U.S. patent application number 15/945041 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-15 for halogenated esters of cyclopropanated unsaturated fatty acids for use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cognitive Research Enterprises, Inc.. Invention is credited to Daniel L. Alkon, Thomas J. Nelson.
Application Number | 20180325856 15/945041 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51846995 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180325856 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nelson; Thomas J. ; et
al. |
November 15, 2018 |
HALOGENATED ESTERS OF CYCLOPROPANATED UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS FOR
USE IN THE TREATMENT OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
Abstract
The present disclosure describes novel PKC-.epsilon. activators
chosen from halogenated esters of unsaturated fatty acids and
derivatives thereof, including halogenated esters of both
polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and derivatives
thereof. The disclosure further relates to compositions, kits, and
methods for treatment using the halogenated esters.
Inventors: |
Nelson; Thomas J.;
(Morgantown, WV) ; Alkon; Daniel L.; (Chevy Chase,
MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cognitive Research Enterprises, Inc. |
Morgantown |
WV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51846995 |
Appl. No.: |
15/945041 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15028487 |
Apr 11, 2016 |
9962357 |
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PCT/US2014/061368 |
Oct 20, 2014 |
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15945041 |
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61892727 |
Oct 18, 2013 |
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61896735 |
Oct 29, 2013 |
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61925441 |
Jan 9, 2014 |
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61925449 |
Jan 9, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/202 20130101;
C07C 69/635 20130101; A61P 7/00 20180101; A61K 31/23 20130101; A61K
31/336 20130101; C07C 2602/02 20170501 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/23 20060101
A61K031/23; A61K 31/336 20060101 A61K031/336; C07C 69/635 20060101
C07C069/635; A61K 31/202 20060101 A61K031/202 |
Claims
1-41. (canceled)
42. A method for treating a disease, condition, or disorder
comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective
amount of at least one halogenated alkyl or aryl ester of an
unsaturated fatty acid, wherein the disease, condition, or disorder
is chosen from a disease associated with synaptic loss or synaptic
damage, a neurodegenerative disease or condition, a neuroaffective
disorder, stroke, mental retardation, and brain injury.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the disease, condition, or
disorder is a neurodegenerative disease or condition chosen from
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Fragile X, Niemann-Pick
C, and dementia.
44. (canceled)
45. The method of claim 42, wherein the unsaturated fatty acid is a
polyunsaturated fatty acid chosen from linoleic acid, arachidonic
acid, eicosadienoic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid,
docosadienoic acid, adrenic acid, calendic acid, docosapentaenoic
acid, jacaric acid, pinolenic acid, podocarpic acid,
tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic acid, vernolic acid,
docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, rumelenic acid,
parinaric acid, linolenic acid, eicosenoic acid, mead acid, erucic
acid, nervonic acid, rumenic acid, alpha-elostearic acid, catalpic
acid, and punicic acid.
46. The method of claim 42, wherein the unsaturated fatty acid is a
monounsaturated fatty acid chosen from oleic acid and elaidic
acid.
47. (canceled)
48. (canceled)
49. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one halogenated
ester is a halogenated alkyl ester.
50. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one halogenated
ester is a halogenated aryl ester.
51. The method of claim 49, wherein the halogenated alkyl ester is
chosen from methyl ester, ethyl ester, isopropyl ester, tert-butyl
ester, and benzyl ester.
52. (canceled)
53. (canceled)
54. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one halogenated
alkyl or aryl ester of an unsaturated fatty acid is a halogenated
alkyl or aryl ester of
8-[2-(2-pentylcyclopropylmethyl)-cyclopropyl]-octanoic acid
(DCPLA).
55. The method of claim 54, wherein the disease, condition, or
disorder is a neurodegenerative disease or condition chosen from
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Fragile X, Niemann-Pick
C, and dementia.
56. The method of claim 54, wherein the at least one halogenated
ester is a halogenated alkyl ester.
57. The method of claim 54, wherein the at least one halogenated
ester is a halogenated aryl ester.
58. The method of claim 56, wherein the halogenated alkyl ester is
chosen from methyl ester, ethyl ester, isopropyl ester, tert-butyl
ester, and benzyl ester.
59. (canceled)
60. (canceled)
61. The method of claim 54, wherein the at least one halogenated
ester is a trifluoroalkyl ester.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein the trifluoroalkyl ester is
chosen from ##STR00019##
63. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one halogenated
ester is a trifluoroalkyl ester.
64. The method of claim 43, wherein the neurodegenerative disease
or condition is dementia chosen from Parkinson's dementia,
frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia.
65. The method of claim 42, wherein the disease, condition, or
disorder is a neuroaffective disorder chosen from depression,
bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder.
66. The method of claim 42, wherein the disease, condition, or
disorder is brain injury chosen from traumatic brain injury and
brain injury induced by irradiation.
67. The method of claim 55, wherein the neurodegenerative disease
or condition is dementia chosen from Parkinson's dementia,
frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia.
68. The method of claim 54, wherein the disease, condition, or
disorder is a neuroaffective disorder chosen from depression,
bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder.
69. The method of claim 54, wherein the disease, condition, or
disorder is brain injury chosen from traumatic brain injury and
brain injury induced by irradiation.
70. A method of improving at least one of memory and learning,
comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective
amount of at least one halogenated alkyl or aryl ester of an
unsaturated fatty acid, wherein the unsaturated fatty acid is
cyclopropanated, and the alkoxy or aryloxy group of the ester
comprises a --CF.sub.3 group.
71-82. (canceled)
83. A method for treating ischemia and/or hypoxia as a result of
open-heart surgery, comprising administering to a patient in need
thereof an effective amount of at least one halogenated alkyl or
aryl ester of an unsaturated fatty acid, wherein the unsaturated
fatty acid is cyclopropanated, and the alkoxy or aryloxy group of
the ester comprises a --CF3 group.
84-116. (canceled)
117. The method of claim 42, wherein the alkoxy or aryloxy group of
the ester comprises a --CF.sub.3 group.
118. The method of claim 42, wherein the unsaturated fatty acid is
cyclopropanated.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Nos. 61/892,727, filed Oct. 18, 2013, 61/896,735, filed
Oct. 29, 2013, 61/925,441, filed Jan. 9, 2014, and 61/925,449,
filed Jan. 9, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
[0002] PKC is one of the largest families of protein kinase enzymes
and is composed of a variety of isoforms. Conventional isoforms
include .alpha., .beta.I, .beta.II, .gamma.; novel isoforms include
.delta., .epsilon., .eta., .theta.; and atypical isoforms include
.xi., and /.lamda..
[0003] PKC enzymes are primarily cytosolic but translocate to the
membrane when activated. In the cytoplasm, PKC is phosphorylated by
other kinases or autophosphorylates. In order to be activated, some
PKC isoforms (e.g., PKC-.epsilon.) require a molecule to bind to
the diacylglycerol ("DAG") binding site or the phosphatidylserine
("PS") binding site. Others are able to be activated without any
secondary binding messengers at all.
[0004] PKC activators that bind to the DAG site include, but are
not limited to, bryostatin, picologues, phorbol esters,
aplysiatoxin, and gnidimacrin. PKC activators that bind to the PS
site include, but are not limited to, unsaturated fatty acids and
their derivatives.
[0005] Once activated and translocated, PKC is anchored into the
membrane by the anchoring protein RACK1. See, e.g., Mochly-Rosen et
al. (1991) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 88, 3997-4000; Nishizuka, Y.
(1995) FASEB J 9, 484-496; Sklan et al. (2006) Prog Neurobiol 78,
117-134. RACK1 localizes PKC to its corresponding substrates for
phosphorylation, thus making PKC functionally active and
physiologically relevant.
[0006] Activated PKC participates in a variety of biological
pathways. For example, PKC activates ELAV mRNA-stabilizing proteins
and c-CAMP-response-element-binding ("CREB") proteins. PKC isoforms
also play a regulatory role in amyloid precursor protein ("APP")
processing and amyloid accumulation. For example, PKC-.alpha. and
PKC-.epsilon. regulate APP processing by the non-amyloidogenic
pathway, suggesting that decreases in these enzymes may lead to
increases in A-beta synthesis and accumulation. Thus, PKC
activators may be able to reduce levels of soluble A-beta and
increase levels of soluble APP-.alpha.. PKC activators may also be
able to reduce or eliminate amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary
tangles.
[0007] PKC activators have been associated with prevention and
treatment of various diseases and conditions. For example, PKC
activators may allow for prevention and treatment of
neurodegenerative diseases and conditions, neuroaffective diseases
and disorders, cognitive impairments, and diseases and conditions
associated with neuronal or synaptic loss. Indeed, PKC activators
have been found to induce synapse formation. Moreover, PKC
activators have been associated with improvement in, for example,
memory and learning, including long-term memory.
[0008] In one specific example, PKC activators have demonstrated
neuroprotective activity in animal models of Alzheimer's Disease
("AD"). See Etcheberrigaray et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA,
1992, 89: 7184-7188. AD is a neurodegenerative disorder that is
characterized clinically by progressive decline of memory,
cognition, reasoning, judgment, and emotional stability that
gradually leads to profound mental deterioration and ultimately,
death.
[0009] Pathologically, AD is associated with the accumulation of
aggregated .beta.-amyloid ("A.beta."), a 4 kDa peptide produced by
the proteolytic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein ("APP") by
.beta.- and .gamma.-secretases. As disclosed herein, oligomers of
A.beta. are considered to be most toxic while fibrillar A.beta. is
largely inert. Interestingly, monomeric A.beta. is found in normal
patients and has an as-yet undetermined function.
[0010] PKC activators can reduce the levels of AR and prolong
survival of AD transgenic mice. See Etcheberrigaray et al., 1992,
Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA, 89: 7184-7188. PKC-.epsilon. was shown
to be most effective at suppressing A.beta. production. See Zhu et
al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 2001, 285: 997-1006.
Accordingly, isoform-specific PKC activators are highly desirable
as potential anti-AD drugs and other conditions associated with
A.beta. production.
[0011] The earliest consistent cytopathological change in AD is
loss of synapses. See Scheff et al., Neurobiol. Aging, 2006, 27:
1372-1384; and Marcello et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2008, 585:
109-118. In fact, synaptic loss appears to be the only pathological
finding in the brain that is closely correlated with the degree of
dementia in AD patients. See Terry et al., Ann. Neurol., 1991, 30:
572-580. To that end, evidence suggests that A.beta. is involved in
synaptic loss.
[0012] PKC activators may also be used to treat and prevent other
diseases and conditions associated with synaptic loss and/or
A.beta.. For example, changes in dendritic spine density form the
basis of learning- and memory-induced changes in synaptic structure
that increase synaptic strength. Long-term memory, for example, is
mediated, in part, by the growth of new dendritic spines to
reinforce a particular neural pathway. By strengthening the
connection between two neurons, the ability of the presynaptic cell
to activate the postsynaptic cell is enhanced. Several other
mechanisms are also involved in learning- and memory-induced
changes in synaptic structure, including changes in the amount of
neurotransmitter released into a synapse and changes in how
effectively cells respond to those neurotransmitters (Gaiarsa et
al., 2002). Because memory is produced by interconnected networks
of synapses in the brain, such changes provide the neurochemical
foundations of learning and memory.
[0013] Abnormalities in the number and morphology of dendritic
spines have been observed in cognitive disorders, including
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, mental
retardation, and fragile X syndrome. For example, the brains of
schizophrenic patients and people suffering from cognitive-mood
disorders show a reduced number of dendritic spines in the brain
areas associated with these diseases. In mental retardation and
autism, the shape of the dendritic spines are longer and appear
more immature. Similarly, the only microscopic brain anomaly found
in fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited form of mental
retardation and autism, is the presence of thin, elongated immature
dendritic spines.
[0014] Fragile X Syndrome results from a mutation in the FMR1 gene
found on the X chromosome, resulting in failure of the gene to
express a protein required for normal neural development (fragile X
mental retardation protein; FMRP). FMRP is a selective RNA-binding
protein implicated in regulating transmission of mRNAs to
dendrites. Delayed dendritic spine maturation was found in fragile
X mental retardation patients as well as in Fmr1 knockout mice,
indicating the functional requirement of FMRP in synaptic
development. Lu et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2008,
101(42):15201-06; and Comery et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.,
1997, 94 (10):5401-4. Autopsy results on several Fragile X patients
have indicated that immature dendritic spine density (number per
unit dendrite length) was higher in patient samples, suggesting a
greater number of excitatory inputs to these neurons. Greenough et
al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2001, 98(13):7101-7106. This
suggests that dendritic spine formation in Fragile X Syndrome fails
to follow the normal maturational pattern of eliminating underused
synapses and altering the retained synapses to a more
mature-appearing form of shorter, fuller spines.
[0015] FMRP also has been linked to Alzheimer's Disease.
Beta-amyloid, the predominant protein found in the senile plaques
of Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome, is elevated in Fragile X
mice and patients. Recent studies indicate that FMRP associates
with the same mRNA coding region element as the amyloid precursor
protein (APP), i.e., the protein that is cleaved into beta-amyloid
plaques, and silencing FMRP promotes APP protein expression. Lee et
al., Nat Struct Mol Biol., 2010, 17(6):732-9. In addition, two
micro-RNAs (short non-coding RNAs that suppress translation of
specific mRNAs) that strongly affect synaptic structure and
function have been shown to interact with FMRP. Edbauer et al.,
Neuron, 2010, 65(3):373-84.
[0016] As another example, persons who have suffered a brain injury
show increased synthesis and expression of APP and its proteolytic
product A.beta.. See, e.g., Zohar et al., Neurobiology of Disease,
2011, 41: 329-337; Roberts et al., Lancet, 1991, 1422-1423;
Gentleman e al., NeuroReport, 1997, 8: 1519-1522; Iwata et al., J.
Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol., 2002, 61: 1056-1068. In animal models,
the PKC activator Bryostatin-1 was shown to protect against
traumatic brain injury-induced learning and memory deficits. See
Zohar et al., Neurobiology of Disease, 2011, 41: 329-337. Thus, PKC
activators may be able to enhance memory and other cognitive
functions.
[0017] Additionally, some forms of stroke are caused by A.beta.,
such as those associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy ("CAA").
See U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0022645 A1. This
disorder is a form of angiopathy in which the same A.beta. deposits
as found in AD accumulate in the walls of the leptomeninges and
superficial cerebral cortical blood vessels of the brain. Amyloid
deposition predisposes these blood vessels to failure, increasing
the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke. CAA is also associated with
transient ischemic attacks, subarachnoid hemorrhage, Down's
syndrome, post irradiation necrosis, multiple sclerosis,
leucoencephalopathy, spongiform encephalopathy, and dementia
pugilistica.
[0018] Both PKC-.alpha. and PKC-.epsilon. are important for
synaptogenesis--i.e., the formation of synapses. The high abundance
of PKC-.epsilon. in presynaptic nerve fibers suggests a role in
neurite outgrowth, synaptic formation, and neurotransmitter
release. See Shirai et al., FEBS, 2008, 29: 1445-1453. Nontoxic
drugs activating PKC-.alpha. and PKC-.epsilon. can promote
synaptogensis under non-pathological conditions and actually
prevent synaptic loss under pathological conditions. See Nelson et
al., Trends Biochem. Sci., 2009, 34: 136-145; Hongpaisan et al.,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2007, 104: 19571-19576; Sun et al.,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2008, 105: 13620-13625; Sun et al.,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2009, 106: 14676-14680.
[0019] For example, PKC activators have demonstrated
neuroprotective activity in animal models of stroke. See Sun et
al., Eur. J. Pharmacol., 2005, 512: 43-51. Several PKC isoforms
play a central role in mediating ischemic and reperfusion damage
following stroke. Studies with experimental stroke models, mouse
genetics, and selective peptide inhibitors and activators have
demonstrated that PKC-.epsilon. is involved in induction of
ischemic tolerance and prevents damage, while PKC-.delta. and
PKC-.gamma. are implicated in injury. See Takayoshi et al., Stroke,
2007, 38(2): 375-380; and Bright et al., Stroke, 2005; 36: 2781.
Postischemic/hypoxic treatment with Bryostatin-1 effectively
rescued ischemia-induced deficits in synaptogenesis, neurotrophic
activity, and spatial learning and memory. See Sun et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA., 2008, 105(36): 13620-13625.
[0020] PKC activation has a crucial role in learning and memory
enhancement and PKC activators have been shown to increase memory
and learning. See Sun et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2005, 512: 43-51;
Alkon et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA., 2005, 102: 16432-16437.
For example, bryostatin increased the rate of learning in rodents,
rabbits, and invertebrates. See Sun et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol.,
2005, 512: 43-51; Wang et al., Behav. Pharmacol., 2008, 19:
245-256; and Kuzirian et al., Biol. Bull., 2006, 210: 201-214.
Additionally, bryostatin-induced synaptogenesis for long-term
associative memory was shown to be regulated by PKC activation.
Hongpaisan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2007, 104:
19571-19576.
[0021] PKC activation has been associated with a variety of other
conditions. For example, PKC activators have demonstrated
neuroprotective activity in animal models of depression. See Sun et
al., Eur. J. Pharmacol., 2005, 512: 43-51. PKC activators are also
associated with prevention and treatment of Parkinson's disease,
bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, mental retardation (and
related diseases like autism).
[0022] Niemann-Pick disease (NP) refers to a group of inherited
metabolic disorders known as lipid storage diseases. Lipids (fatty
materials such as waxes, fatty acids, oils, and cholesterol) and
proteins are usually broken down into smaller components to provide
energy for the body. In Niemann-Pick disease, harmful quantities of
lipids accumulate in, for example, the spleen, liver, lungs, bone
marrow, and the brain. Symptoms may include lack of muscle
coordination, brain degeneration, eye paralysis, learning problems,
loss of muscle tone, increased sensitivity to touch, spasticity,
feeding and swallowing difficulties, slurred speech, and an
enlarged liver and spleen. There may be clouding of the cornea and
a characteristic cherry-red halo develops around the center of the
retina.
[0023] The disease has four related types. Type A, the most severe
form, occurs in early infancy. It is characterized by an enlarged
liver and spleen, swollen lymph nodes, and profound brain damage by
six months of age. Children with this type rarely live beyond 18
months. Type B involves an enlarged liver and spleen, which usually
occurs in the pre-teen years. The brain is not affected. In types A
and B, insufficient activity of an enzyme called sphingomyelinase
causes the buildup of toxic amounts of sphingomyelin, a fatty
substance present in every cell of the body. Types C and D may
appear early in life or develop in the teen or adult years.
Affected individuals have only moderate enlargement of the spleen
and liver, but brain damage may be extensive and cause an inability
to look up and down, difficulty in walking and swallowing, and
progressive loss of vision and hearing. Types C and D are
characterized by a defect that disrupts the transport of
cholesterol between brain cells. Type D usually occurs in people
with an ancestral background in Nova Scotia. Types C and D are
caused by a lack of the NPC1 or NPC 2 proteins. NINDS Niemann-Pick
Disease Information Page, available at
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/niemann/niemann.htm.
[0024] It has been reported that the intermediate filament vimentin
is hypophosphorylated in Niemann-Pick Diseased cells compared to Wt
cells and that this hypophosphorylation results from reduced PKC
activity, in particular the .alpha., .epsilon., and .beta.II
isoforms. Increased PKC .alpha., .epsilon., and/or .beta.II
expression can increase levels of soluble vimentin in Niemann-Pick
Diseased cells, ameliorating the transport block of LDL-derived
cholesterol from their lysosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum for
esterification. Tamari et al., PKC Activation in Niemann Pick C1
Cells Restores Subcellular Cholesterol Transport, PLOS ONE, Vol. 8,
Iss. 8 (2013).
[0025] PKC activators can be broad-spectrum activators, acting on
multiple isoforms of PKC, or can be selective for certain isoforms.
While all types of PKC activators are of interest, selective PKC
activators may offer unique advantages because different isoforms
perform different, and sometimes opposite, functions. For example,
PKC-.delta. and PKC-.theta. are often regarded as having a
pro-apoptotic function because they are components of the caspase
apoptosis pathway. PKC-.epsilon., by contrast, has an opposite
role: its activation promotes proliferation and cell survival, and
inhibits apoptosis. See Nelson et al., Trends in Biochemical
Sciences, 2009, 34(3): 136-145.
[0026] PKC-.epsilon. activators have been shown in numerous animal
models, as discussed above, to have neuroprotective activity and
would be useful therapeutic agents against a multitude of
neurological diseases, conditions, or disorders, including, but not
limited to, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, depression, and
stroke.
[0027] Polyunsaturated fatty acids ("PUFAs"), such as arachidonic
acid and 2-hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic acid (i.e., minerval), and
monounsaturated fatty acids ("MUFAs") are known PKC-.epsilon.
activators. PUFAs and MUFAs are interesting molecules in that they
are essential components of the nervous system. They are known to
increase membrane fluidity, rapidly oxidize to highly bioactive
products, produce a variety of inflammatory and hormonal effects,
and are rapidly degraded and metabolized. In addition, they are of
low molecular weight and are able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Further, PUFAs and MUFAs are stable to acid and base, making them
potentially effective for oral administration.
[0028] Like PUFAs and MUFAs, certain derivatives of PUFAs and MUFAs
have been shown to be PKC-.epsilon. activators. For example,
cyclopropanated PUFAs such as DCPLA methyl ester (i.e., linoleic
acid derivative), AA-CP4 methyl ester (i.e., arachidonic acid
derivative), DHA-CP6 methyl ester (i.e., docosahexaenoic acid
derivative), and EPA-CP5 methyl ester (i.e., eicosapentaenoic acid
derivative) may be able to selectively activate PKC-.epsilon.. See
Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2009, 284(50): 34514-34521; see
also U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0022645 A1;
International Application Publication No. WO 2013/071281.
[0029] Potency, for example, is part of the criteria in determining
the utility of a drug for treating neurological disorders. A highly
potent drug implies that the desired effects may be achieved at
lower doses as compared to the required dose of a less potent drug.
Thus, a highly potent drug administered at lower doses may result
in fewer side effects because of, e.g., nonspecific binding to
other targets, and higher brain specificity. Many known
PKC-.epsilon. activators, however, suffer from several
disadvantages, including low specificity and/or low potency.
[0030] The present disclosure is directed to new chemical entities
that possess high potency and specificity for PKC-.epsilon.. More
specifically, these new chemical entities are halogenated esters of
unsaturated fatty acids or derivatives thereof. As potent, specific
activators of PKC-.epsilon., the halogenated esters disclosed
herein may be suited for use as therapeutic agents against
neurological diseases, conditions, and disorders, such as
Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
[0031] In one aspect, the present disclosure includes a compound
chosen from a halogenated ester of a polyunsaturated fatty acid,
monounsaturated fatty acid, or derivative thereof. In a further
aspect, there is disclosed a halogenated ester of
8-[2-(2-pentylcyclopropylmethyl)-cyclopropyl]-octanoic acid
(DCPLA).
[0032] In another aspect, the present disclosure includes a
composition comprising at least one halogenated ester of a
polyunsaturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, or
derivative thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a
further aspect, there is disclosed a composition comprising a
halogenated ester of DCPLA and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier.
[0033] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure includes a
method for treating one or more diseases, conditions, and
disorders, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an
effective amount of at least one halogenated ester of a
polyunsaturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, or
derivative thereof, wherein the diseases, conditions and disorders
are neurodegenerative diseases or conditions, neuroaffective
disorders, stroke, mental retardation, and brain injury. In a
further aspect, there is disclosed a method for treating one or
more diseases, conditions, and disorders, comprising administering
to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a halogenated
ester of DCPLA, wherein the diseases, conditions and disorders are
neurodegenerative diseases or conditions, neuroaffective disorders,
stroke, mental retardation, and brain injury.
[0034] In a further aspect, the present disclosure includes using
the halogenated esters described herein as positron emission
tomography (PET) agents for in vivo imaging of PKC levels, and
hence neurological function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0035] FIG. 1 shows PKC-.epsilon. activation by DCPLA-EtF3 versus
DCPLA methyl ester.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows PKC-.epsilon. activation by
DCPLA-1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-yl ester.
DESCRIPTION
[0037] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include plural reference unless the context dictates otherwise.
[0038] As used herein, "protein kinase C activator" or "PKC
activator", or specifically "PKC-.epsilon. activator," refers to a
substance that increases the rate of the reaction catalyzed by
protein kinase C, or specifically PKC-.epsilon., by binding to the
protein kinase C, or specifically PKC-.epsilon.. As used herein,
"selective activation" means activation of one PKC isozyme, e.g.,
PKC-.epsilon., to a greater detectable extent than another PKC
isozyme.
[0039] As used herein, the term "fatty acid" refers to a compound
composed of a hydrocarbon chain and ending in free acid.
[0040] Fatty acids may be saturated or unsaturated, branched or
unbranched, and naturally-occurring or synthetic. Linoleic acid is
an example of a fatty acid (shown below in the free acid form).
##STR00001##
[0041] An "unsaturated fatty acid" is a fatty acid that contains at
least one carbon-carbon double bond within the hydrocarbon chain.
Each double bond can be in cis or trans form.
[0042] A "monounsaturated fatty acid" or "MUFA" contains one
carbon-carbon double bond. Oleic acid is an example of a
monounsaturated fatty acid. A "polyunsaturated fatty acid" or
"PUFA" contains more than one carbon-carbon double bonds. Linoleic
acid is an example of a polyunsaturated fatty acid.
[0043] As used herein, the term "cyclopropanated" or "CP" refers to
a compound wherein at least one carbon-carbon double bond in the
molecule has been replaced with a cyclopropane group. The
cyclopropyl group may be in cis or trans configuration. Unless
otherwise indicated, it should be understood that the cyclopropyl
group is in the cis configuration.
[0044] The terms "cyclopropanated monounsaturated fatty acid" or
"cyclopropanated MUFA" therefore refer to compounds wherein the
carbon-carbon double bond is replaced by a cyclopropyl group. An
example of a cyclopropanated MUFA is 8-(2-octylcyclopropyl)octanoic
acid (shown below in free acid form).
##STR00002##
[0045] Similarly, the terms "cyclopropanated polyunsaturated fatty
acid" or "cyclopropanated PUFA" refer to compounds wherein at least
one of the carbon-carbon double bonds in the polyunsaturated fatty
acid is replaced by a cyclopropyl group. An example of a
cyclopropanated PUFA is
8-[2-(2-pentylcyclopropylmethyl)-cyclopropyl]-octanoic acid
("DCPLA") (shown below in the free acid form).
##STR00003##
[0046] Compounds with multiple carbon-carbon double bonds have many
cyclopropanated forms. For example, a polyunsaturated compound in
which only one double bond has been cyclopropanated would be said
to be in "CP1 form." Similarly, "CP6 form" indicates that six
double bonds are cyclopropanated.
[0047] For example, docosahexaenoic acid ("DHA") methyl ester has
six carbon-carbon double bonds and thus can have one to six
cyclopropane rings. Shown below are the CP1 and CP6 forms. With
respect to compounds that are not completely cyclopropanated (e.g.
DHA-CP1), the cyclopropane group(s) can occur at any of the
carbon-carbon double bonds.
##STR00004##
[0048] Esters of unsaturated fatty acids can be prepared according
to techniques known in the art. See, e.g., Journal of Biological
Chemistry, 2009, 284(50): 34514-34521. For example, linoleic acid
can be esterified using SOCl.sub.2 in methanol and pyridine. The
subsequent ester can then be cyclopropanated using a modified
Simmons-Smith reaction with chloroiodomethane and diethylzinc.
Those skilled in the art understand that certain expressions are
interchangeable. For example, "methyl ester of DCPLA" is the same
as "DCPLA methyl ester," which is the same as "DCPLA in the methyl
ester form."
[0049] Linoleic acid and esters thereof are generally commercially
available. Alternatively, the acids and esters may be isolated from
natural sources (e.g., vegetable oil) or synthesized (e.g., by
chemical reactions). Esterification of linoleic acid can be
performed according to known methods. For example, linoleic acid
can be esterified with an alcohol in the presence of an acid.
[0050] As used herein, the term "halogenated group" means a
chemical group having at least one hydrogen replaced with a
halogen, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, etc.
[0051] As used herein, the term "halogenated ester" means an ester
wherein the alkoxy or aryloxy group of the ester has at least one
hydrogen replaced with a halogen, such as fluorine, chlorine,
bromine, etc. The alkoxy or aryloxy group may contain more than one
halogen. For example, the halogenated ester may be mono-fluoro,
di-fluoro, tri-fluoro, tetra-fluoro, etc.
[0052] PUFAs are essential components of the nervous system and
have numerous health benefits. In general, PUFAs increase membrane
fluidity, rapidly oxidize to highly bioactive products, produce a
variety of inflammatory and hormonal effects, and are rapidly
degraded and metabolized. The inflammatory effects and rapid
metabolism is likely the result of their active carbon-carbon
double bonds. These compounds may be potent activators of PKC, most
likely by binding the PS site.
[0053] One class of PKC-.epsilon. activating fatty acids is Omega-3
PUFAs. In one embodiment, the Omega-3 PUFAs are chosen from
docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, rumelenic acid,
parinaric acid, and linolenic acid.
[0054] Another class of PKC-.epsilon. activating fatty acids is
Omega-6 PUFAs. In one embodiment, the Omega-6 PUFAs are chosen from
linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosadienoic acid,
dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, docosadienoic acid, adrenic acid,
calendic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, jacaric acid, pinolenic acid,
podocarpic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, and tetracosapentaenoic
acid.
[0055] Another class of PKC-.epsilon. activating fatty acids is
Omega-9 PUFAs. In one embodiment, the Omega-9 PUFA derivatives are
chosen from eicosenoic acid, mead acid, erucic acid, and nervonic
acid.
[0056] An additional class of PKC-.epsilon. activating fatty acids
is Omega-5 and Omega-7 PUFAs. In one embodiment, the Omega-5 and
Omega-7 PUFA derivatives are chosen from rumenic acid,
alpha-elostearic acid, catalpic acid, and punicic acid.
[0057] Yet another class of PKC-.epsilon. activating fatty acids is
monounsaturated fatty acids ("MUFAs"). In one embodiment, the MUFAs
are chosen from oleic acid and elaidic acid.
[0058] A further class of PKC-.epsilon. activating fatty acids is
PUFA and MUFA derivatives, and cyclopropanated derivatives in
particular. Like their parent molecules, PUFA derivatives are
thought to activate PKC-.epsilon. by binding to the PS site.
Cyclopropanated fatty acids exhibit low toxicity and are readily
imported into the brain where they exhibit a long half-life
(t.sub.1/2). Conversion of the double bonds into cyclopropane rings
prevents oxidation and metabolism to inflammatory byproducts and
creates a more rigid U-shaped 3D structure that may result in
greater PKC activation. Moreover, this U-shape may result in
greater isoform specificity. For example, cyclopropanated fatty
acids may exhibit potent and selective activation of
PKC-.epsilon..
[0059] The Simmons-Smith cyclopropanation reaction is an efficient
way of converting double bonds to cyclopropane groups. This
reaction, acting through a carbenoid intermediate, preserves the
cis-stereochemistry of the parent molecule. Thus, the
PKC-activating properties are increased while metabolism into other
molecules like bioreactive eicosanoids, thromboxanes, or
prostaglandins is prevented.
[0060] PUFA and MUFA derivatives include, for example,
cyclopropanated derivatives of the fatty acids described above. In
one embodiment, the Omega-3 PUFA derivatives are chosen from
cyclopropanated docosahexaenoic acid, cyclopropanated
eicosapentaenoic acid, cyclopropanated rumelenic acid,
cyclopropanated parinaric acid, and cyclopropanated linolenic acid
(CP3 form shown below).
##STR00005##
[0061] In another embodiment, the Omega-6 PUFA derivatives are
chosen from cyclopropanated linoleic acid ("DCPLA," CP2 form shown
below),
##STR00006##
[0062] cyclopropanated arachidonic acid, cyclopropanated
eicosadienoic acid, cyclopropanated dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid,
cyclopropanated docosadienoic acid, cyclopropanated adrenic acid,
cyclopropanated calendic acid, cyclopropanated docosapentaenoic
acid, cyclopropanated jacaric acid, cyclopropanated pinolenic acid,
cyclopropanated podocarpic acid, cyclopropanated
tetracosatetraenoic acid, and cyclopropanated tetracosapentaenoic
acid.
[0063] Vernolic acid is a naturally occurring compound. However, it
is an epoxyl derivative of linoleic acid and therefore, as used
herein, is considered an Omega-6 PUFA derivative. In addition to
vernolic acid, cyclopropanated vernolic acid (shown below) is an
Omega-6 PUFA derivative.
##STR00007##
[0064] In another embodiment, the Omega-9 PUFA derivatives are
chosen from cyclopropanated eicosenoic acid, cyclopropanated mead
acid, cyclopropanated erucic acid, and cyclopropanated nervonic
acid.
[0065] In a further embodiment, the Omega-5 and Omega-7 PUFA
derivatives are chosen from cyclopropanated rumenic acid,
cyclopropanated alpha-elostearic acid, cyclopropanated catalpic
acid, and cyclopropanated punicic acid.
[0066] In a further embodiment, the MUFA derivatives are chosen
from cyclopropanated oleic acid (shown below),
##STR00008##
and cyclopropanated elaidic acid (shown below).
##STR00009##
[0067] PKC-.epsilon. activating MUFA derivatives include epoxylated
compounds such as trans-9,10-epoxystearic acid (shown below).
##STR00010##
[0068] The present disclosure is directed to halogenated esters of
PUFAs and MUFAs, as well as to halogenated esters of PUFA and MUFA
derivatives, including, but not limited to, halogenated esters of
the PUFAs, MUFAs, and derivatives thereof described above. The
present disclosure includes the discovery that halogenated esters
of PUFAs, MUFAs and derivatives thereof may activate PKC, and
PKC-.epsilon. in particular. The halogenated esters may be even
more selective and/or more potent PKC-.epsilon. activators than
both the corresponding acid form and the ester form absent
halogenation.
[0069] In one embodiment, the halogenated ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or
derivative thereof may be fluorinated, chlorinated, brominated,
iodinated, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the
halogenated ester is a fluorinated ester.
[0070] In one embodiment, the halogenated ester is chosen from
halogenated alkyl esters. The alkyl group of the halogenated alkyl
esters may be linear, branched, and/or cyclic. The alkyl groups may
be saturated or unsaturated. If the alkyl group is unsaturated, it
may be cyclopropanated.
[0071] The alkyl group of the halogenated alkyl esters may be
halogenated (1) by substituting a halogen for at least one hydrogen
in the linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group (examples shown
below); (2) by substituting a functional group, e.g., an aryl
group, for at least one hydrogen in the linear, branched, or cyclic
alkyl group, wherein the functional group is substituted with a
halogen and/or halogenated group (examples shown below); or (3) by
a combination of (1) and (2) (examples shown below).
##STR00011##
[0072] In one embodiment, aside from substituting any halogens for
at least one hydrogen in the linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl
group, the alkyl group may be further substituted with one or more
functional groups, such as an aryl group, a hydroxyl group, an
ether group, and/or a carboxyl group. An example of an
aryl-substituted alkyl group is benzyl. The at least one functional
group may itself be substituted, e.g., with a halogen or
halogenated group as discussed above. An example of an aryl
functional group that is substituted with a halogenated group is
(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (see (2) above).
[0073] In one embodiment, the halogenated alkyl ester is chosen
from halogenated methyl ester, ethyl ester, isopropyl ester,
tert-butyl ester, and benzyl ester. In one embodiment, the
halogenated ester is a fluorinated alkyl ester. In a further
embodiment, the halogenated ester is a trifluoroalkyl ester.
[0074] In one embodiment, the halogenated alkyl ester is prepared
using a halogenated linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl alcohol. An
example of a halogenated linear alcohol is 2,2,2,-trifluoroethanol.
An example of a halogenated branched alkyl alcohol is
1,1,1-trifluoro-2-propanol. An example of a halogenated cyclic
alkyl alcohol is 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorocyclohexanol. In another
embodiment, the halogenated alkyl ester is prepared using a
halogenated benzyl alcohol, such as 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl
alcohol.
[0075] In another embodiment, the halogenated ester is chosen from
halogenated aryl esters. The aryl group of the halogenated aryl
esters may be monocyclic or multicyclic.
[0076] The aryl group of the halogenated aryl esters may be
halogenated (1) by substituting a halogen for at least one hydrogen
in the aryl group (examples shown below); (2) by substituting a
functional group, e.g., an alkyl group, for at least one hydrogen
in the aryl group, wherein the functional group is substituted with
a halogen and/or halogenated group (examples shown below); or (3)
by a combination of (1) and (2) (examples shown below).
##STR00012##
[0077] In one embodiment, aside from substituting any halogens for
at least one hydrogen in the aryl group, the aryl group may be
further substituted with one or more functional groups, such as an
alkyl group, a hydroxyl group, an ether group, and/or a carboxyl
group. The at least one functional group may itself be substituted,
e.g., with a halogen or halogenated group as discussed above.
[0078] In one embodiment, the halogenated ester is a fluorinated
aryl ester.
[0079] In one embodiment, the halogenated aryl ester is prepared
using a halogenated aromatic alcohol. An example of a halogenated
aromatic alcohol is 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenol.
[0080] In a particular embodiment, the present disclosure includes
a halogenated ester of
8-[2-(2-pentylcyclopropylmethyl)-cyclopropyl]-octanoic acid
("DCPLA") (shown below in the free acid form).
##STR00013##
[0081] In one embodiment, the halogenated ester of DCPLA may be
fluorinated, chlorinated, brominated, iodinated, or combinations
thereof. In certain embodiments, the halogenated ester of DCPLA is
a fluorinated ester.
[0082] In one embodiment, the halogenated ester of DCPLA is a
halogenated alkyl ester. In another embodiment, the halogenated
ester of DCPLA is a halogenated aryl ester. In some embodiments,
the alkyl groups of the halogenated alkyl esters and the aryl
groups of the halogenated aryl esters are chosen as described
above.
[0083] In one embodiment, the halogenated ester of DCPLA is chosen
from halogenated methyl ester, ethyl ester, isopropyl ester,
tert-butyl ester, and benzyl ester.
In one embodiment, the halogenated ester of DCPLA is a fluorinated
alkyl ester. In a further embodiment, the halogenated ester of
DCPLA is a trifluoroalkyl ester. In a further embodiment, the
halogenated ester of DCPLA is chosen from
##STR00014##
[0084] The present disclosure also includes compositions comprising
at least one PKC-.epsilon. activator. For example, the present
disclosure includes a composition comprising at least one
halogenated ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or derivative thereof, and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The at least one halogenated
ester may be a halogenated ester as described herein.
[0085] For example, in one embodiment, the PUFA is chosen from
linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosadienoic acid,
dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, docosadienoic acid, adrenic acid,
calendic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, jacaric acid, pinolenic acid,
podocarpic acid, tetracosatetraenoic acid, tetracosapentaenoic
acid, vernolic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid,
rumelenic acid, parinaric acid, linolenic acid, eicosenoic acid,
mead acid, erucic acid, nervonic acid, rumenic acid,
alpha-elostearic acid, catalpic acid, and punicic acid and MUFAs
may be cyclopropanated.
[0086] In one embodiment, the MUFA is chosen from oleic acid and
elaidic acid.
[0087] In another embodiment, the PUFA, MUFA, or derivative thereof
is a cyclopropanated PUFA or MUFA, as described herein.
[0088] In one embodiment, the halogenated ester for use in the
disclosed compositions is a fluorinated ester. In one embodiment,
the halogenated ester for use in the disclosed compositions is a
halogenated alkyl ester, as described herein. In another
embodiment, the halogenated ester is a halogenated aryl ester, as
described herein. In a further embodiment, the halogenated ester is
a fluorinated alkyl ester.
[0089] In a particular embodiment, the present disclosure includes
a composition comprising at least one halogenated ester of DCPLA
and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The halogenated ester of
DCPLA for use in the presently disclosed composition may be chosen
as described herein.
[0090] For example, the halogenated ester of DCPLA for use in the
disclosed compositions may be a fluorinated ester. In one
embodiment, the halogenated ester of DCPLA is a halogenated alkyl
ester, as described herein. In another embodiment, the halogenated
ester is a halogenated aryl ester, as described herein. In a
further embodiment, the halogenated ester of DCPLA for use in the
disclosed compositions is a fluorinated alkyl ester. In a further
embodiment, the halogenated ester of DCPLA is a trifluoroalkyl
ester. In a further embodiment, the halogenated ester of DCPLA is
chosen from
##STR00015##
[0091] The formulations of the compositions described herein may be
prepared by any suitable method known in the art of pharmacology.
In general, such preparatory methods include bringing the active
ingredient into association with a carrier or one or more other
accessory ingredients, then, if necessary or desirable, shaping or
packaging the product into a desired single- or multi-dose
unit.
[0092] Although the descriptions of pharmaceutical compositions
provided herein are principally directed to pharmaceutical
compositions suitable for ethical administration to humans, it will
be understood by a skilled artisan that such compositions are
generally suitable for administration to animals of all sorts.
Modification of pharmaceutical compositions suitable for
administration to humans or to render the compositions suitable for
administration to various animals is well understood, and the
ordinarily skilled veterinary pharmacologist can design and perform
such modification with merely ordinary, if any, experimentation.
Subjects to which administration of the pharmaceutical compositions
of the disclosure are contemplated include, but are not limited to,
humans and other primates, and other mammals.
[0093] In one embodiment, the compositions disclosed herein may be
formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for
administration. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but
are not limited to, one or more of the following: excipients;
surface active agents; dispersing agents; inert diluents;
granulating and disintegrating agents; binding agents; lubricating
agents; sweetening agents; flavoring agents; coloring agents;
preservatives; physiologically degradable compositions such as
gelatin; aqueous vehicles and solvents; oily vehicles and solvents;
suspending agents; dispersing or wetting agents; emulsifying
agents, demulcents; buffers; salts; thickening agents; fillers;
emulsifying agents; antioxidants; antibiotics; antifungal agents;
stabilizing agents; and pharmaceutically acceptable polymeric or
hydrophobic materials. Other additional ingredients that may be
included in the pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure are
generally known in the art and may be described, for example, in
Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genaro, ed., Mack Publishing
Co., Easton, Pa., 1985, and Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences,
20.sup.th Ed., Mack Publishing Co. 2000, both incorporated by
reference herein.
[0094] In one embodiment, the carrier is an aqueous or hydrophilic
carrier. In a further embodiment, the carrier can be water, saline,
or dimethylsulfoxide. In another embodiment, the carrier is a
hydrophobic carrier. Hydrophobic carriers include inclusion
complexes, dispersions (such as micelles, microemulsions, and
emulsions), and liposomes. Exemplary hydrophobic carriers include
inclusion complexes, micelles, and liposomes. See, e.g.,
Remington's: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th ed., ed.
Gennaro, Lippincott: Philadelphia, Pa. 2003, incorporated by
reference herein. In addition, other compounds may be included
either in the hydrophobic carrier or the solution, e.g., to
stabilize the formulation.
[0095] The compositions disclosed herein may be administrated by
any suitable route including oral, parenteral, transmucosal,
intranasal, inhalation, or transdermal routes. Parenteral routes
include intravenous, intra-arteriolar, intramuscular, intradermal,
subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intraventricular, intrathecal, and
intracranial administration. A suitable route of administration may
be chosen to permit crossing the blood-brain barrier. See e.g., J.
Lipid Res. (2001) vol. 42, pp. 678-685, incorporated by reference
herein.
[0096] In one embodiment, the compositions described herein may be
formulated in oral dosage forms. For oral administration, the
composition may take the form of a tablet or capsule prepared by
conventional means with, for example, carriers such as binding
agents (e.g., pregelatinized maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone, or
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose); fillers (e.g., lactose,
microcrystalline cellulose, or calcium hydrogen phosphate);
lubricants (e.g., magnesium stearate, talc, or silica);
disintegrants (e.g., potato starch or sodium starch glycolate); or
wetting agents (e.g., sodium lauryl sulphate). The tablets may be
coated by methods generally known in the art.
[0097] In another embodiment, the compositions herein are
formulated into a liquid preparation. Such preparations may take
the form of, for example, solutions, syrups or suspensions, or they
may be presented as a dry product for constitution with water or
other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may be
prepared by conventional means with, for examples, pharmaceutically
acceptable carriers such as suspending agents (e.g., sorbitol
syrup, cellulose derivatives, or hydrogenated edible fats);
emulsifying agents (e.g., lecithin or acacia); non-aqueous vehicles
(e.g., almond oil, oily esters, ethyl alcohol, or fractionated
vegetable oils); and preservatives (e.g., methyl or propyl
p-hydroxybenzoates, or sorbic acid). The preparations may also
comprise buffer salts, flavoring, coloring, and sweetening agents
as appropriate. In one embodiment, the liquid preparation is for
oral administration.
[0098] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
compositions herein may be formulated for parenteral administration
such as bolus injection or continuous infusion. Formulations for
injection may be presented in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampoules,
or in multi-dose containers, with an added preservative. The
compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions,
dispersions, or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may
contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing, and/or
dispersing agents.
[0099] In another embodiment, the compositions herein may be
formulated as depot preparations. Such formulations may be
administered by implantation (for example, subcutaneously or
intramuscularly) or by intramuscular injection. For example, the
compositions may be formulated with a suitable polymeric or
hydrophobic material (for example, as an emulsion in an acceptable
oil) or ion exchange resin, or as a sparingly soluble derivative,
for example, as a sparingly soluble salt.
[0100] In another embodiment, at least one halogenated ester of a
PUFA, MUFA, or derivative thereof may be delivered in a vesicle,
such as a micelle, liposome, or an artificial low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) particle. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,682,627.
[0101] In one embodiment, the at least one halogenated ester of a
PUFA, MUFA, or derivative thereof, such as at least one halogenated
ester of DCPLA, is present in the disclosed compositions in an
amount effective for one or more of the following: improving
learning, improving memory, reducing 3-amyloid levels, treating a
disease associated with synaptic loss or synaptic damage, treating
one or more neurodegenerative diseases or conditions, treating one
or more neuroaffective disorders, treating stroke, treating mental
retardation, and treating brain injury.
[0102] In one embodiment, the neurodegenerative diseases or
conditions are Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Fragile X,
Niemann-Pick (e.g., Niemann-Pick C), and dementia conditions (e.g.,
Parkinson's dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular
dementia). In one embodiment, the neuroaffective disorders are
depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD).
[0103] In one embodiment, the halogenated ester or esters may be
present in the compositions described herein in an amount ranging
from about 0.01% to about 100%, from about 0.1% to about 90%, from
about 0.1% to about 60%, from about 0.1% to about 30% by weight, or
from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the final composition. In
another embodiment, the halogenated ester or esters may be present
in the composition in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about
100%, from about 0.1% to about 95%, from about 1% to about 90%,
from about 5% to about 85%, from about 10% to about 80%, and from
about 25% to about 75%, by weight of the final composition.
[0104] The present disclosure further includes kits that may be
utilized for preparing and/or for administering to a subject
pharmaceutical compositions of at least one halogenated ester
described herein.
[0105] The kits may comprise devices for storage and/or
administration. For example, the kits may comprise syringe(s),
needle(s), needle-less injection device(s), sterile pad(s),
swab(s), vial(s), ampoule(s), cartridge(s), bottle(s), and the
like. The storage and/or administration devices may be graduated to
allow, for example, measuring volumes. In one embodiment, the
devices, syringes, ampules, cartridges, bottles or other such
vessels for storing and/or subsequently mixing the compositions of
at least one halogenated ester disclosed herein may, or may not
have more than one chamber.
[0106] In a further embodiment, the kits may comprise
pharmaceutical compositions of at least one halogenated ester
described herein stored within the same or separate ampules, vials,
syringes, cartridges, bottles, or other such vessels from other
components in the system. The kits may also include additional
buffers, needles, needle-less injection devices, sterile pads, or
swabs.
[0107] The kits may also comprise one or more anesthetics, such as
local anesthetics. In one embodiment, the anesthetics are in a
ready-to-use formulation, for example an injectable formulation
(optionally in one or more pre-loaded syringes), or a formulation
that may be applied topically. Topical formulations of anesthetics
may be in the form of an anesthetic applied to a pad, swab,
towelette, disposable napkin, cloth, patch, bandage, gauze, cotton
ball, Q-tip.TM., ointment, cream, gel, paste, liquid, or any other
topically applied formulation. Anesthetics for use with the present
disclosure may include, but are not limited to lidocaine, marcaine,
cocaine, and xylocaine.
[0108] The kits may also contain instructions relating to the use
of the pharmaceutical compositions of at least one halogenated
ester described herein and procedures for mixing, diluting, or
combining formulations of at least one halogenated ester. The
instructions may also contain directions for properly diluting a
formulation of at least one halogenated ester described herein to
obtain a desired pH or range of pHs and/or a desired specific
activity and/or protein concentration after mixing but prior to
administration. The instructions may also contain dosing
information. The instructions may also contain material directed to
methods for selecting subjects for treatment with the disclosed
pharmaceutical compositions of at least one halogenated ester of a
PUFA, MUFA, or derivative thereof, as disclosed herein.
[0109] The present disclosure also relates to methods of treatment
using at least one halogenated ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or derivative
thereof as described herein. For example, the present disclosure
provides for a method for improving learning, comprising
administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of
at least one halogenated ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or derivative
thereof. In another embodiment, the present disclosure includes
methods for improving memory, comprising administering to a patient
in need thereof an effective amount of at least one halogenated
ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or derivative thereof.
[0110] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a
method for reducing .beta.-amyloid levels, comprising administering
to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of at least one
halogenated ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or derivative thereof. The
present disclosure further includes a method for treating a disease
associated with synaptic loss or synaptic damage, comprising
administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of
at least one halogenated ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or derivative
thereof.
[0111] The present disclosure further includes a method for
treating one or more diseases, conditions, and disorders,
comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective
amount of at least one halogenated ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or
derivative thereof, wherein the diseases, conditions, and disorders
are neurodegenerative diseases or conditions, neuroaffective
disorders, stroke, mental retardation, and brain injury. In one
embodiment, the neurodegenerative diseases or conditions are
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Fragile X, Niemann-Pick
(e.g., Niemann-Pick C), and dementia conditions (e.g., Parkinson's
dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia). In one
embodiment, the neuroaffective disorders are depression, bipolar
disorder, schizophrenia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The neurodegenerative diseases or conditions may be caused by, for
example, exposure to at least one neurotoxic chemical such as a
heavy metal. The brain injury may be traumatic brain injury or
brain injury induced by irradiation.
[0112] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a
method for treating ischemia and/or hypoxia as a result of
open-heart surgery comprising administering to a patient in need
thereof at least one halogenated ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or
derivative thereof, with administration being before or after
surgery.
[0113] In some embodiments, the at least one halogenated ester of a
PUFA, MUFA, or derivative thereof is administered as a composition
described herein. The halogenated esters may be administered by
conventional methods such as oral, parenteral, transmucosal,
intranasal, inhalation, or transdermal administration. Parenteral
administration includes intravenous, intra-arteriolar,
intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal,
intraventricular, intrathecal, and intracranial administration.
[0114] In a further embodiment, the doses for administration may
suitably be prepared so as to deliver from about 1 mg to about 10
g, such as from about 5 mg to about 5 g, from about 50 mg to about
2 g, from about 100 mg to about 1.5 g, from about 150 mg to about 1
g, or from about 250 mg to about 500 mg of at least one halogenated
ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or derivative thereof, such as a halogenated
ester of DCPLA.
[0115] The at least one halogenated ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or
derivative thereof for use in the disclosed methods may be a
halogenated ester as described herein.
[0116] A further aspect of the disclosure is the use of at least
one ester of a PUFA, MUFA, or derivative thereof in the preparation
of a medicament for improving learning, for improving memory, for
reducing .beta.-amyloid levels, for treating a disease associated
with synaptic loss or synaptic damage, for treating
neurodegenerative diseases or conditions, for treating
neuroaffective disorders, for treating depression, for treating
stroke, and for treating brain injuries.
[0117] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes using the
halogenated esters as described herein as positron emission
tomography (PET) agents for in vivo imaging of PKC levels and hence
neurological function, such as memory acquisition. For example, in
this aspect, the present disclosure includes halogenated esters as
described herein, and the compositions and methods of using the
same, wherein at least one halogen in the halogenated ester is a
radioactive halogen or radioactive halogen isotope. Radioactive
halogen isotope .sup.18F, for example, undergoes spontaneous
nuclear decay by emission of a positron. The .sup.18F isotope has a
half-life of 110 minutes, and is commonly used in PET scanning.
[0118] Thus, there is disclosed a method for imaging PKC levels in
the brain of a subject comprising administering to the subject an
effective amount of at least one halogenated ester as described
herein, wherein at least one halogen in the halogenated ester
contains at least one radioactive halogen or radioactive halogen
isotope. In one embodiment, at least one halogen in the halogenated
ester is .sup.18F isotope.
[0119] There is also disclosed a method for monitoring neurological
function in a subject comprising administering to the subject an
effective amount of at least one halogenated ester as described
herein, wherein at least one halogen in the halogenated ester
contains at least one radioactive halogen or radioactive halogen
isotope. In one embodiment, at least one halogen in the halogenated
ester is .sup.18F isotope. In one embodiment, the brain function is
memory acquisition.
[0120] The compounds, compositions, kits, and methods described
herein will be further described by the following examples.
EXAMPLES
[0121] All numbers used herein are to be understood as being
modified by the term "about."
[0122] PUFAs and MUFAs are generally commercially available and
cyclopropanation of these compounds is known in the art. See, e.g.,
Nelson et al. (2009) J Biol Chem 274, 34514-34521. Esters can be
prepared as known in the art--e.g., through esterification of an
alcohol and a carboxylic acid. For alcohols that are unstable in
acid, enzymes can be used to perform the esterification.
Example 1: Synthesis of DCPLA-trifluoroethyl ester (DCPLA-EtF3)
[0123] DCPLA-EtF3 was prepared by base transesterification. Two
grams of DCPLA methyl ester were mixed with 0.5 grams of KOH, 2
grams of molecular sieves, and 10 ml of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol in a
round-bottom flask. The mixture was refluxed for 2 hours and tested
for formation of product by silica gel TLC using as a solvent 10%
ethyl acetate in hexane. The reaction was stopped by addition of 20
ml hexane, 1 ml acetic acid, and 10 ml water. The product was
extracted into hexane, washed with water, and evaporated. The
product was then isolated by preparative silica gel TLC using 10%
ethyl acetate in hexane.
##STR00016##
Example 2: Synthesis of DCPLA-trifluoromethyl ester
(DCPLA-MeF3)
[0124] DCPLA methyl ester (50 .mu.l) was mixed with 1 ml
trifluoroethanol, 30 mg TBD (1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene)
and 0.2 g molecular sieves in a 10 ml ReactiVial. The mixture was
reacted in an incubator for 3 days at 70.degree. C. Then 0.2 ml
glacial acetic acid, 2 ml chloroform, and 5 ml water were added.
The mixture was vortexed to extract and centrifuged. The organic
phase was washed with 5 ml water and the product (49.97 mg) was
evaporated to dryness.
##STR00017##
Example 3: Synthesis of 1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-yl DCPLA
[0125] DCPLA methyl ester (30 .mu.l) was mixed with 1 ml
1,1,1-trifluoro-2-propanol, 30 mg TBD
(1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene) and 0.2 g molecular sieves in
a 10 ml ReactiVial. The mixture was reacted in an incubator for 3
days at 70.degree. C. Then 0.2 ml glacial acetic acid, 2 ml
chloroform, and 5 ml water were added. The mixture was vortexed to
extract and centrifuged. The organic phase was washed with 5 ml
water and transferred to a 15-ml round bottom polypropylene
centrifuge tube. The crude product was evaporated to dryness. The
product was isolated by silica gel chromatography. A 15 mm.times.12
mm i.d. glass column of silica gel was equilibrated with hexane.
The crude product was dissolved in hexane and applied to the
column, which was washed with 30 ml hexane. The product was eluted
by adding 30 ml of 10% ethyl acetate in hexane. The product (14.95
mg) was evaporated to dryness.
##STR00018##
Example 4: PKC-.epsilon. Activation by DCPLA-EtF3 Versus DCPLA
Methyl Ester
[0126] Earlier research showed that DCPLA methyl ester is
approximately 100 times more potent of a PKC-.epsilon. activator
than unesterified DCPLA, with a maximum activation at 0.1 .mu.M.
Sen A, Alkon D L, Nelson T J, J. Biol. Chem. 287(19): 15947-58
(2012). PKC-.epsilon. activation by DCPLA-EtF3 was measured by
measuring the incorporation of 32P-inorganic phosphate from
gamma-32P-ATP by recombinant human PKC-.epsilon.. The results were
compared to PKC-.epsilon. activation by DCPLA methyl ester and are
shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, DCPLA-EtF3 had a peak
PKC-.epsilon. activation at 0.1-1 nM, approximately 1000 times more
potent than DCPLA methyl ester. This is potency approximately equal
to that of bryostatin-1, which is one of the most potent PKC
activators previously known. In addition, DCPLA-EtF3 produced
approximately the same extent of activation as DCPLA methyl ester,
while exhibiting this higher potency.
Example 5: PKC-.epsilon. Activation by 1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-yl
DCPLA
[0127] PKC-.epsilon. activation by 1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-yl DCPLA
was measured by measuring the incorporation of 32P-inorganic
phosphate from gamma-32P-ATP by recombinant human PKC-.epsilon..
The results, shown in FIG. 2, show superior potency when compared
to unmodified DCPLA. Activation strated at 0.01 nM and was
biphasic, consistent with a low and a high affinity binding site
for DCPLA.
* * * * *
References