U.S. patent application number 13/331173 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-21 for compounds for the selective treatment of the intestinal immuno-inflammatory component of the celiac disease.
Invention is credited to Sergio BARONI, Salvatore Bellinvia.
Application Number | 20120157417 13/331173 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40315657 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120157417 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BARONI; Sergio ; et
al. |
June 21, 2012 |
COMPOUNDS FOR THE SELECTIVE TREATMENT OF THE INTESTINAL
IMMUNO-INFLAMMATORY COMPONENT OF THE CELIAC DISEASE
Abstract
In one aspect, the present invention relates to
amino-salicylic--aminophenylpropionic compounds for the use in the
treatment of the inflammatory component of the celiac disease.
These compounds act by blocking the cytokines released in the
celiac disease and are specifically useful in the treatment of
cases refractory to the diet, in dietary errors and in the
reduction of the celiac disease remission time.
Inventors: |
BARONI; Sergio; (Bergamo,
IT) ; Bellinvia; Salvatore; (Pordenone, IT) |
Family ID: |
40315657 |
Appl. No.: |
13/331173 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12810159 |
Aug 16, 2010 |
8153693 |
|
|
PCT/EP2008/068265 |
Dec 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
13331173 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
514/166 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/606 20130101;
A61P 1/04 20180101; A61K 31/196 20130101; A61P 37/02 20180101; A61P
1/00 20180101; A61P 37/00 20180101; A61P 29/00 20180101; A61P 43/00
20180101; A61P 1/12 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/166 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/606 20060101
A61K031/606; A61P 1/00 20060101 A61P001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 24, 2007 |
IT |
MI2007 A002429 |
Claims
1. A method of treatment of the immune-inflammation component of
celiac disease in a subject comprising administering to the subject
in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of
5-aminosalicylic acid or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or
esters thereof.
2. A method of treatment according to claim 1 wherein the immune
inflammation is located only at the mucosa of the duodenal portion
of small intestine.
3. A method of treatment according to claim 1 wherein said subject
is a refractory celiac disease subject.
4. A method of treatment according to claim 1 wherein said subject
is on a diet triggered by a dietary error.
5. A method of treatment of the immune inflammation component of
celiac disease according to claim 1 for shortening the clinical
and/or histological remission time of the subject.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/810,159, filed Aug. 16, 2010, which is a
national phase application of PCT International Application No.
PCT/EP2008/068265, filed Dec. 23, 2008, which claimed priority from
Italian Patent Application No. MI2007 A002429, filed Dec. 24, 2007,
all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to compounds for the selective
treatment of the intestinal immune-inflammatory component of the
celiac disease.
[0003] The present invention takes origin from the field of drugs
for the treatment of diseases having an inflammatory component and
localised at the level of the mucosa of the first tract of the
small intestine, such as the celiac disease.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a group of
molecules suitable for selectively reducing the inflammation that
develops at the level of the duodenum and of the proximal jejunum
in individuals suffering from the celiac disease.
[0005] The celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue, is a quite
common autoimmune disease having genetic, immunological and
environmental components.
[0006] At the basis of the celiac disease is a permanent
intolerance to gliadin, a protein fraction of gluten contained in
wheat, or to similar protein fractions soluble in alcohol
(prolamines), contained in barley, rye, spelt, kamut and in other
minor cereals.
[0007] In the celiac disease, the mucosa of the small intestine
becomes damaged subsequent to the exposure to the antigen
(gliadin). In the disease, the intestinal villi tend to become
flattened and the crypts hyper-proliferate for compensation, the
enterocytes take up a cubic rather than cylindrical shape and the
number of lymphocytes in the intestinal lumen increases.
[0008] The symptomatology that accompanies the disease is very
complex and not limited to the gastroenteric area. In fact, the
typical symptoms at a local level that commonly comprise diarrhoea,
abdominal ache with possible bleeding, lactose intolerance, are
accompanied by an extra-intestinal symptomatology that may comprise
aphthous stomatitis, bone pain, progressive weight loss with
weakening. Moreover, in the cases of untreated or refractory celiac
disease, there are risks of developing gastrointestinal lymphoma or
carcinoma as well.
[0009] Not infrequently, moreover, the celiac disease subject may
exhibit a deficit of iron or ferritin, along with possible
deficiency of vitamins A, B12, D, E, K and folic acid, caused by
the intestinal malabsorption. Moreover, the continuous loss of fats
through defecation may cause a calcium deficiency and develop two
possible complications, one at a renal level with formation of
calcium oxalate calculi and the other at a bone level, with the
development of osteomalacia, a pathology that causes bone
weakening.
[0010] In a percentage of individuals, the disease may even be
totally or partially asymptomatic, that is, exhibit no clear
symptoms or be in a latent form, ready to break out following
particular events.
[0011] Since the antigen that triggers the disease is known, it is
possible to obtain a full remission of the correlated symptoms by
simply avoiding the intake of gluten-containing food.
[0012] Since the disease control is based on the adherence to a
strict diet, it is not sufficient to avoid the intake of food that
as everybody knows contains gluten, such as pasta, bread, barley,
spelt, but it is also essential to avoid taking food that may
contain it in small amounts, for example as a thickening or
structuring agent, or as traces lost in the processing.
[0013] For example, the celiac disease patient must avoid taking
espresso coffee at the bar (this may be contaminated with barley),
spices, icing sugar, some pharmaceutical preparations and pay
attention also to the glue found, for example, in stamps and mail
envelopes.
[0014] The diet of celiac disease patients can, in any case, be
sufficiently varied and well balanced eating only food such as
rice, corn, buckwheat, millet, amaranthus, meat, fish, vegetables,
fruit, cheese and legumes.
[0015] According to some recent studies there is a critical
threshold of 20 ppm gluten per food, beyond which the food contents
becomes toxic for the celiac disease subject. The Codex
Alimentarius envisages two types of thresholds for labelling food
as gluten-free. A first one is set at 100 ppm and relates to
"detoxified" food that among the starting materials also contains
toxic cereal derivatives, such as for example wheat starch, and a
20 ppm threshold for food free from ingredients derived from toxic
cereals.
[0016] The strict observance of the diet and of some basic
behaviour rules prevents the onset of new symptoms and generally
causes, in a more or less marked manner according to the individual
response, the remission of the symptoms developed. The diet,
however, must be observed for the entire life despite the lack of
symptoms or even the lack of antibodies in serum.
[0017] Besides the diet, however, no form of treatment is currently
available for celiac disease subjects, in particular there are no
products that may restrain the inflammatory symptoms that accompany
the ingestion, even accidental, of gluten-containing food.
[0018] The few methods of therapeutic intervention attempted so far
did not lead to the achievement of significant results.
[0019] Since the disease is strictly correlated to some genes that
code for the antigens of human leukocytes (HLA) DQ2 and DQ8, some
forms of treatments aimed at inhibiting the bond of the peptides of
gluten at HLA DQ2/DQ8. In particular, some HLA-DQ2-blocking
compounds have been tested but without achieving significant
results.
[0020] The use of zonulin antagonists, a protein involved in the
regulation of the intercellular junctions of the small intestine,
the expression whereof increases during the acute stage of the
disease, has been described in literature for the treatment of the
celiac syndrome. However, no drug based on this protein is
currently available on the market.
[0021] Moreover, anti-inflammatory drugs for topical mucosal use
have found no application to date other than the treatment of
chronic intestinal inflammatory forms, localised at the level of
the colon, the distal tract of the intestine. For this reason, the
preparations available on the market for treating the Crohn disease
and the ulcerative colitis are sold as suppositories or solutions
for rectal use. On the contrary, when these preparations are
intended for oral administration, they are formulated for the
delayed release of the active principle so as to pass intact along
the digestive tube and allow the release of the active principle at
the level of the colon only.
[0022] These drugs therefore have no effect on the duodenal portion
of the intestine where the inflammatory focus in the celiac disease
is localised.
[0023] Therefore, a clinical need is currently felt of having
substances provided with pharmacological activity which should
allow restraining the immuno-inflammatory based symptoms that
develop at the level of the duodenal mucosa of the small intestine
in the celiac disease.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] A general object of the present invention consists in
providing new suitable indications on the use of compounds provided
with a pharmacological activity.
[0025] One of the main objects of the present invention therefore
is to provide compounds provided with a selective action on the
local immuno-inflammatory component of the celiac disease.
[0026] In view of these objects, according to a general aspect of
the present invention, compounds are provided having the following
common chemical structure (A)
##STR00001##
where R1 and R2 are defined hereinafter and X is selected
between
##STR00002##
wherein Y, Z and R3 are defined hereinafter,
[0027] for the use in the selective treatment of the inflammatory
component of the celiac disease.
[0028] In one aspect, Applicant has found that compounds of formula
(A) and those having the formulae (I) and (II) described herein
below, have specific affinity and for example are agonist for the
PPARgamma (PPAR.gamma.) receptors and provide activation thereof.
In particular, the presence of such a receptor has been detected at
level of the duodenal epithelial cells in patients affected by the
celiac disease, where the anti-inflammatory effect of the compounds
of formulae (A), I, and II was demonstrated by a reduction of the
production of inflammatory cytokines.
[0029] Typically, the compound of formula (I) and (II) have
aminophenylpropyonic and amino-salycilic like structure,
respectively, and act by blocking the cytokines released in the
celiac disease.
[0030] In one embodiment, the compounds of formulae (I) and (II)
are specifically useful in the treatment of celiac disease
refractory to the diet, in dietary errors and in the reduction of
the celiac disease remission time.
[0031] According to an aspect of the present invention there is
provided the use of a compound of formula (I)
##STR00003##
wherein
[0032] R1 and R2, equal or different from each other, are selected
from the group comprising --H or a linear or branched alkyl group
having 1 to 6 carbons, or together they form an aromatic or
aliphatic ring with 5 or 6 atoms,
[0033] Y and Z, equal or different from each other, are selected
from the group comprising --H, --OH, --COOH, --OR3,
--CH(OR3)COOH,
[0034] wherein R3 is selected from H, phenyl, benzyl, --CF3,
--CF2CF3, vinyl, allyl, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1
to 6 carbons, preferably 3 or 6 C,
[0035] or mixtures thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or
esters, for manufacturing a medicament for selectively treating the
immuno-inflammatory component of the celiac disease.
[0036] In one embodiment, in the compound of formula (I)
[0037] R1 and R2, equal or different from each other, are selected
from the group comprising --H or a linear or branched alkyl group
having 1 to 6 carbons, and preferably 1 to 3 C
[0038] Y and Z, equal or different from each other, are selected
from the group comprising --H, --OH, --COOH, --OR3,
--CH(OR3)COOH,
[0039] wherein R3 is selected from H, a linear or branched alkyl
group having 1 to 6 carbons, preferably 3 to 6 C.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of
example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a graphical depiction of the results verifying the
presence and quantity of mRNA coding for the cytokines in biopic
samples taken from a patient during a gastroscopy procedure.
[0042] FIGS. 2 and 3 are fluorescence microscope photos showing the
presence of the PPARgamma receptor as revealed by the fluorescence
signal detectable in the section peripheral portion.
[0043] FIGS. 4 and 5 are fluorescence microscope photos showing the
absence of fluorescence signal and, consequently, of the receptor
of the negative control biopsies of the patients not affected by
celiac disease.
[0044] FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 quote the optical density values
extrapolated from different bands, obtained by electrophoretic run
with 1.times. agarose gel, related to cytokine amplifiers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] Within the scope of the invention, embodiments of said
compounds of formula (I) are provided in the annexed claims.
[0046] By way of an example, the compounds H to Q illustrated in
Example 7 and also [0047]
(.+-.)-2-hydroxy-3-(3'-aminophenyl)propionic acid [0048]
(.+-.)-2-methoxy-2-(4'-aminophenyl)acetic acid [0049]
(.+-.)-2-ethoxy-2-(3'-aminophenyl)acetic acid [0050]
(.+-.)-2-ethoxy-2-(4'-aminophenyl)acetic acid [0051]
(.+-.)-2-methoxy-3-(4'-aminophenyl)propionic acid [0052]
(.+-.)-2-ethoxy-3-(4'-aminophenyl)propionic acid [0053]
(.+-.)-2-ethoxy-3-(3'-aminophenyl)propionic acid.
[0054] are suitable for the uses according to the present
invention, with particular reference to priopionic acid
derivatives.
[0055] In one aspect, further examples of the compounds of formula
(I) suitable for the uses of the invention, are described in the
application WO 2007/010516 whose content is hereby fully
incorporated by reference.
[0056] According to another aspect of the invention there is
provided the use of a compound of formula (II)
##STR00004##
wherein
[0057] R1 and R2, equal or different from each other, are selected
from the group comprising H, --CO--CH3, --CnH2n-1 wherein n is an
integer from 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 3, a linear or branched alkyl
group having 1 to 6 carbons, preferably 1 to 3, or together they
form an aromatic or aliphatic ring with 5 or 6 atoms;
[0058] R3 is selected from H, --CO--CH3, --NHOH, --OH, --OR6,
wherein R6 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6
carbons;
[0059] R4 is selected from H, a linear or branched alkyl group
having 1 to 6 carbons; R5, R7, R8 are H atoms;
[0060] or
[0061] R3 and R4, R4 and R5, or R7 and R8 together form a ring,
fused to the benzene ring, either aromatic or aliphatic with 5 or 6
atoms comprising 1 to 2 heteroatoms independently selected from the
group consisting of N, O,
[0062] or mixtures thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or
esters, for manufacturing a medicament for selectively treating the
immuno-inflammatory component of the celiac disease.
[0063] Embodiments of said compounds of formula (II) are provided
in the annexed claims.
[0064] By way of an example the compounds A to G illustrated in
example 5 are suitable for uses of the invention.
[0065] Further examples of the compounds of formula (II) suitable
for the uses of the invention, are described in the application WO
2007/010514 whose content is hereby fully incorporated by
reference.
[0066] The Applicant has noted that the compounds of formula I and
II have a specific activity on the immuno-inflammatory component
observed at the level of the intestinal mucosa, in particular at
the level of the second duodenal portion, of the celiac disease
subject.
[0067] The Applicant has further noted that the local
anti-inflammatory activity exerted by the compounds of formula (I)
and (II) is referable to an inhibitory activity on the release of
cytokines, substances that have an important role in phlogistic
processes and/or their becoming chronic.
[0068] In particular, it has been surprisingly found that the
compounds of formula I and II block in a substantial manner, or in
any case substantially and significantly inhibit the cytokines in
celiac disease subjects only, whereas they do not have a
significant activity in subjects suffering from inflammatory
diseases affecting a specific gastrointestinal tract, other than
the celiac disease.
[0069] In particular, the compounds of formula I and II are
suitable for blocking the so-called prophlogogen Th1 (T helper cell
type 1) cytokines since they favour the recruitment of immune and
inflammatory'cells at the lesion site.
[0070] This specific activity may be ascribed to the fact that in
the celiac disease the persistence of a type Th1 phlogosis reflects
the activation of the immune system against the antigen (gliadin
fraction of gluten) that cannot be eliminated and towards which the
system is not capable of developing tolerance.
[0071] Typical prophlogogen cytokines (Th1) involved in the
immunopathogenesis of the celiac disease comprise (L-1, IL-2, IL-6
(interleukins 1, 2, 6), IFN (interferon). Moreover, the cytokines
associated to Th2 (T helper cell type 2), as well as the cytokines
derived from macrophages such as TNF-.alpha. (tumor necrosis
factor) are also involved in the celiac disease. In particular, the
TNF-.alpha. has an important role in the development of chronic
inflammatory diseases due to its ability to boost the production of
prophlogogen cytokines, some of which are provided with
considerable toxicity.
[0072] In particular, the effect of the compounds of formula (I)
and (II) on the production and release of cytokines from intestinal
mucosa samples suffering from the celiac disease has been verified
using an organic culture system. In particular, an effective
reduction of phlogosis has been noted, as highlighted by a
significant reduction of the IFN-.gamma., IL-2, TNF-.alpha. values
using one or more of the compounds of formula (I) (II) in biopsies
of intestinal mucosa subject to culture.
[0073] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided the use of a compound of formula I or II and mixtures
thereof, as described before, for the manufacture of a medicament
for treating the inflammation in refractory celiac disease
subjects.
[0074] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided the use of a compound of formula I or II and mixtures
thereof, as described before, for the manufacture of a medicament
for treating an inflammatory reaction in a celiac disease subject
on a diet, triggered by a dietary error.
[0075] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided the use of a compound of formula I or II and mixtures
thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament, typically, in
combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients
or adjuvants, for treating the immuno-inflammatory component in the
celiac disease for shortening the clinical and/or histological
remission time.
[0076] In preparing medicaments according to one or more of the
aspects of the invention it is also possible to use, in addition to
one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, also
lubricants, humectants, suspending agents, dispersing agents,
preservatives typically used within the scope of preparations for
pharmaceutical use.
[0077] In one embodiment the compounds of formula (i) and/or (II)
can be administered in various forms such as tablets, capsules,
granular formulations, dispersions and other formulation typical of
the pharmaceutical field.
[0078] Typically, the active ingredients (I) and (II) can be
incorporated in the formulation suitable for the administration in
an amount effective to achieve the antinflammatory response in the
celiac disease.
[0079] By way of an example, the active ingredient can be
incorporated in the pharmaceutical composition in an amount ranging
from 50 mg to 2000 mg, preferably in the range from 200 to 600 mg,
more preferably from 250 to 500 mg.
[0080] It has been shown that the use of medicaments based on one
or more compounds of formula (I) and/or (II) determines an
improvement of compliance and of patient and doctor, decreasing the
remission time.
[0081] In another embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) and/or
(II) found further therapeutic application in the treatment of
resistant and/or refractory celiac disease.
[0082] The following examples are given merely as an illustration
of the present invention, and are not to be intended as limiting
the scope of protection as it appears from the annexed claims.
Example 1
[0083] The effect of mesalazine, one of the preferred compound of
the invention; on the inflammatory component observed in the celiac
disease, was evaluated.
[0084] To this end, 16 subjects in the active stage of the disease
and 6 patients in clinical remission stage on a gluten-free diet
were selected.
[0085] 5 biopsy fragments per each study subject were taken by EGDS
examination.
[0086] Each fragment of intestinal mucosa was placed in culture in
a suitable medium, both with and without Mesalazine (5ASA).
[0087] The following was then observed in culture liquids:
[0088] the level of cytokines released in the different culture
media
[0089] the amount of the same cytokines present in the suitably
homogenised biopsy mucosa.
Materials and Methods
Method
[0090] 3 groups of subjects were evaluated.
[0091] The first (atrophic) group included 29 subjects with serum
tests positive to antiendomysium and anti-transglutaminase
antibodies, with a neo-diagnosis of celiac disease and
gluten-containing diet.
[0092] The second (Remission) group included 17 celiac disease
subjects in clinical remission and gluten-free diet for at least 6
months.
[0093] The third (Healthy) group included subjects not suffering
from the celiac disease but suffering from inflammation of the
gastro-enteric tract.
[0094] Cytokine Assay in Culture Liquids
Organ Cultures:
[0095] The study patients were subject to 5 biopsies of duodenal
mucosa by EGDS examination: one for the histological assay and the
other four (each divided into two parts) subject to culture
respectively with one culture medium only (Medium C) and with
gliadin peptide, and with culture medium with gliadin in the
presence of mesalazine (Medium+5ASA C).
[0096] The biopsies were washed in saline for two minutes at least
three times. The biopsies were placed in culture media having a
volume equal to 1 ml:
[0097] MEDIUM (RPM11860+Fetal calf
serum+Penicillin/Streptomycin)
[0098] MEDIUM+peptic-tryptic digest of gliadin or 31-43 or other
cereals
[0099] MEDIUM+Mesalazine (5-ASA)
[0100] MEDIUM+peptic-tryptic digest of gliadin+5-ASA (1.5-8.0 mg
per ml of medium)
[0101] The biopsies are incubated in an O2 (95%) and CO2 (5%)
atmosphere at a temperature of 37.degree. C. for a period ranging
from 4 h to 72 h.
[0102] Three different amounts of medium are shared for the ELISA
assay of Th1 and Th2 cytokines released in culture media.
[0103] Cytokine Assay from Homogenate
[0104] After an incubation time ranging from 4 h to 72 h, at a T of
37.degree. C.:
[0105] The bioptic fragment is washed three times in saline for two
minutes
[0106] The biopsies are homogenised by mechanical or chemical
disintegration Centrifugation is carried out, the supernatant is
collected and transferred in a 1.5 ml Eppendorf
Fixed cytokines in the mucosal tissue are assayed by the Elisa
assay.
Results
[0107] The data found show that the presence of Mesalazine in
culture media blocks the cytokines in celiac disease subjects only,
thus selectively determining a reduction of the inflammatory
component in samples taken from celiac disease subjects (Table
1).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Medium C/Medium + SASA. C Wilcoxon Cyto- Std
Std signed Population kine Parameter N Mean Dev Error Min Medan Max
Rank Test Atrophic IFN Medium C 22 0.196 0.197 0.0420 0.0450 0.119
0.916 p = 0.08 Medium + 22 0.136 0.165 0.0351 0.0330 O.0670 0.780
5ASA C Difference 22 0.0601 0.250 0.0533 -0.549 0.0260 0.877 IL-2
Medium C 15 0.175 0.136 0.0351 0.0100 0.161 0.0910 0.569 p = 0.03
Medium + 15 0.119 0.0978 0.0252 0.0130 0.0490 0.355 5ASA C
Difference 15 0.0559 0.0S57 0.0221 -0.060 0.258 TNF Medium C 21
0.477 0.472 0.585 0.128 0.142 0.O550 0.174 2.077 p = N.S. Medium +
21 0.0048 0.651 0.0974 0.0590 0.204 2.134 0.972 5ASA C Difference
21 0.447 -1.398 0.0150 Remission IFN Medium C 15 0.240 0.154 0.0398
0.0610 0.209 0.534 p = N.S. Medium + 15 0.201 0.I35 0.0348 0.0390
0.208 0.429 5ASA C Difference 15 0.0383 0.123 0.0317 0.262 0.0500
0.209 IL-2 Medium C 12 0.315 0.176 0.0509 0.0420 0.284 0.732 p =
N.S. Medium + 12 0.309 0.223 0.0644 0.0500 0.253 0.737 5ASA C
Difference 12 0.0061 0.147 0.0425 0.314 5E-4 0.201 TNF Medium C 15
0.948 0.796 0.206 0.178 0.0830 0.578 2.477 p = N.S. Medium + 15
0.894 0.689 0.0767 0.249 0.571 0.0790 2.301 5ASA C Difference 15
0.0541 0.297 0.460 0.728 Positive IFN Medium C 7 0.145 0.0643
0.0243 0.1D2 0.112 0.281 p = N.S. control Medium + 7 0.149 0.0480
0.0182 0.111 0.140 0.252 5ASA C Difference 7 0.004 0.0398 0.0150
0.047 0.029 0.0510 IL-2 Medium C 7 0.532 0.171 0.0659 0.223 0.S35
0.730 p = 0.07 Medium + 7 0.356 0.116 0.140 0.0530 0.169 0.379
0.529 5ASA C Difference 7 0.169 0.0638 -0.028 0.247 0.351 TNF
Medium C 7 0.253 0.129 0.0486 0.105 0.220 0.489 p = N.S. Medium + 7
0.259 0.105 0.0397 0.127 0.229 0.434 5ASA C Difference 7 0.005
0.201 0.0761 0.260 0.0040 0.362
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 PT C/PT + 5ASA C Wilcoxon Cyto- Signed
Population kine Parameter N Mean Std Dev Std Error Min Median Max
Rank Test Atrophic IFN PT C 22 0.211 0.213 0.0454 0.0400 0.126
0.849 p = 0.05 PT + 5ASA C 22 0.145 0.195 0.0416 0.0270 0.0545
0.816 Difference 22 0.0657 0.178 0.0379 -0.244 0.0505 0.563 IL-2 PT
C 15 0.151 0.124 0.0320 0.0100 0.124 0.507 p = 0.012 PT + 5ASA C 15
0.124 0.137 0.0355 0.0070 0.0770 0.440 Difference 15 0.0270 0.0749
0.0193 -0.217 0.0410 0.0900 TNF PT C 21 0.600 0.788 0.172 0.0550
0.200 2.725 p < 0.0001 PT + 5ASA C 21 0.414 0.584 0.127 0.0700
0.120 2.163 Difference 21 0.187 0.272 0.0593 -0.052 0.0580 0.986
Remission IFN PT C 15 0.254 0.210 0.0543 0.0560 0.185 0.870 p =
0.022 PT + 5ASA C 15 0.153 0.120 0.0309 0.0370 0.0960 0.387
Difference 15 0.101 0.210 0.0541 -0.060 0.0210 0.791 IL-2 PT C 12
0.271 0.218 0.0630 0.0360 0.204 0.815 p . N.S. PT + 5ASA C 12 0.234
0.126 0.0363 0.0650 0.194 0.473 Difference 12 0.0365 0.141 0.0425
-0.187 0.0260 0.342 TNF PT C 15 0.996 0.832 0.215 0.216 0.673 2.951
p = 0.005 PT + 5ASA C 15 0.305 0.708 0.183 0.151 0.545 2.294
Difference 15 0.191 0.221 O.O5S9 -0.188 0.221 0.657 Positive IFN PT
C 7 0.141 0.0766 0.0289 0.0700 0.124 0.295 p = N.S. control PT +
5ASA C 7 0.116 0.0628 0.0237 0.0540 0.121 0.210 Differenza 7 0.0247
0.0505 0.0191 -0.030 0.0090 0.105 IL-2 PT C 7 0.501 0.243 0.0920
0.284 0.469 0.996 p = N.S. PT + 5ASA C 7 0.521 0.259 0.0979 0.191
0.468 0.951 Difference 7 -0.020 0.123 0.0465 -0.184 0.0210 0.144
TNF PT C 7 0.313 0.133 0.0504 0.183 0.280 0.511 p = N.S. PT + 5ASA
C 7 0.291 0.127 0.0479 0.159 0.274 0.470 Difference 7 0.0226 0.102
0.0385 -0.190 0.0250 0.110
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Medium O/Medium + 5ASA O Wilcoxon Cyto-
Signed Population kine Parameter N Mean Std Dev Std Error Min
Median Max Rank Test Atrophic IFN Medium 0 9 0.277 0.0561 0.0187
0.212 0.274 0.361 p = 0.003 Medium + 5ASA 9 0.202 0.0585 0.0195
0.125 0.193 0.311 Difference 9 0.0951 0.0594 0.0198 0.0270 0.0560
0.227 IL-2 Medium 0 0 Medium + 5ASA 0 Difference 0 TNF Medium 0 11
0.138 0.0546 0.0165 0.0710 0.115 0.233 p = N.S. Medium + 5ASA 11
0.123 0.0395 O.0119 0.0660 0.106 0.174 Difference 11 0.0154 0.0297
0.0089 0.035 0.0100 0.0640 Remission IFN Medium 0 4 0.252 0.0748
0.0374 0.183 0.251 0.324 p = N.S. Medium + 5ASA 4 0.133 0.0577
0.0289 0.0490 0.151 0.174 Difference 4 0.120 0.0505 0.0252 0.0440
0.142 0.150 IL-2 Medium 0 0 Medium + 5ASA 0 Difference 0 TNF Medium
0 5 0.122 0.0331 0.0118 0.0800 0.133 0.159 p = N.S. Medium + 5ASA 5
0.122 0.0230 0.0103 0.0960 0.114 0.154 Difference 5 -0.00 0.0371
0.0169 -0.057 0.0050 0.0370 Positive IFN Medium 0 0 control Medium
+ 5ASA 0 Difference 0 IL-2 Medium 0 0 Medium + 5ASA 0 Difference 0
TNF Medium 0 0 Medium + 5ASA 0 Difference 0
TABLE-US-00004 Wilcoxon Cyto- Std Std Signed Population kine
Parameter N Mean Dev Error Min Median Max Rank Test Atrophic IFN PT
0 9 0.223 0.179 0.0496 0.0165 0.151 0.100 0.223 0.287 p = 0.019 PT
+ 5ASA 0 9 0.0589 0.0196 0.193 0.243 Difference 9 0.0437 0.0409
0.0136 -0.009 0.0380 0.0980 IL-2 PT 0 0 PT + 5ASA 0 0 Difference 0
Remission TNF PT 0 11 0.156 0.101 0.0627 0.0189 0.0680 0.134 0.254
p = 0.002 PT + 5ASA 0 11 0.0463 0.0140 0 0.0980 0.160 Difference 11
0.0554 0.0735 0.0222 -0.004 0.0270 0.254 IFN PT 0 4 0.200 1.177
0.0931 0.0466 0.120 0.120 0.172 0.334 p = N.S. PT + 5ASA 0 4 0.0692
0.0346 0.161 0.264 Difference 4 0.0230 0.0411 0.206 -0.021 0.0215
0.0700 IL-2 PT 0 0 PT + 5ASA 0 0 Difference 0 TNF PT 0 5 0.126
0.0276 0.0123 0.0840 0.127 0.158 p = N.S. PT + 5ASA 0 5 0.107
0.0310 0.0139 0.0630 0.110 .148 0. Difference 5 0.0194 0.0089
0.0040 0.0100 0.0210 0310 Positive IFN PT 0 0 Control PT + 5ASA 0 0
Difference 0 11,-2 PT 0 0 PT + 5ASA 0 0 Difference 0 TNF PT 0 0 PT
+ 5ASA 0 0 Difference 0
[0108] The inflammatory component reduction achieved allows the use
of mesalazine alone or as a therapeutic support in all slow or
difficult clinical resolution cases.
Example 2
[0109] Gene Expression of Cytokines
[0110] The bioptic duodenal fragments taken from the patient during
the gastroscopy procedure, have been placed in culture at
37.degree. C. for 48 h in the absence and in the presence of the
5-ASA drug. After the culture, the fragments have been homogenized
in a single-phase solution composed of phenol and guanidinium
(Isol-RNA Lysis Reagent).
[0111] A homogenizer IKA T10-Ultra Turrax has been used for the
homogenization.
[0112] All the insoluble material has been separated from the
solution by centrifugation and the supernatant has been transferred
to a clean test tube, to which 200 .mu.l of chloroform per ml of
Lysis has been added.
[0113] After a short mechanical shake, the samples have been left
to settle for a few minutes at ambient temperature and later
centrifuged at 12000 rpm for 15 minutes at 4.degree. C. The
inorganic step containing RNA has been transferred to a clean test
tube.
[0114] RNA has been made precipitate by adding 500 .mu.l of
isopropyl alcohol per ml of Lysis. The samples have been incubated
at ambient temperature for 10 minutes and then centrifuged at 12000
rpm for 15 minutes at 4.degree. C.
[0115] After having removed the supernatant, the RNA sediment has
been washed with 1000 .mu.l of 75% ethanol per ml of Lysis, shaken
mechanically and centrifuged at 7500 rpm for 5 minutes at 4.degree.
C. Finally, the ethanol has been removed and the RNA sediment has
been air-dried under chemical hood.
[0116] RNA has been re-suspended in a suitable quantity of
RNasi-free water.
[0117] The concentration of the RNA has been determined by
measuring the absorption at 260 nm at the spectrophotometer; also
the ratio A260/A280 for different RNA templates has been
valued.
[0118] RT-PCR
[0119] The cDNA has been synthesized beginning from different
quantities of extracted RNA diluted in suitable volumes of
RNasi-free water. The cDNA of the genes concerned (cytokines) has
been amplified by PCR with the use of specific primers.
[0120] Masterscript--RT-PCR System (5 PRIME) has been used for the
RT-PCR.
[0121] In order to verify the presence and the quantity of mRNA
coding for the cytokines in the bioptic samples, a 1% agarose gel
electrophoresis in 1.times.TBE has been executed.
[0122] The results obtained are shown in the diagram of FIG. 1.
Example 3
[0123] Presence of the PPARgamma Receptor in Duodenal Epithelial
Cells of Celiac Disease Patients
[0124] Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Peceptor-gamma belongs to
the superfamily of nuclear receptors, that includes receptors for
estrogens, glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, vitamin D3 and
retinoic acid, as well as receptors capable of bonding different
products of lipid metabolism, such as the PPAR and the LXR
receptor.
[0125] Specifically, the PPAR family includes 3 subtypes (PPAR
alpha, beta or delta, and gamma) with different tissue distribution
and different ligands specificity.
[0126] Both PPAR gamma and alpha have been expressed in
differentiated human macrophages, where they regulate the genes
implicated in the inflammatory response and modulate the
macrophagic differentiation.
[0127] Different PPARgamma agonists inhibit the production of
inflammatory cytokines in human monocytes and reduce the genes
expression for TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1b, iNOS, gelatinous B,
scavenger receptor A and COX-2 in activated macrophages, confirming
the anti-inflammatory role of PPARgamma.
[0128] One of the main objects was to detect the presence of such a
receptor in duodenal epithelial cells of celiac disease patients,
where the anti-inflammatory effect of the compounds of formulae
(A), I, II and specifically of 5-ASA revealed by a reduction of the
production of inflammatory cytokines, has been previously
confirmed.
[0129] Immunofluorescence
[0130] A duodenal bioptic fragment has been taken, by EGDS
procedure, both from celiac disease patients on gluten-containing
diet and from subjects not affected by celiac disease (control
group). The bioptic fragments have been washed, oriented in OCT and
stored at -80.degree. C. Some sections of 5 .mu.m have been
obtained from each frozen bioptic piece(taken in the EGDS step both
from celiac disease patients and from subjects not affected by the
disease), such sections have been exposed to the PPARgamma primary
antibody overnight (after suitable fixation and specificity
elimination treatments).
[0131] After having been washed in PBS, the samples were incubated
for about one hour with the secondary fluoresceined antibody ALEXA
488. In the case of binding of the primary antibody to the
PPARgamma receptor, if present, a primary/secondary antibody
complex is formed, revealable as fluorescence on the section,
observable by microscope.
[0132] The presence of the PPARgamma receptor, revealed by a
fluorescence microscope, is evident from FIGS. 2 and 3 (photos
diagnosis).
[0133] In particular, in the images of FIGS. 2 and 3 the presence
of the receptor is revealed by the fluorescence signal detectable
in the section peripheral portion. The fluorescence demonstrates
the presence of the PPARgamma at the level of enterocytes,
intestinal epithelial cells on the surface turned toward the
intestinal lumen.
[0134] Biopsies of the patients not affected by celiac disease have
been used as negative control: the result has been an absence of
signal, and consequently, of the receptor absence on the sections
analyzed by microscope. In particular, FIGS. 4 and 5 (controls)
show that no fluorescence has been detected: this is the sign of
the receptor absence, at the level of the same intestinal portion,
in the control, healthy group.
[0135] In the same way the compounds detailed herein below were
tested and similar results were achieved:
Example 4
[0136] The gene expression (mRNA) of the pro-inflammatory cytokines
IL-2, TFN-alpha and IFN-gamma, released in the disease acute phase,
was monitored.
[0137] In particular the diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8 quote
the optical density values (IMAGE J) extrapolated from different
bands, obtained by electrophoretic run with 1.times. agarose gel,
related to the cytokine amplifiers subject of the study.
[0138] The gene expression of the cytokines has been assessed by
RT-PCR of the RNA extracted by duodenal biopsies of the patients
affected by celiac disease. Such biopsies have been maintained for
growing at 37.degree. C. for 48 h, both in a culture medium
containing a tryptic digest of gliadin (PT) and in a PT medium, to
which the 5-ASA drug has been added.
[0139] Results
[0140] The three diagrams show that, in the bioptic fragments kept
in culture in the drug presence, the gene expression (mRNA) of the
pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2, TFN-alpha and IFN-gamma, released
in the disease acute phase, is well reduced.
[0141] The reduction increases when the patient is subjected to a
more lasting and constant treatment with the drug.
Example 5
[0142] Study on the Effects of Compounds According to the Invention
on PPAR.gamma. Activation/Expression and Regulation of Cell
Proliferation and Apoptosis.
[0143] Materials and Methods
[0144] Compounds A-G
[0145] 5-ASA was purchased at Sigma-Aldrich.TM. (St Quentin
Fallavier, France). Rosiglitazone was acquired at Spi Bio.TM.
(Massy, France). The following compounds A to G, falling within the
formula (II) were tested:
##STR00005##
[0146] Cell Lines
[0147] The colon cell line HT-29 STD (ATCC HTB-38) was routinely
grown in DMEM supplemented with 10% heat-FCS, and antibiotics.
Cells were grown in monolayers, incubated at 37.degree. C. in 5%
CO2 and 95% relative humidity.
[0148] Transient Transfection with PPAR.gamma. and Stimulation of
Cells
[0149] HT-29 STD cells were transiently transfected using the
Effectene.TM. transfection reagent (Qiagen.TM.) according to
instructions from the manufacturer. To test PPAR.gamma. activation,
we performed transfection with 500 ng of a minimal promoter
construct containing two copies of PPRE obtained from the
cytochrome p450 4A (2XCYP). The renilla luciferase plasmid (0.1
.mu.g/well) was also transfected as an internal control for
monitoring transfection efficiency and for normalizing the firefly
luciferase activity. Transfected cells were left for 48 hours
incubation at 37.degree. C. Stimulations were performed after
incubation of cells during 3-6-9-12-15-18-24 hours with the
compounds A-G at a concentration of 30 mM and compared with the two
PPAR.gamma. synthetic ligands 5-ASA 30 mM and rosiglitazone 10-5 M
used as positive controls. The pH of the drug solutions was
adjusted to 7.4 with NaOH. Total cell extracts were prepared using
the Passive Lysis Buffer (Promega.TM., Madison, Wis.). Luciferase
activity was assayed in 20 .mu.l of the extract using the
Promega.TM. Dual Luciferase assay system according to the
manufacturer's protocol. Transfections were assayed in triplicate
in at least three separate experiments. The luciferase activity was
expressed as fold of the activity obtained in cells treated with
the different molecules divided by luciferase activity from
non-stimulated cells.
[0150] Evaluation of PPAR.gamma. and .beta.-Actin by Western Blot
Analysis
[0151] The total proteins were obtained by cell homogenization in
an extraction buffer consisting of PBS with 2% Triton.TM., Phenyl
Methyl Sulphonyl Fluoride (PMSF) 100 mM and a classical protease
inhibitor cocktail. The total proteins were then separated by
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electroblotted.
Polyvinylidendifluoride (PVDF) membranes were incubated overnight
with rabbit polyclonal primary antibody directed against
PPAR.gamma. (dilution 1/500, TEBU, Le Perray en Yveline, France).
.beta.-actin was detected using a rabbit monoclonal primary
antibody diluted at 1/10,000 (Sigma). Immunodetection with a
secondary peroxidase-conjugated antibody (1/1000, Dako.TM.,
Trappes, France) and chemiluminescence was performed according to
the manufacturer's protocol (ECL.TM., Amersham Pharmacia
Biotech.TM., Orsay, France). Optical density values of PPAR.gamma.
were given for each condition in proportion to the quantity of the
internal control .beta.-actin in the same sample.
[0152] Analysis of Cell Proliferation by Ki-67 Immunostaining
[0153] After 24 h of culture, HT-29 STD cells were treated during
24 h with the compounds A, B, C, D and F, at 30 mM. 5-ASA (30 mM)
and rosiglitazone (10-5M) were used as positive controls. The
molecule G was not included in this experiment due to its poor
solubility. The pH of the drug solutions was adjusted to 7.4 with
NaOH. Cells were fixed in PFA 4%, permeabilized in PBS containing
0.1% Triton X-100.TM. at 4.degree. C. and then incubated with goat
normal serum and blocking buffer (1% BSA in PBS) to minimize
non-specific adsorption of the antibody.
[0154] Cell proliferation was assessed by a nuclear Ki-67 staining
using mouse monoclonal primary antibody directed against Ki-67
(dilution 1:50 overnight; ZYMED.TM., Clinisciences.TM., Montrouge,
France). Primary antibody was revealed with Alexa 594 donkey
anti-mouse IgG conjugated to acridin red fluorochrome (dilution
1:100, Molecular Probes.TM., Invitrogen.TM., Cergy Pontoise,
France). Nuclei were stained with Hoescht 33342 solution (0.125
mg/mL) (Sigma-Aldrich.TM.) and visualized under a fluorescence
microscope (Leica.TM., Bensheim, Germany). Negative controls
consisted of staining with a non-specific mouse serum instead of
the specific antibody. Counts of at least 500 cells/sample were
systematically performed blindly in one experiment. The results
were expressed as the mean.+-.SEM of the number of stained
cells.
[0155] Detection of Apoptosis
[0156] After 24 h of culture, HT-29 STD cells were treated during
24 h with the compounds A, B, C, D, F, at a concentration of 30 mM.
5-ASA (30 mM) and rosiglitazone (10-5M) were used as positive
controls. The molecules E and G were not included in this
experiment due to their poor solubility. The pH of the drug
solutions was adjusted to 7.4 with NaOH. Cells undergoing apoptosis
were identified by enzymatic enzymatic labelling of DNA strands
using a terminal transferase dUTP nick end labelling assay (TUNEL
assay, Roche Diagnostics.TM., Meylan, France). Counts of at least
500 cells/sample were systematically performed blindly in one
experiment. The results were expressed as the mean.+-.SEM of the
number of stained cells.
[0157] Results
[0158] It has been observed that the molecules C and F induce
PPAR.gamma. activation. Compound D also induces PPAR.gamma., but to
a slight lesser extent. Activation of PPAR.gamma. results in a
cascade of reactions leading to a binding to specific DNA sequence
elements termed peroxisome proliferator response elements
(PPRE).
[0159] We investigated PPAR.gamma. transcriptional activity by
transient transfections of epithelial cells with the renilla
luciferase PPRE plamids. Cells were stimulated with the different
molecules during 24 hours. Analysis of PPAR.gamma. activity in
transfected HT-29 cells showed that the compound C and F at a
concentration of 30 mM increased the reporter gene activity by
two-fold thereby displaying an activity similar to 5-ASA and
rosiglitazone. Compounds A, B and G at a concentration of 30 mM
exerted a rapid cytotoxic effect on epithelial cells limiting the
investigation of PPAR.gamma. activation after 6 hours.
[0160] In particular, the molecules C, D and F induce PPAR.gamma.
expression. In general all compounds A-G show the capacity to
induce PPAR.gamma. expression at the protein levels in the HT-29
cell line. In particular, a mean 2-fold induction of PPAR.gamma.
protein levels quantified by western blot was observed in cells
treated during 24 hours with the molecules C, D and F.
[0161] In particular, the molecules C and F inhibit epithelial cell
proliferation. We evaluated in HT-29 STD cell line the role of the
molecules in the regulation of cell proliferation. Cell
proliferation was assessed by nuclear protein Ki-67 staining
expressed in proliferating cells, the presence of Ki-67 being
necessary to maintain cell proliferation. Compared to untreated
cells, incubation of HT-29 cells for 24 h with the molecules C and
F (30 mM) resulted in a 67 to 75% inhibition of cell
proliferation.
[0162] Similar results were obtained with the two positive controls
rosiglitazone (10-5M) and 5-ASA (30 mM) used at their optimal
concentrations. Demonstration of the potential anti-mitogenic
effect of the molecules A, B and D was limited by their rapid
cytotoxic effects on epithelial cells at this concentration.
[0163] The compound F also induces epithelial cell apoptosis
through PPAR.gamma.. Similarly to rosiglitazone and 5-ASA, the
molecule F displayed apoptosis in 80% of epithelial cells
identified by labelling DNA strand breaks using a terminal
transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL). Similarly to the
previous experiment, molecules A, B and D induced a rapid cytotoxic
effect at 30 mM impeding cell apoptosis analysis.
[0164] Conclusion
[0165] This example specifically show the ability of compounds C
and F to stimulate PPAR.gamma. expression and activation and to
regulate epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition,
the cytotoxic effects on epithelial cells of compounds A, B D (as
well as E to G) at 30 mM may be related to the presence in their
structure of a highly reactive hydroxamic acid group known to
display a great affinity for many various enzymes.
Example 6
[0166] Molecular Modelling
[0167] Molecular modelling studies were performed using SYBYL
software version 6.9.1 (Tripos Associates Inc.TM., St Louis, Mo.)
running on Silicon Graphics.TM. workstations. Three-dimensional
model of the zwitterions form of 5-ASA was built from a standard
fragments library, and its geometry was subsequently optimized
using the Tripos force field. As the pKa of compounds is still
unknown, the SPARC online calculator was used to determine the
species occurring at physiological pH (7.4). Three-dimensional
models of ionized compounds were built from a standard fragments
library, and their geometry was subsequently optimized using the
Tripos force field including the electrostatic term calculated from
Gasteiger and Huckel atomic charges. The method of Powell available
in Maximin2 procedure was used for energy minimization until the
gradient value was smaller than 0.001 kcal/mol.ANG.. The structure
of the human PPAR.gamma. ligand-binding domain was obtained from
its complexed X-Ray crystal structure with the tesaglitazar (AZ
242) available in the RCSB Protein Data Bank (117I) (4,5). Flexible
docking of the compounds into the receptor active site was
performed using GOLD software. The most stable docking models were
selected according to the best scored conformation predicted by the
GoldScore and X-Score scoring functions. The complexes were
energy-minimized using the Powell method available in Maximin2
procedure with the Tripos force field and a dielectric constant of
4.0 until the gradient value reached 0.01 kcal/mol.ANG.. The anneal
function was used defining the ligand a hot region (10 .ANG.).
[0168] Docking Studies
[0169] The compounds A to G fit tightly with the PPAR.gamma.-LBD
interacting via hydrogen bonding with His-323, His-449, Tyr-473 and
Ser-289 considered as key determinants required for molecular
recognition and PPAR.gamma. activation.
[0170] It has shown that anti-inflammatory effects of compound
falling in the formula (II) were mediated through PPAR.gamma.
mainly expressed by epithelial cells. The docking analysis revealed
that the mentioned compounds, used at a concentration of 30 mM,
activate PPAR.gamma., induce its expression by intestinal
epithelial cells and exert a pharmacological action on the
immune-inflammatory component of the celiac disease.
[0171] Conclusion
[0172] It has previously shown that anti-inflammatory effects of
compounds of formula II with amino-salicylic structure (5-ASA
structure like) were mediated through PPAR.gamma., expressed in the
epithelial cells at duodenum level. The rational development of the
compounds A to G based on docking analysis revealed that said
compounds, specifically C, F, used at a concentration of 30 mM,
activate PPAR.gamma. and induce its expression by intestinal
epithelial cells. The compounds also inhibit epithelial cell
proliferation and induce apoptosis, two important mechanisms
attributed to PPAR.gamma. activation. In particular, concerning the
molecules A, B, D, G it has been detected that they have direct
cytotoxic effects on epithelial cells at a concentration of 30 mM,
impeding the analysis of PPAR.gamma. activation and regulation and
evaluation of cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Example 7
Effects of Compounds H-Q of Formula (I) on PPAR.gamma.
Activation
[0173] Materials and Methods
[0174] Materials
[0175] 5-ASA was purchased at Sigma-Aldrich.TM. (St Quentin
Fallavier, France). Rosiglitazone was acquired at Spi Bio.TM.
(Massy, France). The following compounds H-Q, falling within the
formula (I) were tested:
##STR00006## ##STR00007##
[0176] Cell Lines
[0177] The colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 STD (ATCC HTB-38) was
routinely grown in DMEM supplemented with 10% heat-FCS, and
antibiotics. Cells were grown in monolayers, incubated at
37.degree. C. in 5% CO2 and 95% relative humidity.
[0178] Transient transfection with PPAR.gamma. and stimulation of
cells
[0179] HT-29 STD cells were transiently transfected using the
Effectene.TM. transfection reagent (Qiagen.TM.) according to
instructions from the manufacturer. To test PPAR.gamma. activation,
we performed transfection with 500 ng of a minimal promoter
construct containing two copies of PPRE obtained from the
cytochrome p450 4A (2XCYP). The renilla luciferase plasmid (0.1
.mu.g/well) was also transfected as an internal control for
monitoring transfection efficiency and for normalizing the firefly
luciferase activity. Transfected cells were left for 24 hours
incubation at 37'C. Stimulations were performed after incubation of
cells during 18 hours with the compounds H-Q at a concentration of
1 mM and compared with the two PPAR.gamma. synthetic ligands 5-ASA
(30 mM) and rosiglitazone (10-5 M) used as positive controls. The
pH of the drug solutions was adjusted to 7.4 with NaOH. Total cell
extracts were prepared using the Passive Lysis Buffer (Promega.TM.,
Madison, Wis.). Luciferase activity was assayed in 20 .mu.l of the
extract using Promega's Dual Luciferase assay system according to
manufacturer's protocol. Transfections were assayed in triplicate
in at least three separate experiments. The luciferase activity was
expressed as fold of the activity obtained in cells treated with
the different molecules dividing by luciferase activity from non
stimulated cells.
[0180] Results
[0181] Activation of PPAR.gamma. results in a cascade of reactions
leading to a binding to specific DNA sequence elements termed
peroxisome proliferator response elements (PPRE).
[0182] We investigated PPAR.gamma. transcriptional activity by
transient transfections of epithelial cells with the renilla
luciferase and PPRE plamids. To evaluate if the compounds H-Q have
efficacy as wells as or even over 5-ASA to stimulate PPAR.gamma.
activation, we tested these molecules at a concentration of 1 mM.
Effect of the new molecules at a concentration of 1 mM was compared
to 5-ASA and rosiglitazone, used as positive controls at optimal
concentrations of 30 mM and 10-5 M respectively. Cells were
stimulated with the different molecules during 24 hours.
[0183] Analysis of PPAR.gamma. activity in transfected HT-29 cells
showed that said compounds 40 at 1 mM increased the reporter gene
activity by 4.8.+-.0.71; 2.73.+-.0.31; 2.64.+-.0.46; 3.4.+-.0.97
fold respectively, thereby displaying an activity similar or
superior to 5-ASA at 30 mM (2.8.+-.0.7) and rosiglitazone at 10-5M
(3.17.+-.0.29).
[0184] There are evidences of the ability of the molecules H-Q
falling in compounds the formula (I) of the invention, to increase
the PPAR.gamma. activity in transfected HT-29 cells, displaying an
activity similar or even superior to 5-ASA at 30 mM and
rosiglitazone at 10-5M.
[0185] The Italian Patent application no. MI2007A2429, including
description, claims and drawings, filed on 24 Dec. 2007, whose
priority is hereby claimed, is fully incorporated by reference.
* * * * *