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L Naesens

Publications and source records attributed to L Naesens.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Mouse adenovirus type 1 attachment is not mediated by the coxsackie-adenovirus receptor.

Common human adenovirus (Ad) vectors are derived from serotype 2 or 5, which use the coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR) as their primary cell receptor. We investigated the receptor usage of mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1), which in vivo is characterized by a pronounced endothelial cell tropism. Alignment of the fiber knob sequences of MAV-1 and those of CAR-using adenoviruses, revealed that amino acid residues, critical for interaction with CAR, are not conserved in the MAV-1 fiber knob. Attachment of MAV-1 to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was not increased by stable transfection with mouse CAR, whereas the binding efficiency of Ad2 was 20-fold higher in the mouse CAR-transfectant compared to the wild type cells. Also, purified fiber knob of Ad5, which is interchangeable with the Ad2 fiber knob, did not compete with MAV-1 for receptor binding, indicating that MAV-1 binds to a receptor different from CAR. These results support further exploration of an MAV-1-derived vector as a potential vehicle for gene delivery to cell types which are not efficiently transduced by human adenovirus vectors.

Adenoviridae↗

Antiviral therapy for adenovirus infections.

The treatment of severe adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis and life-threatening adenovirus infections in immunocompromised patients is still unsatisfactory. We here review the mode of action and antiviral data for cidofovir and ribavirin, obtained in cell culture, animal models or patients. Several nucleoside or nucleotide analogues have been described that target the adenovirus polymerase, whereas other antiviral targets have been poorly investigated. Furthermore, optimal therapeutic response may be achieved by combining antiviral therapy with immunotherapeutic approaches, as currently being explored.

Adenovirus Infections, Human↗

Antiviral potential of a new generation of acyclic nucleoside phosphonates, the 6-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)alkoxy]-2,4-diaminopyrimidines.

Three acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs) have been formally approved for clinical use in the treatment of 1) cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS patients (cidofovir, by the intravenous route), 2) chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections (adefovir dipivoxil, by the oral route), and 3) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, by the oral route). The activity spectrum of cidofovir {(S)- 1-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]cytosine [(S)-HPMPC)]}, like that of (S)-HPMPA [(S)-9-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine) and (S)-HPMPDAP [(S)-9-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]-2, 6-diaminopurine), encompasses a broad spectrum of DNA viruses, including polyoma-, papilloma-, adeno-, herpes-, and poxviruses. Adefovir {9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]adenine (PMEA)} and tenofovir [(R)-9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy) propyl]adenine [(R)-PMPA)]} are particularly active against retroviruses (ie., HIV) and hepadnaviruses (ie., HBV); additionally, PMEA also shows activity against herpes- and poxviruses. We have recently identified a new class of ANPs, namely 6-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)alkoxy]-2,4-diaminopyrimidines, named, in analogy with their alkylpurine counterparts, HPMPO-DAPy, PMEO-DAPy, and (R)-PMPO-DAPy. These compounds exhibit an antiviral activity spectrum and potency that is similar to that of (S)-HPMPDAP, PMEA, and (R)-PMPA, respectively. Thus, PMEO-DAPy and (R)-PMPO-DAPy, akin to PMEA and (R)-PMPA, proved particularly active against HIV- 1, HIV-2, and the murine retrovirus Moloney sarcoma virus (MSV). PMEO-DAPy and (R)-PMPO-DAPy also showed potent activity against both wild-type and lamivudine-resistant strains of HBV. HPMPO-DAPy was found to inhibit different poxviruses (ie., vaccinia, cowpox, and orf) at a similar potency as cidofovir. HPMPO-DAPy also proved active against adenoviruses. In vivo, HPMPO-DAPy proved equipotent to cidofovir in suppressing vaccinia virus infection (tail lesion formation) in immunocompetent mice and promoting healing of disseminated vaccinia lesions in athymic-nude mice. The 6-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)alkoxy]-2,4-diaminopyrimidines offer substantial potential for the treatment of a broad range of retro-, hepadna-, herpes-, adeno-, and poxvirus infections.

Adenoviridae↗

Mouse adenovirus type 1 infection in SCID mice: an experimental model for antiviral therapy of systemic adenovirus infections.

The importance of human adenovirus infections in immunocompromised patients urges for new and adequate antiadenovirus compounds. Since human adenoviruses are species specific, animal models for systemic adenovirus infections rely on a nonhuman adenovirus. We established mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1) infection of BALB/c SCID mice as a model for the evaluation of antiadenovirus therapy. In vitro studies with mouse embryonic fibroblasts pointed to the acyclic nucleoside phosphonate cidofovir and the N-7-substituted acyclic derivative 2-amino-7-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)purine (S-2242) as markedly active compounds against MAV-1. SCID mice, infected intranasally with MAV-1, developed a fatal disseminated infection after approximately 19 days, characterized by hemorrhagic enteritis. Several techniques were optimized to monitor viral, immunological, and pathological aspects of MAV-1 infection. Real-time PCR quantification of viral DNA revealed that after replication in the lungs, virus disseminated to several organs, including the brain, liver, spleen, intestine, heart, and kidneys (resulting in viruria). Immunohistochemical staining showed that MAV-1 was localized in the endothelial cells of the affected organs. Using reverse transcription-PCR, tissue levels of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha) were found to be markedly increased. The MAV-1/SCID model appears to be an appropriate model for in vivo evaluation of antiadenovirus agents. Treatment with cidofovir or S-2242 at a dose of 100 mg per kg of body weight resulted in a significant delay in MAV-1-related death, although these antivirals were unable to completely suppress virus replication despite continued drug treatment. These findings suggest that complete virus clearance during antiviral therapy for disseminated adenovirus infection may require an efficient adaptive immune response from the host.

3T3 Cells↗

Antiadenovirus activities of several classes of nucleoside and nucleotide analogues.

The absence of any formally licensed antiadenovirus drugs and the increasing incidence of life-threatening adenovirus infections in immunosuppressed patients warrant the development of effective antiadenovirus compounds. A detailed study was performed on the antiadenovirus activities of several classes of nucleoside and nucleotide analogues in human embryonic lung fibroblast cells. The antiadenovirus activities were evaluated by three methods, viz., evaluating the adenoviral cytopathic effect, monitoring cell viability by a colorimetric assay, and real-time PCR quantitation of viral DNA as a direct parameter for virus replication. The most active and selective compounds were the acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analogues cidofovir, its adenine analogue (S)-9-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine [(S)-HPMPA], and the new derivative (S)-2,4-diamino-6-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propoxy]pyrimidine [(S)-HPMPO-DAPy]; the N7-substituted acyclic derivative 2-amino-7-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)purine (S-2242); and the 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside analogues zalcitabine and alovudine. No antiadenovirus activity was observed for the antiviral drugs ribavirin, foscarnet, acyclovir, penciclovir, and brivudin, while ganciclovir displayed modest activity. However, in human osteosarcoma cells transfected with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase, ganciclovir demonstrated highly potent antiadenovirus activity, suggesting that the efficacy of ganciclovir against adenovirus is limited by inefficient phosphorylation in adenovirus-infected cells, rather than by insufficient inhibition at the viral DNA polymerase level. Collectively, our antiviral data show that the adenovirus DNA polymerase exhibits sensitivity to a relatively broad spectrum of inhibitors and should be studied further as an antiviral target in antiadenovirus drug development programs.

Adenoviridae↗

6-[2-phosphonomethoxy)alkoxy]-2,4-diaminopyrimidines: a new class of acyclic pyrimidine nucleoside phosphonates with antiviral activity.

Acyclic nucleoside phosphonate derivatives containing a pyrimidine base preferably bearing amino groups at C-2 and C-4 (DAPym), and linked at the C-6 position to (S)-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propoxy] (HPMPO), 2-(phosphonomethoxy) ethoxy (PMEO) or (R)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propoxy] (PMPO), display an antiviral sensitivity spectrum that closely mimic that of the parental (S)-HPMP-, PME- and (R)-PMP-purine derivatives. Several PMEO-DAPym derivatives proved as potent as PMEA (adefovir) and (R)-PMPA (tenofovir) in inhibiting Moloney murine sarcoma virus (MSV)-induced tumor formation in newborn NMRI mice. The HPMPO-, PMEO- and PMPO-DAPym derivatives represent a novel well-defined subclass among the acyclic nucleoside phosphonates endowed with potent and selective antiviral activity.

Adenine↗

Intestinal absorption characteristics of the low solubility thiocarboxanilide UC-781.

The aim of this study was to determine the intestinal absorption characteristics of the antiviral agent UC-781 and to optimize the experimental conditions of the in vitro system for low solubility compounds. The absorption potential of UC-781 was studied with the Caco-2 system and with the rat intestinal perfusion technique. The low solubility of UC-781 required the use of solubility/dissolution rate enhancing agents (e.g. VitE-TPGS, Gelucire 44/14). The creation of sink conditions in the receiver compartment of the Caco-2 system was a prerequisite to reliably study the transport of this poorly soluble compound. After inclusion of VitE-TPGS in the acceptor solution, UC-781 could be characterized as a class II drug of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (low solubility, high permeation across membranes). A significant concentration-dependent decrease in transport of UC-781 was observed upon increasing the concentration of VitE-TPGS in the apical compartment. This observation contrasts to the absorption enhancing properties of VitE-TPGS, and can probably be attributed to a decrease in the concentration of free UC-781 when using higher concentrations of the solubility/dissolution rate enhancing agents. The use of Gelucire 44/14 as a solubilizing agent resulted in a batch-dependent degradation of UC-781. The inclusion of the solubility/dissolution rate-enhancing agent VitE-TPGS did not result in absorption enhancement in the intestinal perfusion technique.

Anilides↗

Intestinal absorption enhancement of the ester prodrug tenofovir disoproxil fumarate through modulation of the biochemical barrier by defined ester mixtures.

The effect of discrete esters and ester mixtures on the intestinal stability and absorption of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF, an esterase-sensitive prodrug of the antiviral tenofovir) was compared with the effect of strawberry extract, which has been shown to enhance the absorption of the prodrug across Caco-2 monolayers and in rat ileum. In addition, the mechanism of absorption enhancement was investigated. In rat intestinal homogenates, complete inhibition of the conversion of tenofovir DF (as obtained by strawberry extract) could only be obtained at relatively high concentrations of the discrete esters or by using mixtures of esters (e.g., propyl p-hydroxybenzoate 0.02%, octyl acetate 0.02%, ethyl caprylate 0.01%). Coincubation of tenofovir DF with this mixture also resulted in an enhancement of its absorption in the in vitro Caco-2 system as well as in rat ileum. As tenofovir DF is a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-related efflux carriers in the Caco-2 model, the modulatory effect of the ester mixtures was studied on the functionality of P-gp using cyclosporin A (CsA) as a model substrate. Strawberry extract as well as the mixture of three esters interfered with the absorptive transport of CsA across Caco-2 monolayers, illustrating that both mixtures interfere with both esterase-activity and P-gp functionality. This concerted barrier was not observed in rat ileum, suggesting differential functional activities of the biochemical barrier toward tenofovir DF in different absorption systems. Overall, our results illustrate that modulation of the biochemical barrier (metabolism and efflux) of tenofovir DF by ester mixtures can be used to increase the intestinal absorption of tenofovir DF in an in vitro and an in situ absorption model; the mechanism of action appears to be a complex interplay of different systems; the differential expression of carriers and enzymes in different systems illustrates the difficulty of extrapolating observations between different systems/species.

Adenine↗

Role of MRP4 and MRP5 in biology and chemotherapy.

Nucleotide efflux (especially cyclic nucleotides) from a variety of mammalian tissues, bacteria, and lower eukaryotes has been studied for several decades. However, the molecular identity of these nucleotide efflux transporters remained elusive, despite extensive knowledge of their kinetic properties and inhibitor profiles. Identification of the subfamily of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette transporters, multidrug resistance protein (MRP) subfamily, permitted rapid advances because some recently identified MRP family members transport modified nucleotide analogs (ie, chemotherapeutic agents). We first identified, MRP4, based on its ability to efflux antiretroviral compounds, such as azidothymidine monophosphate (AZT-MP) and 9-(2-phosphonyl methoxyethyl) adenine (PMEA), in drug-resistant and also in transfected cell lines. MRP5, a close structural homologue of MRP4 also transported PMEA. MRP4 and MRP5 confer resistance to cytotoxic thiopurine nucleotides, and we demonstrate MRP4 expression varies among acute lymphoblastic leukemias, suggesting this as a factor in response to chemotherapy with these agents. The ability of MRP4 and MRP5 to transport 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) suggests they may play a biological role in cellular signaling by these nucleotides. Finally, we propose that MRP4 may also play a role in hepatic bile acid homeostasis because loss of the main bile acid efflux transporter, sister of P-glycoprotein (SPGP) aka bile-salt export pump (BSEP), leads to a strong compensatory upregulation in MRP4 expression. Cumulatively, these studies reveal that the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters MRP4 and MRP5 have a unique role in biology and in chemotherapeutic response.

Animals↗

Anti-herpesvirus activity of (1'S,2'R)-9-[[1',2'-bis(hydroxymethyl)-cycloprop-1'-yl]methyl] x guanine (A-5021) in vitro and in vivo.

The novel nucleoside analog (1S',2R')-9-[[1',2'-bis(hydroxymethyl)cycloprop-1-yl]methyl]guanine (A-5021) was previously shown to be a potent inhibitor of the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV), both in vitro and in vivo (J. Med. Chem. 41, 1284-1298; Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 42, 1666-1670). Here we demonstrate that A-5021 is also a potent inhibitor of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6A and HHV-6B), but that the compound lacks activity against HHV-8. A-5021, in comparison to acyclovir, was also assessed for protective activity against HSV-1-induced mortality in SCID mice. The compounds were administered at 50 mg/kg per day by subcutaneous injection for four consecutive days and treatment was initiated at either 2 h, 1 or 2 days post infection (p.i.). When administered from day 0 to 4 p.i., A-5021 conferred complete protection against the infection (as assessed at 22 days p.i.), whereas acyclovir delayed virus induced mortality by only 5 days. When treatment was begun on day 1 or 2, A-5021 still afforded marked protection against the infection, whereas acyclovir was virtually devoid of any activity under these conditions. Our data underline that A-5021 may offer great promise for the treatment of herpesvirus infections.

Acyclovir↗

Solid state properties of pure UC-781 and solid dispersions with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30).

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the physical structure of solid dispersions of the antiviral agent UC-781 (N-[4-chloro-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenyl]-2-methyl-3-furancarbothioamide) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30). Solid dispersions were prepared by coevaporating UC-781 with PVP K30 from dichloromethane. The physicochemical properties of the dispersions were evaluated in comparison with the physical mixtures by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction, and FT-IR spectroscopy. We investigated the single crystal structure of pure UC-781. The data from single crystal analysis showed that UC-781 crystallized with orthorhombic symmetry in the space group Pcab. Its cell parameters were found to be; a = 8.1556(7) A,b = 17.658(2) A and c = 23.609(2) A; the unit cell was made up of eight molecules of UC-781. The molecules formed intermolecular hydrogen bonds between NH and thio groups, and were packed in a herringbone-like structure. The data from X-ray powder diffraction showed that crystalline UC-781 was changed into the amorphous state by co-evaporating it with PVP K30. From differential scanning calorimetry analysis, UC-781 peaks were observed in the DSC curves of all physical mixtures, while no peaks corresponding to the drug could be observed in the solid dispersions with the same drug composition up to the concentration of 50% w/w. The data from FT-IR spectroscopy showed the distortions and disappearance of some bands from the drug, while other bands were too broad or significantly less intense compared with the physical mixtures of the crystalline drug in PVP K30. Furthermore, the results from IR spectroscopy demonstrated that UC-781 interacted with PVP K30 in solid dispersions through intermolecular H-bonding.

Anilides↗

Recent developments in herpesvirus therapy.

The antiherpes drugs, aciclovir and ganciclovir, are considered the standard treatments and prophylactic agents for infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Until a decade ago, the impact of aciclovir on the control of severe and life-threatening herpesvirus infections was unprecedented. During the past few years, we have witnessed approval of new therapeutic drugs for infections caused by HSV and VZV (i.e. penciclovir and the oral prodrugs, valaciclovir and famciclovir), CMV (i.e. ganciclovir, cidofovir and fomivirsen) or HSV, VZV and CMV (i.e. foscarnet). A few agents, such as brivudin and benzimidavir, are in ongoing clinical development; others have been suspended because of safety concerns. New antiherpes agents are needed to face clinical issues such as drug resistance, increased use of antiherpes prophylaxis in transplantation and safety concerns in small children or pregnant women.

2-Aminopurine↗

In vitro, ex vivo, and in situ intestinal absorption characteristics of the antiviral ester prodrug adefovir dipivoxil.

Caco-2 monolayers (in vitro), rat intestinal sheets mounted in modified Ussing Chambers (ex vivo), and in situ intestinal perfusion of rat ileum were used as models to determine and compare the absorption characteristics of the antiviral agent 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]adenine (PMEA, adefovir) and its bis(pivaloyloxymethyl)-ester prodrug [bis(POM)-PMEA, adefovir dipivoxil]. Although metabolism of adefovir dipivoxil was more pronounced in the ex vivo and in situ models than in the Caco-2 system, the transport of 'total adefovir' [= adefovir dipivoxil and its metabolites mono(POM)-PMEA and adefovir] was comparable in the three models. Compared with transport of the parent compound (adefovir), use of adefovir dipivoxil resulted in a significant increase in transport of total adefovir in the in vitro ( approximately 100-fold) and the in situ ( approximately 10-fold) models; in contrast, the ex vivo method failed to demonstrate a remarkable transport enhancement when using the ester prodrug. Similar to the results obtained in the Caco-2 model, the inclusion of the P-glycoprotein inhibitor verapamil resulted in transport enhancement during in situ perfusion of rat ileum with adefovir dipivoxil; however, no effect of verapamil could be observed in the ex vivo model. The results of this study confirm the utility of both the in vitro and in situ models to assess intestinal transport and metabolism of adefovir dipivoxil. The ex vivo model appeared to be less appropriate because of its inability to discriminate transport following administration of adefovir or adefovir dipivoxil and because of the absence of an effect of verapamil on transport when using adefovir dipivoxil.

Adenine↗

Physicochemical characterization of solid dispersions of the antiviral agent UC-781 with polyethylene glycol 6000 and Gelucire 44/14.

The purpose of this study was to prepare and characterize solid dispersions of the antiviral thiocarboxanilide UC-781 with PEG 6000 and Gelucire 44/14 with the intention of improving its dissolution properties. The solid dispersions were prepared by the fusion method. Evaluation of the properties of the dispersions was performed using dissolution studies, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. To investigate the possible formation of solid solutions of the drug in the carriers, the lattice spacings [d] of PEG 6000 and Gelucire 44/14 were determined in different concentrations of UC-781. The results obtained showed that the rate of dissolution of UC-781 was considerably improved when formulated in solid dispersions with PEG 6000 and Gelucire 44/14 as compared to pure UC-781. From the phase diagrams of PEG 6000 and Gelucire 44/14 it could be noted that up to approximately 25% w/w of the drug was dissolved in the liquid phase in the case of PEG 6000 and Gelucire 44/14. The data from the X-ray diffraction showed that the drug was still detectable in the solid state below a concentration of 5% w/w in the presence of PEG 6000 and Gelucire 44/14, while no significant changes in the lattice spacings of PEG 6000 or Gelucire 44/14 were observed. Therefore, the possibility of UC-781 to form solid solutions with the carriers under investigation was ruled out. The results from infrared spectroscopy together with those from X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry showed the absence of well-defined drug-polymer interactions.

Anilides↗

Partial purification and characterization of mitochondrial DNA polymerase from Plasmodium falciparum.

Mitochondria of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (K1 strain) were isolated from mature trophozoites by differential centrifugation. The mitochondrial marker enzyme cytochrome c reductase was employed to monitor the steps of mitochondria isolation. Partial purification of DNA polymerase from P. falciparum mitochondria was performed using fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). DNA polymerase of P. falciparum mitochondria was characterized as a gamma-like DNA polymerase based on its sensitivity to the inhibitors aphidicolin, N-ethylmaleimide and 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine-5'-triphosphate. In contrast, the enzyme was found to be strongly resistant to 2',3'-dideoxythymidine-5'-triphosphate (IC(50)>400 microM) and differed in this aspect from the human homologue, possibly indicating structural differences between human and P. falciparum DNA polymerase gamma. In addition, the DNA polymerase of parasite mitochondria was shown to be resistant (IC(50)>1 mM) to the nucleotide analogue (S)-1-[3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl]adenine diphosphate (HPMPApp).

Animals↗

Increased absorption of the antiviral ester prodrug tenofovir disoproxil in rat ileum by inhibiting its intestinal metabolism.

Previous studies have shown that strawberry extract increases the transepithelial transport of tenofovir disoproxil, an esterase-sensitive prodrug of the antiviral compound tenofovir (formerly PMPA), across Caco-2 monolayers. This increase in transport was at least partially due to inhibition of its intestinal metabolism. To further study the feasibility of this absorption enhancing strategy, the influence of various concentrations of strawberry extract (0-2%) on the intestinal absorption of tenofovir disoproxil (100 microM) was assessed using an in situ perfusion model with immediate blood sampling from the mesenteric vein, a model closer to the in vivo situation than the in vitro Caco-2 system. Inclusion of strawberry extract (1%) resulted in a 7-fold increase in the appearance of tenofovir equivalents. The metabolism of tenofovir disoproxil in the intestinal perfusate was significantly lower in the presence of strawberry extract (1%), showing that the metabolism of tenofovir disoproxil is reduced by the flavoring extract.

Adenine↗

Evaluation of the potential of ion pair formation to improve the oral absorption of two potent antiviral compounds, AMD3100 and PMPA.

9-(2-phosphonyomethoxypropyl)adenine (PMPA) and AMD3100 are highly potent and selective antiretroviral agents. Since PMPA is negatively charged and AMD3100 positively charged at physiological pH, their transepithelial transport and their potential for oral drug delivery is very low. In this study, ion pair formation was evaluated as a possible strategy to enhance transepithelial transport of PMPA and AMD3100. Positively charged counter ions such as t-hexyl-, t-heptyl-, t-octylammonium bromide and dodecyl-, tetradecyl-, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide were used to form ion pairs with PMPA, while sodium taurodeoxycholate (in vitro experiments) and sodium taurocholate (in vivo experiments) were used as counter ions for AMD3100. The effect of counter ions on transepithelial transport of PMPA (1 mM) and AMD3100 (1 mM) was investigated by measuring the flux across Caco-2 monolayers. An enhancement in drug transport could be observed at a concentration of 2 mM of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (counter ion for PMPA) and 10 mM of sodium taurodeoxycholate (counter ion for AMD3100), but at the concentrations used, the absorption enhancing effect could be attributed to a reduction of the integrity of the monolayers. When AMD3100 transport was tested at a concentration of 200 microM, no flux was observed, even in the presence of relatively high concentrations of counter ion (20 times the concentration of AMD3100). Results obtained from partitioning studies of the drugs in the presence or absence of counter ion revealed that competition by other ions was responsible for the absence of an effect: when pure water was used as the aqueous phase, a reduction up to 24.4+/-1.4% and 17.0+/-1.3% of the initial aqueous concentration was observed for PMPA and AMD3100, respectively; however, as soon as other ions were present in the aqueous phase, the effect of the counter ion was diminished (25-50 mOsm) or completely abolished (270-305 mOsm). The absorption enhancing effect of counter ions was also studied in vivo: pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits showed that the oral bioavailability of AMD3100 in the presence of 4 equivalents of taurocholic acid remained very low and was only 3.2-fold better (i.e. 3.6%) in comparison to pure AMD3100. In view of the results obtained in the Caco-2 system, this absorption enhancement can be attributed to an effect on monolayer integrity rather than to the potential to form ion pairs. We can conclude that the formation of ion pairs may not be very efficient as a strategy to enhance transepithelial transport of charged hydrophilic compounds, as competition by other ions may abolish the beneficial effect of counter ions.

Adenine↗

N6-cyclopropyl-PMEDAP: a novel derivative of 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)-2,6-diaminopurine (PMEDAP) with distinct metabolic, antiproliferative, and differentiation-inducing properties.

N6-Cyclopropyl-PMEDAP (cPr-PMEDAP) is a novel derivative of the acyclic nucleoside phosphonate 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)-2,6-diaminopurine (PMEDAP). Its cytostatic activity was found to be 8- to 20-fold more pronounced than that of PMEDAP and equivalent to that of the guanine derivative 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)guanine (PMEG) against a variety of tumor cell lines. Unlike PMEDAP, but like PMEG, cPr-PMEDAP was equally cytostatic to wild-type and 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine/PMEDAP-resistant variants of the human erythroleukemia K562 and the murine leukemia L1210 cell lines. Also, cPr-PMEDAP and PMEG proved to be equipotent inducers of K562 and rat choriocarcinoma RCHO cell differentiation, whereas the differentiation-inducing activity of PMEDAP was 5- to 25-fold less pronounced. Furthermore, compared to PMEDAP, cPr-PMEDAP and PMEG were 10- to 25-fold more potent in inhibiting the progression of K562 cells through the S phase of the cell cycle, resulting in a marked accumulation of the four 2'-deoxyribonucleoside 5'-triphosphate pools. The biological effects of cPr-PMEDAP, but not PMEDAP, were reversed by the adenylate deaminase inhibitor 2'-deoxycoformycin (dCF). Formation of the deaminated derivative of cPr-PMEDAP (i.e. PMEG) was demonstrated in crude extracts from K562 and L1210 cells and in metabolism studies with radiolabeled cPr-PMEDAP and PMEG. This is the very first example of an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analogue that is susceptible to deamination. However, cPr-PMEDAP was not recognized as a substrate by purified adenosine deaminase or by adenylate deaminase. These findings might point to an as yet unidentified cellular enzyme, sensitive to dCF but different from the common adenosine and AMP deaminases. Our data demonstrate the superior antiproliferative and differentiation-inducing effects of cPr-PMEDAP on tumor cells, as compared to the parent compound PMEDAP, based on the unique metabolic properties of this novel compound.

AMP Deaminase↗