U.S. patent application number 15/171601 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-22 for n-acyldipeptide derivatives and their uses.
The applicant listed for this patent is Eugene J. VAN SCOTT, Ruey J. YU. Invention is credited to Eugene J. VAN SCOTT, Ruey J. YU.
Application Number | 20160271203 15/171601 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48168814 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160271203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YU; Ruey J. ; et
al. |
September 22, 2016 |
N-ACYLDIPEPTIDE DERIVATIVES AND THEIR USES
Abstract
N-acyldipeptide derivatives are described. Compositions
comprising the N-acyldipeptide derivatives are therapeutically
effective for treating disorders and condition associated with the
nervous system or musculoskeletal system, such as pain, weakness,
numbness, arthritis, joint inflammation, weakness of muscles or
joints, and myopia.
Inventors: |
YU; Ruey J.; (Chalfont,
PA) ; VAN SCOTT; Eugene J.; (Abington, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
YU; Ruey J.
VAN SCOTT; Eugene J. |
Chalfont
Abington |
PA
PA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48168814 |
Appl. No.: |
15/171601 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14718317 |
May 21, 2015 |
9370546 |
|
|
15171601 |
|
|
|
|
14354711 |
Apr 28, 2014 |
9067969 |
|
|
PCT/US12/62715 |
Oct 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
14718317 |
|
|
|
|
61582675 |
Jan 3, 2012 |
|
|
|
61554724 |
Nov 2, 2011 |
|
|
|
61552751 |
Oct 28, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 29/00 20180101;
Y02A 50/463 20180101; C07K 5/06147 20130101; C07K 5/06078 20130101;
A61K 38/05 20130101; A61P 35/02 20180101; C07K 5/06069 20130101;
A61P 17/16 20180101; A61P 31/14 20180101; C07K 5/06043 20130101;
C07K 5/0606 20130101; A61P 25/04 20180101; A61P 25/28 20180101;
A61P 35/00 20180101; C07K 5/0202 20130101; A61P 25/06 20180101;
A61P 31/20 20180101; C07K 5/06034 20130101; A61P 25/08 20180101;
A61Q 19/06 20130101; A61K 31/07 20130101; A61P 17/00 20180101; A61P
13/02 20180101; C07K 5/0207 20130101; A61K 8/64 20130101; A61Q
19/02 20130101; C07K 5/06026 20130101; C07K 5/06156 20130101; A61Q
5/00 20130101; C07K 5/06113 20130101; A61K 2800/10 20130101; A61P
19/10 20180101; A61P 21/00 20180101; C07K 5/06052 20130101; A61P
3/10 20180101; A61Q 19/007 20130101; C07K 5/06165 20130101; A61K
2800/92 20130101; A61Q 19/08 20130101; A61P 17/06 20180101; A61P
17/12 20180101; A61P 25/00 20180101; C07K 5/0205 20130101; A61P
31/18 20180101; A61K 8/671 20130101; C07K 5/06191 20130101; Y02A
50/30 20180101; A61P 13/12 20180101; A61P 25/16 20180101; A61K
9/0014 20130101; A61P 9/00 20180101; A61P 37/00 20180101; A61P 1/16
20180101; A61P 37/02 20180101; A61Q 19/00 20130101; A61Q 19/008
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 38/05 20060101
A61K038/05; A61K 9/00 20060101 A61K009/00 |
Claims
1. A method of treating a disorder or condition selected from the
group consisting of pain, weakness, numbness, arthritis, joint
inflammation, weakness of muscles or joints, and myopia in a
subject in need thereof, the method comprising topically or
systemically administering to the subject a composition comprising
a therapeutically effective amount of a dipeptide derivative of
formula (I): R.sub.1-AAB-AAC-R.sub.2 (I) or an isomer or salt
thereof, and optionally a pharmaceutically or cosmetically
acceptable carrier, wherein R.sub.1 is an acyl radical having up to
9 carbon atoms; AAB is tyrosine and AAC is tyrosine, or AAB is
valine and AAC is alanine; R.sub.2 is OR.sub.3, NHR.sub.4, or
NHNHR.sub.5; R.sub.3 is H, or an alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl radical
having up to 19 carbon atoms; and R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are
independently H, OH, or an alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl radical having
up to 19 carbon atoms.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the dipeptide derivative of
formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of
N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-OH, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-OEt,
N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHNHAc, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHOH,
N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-OH, N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-OEt,
N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2, and N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NHNHPr.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the dipeptide derivative of
formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of
N-Ac-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Val-Ala-OH, N-Ac-Val-Ala-NHOH,
N-Pr-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2, and N-Pr-Val-Ala-OH.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the disorder or condition is
selected from the group consisting of pain, weakness, numbness,
arthritis, joint inflammation, and weakness of muscles or
joints.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the disorder or condition is
selected from the group consisting of pain, arthritis, and weakness
of muscles or joints.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the pain is joint pain or muscle
pain.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is adminstered
topically to skin of the subject.
8. A method of treating a disorder or condition selected from the
group consisting of arthritis, joint inflammation, joint or muscle
pain, and weakness of muscles or joints in a subject in need
thereof, the method comprising topically administering to skin of
the subject a composition comprising a therapeutically effective
amount of a dipeptide derivative of formula (I):
R.sub.1-AAB-AAC-R.sub.2 or an isomer or salt thereof, and
optionally a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier,
wherein R.sub.1 is an acyl radical having up to 9 carbon atoms; AAB
is tyrosine and AAC is tyrosine, or AAB is valine and AAC is
alanine; R.sub.2 is OR.sub.3, NHR.sub.4, or NHNHR.sub.5; R.sub.3 is
H, or an alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl radical having up to 19 carbon
atoms; and R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently H, OH, or an
alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl radical having up to 19 carbon atoms.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the dipeptide derivative of
formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of
N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-OH, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-OEt,
N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHNHAc, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHOH,
N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-OH, N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-OEt,
N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2, and N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NHNHPr.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the dipeptide derivative of
formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of
N-Ac-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Val-Ala-OH, N-Ac-Val-Ala-NHOH,
N-Pr-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2, and N-Pr-Val-Ala-OH.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the disorder or condition is
arthritis.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the disorder of condition is
joint or muscle pain.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the disorder or condition is
weakness of the muscles or joints.
14. A method of treating a disorder or condition selected from the
group consisting of arthritis, joint inflammation, joint or muscle
pain, and weakness of muscles or joints in a subject in need
thereof, the method comprising topically administering to skin of
the subject a composition comprising a therapeutically effective
amount of a dipeptide derivative selected from the group consisting
of N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-OH, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-OEt,
N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHNHAc, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHOH,
N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-OH, N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-OEt,
N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2, N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NHNHPr,
N-Ac-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Val-Ala-OH, N-Ac-Val-Ala-NHOH,
N-Pr-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2, and N-Pr-Val-Ala-OH or an isomer or salt
thereof, and optionally a pharmaceutically or cosmetically
acceptable carrier.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/718,317, filed May 21, 2015, allowed Feb.
23, 2016, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/354,711 filed Apr. 28, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,067,969, issued
Jun. 30, 2015, which is a Section 371 of International Application
No. PCT/US2012/062715, filed Oct. 31, 2012, which was published on
May 2, 2013, under International Publication No. WO 2013/063615 A2,
which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/552,751, filed on Oct. 28, 2011,
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/554,724, filed on Nov. 2,
2011, and Provisional Patent Application No. 61/582,675, filed on
Jan. 3, 2012, and the disclosures of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The embodiments described herein relate to compositions and
uses of the compositions comprising N-acyldipeptide derivatives for
systemic or topical administration to a mammal to alleviate or
improve diseases, symptoms or syndromes associated with tumors,
cancers, immune, nervous, vascular, musculoskeletal or cutaneous
system, or other tissues and systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It was reported that a peptide ester, Asp-Phe-OMe
(Aspartame), had sucrose-like sweet taste, but all other related
peptides such as Ala-Phe-OMe, His-Phe-OMe, etc. had bitter taste.
See Mazur et al. "Structure-Taste Relationships of Some Small
Peptides" in PEPTIDES: Chemistry and Biochemistry by Boris
Weinstein and Saul Lande (Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York), 1970,
175-180. In Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology
3.sup.rd Ed. "Amino Acids and Peptides in the Nervous System" by
Oja et al. Springer Science 2007, page 401-411, Reichelt describes
in "Low Molecular Weight Peptides" endogenous peptides. The
endogenous dipeptide described is N-pyroglutamyl (N-PyroE) peptide,
N-PyroE-His-Pro-NH.sub.2. In Enzyme and Microbial Technology 45
(2009) 457-462, entitled "Availability of tyrosine amide for
.alpha.-chymotrypsin-catalyzed synthesis of oligo-tyrosine
peptides" Narai-Kanayama et al. describe that oligo-tyrosine
peptides such as Tyr-Tyr having angiotensin I-converting enzyme
inhibitory activity can be synthesized by an
.alpha.-chymotrypsin-catalyzed reaction with N-Ac-Tyr-OEt and
Tyr-OEt or Tyr-NH.sub.2 as starting substances. Kinetic analysis
showed that assumed products, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-OEt or
N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2 did not hydrolyze to yield the desired
Tyr-Tyr. There is no description or report about the composition or
use of the composition comprising N-acyldipeptide derivatives of
the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It has been discovered in the present invention that
compositions comprising the N-acyldipeptide derivatives are
therapeutically effective for topical or systemic administration to
alleviate or improve conditions, disorders, diseases, symptoms or
syndromes associated with tumors, cancers, immune, nervous,
vascular, musculoskeletal or cutaneous system, or other tissues or
systems in a subject.
[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
N-acyldipeptide derivative is represented by the following generic
Formula (I):
R.sub.1-AAB-AAC-R.sub.2 Formula (I)
or an isomer, free acid, base, salt, lactone, amide, hydrazide, or
ester thereof, wherein R.sub.1 is an acyl radical having up to 19
carbon atoms; AAB is an amino terminal amino acid residue selected
from any amino acid; AAC is a carboxyl terminal amino acid residue
selected from any amino acid; R.sub.2 is OR.sub.3, NHR.sub.4 or
NHNHR.sub.5; R.sub.3 is H, an alkyl, aralkyl or aryl radical having
up to 19 carbon atoms; R.sub.4 or R.sub.5 is independently H, OH,
an alkyl, aralkyl, aryl or acyl radical having up to 19 carbon
atoms; a side chain of each of AAB and AAC optionally and
independently has an extra functional radical selected from the
group consisting of OH, SH, NHCONH.sub.2, NHC(.dbd.NH)NH.sub.2,
NH.sub.2, COOH, CONH.sub.2, imidazolyl, pyrrolidinyl and indolyl;
and the H or OH of the extra functional radical is optionally
substituted by NH.sub.2, an acyl, alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl radical
having up to 19 carbon atoms.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, AAB is an amino terminal amino
acid residue selected from the group consisting of Ala, .beta.Ala,
Abz, Asn, Cre, Cys, Dopa, Gly, Gln, Glu Gaba, His, Hpg, Ile, Leu,
Pgly, Phe, Pro, Ser, Trp, Tyr, and Val; and AAC is a carboxyl
terminal amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of
Ala, Cre, Cys, Dopa, Gly, His, Hpg, Ile, Leu, Lys, Pgly, Phe, Pro,
Trp and Tyr.
[0007] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention
relates to a composition comprising a therapeutically effective
amount of an N-acyldipeptide derivative of the invention and a
pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier for topical or
systemic administration to a subject.
[0008] In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present
invention relates to a method of alleviating or improving
conditions, disorders, diseases, symptoms or syndromes associated
with tumors, cancers, immune, nervous, vascular, musculoskeletal or
cutaneous system, or other tissues or systems in a subject. The
method comprises topically or systemically administering to the
subject a composition of the present invention.
[0009] Other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will
be apparent from the following disclosure, including the detailed
description of the invention and its preferred embodiments and the
appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Various publications are cited or described in the
background and throughout the specification; each of these
references is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the
like which has been included in the present specification is for
the purpose of providing context for the present invention. Such
discussion is not an admission that any or all of these matters
form part of the prior art with respect to any inventions disclosed
or claimed.
[0011] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.
Otherwise, certain terms used herein have the meanings as set forth
in the specification. All publications cited herein are
incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein. It must be
noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular
forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0012] Common or certain knowledge, scientific and medical
terminologies can be readily found via internet, textbooks of
chemistry, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology,
dermatology and general medicine. The following are some examples.
Robert K. Murray et al. eds. "Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry"
26.sup.th edn. Vol. I-II, McGraw Hill, 2003. Laurence L. Brunton et
al. eds. "Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of
Therapeutics" 12.sup.th edn. McGraw Hill Medical, 2011. Klaus Wolff
et al. eds. "Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine"
7.sup.th edn. Vol. I-II, McGraw Hill Medical, New York, 2008. Tony
Burns et al. eds. "Rook's Textbook of Dermatology" 8.sup.th edn.
Vol. I-IV, Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. Anthony S. Fauci et al. eds.
"Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" 17.sup.th edn, McGraw
Hill Medical, New York, 2008.
[0013] An amino acid is an organic acid having one or more than one
alkaline radical such as amino, guanidino, imino, or hydrazine
radical attached at any carbon atom other than carbon one. There
are 20 common amino acids which are represented by chemical names,
such as "glycine", or abbreviated symbols such as three letters,
"Gly" or one letter "G". In this disclosure, three letters will be
used. Except glycine, all other common amino acids have
stereoisomers, i.e., enantiomer, D or L form. The amino acids in
most natural peptides and proteins are all in L-form. Some D-form
amino acids are produced by microorganisms or present in
antibiotics, and have inhibitory or antagonistic actions. For
example, D-alanine, D-aspartic acid, and D-glutamic acid are
present in bacterial cell walls, and D-glutamic acid, D-aspartic
acid and D-phenylalanine are present in the antibiotic bacitracin.
An uncommon amino acid is an amino acid that is not a common amino
acid. Examples of uncommon amino acids include, but are not limited
to, .beta.-alanine and taurine. The uncommon amino acids can exist
in D or L form.
[0014] The three letter symbols used for the 20 common amino acids
are as follows: alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), aspartic acid (Asp),
asparagine (Asn), cysteine (Cys), glycine (Gly), glutamic acid
(Glu), glutamine (Gln), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine
(Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline
(Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine
(Tyr) and valine (Val). In this disclosure, not all the common
amino acids may be included in the N-acyldipeptide derivatives of
the present invention.
[0015] The letter symbols used for uncommon amino acids are as
follows: .beta.-alanine (.beta.Ala), 4-aminobenzoic acid (Abz),
aminobutanoic acid (Aba), .gamma.-aminobutanoic acid (Gaba),
.beta.-aminoisobutanoic acid (Baia), 5-aminolevulinic acid (All),
alliin (Ali), aminoadipic acid (Aaa), aminopimelic acid (Apa),
3-aminotyrosine (Atyr), canavanine (Cav), canaline (Can), ciliatine
(Cil), cysteic acid (Cya), cysteine sulfinic acid (Csa), citruline
(Cit), creatine (Cre), creatinine (Cm), 2,3-diaminosuccinic acid
(Dsa), 2,4-diaminobutanoic acid (Dba), 2,3-diaminopropanoic acid
(Dpa), 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine (Dopa), 3,5-diiodotyrosine
(Dtyr), homoarginine (Har), homoserine (Hser), homocysteine (Hcys),
homocitrulline (Hcit), 5-hydroxylysine (Hlys), 4-hydroxyproline
(Hpro), 2-hydroxy-4-aminobutanoic acid (Haba),
3-hydroxy-4-aminobutanoic acid (Hyba), 4-hydroxyornithine (Horn),
4-hydroxyaspartic acid (Hasp), 4-hydroxyphenyl-glycine (Hpg),
3-iodotyrosine (Ityr), lanthionine (Lan), .beta.-lysine
(.beta.Lys), .alpha.-methylalanine (Mala), .beta.-methylaspartic
acid (Mas), 4-methylproline (Mpro), 2-methylserine (Mser),
N-methylhistidine (Mhis), ornithine (Orn), phenylglycine (Pgly),
3-phenylserine (Pser), sarcosine (Sar), S-allyl-cysteine (Sac),
theanine (The), thyroxine (Thy), 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (Tth), and
taurine (Tau). In this disclosure, not all the uncommon amino acids
may be included in the N-acyldipeptide derivatives of the present
invention.
[0016] The terms and abbreviations that can be used are as follows:
acetyl, Ac; benzoyl, Bz; benzyl, Bzl; diphenylmethyl, Dpm; benzyl
ester, OBzl; benzyloxycarbonyl, Z; t-butyl ester, OtBu; t-butyl,
tBu; ethyl ester, OEt; formyl, For; hexyl ester, OHex; methyl
ester, OMe; propanoyl, Pr; pyroglutamyl, Pyro; phenylacetyl, PhAc;
and trityl, Trt.
[0017] A peptide bond, C(.dbd.O)NH, is a covalent bond formed
between two amino acid molecules when the carboxyl group on one
amino acid reacts with the amino group of the other amino acid in a
dehydration synthesis reaction. A dipeptide is a peptide that
contains two amino acid residues. Theoretically, 400 different
dipeptides can be formed from 20 common amino acids,
and more than 5,000 different dipeptides can be formed from both
the common and uncommon amino acids. The dipeptides can be further
modified by substitutions, etc. Each dipeptide can have different
chemical and physical properties, and can have different biological
and pharmacological actions.
[0018] When a particular group is "substituted", that group can
have one or more substituents, preferably from one to five
substituents, more preferably from one to three substituents, most
preferably from one to two substituents, independently selected
from the list of substituents.
[0019] With reference to substituents or amino acid residues in a
peptide, the term "independently" means that when more than one of
such substituents or amino acid residues are possible, such
substituents or amino acid residues may be the same or different
from each other.
[0020] As used herein, the term "subject" means any animal,
preferably a mammal, most preferably a human, to whom will be or
has been administered compounds or topical formulations according
to embodiments of the invention. The term "mammal" as used herein,
encompasses any mammal. Examples of mammals include, but are not
limited to, cows, horses, sheep, pigs, cats, dogs, mice, rats,
rabbits, guinea pigs, monkeys, humans etc., more preferably, a
human.
[0021] In one embodiment, "treatment" or "treating" refers to an
amelioration, prophylaxis, or reversal of a disease or disorder, or
at least one discernible symptom thereof. In another embodiment,
"treatment" or "treating" refers to an amelioration, prophylaxis,
or reversal of at least one measurable physical parameter related
to the disease or disorder being treated, not necessarily
discernible in or by the mammal. In yet another embodiment,
"treatment" or "treating" refers to inhibiting or slowing the
progression of a disease or disorder, either physically, e.g.,
stabilization of a discernible symptom, physiologically, e.g.,
stabilization of a physical parameter, or both. In yet another
embodiment, "treatment" or "treating" refers to delaying the onset
of a disease or disorder.
[0022] In certain embodiments, compounds of interest are
administered as a preventative measure. As used herein.
"prevention" or "preventing" refers to a reduction of the risk of
acquiring a given disease or disorder.
[0023] As used herein, a "therapeutically effective amount" of a
compound of an embodiment of the present invention means the amount
of the compound that elicits the e biological or medicinal response
in a tissue system, animal or human that is being sought by a
researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician, which
includes alleviation of the symptoms of the disease or disorder
being treated,
[0024] One skilled in the art will recognize that the
therapeutically effective amount of a compound to be used in the
instant invention can vary with factors, such as the particular
subject, e.g., age, diet, health, etc., severity and complications
and types of the symptom or disorder sought to be treated or
prevented, the formulation used, etc.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
N-acyldipeptide derivative of the present invention is represented
by the following generic Formula (I):
R.sub.1-AAB-AAC-R.sub.2 Formula (I)
or an isomer, free acid, base, salt, lactone, amide, hydrazide, or
ester thereof, wherein R.sub.1 is an acyl radical having up to 19
carbon atoms; AAB is an amino terminal amino acid residue selected
from any amino acid; AAC is a carboxyl terminal amino acid residue
selected from any amino acid; R.sub.2 is OR.sub.3, NHR.sub.4 or
NHNHR.sub.5; R.sub.3 is H, an alkyl, aralkyl or aryl radical having
up to 19 carbon atoms; R.sub.4 or R.sub.5 is independently H, OH,
an alkyl, aralkyl, aryl or acyl radical having up to 19 carbon
atoms; a side chain of each of AAB and AAC optionally and
independently has an extra functional radical selected from the
group consisting of OH, SH, NHCONH.sub.2, NHC(.dbd.NH)NH.sub.2,
NH.sub.2, COOH, CONH.sub.2, imidazolyl, pyrrolidinyl and indolyl;
and the H or OH of the extra functional radical is optionally
substituted by NH.sub.2, an acyl, alkyl, aralkyl, or aryl radical
having up to 19 carbon atoms. A typical acyl radical includes, but
not limited to, acetyl (Ac), propanoyl (Pr), or benzoyl (Bz). A
typical group attached to the carboxyl terminal amino acid residue
includes, but not limited to, OH, OEt, NH.sub.2, NHOH, or
NHNH.sub.2.
[0026] Preferably, AAB is an amino terminal amino acid residue
selected from the group consisting of Ala, .beta.Ala, Abz, Asn,
Cre, Cys, Dopa, Gly, Gln, Glu, Gaba, His, Hpg, Ile, Leu, Pgly, Phe,
Pro, Ser, Trp, Tyr, and Val; and AAC is a carboxyl terminal amino
acid residue selected from the group consisting of Ala, Cre, Cys,
Dopa, Gly, His, Hpg, Ile, Leu, Lys, Pgly, Phe, Pro, Trp and
Tyr.
[0027] Based on Formula (I), the N-acyldipeptide derivatives of the
present invention can be divided according to the carboxyl terminal
amino acid, which include, but are not limited to the following
N-acyldipeptide derivatives:
[0028] 1. N-Acetyldipeptide derivatives
[0029] (a) N-Acetyl alanine dipeptide derivatives, including, but
not limited to: N-Ac-Ala-Ala-OH, N-Ac-Ala-Ala-OEt,
N-Ac-Ala-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Glu-Ala-OH, N-Ac-Glu-Ala-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Ile-Ala-OH, N-Ac-Ile-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Leu-Ala-OH,
N-Ac-Leu-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Val-Ala-OH, N-Ac-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Glu-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Cys-Ala-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Dopa-Ala-NH.sub.2.
[0030] (b) N-Acetyl glycine dipeptide derivatives, including, but
not limited to: N-Ac-.beta.-Ala-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Asn-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Abz-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Cys-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Gaba-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Gly-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Gln-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-His-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Ile-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Ile-Gly-OH,
N-Ac-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Leu-Gly-OH, N-Ac-Pro-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Ser-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Val-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Val-Gly-OH.
[0031] (c) N-Acetyl tyrosine dipeptide derivatives, including, but
not limited to: N-Ac-Cys-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Dopa-Tyr-NH.sub.2,
N,O,O'-Tri-Ac-Dopa-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N,O,O'-Tri-Ac-Dopa-Tyr-OEt,
N-Ac-Hpg-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-OH, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-OEt,
N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Ile-Tyr-OH, N-Ac-Ile-Tyr-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Leu-Tyr-OH, N-Ac-Leu-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Val-Tyr-OH,
N-Ac-Val-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHNHAc.
[0032] (d) Other N-acyldipeptide derivatives, including, but not
limited to: N-Ac-Arg-Cre-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Cre-Cre-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Cre-Cre-OH, N-Ac-Ser-Cre-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Cre-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Cre-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Cre-Ala-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Cys-Cys-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Cys-Cys-OH, N,O,O'-Tri-Ac-Dopa-Cys-OH,
N,O,O'-Tri-Ac-Dopa-Cys-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Cys-O,O'-Di-Ac-Dopa-OH,
N-Ac-Cys-O,O'-Di-Ac-Dopa-OEt, N-Ac-Dopa-Dopa-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Tyr-Dopa-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Glu-Glu-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-.beta.Ala-His-NH.sub.2, N,N'-Di-Ac-.beta.Ala-His-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-.beta.Ala-1-MHis-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Ala-Ile-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Ile-Ile-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Asp-Glu-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Gly-Gln-NH.sub.2, N-Z-Tyr-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Gaba-His-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Leu-Leu-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Gly-Ile-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Hpg-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-.beta.Ala-His-OEt, N-Ac-Phe-Phe-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Trp-Trp-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Pgly-Pgly-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Hpg-Hpg-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NHOH, N-Ac-Val-Ala-NHOH,
N-Ac-Glu-Lys-NH.sub.2, and N-Ac-Gln-Lys-NH.sub.2.
[0033] 2. N-Propanoyldipeptide derivatives.
[0034] (a) N-Propanoyl alanine dipeptide derivatives, including,
but not limited to: N-Pr-Ala-Ala-OH, N-Pr-Ala-Ala-OEt,
N-Pr-Ala-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Ile-Ala-OH, N-Pr-Ile-Ala-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Leu-Ala-OH, N-Pr-Leu-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Val-Ala-OH,
N-Pr-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Glu-Ala-NH.sub.2.
[0035] (b) N-Propanoyl glycine dipeptide derivatives, including,
but not limited to: N-Pr-Gly-Gly-OH, N-Pr-Gly-Gly-OEt,
N-Pr-Gly-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Ala-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-.beta.Ala-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Asn-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Cys-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Gln-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Gaba-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-His-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Ile-Gly-OH,
N-Pr-Ile-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Leu-Gly-OH, N-Pr-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Pro-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Ser-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Tyr-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Val-Gly-OH, N-Pr-Val-Gly-NH.sub.2.
[0036] (c) N-Propanoyl tyrosine dipeptide derivatives, including,
but not limited to: N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-OH, N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-OEt,
N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Ile-Tyr-OH, N-Pr-Ile-Tyr-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Leu-Tyr-OH, N-Pr-Leu-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Val-Tyr-OH,
N-Pr-Val-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NHNHPr, N-Pr-Dopa-Tyr-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Cys-Tyr-NH.sub.2.
[0037] (d) Other N-propanoyldipeptide derivatives, including, but
not limited to: N-Pr-Glu-Glu-OH, N-Pr-Glu-Glu-OEt,
N-Pr-Glu-Glu-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Glu-Ala-OH, N-Pr-Glu-Ala-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-.beta.Ala-His-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-.beta.Ala-1-MHis-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Ala-Ile-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Asp-Glu-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Gly-Gln-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Gaba-His-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Leu-Leu-OH,
N-Pr-Leu-Leu-OEt, N-Pr-Leu-Leu-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Gly-Ile-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Ile-Ile-OH, N-Pr-Ile-Ile-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-.beta.Ala-His-OEt,
N-Pr-Cys-Cys-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Dopa-Dopa-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Dopa-Cys-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Cys-Dopa-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Phe-Phe-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Trp-Trp-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Glu-Lys-NH.sub.2, and N-Pr-Gln-Lys-NH.sub.2.
[0038] The preferred bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present
invention is selected from the group consisting of
N-Ac-Ile-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Leu-Ala-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Cys-Cys-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Tyr-Cys-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Dopa-Dopa-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Ile-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Val-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Cys-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Ile-Ala-OH, N-Ac-Leu-Ala-OH,
N-Ac-Val-Ala-OH, N-Ac-Cys-Cys-OH, N-Ac-Tyr-Cys-OH,
N-Ac-Dopa-Dopa-OH, N-Ac-Ile-Gly-OH, N-Ac-Leu-Gly-OH,
N-Ac-Val-Gly-OH, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-OH, N-Ac-Cys-Tyr-OH,
N-Pr-Ile-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Leu-Ala-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Cys-Cys-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Tyr-Cys-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Dopa-Dopa-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Ile-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Val-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2,
N-Pr-Cys-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Pr-Ile-Ala-OH, N-Pr-Leu-Ala-OH,
N-Pr-Val-Ala-OH, N-Pr-Cys-Cys-OH, N-Pr-Tyr-Cys-OH,
N-Pr-Dopa-Dopa-OH, N-Pr-Ile-Gly-OH, N-Pr-Leu-Gly-OH,
N-Pr-Val-Gly-OH, N-Pr-Tyr-Tyr-OH, and N-Pr-Cys-Tyr-OH.
[0039] The more preferred bioactive dipeptide derivative of the
present invention is selected from the group consisting of
N-Ac-Ile-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Leu-Ala-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Cys-Cys-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Tyr-Cys-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Dopa-Dopa-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Ile-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Val-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Cys-Tyr-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Ile-Ala-OH, N-Ac-Leu-Ala-OH,
N-Ac-Val-Ala-OH, N-Ac-Cys-Cys-OH, N-Ac-Tyr-Cys-OH,
N-Ac-Dopa-Dopa-OH, N-Ac-Ile-Gly-OH, N-Ac-Leu-Gly-OH,
N-Ac-Val-Gly-OH, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-OH, and N-Ac-Cys-Tyr-OH.
[0040] The most preferred bioactive dipeptide derivative of the
present invention is selected from the group consisting of
N-Ac-Ile-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Leu-Ala-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Val-Ala-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Cys-Cys-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Tyr-Cys-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Dopa-Dopa-NH.sub.2,
N-Ac-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2, N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2, and
N-Ac-Cys-Tyr-NH.sub.2.
[0041] N-acyldipeptide derivatives according to embodiments of the
present invention can be made by any method known to those skilled
in the art in view of the present disclosure.
[0042] Chemical and physical properties, biological functions and
therapeutic effects of a peptide depend exclusively on the nature
and sequence of amino acid residues, and different amino acid
residues or a different amino acid sequence may result in a
completely different peptide. In addition to chemical and physical
properties, biological functions and therapeutic effects of a
peptide are also changed when the functional groups of such peptide
are modified by substitution. In most cases, the bioactive
dipeptide derivative of the present invention has different and
much improved chemical and physical properties, biological
functions and therapeutic effects as compared to an unmodified
peptide.
[0043] A peptide is usually an amphoteric substance, having
positive and negative charges in the same molecule. A peptide
normally cannot penetrate the skin on topical application because
of the tough stratum corneum layer that acts as a permeation
barrier. In general, an ionic substance or any substance with a
molecular weight of more than 800 daltons cannot readily penetrate
the intact skin. The N-acyldipeptide derivatives of the present
invention have the alkaline radical such as an amino group modified
by acylation, so that they are no longer amphoteric in nature, and
are readily bioavailable for penetration and/or distribution to
target tissues or sites for pharmacological actions by topical or
systemic administration.
[0044] Another general aspect of the present invention relates to a
method of treating or preventing a disease, symptom or syndrome
associated with immune, tumors, cancers, nervous, vascular,
musculoskeletal, cutaneous system, or other tissues and systems in
a subject in need of the treatment. The method comprises topically
or systemically administering to the subject a composition
comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an N-acyldipeptide
derivative according to an embodiment of the present invention and
a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier.
[0045] Conditions, disorders, symptoms and syndromes associated
with the (A) tumors and cancers, (B) immune system, (C) nervous
system, (D) vascular system, (E) musculoskeletal system, (F)
cutaneous system, and (G) other tissues or systems that can be
treated with a composition of the present invention are described
as follows.
(A) Tumors and Cancers
[0046] Cancer is an unregulated proliferation of cells due to loss
of normal controls, resulting in abnormal growth, lack of
differentiation, local tissue invasion, and often, metastasis.
Tumor is an abnormal growth of cells or tissues which may be benign
or malignant. Tumors or cancers that can be treated with a
composition of the present invention include, but are not limited
to, actinic keratosis, adrenal cancer, basal cell carcinoma,
bladder cancer, brain tumor, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon
cancer, esophagus cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin's disease,
Kaposi's sarcoma, larynx cancer, leukemia, lung carcinoma, liver
cancer, melanoma, multiple myeloma, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer,
pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, renal cancer, rectal cancer,
stomach cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, thyroid cancer, testicular
cancer, thyroid cancer, and uterine cancer. Breast cancer most
often involves glandular breast cells in the ducts or lobules, and
can invade locally and spread through lymph nodes and bloodstream,
then to lungs, liver, bone, brain and skin. Lung carcinoma is a
leading cause of lung cancer with symptoms of coughing, chest
discomfort or pain, and weight loss. Liver cancer is usually
hepatocellular carcinoma often resulting from liver cirrhosis.
Pancreatic cancer, primarily ductal adenocarcinoma, has symptoms of
weight loss, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Brain tumors such as
gliomas, medulloblastomas and ependymomas can have symptoms of
headache, pain, edema, etc.
[0047] The development and growth of tumors and cancers can be due
to deranged immune system even though the tumors or cancers may be
caused by mutations.
(B) Immune System
[0048] The immune system, very similar to organs such as liver,
kidney and thyroid, is composed of specialized cells that play a
vital role in host defense. These cells include leukocytes (white
blood cells) and dendritic cells. The leukocytes are divided into
granulocytes (65%), specific granules in the cytoplasm such as
neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils; and agranulocytes, no
specific granules in the cytoplasm such as lymphocytes (25-35%) and
monocytes (5-10%). The lymphocytes are subdivided into B
lymphocytes (antibody production) and T lymphocytes (foreign agent
and tissue destruction). The monocyte can migrate from blood to
tissue, and become a macrophage. The dendric cell is derived from
bone marrow and is critical in activation and priming of the
lymphocyte.
[0049] Deranged immune system can cause the following
disorders:
(1) Rheumatic, connective tissue or collagen diseases. These
diseases include, but are not limited to, systemic lupus
erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative
spondylarthritides (ankylosing spondylitis), Sjogren's syndrome
(keratoconjunctivitis sicca, xerostomia), systemic sclerosis,
polymyositis and dermatomyositis. (2) Endocrine autoimmune
diseases. These diseases include, but are not limited to, Type 1
diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease such as Graves' disease and
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and Addison's disease. (3) Liver diseases.
These diseases include, but are not limited to, autoimmune
hepatitis, sclerosing cholangitis, biliary cirrhosis, viral
hepatitis including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. (4)
Gastrointestinal diseases. These diseases include, but are not
limited to, mucosal disorder, atrophic gastritis, pernicious
anemia, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergic food reactions.
(5) Immune mediated nephritis and vasculitis. These diseases
include, but are not limited to, glomerulonephritis, Wegener's
granulomatosis, microscopic polyarteritis, and cryoglobulinanemia.
(6) Immune mediated skin diseases. These diseases include, but are
not limited to, psoriasis, vitiligo, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus
vulgaris, and pemphigus foliaceus. (7) Immune mediated diseases of
nervous system and eye. These diseases include, but are not limited
to, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis,
Lambert-Eaton syndrome, stiff man syndrome, keratitis,
keratoconjunctivitis sicca, scleritis, episcleritis, and uveitis.
(8) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is a member of retrovirus family,
with a single-stranded RNA genome. Such RNA genome can encode the
enzyme reverse transcriptase, capable of transcribing viral RNA
into DNA, and allowing the virus to integrate into the host cell
genome. During the initial stage of infection, the virus targets
memory CD4 T lymphocytes as a receptor, and depletes CD4 T cells
from gut and peripheral lymph nodes. The immunity from B
lymphocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages is also weakened. The
vaccine remains the best hope of controlling HIV infection,
however, there are numerous issues to be resolved for an effective,
inexpensive and safe immunization against HIV infection. The
challenging issues are (a) the virus can survive and be transmitted
within a host and between hosts in extracellular form, as blood
borne virus particles, and also in intracellular form hidden within
infected host cells, (b) the virus copies its genome into host
cells, and live attenuated virus vaccine may pose a safety issue,
(c) the virus has multiple strains and a very high mutability which
is challenging for a vaccine using fixed virus sequences, and may
not be effective for other strains, (d) there is no small animal
model existing for HIV infection, and the efficacy studies carried
out for non-human primates are rather expensive.
[0050] Other deranged immune system may also involve the growth and
spread (metastasis) of tumors and cancers.
(C) Nervous System
[0051] The conditions, disorders, symptoms and syndromes associated
with the nervous system include, but are not limited to, the
following conditions or disorders, which may present as indicated,
or otherwise: (1) dementia and Alzheimer's disease: progressive
loss of memory, shrinkage and atrophy of cerebral cortex, tangles
of fibers in nerve cells, senile plaques of .beta.-amyloid,
decreased choline acetyltransferase enzyme; (2) carpal tunnel
syndrome: weakness, pain, tingling, numbness, burning in palm and
fingers; (3) encephalitis: inflammation of the brain; (4) headache:
migraine, expansion of blood vessels pressing on nerves or
constriction blocking blood supply, inflammation, muscle
contraction to face, neck or scalp; (5) meningitis: infection of
spinal fluid and meninges; (6) neuralgia: nerve pain, peripheral
neuropathy, sciatica, shingles, trigeminal neuralgia; (7)
Parkinson's disease: tremors in limbs, muscular rigidity; (8)
amnesia: loss of memory and inability to form new memory; and (9)
others, such as ataxia, Bell's palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis,
myasthenia gravis, narcolepsy, paralysis and rabies.
[0052] Alzheimer's disease causes progressive cognitive
deterioration and is characterized by senile plaques of
.beta.-amyloid deposits, neurofibrillary tangles in the cerebral
cortex and subcortical gray matter, and currently there is no
cure.
[0053] Parkinson's disease is an idiopathic, slowly progressive,
degenerative central nervous system (CNS) disorder characterized by
resting tremor, muscular rigidity, slow and decreased movement, and
postural instability, and currently there is no cure.
(D) Vascular System
[0054] The vascular conditions, reactions and disorders that can be
treated with a composition of the present invention include, but
are not limited to, acanthosis nigricans, acrocyanosis, actinic
cheilitis, actinic prurigo, dermatitis, dermatosis, dermographism,
dyshidrosis, drug eruptions, inflammation, or eczema, erythema,
erythema migrans, erythrocyanosis, erythromelalgia, familial
hemorrhage, histamine reaction, inflammatory papular and pustular
lesions, lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, mycosis fungoides,
neurodermatitis, neuropeptide and neurovascular reactions,
parapsoriasis, perniosis (chilblains), photoallergy, photoreaction,
photosensitivity, pityriasis rosea, pityriasis rubra pilaris,
polymorphic light eruption, psoriasis, rhinophyma, rosacea,
sclerosis, spider naevi, T-cell disorders, telangiectasia, varicose
veins (varicosis), urticaria, vessel dilation, and other vascular
reactions.
(E) Musculoskeletal System
[0055] The conditions or abnormalities of musculoskeletal system
include, but are not limited to, the following conditions or
disorders, which may present as indicated, or otherwise: (1)
osteoporosis: reduction of calcium in bone leading to thin bone and
bone susceptible to fracture; (2) osteoarthritis: inflammation of
joint cartilage provoking swelling and pain; (3) rheumatoid
arthritis: inflammation of synovium and destruction of cartilage,
damage to heart, lungs, nerves and eyes; (4) ankylosing
spondylitis: arthritis affecting sacroiliac joints and spine with
inflammation and immovability; (5) bursitis: inflammation of bursa;
(6) tendinitis: inflammation of tendon; (7) gout: recurrent acute
arthritis from uric acid deposit; and (8) specifically, neck,
shoulder, elbow, wrist, lower back, hip, knee and ankle pains,
inflammation, and arthritis.
(F) Cutaneous System and Others
[0056] The cosmetic, dermatological or other conditions and
disorders of cutaneous system that can be treated with a
composition of the present invention include, but are not limited
to, infections, deranged or disordered cutaneous or mucocutaneous
tissue relevant to skin, nail and hair; oral, vaginal and anal
mucosa; disturbed keratinization; inflammation; changes associated
with intrinsic and extrinsic aging, and others which may or may not
be related to cutaneous system. The manifestations include, but are
not limited to, oily skin; acne; rosacea; age spots; blemished
skin; blotches; cellulite; dermatoses; dermatitis; skin, nail and
hair infections; dandruff; dryness or looseness of skin, nail and
hair; xerosis; inflammation, or eczema; elastosis; herpes;
hyperkeratosis; hyperpigmented skin; ichthyosis; keratoses;
lentigines; melasmas; mottled skin; pseudofolliculitis barbae;
photoaging and photodamage; pruritus; psoriasis; skin lines;
stretch marks; thinning of skin, nail plate and hair; warts;
wrinkles; oral or gum disease; irritated, inflamed, red, unhealthy,
damaged or abnormal mucosa, skin, hair, nail, nostril, ear canal,
anal or vaginal conditions; breakdown, defective synthesis or
repair of dermal components; abnormal or diminished synthesis of
collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and elastin, as well as
diminished levels of such components in the dermis; uneven skin
tone; uneven and rough surface of skin, nail and hair; loss or
reduction of skin, nail and hair resiliency, elasticity and
recoilability; laxity; lack of skin, nail and hair lubricants and
luster; fragility and splitting of nail and hair; yellowing skin;
reactive, irritating or telangiectatic skin; and dull and
older-looking skin, nail and hair. In addition, the composition of
the current invention can be used for general care of skin, nail
and hair; to improve skin texture and pores, flakiness and redness;
to make skin soft, smooth, fresh, balanced, visibly clear,
even-toned and brighter; to increase skin fullness and plumpness;
and for skin bleach and lightening and wound healing; to reduce or
prevent sweating or perspiration of underarm, crotch, palm, or
other parts of the body.
[0057] Skin, nail and hair infections can be caused by
microorganisms which include bacteria, fungi, yeasts, molds,
parasites and viruses. More specifically, the bacterial infections
can cause trichomycosis axillaris, pitted keratolysis, erythrasma,
impetigo, ecthyma, furunculosis (boils), carbuncle, scalded skin
syndrome, toxic shock syndrome, erysipelas, cellulitis, necrotizing
fasciitis, erysipeloid, cat-scratch disease (Rochalimaea henselae),
syphilis, lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), cutaneous anthrax
(Bacillus anthracis), gonococcal septicaemia, inoculation
tuberculosis, scrofuloderma, tuberculides, erythema induratum,
leprosy (Mycobacterium leprae), leishmaniasis and acute paronychia.
The viral infections can cause viral warts (human papilloma virus),
varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (varicella-zoster), herpes
simplex (herpesvirus hominis), molluscum contagiosum, orf, AIDS
(acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, human immunodeficiency virus,
HIV), herpangina, mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (Kawasaki's
disease), Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (hepatitis B virus), measles,
rubella and erythema infectiosum. The fungal infections can cause
ringworm, tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea unguis (nail
infection), tinea hands, tinea groin, tinea trunk and limbs, tinea
capitis (scalp), oral candidiasis, candida intertrigo, genital
candidiasis, chronic paronychia, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis,
pityriasis versicolor, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis,
blastomycosis, sporotrichosis, actinomycosis and mycetoma (madura
foot).
(G) Other Tissues or Systems
[0058] These conditions and diseases include vision disorders of
eyes, vocal desfunctions, gum and periodontal diseases, hearing
loss, sexual dysfunctions, desired augmentation of breast and
penis, and increased body strength. Aside from cataract and
glaucoma, the vision disorders can be due to near-sightedness
(myopia) and far-sightedness (hyperopia). Enhanced strength of
extrinsic and intrinsic eye muscles, along with increased
relaxation of eye nerves may help improve conditions of myopia and
hyperopia.
[0059] Weakness and poor quality of the voice can be caused by
larynx dysfuction. Relaxation of laryngeal nerves and enhanced
laryngeal muscle may help improve the quality and the strength of
voice.
[0060] The preferred condition or disease to be treated according
to embodiments of the present invention is selected from the group
consisting of arthritis, cancer, immune, infections, inflammation,
musculus, nerve, skin, and vasculature.
[0061] The more preferred condition or disease to be treated is
selected from the group consisting of arthritis, Alzheimer's
disease, aging related skin changes, age spots, breast cancer,
cellulitis, dermatitis, dermatoses, dry skin, eczema, itch,
infections, inflammation, joint disorder, mottled skin, muscle
disorder, pain, Parkinson's disease, photoaging, psoriasis,
rosacea, stretch marks, varicose veins, viral infections, wrinkles,
for skin lightening, to enhance muscle strength, and to reduce or
prevent sweating or perspiration of underarm, crotch, palm, or
other parts of the body.
[0062] The most preferred condition or disease to be treated is
selected from the group consisting of arthritis, aging related skin
changes, age spots, cellulitis, dermatitis, dermatoses, eczema,
itch, inflammation, joint disorder, mottled skin, rosacea, stretch
marks, wrinkles, for skin lightening, and to reduce or prevent
sweating or perspiration of underarm, crotch, palm or other parts
of the body.
[0063] Physiological Functions, Pharmacological Actions and
Therapeutic Effects
[0064] When a substance is found to modulate or normalize certain
physiological functions, the resulted pharmacological actions can
provide broad therapeutic effects on related conditions, disorders,
diseases, symptoms and syndromes; simply described as "related
indications". Therefore, the related indications can be grouped
into one single physiological function as follows.
[0065] (1) Disturbed Keratinization (DK).
[0066] Many skin disorders such as dry skin, ichthyosis, calluses,
keratosis and acne (initiated by blackhead formation) are due to
disturbed keratinization (disturbed or abnormal skin formation).
When a substance is discovered to modulate or normalize
keratinization, the substance is reasonably expected or predicted
to improve those conditions or disorders which are caused by a
common cause of disturbed keratinization.
[0067] Therefore, disturbed keratinization covers, but is not
limited to dry skin; dryness or looseness of skin, nail and hair;
xerosis; ichthyosis; calluses; keratoses; acne; rosacea; blemished
skin; dandruff; uneven skin tone; uneven and rough surface of skin;
abnormal skin texture and pores; flakiness and redness; and to
improve or make skin soft, smooth, fresh, balanced, or visibly
clear.
[0068] (2) Aging Related Changes of Skin, Nail and Hair (AG).
[0069] In "Rook's Textbook of Dermatology" by Burns et al.
Wiley-Blackwell, 2010, Vol. 1, page 8.22 under "The ageing skin",
it is described that "wrinkling of ageing skin is almost entirely
the result of changes in the dermis". In fact, skin aging including
wrinkles is due mainly to progressive degeneration of dermal
components; namely, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), collagen and elastic
fibers in the dermis. In a publication by Ditre et al. J. Amer Acad
Dermatol, 1996, pages 187-195, under "Effects of .alpha.-hydroxy
acids on photoaged skin: A pilot clinical, histologic, and
ultrastructural study", histologic and ultrastructural studies show
that skin plump or increased skin thickness caused by topical
application of a substance results from a combination of epidermal
and dermal changes. In epidermal changes, the epidermis increases
in thickness, and the melanin pigmentation shows less clumping of
melanin resulting in lighter skin color and improved age spots. In
dermal changes, there are increased amounts of both
glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen fibers, and elastic fibers
tend to be longer and thicker. Therefore, when a substance is found
to plump or increase the skin thickness, the substance is
reasonably expected or predicted to improve aging related skin
changes including fine lines, wrinkles, photoaging, age spots,
blotches, hyperpigmented skin, mottled skin, and for
younger-looking skin and skin lightening.
[0070] In general, aging related skin changes covers, for example,
fine lines; wrinkles; age spots; blotches; cellulite; elastosis;
lentigine; mottled skin; photoaging and photodamage; stretch marks;
thinning of skin, nail plate and hair; warts; wrinkles; breakdown,
defective synthesis or repair of dermal components; abnormal or
diminished synthesis of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans
and elastin, as well as diminished levels of such components in the
dermis; loss or reduction of skin, nail and hair resiliency,
elasticity and recoilability; laxity; lack of skin, nail and hair
lubricants and luster; fragility and splitting of nail and hair;
yellowing skin; and dull and older-looking skin, nail and hair,
even-toned and brighter; to increase skin fullness and
plumpness.
[0071] (3) Deranged Immune Disorders and Inflammation (DI).
[0072] The deranged or disturbed immune disorders can cause
inflammation, pain, itch, swelling, edema, dermatitis, eczema,
psoriasis, dermatoses, joint disorders, and arthritis. When a
substance is found to modulate or normalize activities of immune
cells by reducing inflammation, the substance is reasonably
expected or predicted to improve the related indications or
disorders.
[0073] Therefore, the deranged immune disorders cover, for example,
inflammatory disorders; inflammation, dermatitis, or eczema;
psoriasis; dermatoses; painful joints; arthritis; infections; Type
1 diabetes; viral hepatitis; inflammatory bowel disease; allergic
food reactions; nephritis; vasculitis; vitiligo; multiple
sclerosis; HIV and AIDS.
[0074] (4) Tumors and Cancers (CA).
[0075] Most tumors and cancers are caused by unregulated
proliferation of cells due to loss of normal controls, resulting in
abnormal growth, lack of differentiation, local tissue invasion,
and often, metastasis. When a substance is found to normalize the
control of cell growth, the substance is reasonably expected or
predicted to improve or eradicate most types of tumors and cancers
including skin tumors and cancers, breast cancer, lung carcinoma,
liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancers, and brain
tumors.
[0076] Therefore, tumors and cancers cover: adrenal cancer, anus
cancer, brain tumor and cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer,
cervix cancer, colon cancers, endometrium cancer, esophagus cancer,
Kaposi sarcoma, kidney cancer, larynx cancer, leukemia, lymphoma,
lung cancer, liver cancer, oral cavity cancer, ovarian cancer,
prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, rectum cancer, skin cancer,
stomach cancer, testis cancer, thyroid cancer, and uterine
cancer.
[0077] (5) Nerve Disorders (ND).
[0078] Nervous system is very complex initiating from the brain,
and controlling almost all the body functions. Only the dead cells
or dead tissues such as nails, hair and stratum corneum do not
contain nerve fibers. Loss or malfunction of nerve cells can result
in various nerve disorders, symptoms and syndromes.
[0079] Therefore, nerve disorders cover: dementia, Alzheimer's
disease: progressive loss of memory, carpal tunnel syndrome,
weakness, pain, tingling, numbness, burning in palm and fingers,
encephalitis, headache, migraine, meningitis, neuralgia, peripheral
neuropathy, sciatica, Parkinson's disease, amnesia, Bell's palsy,
epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, paralysis and headache.
[0080] In view of the present disclosure, standard procedures can
be performed to evaluate the effect of the administration of a
composition to a subject, thus allowing a skilled artisan to
determine the therapeutically effective amount of the compound.
[0081] The clinically observable beneficial effect can be a
situation that, when a composition of the present invention is
administered to a subject after symptoms to be treated are
observable, the symptoms are prevented from further development or
aggravation, or develop to a lesser degree than without
administration of the specified composition according to
embodiments of the present invention. The clinically observable
beneficial effect can also be that, when a composition of the
present invention is administered to a subject before symptoms to
be treated are observable, the symptoms are prevented from
occurring or subsequently occur to a lesser degree than without
administration of the composition of the present invention.
[0082] In one embodiment, a therapeutically effective amount of the
N-acyldipeptide derivative will reduce a syndrome or a condition of
discomfort of the subject to be treated by at least about 20%, for
example, by at least about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%,
about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or about 100%.
[0083] In another embodiment, a therapeutically effective amount of
the N-acyldipeptide derivative will prevent a syndrome or a
condition of discomfort of the subject to be treated, or reduce the
probability of its onset by at least about 20%, for example, by at
least about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about
80%, about 90%, or about 100%.
[0084] Dosages and dosing frequency will be determined by a trained
medical professional depending on the activity of the compounds
used, the characteristics of the particular topical formulation,
and the identity and severity of the dermatologic disorder treated
or prevented.
[0085] Administration Routes and General Preparations
[0086] Another general aspect of the present invention relates to a
composition for systemic or topical administration to a subject,
the composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an
N-acyldipeptide derivative according to an embodiment of the
present invention and a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable
carrier. Compositions according to embodiments of the present
invention can be formulated in any manner suited for topical or
systemic administration to a subject.
[0087] Compositions comprising a bioactive dipeptide derivative of
the present invention can be administered to a subject in need by
topical application, systemic or other routes. The topical
application includes skin, eye, mucous membranes of the
conjunctiva, nasopharynx, oropharynx, vagina, urethra, rectum, and
anus. The systemic administration includes oral (enteral)
administration and parenteral injections. The parenteral injections
include intravenous injection or infusion, intra-arterial
injection, subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection, and
intra-articular injection. Other routes of administration include
sublingual administration, under the tongue, from oral mucosa
bypassing the portal circulation, and pulmonary adsorption by
inhaling and absorbing through the respiratory tract.
[0088] For topical application, the composition comprising a
bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present invention can be
formulated as solution, gel, lotion, cream, oil-in-water emulsion,
water-in-oil emulsion, ointment, shampoo, spray, stick, powder,
mask, pads, mouth rinse or wash, vaginal gel or suppositories,
rectal gel or suppositories, urethral gel or suppositories or other
form acceptable for use on skin, nail, hair, oral mucosa, vaginal
or anal mucosa, mouth or gums. The concentration of an active
ingredient can be about 0.001% to about 99.9% by weight or volume
(solution composition) of the total composition, with preferred
concentration of about 0.01% to about 30%, and with more preferred
concentration of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight or by volume
(solution composition) of the total composition.
[0089] A typical gel composition may be formulated by the addition
of a gelling agent, such as chitosan, methyl cellulose, ethyl
cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyquaterniums,
hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, carbomer or ammoniated
glycyrrhizinate to a solution comprising the N-acyldipeptide
derivative. The preferred concentration of the gelling agent may
range from 0.1 to 4 percent by weight of the total composition. In
the preparation of shampoo, the N-acyldipeptide derivative may be
first dissolved in water or propylene glycol, and the solution thus
obtained may be mixed with a shampoo base. Concentrations of the
N-acyldipeptide derivative used in gel or shampoo form are the same
as described above.
[0090] To prepare a solution composition, at least one bioactive
dipeptide derivative of the present invention is dissolved in a
solution prepared from water, ethanol, propylene glycol, butylene
glycol, or other topically acceptable solvent. To prepare a topical
composition, a bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present
invention can be incorporated as a fine powder form without
dissolving, or first dissolving in water, ethanol, propylene glycol
or other solvent, and the solution thus obtained is mixed with a
topically acceptable base or vehicle including gel, lotion, cream,
oil-in-water emulsion, water-in-oil emulsion, ointment, shampoo,
spray, stick, powder, mask, pads, mouth rinse or wash, vaginal gel
or suppositories, and rectal gel or suppositories. Contemplated
embodiments of the present invention include concentration ranges
of 0.001% to 0.01%, 0.01% to 0.1%, 0.1% to 0.2%, 0.2% to 0.3%, 0.3%
to 0.4%, 0.4% to 0.5%, 0.5% to 0.6%, 0.6% to 0.7%, 0.7% to 0.8%,
0.8% to 0.9%, 0.9% to 1%, 1% to 2%, 2% to 3%, 3% to 4%, 4% to 5%,
5% to 6%, 6% to 7%, 7% to 8%, 8% to 9%, 9% to 10%, 10% to 14%, 14%
to 18%, 18% to 22%, 22% to 26%, 26% to 30%, 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%,
40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 60%, 60% to 70%, 70% to 80%, 80% to
90%, and 90% to 99.9% by weight or volume of the total
composition.
[0091] The choice of topically administrable composition will
depend on several factors, including the nature of the symptoms to
be treated or prevented, the physiochemical characteristics of the
particular compound to be administered and of other excipients
present, their stability in the formulation, available
manufacturing equipment, and cost constraints.
[0092] For systemic use or other routes of administration, a
bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present invention can be
formulated for oral administration, parenteral injections or other
routes including oral mucosa, under the tongue administration with
or without pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or carrier.
[0093] In oral preparations, a bioactive dipeptide derivative of
the present invention is formulated in powder, tablet form, gelatin
capsules with or without mixing with gelatin powder, or in other
form including a liquid or suspension form. Each tablet, capsule or
unit dosage contains about 0.01 mg to about 100 mg, preferably
about 0.1 mg to about 50 mg, and more preferably about 1 mg to
about 25 mg of the bioactive dipeptide derivative. As an
illustration, bioactive dipeptide derivative powder, 1 mg, can be
placed under the tongue without swallowing for a short time to
achieve systemic administration. The daily dosage for a subject can
vary, however in general is about 0.001 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg,
preferably about 0.01 mg to about 5 mg/kg, and more preferably
about 0.1 mg to about 2 mg/kg body weight of the subject.
[0094] For parenteral injections, a bioactive dipeptide derivative
is prepared in a solution or suspension under sterilized conditions
in concentration from about 0.01% to about 10%, preferably about
0.1% to about 5%, more preferably about 0.2% to about 2% weight by
volume in water, propylene glycol, glycerol, polyethylene glycol, a
mixture thereof, or in other vehicle or carrier. The other vehicle
or carrier includes peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame
oil, and the like. As an option, a thickener can be added into an
injection composition to increase the viscosity, so that the
composition has a comparable viscosity with the body fluid in the
knee joints or other joints. As an illustration, but not
limitation, the thickener can be selected from the group consisting
of carboxymethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, casein,
cellulose, gelatin, sodium hyaluronate, methylcellulose, PEG 200,
PEG 300, PEG 400, PEG 600, PEG 3350, PEG 4000, polyglactin,
polylactide, polypropylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, protamine
sulfate, povidone, starch, captisol, dextran, dextrose, fructose,
albumin, and lactose.
[0095] In another embodiment, the composition may further comprise
an additional cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other agent to achieve
synergetic or synergistic effects. To prepare a topical combination
composition, a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or other agent is
incorporated into any one of the above compositions by dissolving
or mixing the agent into the formulation. Other forms of
compositions for delivery of the N-acyldipeptide derivative of the
present invention are readily recognized by those skilled in the
art.
[0096] A composition comprising the N-acyldipeptide derivative may
be taken orally one to three times, preferably twice daily, for
prevention or treatment of disorders and diseases associated with
immune, tumors, cancers, nervous, vascular, musculoskeletal,
cutaneous system, or other tissues and systems. The oral
administration may continue until the symptom or disease has been
eradicated or substantially improved. The symptoms or disorders
include, for example, pains, pruritus, inflammation, erythema,
dermatitis, acne, eczema, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, joint pain
or swelling, and arthritis.
[0097] The bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present invention
is believed to be therapeutically effective to alleviate or improve
conditions, disorders, diseases, symptoms or syndromes associated
with immune, nervous, vascular, musculoskeletal, cutaneous system,
other tissues and systems, or for regulation and treatment of
abnormal cell growth including tumors and cancers. The composition
containing a bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present
invention can be administered alone or in combination with another
active agent. The composition and the other active agent can be
administered simultaneously or sequentially.
[0098] Other forms of compositions for delivery of the compound of
the present invention are readily blended, prepared or formulated
by those skilled in the art.
[0099] A composition comprising a bioactive dipeptide derivative is
administered to a subject in various means that are acceptable for
the conditions to be treated.
[0100] In one embodiment, the composition was topically applied to
the skin. For example, a solution or cream containing 0.1% to 1% by
weight of N-acyldipeptide or N-acyldipeptide amide, such as
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2, or N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 was
topically applied to an involved skin once or twice daily for
several weeks or until a desired therapeutic effect had been
achieved.
[0101] The composition can also be administered systemically or by
other routes, such as via oral administration or parenteral
injection. For example, N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 0.2% (w/w) in water, 1
ml (2 mg) was injected intra-articularily into a knee of a subject
to relieve the arthritis pain and inflammation.
[0102] The composition can be administered alone or optionally in
combination with another active ingredient. For example, a
corticosteroid, hydrocortisone-17-valerate 0.2% (w/w) was
incorporated into a topical composition containing 0.5% (w/w)
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 to rapidly improve chronic eczema lesions. The
composition and the other active ingredient can be administered
simultaneously or sequentially. Under such cooperative actions, the
N-acyldipeptide derivative and the corticosteroid mutually provided
synergetic, synergistic, or enhancing effects for the
anti-inflammatory actions.
[0103] For synergetic, synergistic, additive, enhancing, or other
mutually cooperative beneficial effects, a cosmetic,
pharmaceutical, or other agent can be incorporated into the
composition of the present invention or administered independently
at the same time or different time. These agents include but are
not limited to hydroxyacids, ketoacids and related compounds;
phenyl alpha acyloxyalkanoic acids and derivatives;
N-acyl-aldosamines, N-acylamino acids and related N-acyl compounds;
local analgesics and anesthetics; anti-acne agents; anti-bacterial
agents; anti-yeast agents; anti-fungal agents; anti-viral agents;
anti-infective agents; anti-dandruff agents; anti-dermatitis
agents; anti-eczema agents; anti-histamine agents; anti-pruritic
agents; anti-emetics; anti-motion sickness agents;
anti-inflammatory agents; anti-hyperkeratotic agents;
antiperspirants; anti-psoriatic agents; anti-rosacea agents;
anti-seborrheic agents; hair conditioners and hair treatment
agents; anti-aging and anti-wrinkle agents; anti-anxiety agents;
anti-convulsant agents; anti-depressant agents; antineoplastic
agents; sunblock and sunscreen agents; skin lightening agents;
depigmenting agents; astringents; cleansing agents; corn, callus
and wart removing agents; skin plumping agents; skin volumizing
agents; skin firming agents; matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)
inhibitors; topical cardiovascular agents; wound-healing agents;
gum disease or oral care agents; amino acids; tripeptides;
oligopeptides; polypeptides; carbohydrates; aminocarbohydrates;
vitamins; corticosteroids; tanning agents; hormones; retinoids;
peroxides; peracids; superoxides, ozonides, persulfates, and active
agents.
[0104] The above agents include, but are not limited to, the
following:
abacavir, abciximab, abelcet, acamprosate, acarbose, acebutolol,
acetaminophen, acetaminosalol, acetazolamide, acetic acid, acetic
peracid, acetic peroxide, acetohydroxamic acid, acetylcysteine,
acetylsalicylic acid, N-acylglutathione esters, acitretin,
aclovate, acrivastine, acthrel, actidose, actigall, actiq,
acyclovir, adalimumab, adapalene, adefovir dipivoxil, adenosine,
agalsidase, albendazole, albumin, albuterol, alclometasone
dipropionate, aldesleukin, alefacept, alemtuzumab, alendronate,
alfuzosin, alitretinoin, allantoin, allium, allopurinol,
alloxanthine, almotriptan, alosetron, alpha tocopheral,
alpha1-proteinase, alprazolam, alprenolol, alprostadil, alteplase,
altretamine, aluminum acetate, aluminum chloride, aluminum
chlorohydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, amantadine, amifostine,
amiloride, aminacrine, amino acid, aminobenzoate, p-aminobenzoic
acid, aminocaproic acid, aminohippurate, aminolevulinic acid,
aminosalicylic acid, amiodarone, amitriptyline, amlodipine,
amocarzine, amodiaquin, amorolfine, amoxapine, amoxicillin,
amphetamine, amphotericin, ampicillin, amprenavir, anagrelide,
anakinra, anastrozole, anisindione, anthralin, antihemophilic,
antithrombin, anti-thymocyte, antivenin, apomorphine, aprepitant,
aprotinin, arbutin, argatroban, aripiprazole, ascorbic acid,
ascorbyl palmitate, aspirin, atazanavir, atenolol, atomoxetine,
atorvastatin, atovaquone, atropine, azathioprine, azelaic acid,
azelastine, azithromycin, baclofen, bacitracin, balsalazide,
balsam, basiliximab, beclomethasone dipropionate, bemegride,
benazepril, bendroflumethiazide, benzocaine, benzoic acid,
benzonatate, benzophenone, benzoyl peroxide, benztropine, bepridil,
beta carotene, betamethasone dipropionate, betamethasone valerate,
betaxolol, bethanechol, bevacizumab, bexarotene, bicalutamide,
bimatoprost, bioflavonoids, biotin, biperiden, bisacodyl,
bisoprolol, bivalirudin, bortezomib, bosentan, botulinum,
brimonidine, brinzolamide, bromocriptine, brompheniramine,
budesonide, bumetanide, bupivacaine, buprenorphine, bupropion,
burimamide, buspirone, busulfan, butabarbital, butalbital,
butenafine, butoconazole, butorphanol, butyl aminobenzoate,
cabergoline, caffeic acid, caffeine, calcipotriene,
calcitonin-salmon, calcitriol, calcium peroxide, calfactant,
camellia sinensis, camphor, candesartan cilexetil, capecitabine,
capreomycin, capsaicin, captopril, carbamazepine, carbamide
peroxide, carbidopa, carbinoxamine, cefditoren pivoxil, cefepime,
cefpodoxime proxetil, celecoxib, cetirizine, cevimeline, chitosan,
chlordiazepoxide, chlorhexidine, chloroquine, chlorothiazide,
chloroxylenol, chlorpheniramine, chlorpromazine, chlorpropamide,
ciclopirox, cilostazol, cimetidine, cinacalcet, ciprofloxacin,
citalopram, citric acid, cladribine, clarithromycin, clemastine,
clindamycin, clioquinol, clobetasol propionate, clocortolone
pivalate, clomiphene, clonidine, clopidogrel, clotrimazole,
clozapine, coal tar, coal tar extracts (LCD), codeine, cromolyn,
crotamiton, cyclizine, cyclobenzaprine, cycloserine, cytarabine,
dacarbazine, dalfopristin, dapsone, daptomycin, daunorubicin,
deferoxamine, dehydroepiandrosterone, delavirdine, desipramine,
desloratadine, desmopressin, desoximetasone, dexamethasone,
dexmedetomidine, dexmethylphenidate, dexrazoxane,
dextroamphetamine, diazepam, diclofenac, dicyclomine, didanosine,
dihydrocodeine, dihydromorphine, diltiazem, 6,8-dimercaptooctanoic
acid (dihydrolipoic acid), diphenhydramine, diphenoxylate,
dipyridamole, disopyramide, dobutamine, dofetilide, dolasetron,
donepezil, dopa esters, dopamide, dopamine, dorzolamide, doxepin,
doxorubicin, doxycycline, doxylamine, doxypin, duloxetine,
dyclonine, econazole, efalizumab, eflornithine, eletriptan,
emtricitabine, enalapril, ephedrine, epinephrine, epinine,
epirubicin, eptifibatide, ergotamine, erythromycin, escitalopram,
esmolol, esomeprazole, estazolam, estradiol, etanercept, ethacrynic
acid, ethinyl estradiol, etidocaine, etomidate, famciclovir,
famotidine, felodipine, fentanyl, ferulic acid, fexofenadine,
flecainide, fluconazole, flucytosine, fluocinolone acetonide,
fluocinonide, 5-fluorouracil, fluoxetine, fluphenazine, flurazepam,
fluticasone propionate, fluvoxamine, formoterol, furosemide,
galactarolactone, galactonic acid, galactonolactone, galantamine,
gatifloxacin, gefitinib, gemcitabine, gemifloxacin, glucarolactone,
gluconic acid, gluconolactone, glucuronic acid, glucuronolactone,
glutathione, glycolic acid, griseofulvin, guaifenesin,
guanethidine, N-guanylhistamine, haloperidol, haloprogin,
hexylresorcinol, homatropine, homosalate, hormone, hydralazine,
hydrochlorothiazide, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone 21-acetate,
hydrocortisone 17-butyrate, hydrocortisone 17-valerate, hydrogen
peroxide, hydromorphone, hydroquinone, hydroquinone monoether,
hydroxyzine, hyoscyamine, hypoxanthine, ibuprofen, ichthammol,
idarubicin, imatinib, imipramine, imiquimod, indinavir,
indomethacin, infliximab, irbesartan, irinotecan, isoetharine,
isoproterenol, itraconazole, kanamycin, ketamine, ketanserin,
ketoconazole, ketoprofen, ketotifen, kojic acid, labetalol, lactic
acid, lactobionic acid, lamivudine, lamotrigine, lansoprazole,
letrozole, leuprolide, levalbuterol, levofloxacin, lidocaine,
linezolid, lobeline, loratadine, loperamide, losartan, loxapine,
lysergic diethylamide, mafenide, malic acid, maltobionic acid,
mandelic acid, maprotiline, mebendazole, mecamylamine, meclizine,
meclocycline, memantine, menthol, meperidine, mepivacaine,
mequinol, mercaptopurine, mescaline, metanephrine, metaproterenol,
metaraminol, metformin, methadone, methamphetamine, methotrexate,
methoxamine, methyldopa esters, methyldopamide,
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methyllactic acid, methyl
nicotinate, methylphenidate, methyl salicylate, metiamide,
metolazone, metoprolol, metronidazole, mexiletine, miconazole,
midazolam, midodrine, miglustat, minocycline, minoxidil,
mirtazapine, mitoxantrone, moexiprilat, molindone, monobenzone,
morphine, moxifloxacin, moxonidine, mupirocin, nadolol, naftifine,
nalbuphine, nalmefene, naloxone, naproxen, nefazodone, nelfinavir,
neomycin, nevirapine, niacin, niacinamide, nicardipine, nicotine,
nifedipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, nitrofurantoin, nizatidine,
norepinephrine, nystatin, octopamine, octreotide, octyl
methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, ofloxacin, olanzapine,
olmesartan medoxomil, olopatadine, omeprazole, ondansetron,
oxiconazole, oxotremorine, oxybenzone, oxybutynin, oxycodone,
oxymetazoline, padimate O, palonosetron, pantothenic acid, pantoyl
lactone, paroxetine, pemoline, penciclovir, penicillamine,
penicillins, pentazocine, pentobarbital, pentostatin,
pentoxifylline, peptide, perazine, pergolide, perindopril,
permethrin, phencyclidine, phenelzine, pheniramine, phenmetrazine,
phenobarbital, phenol, phenoxybenzamine, phentolamine,
phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, phenytoin, physostigmine,
pilocarpine, pimecrolimus, pimozide, pindolol, pioglitazone,
pipamazine, piperonyl butoxide, pirenzepine, podofilox,
podophyllin, potassium peroxide, povidone iodine, pramipexole,
pramoxine, prazosin, prednisone, prenalterol, prilocaine,
procainamide, procaine, procarbazine, promazine, promethazine,
promethazine propionate, propafenone, propoxyphene, propranolol,
propylthiouracil, protein, protriptyline, pseudoephedrine,
pyrethrin, pyrilamine, pyrimethamine, quetiapine, quinapril,
quinethazone, quinidine, quinupristin, rabeprazole, reserpine,
resorcinol, retinal, 13-cis-retinoic acid, retinoic acid, retinol,
retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, ribavirin, ribonic acid,
ribonolactone, rifampin, rifapentine, rifaximin, riluzole,
rimantadine, risedronic acid, risperidone, ritodrine, rivastigmine,
rizatriptan, ropinirole, ropivacaine, salicylamide, salicylic acid,
salmeterol, scopolamine, selegiline, selenium sulfide, serotonin,
sertaconazole, sertindole, sertraline, shale tar, sibutramine,
sildenafil, sotalol, streptomycin, strychnine, sulconazole,
sulfacetamide, sulfabenz, sulfabenzamide, sulfabromomethazine,
sulfacetamide (sodium sulfacetamide), sulfachlorpyridazine,
sulfacytine, sulfadiazine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfadoxine,
sulfaguanole, sulfalene, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole,
sulfanilamide, sulfapyrazine, sulfapyridine, sulfasalazine,
sulfasomizole, sulfathiazole, sulfisoxazole, sulfur, tacrolimus,
tadalafil, tamsulosin, tartaric acid, tazarotene, tegaserol,
telithromycin, telmisartan, temozolomide, tenofovir disoproxil,
terazosin, terbinafine, terbutaline, terconazole, terfenadine,
tetracaine, tetracycline, tetrahydrozoline, thalidomide,
theobromine, theophylline, thiabendazole, thiethylperazine,
thioctic acid (lipoic acid), thioridazine, thiothixene, thymol,
tiagabine, timolol, tinidazole, tioconazole, tirofiban, tizanidine,
tobramycin, tocainide, tolazoline, tolbutamide, tolnaftate,
tolterodine, tramadol, tranylcypromine, trazodone, triamcinolone
acetonide, triamcinolone diacetate, triamcinolone hexacetonide,
triamterene, triazolam, triclosan, triflupromazine, trimethoprim,
trimipramine, tripelennamine, triprolidine, tromethamine, tropic
acid, tyramine, undecylenic acid, urea, urocanic acid, ursodiol,
valacyclovir, vardenafil, venlafaxine, verapamil, vitamin, vitamin
E acetate, voriconazole, warfarin, wood tar, xanthine, zafirlukast,
zaleplon, zinc pyrithione, ziprasidone, zolmitriptan and
zolpidem.
[0105] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
Example 1
[0106] In one of the studies related to skin changes associated
with aging, skin thickness was measured by micrometer calipers as
follows.
[0107] The skin was grasped with a 2.times.6 cm metal hinge; the
internal faces of which were coated with emery cloth to prevent
slippage, and manually squeezed to threshold subject discomfort.
Combined thickness of two whole-skin layers including thickness of
the two hinge leaves was measured with micrometer calipers.
Thickness of the two hinge leaves was subtracted to determine the
actual thickness of two whole-skin layers. Triplicate measurements
on treated sites were done and an average number was used for
calculation of the skin thickness.
[0108] In other studies, test sites of skin 17 mm in diameter were
used, the circular sites were marked with permanent ink.
Intervening control sites were also 17 mm in diameter. Thickness of
skin of all sites was measured directly by means of an electronic
digital caliper. In this instance the jaws of the caliper were
opened to 17 mm, applied with pressure to the skin sites and then
closed to firm tightness. Thickness of skin was then read off the
screen of the calipers. Measurements of all sites were made in
triplicates.
Example 2
[0109] A typical oil-in-water emulsion or cream composition
containing a bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present
invention was formulated as follows.
[0110] A bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present invention
0.2 g was dissolved in 39.8 ml warm solution prepared from 80 parts
water and 20 parts propylene glycol by volume (hereinafter referred
to as WP82). The solution or suspension thus obtained was mixed
with 60 g oil-in-water emulsion or cream. The oil-in-water emulsion
or cream thus formulated contained 0.2% bioactive dipeptide
derivative of the present invention in oil-in-water emulsion or
cream. Under similar conditions, emulsion or cream compositions
containing 0.01% to 10% bioactive dipeptide derivative of the
present invention were formulated.
[0111] As an illustration, N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 powder 0.2 g was
dissolved in 39.8 ml warm WP82 solution. The clear solution thus
obtained was mixed with 60 g oil-in-water emulsion or cream. The
oil-in-water emulsion or cream thus formulated contained 0.2%
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2. Under the similar conditions, the
following emulsion or cream compositions were formulated:
N-Ac-L-Ile-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 1% (w/w) emulsion or cream;
N-Ac-L-Leu-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 1% (w/w) and 5% (w/w) emulsions or
creams. N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%,
0.4%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%, all by weight, emulsions or creams.
[0112] Vehicle control emulsion or cream composition was prepared
in the same manner except that the bioactive dipeptide derivative
of the present invention was replaced by water.
Example 3
[0113] As another illustration to Example 2, 5 g N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH2
powder was dissolved in 35 ml warm WP82 solution. The clear
solution thus obtained was mixed with 60 g oil-in-water emulsion or
cream. The oil-in-water emulsion or cream thus formulated contained
5% (w/w) N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH2.
[0114] Under the similar conditions, the following emulsion or
cream compositions were formulated, all percentages are by
weight:
N-Ac-.beta.-Ala-Gly-NH.sub.2 1% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Asn-Gly-NH.sub.2 4% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-Abz-Gly-NH.sub.2 5% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Cys-Gly-NH.sub.2 10% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-Gaba-Gly-NH.sub.2 8% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-Gly-Gly-NH.sub.2 5% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-His-Gly-NH.sub.2 5% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Ile-Gly-NH.sub.2 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 6%, and 10% in emulsions
or creams N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2 5%, 6%, 7%, 8% and 10% emulsions
or creams N-Ac-L-Pro-Gly-NH.sub.2 3% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Ser-Gly-NH.sub.2 5% in emulsion or cream
N-Z-L-Tyr-Gly-NH.sub.2 5% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Val-Gly-NH.sub.2 5% and 10% in emulsions or creams
Example 4
[0115] As another illustration to Example 2, and under the similar
conditions, the following emulsion or cream compositions were also
formulated, all percentages are by weight:
N-Ac-.beta.Ala-L-His-NH.sub.2 5% in emulsion or cream
N,N'-diAc-.beta.Ala-His-NH.sub.2 5% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-.beta.Ala-L-His-OH 5% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-.beta.Ala-L-His-OEt 5% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Ala-L-Ile-NH.sub.2 1% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Ile-L-Ile-NH.sub.2 1% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Leu-L-Leu-NH.sub.2 1% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Ile-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 1% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Leu-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 1% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 1% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 5% in emulsion or cream
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH 1% in emulsion or cream N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OEt 1%
in emulsion or cream N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2 0.6% in emulsion
or cream N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNHAc 0.7% in emulsion or cream
Example 5
[0116] A typical solution composition containing a bioactive
dipeptide derivative of the present invention was formulated as
follows.
[0117] A bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present invention,
0.1 g, was dissolved in 99.9 ml solution prepared from 40 parts
water, 40 parts ethanol and 20 parts propylene glycol by volume
(hereinafter referred to as WEP442). The solution thus formulated
contained 0.1% (w/w) bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present
invention in solution composition. Under similar conditions,
solution compositions containing 0.01% to 10%, by weight, bioactive
dipeptide derivative of the present invention were formulated.
[0118] As an illustration, N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 powder, 0.1 g, was
dissolved in 99.9 ml WEP442. The solution composition thus
formulated had pH 5.4, and contained 0.1% (w/w)
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2.
[0119] Under the similar conditions, solution compositions were
formulated as follows, wherein all percentages are by weight:
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2: 0.01%, pH 4.7; 0.05%, pH 5.0; 0.1%, pH
5.4; 0.2%, pH 5.6; 0.4%, pH 5.8; 0.5%, pH 5.9; all in WEP442
N-Ac-L-Ile-L-Ala-OH: 0.4% in WEP442, pH 3.9
N-Ac-L-Leu-L-Ala-OH: 0.4% in WEP442
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-OH: 0.4% in WEP442, pH 3.0
N-Pr-L-Val-L-Ala-OH: 0.4% in WEP442, pH 3.7
N-Ac-L-Cys-L-Cys-NH.sub.2: 0.4% in WEP 442
N-Ac-L-Cys-L-Cys-OH: 0.5% in WEP 442, pH 5.3
N-Ac-L-Ile-Gly-OH: 0.4% in WEP442, pH 3.2
N-Ac-L-Cys-Gly-NH.sub.2: 1% in WEP442, pH 6.4
N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2: 1%, pH 5.3; 2.5%, pH 5.4; 5%, pH 5.4; 10%
pH 5.4; all in WEP442.
N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-OH: 0.4% in WEP442, pH 3.8
N-Pr-L-Leu-Gly-OH: 0.4% in WEP442, pH 3.5
[0120] N-Ac-L-Pro-Gly-OH: 5% in 90 parts water and 10 parts
propylene glycol by volume (WP91), pH 6.6
N-Ac-L-Tyr-Gly-NH.sub.2: 2.5% in WEP442
N-Ac-L-Gln-Gly-NH.sub.2: 2.5% in WEP442
N-Ac-L-Val-Gly-OH: 0.4% in WEP442, pH 3.2
N-Ac-Gly-L-Pro-NH.sub.2: 5% in WEP442
.beta.Ala-L-His-NH.sub.2: 5% in WEP442, pH 6.5
N,N'-DiAc-.beta.Ala-L-His-NH.sub.2: 3% in WEP442, pH 7.0; 4% in
WP82, pH 7.1
N-Ac-Gaba-Gly-NH.sub.2: 5% in WEP442, pH 5.8
N-Ac-.beta.Ala-Gly-NH.sub.2: 5% in WEP442, pH 5.2
N-Ac-Gly-L-Pro-NH.sub.2: 5% in WEP442
N-Ac-L-Cys-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2: 1% in WEP442, pH 6.4
[0121] N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OEt: 1% in a solution prepared from 80
parts ethanol and 20 parts propylene glycol by volume (hereinafter
referred to as EP82)
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2: 0.5%, 1% in EP82; 0.5%, 3% in WEP442, pH
6.7
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH: 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, or 1% in WEP442, all pH
3.7
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2: 0.3% in WEP442, pH 5.8; 2% in
WEP442
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNHAc: 0.3% and 0.5% in WEP442, pH 5.5; 3% in
WEP442
N-Ac-L-Phe-L-Phe-NH.sub.2: 0.4% in WEP442
N-Ac-L-Trp-L-Trp-NH.sub.2: 0.4% in WEP442
[0122] Vehicle control compositions such as WEP442 and EP82 were
prepared in the same manner but without any bioactive dipeptide
derivative of the present invention.
Example 6
[0123] A female subject, age 41, topically applied twice daily
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 3% (w/v) in WEP442, pH 6.7 as prepared in
Example 5, to her left forearm, and a vehicle control WEP442 to her
right forearm for three weeks. After 3 weeks, while there was no
change in skin thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm had
increased 14% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer
calipers as shown in Example 1. After 4 weeks her vehicle treated
right forearm was still loose, relatively thin and wrinkled when
lifted. In contrast, her left forearm was more firm, smooth, plump,
and less wrinkled when lifted. While there was no change in skin
thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased 17%
in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers. This
result indicates that N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 has the potential
of providing therapeutic effects for topical treatment of disturbed
keratinization and aging related changes of skin, nail and
hair.
Example 7
[0124] A female subject, age 52, topically applied twice daily
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 3% (w/v) in WEP442, pH 6.7 as prepared in
Example 5, to her left forearm, and a vehicle control WEP442 to her
right forearm for two weeks. After two weeks her vehicle treated
right forearm was still loose, relatively thin and wrinkled when
lifted. In contrast, her left forearm was more firm, smooth, plump,
and less wrinkled when lifted. While there was no change in skin
thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased 13%
in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers as shown
in Example 1. This result shows that N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 has the
potential of providing therapeutic effects for topical treatment of
disturbed keratinization and aging related changes of skin, nail
and hair.
Example 8
[0125] A female subject, age 51, topically applied twice daily 2%
(w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2 in WEP442 as prepared in Example
5, to her left forearm, and a vehicle control WEP442 to her right
forearm for three weeks. After one week while there was no change
in skin thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm had
increased 15% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer
calipers as shown in Example 1. After three weeks her vehicle
treated right forearm was still loose, relatively thin and wrinkled
when lifted. In contrast, her left forearm was more firm, smooth,
plump, and less wrinkled when lifted. While there was no change in
skin thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased
32% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers. This
result indicates that N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2 has the potential
of providing therapeutic effects for topical treatment of disturbed
keratinization and aging related changes of skin, nail and
hair.
Example 9
[0126] A female subject, age 52, topically applied twice daily 2%
(w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNH2 in WEP442 as prepared in Example 5, to
her left forearm, and a vehicle control WEP442 to her right forearm
for two weeks. After two weeks her vehicle treated right forearm
was still loose, relatively thin and wrinkled when lifted. In
contrast, her left forearm was more firm, smooth, plump, and less
wrinkled when lifted. While there was no change in skin thickness
of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased 14% in skin
thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers as shown in
Example 1. This result indicates that N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2
has the potential for topical treatment of disturbed keratinization
and aging related changes of skin, nail and hair.
Example 10
[0127] A female subject, age 51, topically applied twice daily 3%
(w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNHAc in WEP442 as prepared in Example 5,
to her left forearm, and a vehicle control WEP442 to her right
forearm for three weeks. After one week while there was no change
in skin thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm had
increased 21% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer
calipers as shown in Example 1. After three weeks her vehicle
treated right forearm was still loose, relatively thin and wrinkled
when lifted. In contrast, her left forearm was more firm, smooth,
plump, and less wrinkled when lifted. While there was no change in
skin thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased
32% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers. This
result shows that N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNHAc has the potential of
providing therapeutic effects for topical treatment of disturbed
keratinization and aging related changes of skin, nail and
hair.
Example 11
[0128] A female subject, age 73, topically applied twice daily 3%
(w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 in WEP442 as prepared in Example 5, to
her left forearm, and a vehicle control WEP442 to her right forearm
for 4 weeks. After 2 weeks, there was no change in skin thickness
of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased 19% in skin
thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers as shown in
Example 1. At the end of 4 weeks, her vehicle treated right forearm
was still loose, relatively thin and wrinkled when lifted. In
contrast, her left forearm was more firm, smooth, plump, and less
wrinkled when lifted. While there was no change in skin thickness
of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased 21% in skin
thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers. This result
indicates that N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 has the potential of providing
therapeutic effects for topical treatment of disturbed
keratinization and aging related changes of skin, nail and
hair.
Example 12
[0129] A male subject, age 79, having intensive itch and erythema
on his left arm from insect bites, topically applied 10% (w/w)
N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2 cream as formulated in Example 3 on the
involved lesions. The itch stopped within a few minutes, and the
pruritus did not return for the next 6 hours. The erythema and
inflammation also improved after 12 hours. The result shows that
N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2 has the potential of providing therapeutic
effects for topical treatment of symptoms or syndromes associated
with nerve disorders and inflammation.
Example 13
[0130] A male subject, age 80, having chronic inflammation,
erythema, eczema with thick scales and itch on his right leg for
more than 10 years, failed to respond with conventional treatments
including topical corticosteroids. The involved skin was divided
into two lesions for testing. The subject topically applied twice
daily to one lesion 0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 solution
composition, pH 6.7 prepared from 4 parts water, 76 parts ethanol
and 20 parts propylene glycol by volume, and to second lesion 0.4%
(w/v) N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 in WEP442 solution composition, pH
5.8 as shown in Example 5. The itch stopped within a few minutes,
and the thick scales of both lesions started to disappear in the
next few days. At the end of 4 weeks, the erythema and thick scales
of both lesions disappeared almost completely and the treated skin
sites were smooth, soft, even-toned, brighter and more elastic when
the skin was stretched. The treated skin appeared much lighter in
skin color as compared to the surrounding untreated skin site. The
treated skin had 95-100% improvement as judged by clinical
evaluation. The result shows that both N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2
and N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 have the potential of providing
therapeutic effects for topical treatment of symptoms or syndromes
associated with nerve disorders, disturbed keratinization, aging
skin, wrinkles, age spots, hyperpigmentation, inflammation,
deranged immune system, and for skin lightening.
Example 14
[0131] A female subject, age 87, having chronic inflammation,
dermatitis, or eczema with thick scales and itch on her right leg
for more than 7 years, failed to respond with conventional
treatments including topical corticosteroids. The subject topically
applied twice daily 10% (w/w) N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH2 cream as
formulated in Example 3 on the involved lesions. The itch stopped
within a few minutes, and the thick scales started to disappear in
the next few days. At the end of one week, the treated skin had 50%
improvement as judged by clinical evaluation. The result shows that
N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH2 has the potential of providing therapeutic
effects for topical treatment of symptoms or syndromes associated
with nerve disorders, disturbed keratinization, inflammation and
deranged immune system.
Example 15
[0132] A female subject, age 50, having chronic inflammation,
dermatitis, or eczema with scales, erythema and itch for more than
15 years, failed to respond with conventional treatments including
topical corticosteroids. The subject topically applied twice daily
7% (w/w) N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2 oil-in-water emulsion as
formulated in Example 3 on the involved lesions. The itch stopped
within a few minutes, and the lesions improved for the next few
days. At the end of 10 days, the scales and erythema disappeared
almost completely and the treated skin had 90-100% improvement as
judged by clinical evaluation. The result shows that
N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2 has the potential for topical treatment of
symptoms or syndromes associated with nerve disorders, disturbed
keratinization, inflammation and deranged immune system.
Example 16
[0133] A female subject, age 43, having chronic inflammation,
dermatitis, or eczema with scales, erythema and itch covering large
areas of the body for many years, failed to respond with
conventional treatments including topical corticosteroids. The
subject topically applied twice daily on the involved lesions 6%
(w/w) N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH2 oil-in-water emulsion as formulated in
Example 3. The itch stopped within a few minutes, and the lesions
improved for the next few days. At the end of 10 days, the scales
and erythema disappeared almost completely and the treated skin had
95% improvement as judged by clinical evaluation. The result shows
that N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH2 has the potential for topical treatment of
symptoms or syndromes associated with nerve disorders, disturbed
keratinization, inflammation and deranged immune system.
Example 17
[0134] A male subject, age 80, having chronic inflammation and
eczema with thick scales and itch on his legs, failed to respond
with conventional treatments including topical corticosteroids. The
subject topically applied twice daily to one leg 2% (w/v)
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 cream as formulated in Example 2, and to
another leg 0.5% (w/w) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNHAc in WEP442, pH 5.5 as
formulated in Example 5, on the involved lesions. For both treated
legs, the itch stopped within a few minutes, and the thick scales
started to disappear in the next few days. The eczema lesions also
improved substantially over the next few weeks, and the skin became
soft and smooth. At the end of four weeks, the treated legs had
95-100% improvement as judged by clinical evaluations. The results
show that the dipeptide derivatives of the present invention have
the potential for topical treatment of symptoms or syndromes
associated with nerve disorders, disturbed keratinization,
inflammation and deranged immune system.
Example 18
[0135] A male subject, age 79, developed skin allergy from eating
shellfish with intensive itch and reddish papules on his back and
thighs that failed to respond with conventional treatments
including topical corticosteroids. The subject topically applied
twice daily 0.5% (w/w) N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 cream as
formulated in Example 2 on the involved lesions. The itch stopped
within a few minutes, and the reddish papules started to disappear
in the next few days. At the end of 5 days, the treated skin had
75% improvement as judged by clinical evaluation. The result shows
that N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 has the potential for topical
treatment of symptoms or syndromes associated with nerve disorders,
inflammation and deranged immune system.
Example 19
[0136] A male subject, age 80, having inflammatory dermatitis on
both arms with erythema and intensive itch and failed to respond
with conventional treatments including topical corticosteroids. The
subject topically applied twice daily 0.4% (w/v)
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH in WEP442, pH 3.7 as formulated in Example 5 on
the involved lesions. The itch stopped within a few minutes, and
the erythema started to disappear in the next few days. At the end
of one week, the treated skin had 95% improvement as judged by
clinical evaluation. The result shows that N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH has
the potential for topical treatment of symptoms or syndromes
associated with nerve disorders and inflammation.
Example 20
[0137] A male subject, age 80, having chronic eczema with intensive
itch, failed to respond with conventional treatments including
topical corticosteroids. The subject took 1 mg N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH
powder under the tongue until it was dissolved completely. The same
dose was taken twice daily for the next three days. Systemic
administration of N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH under the tongue did not
provoke any irritation or side reactions. Such systemic
administration of the bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present
invention is believed to have the potential of treating diseases,
symptoms or syndromes associated with immune, tumors, cancers,
nervous, vascular, musculoskeletal, cutaneous system, or other
tissues and systems.
Example 21
[0138] A typical in vitro screen for anti-inflammatory effects was
carried out as follows.
[0139] THP-1 leukemia cells (monocytic leukemic human cell line)
were cultured and either untreated or treated with a bioactive
dipeptide derivative (100 .mu.g/ml) of the present invention for 24
hours. The untreated or treated leukemia cells were then treated
with angiocidin (10 .mu.g/ml) for 24 hours to induce interleukin-6
(IL-6) which was an indicator of the inflammation. The induced IL-6
was measured quantitatively by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay). The test results showed that N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 inhibited
the production of IL-6 by approximately 70%. Therefore, the
bioactive dipeptide derivatives of the present invention, such as
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2, have the potential use as nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory substances.
Example 22
[0140] In one embodiment, a composition containing a bioactive
dipeptide derivative of the present invention for systemic
administration can be prepared as follows.
[0141] For injection administration, a composition can be prepared
with or without a thickening agent, such as methyl cellulose.
Methyl cellulose 1% (w/v) in water solution was prepared by adding
1 g methyl cellulose in 90 ml water, and the mixture was gently
homogenized. More water was added to make the final volume of 100
ml. The vehicle composition thus prepared contained 1% (w/v) methyl
cellulose as a thickener. N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2, 100 mg, was
dissolved in 5 ml water with or without 1% (w/v) methyl cellulose,
and the solutions in injection vials were sterilized at 1000 C for
30 minutes. The compositions thus obtained contained 2% (w/v) or 20
mg/ml N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 suitable for intra-articular,
intralesional, or subcutaneous injection, or other systemic
administration.
[0142] Under the same conditions, the following compositions for
systemic administration were prepared, all percentages are by
weight: 2% or 20 mg/ml N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNH2 in water with or
without 1% methyl cellulose; 2% or 20 mg/ml N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNHAc
in water with or without 1% methyl cellulose; 0.2% or 2 mg/ml
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 in water with or without 1% methyl cellulose;
and 0.2% or 2 mg/ml N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH in water with or without 1%
methyl cellulose.
Example 23
[0143] Bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present invention as
potential treatment of knee osteoarthritis by intra-articular
injections.
[0144] A male subject, age 90, had severe osteoarthritis of both
knees for four and half years. Prior therapy had included
intra-articular injections of corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid
as well as celecoxib (Celebrex) orally (200 mg) twice daily. Such
therapy had provided only mild transitory relief of knee pain and
edema, and edema of lower legs.
[0145] Intra-articular injections of 0.2% (w/v)
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 in water, 1 ml (2 mg) as prepared in Example
22 were administered to each knee. The pains in both knees
disappeared 10-15 minutes after the injections, and the relief of
pains lasted for 24 hours. Edema and inflammation of the knees and
lower legs had diminished for approximately the same 24 hour
period. Repeat injections of the same composition were administered
once a week for five weeks to provide continued relief of pain,
edema and inflammation.
[0146] In another trial, intra-articular injections of 0.2% (w/v)
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 with 1% (w/v) methyl cellulose in water, 0.4
ml (0.8 mg) as prepared in Example 22 were also administered to
each knee at different times. The pains in both knees disappeared
10-15 minutes after the injections, and the relief of pains lasted
for 24 hours. Edema and inflammation of the knees and lower legs
had diminished for approximately the same 24 hour period.
[0147] The above results show that N-acyldipeptide derivatives of
the present invention have the potential of treating inflammation,
arthritis, pain, other immune and nerve disorders via systemic
administration.
Example 24
[0148] A typical combination composition for synergetic,
synergistic or additive effects was prepared as follows.
[0149] N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 400 mg and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG)
400 mg were dissolved in 90 ml solution prepared from water 40
parts, ethanol 40 parts and propylene glycol 20 parts by volume
(WEP442), and the final volume was made up to 100 ml. The
composition thus prepared had pH 5.6, and contained 0.4% (w/v)
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 and 0.4% (w/v) NAG.
[0150] A female subject, age 41, had inflammatory lesions on her
left arm with intensive itch and reddish papules that failed to
respond with conventional treatments including topical
corticosteroids. The subject topically applied twice daily the
above combination composition containing 0.4% N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2
and 0.4% NAG on the involved lesions. The itch stopped within a few
minutes, and the reddish papules started to disappear in the next
few days. At the end of 5 days, the treated skin had more than 90%
improvement as judged by clinical evaluation. The treated skin
sites showed that the skin was smooth and soft to touch and
appearance. The result shows that the combination of
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 and NAG has synergetic or synergistic effects,
and can improve the lesions faster than the non-combination
composition. It is believed that the combination composition has
the potential for topical treatment of symptoms or syndromes
associated with disturbed keratinization, nerve disorders,
inflammation and deranged immune system.
Example 25
[0151] As an another illustration, N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2, 500 mg,
and hydrocortisone-17-valerate, 200 mg, were dissolved in 90 ml
solution prepared from 80 parts ethanol and 20 parts propylene
glycol by volume (EP82), and the final volume was made up to 100
ml. The composition thus prepared contained 0.5% (w/v)
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 and 0.2% (w/v)
hydrocortisone-17-valerate.
[0152] A male subject, age 80, had chronic eczema on his right leg
with intensive itch and thick scales, which failed to respond with
conventional treatments including topical corticosteroids. The
subject topically applied twice daily the above combination
composition containing 0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 and 0.2%
(w/v) hydrocortisone-17-valerate on the involved lesions. The itch
stopped within a few minutes, and the thick scales started to
disappear in the next few days. At the end of 7 days, the treated
skin had 80% improvement as judged by clinical evaluation. The
treated skin sites showed that the skin was smooth and soft to the
touch and appearance. The result shows that the combination of
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 and hydrocortisone-17-valerate has synergetic
or synergistic effects, and can improve the lesions much faster
than the non-combination composition. Thus, the combination
composition has the potential for topical treatment of symptoms or
syndromes associated with disturbed keratinization, nerve
disorders, inflammation and deranged immune system.
Example 26
[0153] A male subject, age 41, had inflammatory eczema on his left
hand with itch, erythema and some scales for 6 months, which failed
to respond with conventional treatments including topical
corticosteroids. The subject topically applied twice daily the
combination composition containing 0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2
and 0.2% (w/v) hydrocortisone-17-valerate as described in Example
25 on the involved lesions. The itch stopped within a few minutes,
and the erythema and scales started to disappear in the next few
days. At the end of 5 days, the treated skin had 75% improvement as
judged by clinical evaluation. The treated skin sites showed that
the skin was smooth and soft to the touch and appearance. The
result shows that the combination of N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 and
hydrocortisone-17-valerate has synergetic or synergistic effects,
and can improve the lesions much faster than the non-combination
composition. Thus, the combination composition has the potential
for topical treatment of symptoms or syndromes associated with
disturbed keratinization, nerve disorders, inflammation and
deranged immune system.
Example 27
[0154] A typical example of a topical administration for systemic
therapeutic effects was carried out as follows. A male subject, age
80, having sprained his left leg near the knee with inflammation
for several weeks had severe pain each time walking. Massage
therapy and conventional treatments provided only a temporary
relief. The subject topically applied and rubbed 0.4% (w/v)
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 in WEP442, pH 5.8 as prepared in Example 5
onto the left thigh and calf sites of skin for 30 seconds at night.
The next morning, the subject was surprised to discover that he
could walk slowly without feeling any pain on his left leg. The
inflammation in his left leg also subsided significantly. The
clinical evaluation showed that he had approximately 75%
improvement on his left leg.
[0155] The above result shows that topical administration of a
bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present invention has the
potential of providing therapeutic effects for pain, inflammation
and arthritis.
Example 28
[0156] A male subject, age 80, had a skin cut with an open wound
about 2 cm long and a feeling of moderate pain on his left leg. The
subject topically applied twice daily 0.5% (w/w)
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 cream as formulated in Example 2 on the wound.
The pain stopped within a few minutes, and the wound started to
heal in the next few days. At the end of 5 days, the wound had
healed nearly completely, and treated skin appeared normal without
any signs of scar formation. The wound had 95-100% improvement as
judged by clinical evaluation. The result shows that
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 has the potential for topical treatment of
skin wounds.
Example 29
[0157] Stretch marks, known as striae, are visible linear scars
caused by changes in collagen fibers and over stretching of the
skin. Stretch marks are quite common in most adult women, and they
readily develop at puberty or during pregnancy. They are also very
common in obese people with sudden loss of weight. At present,
there is no cure or effective treatment.
[0158] A male subject, age 41, having lost a total of about 60
pounds from overweight over the last 10 years, developed multiple
lesions of stretch marks over the body. The subject selected two
separate lesions of stretch marks, and topically applied twice
daily 0.5% (w/w) N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 cream (Example 2) on one
lesion and 0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 solution in WEP442, pH
6.7 (Example 5) on the other lesion with untreated lesions of
stretch marks as a control.
[0159] In contrast to untreated lesions, the treated lesions of
stretch marks slowly improved over the next few weeks. At the end
of four weeks, the fine lines of stretch marks started to
disappear, and deeper lines became less deep. The treated lesions
had approximately 25% improvement as judged by clinical
evaluation.
[0160] The above results show that a bioactive dipeptide derivative
of the present invention has the potential of providing therapeutic
effects via topical administration to treat stretch marks, skin
atrophy, skin scars, skin thinning, and other skin defects caused
by changes to dermal components including collagen and elastic
fibers.
Example 30
[0161] A male subject, age 42, had multiple lesions of insect bites
(mosquitoes) over the face and arms with itch and inflammatory
lesions of more than 1 cm in size. For testing purposes, the
subject divided the lesions into three groups: the first group was
treated with vehicle control, the second and third groups were
treated with active compositions. The subject topically applied
twice daily 0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 solution in
WEP442, pH 5.9 on the lesions of the second group, and 0.5% (w/v)
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 solution in WEP442, pH 6.7 (Example 5) on
the lesions of the third group. While there was no immediate effect
in the lesions treated with vehicle control in the first group, the
itch stopped completely within a few minutes of topical
applications in the second and third groups. The lesions in the
second and third groups also started to improve over the next few
days. At the end of three days, while there was no discernible
change in the lesions treated with vehicle control in the first
group, the lesions in the second and third groups had 90-100%
improvement with nearly complete disappearance of inflammatory
lesions.
[0162] The above results show that bioactive dipeptide derivatives
of the present invention have the potential of providing
therapeutic effects via topical administration to treat insect
bites, inflammation, pain, other immune and nerve disorders.
Example 31
[0163] A male subject, age 42, having a sprained right shoulder
with inflammation and pain caused by heavy lifting 6 weeks earlier
did not respond to conventional treatments. The subject topically
applied twice daily 0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 in WEP442
solution, pH 6.7 as prepared in Example 5. After three days of
topical application, the pain disappeared completely and the
inflammation diminished substantially. At the end of 5 days, the
right shoulder had 90% improvement as determined by clinical
evaluation. The result shows that the bioactive dipeptide
derivative of the present invention has the potential for treating
pain and inflammation of joints by topical administration.
Example 32
[0164] A male subject, age 41, having muscle pain in both arms with
inflammation caused by heavy lifting several weeks earlier did not
improve with the conventional treatments. The subject topically
applied twice daily 0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 in WEP442
solution, pH 6.7 as prepared in Example 5 to the affected area of
skin. The pain diminished with less inflammation over the next day.
At the end of five days, the pain and inflammation disappeared
completely, and the arms had 95%-100% improvement as determined by
clinical evaluation.
[0165] The result shows that the bioactive dipeptide derivative of
the present invention has the potential of treating pain and
inflammation of muscles by topical administration.
Example 33
[0166] A female subject, age 52, had multiple lesions of chigger
bites (grass mites) over the legs with intensive itch and red
inflammatory lesions. The subject topically applied twice daily
0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 solution in WEP442, pH 6.7
(Example 5) on the lesions. The itch stopped within a few minutes
after the topical application, and the red inflammatory lesions
started to clear over the next few days. At the end of five days,
all red and inflammatory lesions disappeared completely, and the
treated skin appeared normal. The lesions on the legs had 100%
improvement as judged by clinical evaluation.
[0167] The above result shows that bioactive dipeptide derivatives
of the present invention have the potential of providing
therapeutic effects via topical administration to treat insect
bites, inflammation, pain, other immune and nerve disorders.
Example 34
[0168] A female subject, age 73, topically applied twice daily 1%
(w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH in WEP442 as prepared in Example 5, to
her left forearm, and a vehicle control WEP442 to her right forearm
for 4 weeks. After 2 weeks, there was no change in skin thickness
of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased 16% in skin
thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers as shown in
Example 1. At the end of 4 weeks, her vehicle treated right forearm
was still loose, relatively thin and wrinkled when lifted. In
contrast, her left forearm was more firm, smooth, plump, and less
wrinkled when lifted. While there was no change in skin thickness
of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased 17% in skin
thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers. This result
indicates that N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH has the potential for topical
treatment of disturbed keratinization and aging related changes of
skin, nail and hair.
Example 35
[0169] A female subject, age 41, topically applied twice daily 3%
(w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNHAc in WEP442 as prepared in Example 5,
to her left forearm, and a vehicle control WEP442 to her right
forearm for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks, there was no change in skin
thickness of her right forearm, and her left forearm had increased
7% in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers as
shown in Example 1. At the end of 6 weeks, her vehicle treated
right forearm was still loose, relatively thin and wrinkled when
lifted. In contrast, her left forearm was more firm, smooth, plump,
and less wrinkled when lifted. While there was no change in skin
thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased 23%
in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers. This
result indicates that N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH has the potential for
topical treatment of disturbed keratinization and aging related
changes of skin, nail and hair.
Example 36
[0170] A female subject, age 41, topically applied twice daily
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH 1% (w/v) in WEP442 as prepared in Example 5, to
her left forearm, and a vehicle control WEP442 to her right forearm
for one week. At the end of one week, her vehicle treated right
forearm was still loose, relatively thin and wrinkled when lifted.
In contrast, her left forearm was more firm, smooth, plump, and
less wrinkled when lifted. While there was no change in skin
thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased 16%
in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers as shown
in Example 1. This result indicates that N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH has
the potential for topical treatment of disturbed keratinization and
aging related changes of skin, nail and hair.
Example 37
[0171] A female subject, age 59, topically applied twice daily 3%
(w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 in WEP442, pH 6.7 as prepared in Example
5, to her left forearm, and a vehicle control WEP442 to her right
forearm for 4 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks, her vehicle treated
right forearm was still loose, relatively thin and wrinkled when
lifted. In contrast, her left forearm was more firm, smooth, plump,
and less wrinkled when lifted. While there was no change in skin
thickness of her right forearm, her left forearm had increased 21%
in skin thickness as measured by the micrometer calipers as shown
in Example 1. This result indicates that N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 has
the potential for topical treatment of disturbed keratinization and
aging related changes of skin, nail and hair.
Example 38
[0172] A male subject, age 80, had multiple varicose veins in his
right lower leg for many years resistant to any kind of topical
treatments including high potency alpha-hydroxyacids. The lesions
of varicose veins covered an area of skin measuring 5 cm.times.10
cm and appeared more prominent with advancing age. The subject
topically applied twice daily 0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2
in WEP442 solution as prepared in Example 5. At the end of four
weeks, the lesions of varicose veins appeared less prominent. It is
believed that continued topical application will eradicate the
varicose veins. This result indicates that
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 has the potential for topical treatment
of varicose veins.
Example 39
[0173] A male subject, age 41, performed pushups routinely with a
maximal number of about 100 in one hour. The subject topically
applied 0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 in WEP442, pH 6.9 solution
as prepared in Example 5 to ease the tight muscles on the upper
chest about 30 minutes before the exercise. The subject was
surprised to find that after the topical application he could now
perform pushups with a maximal number of about 200 in one hour
without feeling tired. The subject repeated the performance next
day with the same enhanced result. To make sure that the enhanced
effect on the muscles was not due to the vehicle solution, in the
following day the subject topically applied WEP442 solution to the
same upper chest about 30 minutes before the exercise. This time
the subject could not perform the same number of pushups as
before.
[0174] The above results show that the bioactive dipeptide
derivative of the present invention has the potential of enhancing
muscle strength and optimizing exercise performance.
Example 40
[0175] A female subject, age 45, having chronic inflammation or
eczema with scales, erythema and itch covering large areas of the
body for many years, failed to respond by conventional treatments
including topical corticosteroids. The subject topically applied
twice daily on one set of involved lesions, 0.6% (w/w)
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNH2 cream (Example 4) for two weeks. The itch
stopped a few minutes after the topical application. At the end of
two weeks, the scales and erythema diminished substantially and the
treated skin had 75% improvement as judged by clinical evaluation.
The subject also topically applied twice daily on another set of
involved lesions, 0.7% (w/w) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNHAc cream (Example
4) for two weeks. The itch stopped immediately after the topical
application. At the end of two weeks, the scales and erythema
disappeared completely, and the treated skin was smooth and
appeared normal. The treated lesions had 100% improvement as judged
by clinical evaluation. The results show that the dipeptide
derivatives of the present invention have the potential for topical
treatment of symptoms or syndromes associated with nerve disorders,
disturbed keratinization, inflammation and deranged immune
system.
Example 41
[0176] A male subject, age 90, had severe arthritis of both knees
with edema and pain for many years. The conventional therapy had
provided only temporary relief of knee pain and edema. The subject
took N-Ac-L-Pro-Gly-NH.sub.2 (1 mg) sublingually and kept the
dipeptide under the tongue for 15 minutes before swallowing. After
a few hours, the edema and pain diminished substantially. The above
result shows that the dipeptide derivative of the present invention
has the potential of treating inflammation, arthritis, pain, other
immune and nerve disorders via systemic administration.
Example 42
[0177] A male subject, age 80, had fungal infections of two toe
nails for many years.
[0178] Topical treatments with clotrimazole and salicylic acid with
or without glycolic acid had not been successful, as shown by the
persistent appearance of white and sandy nail plates. The subject
topically applied twice daily to one infected nail plate, 0.5%
(w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 in WEP442, pH 6.7 (Example 5), and
to another infected nail plate, 0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNHAc
in WEP442, pH 5.5 (Example 5) for several months. After several
weeks of topical applications, the white and sandy appearance of
both nail plates started to change gradually. Continued topical
applications of the formulations should eradicate the nail
infections, and the toe nails should start to grow normally. The
above result shows that the dipeptide derivatives of the present
invention have the potential of treating nail infections and other
infections caused by microorganisms.
Example 43
[0179] A female subject, age 73, had multiple age spots including
lentigines and keratosis on her face. Topical treatments with
conventional medications including hydroquinone with or without
glycolic acid had been unsuccessful. The subject topically applied
twice daily to the left side of her face 1% (w/v)
N-Ac-L-Cys-L-Tyr-NH2 in WEP442, pH 6.4 (Example 5), and to the
right side of her face 0.4% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Cys-L-Cys-NH2 in WEP442
(Example 5) for several months. After 4 weeks of topical
applications, the age spot lesions on both sides of her face
started to improve noticeably as shown by the lighter color in
appearance. Continued topical applications of the formulations
should improve or eradicate lentigines and keratosis of the face.
The above result shows that the dipeptide derivatives of the
present invention have the potential of treating aging related skin
changes including age spots and also for skin lightening.
Example 44
[0180] A male subject, age 41, routinely took a shower every
morning, then topically applied a conventional antiperspirant
product on the underarm skin to prevent perspiration. To test the
efficacy of the N-acyldipeptide derivative of the present
invention, the subject after the shower, topically applied 0.5%
(w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 in WEP442, pH 6.7 (Example 5) on
the left underarm and a control vehicle WEP442 on the right
underarm. After two hours, there was profuse sweating in the right
underarm as evidenced by the wet shirt in the armpit area. In
contrast, there was no sweating in the left underarm as shown by
the dry shirt in the armpit area. The left underarm was dry for the
next 6-8 hours. The above result shows that N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2
has the potential for topical application to reduce or prevent
perspiration or sweating of underarm, crotch, palm, or other parts
of the body.
Example 45
[0181] Typical examples of improving eye vision are described as
follows.
[0182] A male subject, age 41, wore eyeglasses in both eyes for
near-sightedness (myopia), and had a routine eye checkup every
year. Each time his vision in both eyes got worse, and he required
changes in contact lenses in past years. This time, 6 weeks before
his checkup, the subject topically applied twice daily 0.5% (w/v)
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 in WEP442, pH 6.7 (Example 5) on the skin
around and outside of eye areas and periorbital regions for 6
weeks. During the checkup, the subject and the optometrist were
surprised to find that vision in both eyes did not worsen this
time, and there was no need to change the prescription for his
eyeglasses. The above result shows that N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NH.sub.2 has
the potential for topical application to improve eye vision.
[0183] A male subject, age 43, wore contact lenses in both eyes for
near-sightedness (myopia), and had a routine eye checkup every
year. Each time his vision in both eyes worsened, and he required
changes in the prescription for his contact lenses in the past
years. This time, one month before his checkup, the subject
topically applied once daily 0.5% (w/v) N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 in
WEP442, pH 6.7 (Example 5) on the skin around and outside of eye
areas and periorbital regions for 4 weeks. During the checkup, the
subject and the optometrist were surprised to find that vision in
both eyes did not worsen this time, and there was no need to change
the prescription for his contact lenses. The above result shows
that N-Ac-Tyr-Tyr-NH2 has the potential for topical application to
improve eye vision.
Example 46
[0184] A typical in vitro screen for anti-tumor or anti-cancer
effects was carried out as follows.
[0185] An aliquot of 2,000 MB231 breast cancer cells (breast
carcinoma cells) in 100 .mu.l DMEM complete media (Sigma Chemical
Co.) was plated in a 96 well plate containing at a concentration of
20 .mu.g/ml a test substance or control water. To measure
proliferation of the cancer cells, an aliquot of 20 .mu.l of MTS
reagent (Promega Co.) was added to each well and the cells were
incubated at 370 C for a total of three days. The cells rapidly
metabolized MTS reagent and the metabolized MTS reagent was
measured at 490 nm at the end of days 1, 2 and 3. The reading was
proportional to the number of cancer cells. The decrease in
absorbance at each time point indicated fewer cancer cells. At the
end of day 3, the decrease in absorbance with respect to the
control indicated the inhibition by the test substance. The test
showed that N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 had inhibited the growth of breast
cancer cells by approximately 12% at the end of 3 days of
incubation. The above result shows that N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2
has the potential for treatment of breast cancers.
Supplementary Test Results and Summary
[0186] In addition to the above Examples, additional test results
and summary are described in the following sections.
[0187] In one embodiment, a composition for topical application to
test its therapeutic effect was formulated by dissolving a
bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present invention in a
solution prepared from 40 parts water, 40 parts ethanol and 20
parts propylene glycol by volume (WEP442).
[0188] In another embodiment, a composition was formulated by
dissolving a bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present
invention in a non-aqueous solution prepared from 80 parts ethanol
and 20 parts propylene glycol by volume (EP82).
[0189] In yet another embodiment, a composition was formulated
first by dissolving a bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present
invention in a solution prepared from 80 parts water and 20 parts
propylene glycol by volume (WP82), and the solution thus prepared
was mixed with an oil-in-water emulsion or cream.
[0190] The concentration of the bioactive ingredient in test
solution or cream generally can range from about 0.001% to about
99.9%, with preferred concentration of about 0.01% to 30%, with
more preferred concentration of about 0.1% to 10% by weight or by
volume (solution composition) of the total composition.
[0191] As an illustration, 0.4 g of N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 as a white
powder was dissolved in a solution prepared from 40 parts water, 40
parts ethanol and 20 parts propylene glycol by volume (WEP442), and
the total volume of the solution was made up to 100 ml. The
solution composition thus formulated had pH 5.8 and contained 0.4%
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 in WEP442. Under the same conditions, test
solution compositions containing various N-acyldipeptide
derivatives of the present invention were prepared in WEP442 with
concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 10%.
[0192] As an another illustration, 1.0 g of
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 as a white powder was dissolved in a
solution prepared from 80 parts ethanol and 20 parts propylene
glycol or 80 parts 95% alcohol and 20 parts propylene glycol by
volume (WEP4:76:20), and the total volume of the solution was made
up to 100 ml. The solution composition thus formulated contained 1%
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 in EP82 or WEP4:76:20 respectively. Under
the same conditions, test solution compositions containing various
N-acyldipeptide derivatives of the present invention were prepared
in EP82 or WEP with concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 10%.
[0193] As a further illustration, 0.3 g of N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2 as
white powder was dissolved in 30 ml warm solution prepared from 80
parts water and 20 parts propylene glycol by volume. The solution
thus prepared was mixed with 69.7 g oil-in-water emulsion or cream.
The composition thus formulated contained 0.3% N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH2
in an emulsion or cream composition. Under the same conditions,
oil-in-water or cream compositions containing various
N-acyldipeptide derivatives of the present invention were
formulated with concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 10% by weight
of the total composition.
[0194] A test composition containing a bioactive dipeptide
derivative of the present invention for systemic administration was
prepared according to Example 22.
[0195] For injection administration, a composition was prepared
with or without a thickening agent, such as methyl cellulose. As an
illustration, N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2, 100 mg, was dissolved in 5 ml
water, and the solution was sterilized in an injection vial. The
compositions thus prepared contained 2% (w/w) or 20 mg/ml
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH2 suitable for intra-articular, intra-lesion, or
subcutaneous injection, or other systemic administration.
[0196] Under the same conditions, the following compositions for
systemic administration were prepared: 2% or 20 mg/ml
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2 in water with or without 1% methyl
cellulose; 2% or 20 mg/ml N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNHAc in water with or
without 1% methyl cellulose; 0.2% or 2 mg/ml
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 in water with or without 1% methyl
cellulose; and 0.2% or 2 mg/ml N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH in water with or
without 1% methyl cellulose.
[0197] Volunteer Subjects:
[0198] In these studies, the participating subjects were as
follows:
Subject 1. Male, age 78, had multiple red and itchy inflammation,
dermatitis, or eczema lesions, which were resistant to conventional
treatments including corticosteroids. Subject 2. Female, age 31,
had small red and itchy lesions which were resistant to topical
corticosteroid treatment. Subject 3. Female, age 43, had multiple
red and itchy inflammation, dermatitis, or eczema lesions over the
body for many years, which were resistant to conventional
treatments including corticosteroids. Subject 4. Female, age 50,
had red and itchy inflammation, dermatitis, or eczema lesions for
many years, which were resistant to topical corticosteroid
treatment. Subject 5. Female, age 41, had early stage of aging
related skin changes on both forearms as indicated by age spots and
wrinkled skin caused by solar damage. Subject 6. Female, age 52,
had age spots, keratoses and wrinkles on both forearms caused by
intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Subject 7. Female, age 51, had age
spots, and wrinkles on both forearms caused by intrinsic and
extrinsic aging. Subject 8. Male, age 90, had osteoarthritis of
both knees with inflammation and pain for more than 4 years, and
had only mild transitory relief from conventional treatments.
Subject 9. Female, age 41, had sensitive skin with inflammatory
lesions on the body. Subject 10. Male, age 42, had mosquito bites
and inflammatory lesions on the body. Subject 11. Male, age 41, had
stretch marks all over the body due to massive weight loss. Subject
12. Male, age 41, had dermatitis and inflammatory lesions on the
left palm. Subject 13. Female, age 52, had chigger bites with
multiple lesions on her legs. Subject 14. Female, age 73, had
multiple age spots including lentigines and keratosis on her
face.
[0199] Other subjects with various skin and medical conditions and
disorders also participated in the present tests and studies.
[0200] Test Methods.
[0201] In one embodiment, the test compositions containing
N-acyldipeptide derivatives of the present invention were tested in
an in vitro screen for their biological efficacy in cell cultures
as described in Examples 21 and 46.
[0202] In another embodiment, the volunteer subject topically
applied the test compositions containing N-acyldipeptide
derivatives of the present invention on involved skin or lesions
once or twice daily for several weeks or until the involved lesions
completely cleared and clinically changed to normal skin. As a
control study, the subject also topically applied a vehicle control
composition on the involved skin or lesions twice daily for the
same period.
[0203] In yet another embodiment, the volunteer subject topically
applied once or twice daily the test compositions containing
N-acyldipeptide derivatives of the present invention on the skin
site above arthritic joints or painful muscles to provide
therapeutic effects for the systemic disorders via topical
administration.
[0204] In yet another embodiment, the volunteer subject injected
intra-articularly into a knee joint a test composition containing a
bioactive dipeptide derivative of the present invention to improve
and reduce arthritic inflammation and pain of the joint.
[0205] Some test results are summarized as follows.
DK: Disturbed keratinization AG: Aging related changes of skin,
nail and hair DI: Deranged immune disorders and inflammation ND:
Nerve disorders
1+: 25% Efficacy 2+: 50% Efficacy 3+: 75% Efficacy 4+: 95-100%
Efficacy
TABLE-US-00001 [0206] Ala Peptide Derivative DK AG DI ND
N-Ac-L-Ile-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 4+ 4+ N-Ac-L-Ile-L-Ala-OH 2+ 2+ 2+
2+ N-Ac-L-Leu-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 3+ 3+ 4+ 4+ N-Ac-L-Leu-L-Ala-OH 2+ 2+
3+ 3+ N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-NH.sub.2 4+ 4+ 4+ 4+ also for joints,
muscles, breast cancer N-Ac-L-Val-L-Ala-OH 2+ 2+ 3+ 4+
N-Pr-L-Val-L-Ala-OH 2+ 2+ 3+ 4+ N-Ac-L-Cys-L-Cys-NH.sub.2 2+ 3+ 2+
2+ also for age spots N-Ac-L-Cys-L-Cys-OH 2+ 3+ 2+ 2+ also for age
spots N-Ac-.beta.-Ala-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+
N-Ac-L-Asn-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-Abz-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 3+
3+ N-Ac-L-Cys-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-Gaba-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+
2+ 2+ N-Ac-Gly-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-L-Gln-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+
2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-L-His-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+
N-Ac-L-Ile-Gly-NH.sub.2 3+ 3+ 4+ 4+ N-Ac-L-Ile-Gly-OH 2+ 2+ 3+ 4+
N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-NH.sub.2 3+ 3+ 4+ 4+ N-Ac-L-Leu-Gly-OH 2+ 2+ 3+ 3+
N-Pr-L-Leu-Gly-OH 2+ 2+ 3+ 3+ N-Ac-L-Pro-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 3+ 4+
N-Ac-L-Ser-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-L-Tyr-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+
2+ 2+ N-Z-L-Tyr-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-L-Val-Gly-NH.sub.2 2+
2+ 4+ 4+ N-Ac-L-Val-Gly-OH 2+ 2+ 3+ 4+
N-Ac-.beta.Ala-L-His-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+
N,N'-diAc-.beta.Ala-L-His-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+
N-Ac-L-Ala-L-Ile-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 3+ 3+ N-Ac-L-Ile-L-Ile-NH.sub.2 3+
2+ 3+ 4+ N-Ac-L-Leu-L-Leu-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+
N-Ac-Gly-L-Pro-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-L-Cys-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+
2+ 3+ N-Ac-L-Ile-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+
N-Ac-L-Leu-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 4+
4+ 4+ 4+ also for joints, muscles, infections
N-Ac-L-Val-L-Tyr-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OH 3+ 4+ 3+
4+ N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-OEt 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNH.sub.2 3+
3+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Tyr-NHNHAc 4+ 3+ 4+ 4+ also for infections
N-Ac-L-Tyr-L-Hpg-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-L-Phe-L-Phe-NH.sub.2 2+
2+ 2+ 2+ N-Ac-L-Trp-L-Trp-NH.sub.2 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+
[0207] The bioactive dipeptide derivatives of the present invention
can be topically administered to provide topical effects or to
exert therapeutic effects for systemic diseases. As shown in
Examples 27, 31, 32, 39, 44 and 45, the compositions containing
N-acyldipeptide derivatives have the potential to improve arthritis
and pain of joints, enhance muscle strength, improve eye vision and
to reduce or prevent sweating or perspiration of underarm, crotch,
palm, or other parts of the body, via topical application. The
bioactive dipeptide derivatives of the present invention can also
be given by systemic administration to improve systemic diseases.
As shown in the Example 23, the composition containing the
bioactive dipeptide derivative has the potential to improve
arthritis of knee joints via intra-articular injection.
[0208] The increased skin thickness or plump as shown in the
Examples was not due to increased water retention or edema of the
skin because the thickness maintained for many months after
discontinuation of the treatment. As shown earlier, the skin
biopsies from the plump skin show increased biosynthesis of GAGs,
collagen fibers and elastic fibers, and less clumping of melanin as
evidenced by histochemical analysis. Therefore, when a substance is
found to plump or increase the skin thickness, the substance is
reasonably expected or predicted to improve aging related skin
changes including fine lines, wrinkles, photoaging, age spots,
blotches, hyperpigmented skin, mottled skin, and for
younger-looking skin and skin lightening.
[0209] Therefore, while not wishing to be bound by theory, it is
believed that a composition of the present invention has the
potential for topical treatment of aging related skin changes
including wrinkles and older-looking skin, because a bioactive
dipeptide derivative can increase the skin thickness or plump the
skin.
[0210] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *