U.S. patent application number 14/199250 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for method and kit for providing an increased expression of telomerase, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, stromal cell-derived factor-1, cxc chemokine receptor 4, and/or immune regulatory factor of stem cell.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hawking Biological Technology Co., Ltd. The applicant listed for this patent is Hawking Biological Technology Co., Ltd. Invention is credited to Tzyy-Wen Chiou, Horng-Jyh Harn, Kuo-Wei Hsueh, Mao-Hsuan Huang, Shinn-Zong LIN.
Application Number | 20140271568 14/199250 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51538765 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140271568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIN; Shinn-Zong ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
METHOD AND KIT FOR PROVIDING AN INCREASED EXPRESSION OF TELOMERASE,
BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR, STROMAL CELL-DERIVED FACTOR-1,
CXC CHEMOKINE RECEPTOR 4, AND/OR IMMUNE REGULATORY FACTOR OF STEM
CELL
Abstract
A method for providing an increased expression of at least one
of telomerase, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), stromal
cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1), CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), and
an immune regulatory factor of a stem cell in a subject is
provided. The method comprises simultaneously or separately
administering to the subject an effective amount of (a) a phthalide
and (b) a stem cell.
Inventors: |
LIN; Shinn-Zong; (New Taipei
City, TW) ; Harn; Horng-Jyh; (New Taipei City,
TW) ; Chiou; Tzyy-Wen; (New Taipei City, TW) ;
Hsueh; Kuo-Wei; (New Taipei City, TW) ; Huang;
Mao-Hsuan; (New Taipei City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hawking Biological Technology Co., Ltd |
New Taipei City |
|
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hawking Biological Technology Co.,
Ltd
New Taipei City
TW
|
Family ID: |
51538765 |
Appl. No.: |
14/199250 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61777127 |
Mar 12, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/93.7 ;
514/470 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 9/0019 20130101;
A61K 9/0085 20130101; A61K 35/545 20130101; A61K 35/51 20130101;
A61K 31/365 20130101; A61K 35/35 20130101; A61K 31/365 20130101;
A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61K 31/7048 20130101; A61K 35/50 20130101;
A61K 35/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/93.7 ;
514/470 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/366 20060101
A61K031/366; A61K 35/12 20060101 A61K035/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 9, 2014 |
TW |
103103485 |
Claims
1. A method for providing an increased expression of at least one
of telomerase, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), stromal
cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1), CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), and
an immune regulatory factor of a stem cell in a subject, comprising
simultaneously or separately administering to the subject an
effective amount of (a) a phthalide and (b) a stem cell, wherein
said increased expression is increased in comparison with a
corresponding expression of the effective amount of the stem cell
in a subject without being administered with a phthalide.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phthalide is
selected from the group consisting of n-butylidenephthalide (BP), a
structural analogue of BP, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a
structural analogue of BP, a pharmaceutically acceptable ester of a
structural analogue of BP, and combinations thereof.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the structural
analogue of n-butylidenephthalide is
3-butylidene-4,5-dihydrophthalide (ligustilide).
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phthalide is
selected from the group consisting of a compound of formula (I), a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (I), a
pharmaceutically acceptable ester of the compound of formula (I),
and combinations thereof: ##STR00008## wherein, A is a C1-C5
hydrocarbyl being optionally substituted by one or more
substituents selected from the group consisting of --OH, .dbd.O,
and C1-C3 hydrocarbyl; X is H, -C ##STR00009## R.sub.1 is H or a
substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 hydrocarbyl, wherein one or
more --CH.sub.2-- in the hydrocarbyl are optionally replaced by
--NH-- or --O--; Y is O or S and optionally bonds with A to form a
five-membered ring, with a proviso that when Y bonds with A to form
a five-membered ring, R.sub.1 is not present.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein A is a C1-C5 alkyl or
alkenyl being optionally substituted by one or more substituents
selected from the group consisting of --OH, .dbd.O, and C1-C3
alkyl; and R.sub.1 is H or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10
hydrocarbyl, wherein one or more --CH.sub.2-- in the hydrocarbyl
are optionally replaced by --NH-- or --O--.
6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein A is ##STR00010## and
R.sub.1 is H, ##STR00011##
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phthalide is
selected from the group consisting of the following compounds:
##STR00012## ##STR00013## ##STR00014## and combinations
thereof.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the phthalide is
n-butylidenephthalide (BP).
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stem cell is
selected from the group consisting of an embryonic stem cell, an
adult stem cell, an induced pluripotent stem cell, and combinations
thereof.
10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stem cell is
selected from the group consisting of a mesenchymal stem cell, a
hematopoietic stem cell, and combinations thereof.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the stem cell is a
mesenchymal stem cell and selected from the group consisting of a
bone marrow stem cell, an umbilical cord blood stem cell, a
placenta stem cell, an adipose stem cell, an oral stem cell, an
olfactory bulbs stem cell, an amniotic fluid stem cell, an amniotic
stem cell, an umbilical cord stem cell, an umbilical cord lining
stem cell, and combinations thereof.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the stem cell is an
adipose stem cell.
13. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method is for at
least one of inhibiting the apoptosis of motor neurons, protecting
motor neurons, and improving the proliferation of motor neurons in
the subject.
14. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method is for at
least one of treating a motor neuron degenerative disease and
delaying the onset of a motor neuron degenerative disease.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the motor neuron
degenerative disease is selected from the group consisting of
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, myasthenia,
muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, multiple
system atrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and combinations
thereof.
16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the motor neuron
degenerative disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
17. A kit, comprising: a first composition, comprising a phthalide;
and a second composition, comprising a stem cell; wherein the first
composition and the second composition are to be administered to a
subject in need simultaneously or separately.
18. The kit as claimed in claim 17, wherein the phthalide is as
defined in claim 2.
19. The kit as claimed in claim 17, wherein the stem cell is as
defined in claim 9.
20. The kit as claimed in claim 17, further comprises a third
composition which comprises a solvent or a solution and can be
mixed with the first composition and/or the second composition to
provide a solution for injection.
21. The kit as claimed claim 17, wherein the first composition is
in a form for oral administration, nasal administration,
corticospinal tract injection, intrathecal injection, intracerebral
injection, intravenous injection, intraperitoneal injection, and/or
subcutaneous injection; and the second composition is in a form for
corticospinal tract injection, intrathecal injection, intracerebral
injection, intravenous injection, intraperitoneal injection, and/or
subcutaneous injection.
22. A method for treating a motor neuron degenerative disease
and/or delaying the onset of a motor neuron degenerative disease in
a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective
amount of a metabolic precursor of a phthalide, wherein the
metabolic precursor of a phthalide is
3-butylidene-4,5-dihydrophthalide (ligustilide).
23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the neuron
degenerative disease is at least one of amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, myasthenia, muscular atrophy,
muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, multiple system atrophy,
and spinal muscular atrophy.
24. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the neuron
degenerative disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for providing an
increased expression of at least one of telomerase, brain-derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1),
CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), and an immune regulatory factor
of a stem cell in a subject, and relates to a method for treating
motor neuron degenerative diseases and/or delaying the onset of
motor neuron degenerative diseases.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A neuron, also known as a nerve cell, is one of the
structural and functional units of the nervous system of an
organism. Neurons can transmit messages to other cells by chemical
and electrical signals. Neurons can vary in shape and size, and the
diameters of neurons may range from about 4 .mu.m to about 100
.mu.m. The structure of a neuron can be roughly divided into three
parts: a cell body, dendrites, and an axon, wherein the dendrites
can transmit signals into the cell body, and the axon can transmit
signals out from the cell body.
[0003] Neurons can be classified into three types depending on
their functions and signal transmission directions: sensory
neurons, motor neurons and interneurons, wherein a motor neuron is
a nerve cell controlling the body activities of an organism. In
general, motor neurons in the brain are known as upper motor
neurons, while motor neurons in the brain stem and the spinal cord
are known as lower motor neurons. Malfunctions caused by the
degeneration of motor neurons may result in motor neuron
degenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
myasthenia gravis, myasthenia, muscular atrophy, muscular
dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, multiple-system atrophy, spinal
muscular dystrophy, etc. Patients suffering from the aforesaid
motor neuron degenerative diseases will gradually show symptoms
such as muscle weakness, atrophy, trembling, cramping rigidity,
which may lead to difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing,
respiratory failure, etc.
[0004] The real cause of motor neuron degenerative diseases is
still uncertain to date. However, research has shown that the
possible causes of the diseases include neuronal death caused by
over expression of autophagy stimulated by the accumulation of
superoxide anions, autoimmune disorder, excessive neuronal
excitation (e.g., excessive accumulation of glutamates), excessive
oxidation of neuron, heredity, etc. Medicines presently used in
clinic to treat motor neuron degenerative diseases include
glutamate antagonists such as Riluzole, antioxidants such as
vitamin E, neurotrophic factors, immune modulators, etc. However,
the aforesaid medicines usually do not have significant therapeutic
effects or may only lengthen the life of the patients for 3 to 6
months.
[0005] In addition, researchers have found that a stem cell can
differentiate into a neural cell, which brings hope for the
treatment of nervous system diseases, such as Parkinson's disease,
stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury. For example,
researches have found that a stem cell can pass through the blood
brain barrier via intravenous injection (i.e., intravenous
transplantation) to alleviate neurodegeneration caused by aging and
can repair and reconstruct the damaged cerebrovascular to maintain
the normalization and/or youthfulness of cranial nerves.
Furthermore, researches revealed that the stem cell therapy has
shown evident treating efficacy on the patients with brain atrophy
and Alzheimer's disease. However, the aforementioned researches
also showed that the stem cell therapy does not have significant
therapeutic effect on motor neuron degenerative diseases or may
only provide a limited effect, such as prolonging the longevity of
the mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to about 140 days (see
"Garbuzova-Davis et al., Human umbilical cord blood treatment in a
mouse model of ALS: optimization of cell dose, 2008," which is
entirely incorporated hereinto by reference). Therefore, there is
still a need for an approach to treat motor neuron degenerative
diseases and/or delay the onset of motor neuron degenerative
diseases.
[0006] The inventors of the present invention found that a combined
use of a phthalide and a stem cell in a subject can increase the
expression of telomerase, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF),
stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1), CXC chemokine receptor 4
(CXCR4), and an immune regulatory factor of a stem cell (such as
interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8)) of the stem cell in
the subject. A combination of a phthalide and a stem cell can
provides an effect on treating motor neuron degenerative diseases
and/or delaying the onset of motor neuron degenerative
diseases.
SUMMARY
[0007] An objective of the present invention is to provide a method
for providing an increased expression of at least one of
telomerase, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), stromal
cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1), CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), and
an immune regulatory factor of a stem cell in a subject, comprising
simultaneously or separately administering to the subject an
effective amount of (a) a phthalide and (b) a stem cell, wherein
said increased expression is increased in comparison with a
corresponding expression of the effective amount of the stem cell
in the subject without being administered with a phthalide.
[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
kit, comprising: a first composition, comprising a phthalide; and a
second composition, comprising a stem cell; wherein the first
composition and the second composition are to be administered to a
subject in need simultaneously or separately.
[0009] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
a method for treating a motor neuron degenerative disease and/or
delaying the onset of a motor neuron degenerative disease in a
subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective
amount of a metabolic precursor of a phthalide, wherein the
metabolic precursor is 3-butylidene-4,5-dihydrophthalide
(ligustilide).
[0010] The detailed technology and the preferred embodiments
implemented for the present invention will be described in the
following paragraphs for people skilled in the field to appreciate
the features of the claimed invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] The patent application contains at least one drawing
executed in color. Copies of this patent document with color
drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment
of the necessary fee
[0012] FIG. 1 shows the metabolism of n-butylidenephthalide (BP) in
a organism, wherein FIG. 1A is a mass spectrum of a mixture of BP
and human hepatic microsomes analyzed by LC-MS/MS, FIG. 1B is a
metabolic profile showing the phase I metabolism of BP in an
organism, and FIG. 1C is a metabolic profile showing the phase II
metabolism of BP in an organism
[0013] FIG. 2 shows the survival curves of various treatments on
SOD1-G93A transgenic mice
[0014] FIG. 3 shows the BBB-scaled curves of various treatments on
SOD1-G93A transgenic mice
[0015] FIG. 4 is a bar diagram showing the telomerase expression
levels of stem cells treated with different ingredients.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an electrophoresis picture showing the gene
expression levels of BDNF, SDF1, CXCR4, IL-6 and IL-8 of stem cells
treated with different ingredients.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows the protein expression levels of SOD1-G93A
transgenic mice treated with a combination of BP and stem cells,
wherein FIG. 6A is an immunohistochemical staining picture obtained
by using an anti-human mitochondria antibody, FIG. 6B is an
immunohistochemical staining picture obtained by using an
anti-human BDNF antibody, and FIG. 6C is an immunohistochemical
staining picture obtained by using an anti-human CXCR4
antibody.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following will describe some embodiments of the present
invention in detail. However, without departing from the spirit of
the present invention, the present invention may be embodied in
various embodiments and should not be limited to the embodiments
described in the specification. In addition, unless otherwise state
herein, the expressions "a," "the," or the like recited in the
specification of the present invention (especially in the claims)
should include both the singular and the plural forms. Furthermore,
the term "effective amount" used in this specification refers to
the amount of the compound that can at least partially alleviate
the condition that is being treated in a suspected subject when
administered to the subject. The term "subject" used in this
specification refers to a mammalian, including human and non-human
animals. The term "mg/kg-body weight" used in this specification
refers to the dosage (mg) required per kg-body weight. The term
"hydrocarbyl" used in this specification refers to a saturated
hydrocarbyl or an unsaturated hydrocarbyl with one or more
.pi.-bonds. The term "stem cell therapy" used in this specification
refers to any treatment comprising administering to a subject a
stem cell via any administration manner.
[0019] Telomere is a region of repetitive nucleotide sequences at
each end of a chromatid. It has been known that the length of
telomere may determine the longevity of a cell. Telomerase is a
reverse transcriptase and can extend the length of telomeres, and
thus plays an important role in regulating cell growth, maintaining
cell homeostasis, and inhibiting cell apoptosis. As described
above, previous researches reveal that a stem cell therapy does not
have significant therapeutic effect on motor neuron degenerative
diseases, which probably due to the short lifecycle of the
transplanted stem cells. Therefore, if the lifecycle of the
transplanted stem cells can be prolonged (e.g., the activity of
telomerase can be enhanced), the therapeutic effect of stem cell
therapy on motor neuron degenerative diseases could be
improved.
[0020] Furthermore, it has been known that the brain-derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1),
and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) secreted from stem cells have
an effect on inhibiting motor neuron apoptosis and promoting motor
neuron proliferation, and thus, can be used to protect motor
neurons (see "Park, D. et al., Human adipose tissue-derived
mesenchymal stem cells improve cognitive function and physical
activity in ageing mice. J Neurosci Res, 2013," which is entirely
incorporated hereinto by reference). In another aspect, it has been
known that the immune regulatory factors, such as interleukin 6
(IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8), secreted from stem cells can
maintain neurogenesis by regulating immune response (see Kohman, R.
A. et al., "Neurogenesis, inflammation and behavior. Brain Behav
Immun, 2013. 27 (1) p. 22-32," which is entirely incorporated
hereinto by reference). Accordingly, if the expression levels of
BDNF, SDF1, CXCR4, and/or immune regulatory factors (e.g., IL-6,
IL-8) of a stem cell can be increased, the therapeutic effect of
stem cell therapy on motor neuron degenerative diseases can be
improved.
[0021] The inventors of the present invention found that a
phthalide can increase the expression levels of telomerase,
brain-derived neurotrophic factor, stromal cell-derived factor-1,
CXC chemokine receptor 4, and/or an immune regulatory factor (e.g.,
IL-6, and/or IL-8) of stem cells.
[0022] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for
providing an increased expression of at least one of telomerase,
brain-derived neurotrophic factor, stromal cell-derived factor-1,
CXC chemokine receptor 4, and an immune regulatory factor of a stem
cell in a subject, comprising simultaneously or separately
administering to the subject an effective amount of (a) a phthalide
and (b) a stem cell, wherein said increased expression is increased
in comparison with a corresponding expression of the effective
amount of the stem cell in a subject that is not administered with
the phthalide.
[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the phthalide
suitable for the method of the present invention is selected from
the group consisting of a compound of formula (I), a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (I), a
pharmaceutically acceptable ester of the compound of formula (I),
and combinations thereof:
##STR00001##
wherein, A is a C1-C5 hydrocarbyl being optionally substituted by
one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of
--OH, .dbd.O, and C1-C3 hydrocarbyl; X is H, -O
##STR00002##
R.sub.1 is H or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 hydrocarbyl,
wherein one or more --CH.sub.2-- in the hydrocarbyl are optionally
replaced by --NH-- or --O--; Y is O or S and optionally bonds with
A to form a five-membered ring, with a proviso that when Y bonds
with A to form a five-membered ring, R.sub.1 is not present.
[0024] It is preferred that in the compound of formula (I), A is a
C1-C5 alkyl or alkenyl being optionally substituted by one or more
substituents selected from the group consisting of --OH, .dbd.O,
and C1-C3 alkyl; and R.sub.1, if present, is H or a substituted or
unsubstituted C1-C10 hydrocarbyl, wherein one or more --CH.sub.2--
in the hydrocarbyl are optionally replaced by --NH-- or --O--.
Preferably, in the compound of formula (I), A is
##STR00003##
; and R.sub.1, if present, is H
##STR00004##
[0025] More preferably, the compound of formula (I) used as the
phthalide in the method of the present invention is selected from
the group consisting of the following compounds (1) to (14), a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a pharmaceutically
acceptable ester thereof, and combinations thereof:
##STR00005## ##STR00006## ##STR00007##
wherein the "Cys" in compound (10) refers to cysteine.
[0026] The inventors of the present invention found that a
phthalide, when administered to an organism, can increase the
expression levels of telomerase, brain-derived neurotrophic factor,
stromal cell-derived factor-1, CXC chemokine receptor 4, and/or an
immune regulatory factor of a stem cell. In the above compounds (1)
to (14), the compound (1) is n-butylidenephthalide (BP), and the
compounds (2) to (14) are metabolites of n-butylidenephthalide,
namely, the compounds generated by the phase I or phase II
metabolism of BP in an organism, which will be illustrated by the
examples provided in this specification. It is believed that the
pharmaceutical activity of a compound in an organism is provided
from the metabolites of the compound. Therefore, the phthalide used
in the method of the present invention is preferably any one of the
compounds (1) to (14), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,
a pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, or a combination
thereof.
[0027] In addition to the compound of formula (I), the phthalide
suitable for the method of the present invention may also be
selected from other structural analogue of BP, a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable ester
thereof, and combinations thereof.
[0028] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" used in this
specification refers to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt prepared
from said compound with acid functional groups and an organic or
inorganic base. The salts formed with inorganic bases, include but
not are limited to alkali metal salts (e.g., sodium salts,
potassium salts), alkaline earth metal salts (e.g., calcium salts,
magnesium salts), transition metal salts (e.g., iron salts, zinc
salts, copper salts, manganese salts, and aluminum salts), and
ammonium salts. The salts formed with organic bases, include but
are not limited to the salts formed with methylamine,
dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, diethylamine,
triethylamine, isopropylamine, tripropylamine, tributylamine,
ethanolamine, diethanolamine, 2-dimethylaminoethanol,
2-diethylaminoethanol, dicyclohexylamine, lysine, arginine,
histidine, caffeine, hydrabamine, choline, betaine,
ethylenediamine, glucosamine, methylglucamine, theobromine,
purines, piperazine, piperidine, N-ethylpiperidine,
tetramethylammonium compounds, tetraethylammonium compounds,
pyridine, N,N-dimethylaniline, N-methylpiperidine,
N-methylmorpholine, dicyclohexylamine, dibenzylamine,
N,N-dibenzylphenethylamine, 1-ephenamine,
N,N'-dibenzylethylenediamine, polyamine resins, and the like.
[0029] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable ester" used in this
specification includes an ester prepared from the compound with
--OH functional group and an acid. The acid may be an inorganic
acid such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid,
sulfamic acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid, or an organic acid
such as acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, adipic acid, ascorbic
acid, aspartic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, butyric
acid, camphoric acid, camphorsulfonic acid, cinnamic acid, citric
acid, digluconic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, glutamic acid, glycolic
acid, glycerophosphoric acid, hemisulfic acid, hexanoic acid,
formic acid, 2-hydroxy ethane-sulfonic acid (isethionic acid),
lactic acid, hydroxymaleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, mandelic
acid, mesitylenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid,
naphthalenesulfonic acid, nicotinic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic
acid, oxalic acid, pamoic acid, pectinic acid, phenylacetic acid,
3-phenylpropionic acid, pivalic acid, propionic acid, pyruvic acid,
salicylic acid, stearic acid, succinic acid, sulfanilic acid,
tartaric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, and undecanoic acid.
[0030] The term "structural analogue of BP" used in this
specification refers to a compound which is not identical to BP,
but is in part or whole similar to part or all of BP in terms of
chemical structure, electron distribution or pharmaceutical
characteristics. In addition to the compound of formula (I),
examples of a structural analogue of BP include, but are not
limited to, a metabolic precursor of BP, an isomer of BP or an
isomer of a metabolic precursor of BP, and a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt or ester thereof. The term "metabolic precursor of
BP" used in this specification refers to a compound whose
metabolism in an organism will generate BP. Specific examples of a
structural analogue of BP include, but are not limited to,
3-butylidene-4,5-dihydrophthalide (ligustilide) and
3-butyl-3a,4,5,7a-tetrahydro-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone
(cnidilide).
[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, the phthalide
used in the present invention is
3-butylidene-4,5-dihydrophthalide.
[0032] The stem cell used in the method of the present invention
can be selected from any stem cells suitable for stem cell therapy,
such as a stem cell selected from the group consisting of an
embryonic stem cell, an adult stem cell (e.g., a mesenchymal stem
cell, a hematopoietic stem cell), an induced pluripotent stem cell
(iPSc), or a combination thereof. Examples of a mesenchymal stem
cell include, but are not limited to a bone marrow stem cell, an
umbilical cord blood stem cell, a placenta stem cell, an adipose
stem cell (ADSC), an oral stem cell, an olfactory bulbs stem cell,
amniotic fluid stem cell, amniotic stem cell, umbilical cord stem
cell, and umbilical cord lining stem cell. In some embodiments of
the method of the present invention, the stem cell is an adipose
stem cell.
[0033] As described above, a combined use of a phthalide and a stem
cell can increase the expression levels of telomerase,
brain-derived neurotrophic factor, stromal cell-derived factor-1,
CXC chemokine receptor 4, and an immune regulatory factor (e.g.,
interleukin-6 and interleukin-8) of the stem cell in a subject to
inhibit the apoptosis of motor neurons, protect motor neurons, and
improve the proliferation of motor neurons in the subject, and
thus, it can be used for treating motor neuron degenerative
diseases and/or delaying the onset of motor neuron degenerative
diseases.
[0034] In some embodiments, the method of the present invention is
to be used for treating motor neuron degenerative diseases and/or
delaying the onset of motor neuron degenerative diseases. The motor
neuron degenerative diseases comprise any diseases related to the
degeneration of motor neurons, including but not limited to
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, gravis,
muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, multiple
system atrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy.
[0035] According to an embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the method is used for treating amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis. It is known that patients with amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis will gradually show muscular atrophy, which usually
causes quadriplegia, difficulty swallowing and even respiratory
failure in 2 to 5 years. Researches have shown that amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis may be related to excessive neuronal excitation
(e.g., excessive accumulation of glutamates). Therefore, at
present, the glutamate antagonist, such as Riluzole, is primarily
used in clinic to treat motor neurodegenerative diseases to
increase the survival rate of the patients. As compared with the
administration of Riluzole, the method of the present invention can
more effectively delay the onset of motor neuron degenerative
diseases and increase the survival rate of the patients.
[0036] In the method of the present invention, the phthalide and
the stem cell can independently be administered as a separate
pharmaceutical composition. The pharmaceutical composition
comprising a phthalide and the pharmaceutical composition
comprising a stem cell can be simultaneously or separately
administered into a patient in need of such treatment.
[0037] The pharmaceutical composition comprising a phthalide and
the pharmaceutical composition comprising a stem cell both can be
manufactured into a medicament of any suitable form for
administration. For example, the pharmaceutical composition
comprising a phthalide can be manufactured into a medicament in a
form suitable for oral administration, nasal administration,
corticospinal tract injection, intrathecal injection, intracerebral
injection, intravenous injection, intraperitoneal injection, and/or
subcutaneous injection, but is not limited thereby. The
pharmaceutical composition comprising a stem cell can be
manufactured into a medicament with a form suitable for
corticospinal tract injection, intrathecal injection, intracerebral
injection, intravenous injection, intraperitoneal injection, and/or
subcutaneous injection. According to some embodiments of the method
of the present invention, the phthalide is administered as a
pharmaceutical composition in a form suitable for oral
administration, such as in a form of a tablet, a capsule, a
granule, powder, a fluid extract, a solution, syrup, a suspension,
an emulsion or a tincture, and the stem cell is administered as a
pharmaceutical composition in a form suitable for intracerebral
injection or intravenous injection. Depending on the form and
purpose of the medicament, the pharmaceutical composition
comprising a phthalide and the pharmaceutical composition
comprising a stem cell may further comprise a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier.
[0038] For a formulation suitable for oral administration, the
pharmaceutical composition can comprise a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier which has no adverse influence on the activity
of the active component (i.e., the phthalide) comprised therein,
such as a solvent, oily solvent, diluent, stabilizer, absorption
delaying agent, disintegrant, emulsifier, antioxidant, binder,
lubricants, and moisture absorbent. The pharmaceutical composition
can be prepared as a medicament for oral administration by any
suitable method.
[0039] As for a formulation suitable for corticospinal tract
injection, intrathecal injection, intracerebral injection,
intravenous injection, or subcutaneous injection, the
pharmaceutical composition may comprise one or more components,
such as an isotonic solution, a saline buffer solution (e.g., a
phosphate buffer solution or a citrate buffer solution), a
solubilizer, an emulsifier, and other carriers to manufacture the
medicament as an intravenous injection, an emulsion intravenous
injection, a powder injection, a suspension injection, or a
powder-suspension injection.
[0040] In addition to the above adjuvants, each of the
pharmaceutical composition comprising a phthalide and the
pharmaceutical composition comprising a stem cell may optionally
comprise other additives, such as a flavoring agent, a toner, a
coloring agent, etc. to enhance the taste and visual appeal of the
resultant medicament. To improve the storability of the resultant
formulation, the pharmaceutical composition may also comprise a
suitable amount of a preservative, a conservative, an antiseptic,
an anti-fungus reagent, etc. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical
composition may comprise one or more other active components, such
as an antioxidant (e.g., vitamin E), neurotrophic factor, immune
modulator, etc., to further enhance the efficacy of the method of
the present invention or increase the application flexibility and
adaptability for the composition, as long as the other active
components have no adverse effect on the phthalide and the stem
cell in the method of the present invention.
[0041] In the method of the present invention, the pharmaceutical
composition comprising a phthalide and the pharmaceutical
composition comprising a stem cell can be simultaneously or
separately administered to a subject in need of such treatment.
Namely, the pharmaceutical composition comprising a phthalide can
be administered into a subject before, after, or simultaneously
with the administration of the pharmaceutical composition
comprising a stem cell. Furthermore, each of the pharmaceutical
composition comprising a phthalide and the pharmaceutical
composition comprising a stem cell can be applied with various
administration frequencies, such as once a day, several times a day
or once for days, etc.
[0042] Depending on the requirements of the subject, the dosage of
the phthalide and the stem cell of the present invention can be
adjusted. For example, when applied to the human body for treating
motor neuron degenerative diseases and/or delaying the onset of
motor neuron degenerative diseases, the phthalide is preferably
administered at an amount ranging from about 100 mg/kg-body weight
to about 1,000 mg/kg-body weight per day, more preferably about 250
mg/kg-body weight to about 800 mg/kg-body weight per day. The stem
cell is preferably administered at an amount ranging from about
1.times.10.sup.2 cells/site to about 1.times.10.sup.15 cells/site
and more preferably about 1.times.10.sup.5 cells/site to about
1.times.10.sup.8 cells/site. However, for patients with acute
conditions, the dosage can be increased to several times or several
tens of times, depending on the practical requirements. In one
embodiment of the method of the present invention for treating
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the phthalide is BP and its dosage
is about 500 mg/kg-body weight per day, and the stem cell is
adipose stem cells and its dosage is about 2.times.10.sup.6 cells
via intracerebral injection along with 1.times.10.sup.6 cells via
intravenous injection.
[0043] The present invention also provides a kit. The kit comprises
a first composition comprising a phthalide and a second composition
comprising a stem cell, wherein the first composition and the
second composition are to be administered to a subject in need
simultaneously or separately. In addition, when use the kit of the
present invention, the first composition and the second composition
can be applied with various administration frequencies, such as
once a day, several times a day or once for days, etc. The
properties and features of the phthalide and the stem cell and the
preferably embodiments thereof are all as described
hereinabove.
[0044] The kit of the present invention can be used for providing
an increased expression of at least one of telomerase,
brain-derived neurotrophic factor, stromal cell-derived factor-1,
CXC chemokine receptor 4, and an immune regulatory factor (e.g.,
interleukin-6 and interleukin-8) of a stem cell in a subject.
Therefore, the kit of the present invention can be used for
inhibiting the apoptosis of motor neurons, protecting motor
neurons, and/or improving the proliferation of motor neurons in the
subject, and thus, it can be used for treating motor neuron
degenerative diseases and/or delaying the onset of motor neuron
degenerative diseases. Preferably, the kit of the present invention
is used for treating spinal motor neuron degenerative diseases
and/or delaying the onset of spinal motor neuron degenerative
diseases. The motor neuron degenerative diseases comprise any
diseases related to the degeneration of motor neurons, including
but not limited to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia
gravis, gravis, muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, multiple
sclerosis, multiple system atrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, etc.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the kit is
used for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
[0045] In the kit of the present invention, the first composition
and the second composition are preferably placed in different
packages, such as different plastic bags, plastic bottles, glass
bottles, ampoules, cartons or plastic boxes. The packages can be
connected to or separated from each other. In addition, the first
composition and the second composition can independently be in the
same or different form for administration. For example, the first
composition and the second composition can independently be
administered to a subject in need of such treatment via oral
administration, nasal administration, corticospinal tract
injection, intrathecal injection, intracerebral injection,
intravenous injection, intraperitoneal injection, and/or
subcutaneous injection but is not limited thereby. According to
some embodiments of the present invention, the first composition is
in a form for oral administration (e.g., a tablet), and the second
composition is placed in a glass bottle and in a form suitable for
intracerebral injection or intravenous injection.
[0046] Depending on the form and purpose, the first composition and
the second composition may further comprise any pharmaceutically
acceptable carriers, adjuvants, and additives to be prepared in a
desired form for administration, as long as the carriers,
adjuvants, and additives have no adverse effect on the phthalide
and the stem cell in the kit of the present invention.
[0047] For a formulation suitable for oral administration, each of
the first composition and the second composition can independently
comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier which has no adverse
influence on the activity of the active component (i.e., the
phthalide or the stem cell) comprised therein, such as a solvent,
oily solvent, diluent, stabilizer, absorption delaying agent,
disintegrant, emulsifier, antioxidant, binder, lubricants, and
moisture absorbent. The first composition and/or the second
composition can be prepared as a formulation for the oral
administration by any suitable method, such as a tablet, a capsule,
a granule, powder, a fluid extract, a solution, syrup, a
suspension, an emulsion, a tinctures, etc.
[0048] As for a formulation suitable for corticospinal tract
injection, intrathecal injection, intracerebral injection,
intravenous injection, or subcutaneous injection, the first
composition and the second composition may independently comprise
one or more components, such as an isotonic solution, a saline
buffer solution (e.g., a phosphate buffer solution or a citrate
buffer solution), a solubilizer, an emulsifier, and other carriers
to provide a formulation of intravenous injection, an emulsion
intravenous injection, a powder injection, a suspension injection,
a powder-suspension injection, etc.
[0049] In addition to the above adjuvants, the first composition
and/or the second composition may optionally comprise other
additives, such as a flavoring agent, a toner, a coloring agent,
etc. to enhance the taste and visual appeal of the resultant
formulation. To improve the storability of the resultant
formulation, the first composition and/or the second composition
may also comprise a suitable amount of a preservative, a
conservative, an antiseptic, an anti-fungus reagent, etc.
[0050] Furthermore, the first composition and/or the second
composition in the kit of the present invention may optionally
comprise one or more other active components to further enhance the
efficacy of the method of the present invention or increase the
application flexibility and adaptability of the resultant
formulation, as long as the other active components have no adverse
effect on the phthalide and the stem cell of the present
invention.
[0051] In addition, depending on the practical requirements, the
amount of the first composition and the second composition in the
kit of the present invention can be adjusted to that suitable for
single or multiple use. Therefore, the kit of the present invention
may optionally further comprise an instruction showing the manner
for using the first composition and the second composition.
[0052] For example, when applied to the human body for treating
motor neuron degenerative diseases and/or delaying the onset of
motor neuron degenerative diseases, the dosage of the first
composition, based on the amount of the phthalide, is preferably
from about 100 mg/kg-body weight to about 1,000 mg/kg-body weight
per day, and more preferably from about 250 mg/kg-body weight to
about 800 mg/kg-body weight per day. The dosage of the second
composition, based on the amount of the stem cells, is preferably
from about 1.times.10.sup.2 cells/site to about 1.times.10.sup.15
cells/site, and more preferably from about 1.times.10.sup.5
cells/site to about 1.times.10.sup.8 cells/site. However, for
patients with acute conditions, the dosage can be increased to
several times or several tens of times, depending on the practical
requirements. In one embodiment using the kit of the present
invention to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the phthalide is
BP and its dosage is about 500 mg/kg-body weight per day, and the
stem cell is adipose stem cell and its dosage is about
2.times.10.sup.6 cells/site via intracerebral injection and
1.times.10.sup.6 cells/site via intravenous injection.
[0053] The kit of the present invention may further comprise a
third composition which comprises a solvent or a solution. The
third composition is preferably placed in a package different from
that of the first composition and the second composition (e.g., a
plastic bag, a plastic bottle, a glass bottle or an ampoule), and
can be mixed with the first composition and/or the second
composition to provide a solution for injection. The solvents
suitable for the third composition includes, but is not limited to
a polar solvent, such as water, DMSO and ethanol. The solution
suitable for the third composition includes, but is not limited to
saline buffer solutions and any other injection solutions suitable
for providing an injection formulation. Examples of the saline
buffer solution include, but are not limited to a phosphate buffer
solution (PBS), a citrate buffer solution, and a physiological
saline, etc. In one embodiment, the second composition is mixed
with the third composition before being administered to a subject
to provide a formulation suitable for injection.
[0054] In addition, the inventors of the present invention found
that a metabolic precursor of a phthalide also has the effects of
treating a motor neuron degenerative disease and/or delaying the
onset of a motor neuron degenerative disease, and the efficacy of
the metabolic precursor of a phthalide is not only superior than
using BP alone, but also superior than using a combination of BP
and a stem cell. Therefore, the present invention also provide a
method for treating a motor neuron degenerative disease and/or
delaying the onset of a motor neuron degenerative disease in a
subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective
amount of a metabolic precursor of a phthalide, wherein the
metabolic precursor of a phthalide is
3-butylidene-4,5-dihydrophthalide (ligustilide).
[0055] According to the present invention, a metabolic precursor of
a phthalide can be used for treating and/or delaying the onset of
at least one of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis,
myasthenia, muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, multiple
sclerosis, multiple system atrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy,
and especially can be used for treating and/or delaying the onset
of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The formulation, administration,
and dosage of the precursor are all as described hereinabove.
[0056] The present invention will be further illustrated in details
with specific examples as follows. However, the following examples
are provided only for illustrating the present invention, and the
scope of the present invention is not limited thereby.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Identification of the Metabolites of Butylidenephthalide
[0057] It has been known that the medicine metabolic pathway within
an organism's liver can be primarily divided into phase I and phase
II metabolism. Phase I metabolism occurs mainly by the redox
reaction or hydrolysis reaction of medicine, while phase II
metabolism occurs mainly by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) monoxygenase
system. This example simulated the phase I and II metabolism of
butylidenephthalide that occur within an organism's liver by
respectively mixing butylidenephthalide with hepatic microsomes or
cryopreserved hepatocytes in vitro. The products in the reaction
solution were analyzed by liquid chromatograph-tandem mass
spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) to identify the metabolites and the
metabolic profile. The experimental steps were as follows:
[0058] (1) Phase I Metabolism Assay
[0059] n-Butylidenephthalide (comprising Z-BP 95%+E-BP 5%;
purchased from ECHO Chemical) (2 mM) was mixed respectively with
K.sub.3PO.sub.4 buffer solution (100 mM, pH7.4) containing human,
rats or dogs hepatic microsomes (0.5 mg/mL). The mixture was
maintained at 37.degree. C. for 10 minutes, and then pre-warmed
cofactors (NADPH (2 mM) and MgCl.sub.2 (3 mM)) were added thereto
and the mixture was incubated at 37.degree. C. for 60 minutes.
Thereafter, 3-fold volume of acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic
acid was added to the mixture to terminate the reaction. The
mixture was centrifuged at 13000 rpm for 5 minutes. The supernatant
was then collected and analyzed by LC-MS/MS to identify the
metabolites.
[0060] (2) Phase II Metabolism Assay
[0061] William's E medium containing 5.times.10.sup.5 thawed human,
rat or dog hepatocytes were respectively added into a 12-well
culture dish, and the cells were cultured for 6 hours. Then, 0.5 mL
of n-butylidenephthalide (comprising Z-BP 95%+E-BP 5%; purchased
from ECHO Chemical) (50 .mu.M) was added into the culture dish.
After the cells were incubated at 37.degree. C., 95% relative
humidity and 5% CO.sub.2 for 6 hours, 2 mL of acetonitrile (100%)
was added to terminate the reaction. The sample was collected,
mixed adequately, and centrifuged at 45000 g, 4.degree. C. for 10
minutes. The supernatant was then collected, dried, and analyzed by
LC-MS/MS to identify the metabolites of n-butylidenephthalide.
[0062] (3) LC-MS/MS Analysis
[0063] FIG. 1A shows the fragment product spectrum of the mixture
of n-butylidenephthalide (m/z 189.1) and human hepatic microsomes
analyzed by LC-MS/MS. As shown in FIG. 1A, the most intense peaks
(m/z) are 171.2 amu, 153.1 amu, 143.0 amu, 128.0, and 115.0
amu.
[0064] Table 1 shows the types of metabolites produced from the
reaction of the mixture of n-butylidenephthalide and hepatic
microsomes (i.e., phase I metabolism) and the biotransformation
pathway acquired by software analysis. The results show that the
compounds (2) to (9) of the present invention can be produced by
the reaction of a mixture of n-butylidenephthalide and the hepatic
microsomes of rat, dog or human, indicating that
n-butylidenephthalide can be transformed to similar metabolites
when metabolized in the livers of different organisms. FIG. 1B
shows the metabolic profile obtained from the reaction of the
mixture of n-butylidenephthalide and hepatic microsomes, and the
chemical structures of compounds (2) to (9).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Phase I metabolites Mass-shifted Species
Metabolites Biotransformation pathway peaks Rat Compound(2)
Dehydrogenation m/z 189.fwdarw.187 Compound(3); Compound(4)
Oxidation m/z 189.fwdarw.205 Compound(5); Compound(6);
Hydrogenation (forming m/z 189.fwdarw.207 Compound (7) hydrocarbyl
group) Compound(8) Tri-Demethylation m/z 189.fwdarw.147 Compound
(9) +Keto (O.sub.x--2H) or m/z 189.fwdarw.203 methylation Dog
Compound(2) Dehydrogenation m/z 189.fwdarw.187 Compound(3);
Compound(4) Oxidation m/z 189.fwdarw.205 Compound(5); Compound(6);
Hydrogenation (forming m/z 189.fwdarw.207 Compound (7) hydrocarbyl
group) Compound(8) Tri-Demethylation m/z 189.fwdarw.147 Compound(9)
+Keto (O.sub.x--2H) or m/z 189.fwdarw.203 methylation Human
Compound(2) Dehydrogenation m/z 189.fwdarw.187 Compound(3);
Compound(4) Oxidation m/z 189.fwdarw.205 Compound(5); Compound (6);
Hydrogenation (forming m/z 189.fwdarw.207 Compound (7) hydrocarbyl
group) Compound(8) Tri-Demethylation m/z 189.fwdarw.147 Compound(9)
+Keto (O.sub.x--2H) or m/z 189.fwdarw.203 methylation
[0065] Table 2 shows the types of metabolites produced from the
reaction of the mixture of n-butylidenephthalide and cryopreserved
hepatocytes (i.e., phase II metabolism) and the biotransformation
pathway acquired by software analysis. The results show that
compounds (11) to (14) of the present invention can be produced by
the reaction of a mixture of n-butylidenephthalide and the
cryopreserved hepatocytes of rat, dog or human, indicating that
butylidenephthalide can be transformed to similar metabolites when
metabolized in the livers of different organisms. FIG. 1C shows the
metabolic profile obtained from the reaction of the mixture of
n-butylidenephthalide and cryopreserved hepatocytes, and the
chemical structures of compounds (11) to (14).
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Phase II metabolites Biotransformation
Species Metabolites pathway Mass shift Rat Compound(11) + Cysteine
m/z 189.fwdarw.310 Compound(10) + S-Glutathione m/z 189.fwdarw.496
Compound(12) Dehydrogenation+ m/z 189.fwdarw.267 Sulfonation
Compound(13) Glucoronidation m/z 189.fwdarw.365 Dog Compound(11) +
Cysteine m/z 189.fwdarw.310 Compound(10) + S-Glutathione m/z
189.fwdarw.496 Compound(13) Glucoronidation m/z 189.fwdarw.365
Compound(14) Dehydrogenation+ m/z 189.fwdarw.365 Oxidation +
Glucose Human Compound(11) + Cysteine m/z 189.fwdarw.310
Compound(10) + S-Glutathione m/z 189.fwdarw.496 Compound(12)
Dehydrogenation+ m/z 189.fwdarw.267 Sulfonation Compound(13) +
Glucoronidation m/z 189.fwdarw.365
Example 2
In Vivo Analysis: The Combination of Butylidenephthalide and ADSCs
Increases the Survival Rate of Transgenic Mic
[0066] It has been known that about 20% of amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis patients were associated with mutations in the gene that
encodes Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD1), and G93A was the
major mutation site. The mice transfected with human mutant
SOD1-G93A by gene transfection technique (hereafter referred to as
SOD1-G93A transgenic mice) was used as an animal model for the
clinical study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis since the mice
exhibit a similar course of disease to human. A SOD1-G93A
transgenic mouse will show the symptoms of amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis within about 90.+-.5 days postnatal and will die within
about 125.+-.5 days postnatal.
[0067] This example used the above SOD1-G93A transgenic mice as the
object of study to perform in vivo analysis. The mice were randomly
distributed into following six groups at 60-day-old: (A) control
group (untreated); (B) Riluzole-treated group: the mice were
treated with Riluzole at a dosage of 16 mg/kg-body weight once
daily via intraperitoneal injection; (C) BP-treated group (BP 500
mg/kg/qd); the mice were treated with BP (comprising Z-BP 95%+E-BP
5%; purchased from ECHO Chemical) at a dosage of 500 mg/kg-body
weight once daily via oral administration; (D) BP-treated group (BP
250 mg/kg/bid): the mice were treated with BP (comprising Z-BP
95%+E-BP 5%; purchased from ECHO Chemical) at a dosage of 250
mg/kg-body weight twice daily via oral administration; (E) combined
treated group (combine BP with adipose tissue stem cells (ADSCs)):
the mice were treated with BP (comprising Z-BP 95%+E-BP 5%;
purchased from ECHO Chemical) at a dosage of 500 mg/kg-body weight
once daily via oral administration, transplanted with ADSCs
(2.times.10.sup.6 cells/30 .mu.l PBS) via intracerebral injection
once at 60 days postnatal, and then again transplanted with ADSCs
(1.times.10.sup.6 cells/150 .mu.l PBS) via intravenous injection at
90 days postnatal; (F) ligustilide-treated group: the mice were
treated with ligustilide (3-butylidene-4,5-dihydrophthalide;
purchased from Pharmaron) at a dosage of 500 mg/kg-body weight once
daily via oral administration. After the SOD1-G93A transgenic mice
were treated for 30 days, they were observed to see if a combined
use of BP and ADSCs can prolong the longevity of the SOD1-G93A
transgenic mice (i.e., more than 125 days).
[0068] The results are shown in FIG. 2 and Table 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Group Survival days control group 126.4 .+-.
7.2 (n = 14) Riluzole-treated group 133.7 .+-. 6.4 (n = 3)
BP-treated group (BP 500 mg/kg/qd) 149.1 .+-. 4.4 (n = 8)
BP-treated group (n-BP 250 mg/kg/bid) 217.7 .+-. 23.2 (n = 3)
combined treated group (ADSC + BP) 185 .+-. 7.5 (n = 4)
ligustilide-treated group 201.2 .+-. 6.0 (n = 5)
[0069] As shown in FIG. 2 and Table 3, the longevity of the mice in
Riluzole-treated group (survived for about 133.7.+-.6.4) was merely
prolonged for about 7.3.+-.0.8 days as compared to the untreated
SOD1-G93A transgenic mice in the control group (survived for about
126.4.+-.7.2). The longevity of the mice in BP-treated group (BP
500 mg/kg/qd) (survived for about 149.1.+-.4.4) was prolonged for
about 22.7.+-.2.8 days; the longevity of the mice in BP-treated
group (n-BP 250 mg/kg/bid) (survived for about 217.7.+-.23.2) was
prolonged for about 91.3.+-.16 days. The longevity of the mice in
combined treated group (survived for about 185.+-.7.5) was
prolonged for about 58.6.+-.0.3 days; and the longevity of the mice
in ligustilide-treated group (survived for about 201.2.+-.6.0) was
prolonged for about 74.8.+-.1.2 days.
[0070] The above results show that as compared with the use of
Riluzole or BP once daily alone, the present invention combining BP
and ADSCs can more effectively increase the survival rate of the
mice suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, the
use of ligustilide (i.e., a metabolic precursor of a phthalide) or
BP twice daily alone can effectively increase the survival rate of
the mice suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the
increased survival rate is not only much higher than the use of BP
once daily alone, but also higher than the use of a combination of
BP and ADSCs.
Example 3
In Vivo Analysis: The Combination of BP and ADSCs Delays the Onset
of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
[0071] This example used the above SOD1-G93A transgenic mice as the
object of study to perform in vivo analysis. The mice were randomly
distributed into following six groups at 60-days old: (A) control
group (untreated); (B) Riluzole-treated group: the mice were
treated with Riluzole at a dosage of 16 mg/kg-body weight once
daily via intraperitoneal injection; (C) BP-treated group (BP 500
mg/kg/qd): the mice were treated with BP (comprising Z-BP 95%+E-BP
5%; purchased from ECHO Chemical) at a dosage of 500 mg/kg-body
weight once daily via oral administration; (D) BP-treated group (BP
250 mg/kg/bid): the mice were treated with BP (comprising Z-BP
95%+E-BP 5%; purchased from ECHO Chemical) at a dosage of 250
mg/kg-body weight twice daily via oral administration; (E) combined
treated group (combine BP with adipose tissue stem cells (ADSCs)):
the mice were treated with BP (comprising Z-BP 95%+E-BP 5%;
purchased from ECHO Chemical) at a dosage of 500 mg/kg-body weight
once daily via oral administration, transplanted with ADSCs
(2.times.10.sup.6 cells/30 .mu.l PBS) via intracerebral injection
once at 60 days postnatal, and then again transplanted with ADSCs
(1.times.10.sup.6 cells/150 .mu.l PBS) via intravenous injection at
90 days postnatal; (F) ligustilide-treated group: the mice were
treated with ligustilide (3-butylidene-4,5-dihydrophthalide;
purchased from Pharmaron) at a dosage of 500 mg/kg-body weight once
daily via oral administration.
[0072] After the mice were treated for 30 days, the hind limbs of
the mice were examined by BBB scale (Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan
(BBB) Locomotor Rating Scale). The BBB scale of the hind limbs of
normal mice was 21 points, while the BBB scale of
disease-progressed SOD 1-G93A transgenic mice decreased from 21 to
0 points, wherein the lower scale represents a more severe action
disorder in the mice. BBB scale is used to record the efficiency of
the treatments.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 3, the BBB scale of the hind limbs of the
untreated mice in the control group decreased rapidly after 110
days (from 19 to 0 points). The BBB scale of the hind limbs of the
mice in the Riluzole-treated group decreased slowly from 90 to 125
days (from 21 to 16 points), and decreased rapidly after 125 days
(from 16 to 0 points). The BBB scale of the hind limbs of the mice
in the BP-treated group (BP 500 mg/kg/qd) decreased slowly from 125
to 135 days (from 21 to 16 points), and decreased rapidly after 135
days (from 16 to 0 points). The BBB scale of the hind limbs of the
mice in the ligustilide-treated group decreased slowly from 130 to
170 days (from 21 to 18 points), and decreased rapidly after 170
days (from 18 to 0 points). The BBB scale of the hind limbs of the
mice in the combined treated group decreased slowly from 150 to 190
days (from 21 to 0 points). The above results show that a combined
use of BP and ADSCs indeed can delay the onset of amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis. In addition, as compared with the use of
Riluzole or BP alone, the present invention combining BP and ADSCs
can more effectively delay the onset of amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis.
[0074] The above results show that as compared with the use of
Riluzole or BP once daily alone, the present invention combining BP
and ADSCs can more effectively delay the onset of amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis. In addition, the use of ligustilide can
effectively increase the survival rate of the mice suffering from
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The increased survival rate is not
only much higher than the use of BP once daily alone, but also
higher than the use of a combination of BP and ADSCs.
Example 4
In Vitro Study: Increase the Telomerase Expression Level of ADSCs
after BP Treatment
[0075] Human ADSCs were isolated from human adipose tissue by the
following steps. Human adipose tissue from clinical research was
washed with equal volumes of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and
minced with fine scissors. Then, the tissue was digested with
0.075% collagenase type I (Sigma-Aldrich Co., St. Louis, Mo., USA)
at 37.degree. C. for 30 to 60 minutes, and a Dulbecco's modified
Eagle's medium (DMEM)/F-12 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif., USA)
containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Invitrogen) was added to
terminate the digestion. The digested adipose tissue cells were
filtered through a 100 .mu.m nylon mesh to remove the cellular
debris. The cell suspension was centrifuged for 10 minutes to
obtain a pellet and cultured at 37.degree. C., 5% CO.sub.2 in a
culture media (DMEM/F-12 containing 10% FBS, 100 U/mL penicillin,
and 100 .mu.g/mL streptomycin). Following the incubation, the
plates were washed with PBS to remove the residual non-adherent red
blood cells. The resulting cells, i.e., stromal vascular fraction
(SVF) containing ADSCs, were then cultured at 37.degree. C., 5%
CO.sub.2 in a DMEM/F-12 culture media containing 10% FBS. The
adherent cells were maintained in culture, and the media were
changed every 2 days. Upon reaching an 80% confluence, the cells
were digested with 0.25% trypsin/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid at
37.degree. C., centrifuged and resuspended DMEM/F-12 culture media.
Thereafter, the cell suspensions were plated in new flasks and
remained in the culture. After being passaged 3 times, the cells
were used for the following analysis.
[0076] The ADSCs were cultured in a 10 cm dish, and treated with
valproic acid (VPA) (1 .mu.M or 10 .mu.M) or BP (comprising Z-BP
95%+E-BP 5%; purchased from ECHO Chemical) (100 .mu.M or 250 .mu.M)
at different doses for 24 hours. Then, the telomerase expression
level of the ADSCs was determined by a Telomerase PCR ELISA kit
(Cat. No. 11854666910, Roche). In this experiment, the ADSC group
is a group without being treated by BP; the positive control group
is a sample with a high expression level of telomerase (a
reconstitute lyophilized cell extract, provided by the ELISA kit).
The negative control group is a sample with a high expression level
of telomerase which was heated at 85.degree. C. for 10 minutes to
inactive the activity of the proteins. In addition, previous
research has shown that VPA could increase the telomerase activity
of ADSCs, and thus, VPA is used in this experiment as a control
group. The results are shown in FIG. 4.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 4, the ADSCs treated with BP at a dose of
100 .mu.M or 250 .mu.M show a higher telomerase activity (i.e.,
show a higher expression level of telomerase). The above results
show that BP can increase the expression level of telomerase of
ADSCs, thereby prolonging the lifespan of ADSCs.
Example 5
In Vitro Study: Increase the Gene Expression Level of Neurotrophic
Factor of ADSCs after Butylidenephthalide Treatment
[0078] ADSCs (2.times.10.sup.5 cells/well) were cultured in a 6
well dish in a 37.degree. C. incubator overnight. Then, the ADSCs
were treated with BP (comprising Z-BP 95%+E-BP 5%; purchased from
ECHO Chemical) at different doses of 10 .mu.g/ml, 20 .mu.g/ml, or
50 .mu.g/ml for 12 hours. Thereafter, the gene expression levels of
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), stromal cell-derived
factor-1 (SDF1), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4),
interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) of the ADSCs were
determined by RT-PCR. The sequences of the primers used in the
RT-PCR are SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 10 as shown in Table 4 and
the accompanying sequence listing. The experiment used .beta.-actin
as a control group, and the results are shown in FIG. 5.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Sequence Primer SEQ ID NO (5' to 3') BDNF
primer- SEQ ID NO: 1 gtgtgcgaca Forward Sequence gcattagcca gtgg
BDNF primer- SEQ ID NO: 2 cacatacatg Reverse Sequence aaactggtaa
ttctcc SDF1 primer- SEQ ID NO: 3 atgaacgcca Forward Sequence
aggtcgtggt c SDF1 primer- SEQ ID NO: 4 tcatggacct Reverse Sequence
ctttcgaaat ttgttc CXCR4 primer- SEQ ID NO: 5 ggccctcaag Forward
Sequence accacagtca CXCR4 primer- SEQ ID NO: 6 gaagttcaaa Reverse
Sequence agtgaggtcg att interleukin SEQ ID NO: 7 tgccagcctg 6
primer- ctgacgaagc Forward Sequence interleukin SEQ ID NO: 8
tctgtgccca 6 primer- gtggacaggt Reverse Sequence interleukin SEQ ID
NO: 9 gctggccgtg 8 primer- gctctcttgg Forward Sequence interleukin
SEQ ID NO: 10 tccacaaccc 8 primer- tctgcaccca Reverse Sequence
[0079] As shown in FIG. 5, after the ADSCs were treated with BP
(especially at the concentration of 20 .mu.g/ml) for 12 hours, the
gene expression levels of BDNF, SDF1, CXCR4 were increased. In
addition, after the ADSCs were treated with BP, the gene expression
levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were also increased, indicating that BP can
increase the gene expression levels of cytokines to regulate the
immune response, and thereby maintaining neurogenesis (see Kohman,
R. A. et al., "Neurogenesis, inflammation and behavior. Brain Behav
Immun, 2013. 27(1): p. 22-32," which is entirely incorporated
hereinto by reference). The above results show that a combined use
of BP and ADSCs can increase the expression level of BDNF, SDF 1,
CXCR4, IL-6, and IL-8 of the ADSCs, and thereby, can inhibit neuron
apoptosis and stimulate neurons proliferation.
Example 6
In Vivo Study: Increase the Protein Expression Level of
Neurotrophic Factor of ADSCs after Butylidenephthalide
Treatment
[0080] SOD1-G93A transgenic mice (60-day-old) were treated with BP
(comprising Z-BP 95%+E-BP 5%; purchased from ECHO Chemical) at a
dosage of 500 mg/kg-body weight once daily via oral administration,
transplanted with ADSCs (2.times.10.sup.6 cells/30 .mu.l PBS) via
intracerebral injection once at 60 days postnatal, and then again
transplanted with ADSCs (1.times.10.sup.6 cells/150 .mu.l PBS) via
intravenous injection at 90 days postnatal. The mice were
anesthetized with chloral hydrate and sacrificed at 90 days
postnatal, and the spinal cords and the brain tissues were excised
for immunohistochemistry analysis. The excised spinal cords and the
brain tissues were postfixed overnight in 4% paraformaldehyde and
subsequently cryoprotected in 30% sucrose and sectioned with a
Leica cryostat to a thickness of 10 .mu.m. Serial sections were cut
from the spinal cord, frontal cortex or hippocampus of the mice,
and mounted on gelatin-coated slides. To perform
immunohistochemical staining, the slides were incubated in a
blocking solution, and then were overnight incubated at 4.degree.
C. with an anti-human mitochondria antibody (abcan), an anti-human
BDNF antibody (GeneTex), or an anti-human CXCR4 antibody (GeneTex).
The results are shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 6A, human ADSCs (see the circles marked
position in FIG. 6A) can be detected in the spinal cord of the mice
treated by the combination of BP and ADSCs, demonstrating that the
intracerebral injected (or intravenous injected) ADSCs indeed can
migrate from the brain (or the vein) to spinal cord to protect
spinal motor neurons. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the
mice treated by the combination of BP and ADSCs show a significant
increase in the levels of human BDNF (see the circles marked
position in FIG. 6B) and human CXCR4 (see the circles marked
position in FIG. 6C) both in brain and spinal cord site.
[0082] The above results showed that a combined use of BP and ADSCs
can increase the protein expression levels of BDNF and CXCR4 of
ADSCs, and thus, can be used to inhibit neuron apoptosis and
stimulate neurons proliferation.
[0083] The results in the above examples show that a combined use
of a phthalide and a stem cell can increase the expression levels
of telomerase, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, stromal
cell-derived factor-1, and an immune regulatory factor (e.g.,
interleukin-6 and interleukin-8) of a stem cell in a subject to
inhibit the apoptosis of motor neurons, protect motor neurons,
and/or improve the proliferation of motor neurons in the subject,
and thus, it can be used for treating motor neuron degenerative
diseases and/or delaying the onset of motor neuron degenerative
diseases.
[0084] The above examples are used to illustrate the principle and
efficacy of the present invention but not used to limit to the
present invention. People skilled in this field may proceed with a
variety of modifications and replacements based on the disclosures
and suggestions of the invention as described without departing
from the technical principle and spirit thereof. Therefore, the
scope of protection of the present invention is that as defined in
the claims as appended.
Sequence CWU 1
1
10124DNAArtificial SequenceBDNF primer- Forward Sequence
1gtgtgcgaca gcattagcca gtgg 24226DNAArtificial SequenceBDNF primer-
Reverse Sequence 2cacatacatg aaactggtaa ttctcc 26321DNAArtificial
SequenceSDF1 primer- Forward Sequence 3atgaacgcca aggtcgtggt c
21426DNAArtificial SequenceSDF1 primer- Reverse Sequence
4tcatggacct ctttcgaaat ttgttc 26520DNAArtificial SequenceCXCR4
primer- Forward Sequence 5ggccctcaag accacagtca 20623DNAArtificial
SequenceCXCR4 primer- Reverse Sequence 6gaagttcaaa agtgaggtcg att
23720DNAArtificial Sequenceinterleukin 6 primer- Forward Sequence
7tgccagcctg ctgacgaagc 20820DNAArtificial Sequenceinterleukin 6
primer- Reverse Sequence 8tctgtgccca gtggacaggt 20920DNAArtificial
Sequenceinterleukin 8 primer- Forward Sequence 9gctggccgtg
gctctcttgg 201020DNAArtificial Sequenceinterleukin 8 primer-
Reverse Sequence 10tccacaaccc tctgcaccca 20
* * * * *