 180 readings were successfully accomplished. Most of the measured values were nearing lower average figures for the lower oesophageal sphincter, and upper average figures for the pylorus in healthy humans. The porcine pyloric sphincter is composed of the Torus pyloricus. It serves as a study "gatekeeper" between the stomach and D1 duodenum, thus explaining higher pyloric readings. There was a clear trend for increasing values of CSA (cross-sectional area), diameter, and balloon pressure with increased filling balloon volumes. However, the sphincter distensibility did not change with increasing filling volumes, either for the lower oesophageal sphincter or pylorus. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic functional luminal planimetry in experimental pigs is feasible, both for the lower oesophageal sphincter and the pylorus. This is an important starting point for future experimental endoscopic trials and pharmacology studies.
- MeSH
- dolní jícnový svěrač * fyziologie diagnostické zobrazování MeSH
- elektrická impedance * MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- prasata MeSH
- pylorus * MeSH
- tlak MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Background/Objectives: Tacrine is a centrally active non-competitive reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It also exerts antagonising activity against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Tacrine was approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in 1993, but was withdrawn from clinical use in 2013 because of its hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal side effects. Nevertheless, tacrine is currently facing a renewed wave of interest primarily due to several new tacrine-incorporated hybrids and derivates. There were two specific aims for this study: firstly, to explain the mechanisms of the adverse action of tacrine, as a distinctive example of a highly effective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor; and secondly to check whether luminal impedance planimetry is feasible for preclinical testing of possible side effects of compounds potentially toxic to the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: Six experimental pigs were used as the animal model in this study. Five major parameters were evaluated: luminal pressure (mmHg), estimated diameter (mm), cross-sectional area (mm2), distensibility (mm2/mmHg), and zone compliance (mm3/mmHg). All measurements were performed before and 360 min after intragastric administration of 200 mg tacrine (at the porcine tacrine Tmax). Results: This study consistently demonstrated an increase in luminal pressure (a directly measured indicator) for the particular balloon filling volumes used, and inversely a reciprocal decrease in the other parameters after tacrine administration. Conclusions: Endoscopic luminal impedance planimetry is a feasible method to evaluate functional response of the lower oesophageal sphincter to tacrine in experimental pigs. Tacrine did not compromise the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter either toward oesophageal spasms or, in contrast, decreased competence of the lower oesophageal sphincter.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Signální dráha receptoru pro epidermální růstový faktor (EGFR) se podílí na regulaci buněčných funkcí osteoklastů i osteoblastů. Útlum signalizace v této dráze aplikací inhibitorů tyrozinkinázy (EGFR-TKI) je využíván jako varianta protinádorové terapie u pacientů s nemalobuněčným karcinomem plic (NSCLC) s aktivačními mutacemi genu EGFR. Popisujeme případ pacientky s NSCLC léčené afacitinibem, u níž jsme pozorovali významnou supresi kostní remodelace doprovázenou vzestupem BMD, která byla dále potencována navazující aplikací denosumabu. Vliv inhibice EGFR-TKI na kostní metabolizmus není dostatečně prostudován. In vitro data ukazují, že inhibice EGFR vede k útlumu aktivity osteoblastů i osteoklastů. Další výzkum je žádoucí i s ohledem na významné přesahy do klinické praxe – kostní metastázy, nádorová postižení skeletu (SRE), osteonekróza čelisti (ONJ).
The EGFR signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of cellular functions of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Suppression of signaling in this pathway by administration of EGFR-TKIs has been used as an option for anticancer therapy in NSCLC patients with activating mutations of the EGFR gene. We describe the case of an NSCLC patient treated with afacitinib in whom we observed a significant suppression of bone remodeling accompanied by an increase in BMD, which was further potentiated by downstream administration of denosumab. The effect of EGFR-TKI inhibition on bone metabolism has not been sufficiently studied. In vitro data show that EGFR inhibition leads to attenuation of osteoblast and osteoclast activity. Further research is also desirable in view of important overlaps into clinical practice (bone metastases, Skeletal-Related Events, OsteoNecrosis of the Jaw).
- MeSH
- afatinib * aplikace a dávkování škodlivé účinky terapeutické užití MeSH
- denosumab aplikace a dávkování škodlivé účinky terapeutické užití MeSH
- fatální výsledek MeSH
- geny erbB-1 účinky léků MeSH
- inhibitory kostní resorpce aplikace a dávkování škodlivé účinky terapeutické užití MeSH
- inhibitory tyrosinkinasy aplikace a dávkování škodlivé účinky terapeutické užití MeSH
- kostní denzita účinky léků MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nemalobuněčný karcinom plic * komplikace terapie MeSH
- remodelace kosti * účinky léků MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- kazuistiky MeSH
We aimed to prepare novel dibenzo [a,d][7]annulen derivatives that act on N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors with potential neuroprotective effects. Our approach involved modifying the tropane moiety of MK-801, a potent open-channel blocker known for its psychomimetic side effects, by introducing a seven-membered ring with substituted base moieties specifically to alleviate these undesirable effects. Our in silico analyses showed that these derivatives should have high gastrointestinal absorption and cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our pharmacokinetic studies in rats supported this conclusion and confirmed the ability of leading compounds 3l and 6f to penetrate the BBB. Electrophysiological experiments showed that all compounds exhibited different inhibitory activity towards the two major NMDA receptor subtypes, GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B. Of the selected compounds intentionally differing in the inhibitory efficacy, 6f showed high relative inhibition (∼90 % for GluN1/GluN2A), while 3l showed moderate inhibition (∼50 %). An in vivo toxicity study determined that compounds 3l and 6f were safe at 10 mg/kg doses with no adverse effects. Behavioral studies demonstrated that these compounds did not induce hyperlocomotion or impair prepulse inhibition of startle response in rats. Neuroprotective assays using a model of NMDA-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration showed that compound 3l at a concentration of 30 μM significantly reduced hippocampal damage in rats. These results suggest that these novel dibenzo [a,d][7]annulen derivatives are promising candidates for developing NMDA receptor-targeted therapies with minimal psychotomimetic side effects.
- MeSH
- dizocilpinmaleát * farmakologie MeSH
- hematoencefalická bariéra metabolismus účinky léků MeSH
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- molekulární struktura MeSH
- neuroprotektivní látky * farmakologie chemie chemická syntéza MeSH
- potkani Sprague-Dawley MeSH
- receptory N-methyl-D-aspartátu * antagonisté a inhibitory metabolismus MeSH
- vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
- vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- MeSH
- dezinficiencia MeSH
- kvartérní amoniové sloučeniny MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nemocnice fakultní MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
A benzodiazepine, diazepam, has been the leading antidote for seizures caused by nerve agents, the most toxic chemical weapons of mass destruction, since the 1960s. However, its limitations have often brought questions about its usefulness. Extensive effort has been devoted into exploring alternatives, such as other benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, or glutamate antagonists. However, only few showed clear clinical benefit. The only two options to ultimately reach clinical milestones are Avizafone, a water-soluble prodrug of diazepam adopted by the French and UK armed forces, and intramuscular midazolam, adopted by the US Army. The recently FDA-approved new intramuscular application of midazolam brought several advantages, such as rapid onset of action, short duration with predictable pharmacokinetics, increased water solubility for aqueous injectable solutions, and prolonged storage stability. Herein, we discuss the pitfalls and prospects of using midazolam as a substitute in anticonvulsant therapy with a particular focus on military purposes in combat casualty care. We have also considered and discussed several other alternatives that are currently at the experimental level. Recent studies have shown the superiority of midazolam over other benzodiazepines in the medical management of poisoned casualties. While its use in emergency care is straightforward, the proper dose for soldiers under battlefield conditions is questionable due to its sedative effects.
- MeSH
- antikonvulziva * aplikace a dávkování terapeutické užití MeSH
- diazepam * aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- midazolam * aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- nervová bojová látka * MeSH
- záchvaty * farmakoterapie chemicky indukované MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
6-Nitrobenzo[b]thiophene 1,1-dioxide (Stattic) is a potent signal transducer and activator of the transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor developed originally for anticancer therapy. However, Stattic harbors several STAT3 inhibition-independent biological effects. To improve the properties of Stattic, we prepared a series of analogues derived from 6-aminobenzo[b]thiophene 1,1-dioxide, a compound directly obtained from the reduction of Stattic, that includes a methoxybenzylamino derivative (K2071) with optimized physicochemical characteristics, including the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Besides inhibiting the interleukin-6-stimulated activity of STAT3 mediated by tyrosine 705 phosphorylation, K2071 also showed cytotoxicity against a set of human glioblastoma-derived cell lines. In contrast to the core compound, a part of K2071 cytotoxicity reflected a STAT3 inhibition-independent block of mitotic progression in the prophase, affecting mitotic spindle formation, indicating that K2071 also acts as a mitotic poison. Compared to Stattic, K2071 was significantly less thiol-reactive. In addition, K2071 affected cell migration, suppressed cell proliferation in tumor spheroids, exerted cytotoxicity for glioblastoma temozolomide-induced senescent cells, and inhibited the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in senescent cells. Importantly, K2071 was well tolerated in mice, lacking manifestations of acute toxicity. The structure-activity relationship analysis of the K2071 molecule revealed the necessity of the para-substituted methoxyphenyl motif for antimitotic but not overall cytotoxic activity of its derivatives. Altogether, these results indicate that compound K2071 is a novel Stattic-derived STAT3 inhibitor and a mitotic poison with anticancer and senotherapeutic properties that is effective on glioblastoma cells and may be further developed as an agent for glioblastoma therapy.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a significant role in developing several central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Currently, memantine, used for treating Alzheimer's disease, and ketamine, known for its anesthetic and antidepressant properties, are two clinically used NMDAR open-channel blockers. However, despite extensive research into NMDAR modulators, many have shown either harmful side effects or inadequate effectiveness. For instance, dizocilpine (MK-801) is recognized for its powerful psychomimetic effects due to its high-affinity and nearly irreversible inhibition of the GluN1/GluN2 NMDAR subtypes. Unlike ketamine, memantine and MK-801 also act through a unique, low-affinity "membrane-to-channel inhibition" (MCI). We aimed to develop an open-channel blocker based on MK-801 with distinct inhibitory characteristics from memantine and MK-801. Our novel compound, K2060, demonstrated effective voltage-dependent inhibition in the micromolar range at key NMDAR subtypes, GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B, even in the presence of Mg2+. K2060 showed reversible inhibitory dynamics and a partially trapping open-channel blocking mechanism with a significantly stronger MCI than memantine. Using hippocampal slices, 30 μM K2060 inhibited excitatory postsynaptic currents in CA1 hippocampal neurons by ∼51 %, outperforming 30 μM memantine (∼21 % inhibition). K2060 exhibited No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 15 mg/kg upon intraperitoneal administration in mice. Administering K2060 at a 10 mg/kg dosage resulted in brain concentrations of approximately 2 μM, with peak concentrations (Tmax) achieved within 15 minutes. Finally, applying K2060 with trimedoxime and atropine in mice exposed to tabun improved treatment outcomes. These results underscore K2060's potential as a therapeutic agent for CNS disorders linked to NMDAR dysfunction.
- MeSH
- antagonisté excitačních aminokyselin farmakologie MeSH
- dizocilpinmaleát * farmakologie MeSH
- excitační postsynaptické potenciály účinky léků MeSH
- hipokampus účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- memantin farmakologie MeSH
- myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
- myši MeSH
- neurony účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- receptory N-methyl-D-aspartátu * antagonisté a inhibitory metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Since the discovery of antimicrobial agents, the misuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of bacterial strains resistant to both antibiotics and common disinfectants like quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). A new class, 'gemini' QACs, which contain two polar heads, has shown promise. Octenidine (OCT), a representative of this group, is effective against resistant microorganisms but has limitations such as low solubility and high cytotoxicity. In this study, we developed 16 novel OCT derivatives. These compounds were subjected to in silico screening to predict their membrane permeation. Testing against nosocomial bacterial strains (G+ and G-) and their biofilms revealed that most compounds were highly effective against G+ bacteria, while compounds 7, 8, and 10-12 were effective against G- bacteria. Notably, compounds 6-8 were significantly more effective than OCT and BAC standards across the bacterial panel. Compound 12 stood out due to its low cytotoxicity and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, comparable to OCT. It also demonstrated impressive antifungal activity. Compound 1 was highly selective to fungi and four times more effective than OCT without its cytotoxicity. Several compounds, including 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12, showed strong virucidal activity against murine cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus 1. In conclusion, these gemini QACs, especially compound 12, offer a promising alternative to current disinfectants, addressing emerging resistances with their enhanced antimicrobial, antifungal, and virucidal properties.
- MeSH
- antibakteriální látky * farmakologie chemická syntéza chemie MeSH
- antifungální látky farmakologie chemická syntéza chemie MeSH
- antivirové látky farmakologie chemická syntéza chemie MeSH
- Bacteria účinky léků MeSH
- biofilmy účinky léků MeSH
- houby účinky léků MeSH
- iminy MeSH
- kvartérní amoniové sloučeniny * farmakologie chemická syntéza chemie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrobiální testy citlivosti * MeSH
- molekulární struktura MeSH
- myši MeSH
- pyridinové sloučeniny farmakologie chemická syntéza chemie MeSH
- pyridiny farmakologie chemie chemická syntéza MeSH
- vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
- vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
