U.S. patent application number 16/742806 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-03 for combination therapies using cyclosporine and aromatic cationic peptides.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stealth Bio Therapeutics Corp. The applicant listed for this patent is Stealth Bio Therapeutics Corp. Invention is credited to D. Travis Wilson.
Application Number | 20200376074 16/742806 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005034184 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200376074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson; D. Travis |
December 3, 2020 |
COMBINATION THERAPIES USING CYCLOSPORINE AND AROMATIC CATIONIC
PEPTIDES
Abstract
The invention provides compositions and methods for preventing
or treating an ischemia-reperfusion injury, such as occurs during
acute myocardial infarction and organ transplant in a mammalian
subject. The methods comprise administering to the subject an
effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and one or more
additional active agents such as cyclosporine.
Inventors: |
Wilson; D. Travis; (Newton,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stealth Bio Therapeutics Corp |
Monaco |
|
MC |
|
|
Assignee: |
Stealth Bio Therapeutics
Corp
Monaco
MC
|
Family ID: |
1000005034184 |
Appl. No.: |
16/742806 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15397030 |
Jan 3, 2017 |
10702577 |
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16742806 |
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14185471 |
Feb 20, 2014 |
9561258 |
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15397030 |
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13634192 |
Nov 8, 2012 |
8697657 |
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PCT/US2011/028543 |
Mar 15, 2011 |
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14185471 |
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61313945 |
Mar 15, 2010 |
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61376813 |
Aug 25, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 38/13 20130101;
A61K 38/07 20130101; A61K 38/08 20130101; A61K 38/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 38/13 20060101
A61K038/13; A61K 38/06 20060101 A61K038/06; A61K 38/07 20060101
A61K038/07; A61K 38/08 20060101 A61K038/08 |
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. A method for treating ischemia and/or reperfusion injury in a
subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering
simultaneously, separately or sequentially an effective amount of
(i) an aromatic-cationic peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, wherein the aromatic-cationic peptide is selected
from the group consisting of: Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 and (ii) an additional active
agent comprising a functional analogue of cyclosporine, wherein the
aromatic-cationic peptide is linked to the additional active agent
by a linker.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable
salt comprises acetate salt or trifluororacetate salt.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the aromatic-cationic peptide
comprises D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof selected from acetate salt or
trifluororacetate salt.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the linker comprises an
enzyme-cleavable linker or a pH-sensitive linker.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein the aromatic-cationic peptide
is administered intravenously, intradermally, intraperitoneally,
subcutaneously, orally, transdermally, topically, intraocularly,
iontophoretically, transmucosally, or by inhalation.
26. The method of claim 21, wherein the ischemia and/or reperfusion
injury comprises vessel occlusion injury or cardiac
ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/634,192, with U.S. 371(c) date of Nov. 8, 2012, which is the
U.S. 371 National Stage Application of International Application
PCT/US2011/028543, filed Mar. 15, 2011, which claims benefit of and
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/313,945 filed Mar.
15, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/376,813 filed
Aug. 25, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present technology relates generally to methods and
compositions for preventing or treating organ damage resulting from
ischemia and reperfusion. In particular, embodiments, the present
technology relates to administering aromatic-cationic peptides in
combination with cyclosporine, or other therapeutic agents, in
effective amounts to prevent or treat ischemia-reperfusion injury
associated with acute myocardial infarction and organ
transplantation in mammalian subjects.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present technology relates to compositions and methods
for the treatment or prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury
associated with acute myocardial infarction and organ
transplantation in mammals. In general, the methods and
compositions include one or more aromatic-cationic peptides or
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (e.g., acetate salt or
trifluoroacetate salt) in conjunction with one or more additional
active agents. In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide
is one or more aromatic-cationic peptides selected from the group
consisting of Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, such as acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt. In
some embodiments, the peptide comprises
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or an acetate salt or
trifluoroacetate salt thereof, and the additional active agent
includes cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or analogue. In
some embodiments, the cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or
analogue includes NIM811.
[0004] In some aspects, the present technology provides a
pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) an aromatic-cationic
peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and (ii) one
or more additional active agents. In some embodiments, the
aromatic-cationic peptide is selected from the group consisting of:
Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; 2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; 2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2. In some embodiments, the
pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises acetate salt or
trifluoroacetate salt. In some embodiments, the additional active
agent comprises cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or
analogue. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition
comprises the D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof selected from acetate salt
or trifluoroacetate salt, and cyclosporine.
[0005] In some aspects, methods for treating an acute myocardial
infarction injury in a mammalian subject are provided. In some
embodiments, the methods include administering simultaneously,
separately or sequentially an effective amount of (i) an
aromatic-cationic peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof, and (ii) one or more additional active agents. In some
embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide is selected from the
group consisting of: Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2. In some embodiments, the
pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises acetate salt or
trifluoroacetate salt. In some embodiments, the additional active
agent comprises cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or
analogue. In some embodiments of the method, the aromatic-cationic
peptide comprises D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof selected from acetate salt
or trifluororacetate salt, and the additional active agent
comprises cyclosporine.
[0006] In some embodiments of the method, the peptide and the one
or more additional active agent(s) are administered in a manner
selected from the group consisting of: simultaneously; sequentially
in either order; sequentially in either order prior to performing a
revascularization procedure on the subject; simultaneously prior to
performing a revascularization procedure on the subject. In some
embodiments of the method, the subject is administered the peptide
and the one or more additional active agent(s) in a manner selected
from the group consisting of: after a revascularization procedure;
simultaneously or separately during and after performing a
revascularization procedure on the subject. In some embodiments of
the method, the subject is administered the peptide continuously
before, during, and after a revascularization procedure and the
subject is administered the additional one or more active agent(s)
as a bolus dose immediately prior to the revascularization
procedure. In some embodiments of the method, the subject is
administered the one or more additional agent(s) before a
revascularization procedure and the subject is administered the
peptide continuously during and after the revascularization
procedure. In some embodiments of the method, the subject is
administered the one or more additional active agent(s)
continuously before and during a revascularization procedure and
the subject is administered the peptide continuously during and
after the revascularization procedure.
[0007] In some embodiments of the method, the subject is
administered the aromatic-cationic peptide for a time period
selected from the group consisting of: at least 3 hours after a
revascularization procedure; at least 5 hours after a
revascularization procedure; at least 8 hours after a
revascularization procedure; at least 12 hours after a
revascularization procedure; at least 24 hours after a
revascularization procedure. In some embodiments of the method, the
subject is administered the aromatic-cationic peptide in a time
period selected from the group consisting of: starting at least 8
hours before a revascularization procedure; starting at least 4
hours before a revascularization procedure; starting at least 2
hours before a revascularization procedure; starting at least 1
hour before a revascularization procedure; starting at least 30
minutes before a revascularization procedure. In some embodiments
of the methods, the subject is administered the one or more
additional active agent(s) in a time period selected from the group
consisting of: starting at least 8 hours before a revascularization
procedure; starting at least 4 hours before a revascularization
procedure; starting at least 2 hours before a revascularization
procedure; starting at least 1 hour before a revascularization
procedure; starting at least 30 minutes before a revascularization
procedure.
[0008] In some embodiments, the revascularization procedure is
selected from the group consisting of: percutaneous coronary
intervention; balloon angioplasty; insertion of a bypass graft;
insertion of a stent; directional coronary atherectomy; treatment
with a one or more thrombolytic agent(s); and removal of an
occlusion.
[0009] In some aspects, kits for treating ischemia/reperfusion
injury, e.g., acute myocardial infarction, in a mammalian subject
are provided. In some embodiments, the kits include: (i) a peptide
D-Arg-2,'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof selected from acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt,
and (ii) cyclosporine, wherein the peptide and the cyclosporine are
packaged in the same or separate vials.
[0010] In some aspects, methods for treating ischemia and/or
reperfusion injury in a subject in need thereof are provided. In
some embodiments, the methods include administering simultaneously,
separately or sequentially an effective amount of (i) an
aromatic-cationic peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof, and (ii) one or more additional active agent(s). In some
embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide is selected from the
group consisting of: Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2. In some embodiments, the
pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises acetate salt or
trifluororacetate salt. In some embodiments, the one or more
additional active agent(s) comprise cyclosporine or a cyclosporine
derivative or analogue. In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic
peptide comprises D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof selected from acetate salt
or trifluororacetate salt, and the additional active agent
comprises cyclosporine.
[0011] In some aspects, methods of preventing or reducing
ischemia-reperfusion injury in a removed tissue organ of a mammal
are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include: prior to
organ removal, administering to the mammal simultaneously,
separately or sequentially an effective amount of (i) an
aromatic-cationic peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof, and (ii) one or more additional active agent(s). In some
embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide is selected from the
group consisting of: Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2. In some embodiments, the
pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises acetate salt or
trifluororacetate salt. In some embodiments, the additional active
agent comprises cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or
analogue. In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide
comprises D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof selected from acetate salt or
trifluororacetate salt, and the additional active agent comprises
cyclosporine.
[0012] In some embodiments, the method further comprising
administering to the recipient of the removed organ an effective
amount of (i) an aromatic-cationic peptide or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, and (ii) one or more additional active
agent(s). In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide
administered to the recipient is selected from the group consisting
of Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; 2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH; 2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2. In some embodiments, the
pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the peptide administered to the
recipient comprises acetate salt or trifluororacetate salt. In some
embodiments, the additional active agent administered to the
recipient comprises cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or
analogue. In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide
administered to the recipient comprises
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof selected from acetate salt or trifluororacetate salt,
and the additional active agent administered to the recipient
comprises cyclosporine.
[0013] In other aspects, the present technology relates to the
treatment or prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury to a tissue
or an organ before, during or after transplantation through
administration, to the tissue or organ, of therapeutically
effective amounts of aromatic-cationic peptides such as
Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; 2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2. 2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or pharmaceutically acceptable
salts thereof (e.g., acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt) and one
or more active agents, such as cyclosporine or a cyclosporine
derivative or analogue.
[0014] In some aspects, methods of coronary revascularization are
provided. In some embodiments, the methods include: (a)
administering to the mammal simultaneously, separately or
sequentially an effective amount of (i) an aromatic-cationic
peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and (ii) one
or more additional active agent(s); (b) performing a coronary
artery bypass graft procedure on the subject. In some embodiments,
the aromatic-cationic peptide is selected from the group consisting
of: Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; 2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; 2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2. In some embodiments, the
pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises acetate salt or
trifluororacetate salt. In some embodiments, the additional active
agent comprises cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or
analogue. In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide
comprises D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof selected from acetate salt or
trifluororacetate salt, and the additional active agent comprises
cyclosporine.
[0015] In some aspects, methods for the treatment, prevention or
alleviation of symptoms of cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in a
subject in need thereof are provided. In some embodiments, the
methods include (a) administering to the mammal simultaneously,
separately or sequentially an effective amount of (i) an
aromatic-cationic peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof, and (ii) one or more additional active agents. In some
embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide is selected from the
group consisting of: Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2, Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2. In some embodiments, the
pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises acetate salt or
trifluororacetate salt. In some embodiments, the additional active
agent comprises cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or
analogue. In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide
comprises D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof selected from acetate salt or
trifluororacetate salt, and the additional active agent comprises
cyclosporine.
[0016] In various embodiments, the peptide and active agent are
administered simultaneously, separately, or sequentially to a
subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the peptide and the
active agent are administered sequentially in either order. In some
embodiments, the peptide and the additional active agent are
administered sequentially in either order prior to performing a
revascularization procedure on the subject. In some embodiments,
the peptide and the additional active agent are administered
simultaneously. In some embodiments, the peptide and the additional
active agent are administered simultaneously prior to performing a
revascularization procedure on the subject. In some embodiments,
the additional active agent comprises cyclosporine or a
cyclosporine derivative or analogue.
[0017] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit for
treating ischemia-reperfusion injury in a mammalian subject
comprising. (i) a peptide D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt and (ii) an additional active
agent, wherein the peptide and active agent are packaged in the
same or separate vials. In some embodiments, the additional active
agent comprises cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or
analogue.
[0018] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method
for treating an acute myocardial infarction injury in a mammalian
subject, the method comprising administering simultaneously,
separately or sequentially an effective amount of (i) a peptide
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 and (ii) an additional active
agent. In some embodiments, the additional active agent comprises
cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or analogue.
[0019] In some embodiments, the additional active agent is a
cardiovascular agent is selected from the group consisting of:
hyaluronidase, a corticosteroid, recombinant superoxide dismutase,
prostacyclin, fluosol, magnesium, poloxamer 188, trimetazidine,
eniporidine, cariporidine, a nitrate, anti-P selectin, an anti-CD18
antibody, adenosine, and glucose-insulin-potassium. In some
embodiments, the cardiovascular agent is selected from the group
consisting of an anti-arrhthymia agent, a vasodilator, an
anti-anginal agent, a corticosteroid, a cardioglycoside, a
diuretic, a sedative, an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitor, an angiotensin II antagonist, a thrombolytic agent, a
calcium channel blocker, a throboxane receptor antagonist, a
radical scavenger, an anti-platelet drug, a .beta.-adrenaline
receptor blocking drug, .alpha.-receptor blocking drug, a
sympathetic nerve inhibitor, a digitalis formulation, an inotrope,
and an antihyperlipidemic drug. In some embodiments, the
cardiovascular agent is cyclosporine.
[0020] In some embodiments, the peptide and the additional active
agent are administered sequentially in either order. In some
embodiments, the peptide and the additional active agent are
administered sequentially in either order prior to performing a
revascularization procedure on the subject. In some embodiments,
the peptide and the c additional active agent are administered
simultaneously.
[0021] In some embodiments, the peptide and the additional active
agent are administered simultaneously prior to performing a
revascularization procedure on the subject. In some embodiments,
the subject is administered the peptide and the additional active
agent after a revascularization procedure. In some embodiments, the
subject is administered the peptide and the additional active agent
simultaneously or separately during and after performing a
revascularization procedure on the subject. In some embodiments,
the subject is administered the peptide continuously before,
during, and after a revascularization procedure and the subject is
administered the additional active agent as a bolus dose
immediately prior to the revascularization procedure. In some
embodiments, the subject is administered the additional active
agent before a revascularization procedure and the subject is
administered the peptide continuously during and after the
revascularization procedure. In some embodiments, the subject is
administered the additional active agent continuously before and
during a revascularization procedure and the subject is
administered the peptide continuously during and after the
revascularization procedure. In some embodiments, the additional
active agent comprises cyclosporine.
[0022] In some embodiments, the subject is administered the peptide
for at least 3 hours after the revascularization procedure. In some
embodiments, the subject is administered the peptide for at least 5
hours after the revascularization procedure. In some embodiments,
the subject is administered the peptide for at least 8 hours after
the revascularization procedure. In one some embodiments, the
subject is administered the peptide for at least 12 hours after the
revascularization procedure. In some embodiments, the subject is
administered the peptide for at least 24 hours after the
revascularization procedure.
[0023] In some embodiments, the subject is administered the peptide
starting at least 8 hours before the revascularization procedure.
In some embodiments, the subject is administered the peptide
starting at least 4 hours before the revascularization procedure.
In some embodiments, the subject is administered the peptide
starting at least 2 hours before the revascularization procedure.
In some embodiments, the subject is administered the peptide
starting at least 1 hour before the revascularization procedure. In
some embodiments, the subject is administered the peptide starting
at least 30 minutes before the revascularization procedure.
[0024] In one embodiment, the revascularization procedure is
selected from the group consisting of: percutaneous coronary
intervention; balloon angioplasty; insertion of a bypass graft;
insertion of a stent; or directional coronary atherectomy. In some
embodiments, the revascularization procedure is removal of the
occlusion. In some embodiments, the revascularization procedure
includes administration of one or more thrombolytic agents. In some
embodiments, the one or more thrombolytic agents are selected from
the group consisting of: tissue plasminogen activator; urokinase;
prourokinase; streptokinase; acylated form of plasminogen; acylated
form of plasmin; and acylated streptokinase-plasminogen
complex.
[0025] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method
of coronary revascularization comprising: (a) administering
simultaneously, separately or sequentially an effective amount of
(i) a peptide D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt and (ii) an additional active agent; and (b)
performing a coronary artery bypass graft procedure on the subject.
In some embodiments, the additional active agent comprises
cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or analogue.
[0026] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method
of coronary revascularization comprising: (a) administering to a
mammalian subject a therapeutically effective amount of the peptide
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof; (b) administering to the subject a therapeutically
effective amount of cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or
analogue; and (c) performing a coronary artery bypass graft
procedure on the subject.
[0027] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a
composition comprising: an (i) an aromatic-cationic peptide or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and (ii) one or more
additional active agents; wherein the aromatic-cationic peptide is
linked to the active agent by a linker. In some embodiments, the
aromatic-cationic peptide is selected from the group consisting of:
Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; 2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; 2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2. In some embodiments, the
pharmaceutically acceptable salt comprises acetate salt or
trifluororacetate salt. In some embodiments, the additional active
agent comprises cyclosporine or a cyclosporine derivative or
analogue. In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide
comprises D-Arg-2', 6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof selected from acetate salt or
trifluororacetate salt, the additional active agent comprises
cyclosporine, and the linker comprises an enzyme-cleavable
linker.
[0028] In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide is a
peptide having:
[0029] at least one net positive charge;
[0030] a minimum of four amino acids;
[0031] a maximum of about twenty amino acids;
[0032] a relationship between the minimum number of net positive
charges (p.sub.m) and the total number of amino acid residues (r)
wherein 3 p.sub.m is the largest number that is less than or equal
to r+1; and a relationship between the minimum number of aromatic
groups (a) and the total number of net positive charges (p.sub.t)
wherein 2a is the largest number that is less than or equal to
p.sub.t+1, except that when a is 1, p.sub.t may also be 1. In
particular embodiments, the mammalian subject is a human.
[0033] In some embodiments, 2 p.sub.m is the largest number that is
less than or equal to r+1, and a may be equal to p.sub.t. The
aromatic-cationic peptide may be a water-soluble peptide having a
minimum of two or a minimum of three positive charges.
[0034] In some embodiments, the peptide comprises one or more
non-naturally occurring amino acids, for example, one or more
D-amino acids. In some embodiments, the C-terminal carboxyl group
of the amino acid at the C-terminus is amidated. In certain
embodiments, the peptide has a minimum of four amino acids. The
peptide may have a maximum of about 6, a maximum of about 9, or a
maximum of about 12 amino acids.
[0035] In some embodiments, the peptide comprises a tyrosine or a
2',6'-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) residue at the N-terminus. For
example, the peptide may have the formula
Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2 or 2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2. In
another embodiment, the peptide comprises a phenylalanine or a
2',6'-dimethylphenylalanine residue at the N-terminus. For example,
the peptide may have the formula Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2 or
2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2. In a particular embodiment, the
aromatic-cationic peptide has the formula
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2.
[0036] In one embodiment, the peptide is defined by formula I:
##STR00001##
[0037] wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently selected
from
[0038] (i) hydrogen;
[0039] (ii) linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl;
##STR00002##
##STR00003##
##STR00004##
R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each independently selected from
[0040] (i) hydrogen;
[0041] (ii) linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl;
[0042] (iii) C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy;
[0043] (iv) amino;
[0044] (v) C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkylamino;
[0045] (vi) C.sub.1-C.sub.4 dialkylamino;
[0046] (vii) nitro;
[0047] (viii) hydroxyl;
[0048] (ix) halogen, where "halogen" encompasses chloro, fluoro,
bromo, and iodo;
R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, and R.sup.9 are each
independently selected from
[0049] (i) hydrogen;
[0050] (ii) linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl;
[0051] (iii) C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy;
[0052] (iv) amino;
[0053] (v) C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkylamino;
[0054] (vi) C.sub.1-C.sub.4 dialkylamino;
[0055] (vii) nitro;
[0056] (viii) hydroxyl;
[0057] (ix) halogen, where "halogen" encompasses chloro, fluoro,
bromo, and iodo;
and n is an integer from 1 to 5.
[0058] In a particular embodiment, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are
hydrogen; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are methyl; R.sup.5, R.sup.6,
R.sup.7, R.sup.K, and R.sup.9 are all hydrogen; and n is 4.
[0059] In some embodiments, the peptide is defined by formula
II:
##STR00005##
wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently selected
from
[0060] (i) hydrogen;
[0061] (ii) linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl;
[0062] (iii)
##STR00006##
[0063] (iv)
##STR00007##
[0064] (v)
##STR00008##
R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9,
R.sup.10, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are each independently selected
from
[0065] (i) hydrogen;
[0066] (ii) linear or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl;
[0067] (iii) C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy;
[0068] (iv) amino;
[0069] (v) C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkylamino;
[0070] (vi) C.sub.1-C.sub.4 dialkylamino;
[0071] (vii) nitro;
[0072] (viii) hydroxyl;
[0073] (ix) halogen, where "halogen" encompasses chloro, fluoro,
bromo, and iodo; and
n is an integer from 1 to 5.
[0074] In a particular embodiment, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3,
R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10,
R.sup.11, and R.sup.12 are all hydrogen; and n is 4. In another
embodiment, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6,
R.sup.7, R.sup.9, and R.sup.11 are all hydrogen; R.sup.8 and
R.sup.12 are methyl; R.sup.10 is hydroxyl; and n is 4.
[0075] The aromatic-cationic peptides may be administered in a
variety of ways. In some embodiments, the peptides may be
administered orally, topically, intranasally, intraperitoneally,
intravenously, subcutaneously, or transdermally (e.g., by
iontophoresis).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0076] It is to be appreciated that certain aspects, modes,
embodiments, variations and features of the invention are described
below in various levels of detail in order to provide a substantial
understanding of the present invention.
[0077] In practicing the present invention, many conventional
techniques in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell
biology, immunology, microbiology and recombinant DNA are used.
These techniques are well-known and are explained in, e.g., Current
Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vols. I-III, Ausubel, Ed. (1997);
Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Second Ed.
(Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.,
1989); DNA Cloning: A Practical Approach, Vols. I and II, Glover,
Ed. (1985); Oligonucleotide Synthesis, Gait, Ed. (1984); Nucleic
Acid Hybridization, Hames & Higgins, Eds. (1985); Transcription
and Translation, Hames & Higgins, Eds. (1984); Animal Cell
Culture, Freshney, Ed. (1986); Immobilized Cells and Enzymes (IRL
Press, 1986); Perbal, A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning; the
series, Meth. Enzymol., (Academic Press, Inc., 1984); Gene Transfer
Vectors for Mammalian Cells, Miller & Calos, Eds. (Cold Spring
Harbor Laboratory, N Y, 1987); and Meth. Enzymol., Vols. 154 and
155, Wu & Grossman, and Wu, Eds., respectively.
[0078] The definitions of certain terms as used in this
specification are provided below. Unless defined otherwise, all
technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
to which this invention belongs.
[0079] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to
"a cell" includes a combination of two or more cells, and the
like.
[0080] As used herein, the "administration" of an agent, drug, or
peptide to a subject includes any route of introducing or
delivering to a subject a compound to perform its intended
function. Administration can be carried out by any suitable route,
including orally, intranasally, parenterally (intravenously,
intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, or subcutaneously), or
topically. Administration includes self-administration and the
administration by another.
[0081] As used herein, the term "amino acid" includes
naturally-occurring amino acids and synthetic amino acids, as well
as amino acid analogs and amino acid mimetics that function in a
manner similar to the naturally-occurring amino acids.
Naturally-occurring amino acids are those encoded by the genetic
code, as well as those amino acids that are later modified, e.g.,
hydroxyproline, .gamma.-carboxyglutamate, and O-phosphoserine.
Amino acid analogs refers to compounds that have the same basic
chemical structure as a naturally-occurring amino acid, i.e., an
.alpha.-carbon that is bound to a hydrogen, a carboxyl group, an
amino group, and an R group, e.g., homoserine, norleucine,
methionine sulfoxide, methionine methyl sulfonium. Such analogs
have modified R groups (e.g., norleucine) or modified peptide
backbones, but retain the same basic chemical structure as a
naturally-occurring amino acid. Amino acid mimetics refers to
chemical compounds that have a structure that is different from the
general chemical structure of an amino acid, but that functions in
a manner similar to a naturally-occurring amino acid. Amino acids
can be referred to herein by either their commonly known three
letter symbols or by the one-letter symbols recommended by the
IUPAC-IUB Biochemical Nomenclature Commission.
[0082] As used herein, the term "active agent" and "therapeutic
agent" are used interchangeably and refer to compounds useful for
treating or preventing a disease or condition. For example, in some
embodiments, active agents include aromatic-cationic peptides,
cardiovascular agents, immunosuppressive agents, diuretics,
sedatives, etc. In some embodiments, an active agent is
administered alone or in combination with a one or more additional
active agents. For example, in some embodiments, an
aromatic-cationic peptide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof, such as acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt, and
cyclosporine are provided.
[0083] As used herein, the terms "cardiovascular agent" or
"cardiovascular drug" refers to a therapeutic compound that is
useful for treating or preventing a cardiovascular disease or
condition. Non-limiting examples of suitable cardiovascular agents
include ACE inhibitors (angiotensin II converting enzyme
inhibitors), ARB's (angiotensin II receptor antagonists),
adrenergic blockers, adrenergic agonists, anti-anginal agents,
anti-arrhythmics, anti-platelet agents, anti-coagulants,
anti-hypertensives, anti-lipemic agents, calcium channel blockers,
COX-2 inhibitors, diuretics, endothelin receptor antagonists, HMG
Co-A reductase inhibitors, inotropic agents, rennin inhibitors,
vasodialators, vasopressors, AGE crosslink breakers, and AGE
formation inhibitors (advanced glycosylation end-product formation
inhibitors, such as pimagedine), and combinations thereof. In some
embodiments, the cardiovascular agent comprises cyclosporine.
[0084] In some embodiments, an active agent is an immunosuppressive
agent. As used herein an "immunosuppressive agent" refers to a
medication that slows or halts immune system activity.
Immunosuppressive agents may be given to prevent the body from
mounting an immune response after an organ transplant or for
treating a disease that is caused by an overactive immune system.
In some embodiments, immunosuppressive agents include
glucocorticoids, cytostatics, antibodies, drugs acting on
immunophilins and other drugs. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant
drug used extensively to prevent organ rejection following
allogenic transplants. It remains an important tool for managing
organ transplantation despite having deleterious effects on renal
structure and function. Nephrotoxicity is a primary limiting
side-effect of cyclosporine, and is thought to result from
low-grade hypoxic injury to renal tubular cells. A progressive loss
of renal cells leads to interstitial fibrosis and a loss of renal
function. It is known that apoptotic cell death occurs in
cyclosporine-associated fibrosis with little evidence of necrotic
cell death. Moreover, it has been shown that the expression of the
apoptosis regulatory genes p53, Bax, Fas-L, Bcl-2,
interleukin-converting enzyme (ICE), and caspase-3 favor cell death
in cyclosporine-exposed renal cells. Cyclosporine has also been
shown to be effective in the treatment psoriasis, atopic
dermatitis, pyoderma gangrenosum, chronic autoimmune urticaria,
and, rheumatoid arthritis. However, because of the high degree of
toxicity associated with the drug, cyclosporine is typically
indicated for severe cases of these conditions. For transplant
patients, cyclosporine is generally administered only
intermittently, or cyclically, with close monitoring of renal
function.
[0085] As used herein, the term "cyclosporine" refers to
cyclosporine A, cyclosporine G, and functional derivatives or
analogues thereof, e.g., NIM811. Cyclosporine A refers to the
natural Tolypocladium inflatum cyclic non-ribosomal peptide.
Cyclosporine G differs from cyclosporine A in the amino acid 2
position, where an L-norvaline replaces the .alpha.-aminobutyric
acid. (See generally, Wenger, R. M. 1986. Synthesis of Ciclosporin
and analogues: structural and conformational requirements for
immunosuppressive activity. Progress in Allergy, 38:46-64). In some
embodiments disclosed herein, the combination of an
aromatic-cationic peptide such as D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2
and cyclosporine are provided.
[0086] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to a
quantity sufficient to achieve a desired therapeutic and/or
prophylactic effect, e.g., an amount which results in the
prevention of, or a decrease in, ischemia-reperfusion injury or one
or more symptoms associated with ischemia-reperfusion injury. In
the context of therapeutic or prophylactic applications, the amount
of a composition administered to the subject will depend on the
type and severity of the disease and on the characteristics of the
individual, such as general health, age, sex, body weight and
tolerance to drugs. It will also depend on the degree, severity and
type of disease. The skilled artisan will be able to determine
appropriate dosages depending on these and other factors. The
compositions can also be administered in combination with one or
more additional therapeutic agents.
[0087] In the methods described herein, the aromatic-cationic
peptides and one or more additional therapeutic agents may be
administered to a subject having one or more signs or symptoms of
acute myocardial infarction injury. In other embodiments, the
mammal has one or more signs or symptoms of myocardial infarction,
such as chest pain described as a pressure sensation, fullness, or
squeezing in the mid portion of the thorax; radiation of chest pain
into the jaw or teeth, shoulder, arm, and/or back; dyspnea or
shortness of breath; epigastric discomfort with or without nausea
and vomiting; and diaphoresis or sweating. For example, a
"therapeutically effective amount" of the aromatic-cationic
peptides and/or an additional active agent, such as a
cardiovascular agent is meant levels in which the physiological
effects of an acute myocardial infarction injury are, at a minimum,
ameliorated. In some embodiments, the additional active agent is a
cardiovascular agents such as cyclosporine, or functional
derivatives or analogues thereof.
[0088] In some embodiments described herein, an aromatic-cationic
peptide and one or more additional therapeutic agents are
administered to a donor subject and/or a recipient subject prior
to, during and/or after organ or tissue transplant. For example, in
some embodiments, an aromatic-cationic peptide and one or more
additional therapeutic agents ("combination therapy") may be
administered to a first subject from which a tissue or organ will
be removed for transplantation into a second subject. Additionally
or alternatively, in some embodiments, the combination therapy is
administered the extracted tissue or organ, prior to introduction
into the second subject. Additionally or alternatively, in some
embodiments, the combination therapy is administered to the second
subject before, during and/or after organ or tissue transplant.
[0089] In some embodiments, the combination therapy (e.g., an
aromatic-cationic peptide and one or more active agents, such as a
cardiovascular agent, an immunosuppressive agent, etc.) is
administered to a transplant recipient presenting with one or more
signs or symptoms of ischemia-reperfusion injury due to, for
example, organ or tissue transplant reperfusion problems (e.g.,
occlusions, necrotic tissue) and/or tissue or organ rejection. The
signs and symptoms may vary depending on the type and location of
the transplanted organ or tissue. For example, patients who reject
a kidney may have less urine, and patients who reject a heart may
have symptoms of heart failure. Additional signs or symptoms of
organ or tissue rejection include, but are not limited to: the
organ or tissue does not function properly, general discomfort,
uneasiness, or ill feeling, pain or swelling in the location of the
organ or tissue and fever. Thus, in some embodiments, a
"therapeutically effective amount" of the aromatic-cationic
peptides and/or second active agent means a levels in which the
physiological effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury in an organ or
tissue transplant are, at a minimum, ameliorated. In some
embodiments, the second active agent comprises cyclosporine or
functional derivatives or analogues thereof.
[0090] As used herein the term "ischemia reperfusion injury" refers
to the damage caused by the restriction of blood supply to a tissue
followed by a sudden resupply of blood and the attendant generation
of free radicals. Such injury can occur, for example, after
myocardial infarction or as a result of organ or tissue
transplantation.
[0091] An "isolated" or "purified" polypeptide or peptide is
substantially free of cellular material or other contaminating
polypeptides from the cell or tissue source from which the agent is
derived, or substantially free from chemical precursors or other
chemicals when chemically synthesized. For example, an isolated
aromatic-cationic peptide would be free of materials that would
interfere with diagnostic or therapeutic uses of the agent. Such
interfering materials may include enzymes, hormones and other
proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous solutes.
[0092] As used herein, the terms "polypeptide", "peptide", and
"protein" are used interchangeably herein to mean a polymer
comprising two or more amino acids joined to each other by peptide
bonds or modified peptide bonds, i.e., peptide isosteres.
Polypeptide refers to both short chains, commonly referred to as
peptides, glycopeptides or oligomers, and to longer chains,
generally referred to as proteins. Polypeptides may contain amino
acids other than the 20 gene-encoded amino acids. Polypeptides
include amino acid sequences modified either by natural processes,
such as post-translational processing, or by chemical modification
techniques that are well known in the art.
[0093] As used herein, the term "simultaneous" therapeutic use
refers to the administration of at least two active ingredients by
the same route and at the same time or at substantially the same
time.
[0094] As used herein, the term "separate" therapeutic use refers
to an administration of at least two active ingredients at the same
time or at substantially the same time by different routes.
[0095] As used herein, the term "sequential" therapeutic use refers
to administration of at least two active ingredients at different
times, the administration route being identical or different. More
particularly, sequential use refers to the whole administration of
one of the active ingredients before administration of the other or
others commences. It is thus possible to administer one of the
active ingredients over several minutes, hours, or days before
administering the other active ingredient or ingredients. There is
no simultaneous treatment in this case.
[0096] As used herein, the terms "treating" or "treatment" or
"alleviation" refers to both therapeutic treatment and prophylactic
or preventative measures, wherein the object is to prevent or slow
down (lessen) the targeted pathologic condition or disorder. A
subject is successfully "treated" for ischemia reperfusion injury
if, after receiving a therapeutic amount of the aromatic-cationic
peptides and one or more additional active agents according to the
methods described herein, the subject shows observable and/or
measurable reduction in or absence of one or more signs and
symptoms of ischemia reperfusion injury, such as, e.g., reduced
infarct size. It is also to be appreciated that the various modes
of treatment or prevention of medical conditions as described are
intended to mean "substantial", which includes total but also less
than total treatment or prevention, and wherein some biologically
or medically relevant result is achieved.
[0097] As used herein, "prevention" or "preventing" of a disorder
or condition refers to one or more compounds that, in a statistical
sample, reduces the occurrence of the disorder or condition in the
treated sample relative to an untreated control sample, or delays
the onset or reduces the severity of one or more symptoms of the
disorder or condition relative to the untreated control sample. As
used herein, preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury includes
preventing oxidative damage or preventing mitochondrial
permeability transitioning, thereby preventing or ameliorating the
harmful effects of the loss and subsequent restoration of blood
flow to the heart or other organs or tissues.
Methods of Prevention or Treatment
[0098] The present technology relates to compositions and methods
for the treatment and prevention of diseases and/or conditions.
Typically, the compositions and methods include an
aromatic-cationic peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof, such as acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt, and one or
more active agents. In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic
peptide comprises one or more of Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2;
2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, such as acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt, and
the one or more active agents comprises cyclosporine or a
functional derivative or analogue thereof, such as NIM811. In some
embodiments, the aromatic-cationic peptide comprises
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, such as acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt, and
the additional active agent comprises cyclosporine. In some
embodiments the aromatic-cationic peptide comprises
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, such as acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt, and
the additional active agent comprises or a functional derivative or
analogue of cyclosporine, such as NIM811. The present technology
relates to the treatment or prevention of ischemia-reperfusion
injury by administration of certain aromatic-cationic peptides and
one or more additional active agents to a subject in need thereof.
The present technology also relates to the treatment or prevention
of acute myocardial infarction injury or transplantation injury by
administration of aromatic-cationic peptides, or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, such as acetate salt or trifluoroacetate
salt, and one or more additional therapeutic agents to a subject in
need thereof. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agents are
administered in conjunction with a revascularization procedure.
Also provided is a method for the treatment or prevention of
ischemia-reperfusion injury in the heart or other organs or
tissues. Also provided is a method of treating a myocardial
infarction in a subject to prevent injury to the heart upon
reperfusion. In one aspect, the present technology relates to a
method of coronary revascularization comprising administering to a
mammalian subject a therapeutically effective amount of the
aromatic cationic peptide and performing coronary artery bypass
graft (CABG) procedure on the subject. In some embodiments, the
additional active agent comprises cyclosporine.
[0099] In one embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptides and/or one
or more agents are administered in dosages that are sub-therapeutic
for each agent when administered separately. However, the
combination of the two agents results in synergism, which provides
an enhanced effect that is not observed when each of the agents are
administered individually at higher doses. In one embodiment, the
administration of the aromatic-cationic peptide and one or more
agents "primes" the tissue, so that it is more responsive to the
therapeutic effects of the other agent. For this reason, a lower
dose of the aromatic-cationic peptide and one or more agents can be
administered, and yet, a therapeutic effect is still observed.
[0100] In one embodiment, the subject is administered the peptide
and one or more additional active agents simultaneously,
separately, or sequentially prior to a revascularization procedure
(e.g., in transplant or after myocardial infarction). In another
embodiment, the subject is administered the peptide and one or more
additional active agents simultaneously, separately, or
sequentially after the revascularization procedure. In another
embodiment, the subject is administered the peptide and one or more
additional active agents simultaneously, separately, or
sequentially during and after the revascularization procedure. In
yet another embodiment, the subject is administered the peptide and
one or more additional active agents simultaneously or separately
continuously before, during, and after the revascularization
procedure. In another embodiment, the subject is administered the
peptide and one or more additional active agents regularly (i.e.,
chronically) following a transplant, an AMI and/or a
revascularization or CABG procedure. In some embodiments, the
additional active agent comprises cyclosporine.
[0101] In one embodiment, the subject is administered the peptide
and/or one or more additional active agents for at least 3 hours,
at least 5 hours, at least 8 hours, at least 12 hours, or at least
24 hours after the revascularization procedure. In one embodiment,
the subject is administered the peptide and/or one or more
additional active agents starting at least 8 hours, at least 4
hours, at least 2 hours, at least 1 hour, or at least 30 minutes
prior to the revascularization procedure. In one embodiment, the
subject is administered the peptide and/or one or more additional
active agents for at least one week, at least one month or at least
one year after the revascularization procedure. In some
embodiments, the additional active agent comprises
cyclosporine.
[0102] Aromatic-cationic peptides are water-soluble and highly
polar. Despite these properties, the peptides can readily penetrate
cell membranes. The aromatic-cationic peptides typically include a
minimum of three amino acids or a minimum of four amino acids,
covalently joined by peptide bonds. The maximum number of amino
acids present in the aromatic-cationic peptides is about twenty
amino acids covalently joined by peptide bonds. Suitably, the
maximum number of amino acids is about twelve, more preferably
about nine, and most preferably about six.
[0103] The amino acids of the aromatic-cationic peptides can be any
amino acid. As used herein, the term "amino acid" is used to refer
to any organic molecule that contains at least one amino group and
at least one carboxyl group. Typically, at least one amino group is
at the .alpha. position relative to a carboxyl group. The amino
acids may be naturally occurring. Naturally occurring amino acids
include, for example, the twenty most common levorotatory (L) amino
acids normally found in mammalian proteins, i.e., alanine (Ala),
arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (Asp), cysteine
(Cys), glutamine (Gin), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly),
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). Other naturally occurring amino acids include, for example,
amino acids that are synthesized in metabolic processes not
associated with protein synthesis. For example, the amino acids
ornithine and citrulline are synthesized in mammalian metabolism
during the production of urea. Another example of a naturally
occurring amino acid includes hydroxyproline (Hyp).
[0104] The peptides optionally contain one or more non-naturally
occurring amino acids. For example, the peptide may have no amino
acids that are naturally occurring. The non-naturally occurring
amino acids may be levorotary (L-), dextrorotatory (D-), or
mixtures thereof. Non-naturally occurring amino acids are those
amino acids that typically are not synthesized in normal metabolic
processes in living organisms, and do not naturally occur in
proteins. In addition, the non-naturally occurring amino acids
suitably are also not recognized by common proteases. The
non-naturally occurring amino acid can be present at any position
in the peptide. For example, the non-naturally occurring amino acid
can be at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, or at any position
between the N-terminus and the C-terminus.
[0105] The non-natural amino acids may, for example, comprise
alkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl groups not found in natural amino acids.
Some examples of non-natural alkyl amino acids include
.alpha.-aminobutyric acid, .beta.-aminobutyric acid,
.gamma.-aminobutyric acid, .delta.-aminovaleric acid, and
.epsilon.-aminocaproic acid. Some examples of non-natural aryl
amino acids include ortho-, meta, and para-aminobenzoic acid. Some
examples of non-natural alkylaryl amino acids include ortho-,
meta-, and para-aminophenylacetic acid, and
.gamma.-phenyl-.beta.-aminobutyric acid. Non-naturally occurring
amino acids include derivatives of naturally occurring amino acids.
The derivatives of naturally occurring amino acids may, for
example, include the addition of one or more chemical groups to the
naturally occurring amino acid.
[0106] For example, one or more chemical groups can be added to one
or more of the 2', 3', 4', 5', or 6' position of the aromatic ring
of a phenylalanine or tyrosine residue, or the 4', 5'. 6', or 7'
position of the benzo ring of a tryptophan residue. The group can
be any chemical group that can be added to an aromatic ring. Some
examples of such groups include branched or unbranched
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl,
butyl, isobutyl, or t-butyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyloxy (i.e.,
alkoxy), amino, C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkylamino and C.sub.1-C.sub.4
dialkylamino (e.g., methylamino, dimethylamino), nitro, hydroxyl,
halo (i.e., fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo). Some specific examples
of non-naturally occurring derivatives of naturally occurring amino
acids include norvaline (Nva) and norleucine (Nle).
[0107] Another example of a modification of an amino acid in a
peptide is the derivatization of a carboxyl group of an aspartic
acid or a glutamic acid residue of the peptide. One example of
derivatization is amidation with ammonia or with a primary or
secondary amine, e.g. methylamine, ethylamine, dimethylamine or
diethylamine. Another example of derivatization includes
esterification with, for example, methyl or ethyl alcohol. Another
such modification includes derivatization of an amino group of a
lysine, arginine, or histidine residue. For example, such amino
groups can be acylated. Some suitable acyl groups include, for
example, a benzoyl group or an alkanoyl group comprising any of the
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl groups mentioned above, such as an acetyl or
propionyl group.
[0108] The non-naturally occurring amino acids are preferably
resistant, and more preferably insensitive, to common proteases.
Examples of non-naturally occurring amino acids that are resistant
or insensitive to proteases include the dextrorotatory (D-) form of
any of the above-mentioned naturally occurring L-amino acids, as
well as L- and/or D- non-naturally occurring amino acids. The
D-amino acids do not normally occur in proteins, although they are
found in certain peptide antibiotics that are synthesized by means
other than the normal ribosomal protein synthetic machinery of the
cell. As used herein, the D-amino acids are considered to be
non-naturally occurring amino acids.
[0109] In order to minimize protease sensitivity, the peptides
should have less than five, preferably less than four, more
preferably less than three, and most preferably, less than two
contiguous L-amino acids recognized by common proteases,
irrespective of whether the amino acids are naturally or
non-naturally occurring. Optimally, the peptide has only D-amino
acids, and no L-amino acids. If the peptide contains protease
sensitive sequences of amino acids, at least one of the amino acids
is preferably a non-naturally-occurring D-amino acid, thereby
conferring protease resistance. An example of a protease sensitive
sequence includes two or more contiguous basic amino acids that are
readily cleaved by common proteases, such as endopeptidases and
trypsin. Examples of basic amino acids include arginine, lysine and
histidine.
[0110] The aromatic-cationic peptides should have a minimum number
of net positive charges at physiological pH in comparison to the
total number of amino acid residues in the peptide. The minimum
number of net positive charges at physiological pH will be referred
to below as (p.sub.m). The total number of amino acid residues in
the peptide will be referred to below as (r). The minimum number of
net positive charges discussed below are all at physiological pH.
The term "physiological pH" as used herein refers to the normal pH
in the cells of the tissues and organs of the mammalian body. For
instance, the physiological pH of a human is normally approximately
7.4, but normal physiological pH in mammals may be any pH from
about 7.0 to about 7.8.
[0111] "Net charge" as used herein refers to the balance of the
number of positive charges and the number of negative charges
carried by the amino acids present in the peptide. In this
specification, it is understood that net charges are measured at
physiological pH. The naturally occurring amino acids that are
positively charged at physiological pH include L-lysine,
L-arginine, and L-histidine. The naturally occurring amino acids
that are negatively charged at physiological pH include L-aspartic
acid and L-glutamic acid. Typically, a peptide has a positively
charged N-terminal amino group and a negatively charged C-terminal
carboxyl group. The charges cancel each other out at physiological
pH.
[0112] In one embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptides have a
relationship between the minimum number of net positive charges at
physiological pH (p.sub.m) and the total number of amino acid
residues (r) wherein 3 p.sub.m is the largest number that is less
than or equal to r+1. In this embodiment, the relationship between
the minimum number of net positive charges (p.sub.m) and the total
number of amino acid residues (r) is as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Amino acid number and net positive charges
(3p.sub.m .ltoreq. p + 1) (r) 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 (p.sub.m) 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7
[0113] In another embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptides have a
relationship between the minimum number of net positive charges
(p.sub.m) and the total number of amino acid residues (r) wherein 2
p.sub.m is the largest number that is less than or equal to r+1. In
this embodiment, the relationship between the minimum number of net
positive charges (p.sub.m) and the total number of amino acid
residues (r) is as follows:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Amino acid number and net positive charges
(2p.sub.m .ltoreq. p + 1) (r) 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 (p.sub.m) 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10
[0114] In one embodiment, the minimum number of net positive
charges (p.sub.m) and the total number of amino acid residues (r)
are equal. In another embodiment, the peptides have three or four
amino acid residues and a minimum of one net positive charge,
suitably, a minimum of two net positive charges and more preferably
a minimum of three net positive charges.
[0115] It is also important that the aromatic-cationic peptides
have a minimum number of aromatic groups in comparison to the total
number of net positive charges (p.sub.t). The minimum number of
aromatic groups will be referred to below as (a). Naturally
occurring amino acids that have an aromatic group include the amino
acids histidine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. For
example, the hexapeptide Lys-Gln-Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Trp has a net
positive charge of two (contributed by the lysine and arginine
residues) and three aromatic groups (contributed by tyrosine,
phenylalanine and tryptophan residues).
[0116] The aromatic-cationic peptides should also have a
relationship between the minimum number of aromatic groups (a) and
the total number of net positive charges at physiological pH (p)
wherein 3a is the largest number that is less than or equal to
p.sub.t+1, except that when p.sub.t is 1, a may also be 1. In this
embodiment, the relationship between the minimum number of aromatic
groups (a) and the total number of net positive charges (p.sub.t)
is as follows:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Aromatic groups and net positive charges (3a
.ltoreq. p.sub.t + 1 or a = p.sub.t = 1) (p.sub.t) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 (a) 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5
5 5 6 6 6 7
[0117] In another embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptides have a
relationship between the minimum number of aromatic groups (a) and
the total number of net positive charges (p.sub.t) wherein 2a is
the largest number that is less than or equal to p.sub.t+1. In this
embodiment, the relationship between the minimum number of aromatic
amino acid residues (a) and the total number of net positive
charges (p.sub.t) is as follows:
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Aromatic groups and net positive charges (2a
.ltoreq. p.sub.t + 1 or a = p.sub.t = 1) (p.sub.t) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 (a) 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7
8 8 9 9 10 10
[0118] In another embodiment, the number of aromatic groups (a) and
the total number of net positive charges (p.sub.t) are equal. In
one embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptide is a tripeptide
having two net positive charges and at least one aromatic amino
acid. In a particular embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptide is
a tripeptide having two net positive charges and two aromatic amino
acids.
[0119] Carboxyl groups, especially the terminal carboxyl group of a
C-terminal amino acid, are suitably amidated with, for example,
ammonia to form the C-terminal amide. Alternatively, the terminal
carboxyl group of the C-terminal amino acid may be amidated with
any primary or secondary amine. The primary or secondary amine may,
for example, be an alkyl, especially a branched or unbranched
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl, or an aryl amine. Accordingly, the amino
acid at the C-terminus of the peptide may be converted to an amido,
N-methylamido, N-ethylamido, N,N-dimethylamido, N,N-diethylamido,
N-methyl-N-ethylamido, N-phenylamido or N-phenyl-N-ethylamido
group. The free carboxylate groups of the asparagine, glutamine,
aspartic acid, and glutamic acid residues not occurring at the
C-terminus of the aromatic-cationic peptides may also be amidated
wherever they occur within the peptide. The amidation at these
internal positions may be with ammonia or any of the primary or
secondary amines described above.
[0120] Aromatic-cationic peptides include, but are not limited to,
the following peptide examples:
TABLE-US-00005 Lys-D-Arg-Tyr-NH.sub.2 Phe-D-Arg-His
D-Tyr-Trp-Lys-NH.sub.2 Trp-D-Lys-Tyr-Arg-NH.sub.2 Tyr-His-D-Gly-Met
Phe-Arg-D-His-Asp Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-Glu-NH.sub.2
Met-Tyr-D-Lys-Phe-Arg D-His-Glu-Lys-Tyr-D-Phe-Arg
Lys-D-Gln-Tyr-Arg-D-Phe-Trp-NH.sub.2
Phe-D-Arg-Lys-Trp-Tyr-D-Arg-His
Gly-D-Phe-Lys-Tyr-His-D-Arg-Tyr-NH.sub.2
Val-D-Lys-His-Tyr-D-Phe-Ser-Tyr-Arg-NH.sub.2
Trp-Lys-Phe-D-Asp-Arg-Tyr-D-His-Lys
Lys-Trp-D-Tyr-Arg-Asn-Phe-Tyr-D-His-NH.sub.2
Thr-Gly-Tyr-Arg-D-His-Phe-Trp-D-His-Lys
Asp-D-Trp-Lys-Tyr-D-His-Phe-Arg-D-Gly-Lys-NH.sub.2
D-His-Lys-Tyr-D-Phe-Glu-D-Asp-D-His-D-Lys-Arg- Trp-NH.sub.2
Ala-D-Phe-D-Arg-Tyr-Lys-D-Trp-His-D-Tyr-Gly-Phe
Tyr-D-His-Phe-D-Arg-Asp-Lys-D-Arg-His-Trp-D-His- Phe
Phe-Phe-D-Tyr-Arg-Glu-Asp-D-Lys-Arg-D-Arg-His- Phe-NH.sub.2
Phe-Try-Lys-D-Arg-Trp-His-D-Lys-D-Lys-Glu-Arg-D- Tyr-Thr
Tyr-Asp-D-Lys-Tyr-Phe-D-Lys-D-Arg-Phe-Pro-D-Tyr- His-Lys
Glu-Arg-D-Lys-Tyr-D-Val-Phe-D-His-Trp-Arg-D-Gly-
Tyr-Arg-D-Met-NH.sub.2
Arg-D-Leu-D-Tyr-Phe-Lys-Glu-D-Lys-Arg-D-Trp-Lys-
D-Phe-Tyr-D-Arg-Gly
D-Glu-Asp-Lys-D-Arg-D-His-Phe-Phe-D-Val-Tyr-Arg-
Tyr-D-Tyr-Arg-His-Phe-NH.sub.2
Asp-Arg-D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Arg-D-Lys-Tyr-Arg-D-Tyr-
Trp-D-His-Tyr-D-Phe-Lys-Phe
His-Tyr-D-Arg-Trp-Lys-Phe-D-Asp-Ala-Arg-Cys-D-Tyr-
His-Phe-D-Lys-Tyr-His-Ser-NH.sub.2
Gly-Ala-Lys-Phe-D-Lys-Glu-Arg-Tyr-His-D-Arg-D-Arg-
Asp-Tyr-Trp-D-His-Trp-His-D-Lys-Asp
Thr-Tyr-Arg-D-Lys-Trp-Tyr-Glu-Asp-D-Lys-D-Arg-His-
Phe-D-Tyr-Gly-Val-Ile-D-His-Arg-Tyr-Lys-NH.sub.2
[0121] In one embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptide has the
formula Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2 (also referred to herein as
"SS-20"). In another embodiment, the aromatic-cationic peptide has
the formula D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 (also referred to
herein as "SS-31"). In some embodiments, the aromatic-cationic
peptides have mu-opioid receptor agonist activity (i.e., they
activate the mu-opioid receptor). Mu-opioid activity can be
assessed by radioligand binding to cloned mu-opioid receptors or by
bioassays using the guinea pig ileum (Schiller et al., Eur J Med
Chem, 35:895-901, 2000; Zhao et al., J Pharmacol Exp Ther,
307:947-954, 2003). Peptides which have mu-opioid receptor agonist
activity are typically those peptides which have a tyrosine residue
or a tyrosine derivative at the N-terminus (i.e., the first amino
acid position). Suitable derivatives of tyrosine include
2'-methyltyrosine (Mmt); 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine (2'6'-Dmt);
3',5'-dimethyltyrosine (3'5'Dmt); N,2',6'-trimethyltyrosine (Tmt);
and 2'-hydroxy-6'-methyltryosine (Hmt).
[0122] In one embodiment, a peptide that has mu-opioid receptor
agonist activity has the formula Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2 (also
referred to as "SS-01"). This peptide has a net positive charge of
three, contributed by the amino acids tyrosine, arginine, and
lysine and has two aromatic groups contributed by the amino acids
phenylalanine and tyrosine. The tyrosine can be a modified
derivative of tyrosine such as in 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine (2',
6'-Dmt) to produce the compound having the formula
2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2 (also referred to as "SS-02").
This peptide has a molecular weight of 640 and carries a net three
positive charge at physiological pH. The peptide readily penetrates
the plasma membrane of several mammalian cell types in an
energy-independent manner (Zhao et al., J. Pharmacol Exp Ther.,
304:425-432, 2003).
[0123] Peptides that do not have mu-opioid receptor agonist
activity generally do not have a tyrosine residue or a derivative
of tyrosine at the N-terminus (i.e., amino acid position 1). The
amino acid at the N-terminus can be any naturally occurring or
non-naturally occurring amino acid other than tyrosine. In one
embodiment, the amino acid at the N-terminus is phenylalanine or
its derivative. Exemplary derivatives of phenylalanine include
2'-methylphenylalanine (Mmp), 2',6'-dimethylphenylalanine
(2',6'-Dmp), N,2',6'-trimethylphenylalanine (Tmp), and
2'-hydroxy-6'-methylphenylalanine (Hmp).
[0124] An example of an aromatic-cationic peptide that does not
have mu-opioid receptor agonist activity has the formula
Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2 (also referred to as "SS-20").
Alternatively, the N-terminal phenylalanine can be a derivative of
phenylalanine such as 2',6'-dimethylphenylalanine (2'6'-Dmp). In
one embodiment, a peptide with 2',6'-dimethylphenylalanine at amino
acid position 1 has the formula 2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2.
In one embodiment, the amino acid sequence is rearranged such that
Dmt is not at the N-terminus. An example of such an
aromatic-cationic peptide that does not have mu-opioid receptor
agonist activity has the formula D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2
(also referred to as "SS-31").
[0125] The peptides mentioned herein and their derivatives can
further include functional analogues. A peptide is considered a
functional analogue if the analogue has the same function as the
stated peptide. The analogue may, for example, be a substitution
variant of a peptide, wherein one or more amino acids are
substituted by another amino acid. Suitable substitution variants
of the peptides include conservative amino acid substitutions.
Amino acids may be grouped according to their physicochemical
characteristics as follows:
[0126] (a) Non-polar amino acids: Ala(A) Ser(S) Thr(T) Pro(P)
Gly(G) Cys (C);
[0127] (b) Acidic amino acids: Asn(N) Asp(D) Glu(E) Gln(Q);
[0128] (c) Basic amino acids: His(H) Arg(R) Lys(K);
[0129] (d) Hydrophobic amino acids: Met(M) Leu(L) Ile(I) Val(V);
and
[0130] (e) Aromatic amino acids: Phe(F) Tyr(Y) Trp(W) His (H).
[0131] Substitutions of an amino acid in a peptide by another amino
acid in the same group is referred to as a conservative
substitution and may preserve the physicochemical characteristics
of the original peptide. In contrast, substitutions of an amino
acid in a peptide by another amino acid in a different group is
generally more likely to alter the characteristics of the original
peptide.
[0132] Examples of peptides that activate mu-opioid receptors
include, but are not limited to, the aromatic-cationic peptides
shown in Table 5.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Peptide Analogues with Mu-Opioid Activity
Amino Acid Amino Acid Amino Acid Amino Acid C-Terminal Position 1
Position 2 Position 3 Position 4 Modification Tyr D-Arg Phe Lys
NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Arg Phe Orn NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Arg Phe Dab NH.sub.2 Tyr
D-Arg Phe Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg
Phe Lys-NH(CH.sub.2).sub.2--NH-dns NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe
Lys-NH(CH.sub.2).sub.2--NH-atn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe dnsLys
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Cit Phe Lys NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Cit Phe Ahp
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Orn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Dab
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe
Ahp(2-aminoheptanoic acid) NH.sub.2 Bio-2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Lys
NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg Phe Orn
NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg Phe Dab NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg Phe Dap
NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Arg Tyr Lys NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Arg Tyr Orn NH.sub.2 Tyr
D-Arg Tyr Dab NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Arg Tyr Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Tyr
Lys NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Tyr Orn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Tyr Dab
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Tyr Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg 2'6'Dmt Lys
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg 2'6'Dmt Orn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg 2'6'Dmt
Dab NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg 2'6'Dmt Dap NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg
3'5'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg 3'5'Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt
D-Arg 3'5'Dmt Orn NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg 3'5'Dmt Dab NH.sub.2 Tyr
D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Phe Lys
NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Phe Orn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Phe Dab NH.sub.2
2'6'Dmt D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2
2'6'Dmt D-Lys Phe Lys NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Lys Phe Orn NH.sub.2
3'5'Dmt D-Lys Phe Dab NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2
3'5'Dmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Tyr Lys NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys
Tyr Orn NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Tyr Dab NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Tyr Dap
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Tyr Lys NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Tyr Orn
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Tyr Dab NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys Tyr Dap
NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys 2'6'Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys 2'6'Dmt
Orn NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys 2'6'Dmt Dab NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys
2'6'Dmt Dap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe dnsDap NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt
D-Arg Phe atnDap NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Lys 3'5'Dmt Lys NH.sub.2
3'5'Dmt D-Lys 3'5'Dmt Orn NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Lys 3'5'Dmt Dab
NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Lys 3'5'Dmt Dap NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Phe Arg
NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Orn Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Dab Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr
D-Dap Phe Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg Phe Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys
Phe Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Orn Phe Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Dab Phe
Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Dap Phe Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg Phe Arg
NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Orn Phe Arg
NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Lys Tyr Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Orn Tyr Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr
D-Dab Tyr Arg NH.sub.2 Tyr D-Dap Tyr Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Arg
2'6'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Lys 2'6'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt
D-Orn 2'6'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 2'6'Dmt D-Dab 2'6'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2
3'5'Dmt D-Dap 3'5'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Arg 3'5'Dmt Arg
NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Lys 3'5'Dmt Arg NH.sub.2 3'5'Dmt D-Orn 3'5'Dmt
Arg NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Arg Phe Orn NH.sub.2
Mmt D-Arg Phe Dab NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Arg Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Arg Phe
Lys NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Arg Phe Orn NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Arg Phe Dab NH.sub.2
Tmt D-Arg Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Arg Phe
Orn NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Arg Phe Dab NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Arg Phe Dap NH.sub.2
Mmt D-Lys Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Lys Phe Orn NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Lys Phe
Dab NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Tmt D-Lys Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Lys Phe Orn NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Lys Phe
Dab NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Hmt D-Lys Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Lys Phe Orn NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Lys Phe
Dab NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Lys Phe Dap NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Mmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Orn Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Dab Phe
Arg NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Dap Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Mmt D-Arg Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Tmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Orn Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Dab Phe
Arg NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Dap Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Tmt D-Arg Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Hmt D-Lys Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Orn Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Dab Phe
Arg NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Dap Phe Arg NH.sub.2 Hmt D-Arg Phe Arg NH.sub.2
Dab = diaminobutyric Dap = diaminopropionic acid Dmt =
dimethyltyrosine Mmt = 2'-methyltyrosine Tmt =
N,2',6'-trimethyltyrosine Hmt = 2'-hydroxy,6'-methyltyrosine dnsDap
= .beta.-dansyl-L-.alpha.,.beta.-diaminopropionic acid atnDap =
.beta.-anthraniloyl-L-.alpha.,.beta.-diaminopropionic acid Bio =
biotin
[0133] Examples of peptides that do not activate mu-opioid
receptors include, but are not limited to, the aromatic-cationic
peptides shown in Table 6.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6 Peptide Analogues Lacking Mu-Opioid Activity
Amino Acid Amino Acid Amino Acid Amino Acid C-Terminal Position 1
Position 2 Position 3 Position 4 Modification D-Arg Dmt Lys Phe
NH.sub.2 D-Arg Dmt Phe Lys NH.sub.2 D-Arg Phe Lys Dmt NH.sub.2
D-Arg Phe Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 D-Arg Lys Dmt Phe NH.sub.2 D-Arg Lys Phe
Dmt NH.sub.2 Phe Lys Dmt D-Arg NH.sub.2 Phe Lys D-Arg Dmt NH.sub.2
Phe D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Phe D-Arg Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 Phe D-Arg Lys
Dmt NH.sub.2 Phe Dmt D-Arg Lys NH.sub.2 Phe Dmt Lys D-Arg NH.sub.2
Lys Phe D-Arg Dmt NH.sub.2 Lys Phe Dmt D-Arg NH.sub.2 Lys Dmt D-Arg
Phe NH.sub.2 Lys Dmt Phe D-Arg NH.sub.2 Lys D-Arg Phe Dmt NH.sub.2
Lys D-Arg Dmt Phe NH.sub.2 D-Arg Dmt D-Arg Phe NH.sub.2 D-Arg Dmt
D-Arg Dmt NH.sub.2 D-Arg Dmt D-Arg Tyr NH.sub.2 D-Arg Dmt D-Arg Trp
NH.sub.2 Trp D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Trp D-Arg Tyr Lys NH.sub.2 Trp
D-Arg Trp Lys NH.sub.2 Trp D-Arg Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 D-Arg Trp Lys Phe
NH.sub.2 D-Arg Trp Phe Lys NH.sub.2 D-Arg Trp Lys Dmt NH.sub.2
D-Arg Trp Dmt Lys NH.sub.2 D-Arg Lys Trp Phe NH.sub.2 D-Arg Lys Trp
Dmt NH.sub.2 Cha D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2 Ala D-Arg Phe Lys NH.sub.2
Cha = cyclohexyl alanine
[0134] The amino acids of the peptides shown in Table 5 and 6 may
be in either the L- or the D-configuration.
Synthesis of the Peptides
[0135] The peptides may be synthesized by any of the methods well
known in the art. Suitable methods for chemically synthesizing the
protein include, for example, those described by Stuart and Young
in Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, Second Edition, Pierce Chemical
Company (1984), and in Methods Enzymol., 289, Academic Press, Inc,
New York (1997).
Active Agents
[0136] The methods include the use of an aromatic-cationic peptide
as described herein together with one or more additional
therapeutic agents or active agents for the treatment of
ischemia-reperfusion injury caused, for example by AMI or tissue or
organ transplant. Thus, for example, the combination of active
ingredients may be: (1) co-formulated and administered or delivered
simultaneously in a combined formulation; (2) delivered by
alternation or in parallel as separate formulations; or (3) by any
other combination therapy regimen known in the art. When delivered
in alternation therapy, the methods described herein may comprise
administering or delivering the active ingredients sequentially,
e.g., in separate solution, emulsion, suspension, tablets, pills or
capsules, or by different injections in separate syringes. In
general, during alternation therapy, an effective dosage of each
active ingredient is administered sequentially, i.e., serially,
whereas in simultaneous therapy, effective dosages of two or more
active ingredients are administered together. Various sequences of
intermittent combination therapy may also be used.
[0137] In some embodiments, the combination therapy comprises
administering to a subject in need thereof an aromatic-cationic
peptide composition combined with an active agent selected from the
group consisting of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitor, a beta-blocker, a diuretic, an anti-arrhythmic agent, an
anti-anginal agent, a tyrosine kinase receptor agonist, an
anticoagulant, and a hypercholesterolemic agent.
[0138] In one embodiment, the active agent is an anti-arrhythmia
agent. Anti-arrhythmia agents are often organized into four main
groups according to their mechanism of action, type I, sodium
channel blockade; type II, beta-adrenergic blockade; type III,
repolarization prolongation; and type IV, calcium channel blockade.
Type I anti-arrhythmic agents include lidocaine, lignocaine
moricizine, mexiletine, tocainide, procainamide, encainide,
flecanide, tocainide, phenytoin, propafenone, quinidine,
disopyramide, and flecainide. Type II anti-arrhythmic agents
include propranolol and esmolol. Type III includes agents that act
by prolonging the duration of the action potential, such as
amiodarone, artilide, bretylium, clofilium, isobutilide, sotalol,
azimilide, dofetilide, dronedarone, ersentilide, ibutilide,
tedisamil, and trecetilide. Type IV anti-arrhythmic agents include
verapamil, diltaizem, digitalis, adenosine, nickel chloride, and
magnesium ions. The effects of an exemplary anti-arrythmia agent in
preventing or treating ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in
Mohan et al., Cardioprotection by HO-4038, a novel verapamil
derivative, targeted against ischemia and reperfusion-mediated
acute myocardial infarction. American Journal of Physiology--Heart
& Circulatory Physiology. 296(1): H140-51 (2009).
[0139] In one embodiment, the active agent is a vasodilator, for
example, bencyclane, cinnarizine, citicoline, cyclandelate,
cyclonicate, ebumamonine, hydralazine phenoxezyl, flunarizine,
ibudilast, ifenprodil, lomerizine, naphlole, nikamate, nosergoline,
nimodipine, papaverine, pentifylline, nofedoline, vincamin,
vinpocetine, vichizyl, pentoxifylline, prostacyclin derivatives
(such as prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin I2), an endothelin
receptor blocking drug (such as bosentan), diltiazem, nicorandil,
and nitroglycerin. The effects of an exemplary vasodilator in
preventing or treating ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in
Garcia-Gonzalez, et al., New pharmacologic options in the treatment
of acute coronary syndromes and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion
injury: potential role of levosimendan. Minerva Cardioangiologica.
55(5): 625-35 (2007).
[0140] In one embodiment, the active agent is a anti-anginal agent,
for example, nitrates, isosorbide nitrate, glyceryl trinitrate and
pentaerythritol tetranitrate. The effects of an exemplary
anti-anginal agent in preventing or treating ischemia-reperfusion
injury are described in Kennedy et al., Effect of perhexiline and
oxfenicine on myocardial function and metabolism during low-flow
ischemia/reperfusion in the isolated rat heart. Journal of
Cardiovascular Pharmacology. 36(6): 794-801 (2000).
[0141] In one embodiment, the active agent is a corticosteroid,
such as hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate, cortisone acetate,
tixocortol pivalate, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, prednisone,
triamcinolone acetonide, triamcinolone alcohol, mometasone,
amcinonide, budesonide, desonide, fluocinonide, fluocinolone
acetonide, halcinonide, betamethasone, betamethasone sodium
phosphate, dexamethasone, dexamethasone sodium phosphate,
fluocortolone, hydrocortisone-17-butyrate,
hydrocortisone-17-valerate, aclometasone dipropionate,
betamethasone valerate, betamethasone dipropionate, prednicarbate,
clobetasone-17-butyrate, clobetasol-17-propionate, fluocortolone
caproate, fluocortolone pivalate, and fluprednidene acetate. The
effects of an exemplary corticosteroid in preventing or treating
ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Varas-Lorenzo et al.,
Use of oral corticosteroids and the risk of acute myocardial
infarction. Atherosclerosis. 192(2): 376-83 (2007).
[0142] In one embodiment, the active agent is a cardioglycoside,
for example, digoxin and digitoxin.
[0143] In one embodiment, the active agent is a diuretic, such as
thiazide diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide, methyclothiazide,
trichlormethiazide, benzylhydrochlorothiazide, and penflutizide),
loop diuretics (such as furosemide, etacrynic acid, bumetanide,
piretanide, azosemide, and torasemide), K sparing diuretics
(spironolactone, triamterene, and potassium can renoate), osmotic
diuretics (such as isosorbide, D-mannitol, and glycerin),
nonthiazide diuretics (such as meticrane, tripamide,
chlorthalidone, and mefruside), and acetazolamide. The effects of
an exemplary diuretic in preventing or treating
ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Kasama et al., Effects
of intravenous atrial natriuretic peptide on cardiac sympathetic
nerve activity and left ventricular remodeling in patients with
first anterior acute myocardial infarction. Journal of the American
College of Cardiology. 49(6):667-74 (2007).
[0144] In one embodiment, the active agent is a sedative, for
example, nitrazepam, flurazepam and diazepam. The effects of an
exemplary sedative in preventing or treating ischemia-reperfusion
injury are described in Lucchinetti et al., Sevoflurane inhalation
at sedative concentrations provides endothelial protection against
ischemia-reperfusion injury in humans. Anesthesiology.
106(2):262-268 (2007).
[0145] In one embodiment, the active agent is a cyclooxygenase
inhibitor such as aspirin or indomethacin. In one embodiment, the
cardiovascular agent is a platelet aggregation inhibitor such as
clopidogrel, ticlopidene or aspirin. The effects of an exemplary
cyclooxygenase inhibitor in preventing or treating
ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Bassuk et al.,
Non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibition before periodic
acceleration (pGz) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a porcine
model of ventricular fibrillation. Resuscitation. 77(2):250-7
(2008).
[0146] In one embodiment, the active agent is a angiotensin
converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor such as captopril, alacepril,
lisinopril, imidapril, quinapril, temocapril, delapril, benazepril,
cilazapril, trandolapril, enalapril, ceronapril, fosinopril,
imadapril, mobertpril, perindopril, ramipril, spirapril, and
randolapril, and salts of such compounds. The effects of an
exemplary ACE inhibitor in preventing or treating
ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Kingma, J. H. and van
Gilst, W. H., Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition during
thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction: the Captopril
and Thrombolysis Study (CATS). Herz. 18 Suppl 1:416-23 (1993).
[0147] In one embodiment, the active agent is an angiotensin II
antagonist such as losartan, candesartan, valsartan, eprosartan,
and irbesartan. The effects of an exemplary angiotensin II
antagonist in preventing or treating ischemia-reperfusion injury
are described in Moller et al., Effects of losartan and captopril
on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function after acute
myocardial infarction: results of the Optimal Trial in Myocardial
Infarction with Angiotensin I1 Antagonist Losartan (OPTIMAAL)
echocardiographic substudy. American Heart Journal. 147(3):494-501
(2004).
[0148] In one embodiment, the active agent is a thrombolytic agent
such as tissue-type plasminogen activators (such as alteplase,
tisokinase, nateplase, pamiteplase, monteplase, and rateplase),
nasaruplase, streptokinase, urokinase, prourokinase, and
anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex (APSAC,
Eminase, Beecham Laboratories), aspirin, heparin, and Warfarin that
inhibits Vit K-dependent factors, low molecular weight heparins
that inhibit factors X and IT, thrombin inhibitors, inhibitors of
platelet GP IIbIIIa receptors, inhibitors of tissue factor (TF),
inhibitors of human von Willebrand factor, reptilase, TNK-t-PA,
staphylokinase, or animal salivary gland plasminogen activators.
The effects of an exemplary thrombolytic agent in preventing or
treating ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Sikri, N. and
Bardia, A., A history of streptokinase use in acute myocardial
infarction. Texas Heart Institute Journal 34(3):318-27 (2007).
[0149] In one embodiment, the active agent is a calcium channel
blocking agent such as aranidipine, efonidipine, nicardipine,
bamidipine, benidipine, manidipine, cilnidipine, nisoldipine,
nitrendipine, nifedipine, nilvadipine, felodipine, amlodipine,
diltiazem, bepridil, clentiazem, phendilin, galopamil, mibefradil,
prenylamine, semotiadil, terodiline, verapamil, cilnidipine,
elgodipine, isradipine, lacidipine, lercanidipine, nimodipine,
cinnarizine, flunarizine, lidoflazine, lomerizine, bencyclane,
etafenone, and perhexiline. The effects of an exemplary calcium
channel blocking agent dilitazem in preventing or treating
ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Fansa et al., Does
diltiazem inhibit the inflammatory response in cardiopulmonary
bypass? Medical Science Monitor. 9(4):PI30-6 (2003).
[0150] In one embodiment, the active agent is a thromboxane
receptor antagonist such as ifetroban, prostacyclin mimetics, or
phosphodiesterase inhibitors. The effects of an exemplary
thromboxane receptor antagonist in preventing or treating
ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Viehman et al.,
Daltroban, a thromboxane receptor antagonist, protects the
myocardium against reperfusion injury following myocardial ischemia
without protecting the coronary endothelium. Methods & Findings
in Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology. 12(10):651-6
(1990).
[0151] In one embodiment, the active agent is a radical scavenger,
such as edaravone, vitamin E, and vitamin C. The effects of an
exemplary radical scavenger in preventing or treating
ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Higashi et al.,
Edaravone (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one), a novel free
radical scavenger, for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Recent
Patents on Cardiovascular Drug Discovery. 1(1):85-93 (2006).
[0152] In one embodiment, the active agent is a antiplatelet drug,
such as ticlopidine hydrochloride, dipyridamole, cilostazol, ethyl
icosapentate, sarpogrelate hydrochloride, dilazep hydrochloride,
trapidil, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent (such as aspirin),
beraprostsodium, iloprost, and indobufene. The effects of an
exemplary antiplatelet drug in preventing or treating
ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Ochiai et al., Impact
of cilostazol on clinical and angiographic outcome after primary
stenting for acute myocardial infarction. American Journal of
Cardiology. 84(9):1074-6, A6, A9, (1999).
[0153] In one embodiment, the active agent is a .beta.-adrenaline
receptor blocking drug, such as propranolol, pindolol, indenolol,
carteolol, bunitrolol, atenolol, acebutolol, metoprolol, timolol,
nipradilol, penbutolol, nadolol, tilisolol, carvedilol, bisoprolol,
betaxolol, celiprolol, bopindolol, bevantolol, labetalol,
alprenolol, amosulalol, arotinolol, befunolol, bucumolol,
bufetolol, buferalol, buprandolol, butylidine, butofilolol,
carazolol, cetamolol, cloranolol, dilevalol, epanolol, levobunolol,
mepindolol, metipranolol, moprolol, nadoxolol, nevibolol,
oxprenolol, practol, pronetalol, sotalol, sufinalol, talindolol,
tertalol, toliprolol, xybenolol, and esmolol. The effects of an
exemplary .beta.-adrenaline receptor blocking drug in preventing or
treating ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Kovacs et
al., Prevalent role of Akt and ERK activation in cardioprotective
effect of Ca(2+) channel- and beta-adrenergic receptor blockers.
Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry. 321(1-2):155-164 (2009).
[0154] In one embodiment, the active agent is a .alpha.-receptor
blocking drug, such as amosulalol, prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin,
bunazosin, urapidil, phentolamine, arotinolol, dapiprazole,
fenspiride, indoramin, labetalol, naftopidil, nicergoline,
tamsulosin, tolazoline, trimazosin, and yohimbine. The effects of
an exemplary .alpha.-receptor blocking drug in preventing or
treating ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Kim et al.,
Involvement of adrenergic pathways in activation of catalase by
myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. American Journal of
Physiology--Regulatory Integrative & Comparative Physiology.
282(5):R1450-1458, (2002).
[0155] In one embodiment, the active agent is an inotrope. Positive
inotropic agents increase myocardial contractility, and are used to
support cardiac function in conditions such as decompensated
congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, septic shock,
myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, etc. Examples of positive
inotropic agents include, but are not limited to, Berberine,
Bipyridine derivatives, Inamrinone, Milrinone, Calcium, Calcium
sensitizers, Levosimendan, Cardiac glycosides, Digoxin,
Catecholamines, Dopamine, Dobutamine, Dopexamine, Epinephrine
(adrenaline), Isoprenaline (isoproterenol), Norepinephrine
(noradrenaline), Eicosanoids, Prostaglandins, Phosphodiesterase
inhibitors, Enoximone, Milrinone, Theophylline, and Glucagon.
Negative inotropic agents decrease myocardial contractility, and
are used to decrease cardiac workload in conditions such as angina.
While negative inotropism may precipitate or exacerbate heart
failure, certain beta blockers (e.g. carvedilol, bisoprolol and
metoprolol) have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in
congestive heart failure. Examples of negative inotropic agents
include, but are not limited to, Beta blockers, Calcium channel
blockers, Diltiazem, Verapamil, Clevidipine, Quinidine,
Procainamide, disopyramide, and Flecainide.
[0156] In one embodiment, the active agent is a sympathetic nerve
inhibitor, such as clonidine, guanfacine, guanabenz, methyldopa,
and reserpine, hydralazine, todralazine, budralazine, and
cadralazine. The effects of an exemplary sympathetic nerve
inhibitor in preventing or treating ischemia-reperfusion injury are
described in Chamberlain. D. A. and Vincent, R., Combined receptor
intervention and myocardial infarction. Drugs. 28 Suppl 2:88-108,
(1984).
[0157] In one embodiment, the active agent is a digitalis
formulation (such as digitoxin, digoxin, methyldigoxin,
deslanoside, vesnarinone, lanatoside C, and proscillaridin. The
effects of an exemplary digitalis formulation in preventing or
treating ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Sanazaro, P.
J., Use of deslanoside in acute myocardial infarction and cardiac
emergencies: a probative agent for assessing digitalis saturation
and for intramuscular digitalization. American Practitioner
&Digest of Treatment. 8(12):1933-41, (1957).
[0158] In one embodiment, the active agent is an antihyperlipidemic
drug, such as atorvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin sodium,
fluvastatin sodium, clinofibrate, clofibrate, simfibrate,
fenofibrate, bezafibrate, colestimide, and colestyramine. The
effects of an exemplary antihyperlipidemic drug in preventing or
treating ischemia-reperfusion injury are described in Ye et al.,
Enhanced cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury with
a dipyridamole and low-dose atorvastatin combination. American
Journal of Physiology--Heart & Circulatory Physiology.
293(1):H813-8 (2007).
[0159] In one embodiment, the active agent is an immunosuppressive
agent. Exemplary immunosuppressive agents include, but are not
limited to glucocorticoids, cytostatics, antibodies, drugs acting
on immunophilins, and other drugs. Common immunosuppressive drugs
used, e.g., to alleviate or prevent organ or tissue rejection after
transplant include, but are not limited to cyclosporine,
prednisone, azathioprine, tacrolimus or FK506, mycophenolate
mofetil, sirolimus, and OKT3, as well as ATGAM and Thymoglobulin.
In some embodiments, the active agent includes cyclosporine or
functional derivatives or analogues thereof, such as NIM811.
Compositions Comprising an Aromatic-Cationic Peptide Linked to an
Active Agent
[0160] In some embodiments, the compositions and methods described
herein comprise aromatic-cationic peptides and cyclosporine joined
to one another by means of a linker. The molecules may be linked by
methods known in the art, such as, for example, by the addition of
a cross linking agent. Non-limiting examples of cross-linking
agents include dialdehydes, carbodiimides, dimaleimides, and the
like. The order of addition of the molecules, peptides, and
cross-linker is typically not important. For example, the peptide
can be mixed with the cross-linker, followed by addition of an
active agent such as cyclosporine. Alternatively, an active agent,
such as cyclosporine can be mixed with the cross-linker, followed
by addition of the peptide. Additionally or alternatively, the
peptide and cyclosporine are mixed, followed by addition of the
cross-linker.
[0161] In some embodiments, the linked peptide and cyclosporine are
delivered to a cell. In some embodiments, the molecules functions
in the cell without being cleaved from one another. In other
instances, it may be beneficial to cleave the active agent, e.g.,
cyclosporine, from the aromatic cationic peptide. In some
embodiments, the linkage may be cleavable by enzymes within the
cell. Such enzymes include, but are not limited to proteases,
esterases (see e.g., Vangapandu, S., et al., "8-Quinolinamines and
their pro prodrug conjugates as potent blood-Schizontocidal
antimalarial agents," 11(21) Bioorganic & Medicinal Chem.
4557-4568 (2003)), metalloproteases (see e.g., Patrick, A., et al.,
"Hydrogels for the detection and management of protease levels,"
10(10) Macromol. Biosci. 1184-1193 (2010), noting that "[t]he
peptide sequence GPQGIWGQ was used as the enzyme sensitive linker,"
and that "[t]his peptide sequence is cleavable by both MMP-1 and
-12.33"), and .beta.-glucosidase (see e.g., Sedlak, M., et al.,
"New targeting system for antimycotic drugs: .beta.-Glucosidase
sensitive Amphotericin B-star poly(ethylene glycol) conjugate,"
18(9) Bioorganic & Medicinal Chem. Lett. 2952-2956 (2008)).
[0162] In some embodiments, aromatic-cationic peptides and
cyclosporine are linked by means of a pH-sensitive linker such as
hyrdozone (see e.g., Greenfield, R., et al., "Evaluation in Vitro
of Adriamycin Immunoconjugates Synthesized Using an Acid-sensitive
Hydrazone Linker," 50 Cancer Res. 660-6607 (1990)). Additional
non-limiting examples of cleavable linkers include SMPT (i.e.,
4succinimidyloxycarbonyl-ethyl-a-[2-pyridyldithio]toluene),
Sulfo-LC-SPDP (i.e., sulfosuccinimidyl
6-(3-[2-pyridyldithio]-propionamido)hexanoate), LC-SPDP (i.e.,
succinimidyl 6-(3-[2-pyridyldithio]-propionamido)hexanoate),
Sulfo-LC-SPDP (i.e., 20 sulfosuccinimidyL
6-(3-[2-pyridyldithio]-propionamido)hexanoate), SPDP (i.e.,
NsuccinimidyI3-[2-pyridyldithio]-propionamidohexanoate), and AEDP
(i.e., 3-[(2aminoethyl) dithio]propionic acid-HCl). In some
embodiments, the composition comprises an active agent comprising
cyclosporine, and the linked peptide comprises one or more of
Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; 2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2,
Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; 2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, such as acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt. In
some embodiments, the composition comprises
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 (SS-31) or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, such as acetate salt or trifluoroacetate
salt, linked by an enzymatically cleavable linker to
cyclosporine.
Prophylactic and Therapeutic Uses of Aromatic-Cationic
Peptides.
[0163] General.
[0164] The aromatic-cationic peptides described herein are useful
to prevent or treat disease or deleterious conditions related to
ischemia-reperfusion injury. The combination of peptides and active
agents described above are useful in treating any ischemia and/or
reperfusion of a tissue or organ. Ischemia in a tissue or organ of
a mammal is a multifaceted pathological condition which is caused
by oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) and/or glucose (e.g., substrate)
deprivation. Oxygen and/or glucose deprivation in cells of a tissue
or organ leads to a reduction or total loss of energy generating
capacity and consequent loss of function of active ion transport
across the cell membranes. Oxygen and/or glucose deprivation also
leads to pathological changes in other cell membranes, including
permeability transition in the mitochondrial membranes. In addition
other molecules, such as apoptotic proteins normally
compartmentalized within the mitochondria, may leak out into the
cytoplasm and cause apoptotic cell death. Profound ischemia can
lead to necrotic cell death.
[0165] Ischemia or hypoxia in a particular tissue or organ may be
caused by a loss or severe reduction in blood supply to the tissue
or organ. The loss or severe reduction in blood supply may, for
example, be due to transplantation (e.g., organ removal, transfer
and introduction into a recipient), thromboembolic stroke, coronary
atherosclerosis, or vascular disease or condition which limits
blood flow to a tissue, an organ or a region of an organ. One
non-limiting example of such a disease or condition is peripheral
vascular disease. The tissue affected by ischemia or hypoxia is
typically muscle, such as cardiac, skeletal, or smooth muscle. The
organ affected by ischemia or hypoxia may be any organ that is
subject to ischemia or hypoxia. Examples of organs affected by
ischemia or hypoxia include brain, heart, lung, kidney, and
prostate. For instance, cardiac muscle ischemia or hypoxia is
commonly caused by atherosclerotic or thrombotic blockages which
lead to the reduction or loss of oxygen delivery to the cardiac
tissues by the cardiac arterial and capillary blood supply. Such
cardiac ischemia or hypoxia may cause pain and necrosis of the
affected cardiac muscle, and ultimately may lead to cardiac
failure. Ischemia or hypoxia in skeletal muscle or smooth muscle
may arise from similar causes. For example, ischemia or hypoxia in
intestinal smooth muscle or skeletal muscle of the limbs may also
be caused by atherosclerotic or thrombotic blockages. Any organs or
tissues involved in a transplant procedure may also be affect by
ischemia or hypoxia.
[0166] Reperfusion is the restoration of blood flow to any organ or
tissue in which the flow of blood is decreased or blocked. For
example, blood flow can be restored to any organ or tissue affected
by ischemia or hypoxia. The restoration of blood flow (reperfusion)
can occur by any method known to those in the art. For instance,
reperfusion of ischemic cardiac tissues may arise from angioplasty,
coronary artery bypass graft, or the use of thrombolytic drugs.
[0167] In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprising
an aromatic-cationic peptide and a second active agent are
administered to a subject suffering from ischemia and/or
reperfusion injury of the brain, heart, lung, kidney, prostate, or
other organ/tissue susceptible to ischemia and/or reperfusion
injury. The aromatic-cationic peptide and a second active agent may
be administered separately, sequentially, or simultaneously in
effective amounts to reduce or ameliorate the effects of the
ischemia and/or reperfusion injury of the brain, heart, lung,
kidney, prostate, or other organ/tissue.
[0168] The disclosure also provides for both prophylactic and
therapeutic methods of treating a subject at risk of (or
susceptible to) vessel occlusion injury or cardiac
ischemia-reperfusion injury. Accordingly, the present methods
provide for the prevention and/or treatment of vessel occlusion
injury or ischemia-reperfusion injury in a subject by administering
an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof such as acetate salt or
trifluoroacetate salt, and one or more active agents such as
cyclosporine to a subject in need thereof.
[0169] In various embodiments, suitable in vitro or in vivo assays
are performed to determine the effect of a specific combination of
aromatic-cationic peptides and one or more active agents and
whether its administration is indicated for treatment. In various
embodiments, in vitro assays can be performed with representative
animal models to determine if a given aromatic-cationic peptide and
cardiovascular agent treatment regime exerts the desired effect in
preventing or treating ischemia-reperfusion injury. Compounds for
use in therapy can be tested in suitable animal model systems
including, but not limited to rats, mice, chicken, pigs, cows,
monkeys, rabbits, and the like, prior to testing in human subjects.
Similarly, for in vivo testing, any of the animal model systems
known in the art can be used prior to administration to human
subjects.
[0170] In one aspect, the invention provides a method for
preventing, in a subject, acute myocardial infarction injury by
administering to the subject an aromatic-cationic peptide and
cyclosporine that prevents the initiation or progression of the
condition. Subjects at risk for acute myocardial infarction injury
can be identified by, e.g., any or a combination of diagnostic or
prognostic assays as described herein. In prophylactic
applications, pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments of
aromatic-cationic peptides and cyclosporine are administered to a
subject susceptible to, or otherwise at risk of a disease or
condition in an amount sufficient to eliminate or reduce the risk,
lessen the severity, or delay the outset of the disease, including
biochemical, histologic and/or behavioral symptoms of the disease,
its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypes
presenting during development of the disease Administration of a
prophylactic aromatic-cationic and cyclosporine can occur prior to
the manifestation of symptoms characteristic of the aberrancy, such
that a disease or disorder is prevented or, alternatively, delayed
in its progression. The appropriate compound can be determined
based on screening assays described above.
[0171] Another aspect of the technology includes methods of
treating vessel occlusion injury or cardiac ischemia-reperfusion
injury in a subject for therapeutic purposes. In therapeutic
applications, compositions or medicaments are administered to a
subject suspected of, or already suffering from such a disease or
conditions in an amount sufficient to cure, or at least partially
arrest, the symptoms of the disease, including its complications
and intermediate pathological phenotypes in development of the
disease. As such, the invention provides methods of treating an
individual afflicted with cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.
[0172] Treatment with aromatic-cationic peptides disclosed herein,
such as D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or pharmaceutically
acceptable salts thereof such as acetate or trifluoroacetate, have
been shown to be useful, inter alia, to protect kidneys from acute
renal injury (ARI). See e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/392,565, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Another aspect of the technology includes methods of treating
ischemia in any organ or tissue. For example, methods relate to the
treatment of a condition in which kidneys (or other organs) fail to
receive adequate blood supply (ischemia). Ischemia is a major cause
of acute renal injury (ARI). Ischemia of one or both kidneys is a
common problem experienced during aortic surgery, renal
transplantation, or during cardiovascular anesthesia. Surgical
procedures involving clamping of the aorta and/or renal arteries,
e.g., surgery for supra- and juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms
and renal transplantation, are also particularly liable to produce
renal ischemia, leading to significant postoperative complications
and early allograft rejection. In high-risk patients undergoing
these forms of surgery, the incidence of renal dysfunction has been
reported to be as high as 50%. The skilled artisan will understand
that the above described causes of ischemia are not limited to the
kidney, but may occur in other organs undergoing surgical
procedures. Accordingly, in some embodiments, such ischemia is
treated, prevented, ameliorated (e.g., the severity of ischemia is
decreased) by the administration of an aromatic-cationic peptide
such as D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, such as acetate or trifluoroacetate salt,
and an active agent, such as cyclosporine or a derivative or
analogue thereof.
[0173] Another aspect of the present technology includes methods
for preventing or ameliorating cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity.
For example, in some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition or
medicament comprising an aromatic-cationic peptide is administered
to a subject presenting with or at risk of cyclosporine-induced
nephrotoxicity. For example, in some embodiments, a subject
receiving cyclosporine, e.g., as an immunosuppressant after an
organ or tissue transplant, is also administered a therapeutically
effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide. In some
embodiments, the peptide is administered to the subject prior to
organ or tissue transplant, during organ or tissue transplant
and/or after an organ or tissue transplant. In some embodiments,
the subject receives a combination of an aromatic-cationic peptide
and cyclosporine before, during and/or after an organ or tissue
transplant. The composition or medicament including the
aromatic-cationic peptide and optionally, cyclosporine, is
administered in an amount sufficient to cure, or at least partially
arrest, the symptoms of nephrotoxicity, including its complications
and intermediate pathological phenotypes. For example, in some
embodiments, the compositions or medicaments are administered in an
amount sufficient to eliminate the risk of, reduce the risk of,
lessen the severity of, or delay the onset of nephrotoxicity,
including biochemical, histologic and/or behavioral symptoms of the
condition, its complications and intermediate pathological
phenotypes. Administration of a prophylactic aromatic-cationic and
cyclosporine can occur prior to the manifestation of symptoms
characteristic of the aberrancy, such that the condition is
prevented or, alternatively, delayed in its progression. Typically,
subjects who receive the peptide will have a healthier transplanted
organ or tissue, and/or will be able to maintain a higher and/or
more consistent cyclosporine dosage or regiment for longer periods
of time compared to subjects who do not receive the peptide. In
some embodiments, patients receiving an aromatic-cationic peptide,
such as D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof such as an acetate salt or a
trifluoroacetate salt, in conjunction with cyclosporine will be
able to tolerate longer and/or more consistent cyclosporine
treatment regimens, and/or higher doses of cyclosporine. In some
embodiments, patients receiving an aromatic-cationic peptide, such
as D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof such as an acetate salt or a
trifluoroacetate salt, in conjunction with cyclosporine, will have
an increased tolerance for cyclosporine as compared to a patient
who is not receiving the peptide.
[0174] Treatment with aromatic-cationic peptides disclosed herein,
such as D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 have been shown to be
useful, inter alia, to decrease islet cell apoptosis and enhance
viability of islet cells after transplantation. See e.g., U.S. Pat.
Nos. 7,550,439 and 7,781,405 herein incorporated by reference in
their entirety. Thus, another aspect of the present technology
provides compositions and methods for organ and tissue
preservation, for example, for transplant. For example, a removed
organ can be susceptible to reperfusion injury due to lack of blood
flow. Therefore, the aromatic-cationic peptides and active agents
(e.g., cyclosporine or derivatives or analogues thereof) disclosed
herein can be used to prevent reperfusion injury in the removed
organ. For example, in some embodiments, pharmaceutical
compositions or medicaments of aromatic-cationic peptides and
cyclosporine are administered to a donor mammal prior to and/or
during prolonged periods of ischemia such as would occur during
preparation and removal of the organ or tissue for transplant.
Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the
pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments of aromatic-cationic
peptides and cyclosporine are administered to the removed organ.
For example, in some embodiments, the removed organ is placed in a
standard buffered solution, such as those commonly used in the art.
For example, a removed heart can be placed in a cardioplegic
solution containing the peptides and active agents described above.
The concentration of peptide and active agent useful in the
standard buffered solution can be easily determined by those
skilled in the art. Such concentrations may be, for example,
between about 0.1 nM to about 10 .mu.M, preferably about 1 .mu.M to
about 10 .mu.M of peptide. Additionally or alternatively, in some
embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments of
aromatic-cationic peptides and cyclosporine are administered to the
organ recipient. The compositions or medicaments are administered
in an amount sufficient to eliminate, reduce the risk of, or lessen
the severity of ischemia-reperfusion injury to the organ upon
reperfusion.
Modes of Administration and Effective Dosages
[0175] Any method known to those in the art for contacting a cell,
organ or tissue with a peptide and a one or more additional active
agents may be employed. Suitable methods include in vitro, ex vivo,
or in vivo methods. In vivo methods typically include the
administration of an aromatic-cationic peptide and active agent,
such as those described above, to a mammal, suitably a human. When
used in vivo for therapy, the aromatic-cationic peptides and active
agents are administered to the subject in effective amounts (i.e.,
amounts that have desired therapeutic effect). The dose and dosage
regimen will depend upon the degree of the injury in the subject,
the characteristics of the particular aromatic-cationic peptide
used, e.g., its therapeutic index, the subject, and the subject's
history. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises
cyclosporine.
[0176] The effective amount may be determined during pre-clinical
trials and clinical trials by methods familiar to physicians and
clinicians. An effective amount of a peptide and active agent
useful in the methods may be administered to a mammal in need
thereof by any of a number of well-known methods for administering
pharmaceutical compounds. For example, in some embodiments, the
peptide and the additional active agent may be administered
systemically or locally.
[0177] The compound may be formulated as a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" means
a salt prepared from a base or an acid which is acceptable for
administration to a patient, such as a mammal (e.g., salts having
acceptable mammalian safety for a given dosage regime). However, it
is understood that the salts are not required to be
pharmaceutically acceptable salts, such as salts of intermediate
compounds that are not intended for administration to a patient.
Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be derived from
pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic bases and from
pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acids. In
addition, when a peptide contains both a basic moiety, such as an
amine, pyridine or imidazole, and an acidic moiety such as a
carboxylic acid or tetrazole, zwitterions may be formed and are
included within the term "salt" as used herein. Salts derived from
pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic bases include ammonium,
calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic,
manganous, potassium, sodium, and zinc salts, and the like. Salts
derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic bases include
salts of primary, secondary and tertiary amines, including
substituted amines, cyclic amines, naturally-occurring amines and
the like, such as arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline,
N,N'-dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol,
2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine,
N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine,
histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine,
morpholine, piperazine, piperadine, polyamine resins, procaine,
purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine,
tripropylamine, tromethamine and the like. Salts derived from
pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic acids include salts of boric,
carbonic, hydrohalic (hydrobromic, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric or
hydroiodic), nitric, phosphoric, sulfamic and sulfuric acids. Salts
derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic acids include
salts of aliphatic hydroxyl acids (e.g., citric, gluconic,
glycolic, lactic, lactobionic, malic, and tartaric acids),
aliphatic monocarboxylic acids (e.g., acetic, butyric, formic,
propionic and trifluoroacetic acids), amino acids (e.g., aspartic
and glutamic acids), aromatic carboxylic acids (e.g., benzoic,
p-chlorobenzoic, diphenylacetic, gentisic, hippuric, and
triphenylacetic acids), aromatic hydroxyl acids (e.g.,
o-hydroxybenzoic, p-hydroxybenzoic,
1-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic and
3-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acids), ascorbic, dicarboxylic
acids (e.g., fumaric, maleic, oxalic and succinic acids),
glucoronic, mandelic, mucic, nicotinic, orotic, pamoic,
pantothenic, sulfonic acids (e.g., benzenesulfonic, camphosulfonic,
edisylic, ethanesulfonic, isethionic, methanesulfonic,
naphthalenesulfonic, naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic,
naphthalene-2,6-disulfonic and p-toluenesulfonic acids), xinafoic
acid, and the like. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically
acceptable salt comprises acetate salt or trichloroacetate
salt.
[0178] The compounds described herein can be incorporated into
pharmaceutical compositions for administration, singly or in
combination, to a subject for the treatment or prevention of a
disorder described herein. In some embodiments, such compositions
typically include the active agents (e.g., peptide and
cyclosporine) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used
herein the term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" includes
saline, solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and
antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the
like, compatible with pharmaceutical administration. Supplementary
active compounds can also be incorporated into the
compositions.
[0179] Pharmaceutical compositions are typically formulated to be
compatible with its intended route of administration. Examples of
routes of administration include parenteral (e.g., intravenous,
intradermal, intraperitoneal or subcutaneous), oral, inhalation,
transdermal (topical), intraocular, iontophoretic, and transmucosal
administration. Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral,
intradermal, or subcutaneous application can include the following
components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline
solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene
glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as
benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic
acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates
or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as
sodium chloride or dextrose. pH can be adjusted with acids or
bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. The
parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable
syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic. For
convenience of the patient or treating physician, the dosing
formulation can be provided in a kit containing all necessary
equipment (e.g., vials of drug, vials of diluent, syringes and
needles) for a treatment course (e.g., 7 days of treatment).
[0180] Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for injectable use can
include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or
dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation
of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion. For intravenous
administration, suitable carriers include physiological saline,
bacteriostatic water. Cremophor EL.TM. (BASF. Parsippany, N.J.) or
phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In all cases, a composition for
parenteral administration must be sterile and should be fluid to
the extent that easy syringability exists. It should be stable
under the conditions of manufacture and storage and must be
preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms such
as bacteria and fungi.
[0181] The pharmaceutical compositions can include a carrier, which
can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example,
water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol,
and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable
mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for
example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the
maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion
and by the use of surfactants. Prevention of the action of
microorganisms can be achieved by various antibacterial and
antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol,
ascorbic acid, thiomerasol, and the like. Glutathione and other
antioxidants can be included to prevent oxidation. In many cases,
it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example,
sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, or sodium chloride
in the composition. Prolonged absorption of the injectable
compositions can be brought about by including in the composition
an agent which delays absorption, for example, aluminum
monostearate or gelatin.
[0182] Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by
incorporating the active compound in the required amount in an
appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients
enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active
compound into a sterile vehicle, which contains a basic dispersion
medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated
above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of
sterile injectable solutions, typical methods of preparation
include vacuum drying and freeze drying, which can yield a powder
of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient
from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.
[0183] Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an
edible carrier. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration,
the active compounds can be incorporated with excipients and used
in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules, e.g., gelatin
capsules. Oral compositions can also be prepared using a fluid
carrier for use as a mouthwash. Pharmaceutically compatible binding
agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the
composition. The tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can
contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar
nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth
or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a
disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn
starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a
glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such
as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint,
methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring.
[0184] For administration by inhalation, the compounds can be
delivered in the form of an aerosol spray from a pressurized
container or dispenser which contains a suitable propellant, e.g.,
a gas such as carbon dioxide, or a nebulizer. Such methods include
those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,798.
[0185] Systemic administration of a therapeutic composition as
described herein can also be by transmucosal or transdermal means.
For transmucosal or transdermal administration, penetrants
appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the
formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art, and
include, for example, for transmucosal administration, detergents,
bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives. Transmucosal
administration can be accomplished through the use of nasal sprays.
For transdermal administration, the active compounds are formulated
into ointments, salves, gels, or creams as generally known in the
art. In one embodiment, transdermal administration may be performed
by iontophoresis.
[0186] A therapeutic composition can be formulated in a carrier
system. The carrier can be a colloidal system. The colloidal system
can be a liposome, a phospholipid bilayer vehicle. In one
embodiment, the therapeutic peptide is encapsulated in a liposome
while maintaining peptide integrity. As one skilled in the art
would appreciate, there are a variety of methods to prepare
liposomes. (See Lichtenberg et al., Methods Biochem. Anal.,
33:337-462 (1988); Anselem et al., Liposome Technology, CRC Press
(1993)). Liposomal formulations can delay clearance and increase
cellular uptake (See Reddy, Ann. Pharmacother., 34(7-8):915-923
(2000)). An active agent can also be loaded into a particle
prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable ingredients including,
but not limited to, soluble, insoluble, permeable, impermeable,
biodegradable or gastroretentive polymers or liposomes. Such
particles include, but are not limited to, nanoparticles,
biodegradable nanoparticles, microparticles, biodegradable
microparticles, nanospheres, biodegradable nanospheres,
microspheres, biodegradable microspheres, capsules, emulsions,
liposomes, micelles and viral vector systems.
[0187] The carrier can also be a polymer, e.g., a biodegradable,
biocompatible polymer matrix. In one embodiment, the therapeutic
peptide can be embedded in the polymer matrix, while maintaining
protein integrity. The polymer may be natural, such as
polypeptides, proteins or polysaccharides, or synthetic, such as
poly .alpha.-hydroxy acids. Examples include carriers made of,
e.g., collagen, fibronectin, elastin, cellulose acetate, cellulose
nitrate, polysaccharide, fibrin, gelatin, and combinations thereof.
In one embodiment, the polymer is poly-lactic acid (PLA) or copoly
lactic/glycolic acid (PGLA). The polymeric matrices can be prepared
and isolated in a variety of forms and sizes, including
microspheres and nanospheres. Polymer formulations can lead to
prolonged duration of therapeutic effect. (See Reddy, Ann.
Pharmacother., 34(7-8):915-923 (2000)). A polymer formulation for
human growth hormone (hGH) has been used in clinical trials. (See
Kozarich and Rich, Chemical Biology, 2:548-552 (1998)).
[0188] Examples of polymer microsphere sustained release
formulations are described in PCT publication WO 99/15154 (Tracy et
al.), U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,674,534 and 5,716,644 (both to Zale et al.),
PCT publication WO 96/40073 (Zale et al.), and PCT publication WO
00/38651 (Shah et al.). U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,674,534 and 5,716,644 and
PCT publication WO 96/40073 describe a polymeric matrix containing
particles of erythropoietin that are stabilized against aggregation
with a salt.
[0189] In some embodiments, the therapeutic compounds are prepared
with carriers that will protect the therapeutic compounds against
rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release
formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery
systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as
ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid,
collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylacetic acid. Such formulations
can be prepared using known techniques. The materials can also be
obtained commercially, e.g., from Alza Corporation and Nova
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes
targeted to specific cells with monoclonal antibodies to
cell-specific antigens) can also be used as pharmaceutically
acceptable carriers. These can be prepared according to methods
known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,811.
[0190] The therapeutic compounds can also be formulated to enhance
intracellular delivery. For example, liposomal delivery systems are
known in the art, see, e.g., Chonn and Cullis, "Recent Advances in
Liposome Drug Delivery Systems," Current Opinion in Biotechnology
6:698-708 (1995); Weiner, "Liposomes for Protein Delivery:
Selecting Manufacture and Development Processes," Immunomethods,
4(3):201-9 (1994); and Gregoriadis, "Engineering Liposomes for Drug
Delivery: Progress and Problems," Trends Biotechnol., 13(12):527-37
(1995). Mizguchi et al., Cancer Lett., 100:63-69 (1996), describes
the use of fusogenic liposomes to deliver a protein to cells both
in vivo and in vitro.
[0191] Dosage, toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the therapeutic
agents can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in
cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the
LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED50 (the
dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population). The dose
ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic
index and it can be expressed as the ratio LD50/ED50. Compounds
which exhibit high therapeutic indices are preferred. While
compounds that exhibit toxic side effects may be used, care should
be taken to design a delivery system that targets such compounds to
the site of affected tissue in order to minimize potential damage
to uninfected cells and, thereby, reduce side effects.
[0192] The data obtained from the cell culture assays and animal
studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in
humans. The dosage of such compounds lies preferably within a range
of circulating concentrations that include the ED50 with little or
no toxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending upon
the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized.
For any compound used in the methods, the therapeutically effective
dose can be estimated initially from cell culture assays. A dose
can be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating plasma
concentration range that includes the IC50 (i.e., the concentration
of the test compound which achieves a half-maximal inhibition of
symptoms) as determined in cell culture. Such information can be
used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans. Levels in
plasma may be measured, for example, by high performance liquid
chromatography.
[0193] In some embodiments, an effective amount of the
aromatic-cationic peptides and/or an additional active agent such
as cyclosporine sufficient for achieving a therapeutic or
prophylactic effect, range from about 0.000001 mg per kilogram body
weight per day to about 10,000 mg per kilogram body weight per day.
Preferably, the dosage ranges are from about 0.0001 mg per kilogram
body weight per day to about 100 mg per kilogram body weight per
day. For example dosages can be 1 mg/kg body weight or 10 mg/kg
body weight every day, every two days or every three days or within
the range of 1-10 mg/kg every week, every two weeks or every three
weeks. In one embodiment, a single dosage of peptide ranges from
0.1-10,000 micrograms per kg body weight. In one embodiment,
aromatic-cationic peptide concentrations in a carrier range from
0.2 to 2000 micrograms per delivered milliliter.
[0194] In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of
an aromatic-cationic peptide may be defined as a concentration of
peptide at the target tissue of 10 to 10 molar, e.g., approximately
10 molar. This concentration may be delivered by systemic doses of
0.01 to 100 mg/kg or equivalent dose by body surface area. The
schedule of doses would be optimized to maintain the therapeutic
concentration at the target tissue, most preferably by single daily
or weekly administration, but also including continuous
administration (e.g., parenteral infusion or transdermal
application).
[0195] In some embodiments, the dosage of the aromatic-cationic
peptide is provided at a "low," "mid," or "high" dose level. In one
embodiment, the low dose is provided from about 0.0001 to about 0.5
mg/kg/h, from about 0.01 to about 0.5 mg/kg/h, suitably from about
0.001 to about 0.1 mg/kg/h or from about or 0.01 to about 0.1
mg/kg/h. In one embodiment, the mid-dose is provided from about
0.01 to about 1.0 mg/kg/h, from about 0.1 to about 1.0 mg/kg/h,
suitably from about 0.01 to about 0.5 mg/kg/h or from about 0.1 to
about 0.5 mg/kg/h. In one embodiment, the high dose is provided
from about 0.5 to about 10 mg/kg/h, suitably from about 0.5 to
about 2 mg/kg/h. In an illustrative embodiment, the dose of active
agent is from about 1 to 100 mg/kg, suitably about 25 mg/kg. In
some embodiments, the active agent comprises cyclosporine.
[0196] The skilled artisan will appreciate that certain factors may
influence the dosage and timing required to effectively treat a
subject, including but not limited to, the severity of the disease
or disorder, previous treatments, the general health and/or age of
the subject, and other diseases present. Moreover, treatment of a
subject with a therapeutically effective amount of the therapeutic
compositions described herein can include a single treatment or a
series of treatments.
[0197] The mammal treated in accordance present methods can be any
mammal, including, for example, farm animals, such as sheep, pigs,
cows, and horses; pet animals, such as dogs and cats; laboratory
animals, such as rats, mice and rabbits. In a preferred embodiment,
the mammal is a human.
[0198] Also disclosed herein are kits. In some embodiments, a kit
for treating an acute myocardial infarction injury in a mammalian
subject is provided. In other embodiments, a kit for treating
ischemia and/or reperfusion injury in a subject in need thereof is
provided. In still other embodiments, a kit for preventing or
reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury in a removed organ of a mammal
is provided. In further embodiments, a kit for the treatment,
prevention or alleviation of symptoms of cyclosporine-induced
nephrotoxicity in a subject in need thereof is provided. Typically,
the kits include (i) an aromatic-cationic peptide or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and (ii) one or more
additional active agents. In some embodiment, the aromatic-cationic
peptide is selected from the group consisting of:
Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2, 2',6'-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2:
Phe-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; 2',6'-Dmp-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH.sub.2; and
D-Arg-2',6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, such as an acetate salt or a trifluororacetate salt.
In some embodiments, the additional active agent comprises
cyclosporine. In some embodiments, the kit comprises
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof selected from acetate salt or trifluororacetate salt,
and cyclosporine. In some embodiments, the peptide and the one or
more additional active agents, such as cyclosporine, are packaged
in the same or separate vials. In some embodiments, instructions
for administering the components of the kit are also provided.
EXAMPLES
[0199] The present invention is further illustrated by the
following example, which should not be construed as limiting in any
way.
Example 1. Effects of an Aromatic-Cationic Peptide in Protecting
Against Acute Myocardial Infarction Injury in a Rabbit Model
[0200] The effects of aromatic-cationic peptides in protecting
against an acute myocardial infarction injury in a rabbit model
were investigated. The myocardial protective effect of the peptide
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 were demonstrated by this
Example.
[0201] New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. The
rabbits were males and >10 weeks in age. Environmental controls
in the animal rooms were set to maintain temperatures of 61.degree.
to 72.degree. F. and relative humidity between 30% and 70%. Room
temperature and humidity were recorded hourly, and monitored daily.
There were approximately 10-15 air exchanges per hour in the animal
rooms. Photoperiod was 12-hr light/12-hr dark (via fluorescent
lighting) with exceptions as necessary to accommodate dosing and
data collection. Routine daily observations were performed. Harlan
Teklad, Certified Diet (2030C), rabbit diet was provided
approximately 180 grams per day from arrival to the facility. In
addition, fresh fruits and vegetables were given to the rabbit 3
times a week.
[0202] The peptide D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 (sterile
lyophilized powder) was used as the test article. Dosing solutions
were formulated at no more than 1 mg/ml, and were delivered via
continuous infusion (IV) at a constant rate (e.g., 50
.mu.L/kg/min). Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) was used as a control.
[0203] The test/vehicle articles were given intravenously, under
general anesthesia, in order to mimic the expected route of
administration in the clinical setting of AMI and PTCA. Intravenous
infusion was administered via a peripheral vein using a Kd
Scientific infusion pump (Holliston, Mass. 01746) at a constant
volume (e.g., 50 .mu.L/kg/min).
[0204] The study followed a predetermined placebo and sham
controlled design. In short, 10-20 healthy, acclimatized, male
rabbits were assigned to one of three study arms (approximately
2-10 animals per group). Arm A (n=4, CTRL/PLAC) includes animals
treated with vehicle (vehicle; VEH, IV); Arm B (n=7, treated)
includes animals treated with peptide; Arm C (n=2, SHAM) includes
sham-operated time-controls treated with vehicle (vehicle; VEH, IV)
or peptide.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 7 Study Design. Group Study Group Ischemia
Time Reperfusion Time A CONTROL/PLACEBO 30 Min 180 Min of Placebo
(Last 20 Min. With Placebo) B PEPTIDE 30 Min 180 Min of Peptide
(Last 20 Min. With Peptide) C SHAM 0 Min 180 Min of Placebo (FOR
SURGERY (Last 20 Min. With Placebo) (Vehicle) or Peptide WITHOUT
ISCHEMIA)
[0205] In all cases, treatments were started approximately 30 min
after the onset of a 30 min ischemic insult (coronary occlusion)
and continued for up to 3 h following reperfusion. In all cases,
cardiovascular function was monitored both prior to and during
ischemia, as well as for up to 180 min (3 h) post-reperfusion. The
experiments were terminated 3 h post-reperfusion (end of study);
irreversible myocardial injury (infarct size by histomorphometry)
at this time-point was evaluated, and was the primary-end-point of
the study. The study design is summarized in Table 7.
[0206] Anesthesia/Surgical Preparation.
[0207] General anesthesia was induced intramuscularly (IM) with a
ketamine (.about.35-50 mg/kg)/xylazine (.about.5-10 mg/kg) mixture.
A venous catheter was placed in a peripheral vein (e.g., ear) for
the administration of anesthetics. In order to preserve autonomic
function, anesthesia was maintained with continuous infusions of
propofol (.about.8-30 mg/kg/hour) and ketamine (.about.1.2-2.4
mg/kg/hr). A cuffed tracheal tube was placed via a tracheotomy
(ventral midline incision) and used to mechanically ventilate the
lungs with a 95% O.sub.2/5% CO.sub.2 mixture via a volume-cycled
animal ventilator (.about.40 breaths/minute with a tidal volume of
.about.12.5 ml/kg) in order to sustain PaCO.sub.2 values broadly
within the physiological range.
[0208] Once a surgical plane of anesthesia was reached, either
transthoracic or needle electrodes forming two standard ECG leads
(e.g., lead II, aVF, V2) were placed. A cervical cut-down exposed a
carotid artery, which was isolated, dissected free from the
surrounding tissue and cannulated with a dual-sensor high-fidelity
micromanometer catheter (Millar Instruments); the tip of this
catheter was advanced into the left-ventricle (LV) retrogradely
across the aortic valve, in order to simultaneously determine
aortic (root, proximal transducer) and left-ventricular (distal
transducer) pressures. The carotid cut-down also exposed the
jugular vein, which was cannulated with a hollow injection catheter
(for blood sampling). Finally, an additional venous catheter was
placed in a peripheral vein (e.g., ear) for the administration of
vehicle/test articles.
[0209] Subsequently, the animals were placed in right-lateral
recumbence and the heart was exposed via a midline thoracotomy and
a pericardiotomy. The heart was suspended on a pericardial cradle
in order to expose the left circumflex (LCX) and the left-anterior
descending (LAD) coronary arteries. Silk ligatures were loosely
placed (using a taper-point needle) around the proximal LAD and if
necessary, depending on each animal's coronary anatomy, around one
or more branches of the LCX marginal coronary arteries. Tightening
of these snares (via small pieces of polyethylene tubing) allowed
rendering a portion of the left ventricular myocardium temporarily
ischemic.
[0210] Once instrumentation was completed, hemodynamic stability
and proper anesthesia depth were verified/ensured for at least 30
min. Subsequently, the animals were paralyzed with atracurium
(.about.0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg/hr IV) in order to facilitate
hemodynamic/respiratory stability. Following atracurium
administration, signs of autonomic hyperactivity and/or changes in
BIS values were used to evaluate anesthesia depth and/or to
up-titrate the intravenous anesthetics.
[0211] Experimental Protocol/Cardiovascular Data Collection.
[0212] Immediately following surgical preparation, the animals were
heparinized (100 units heparin/kg/h, IV bolus), and after
hemodynamic stabilization (for approximately 30 min), baseline data
were collected including venous blood for the evaluation of cardiac
enzymes/biomarkers as well as of test-article concentrations.
[0213] Following hemodynamic stabilization and baseline
measurements, the animals were subjected to an acute 60 min
ischemic insult by tightening of the LAD/LCX coronary artery
snares. Myocardial ischemia was visually confirmed by color (i.e.,
cyanotic) changes in distal distributions of the LAD/LCX and by the
onset of electrocardiographic changes. Approximately after 10 min
of ischemia, the animals received a continuous infusion of either
vehicle (saline) or peptide; ischemia was continued for a
additional 20 min (i.e., 30 min total) after the start of
treatment. Subsequently (i.e., after 30 min of ischemia of which
the last 20 min overlap with the treatment), the coronary snares
were released and the previously ischemic myocardium was reperfused
for up to 3 h. Treatment with either vehicle or peptide was
continued throughout the reperfusion period. It should be noted
that in sham-operated animals the vessel snares were manipulated at
the time of ischemia/reperfusion onset, but were not either
tightened or loosened.
[0214] Cardiovascular data collection occurred at 11 pre-determined
time-points: post-instrumentation/stabilization (i.e., baseline),
after 10 and 30 min of ischemia, as well as at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120,
and 180 min post-reperfusion. Throughout the experiments, analogue
signals were digitally sampled (1000 Hz) and recorded continuously
with a data acquisition system (IOX; EMKA Technologies), and the
following parameters were determined at the above-mentioned
time-points: (1) from bipolar transthoracic ECG (e.g., Lead II,
aVF): rhythm (arrhythmia quantification/classification), RR, PQ,
QRS, QT, QTc, short-term QT instability, and QT.TQ (restitution);
(2) from solid-state manometer in aorta (Millar): arterial/aortic
pressure (AoP); and (3) from solid-state manometer in the LV
(Millar): left-ventricular pressures (ESP, EDP) and derived indices
(dP/dtmax, dP/dtmin, Vmax, and tau). In addition, in order to
determine/quantify the degree of irreversible myocardial injury
(i.e., infarction) resulting from the I/R insult with and without
peptide treatment, cardiac biomarkers as well as infarct area were
evaluated.
[0215] Blood Samples.
[0216] Venous (<3 mL) whole blood samples were collected for
both pharmaco-kinetic (PK) analysis as well as for the evaluation
of myocardial injury via cardiac biomarker analyses at six
data-collection time-points: baseline, 30 min of ischemia, as well
as 30, 60, 120 and 180 min post-reperfusion. Two clinically used
biomarkers were measured: cardiac Troponin-I (cTnI) and
creatine-kinase (CK-MB). In addition, three arterial (.about.0.5
mL) whole blood samples were collected at baseline, 60 min of
ischemia, as well as the 60 and 180 min post-reperfusion for the
determination of blood-gases; the arterial samples were collected
into blood gas syringes and used for the measurement of blood-gases
via an I-Stat analyzer/cartridges (CG4+).
[0217] Histopathology-Histomorphometry.
[0218] At the completion of the protocol, irreversible myocardial
injury (i.e., infarction) resulting from the I/R insult was
evaluated. In short, the coronary snares were retightened and
Evan's blue dye (1 mL/kg; Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) was injected
intravenously to delineate the myocardial area-at-risk (AR) during
ischemia. Approximately 5 min later, the heart was arrested (by an
injection of potassium chloride into the left atrium), and freshly
excised. The LV was sectioned perpendicular to its long axis (from
apex to base) into 3 mm thick slices. Subsequently, the slices were
incubated for 20 min in 2% triphenyl-tetrazolium-chloride (TTC) at
37.degree. C. and fixed in a 10% non-buffered formalin solution
(NBF).
[0219] Following fixation, the infarct and at-risks areas were
delineated/measured digitally. For such purpose, the thickness of
each slice was measured with a digital micrometer and later
photographed/scanned. All photographs were imported into an image
analysis program (Image J; National Institutes of Health), and
computer-assisted planometry was performed to determine the overall
size of the infarct (I) and at-risk (AR) areas. For each slide, the
AR (i.e., not stained blue) was expressed as a percentage of the LV
area, and the infarct size (I, not stained tissue) was expressed as
a percentage of the AR (I/AR). In all cases, quantitative
histomorphometery was performed by personnel blinded to the
treatment assignment/study-design.
[0220] Animal Observations.
[0221] Data were acquired on the EMKA's IOX system using ECG Auto
software for analysis (EMKA Technologies). Measurements for all
physiological parameters were made manually or automatically from
(digital) oscillograph tracings. The mean value from 60 s of data
from each targeted time point was used (if possible); however, as
mentioned above, signals/tracing was recorded continuously
throughout the experiments, in order to allow (if needed) more
fine/detailed temporal data analysis (via amendments). Additional
calculations were performed using Microsoft Excel Data is presented
as means with standard errors.
[0222] Administration of peptide resulted in decreased infarct size
compared to the control. Table 8 presents data showing the ratios
of area of risk to left ventricular area infracted area to left
ventricular area, and infracted area to area of risk for each of
the animals used in this study.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 8 Histopathology Results of Study Animals
Percent Difference in Animal Group Mean IA/AR from ID Group IA/LV
AR/LV IA/AR IA/AR Placebo A-1 SHAM 1.5% 55.6% 2.5% 2.8% -93.0% A-2
1.9% 56.3% 3.1% B-1 PEPTIDE 4.3% 53.6% 7.3% 16.2 -59.0 B-2 TREATED
10.5% 57.2% 17.2% B-3 8.1% 56.7% 12.8% B-4 6.7% 44.6% 13.8% B-5
8.3% 56.2% 13.8% B-6 13.3% 61.8% 19.7% B-7 20.5% 65.3% 28.6% C-1
PLACEBO 20.6% 54.9% 34.5% 39.1% 0.0% C-2 23.6% 60.5% 35.1% C-3
25.6% 62.8% 39.9% C-4 31.9% 64.3% 46.7%
[0223] These results show that in a standardized rabbit model of
acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, peptide when
administered as an IV continuous infusion beginning at 10 min into
a 30 min ischemia period followed by IV continuous infusion for 180
min after reperfusion was able to reduce myocardial infarct size
compared to the control group. In the rabbits in which there was a
definable response to treatment, the size of the myocardial infarct
area was reduced by 59% relative to the infarct size noted in
control animals. These results indicate that peptide treatment
prevents the occurrence of symptoms of acute cardiac
ischemia-reperfusion injury. As such, aromatic-cationic peptides
are useful in methods at preventing and treating a acute myocardial
infarction injury in mammalian subjects.
Example 2. Effects of Intravenous Cyclosporine Treatment after
Ischemia in a Rabbit Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction
[0224] Experimental studies suggest that pretreatment with
cyclosporine-A (CsA) can attenuate/mitigate myocardial injury
resulting from an ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) insult as can occur
clinically following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and/or
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/Angioplasty (PCI). A 1-hour
intravenous infusion of CsA (25 mg/kg) prior to the onset of
ischemia reduced the resulting infarct size significantly when
compared against control. CsA (2.5 mg/kg IV bolus), when given just
prior to the onset of reperfusion, may also have myocardial sparing
effects. This study is designed to test the cardioprotective
effects of CsA in a setting that mimics the clinical scenario of an
acute I/R insult. The study will be conducted under the general
hypothesis that treatment with CsA after the onset of ischemia (but
prior to reperfusion) will attenuate irreversible myocardial injury
(i.e., infarct size) and preserve myocardial function.
[0225] Both vehicle and cyclosporine-A (CsA) will be administered
via a slow intravenous infusion (0.5 mL/min) during/following a
30-min ischemic insult, starting 20 min prior to the onset of
reperfusion, and ending 20 min after reperfusion. The test article
is cyclosporine injection, USP (cyclosporine-A, CsA). One vial (50
mg/mL, 5 mL) of the clinical CsA formulation for injection will be
maintained at room temperature for 30 min before formulation.
Subsequently, the appropriate amount of test article (25 mg/kg)
will be dissolved in the sterile vehicle (see below; Hespan, 6%
Hetastarch in 0.9% Sodium Chloride. The test/vehicle articles will
be given intravenously, under general anesthesia, in order to mimic
the expected route of administration in the clinical setting of AMI
and PTCA. Intravenous infusion will be administered via a
peripheral vein using a Kd Scientific infusion pump (Holliston,
Mass. 01746) at a constant time/volume (20 mL over 40 min, or 500
uL/min).
[0226] The study will follow a pre-determined placebo controlled
design. In short, healthy, acclimatized, male rabbits will be
assigned to one of three study arms: [0227] 1. Arm A (n<=6,
CTRL): treated with vehicle (vehicle; VEH, IV). [0228] 2. Arm B
(n<=6, CsA): treated with CsA (25 mg/kg, IV continuous
infusion). [0229] 3. Arm C (n<=6, SHAM): sham-operated
time-controls treated with CsA (25 mg/kg intravenous bolus
infusion)
TABLE-US-00010 [0229] TABLE 9 Study Design. I/R PERIOD ARM (min)
INTERVENTION CTRL 30/180 Placebo/Vehicle (for CsA) Cont. 40 min (n
<= 6) infusion beginning at +10 min of ischemia (i.e., lasting
20 min into reperfusion) CsA 30/180 CsA Cont. 40 min infusion
beginning at +10 (n <= 6) min of ischemia (i.e., lasting 20 min
into reperfusion) SHAM 0/0 CsA Cont. 40 min infusion beginning at
+10 (n <= 6) min of ischemia (i.e., lasting 20 min into
reperfusion)
[0230] In all cases, treatments will be started approximately 10
min after the onset of a 30 min ischemic insult (coronary
occlusion) and continued for only 20 min following reperfusion. In
all cases, cardiovascular function will be monitored both prior to
and during ischemia, as well as for up to 180 minutes (3 hours)
post-reperfusion. The experiments will be terminated 3 hours
post-reperfusion (end of study); irreversible myocardial injury
(infarct size by histomorphometery) at this time-point will be
evaluated, and will be the primary-end-point of the study. The
study design is summarized in Table 9 (above).
[0231] Anesthesia/Surgical Preparation.
[0232] General anesthesia will be induced intramuscularly (IM) with
a ketamine (.about.35-50 mg/kg)/xylazine (.about.5-10 mg/kg)
mixture. A venous catheter will be placed in a peripheral vein
(e.g., ear) for the administration of anesthetics. In order to
preserve autonomic function, anesthesia will be maintained with
continuous infusions of propofol (.about.8-30 mg/kg/hour) and (if
necessary) ketamine (.about.1.2-2.4 mg/kg/hr). A cuffed tracheal
tube will be placed via a tracheotomy (ventral midline incision)
and used to mechanically ventilate the lungs with a 100% O.sub.2
via a volume-cycled animal ventilator (.about.40 breaths/minute
with a tidal volume of .about.12.5 ml/kg) in order to sustain
PaCO.sub.2 values within the physiological range.
[0233] Once a surgical plane of anesthesia has been reached, either
transthoracic or needle electrodes forming two standard ECG leads
(e.g., lead II, aVF, V2) will be placed. A cervical cut-down will
expose a carotid artery, which will be isolated, dissected free
from the surrounding tissue and cannulated with a dual-sensor
high-fidelity micromanometer catheter (Millar Instruments); the tip
of this catheter will be advanced into the left-ventricle (LV)
retrogradely across the aortic valve, in order to simultaneously
determine aortic (root, proximal transducer) and left-ventricular
(distal transducer) pressures. The carotid cut-down will also
expose the jugular vein, which will be cannulated with a hollow
injection catheter (for blood sampling). Finally, an additional
venous catheter will be placed in a peripheral vein (e.g., ear) for
the administration of vehicle/test articles.
[0234] Subsequently, the animals will be placed in dorsal
recumbence and the heart will be exposed via a midline sternotomy
and a pericardiotomy. The heart will be suspended on a pericardial
cradle in order to expose the left circumflex (LCX) and the
left-anterior descending (LAD) coronary arteries. Silk ligatures
will be loosely placed (using a taper-point needle) approximately
at the midpoint of the LCX artery (i.e., midpoint between its
origin and the cardiac apex), and if necessary (depending on each
animal's coronary anatomy), around either the proximal/distal LAD
or one of its branches (e.g., 1st, diagonal). Tightening of these
snares (via small pieces of polyethylene tubing) will allow
rendering a portion of myocardium temporarily ischemic. In order to
prevent/minimize premature mortality resulting from ischemic
arrhythmias (i.e., Class I), the animals may receive prophylactic
anti-arrhythmic therapy prior to the coronary occlusion (lidocaine
HCl 2 mg/kg iv, bolus).
[0235] Once instrumentation has been completed and proper
anesthesia depth verified/ensured for at least 30 min, the animals
may be paralyzed with atracurium (.about.0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg/hr IV) in
order to facilitate hemodynamic and respiratory stability. However,
it should be highlighted that prior to the administration of this
muscle relaxant, adequacy of the anesthetic plane will be carefully
monitored (and the anesthetic regimen titrated) using somatic as
well as autonomic signs for assessing anesthesia depth, paying
particular attention to muscle tone and ventilatory pattern;
hemodynamic (mean arterial pressure, heart rate, etc.) stability
(for .about.30 min) at a given (fixed) anesthetic regimen, will be
required prior to the administration of atracurium. In addition, in
order to aid with the establishment/maintenance of a proper
anesthetic plane, the Bispectral Index (BIS), a numerical value
derived from the electroencephalogram (EEG) indicating the level of
consciousness will be continuously monitored. Following atracurium
administration, signs of autonomic hyperactivity and/or changes in
BIS values will be used to evaluate anesthesia depth and/or to
up-titrate the intravenous anesthetics.
[0236] Experimental Protocol/Cardiovascular Data Collection.
[0237] Immediately following surgical preparation, the animals will
be heparinized (100 units heparin/kg/hour, IV bolus), and after
hemodynamic stabilization (for approximately 30 min), baseline data
will be collected including venous blood for the evaluation of
cardiac enzymes/biomarkers as well as of test-article
concentrations (see below). It should be noted that in order to
ensure experimental/data homogeneity, all animals must satisfy the
following entry criteria: dP/dtmax >1000 mmHg/s; the anesthetic
regime may be adjusted in order to ensure proper
anesthesia/analgesia and to satisfy such inclusion criteria.
Additionally, in order to ensure an adequate intravascular volume
status and cardiovascular hemodynamics at baseline, a physiologic
volume expander (vehicle, 6% hetastarch in 0.9% sodium chloride)
may be administered.
[0238] Following hemodynamic stabilization and baseline
measurements, the animals will be subjected to an acute 30 min
ischemic insult by tightening of the LCX/LAD coronary artery
snares. Myocardial ischemia will be visually confirmed by color
(i.e., cyanotic) changes in distal distributions of the LCX/LAD and
by the onset of electrocardiographic changes. Approximately after
10 min of ischemia, the animals will start receiving a continuous
20 mL infusion of either vehicle or CsA (25 mg/kg); ischemia will
be continued for an additional 20 min period after the start of
treatment (i.e., 30 min total ischemic time). Subsequently (i.e.,
after 30 min of ischemia of which the last 20 min overlap with the
treatment), the coronary snares will be released and the previously
ischemic myocardium will be reperfused for up to 3 hrs. Treatment
with either vehicle or CsA will be continued for 20 min into the
reperfusion period. It should be noted that in sham-operated
animals the vessel snares will be manipulated at the time of
ischemia/reperfusion onset, but will not be either tightened or
loosened.
[0239] Meanwhile, it also should be highlighted that in order to
minimize any possible confounding effects on indices of myocardial
injury, non self-resolving malignant arrhythmias/rhythms (e.g.,
ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation) developing during reperfusion
will not be treated, and therefore, will be considered terminal
(i.e., the experiment will be terminated prematurely).
[0240] Cardiovascular data collection will occur at 11
pre-determined time-points: post-instrumentation/stabilization
(i.e., baseline), after 10 and 30 minutes of ischemia, as well as
at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes post-reperfusion. Throughout
the experiments, analog signals will be digitally sampled (1000 Hz)
and recorded continuously with a data acquisition system (IOX; EMKA
Technologies), and the following parameters will be determined at
the above-mentioned time-points: [0241] From bipolar transthoracic
ECG (e.g., Lead II, aVF): rhythm (arrhythmia
quantification/classification), RR, PQ, QRS, QT, QTc, short-term QT
instability, ST-segment deviation, and QT:TQ (restitution). [0242]
From solid-state manometer in aorta (Millar): arterial/aortic
pressure (AoP). [0243] From solid-state manometer in the LV
(Millar): left-ventricular pressures (ESP, EDP) and derived indices
(dP/dtmax, dP/dtmin, Vmax, and tau).
[0244] In addition, in order to determine/quantify the degree of
irreversible myocardial injury (i.e., infarction) resulting from
the I/R insult with and without CsA treatment cardiac biomarkers as
well as infarct area will be evaluated.
[0245] Blood Samples.
[0246] Venous (<3 mL) whole blood samples will be collected for
both pharmaco-kinetic (PK) analysis as well as for the evaluation
of myocardial injury via cardiac biomarker analyses at six
data-collection time-points: baseline, 30 min of ischemia, as well
as 30, 60, 120 and 180 min post-reperfusion. Two clinically used
biomarkers will be measured: cardiac Troponin-T (cTnI) and
creatine-kinase (CK-MB). In addition, three arterial (.about.0.5
mL) whole blood samples will be collected at baseline, 30 min of
ischemia, as well as the 60 and 180 min post-reperfusion for the
determination of blood-gases; the arterial samples will be
collected into blood gas syringes and used for the measurement of
blood-gases via an 1-Stat analyzer/cartridges (CG4+).
[0247] Venous blood will be drawn using pre-chilled syringes into
pre-chilled tubes containing either K2EDTA (for PK analysis) or
Serum-Separator (SST; for cardiac biomarkers), and then placed on
wet ice pending centrifugation (for a maximum of 15 min). Samples
will be centrifuged, plasma will be aliquoted (if possible) into 2
tubes each containing a minimum of 0.3 mL plasma/serum and frozen
at approximately -70.degree. C.
[0248] Histopathology/Histomorphometery.
[0249] At the completion of the protocol, irreversible myocardial
injury (i.e., infarction) resulting from the I/R insult will be
evaluated. In short, the coronary snares will be retightened and
Evan's blue dye (1 mL/kg; Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) will be injected
intravenously to delineate the myocardial area-at-risk (AR) during
ischemia. Approximately 5 min later, the heart will be arrested (by
an injection of potassium chloride into the left atrium), and
freshly excised. The LV will be sectioned perpendicular to its long
axis (from apex to base) into 3 mm thick slices. The slices will be
numbered consecutively, with "Slice #1" being the most apical.
Subsequently, the slices will be incubated for 20 minutes in 2%
triphenyl-tetrazolium-chloride (TTC) at 37.degree. C. and fixed in
a 10% non-buffered formalin solution (NBF).
[0250] Following fixation, the infarct and at-risks areas will be
delineated/measured digitally. For such purpose, the thickness of
each slice will be measured with a digital micrometer and later
photographed/scanned. All photographs will be imported into an
image analysis program (Image J; National Institutes of Health),
and computer-assisted planimetry will be performed to determine the
overall size of the infarct (I) and at-risk (AR) areas. For each
slide, the AR (i.e., not stained blue) will be expressed as a
percentage of the LV area, and the infarct size (1, not stained
tissue) will be expressed as a percentage of the AR (I/AR). It
should be noted, that, in all cases, quantitative histomorphometery
will be performed by personnel blinded to the treatment
assignment/study-design.
[0251] It is predicted that infarct size in the CsA-treated group
will be significantly reduced compared to the control group. In
particular, it is predicted that when the CsA is given prior to
ischemia, there is a reduced hypoxic-induced mitochondrial
dysfunction. These results will indicate that CsA administration
prevents the occurrence of symptoms of acute cardiac
ischemia-reperfusion injury. As such, CsA is useful in methods at
preventing and treating ischemia-reperfusion injury in mammalian
subjects.
Example 3. Effects of Combined Aromatic-Cationic Peptide and
Cyclosporine Treatment in a Rabbit Model of Acute Myocardial
Infarction Injury
[0252] The combined effects of aromatic-cationic peptides or
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, such as acetate salt and
trifluoroacetate salt, and cyclosporine in protecting against an
acute myocardial infarction injury in a rabbit model are
investigated. The myocardial protective effect of the peptide
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 and cyclosporine are demonstrated
by this Example.
[0253] New Zealand white rabbits are used in this study. The
rabbits are males and >10 weeks in age. Environmental controls
in the animal rooms are set to maintain temperatures of 61.degree.
to 72.degree. F. and relative humidity between 30% and 70%. Room
temperature and humidity are recorded hourly, and monitored daily.
There are approximately 10-15 air exchanges per hour in the animal
rooms. Photoperiod is 12-hr light/12-hr dark (via fluorescent
lighting) with exceptions as necessary to accommodate dosing and
data collection. Routine daily observations are performed. Harlan
Teklad, Certified Diet (2030C), rabbit diet is provided
approximately 180 grains per day from arrival to the facility. In
addition, fresh fruits and vegetables are given to the rabbits 3
times a week.
[0254] The peptide D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 (sterile
lyophilized powder) and cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Novartis) are
used as the test articles. Dosing solutions for the peptide are
formulated at no more than 1 mg/ml, and are delivered via
continuous infusion (IV) at a constant rate (e.g., 50
.mu.L/kg/min). Cyclosporine is administered as a bolus injection of
2.5 mg of cyclosporine per kilogram of body weight or as a
continuous infusion. Cyclosporine is dissolved in normal saline
(final concentration, 25 mg per milliliter) and was injected
through a catheter. Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is used as a
control.
[0255] The test/vehicle articles are given intravenously, under
general anesthesia, in order to mimic the expected route of
administration in the clinical setting of AMI and PTCA. Intravenous
infusion are administered via a peripheral vein using a Kd
Scientific infusion pump (Holliston, Mass. 01746) at a constant
volume (e.g., 50 .mu.L/kg/min). The study follows a predetermined
placebo and sham controlled design. In short, 10-20 healthy,
acclimatized, male rabbits are assigned to one of four study arms
(approximately 2-10 animals per group). Arm A (n=4, CTRL/PLAC)
includes animals treated with vehicle (vehicle; VEH, IV); Arm B
(n=7, treated) includes animals treated with peptide and
cyclosporine bolus; Arm C (n=7, treated) includes animals treated
with peptide and cyclosporine IV infusion; Arm D (n=2, SHAM)
includes sham-operated time-controls treated with vehicle (vehicle;
VEH, IV) or peptide/cyclosporine.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 10 Study Design. Group Study Group Ischemia
Time Reperfusion Time A CONTROL/PLACEBO 30 Min 180 Min of Placebo
(Last 20 Min. With Placebo; Bolus injection of placebo immediately
prior to reperfusion) B PEPTIDE + CsA BOLUS 30 Min 180 Min of
Peptide (Last 20 Min. With Peptide; Bolus injection of CsA
immediately prior to reperfusion) C PEPTIDE + CsA IV 30 Min 180 Min
of Peptide (Last 20 Min. With Peptide and and CsA CsA) D SHAM 0 Min
180 Min of Placebo (FOR SURGERY (Last 20 Min. With Placebo;
(Vehicle) or Peptide WITHOUT ISCHEMIA) Bolus injection of placebo
immediately prior to reperfusion)
[0256] In all cases, treatments are started approximately 30 min
after the onset of a 30 min ischemic insult (coronary occlusion)
and continued for up to 3 h following reperfusion. In all cases,
cardiovascular function is monitored both prior to and during
ischemia, as well as for up to 180 min (3 h) post-reperfusion. The
experiments are terminated 3 h post-reperfusion (end of study);
irreversible myocardial injury (infarct size by histomorphometery)
at this time-point is evaluated, and is the primary-end-point of
the study.
[0257] Anesthesia/Surgical Preparation.
[0258] General anesthesia is induced intramuscularly (IM) with a
ketamine (.about.35-50 mg/kg)/xylazine (.about.5-10 mg/kg) mixture.
A venous catheter is placed in a peripheral vein (e.g., ear) for
the administration of anesthetics. In order to preserve autonomic
function, anesthesia is maintained with continuous infusions of
propofol (.about.8-30 mg/kg/hour) and ketamine (.about.1.2-2.4
mg/kg/hr). A cuffed tracheal tube is placed via a tracheotomy
(ventral midline incision) and used to mechanically ventilate the
lungs with a 95% O.sub.2/5% CO.sub.2 mixture via a volume-cycled
animal ventilator (.about.40 breaths/minute with a tidal volume of
.about.12.5 ml/kg) in order to sustain PaCO.sub.2 values broadly
within the physiological range.
[0259] Once a surgical plane of anesthesia is reached, either
transthoracic or needle electrodes forming two standard ECG leads
(e.g., lead II, aVF, V2) are placed. A cervical cut-down exposes a
carotid artery, which is isolated, dissected free from the
surrounding tissue and cannulated with a dual-sensor high-fidelity
micromanometer catheter (Millar Instruments); the tip of this
catheter is advanced into the left-ventricle (LV) retrogradely
across the aortic valve, in order to simultaneously determine
aortic (root, proximal transducer) and left-ventricular (distal
transducer) pressures. The carotid cut-down also exposes the
jugular vein, which is cannulated with a hollow injection catheter
(for blood sampling). Finally, an additional venous catheter is
placed in a peripheral vein (e.g., ear) for the administration of
vehicle/test articles.
[0260] Subsequently, the animals are placed in right-lateral
recumbence and the heart is exposed via a midline thoracotomy and a
pericardiotomy. The heart is suspended on a pericardial cradle in
order to expose the left circumflex (LCX) and the left-anterior
descending (LAD) coronary arteries. Silk ligatures are loosely
placed (using a taper-point needle) around the proximal LAD and if
necessary, depending on each animal's coronary anatomy, around one
or more branches of the LCX marginal coronary arteries. Tightening
of these snares (via small pieces of polyethylene tubing) allows
rendering a portion of the left ventricular myocardium temporarily
ischemic.
[0261] Once instrumentation is completed, hemodynamic stability and
proper anesthesia depth are verified/ensured for at least 30 min.
Subsequently, the animals are paralyzed with atracurium (.about.0.1
to 0.2 mg/kg/hr IV) in order to facilitate hemodynamic/respiratory
stability. Following atracurium administration, signs of autonomic
hyperactivity and/or changes in BIS values are used to evaluate
anesthesia depth and/or to up-titrate the intravenous
anesthetics.
[0262] Experimental Protocol/Cardiovascular Data Collection.
Immediately following surgical preparation, the animals are
heparinized (100 units heparin/kg/h, IV bolus), and after
hemodynamic stabilization (for approximately 30 min), baseline data
are collected including venous blood for the evaluation of cardiac
enzymes/biomarkers as well as of test-article concentrations.
[0263] Following hemodynamic stabilization and baseline
measurements, the animals are subjected to an acute 60 min ischemic
insult by tightening of the LAD/LCX coronary artery snares.
Myocardial ischemia is visually confirmed by color (i.e., cyanotic)
changes in distal distributions of the LAD/LCX and by the onset of
electrocardiographic changes. Approximately after 10 min of
ischemia, the animals receive a continuous infusion of either
vehicle (saline), peptide or peptide+CsA; ischemia was continued
for a additional 20 min (i.e., 30 min total) after the start of
treatment. Subsequently (i.e., after 30 min of ischemia of which
the last 20 min overlap with the treatment), the animals receive a
bolus dose of CsA or vehicle, and the coronary snares are released.
The previously ischemic myocardium is reperfused for up to 3 h.
Treatment with either vehicle or peptide is continued throughout
the reperfusion period. It should be noted that in sham-operated
animals the vessel snares are manipulated at the time of
ischemia/reperfusion onset, but are not either tightened or
loosened.
[0264] Cardiovascular data collection occurs at 11 pre-determined
time-points: post-instrumentation/stabilization (i.e., baseline),
after 10 and 30 min of ischemia, as well as at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120,
and 180 min post-reperfusion. Throughout the experiments, analog
signals are digitally sampled (1000 Hz) and recorded continuously
with a data acquisition system (IOX; EMKA Technologies), and the
following parameters are determined at the above-mentioned
time-points: (1) from bipolar transthoracic ECG (e.g., Lead II,
aVF): rhythm (arrhythmia quantification/classification), RR, PQ,
QRS, QT, QTc, short-term QT instability, and QT:TQ (restitution);
(2) from solid-state manometer in aorta (Millar): arterial/aortic
pressure (AoP); and (3) from solid-state manometer in the LV
(Millar): left-ventricular pressures (ESP, EDP) and derived indices
(dP/dtmax, dP/dtmin, Vmax, and tau). In addition, in order to
determine/quantify the degree of irreversible myocardial injury
(i.e., infarction) resulting from the I/R insult with and without
peptide treatment, cardiac biomarkers as well as infarct area are
evaluated.
[0265] Blood Samples.
[0266] Venous (<3 mL) whole blood samples are collected for both
pharmaco-kinetic (PK) analysis as well as for the evaluation of
myocardial injury via cardiac biomarker analyses at six
data-collection time-points: baseline, 30 min of ischemia, as well
as 30, 60, 120 and 180 min post-reperfusion. Two clinically used
biomarkers are measured: cardiac Troponin-I (cTnI) and
creatine-kinase (CK-MB). In addition, three arterial (.about.0.5
mL) whole blood samples are collected at baseline, 60 min of
ischemia, as well as the 60 and 180 min post-reperfusion for the
determination of blood-gases; the arterial samples are collected
into blood gas syringes and used for the measurement of blood-gases
via an I-Stat analyzer/cartridges (CG4+).
[0267] Histopathology/Histomorphometery.
[0268] At the completion of the protocol, irreversible myocardial
injury (i.e., infarction) resulting from the I/R insult is
evaluated. In short, the coronary snares are retightened and Evan's
blue dye (1 mL/kg; Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) was injected
intravenously to delineate the myocardial area-at-risk (AR) during
ischemia. Approximately 5 min later, the heart is arrested (by an
injection of potassium chloride into the left atrium), and freshly
excised. The LV is sectioned perpendicular to its long axis (from
apex to base) into 3 mm thick slices. Subsequently, the slices are
incubated for 20 min in 2% triphenyl-tetrazolium-chloride (TTC) at
37.degree. C. and fixed in a 10' non-buffered formalin solution
(NBF).
[0269] Following fixation, the infarct and at-risks areas are
delineated/measured digitally. For such purpose, the thickness of
each slice is measured with a digital micrometer and later
photographed/scanned. All photographs are imported into an image
analysis program (Image J; National Institutes of Health), and
computer-assisted planometry is performed to determine the overall
size of the infarct (I) and at-risk (AR) areas. For each slide, the
AR (i.e., not stained blue) is expressed as a percentage of the LV
area, and the infarct size (I, not stained tissue) is expressed as
a percentage of the AR (I/AR). In all cases, quantitative
histomorphometery is performed by personnel blinded to the
treatment assignment/study-design.
[0270] Animal Observations.
[0271] Data are acquired on the EMKA's IOX system using ECG Auto
software for analysis (EMKA Technologies). Measurements for all
physiological parameters are made manually or automatically from
(digital) oscillograph tracings. The mean value from 60 s of data
from each targeted time point is used (if possible); however, as
mentioned above, signals/tracing are recorded continuously
throughout the experiments, in order to allow (if needed) more
fine/detailed temporal data analysis (via amendments). Additional
calculations are performed using Microsoft Excel. Data is presented
as means with standard errors.
[0272] It is predicted that infarct size and apoptotic cell death
in the peptide+CsA-treated groups will be significantly reduced
compared to the control group. In particular, it is predicted that
when the peptide+CsA is given prior to ischemia, there is a reduced
hypoxic-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. These results will
indicate that peptide administration prevents the occurrence of
symptoms of acute cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. As such,
aromatic-cationic peptides are useful in methods at preventing and
treating ischemia-reperfusion injury in mammalian subjects.
Example 4. Effects of Combined Peptide and Cyclosporine Treatment
in a Large Animal Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction Injury
[0273] The effects of aromatic-cationic peptides or
pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, such as acetate salt or
trifluoroacetate salt, and cyclosporine in protecting against
cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in a large animal model (e.g.,
a porcine or ovine model) are investigated. The myocardial
protective effect of the D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2.peptide
and cyclosporine will be demonstrated by this Example.
[0274] General Surgical Protocol for Large Animal Models.
[0275] The animals are sedated with intramuscular ketamine (50
mg/kg), glycopyrrolate (0.2 mg/kg), and buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg).
After intubation, animals are ventilated with a mechanical
respirator (Hallowell EMC Model AWS; Hallowell, Pittsfield, Mass.)
using room air enriched with 0.6 L/min oxygen. Catheters are
introduced into a small auricular artery and vein, and into the
right jugular vein for the continuous measurement of blood pressure
and the administration of intravenous medications. Anesthesia is
maintained with an intravenous infusion of ketamine (0.02 to 0.04
mg/kg/min) and supplemental pentothal (2.5 to 5 mg/kg) as needed.
Additionally, a pressure transducer (SPR-524; Millar Instruments,
Houston, Tex.) is introduced through the right carotid artery into
the left ventricle. Heart rate, blood pressure, surface
electrocardiogram, and rectal temperature are continuously
monitored (Hewlett Packard 78534C; Palo Alto, Calif.).
[0276] A left thoracotomy is performed, and a coronary snare is
constructed by passing a suture around a large branch of the
circumflex coronary artery at approximately 50% of the distance
from base to apex of the heart, and threaded through a small piece
of polyethylene tubing.
[0277] Alternate Surgical Protocol Using an Ovine Model.
[0278] Dorset male hybrid sheep weighing 35-40 kg are used in this
study. Anesthesia is induced with thiopental sodium (10-15 mg/kg
iv), and sheep are intubated, anesthetized with isoflurane
(1.5-2%), and ventilated with oxygen (Drager anesthesia monitor,
North American Drager, Telford, Pa.). Fluid-filled catheters are
placed in a femoral artery and internal jugular vein for the
continuous measurement of blood pressure and the administration of
intravenous medications. A Swan-Ganz catheter (131h-7F, Baxter
Healthcare, Irvine, Calif.) is introduced into the pulmonary artery
through the internal jugular vein.
[0279] Animals undergo a left thoracotomy, and silicone vascular
loops (Quest Medical, Allen, Tex.) are placed around the left
anterior descending artery and its second diagonal branch, which is
40% of the distance from the apex to the base of the heart.
Occlusion of these arteries at these locations produces a
well-characterized model of anteroapical myocardial infarction.
Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, surface electrocardiograms
(ECG), and rectal temperature are continuously monitored (Hewlett
Packard 78534C; Palo Alto, Calif.) throughout the protocol in all
animals. A hyper/hypothermia unit (Medi-Therm III, Gaymar
Industries, Orchard Park, N.Y.) is used to maintain core
temperature of 39-40.degree. C. in sheep. Arterial blood gases are
measured in all animals, and the mean pH is maintained at
7.40.+-.0.04 throughout the protocol.
[0280] Alternate Surgical Protocol Using a Porcine Model.
[0281] Anesthesia is induced in domestic pigs with thiopental
sodium (10-15 mg/kg iv), and pigs are intubated, anesthetized with
isoflurane (1.5-2%), and ventilated with oxygen (Drager anesthesia
monitor, North American Drager, Telford, Pa.). Fluid-filled
catheters are placed in a femoral artery and internal jugular vein
for the continuous measurement of blood pressure and the
administration of intravenous medications. A Swan-Ganz catheter
(131h-7F, Baxter Healthcare, Irvine, Calif.) is introduced into the
pulmonary artery through the internal jugular vein.
[0282] Animals undergo a left thoracotomy, and silicone vascular
loops (Quest Medical, Allen, Tex.) are placed around the left
anterior descending artery and its second diagonal branch, which is
40% of the distance from the apex to the base of the heart.
Occlusion of these arteries at these locations produces a
well-characterized model of anteroapical myocardial infarction.
Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, surface electrocardiograms
(ECG), and rectal temperature are continuously monitored (Hewlett
Packard 78534C; Palo Alto, Calif.) throughout the protocol in all
animals. A hyper/hypothermia unit (Medi-Therm II, Gaymar
Industries, Orchard Park, N.Y.) is used to maintain core
temperature of 39-40.degree. C. in the pigs. Arterial blood gases
are measured in all animals, and the mean pH is maintained at
7.40.+-.0.04 throughout the protocol.
[0283] Treatment Groups.
[0284] In the case of the sheep or pig model, animals are divided
into six groups, as shown in Table 7 below. The number of animals
in each group may be from about 2 to about 15, suitably from about
4 to about 8 animals. After instrumentation, baseline hemodynamic
data are recorded. Next, animals receive a 1-hour, continuous 20-mL
infusion of either a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) vehicle
(control) or peptide (low, mid, or high dose, and CsA). The peptide
and CsA is dissolved in a vehicle.
[0285] Coronary snares are tightened to produce an ischemic region
of the left ventricle. Ischemia is confirmed by a visible color
change in the ischemic myocardial region, ST elevations on the
electrocardiogram, and regional wall motion abnormalities on
echocardiogram. At the end of the 20-120 min ischemic period
(preferably 30-60 min) ischemic period, coronary snares are
loosened and the previously ischemic myocardium is reperfused for 3
hours. Hemodynamic measurements are recorded throughout the
reperfusion period. Each group receives continuous infusion of
either a saline vehicle or peptide, as in the exemplary treatment
groups shown in Table 11. Variations in the protocol design are
contemplated by the present disclosure.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 11 Treatment Groups TREATMENT # OF ISCHEMIA
PERIOD REPERFUSION PERIOD ARM ANIMALS DURATION INTERVENTION
DURATION INTERVENTION Placebo for N = 2 0 SHAM for surgery and
ischemia 0 SHAM with placebo for Peptide/CsA Placebo for peptide
administered peptide cont. infusion as continuous infusion
beginning for 180 min at T + 40 min. and ongoing for 20 min.
Placebo for CsA administered as bolus dose at T + 60 min.
Peptide/CsA N = 2 0 SHAM for surgery and ischemia 0 SHAM with
peptide cont. (mid dose) Peptide administered as continuous
infusion for 180 min infusion beginning at T + 40 min. and ongoing
for 20 min. CsA administered as bolus dose at T + 60 min. Placebo
for N = 8 60 min Placebo for peptide administered 180 min Placebo
for peptide cont. Peptide/CsA as continuous infusion beginning
infusion for 180 min at T + 40 min. and ongoing for 20 min. Placebo
for CsA administered as bolus dose at T + 60 min. Peptide (low N =
8 60 min Placebo for peptide administered 180 min Peptide cont.
infusion dose)/CsA as continuous infusion beginning for 180 min at
T + 40 min. and ongoing for 20 min. CsA administered as bolus dose
at T + 60 min. Peptide (mid N = 8 60 min Placebo for peptide
administered 180 min Peptide cont. infusion dose)/CsA as continuous
infusion beginning for 180 min at T + 40 min. and ongoing for 20
min. CsA administered as bolus dose at T + 60 min. Peptide (high N
= 8 60 min Placebo for peptide administered 180 min Peptide cont.
infusion dose)/CsA as continuous infusion beginning for 180 min at
T + 40 min. and ongoing for 20 min. CsA administered as bolus dose
at T + 60 min.
[0286] Temperature and Hemodynamic Measurements.
[0287] Arterial blood pressure, left ventricular pressure, heart
rate, surface electrocardiogram, and rectal temperature are
continuously monitored throughout the protocol in all animals.
Hemodynamic, heart rate, and temperature measurements are recorded
at baseline, after initiation of peptide or placebo for peptide
infusion, at 40 min of ischemia, immediately prior to and after the
release of the coronary snares, and after 3 hours of reperfusion.
The rate pressure product is calculated by multiplying the heart
rate by the systolic blood pressure at all time points.
[0288] Analysis of Areas at Risk and Infarct Size.
[0289] At the completion of the protocol, the coronary snares are
retightened; vascular clamps are used to occlude the aorta,
pulmonary artery, and inferior vena cava; and the right atrium is
incised. One milliliter per kilogram of Evans blue dye (Sigma, St.
Louis, Mo.) is injected via the left atrium to delineate the
ischemic myocardial risk area (AR).
[0290] All animals are euthanized via an injection of potassium
chloride into the left atrium. Next, the heart is excised, and the
LV is sectioned perpendicular to its long axis into six slices. The
thickness of each slice is measured with a digital micrometer, and
all slices are photographed. All slices are then incubated in 2%
triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) at 37.degree. C. for 20 min and
rephotographed. All photographs are imported into an image analysis
program (Image Pro Plus, Media Cybernetics, Silver Spring, Md.).
Myocardium unstained by Evans blue dye is determined to be the AR.
Infarct area is determined by incubating the myocardium in TTC. TTC
is a colorless dye, which is reduced to a brick-red colored
precipitate in the presence of the coenzyme NADH. During
reperfusion of previously ischemic myocardium, NADH is washed out
of all necrotic myocytes. This results in a clear delineation of
viable myocardium, which stains brick-red, and non-viable
myocardium, which is visualized as an unstained, pale color. See,
e.g., Leshnower et al., Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 293:
H1799-H804, 2007, for exemplary images.
[0291] Computerized planimetry (Image Pro Plus, Media Cybernetics)
is used to measure AR and infarct areas. AR is expressed as a
percentage of the LV (AR/LV), and infarct size is expressed as a
percentage of the AR (I/AR). AR and I/AR are measured for the all
slices, and a total AR and I/AR for the entire LV is
calculated.
[0292] Tissue Preparation.
[0293] The entire AR from LV slices are excised. A 1- to 2-mm
transmural specimen is removed from the AR, snap frozen in liquid
nitrogen, and stored at -80.degree. C. The remainder of the AR is
fixed for 24 hours in 10% formalin and subsequently embedded in
paraffin.
[0294] In Situ Oligo Ligation Assay.
[0295] For the identification of apoptotic cells, an in situ oligo
ligation (ISOL) assay (Intergen 7200; Intergen, Purchase, N.Y.)
with a high specificity for staining the specific DNA fragmentation
characteristic of apoptosis is selected. This assay utilizes T4 DNA
ligase to bind synthetic biotinylated oligonucleotides to 3'-dT
overhangs. Paraffin-embedded tissue is sectioned into 5-.mu.m
slices and deparaffinized by three changes of xylene, followed by
three changes of absolute ethanol. Subsequently, endogenous
peroxidase is quenched in 3% hydrogen peroxide in PBS. After
washing the tissue sections, they are treated with 20 .mu.g/mL
proteinase K in PBS, washed again, and placed in an equilibration
buffer. Next, a solution of T4 DNA ligase and oligonucleotides is
applied to the slides and incubated overnight at 16.degree. to
22.degree. C. ApopTag detection of ligated oligonucleotides is
accomplished by applying a streptavidin-peroxidase conjugate that
is developed with diaminobenzidine. Finally, tissue sections are
counterstained in hematoxylin.
[0296] Entire tissue sections are digitalized using a scanning
microscope and analyzed using an image analysis software package
(Image Pro Plus; MediaCybernetics, Silver Spring, Md.).
ISOL-positive and ISOL-negative nuclei are counted in the AR.
Results are expressed as an apoptic index, which is defined as the
percentage of ISOL positive cells per total number of cells in the
entire AR.
[0297] Transmurality Analysis.
[0298] Using advanced planimetry techniques (Image Pro Plus,
MediaCybernetics), a transmural analysis is performed on the AR in
the second slice from the apex to evaluate the spread of ischemic
cell death within different regions of the myocardium. The second
slice is selected because of its consistent appearance following
ischemia and reperfusion from prior experiments. After basic
planimetry is completed, the radius of the left ventricular wall is
divided into three equivalent lengths at multiple points around the
circumference, and individual arcs are created, which connected
these radial points. Next, these arcs are connected
circumferentially to form concentric ellipses, which divide the AR
into three statistically equivalent areas (subendocardium,
midmyocardium, and subepicardium; P=0.05). AR and IAR are
measured.
[0299] Myocardial Fluorescence Spectroscopy.
[0300] Fluorescence spectroscopy of animal myocardium is conducted
with a fluorometer. This fluorometer is a mobile optical-electrical
apparatus that collects fluorescence signals of any type of tissue
through a 3-mm-tip light guide catheter. The incident light is a
broadband mercury arc lamp that can be filtered at two pairs of
excitation/emission wavelengths by an air turbine filter wheel
rotating at 50 Hz. Consequently, up to four signals can be
multiplexed to a photo detector in order to make four-wavelength
channel optical measurements of tissue metabolism. In this
experiment two channels are used for excitation and the other two
for emission signals. The light intensity that is incident on
tissue at the fiber tip is 3 .mu.W/mm.sup.2. In cardiac fluorometry
experiments, the excitation wavelengths of FAD and NADH are
obtained by filtering the resonance lines of the mercury arc lamp
at 436 nm and 366 nm by band-pass filters 44DF20 and 365HT25,
respectively. The fluorescence intensities are then detected by a
photomultiplier tube, converted to an electric voltage, digitized
and displayed. Specific instrument specifications are kept the same
for all the experiments.
[0301] The fluorometer catheter is placed on the epicardial surface
in the center of the anticipated region of ischemia and continuous
recording of the fluorescence signals for FAD and NADH signals is
performed during 10 min of baseline, 60 min of infusion of saline
or peptide, 30 min of ischemia, and 180 min of reperfusion. The
redox ratio is calculated as FAD.sub.f/(FAD.sub.f+NAD.sub.f) every
five minutes from the continuously recorded FAD and NAD. The redox
ratio (RR) in each group are averaged and expressed as mean
standard error at five-minute time points for statistical analysis
and ten-minute intervals for spectroscopic graphs.
[0302] Regional Blood Flow Measurements.
[0303] In test subjects, approximately fifteen million color-coded,
15.5 .mu.m-diameter NuFlow Fluorescent microspheres (IMT
Laboratories, Irvine, Calif.) are injected to measure the degree of
ischemia during coronary occlusion and to study the effects of
increasing ischemic time on microvascular integrity after
reperfusion. Injections are made at baseline, after 30 min of
ischemia, at the onset of reperfusion, and after 180 min of
reperfusion. Reference blood samples are taken at all time points.
At the end of the experiment, in a similar fashion to the
transmural analysis described above, the AR from the second slice
from the apex in each animal is isolated and circumferentially
sectioned into three equivalent areas: subendocardium,
midmyocardium, and subepicardium. The three different areas of
myocardium and reference blood samples are analyzed using flow
cytometry for microsphere content by MT Laboratories. Regional
perfusion is calculated using the following formula:
Q.sub.m=(C.sub.m.times.Q.sub.f)/C.sub.r, where Q.sub.m is
myocardial blood flow per gram ml min.sup.-1 g.sup.-1) of sample;
C.sub.m is microsphere count per gram of tissue in sample; Q.sub.r
is withdrawal rate of the reference blood sample ml/min); and
C.sub.r is microsphere count in the reference blood sample.
Regional blood flow (RBF) values are normalized and expressed as a
percentage of baseline flow.
[0304] Analysis of Mitochondrial Disruption.
[0305] Three random tissue sections from the infarct region are
embedded in EPON. One section is cut, stained, and analyzed, while
the remaining two sections are archived for future analysis. Fifty
mitochondria from all regions of the sample are assessed at a
standardized magnification. The number of mitochondria with
disrupted outer membranes are tallied and the percentage of
disrupted mitochondria will be reported.
[0306] Transmission Electron Microscopy.
[0307] Myocardial punch biopsies are obtained from the AR from 2
animals from each of the control and peptide groups. Tissue is also
obtained from 4 normal animals that are not subjected to the
ischemia/reperfusion protocol. Biopsies are preserved in fixative
(2.5% glutaraldehyde, 2.0% paraformaldehyde, 0.1 M sodium
cacodylate [NaCaC]) for 24 hours at 4.degree. C. After several
washes in 0.1 M NaCaC, samples are post-fixed with buffered 2%
osmium tetroxide for 1 hour at 4.degree. C. Subsequent washes in
0.1 M NaCaC, water, and 2% aqueous uranyl acetate are used to
destain samples. Tissue samples are dehydrated in serial washes of
ethanol and propylene oxide, before a slow infiltration with EPON
812. Samples are cured at 70.degree. C. for 48 hours and cut,
stained, and imaged on a Jeol-10-10 transmission electron
microscope (Jeol, Akishima, Japan). Random images are captured from
each sample for comparative analysis. To assess the degree of
mitochondrial disruption, five random images of mitochondria at
12,000 magnification per pig or sheep are captured from each
specimen. Morphologic differences in mitochondria are assessed in
the nuclear cap, a region surrounding the cell nucleus. The total
number of mitochondria and the number of disrupted mitochondria are
counted and averaged. The mean percentage of disrupted mitochondria
is calculated and reported for each group.
[0308] The endpoints set forth in Table 12 will be measured using
an appropriate technique known in the art, such as the exemplary
techniques described in the preceding paragraphs.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 12 Experimental Endpoints. Short Term to At
End of Study Parameter to Pre-Ischemic Ischemic Immediately Longer
Term Reperfusion At be Assessed Period Period Post-Ischemia
Post-Ischemia Period Post-Mortem Cardiovascular Hemodynamics X X X
X X ECG Waveforms and Intervals X X X X X Regional LV Wall
Thickening X X X X X Mitochondrial Function X X X X X (REDOX State)
Mitochondrial Structure X Assessment of Apoptosis X LV Infarct
Size, (AR/LV, X IA/LV, IA/AR)
[0309] It is predicted that infarct size and apoptotic cell death
in the peptide+CsA-treated groups will be significantly reduced
compared to the control group. It is also predicted that
transmission electron microscopy will reveal a preservation of
normal mitochondria morphology and a reduction in the percentage of
disrupted mitochondria in the peptide+CsA-treated group compared
with the control group.
[0310] It is also predicted that the peptide+CsA will influence
mitochondrial function during both ischemia and reperfusion as
indicated by the time course curves of the redox ratio (RR). The RR
is calculated using intrinsic NAD and FAD fluorescence measurements
is a sensitive index of mitochondrial metabolism. Since the
fluorescence of NAD and FAD vary inversely with mitochondrial redox
state the RR (FAD.sub.f/(FAD.sub.f+NAD.sub.f)) has been found to
correlate more strongly with mitochondrial function than either of
the individual fluorescent measurements alone. In particular, it is
predicted that when the peptide is given prior to ischemia, there
is a reduced hypoxic-induced mitochondrial dysfunction indicated by
a blunted drop in the RR during ischemia. Likewise, the RR is not
expected to rise as quickly upon reperfusion the
peptide+CsA-treated groups as compared to the control groups.
[0311] These results will indicate that peptide and CsA
administration prevents the occurrence of symptoms of acute cardiac
ischemia-reperfusion injury. As such, the combination of
cyclosporine and aromatic-cationic peptides are useful in methods
at preventing and treating ischemia-reperfusion injury in mammalian
subjects.
Example 5. Effects of Combined Peptide and Cyclosporine Treatment
in Humans with Acute Myocardial Infarction Injury
[0312] This Example will determine whether the administration of an
aromatic-cationic peptide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof such as acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt and
cyclosporine at the time of revascularization would limit the size
of the infarct during acute myocardial infarction. In this example,
the aromatic-cationic peptide D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 is
used.
[0313] Study Group.
[0314] Men and women, 18 years of age or older, who present within
6 hours after the onset of chest pain, who have ST-segment
elevation of more than 0.1 mV in two contiguous leads, and for whom
the clinical decision is made to treat with percutaneous coronary
intervention (PCI) are eligible for enrollment. Patients are
eligible for the study whether they are undergoing primary PCI or
rescue PCI. Occlusion of the culprit coronary artery (Thrombolysis
in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] flow grade 0) at the time of
admission is also a criterion for inclusion.
[0315] Angiography and Revascularization.
[0316] Left ventricular and coronary angiography is performed with
the use of standard techniques, just before revascularization.
Revascularization is performed by PCI with the use of direct
stenting. Alternative revascularization procedures include, but are
not limited to, balloon angioplasty; insertion of a bypass graft;
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; and directional
coronary atherectomy
[0317] Experimental Protocol.
[0318] After coronary angiography is performed but before the stent
is implanted, patients who meet the enrollment criteria are
randomly assigned to either the control group or the peptide group.
Randomization is performed with the use of a computer-generated
randomization sequence. Less than 10 min before direct stenting,
the patients in the peptide group receive an intravenous bolus
injection of D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 and cyclosporine. The
peptide is dissolved in normal saline (final concentration, 25 mg
per milliliter) and is injected through a catheter that is
positioned within an antecubital vein. Either separately or
simultaneously, cyclosporine (final concentration, 25 mg per
milliliter) is injected through the catheter. Normal saline (0.9%
NaCl) was used as a control. The patients in the control group
receive an equivalent volume of normal saline.
[0319] Infarct Size.
[0320] The primary end point is the size of the infarct as assessed
by measurements of cardiac biomarkers. Blood samples are obtained
at admission and repeatedly over the next 3 days. The area under
the curve (AUC) (expressed in arbitrary units) for creatine kinase
and troponin I release (Beckman kit) is measured in each patient by
computerized planimetry. The principal secondary end point is the
size of the infarct as measured by the area of delayed
hyperenhancement that is seen on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), assessed on day 5 after infarction. For the late-enhancement
analysis, 0.2 mmol of gadolinium-tetrazacyclododecanetetraacetic
acid (DOTA) per kilogram is injected at a rate of 4 ml per second
and was flushed with 15 ml of saline. Delayed hyperenhancement is
evaluated 10 min after the injection of gadolinium-DOTA with the
use of a three-dimensional inversion-recovery gradient-echo
sequence. The images are analyzed in shortaxis slices covering the
entire left ventricle.
[0321] Myocardial infarction is identified by delayed
hyperenhancement within the myocardium, defined quantitatively by
an intensity of the myocardial postcontrast signal that is more
than 2 SD above that in a reference region of remote, noninfarcted
myocardium within the same slice. For all slices, the absolute mass
of the infracted area is calculated according to the following
formula: infarct mass (in grams of tissue)=.SIGMA.(hyperenhanced
area [in square centimeters]).times.slice thickness (in
centimeters).times.myocardial specific density (1.05 g per cubic
centimeter).
[0322] Other End Points.
[0323] The whole-blood concentration of peptide is immediately
prior to PCI as well as at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours post PCI. Blood
pressure and serum concentrations of creatinine and potassium are
measured on admission and 24, 48, and 72 hours after PCI. Serum
concentrations of bilirubin, 7-glutamyltransferase, and alkaline
phosphatase, as well as white-cell counts, are measured on
admission and 24 hours after PCI.
[0324] The cumulative incidence of major adverse events that occur
within the first 48 hours after reperfusion are recorded, including
death, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, stroke,
recurrent ischemia, the need for repeat revascularization, renal or
hepatic insufficiency, vascular complications, and bleeding. The
infarct-related adverse events are assessed, including heart
failure and ventricular fibrillation. In addition, 3 months after
acute myocardial infarction, cardiac events are recorded, and
global left ventricular function is assessed by echocardiography
(Vivid 7 systems; GE Vingmed).
[0325] It is predicted that administration of the peptide and
cyclosporine at the time of reperfusion will be associated with a
smaller infarct by some measures than that seen with placebo.
Example 6: Effects of Combined Peptide and Cyclosporine Treatment
on Organ Preservation
[0326] For heart transplantation, the donor heart is preserved in a
cardioplegic solution during transport. The preservation solution
contains high potassium which effectively stops the heart from
beating and conserves energy. However, the survival time of the
isolated heart is still quite limited.
[0327] This example demonstrates the effects of aromatic-cationic
peptides, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such as
acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt, and cyclosporine on organ
preservation. The protective effect of administering
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 and cyclosporine on mammalian organ
survival following prolonged ischemia is demonstrated.
[0328] Experimental Protocol.
[0329] Isolated guinea pig hearts are perfused in a retrograde
fashion with an oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution at 34.degree.
C. After 30 min. of stabilization, the hearts are perfused with a
cardioplegic solution CPS (St. Tohomas) with or without
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 and cyclosporine for 3 min. Global
ischemia is then induced by complete interruption of coronary
perfusion for 90 min. Reperfusion is subsequently carried out for
60 min. with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution. Contractile
force, heart rate and coronary flow are monitored continuously
throughout the experiment.
[0330] Conclusions:
[0331] It is predicted that administration of the peptide and
cyclosporine will have a protective effect on organ survival after
prolonged ischemia compared to controls.
Example 7: Effects of Combined Peptide and Cyclosporine Treatment
on Nephrotoxicity in Transplant Patients
[0332] To prevent organ or tissue rejection after transplant,
patients often receive a regimen of the immunosuppressive drug
cyclosporine. Cyclosporine levels are established and maintained in
the subject at levels to effectively suppress the immune system.
However, nephrotoxicity is a concern for these subjects, and the
level of the drug in the subject's blood is monitored carefully.
Cyclosporine doses are adjusted accordingly in order to not only
prevent rejection, but also to deter these potentially damaging
side effects. Typically, an adult transplant patient receives
cyclosporine as follows: IV: 2 to 4 mg/kg/day IV infusion once a
day over 4 to 6 hours, or 1 to 2 mg/kg IV infusion twice a day over
4 to 6 hours, or 2 to 4 mg/kg/day as a continuous IV infusion over
24 hours. Capsules: 8 to 12 mg/kg/day orally in 2 divided doses.
Solution: 8 to 12 mg/kg orally once a day. In some patients, doses
can be titrated downward with time to maintenance doses as low as 3
to 5 mg/kg/day. In some patients, the tolerance for cyclosporine is
poor, and cyclosporine therapy must be discontinued, the dosage
lowered, or the dosage regimen cycled so as to prevent destruction
of the subject's kidney.
[0333] This example demonstrates the effects of aromatic-cationic
peptides, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such as
acetate salt or trifluoroacetate salt, and cyclosporine on
post-transplant organ health (e.g., ischemia-reperfusion injury
post transplant and organ rejection), as well as kidney health
(e.g., nephrotoxic effects of cyclosporine). The protective effect
of administering an aromatic-cationic peptide such as
D-Arg-2'6'-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH.sub.2 on the transplant organ or tissue,
and on kidney health during cyclosporine treatment is
demonstrated.
[0334] Transplant subjects receiving cyclosporine pursuant to
standard pre- and post-transplant procedures are divided into seven
groups as follows:
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 13 Transplant subject peptide and cyclosporine
regimen Peptide received Subject Before During After Group
Cyclosporine transplant transplant transplant 1 + - - - 2 + + - - 3
+ - + - 4 + - - + 5 + + + - 6 + - + + 7 + + + +
[0335] A therapeutically effective amount of an aromatic-cationic
peptide or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof such as acetate
or trifluoroacetate salt is administered to subjects prior to,
during and/or after transplant as show in Table 13 above. Subjects
are monitored for health and function of the transplanted tissue or
organ, as well as the incidence and severity of nephrotoxicitity
often seen with prolonged cyclosporine administration.
[0336] Conclusions:
[0337] It is predicted that subjects who receive the peptide will
have a healthier transplanted organ or tissue, and/or will be able
to maintain a higher and/or more consistent cyclosporine dosage for
longer periods of time compared to subjects who do not receive the
peptide.
EQUIVALENTS
[0338] The present invention is not to be limited in terms of the
particular embodiments described in this application, which are
intended as single illustrations of individual aspects of the
invention. Many modifications and variations of this invention can
be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent
methods and apparatuses within the scope of the invention, in
addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such
modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope
of the appended claims. The present invention is to be limited only
by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be
understood that this invention is not limited to particular
methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biological systems,
which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.
[0339] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are
described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of
any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush
group.
[0340] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and
all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written
description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all
possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any
listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing
and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal
halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting
example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down
into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also
be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as "up
to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," and the like, include
the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently
broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be
understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each
individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells
refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having
1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so
forth.
[0341] All patents, patent applications, provisional applications,
and publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by
reference in their entirety, including all FIGURES and tables, to
the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of
this specification.
[0342] Other embodiments are set forth within the following
claims.
* * * * *