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Michael Hall

Publications and source records attributed to Michael Hall.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

CYP4F enzymes are the major enzymes in human liver microsomes that catalyze the O-demethylation of the antiparasitic prodrug DB289 [2,5-bis(4-amidinophenyl)furan-bis-O-methylamidoxime].

DB289 [2,5-bis(4-amidinophenyl)furan-bis-O-methylamidoxime] is biotransformed to the potent antiparasitic diamidine DB75 [2,5-bis(4-amidinophenyl) furan] by sequential oxidative O-demethylation and reductive N-dehydroxylation reactions. Previous work demonstrated that the N-dehydroxylation reactions are catalyzed by cytochrome b5/NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase. Enzymes responsible for catalyzing the DB289 O-demethylation pathway have not been identified. We report an in vitro metabolism study to characterize enzymes in human liver microsomes (HLMs) that catalyze the initial O-demethylation of DB289 (M1 formation). Potent inhibition by 1-aminobenzotriazole confirmed that M1 formation is catalyzed by P450 enzymes. M1 formation by HLMs was NADPH-dependent, with a Km and Vmax of 0.5 microM and 3.8 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. Initial screening showed that recombinant CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 were efficient catalysts of M1 formation. However, none of these three enzymes was responsible for M1 formation by HLMs. Further screening showed that recombinant CYP2J2, CYP4F2, and CYP4F3B could also catalyze M1 formation. An antibody against CYP4F2, which inhibited both CYP4F2 and CYP4F3B, inhibited 91% of M1 formation by HLMs. Two inhibitors of P450-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism, HET0016 (N-hydroxy-N'-(4-n-butyl-2-methylphenyl)formamidine) and 17-octadecynoic acid, effectively inhibited M1 formation by HLMs. Inhibition studies with ebastine and antibodies against CYP2J2 suggested that CYP2J2 was not involved in M1 formation by HLMs. Additionally, ketoconazole preferentially inhibited CYP4F2, but not CYP4F3B, and partially inhibited M1 formation by HLMs. We conclude that CYP4F enzymes (e.g., CYP4F2, CYP4F3B) are the major enzymes responsible for M1 formation by HLMs. These findings indicate that, in human liver, members of the CYP4F subfamily biotransform not only endogenous compounds but also xenobiotics.

Antiparasitic Agents↗

The characterisation of a novel, covalently modified, amphiphilic alginate derivative, which retains gelling and non-toxic properties.

The characterisation of a novel amphiphilic material, Alg-C4, produced from butanol linked by esterification to alginate is presented. The novel derivative retains the gelling and non-toxic properties of native alginate. FTIR spectra of Alg-C4 contained the characteristic hydroxyl and carboxyl bands, but also featured additional peaks at 1736 and 1134 cm(-1), indicating the presence of ester bonds. NMR studies showed the presence of butyl groups. The endothermic peak and exothermic peak present in the DSC thermogram of native alginate were also apparent in the Alg-C4 thermogram, but had shifted to lower temperatures (from 106 to 87 degrees C and from 254 to 247 degrees C, respectively). In addition, the exothermic peak was significantly reduced for Alg-C4 (5 mW compared to 20 mW in native alginate). Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine surface topography. The native alginate beads appeared smooth while Alg-C4 beads had a different, rougher appearance. Using circular dichroism it was found that the ratio of mannuronic to guluronic residues in the Alg-C4 was markedly increased compared to the native alginate (1.33 to 2.47), suggesting the preferential esterification of butanol to the guluronic residues. Exposure of ovarian granulosa cells in vitro to the Alg-C4 material demonstrated that granulosa cell viability (MTT test) was unchanged when compared to native alginate, which is regarded as non-toxic. The novel material is very stable, giving identical FTIR, DSC and gelling performance after 12 months storage at temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees C. The data support the successful preparation of a stable modified alginate with characteristic hydrophilic properties and, in addition, a novel hydrophobic character.

Alginates↗

Dose distribution to spinal structures from intrathecally administered yttrium-90.

Previous treatment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) malignancies by intrathecal administration of (131)I-radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies has led to the assumption that more healthy tissue will be spared when a pure beta-emitter such as (90)Y replaces (131)I. The purpose of this study is to compare and quantitatively evaluate the dose distribution from (90)Y to the CSF space and its surrounding spinal structures to (131)I. A 3D digital phantom of a section of the T-spine was constructed from the visible human project series of images which included the spinal cord, central canal, subarachnoid space, pia mater, arachnoid, dura mater, vertebral bone marrow and intervertebral disc. Monte Carlo N-particle (MCNP4C) was used to model the (90)Y and (131)I radiation distribution. Images of the CSF compartment were convolved with the radiation distribution to determine the dose within the subarachnoid space and surrounding tissues. (90)Y appears to be a suitable radionuclide in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) malignancies when attached to mAb's and the dose distribution would be confined largely within the vertebral foramen. This choice may offer favourable dose improvement to the subarachnoid and surface of spinal cord over (131)I in such an application.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Interaction of dexloxiglumide, a cholecystokinin type-1 receptor antagonist, with human cytochromes P450.

Dexloxiglumide (DEX) is a cholecystokinin type-1 receptor antagonist under development for the treatment of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Studies of the potential interaction of DEX with human cytochromes P450 (CYPs) were conducted in vitro. DEX (300 micro M), both with and without a 15-min pre-incubation, was incubated with pooled human liver microsomes and substrates selective for each of eight CYPs. This resulted in >30% inhibition of tolbutamide 4-methyl-hydroxylase (CYP2C9/10) and lauric acid 11-hydroxylase (CYP2E1) activities. Mean K(i) (SD) for CYP2C9/10 and CYP2E1 were 69.0 (24.3) and 426 (60) microM, respectively. Incubations of [(14)C]DEX with pooled human liver microsomes produced one major phase I metabolic fraction, with V(max)=131 pmol/min/mg protein and K(m)=23.7 microM. Further incubations with (i) liver microsomes from 16 individual donors (correlation analysis), (ii) Supersomes trade mark and (iii) selective chemical inhibitors, implicated CYP3A4/5, CYP2B6 and CYP2C9 in the formation of this component. Thus, DEX interacts with CYP2C9 both as inhibitor (K(i)=69.0 microM) and as substrate in vitro. However, based on the maximum concentration (27 microM) after repeated oral doses of 200 mg t.i.d. and the unbound fraction (0.03) of DEX in human plasma, no clinically relevant metabolic interactions with other CYP substrates are predicted.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases↗

Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium can be safely administered in maintenance renal transplant patients: results of a 1-year study.

With the objective of enhancing upper gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability, enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS, myfortic, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland) has been developed. This double-blinded, 12-month study investigated whether renal transplant patients taking mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) can be safely converted to EC-MPS. Stable kidney transplant patients were randomized to receive EC-MPS (720 mg b.i.d.; n=159) or continue receiving MMF (1000 mg b.i.d.; n=163). The incidence of GI adverse events (AEs) was similar at 3 months (primary endpoint: EC-MPS 26.4%; MMF 20.9%; p=NS) and at 12 months (EC-MPS 29.6%; MMF 24.5%; p=NS). The increase from baseline in mean GI AE severity score, adjusted for duration, tended to be lower in EC-MPS patients (3 months: 0.15 vs. 0.20; 12 months: 0.23 vs. 0.47; p=NS). Neutropenia (<1500 cells/mm3) within the first 3 months (coprimary endpoint) was low in both groups (EC-MPS 0.6%; MMF 3.1%; p=NS). Although the overall incidence of infections was similar, the number of serious infections was significantly lower in EC-MPS patients (8.8% vs. 16.0%; p<0.05). Similar rates of efficacy failure (EC-MPS 2.5%; MMF 6.1%; p=NS), biopsy-proven acute rejection (EC-MPS 1.3%; MMF 3.1%; p=NS) and biopsy-proven chronic rejection (EC-MPS 3.8%; MMF 4.9%; p=NS) were observed in both groups. In conclusion, renal maintenance patients can be converted from MMF to EC-MPS without compromising the safety and efficacy profile associated with MMF.

Biotransformation↗

Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium is therapeutically equivalent to mycophenolate mofetil in de novo renal transplant patients.

The introduction of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) represented a major advance in transplant medicine, although optimal use may be limited by gastrointestinal (GI) side-effects. An enteric-coated formulation of mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS; myfortic) has been developed with the aim of improving the upper GI tolerability of mycophenolic acid. Therapeutic equivalence of EC-MPS (720 mg b.i.d.) and MMF (1000 mg MMF b.i.d.), with concomitant cyclosporine microemulsion (Neoral) and corticosteroids, was assessed in 423 de novo kidney transplant patients recruited to a 12-month, double-blind study. Efficacy failure (biopsy-proven acute rejection [BPAR], graft loss, death or loss to follow up) at 6 months (EC-MPS 25.8% vs. MMF 26.2%; 95% CI: [-8.7, +8.0]) demonstrated therapeutic equivalence. At 12 months, the incidence of BPAR, graft loss or death was 26.3% and 28.1%, and of BPAR alone was 22.5% and 24.3% for EC-MPS and MMF, respectively. Among those with BPAR, the incidence of severe acute rejection was 2.1% with EC-MPS and 9.8% with MMF (p=ns). The safety profile and incidence of GI adverse events were similar for both groups. Within 12 months, 15.0% of EC-MPS patients and 19.5% of MMF patients required dose changes for GI adverse events (p=ns). Enteric-coated-MPS 720 mg b.i.d. is therapeutically equivalent to MMF 1000 mg b.i.d. with a comparable safety profile.

Adult↗

Multiple fibroelastomas: a case report and review of the literature.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a rare primary cardiac tumor that usually involves the heart valves. Multiple fibroelastomas found in a single patient is an even more rare occurrence. We describe the case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with an acute cerebrovascular accident, and was found to have 4 separate fibroelastoma tumors involving the aortic and mitral valves. The role of echocardiography in the diagnosis of this unusual tumor and its therapy is discussed.

Adult↗

Something fishy: six patients with an unusual cause of food poisoning!

Scombroid fish poisoning is a clinical syndrome attributed to the ingestion of contaminated fish. A toxin or toxins, known as scombrotoxin, result from decomposition by endogenous flora of the amino acid histidine liberating bioactive amines, predominantly histamine. The presentation has features of histamine toxicity, typically with urticaria, flushing, headache, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. The course is usually mild and self-limiting. The author describes six cases of scombroid poisoning after ingestion of fish from the same Canberra restaurant. One case resulted in significant hypotension necessitating a prolonged stay in the ED.

Adult↗

The effects of the phytoestrogen genistein on the postnatal development of the rat.

The present studies report the effects on neonatal rats of oral exposure to genistein during the period from birth to postnatal day (PND) 21 to generate data for use in assessing human risk following oral ingestion of genistein. Failure to demonstrate significant exposure of the newborn pups via the mothers milk led us to subcutaneously inject genistein into the pups over the period PND 1-7, followed by daily gavage dosing to PND 21. The targeted doses throughout were 4 mg/kg/day genistein (equivalent to the average exposure of infants to total isoflavones in soy milk) and a dose 10 times higher than this (40 mg/kg genistein). The dose used during the injection phase of the experiment was based on plasma determinations of genistein and its major metabolites. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) at 10 micro g/kg was used as a positive control agent for assessment of changes in the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA). Administration of 40 mg/kg genistein increased uterus weights at day 22, advanced the mean day of vaginal opening, and induced permanent estrus in the developing female pups. Progesterone concentrations were also decreased in the mature females. There were no effects in females dosed with 4 mg/kg genistein, the predicted exposure level for infants drinking soy-based infant formulas. There were no consistent effects on male offspring at either dose level of genistein. Although genistein is estrogenic at 40 mg/kg/day, as illustrated by the effects described above, this dose does not have the same repercussions as DES in terms of the organizational effects on the SDN-POA.

Administration, Oral↗

A multicenter, open-label, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic safety, and tolerability study of basiliximab (Simulect) in pediatric de novo renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Basiliximab (Simulect) has been shown to be safe and effective in adult renal transplant recipients, when used in combination with cyclosporine (Neoral) and corticosteroids. We report on the safety and preliminary efficacy of basiliximab in pediatric de novo renal transplant recipients. METHODS: This was an open-label, 12-month study of basiliximab in 41 patients (2 cohorts: <9 and 9 to <16 years). In phase 1, two intravenous (IV) bolus injections of basiliximab (12 mg/m ) were administered (before and 4 days postsurgery). In phase 2, two injections (<40 kg, 10 mg and > or =40 kg, 20 mg) were administered at the same time points. Most patients (26/41 [63%]) received cadaveric kidneys. Almost half of the patients had three human leukocyte antigen mismatches with the organ donors. Concurrent immunosuppression included Neoral and corticosteroids. Azathioprine was allowed after 28 days. RESULTS: All patients completed the 1-year study. The acute tolerability of basiliximab via IV bolus injection was good, without evidence of cytokine-release syndrome or acute local reactions. All patients experienced adverse events, but most (71%) were mild or asymptomatic. No deaths or malignancies occurred. The incidence and types of serious adverse events (59%) and serious infections (44%) were as expected in this patient population, and few were drug-related (7% and 5%, respectively). Thirty-eight patients (93%) had infections, mostly urinary tract infections, as expected for renal transplant patients. Six patients (15%) had drug-related adverse events. Biopsy-confirmed acute rejection episodes occurred in 6/41 (15%) of patients during the first 6 months posttransplantation and in 9/41 (22%) patients during the first 12 months. Five patients (12%) experienced graft loss, none of which were preceded by acute rejection episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Basiliximab is safe and well tolerated when administered by IV bolus injection in de novo pediatric renal transplant recipients. These preliminary data suggest that basiliximab, given in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids, is an effective immunosuppressive regimen for the prevention of acute rejection in pediatric renal transplantation.

Adolescent↗

A rational dosing algorithm for basiliximab (Simulect) in pediatric renal transplantation based on pharmacokinetic-dynamic evaluations.

BACKGROUND: The pharmacokinetics and immunodynamics of basiliximab were assessed in 39 pediatric de novo kidney allograft recipients to rationally chose a dose regimen for this age group. METHODS: In study part 1, patients were given 12 mg/m(2) of basiliximab by bolus intravenous injection before surgery and on day 4. An interim pharmacokinetic evaluation supported a fixed-dose approach for study part 2 in which infants and children received two 10-mg doses and adolescents received two 20-mg doses. Blood samples were collected over a 12-week period for analysis of basiliximab and soluble interleukin-2 receptor concentrations, flow cytometry, and screening for anti-idiotype antibodies. RESULTS: Basiliximab clearance in infants and children (n=25) was reduced by approximately half compared with adults from a previous study and was independent of age (1-11 years), weight (9-37 kg), and body surface area (0.44-1.20 m(2) ). Clearance in adolescents (12-16 years, n=14) approached or reached adult values. CD25-saturating basiliximab concentrations were maintained for 31+/-12 days in study part 1 with mg/m(2) dosing and for 36+/-14 days in study part 2 based on the fixed-dose regimen ( P=0.31). A single patient experienced a rejection episode during CD25 saturation. The duration of CD25 saturation in patients who experienced a rejection episode after desaturation did not differ from those who remained rejection-free for the full 6-month period: 34+/-6 days (n=6) vs. 35+/-14 days (n=33 patients); P=0.74. Anti-idiotype antibodies were detected in two patients; however, this did not influence the clearance of basiliximab or the duration of CD25 saturation. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve similar basiliximab exposure as is efficacious in adults, pediatric patients <35 kg should receive two 10-mg doses and those > or =35 kg should receive two 20-mg doses of basiliximab by intravenous infusion or bolus injection. The first dose is given before surgery and the second on day 4 after transplantation.

Algorithms↗

Basiliximab in pediatric liver transplantation: a pharmacokinetic-derived dosing algorithm.

The pharmacokinetics and immunodynamics of basiliximab were assessed in 37 pediatric de novo liver allograft recipients to rationally design a dose regimen for this age-group. In part one of the study, patients were given 12 mg/m2 basiliximab by bolus intravenous injection after organ perfusion and on day 4 after transplant. An interim pharmacokinetic evaluation supported a fixed-dose approach for part two of the study in which infants and children received two 10-mg doses of basiliximab and adolescents received two 20-mg doses. Blood samples were collected over a 12-week period for screening for anti-idiotype antibodies and analysis of basiliximab and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) concentrations. Basiliximab clearance in infants and children < 9 yr of age (n = 30) was reduced by approximately 50% compared with adults from a previous study and was independent of age to 9 yr, weight to 30 kg, and body surface area to 1.0 m2. Clearance in children and adolescents 9-14 yr of age (n = 7) approached or reached adult values. An average of 15% of the dose was eliminated via drained ascites fluid, and drug clearance via this route averaged 29% of total body clearance. Patients with > 5 L of ascites fluid drainage tended to have lower systemic exposure to basiliximab. CD25-saturating basiliximab concentrations were maintained for 27 +/- 9 days in part one of the study (mg/m2 dosing) with infants exhibiting the lowest durations. CD25 saturation lasted 37 +/- 11 days in part two of the study, based on the fixed-dose regimen (p = 0.004 vs. mg/mg2 dosing), but did not show the age-related bias observed in part one of the study. Anti-idiotype antibodies were detected in four patients, but this did not influence the clearance of basiliximab or duration of CD25 saturation. All 40 enrolled patients were included in the intent-to-treat clinical analysis. Episodes of acute rejection occurred in 22 patients (55%) during the first 12 months post-transplant. Three patients experienced loss of their graft as a result of technical complications, and six patients died during the 12-month study. Basiliximab was well tolerated by intravenous bolus injection, with no cytokine-release syndrome or other infusion-related adverse events. Hence, basiliximab was safe and well tolerated in pediatric patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. To achieve similar basiliximab exposure as is efficacious in adults, pediatric patients < 35 kg in weight should receive two 10-mg doses and those > or = 35 kg should receive two 20-mg doses of basiliximab by intravenous infusion or bolus injection. The first dose should be given within 6 h after organ perfusion and the second on day 4 after transplantation. A supplemental dose may be considered for patients with a large volume of drained ascites fluid relative to body size.

Adolescent↗

Involvement of CYP2C9 and UGT2B7 in the metabolism of zaltoprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and its lack of clinically significant CYP inhibition potential.

AIMS: To identify the cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms responsible for the formation of the primary metabolite(s) of zaltoprofen, and to predict possible drug interactions by investigating the inhibition of CYP isoforms in vitro. METHODS: The metabolism of zaltoprofen was studied in vitro using recombinant CYP and UGT isoform cDNA-expression systems. The effects of selective isoform inhibitors on zaltoprofen metabolism were studied using human liver microsomes. The inhibitory effects of zaltoprofen on the metabolism of selective probe substrates for CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 were also determined in human liver microsomes. RESULTS: Zaltoprofen was extensively metabolized by CYP2C9 and UGT2B7. CYP2C9 catalysed sulphoxidation but not hydroxylation of zaltoprofen. In the human liver microsomal metabolism study, zaltoprofen metabolism was markedly inhibited by sulphaphenazole, a selective inhibitor of CYP2C9. In the drug interaction study, negligible inhibition (< 15%) of the activities of CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 was apparent at 5 micro g ml(-1), the maximum plasma concentration observed in humans after oral administration of an 80 mg zaltoprofen tablet. However, zaltoprofen inhibited CYP2C9 by 26% at 5 micro g ml(-1). At higher concentrations, zaltoprofen produced some inhibition of CYP2C9 (IC50 = 19.2 micro g ml(-1); 64.4 micro m) and CYP3A4 (IC50 = 53.9 micro g ml(-1); 181 micro m). The free drug concentrations in plasma (0.02 micro g ml(-1), 67.0 nm) at the Cmax of the clinically effective doses are much lower than the IC50 values corrected for the nonspecific binding ratio of zaltoprofen to microsomal protein (15.5 micro g ml(-1) for CYP3A4, 49.5 micro g ml(-1) for CYP3A4). Furthermore, the maximum free drug concentrations in the hepatic intracellular was calculated to be 0.068 micro g ml(-1) and the increase in the AUC in the presence of zaltoprofen was estimated to be only 0.4% for CYP2C9 substrates and 0.1% for CYP3A4 substrates, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Zaltoprofen is predominantly metabolized by CYP2C9 and UGT2B7, and is considered unlikely to cause significant drug interactions in vivo when coadministered with CYP substrates at clinically effective doses.

Administration, Oral↗

Improved treatment response with basiliximab immunoprophylaxis after liver transplantation: results from a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Basiliximab, a high-affinity chimeric monoclonal antibody, is effective in reducing acute rejection episodes in renal allograft recipients. We assessed the ability of this antibody to similarly improve the outcome in liver transplant recipients. Adult recipients of a primary cadaveric liver transplant were randomized to treatment, stratified by hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositivity. Patients were administered 40 mg of basiliximab (n = 188) or placebo (n = 193) as two 20-mg bolus injections days 0 and 4, plus cyclosporine and steroids. Primary efficacy variables were biopsy-confirmed acute rejection and its composite end point, including death or graft loss, and were assessed at 6 and 12 months and by HCV cohort. Because of differential efficacy responses between HCV-positive and HCV-negative cohorts, an additional analysis incorporating HCV recurrence as a component of treatment failure, termed problem-free transplant, was introduced. Safety and tolerability were monitored over the 12 months of the study. All 381 patients were assessable, and no meaningful differences in background characteristics were apparent between treatment groups. Biopsy-confirmed acute rejection rates 6 months after transplantation were 35.1% in the basiliximab group versus 43.5% in the placebo group. For death, graft loss, or first biopsy-confirmed acute rejection, rates were 44.1% versus 52.8%, respectively. The reduction in rejection episodes was concentrated in the HCV-negative cohort (14.5% relative to placebo; P =.034), with a much smaller difference (2.9%) in the HCV-positive cohort. For HCV-positive patients, problem-free transplant was shown at 12 months in 26.6% of the basiliximab group versus 11.6% in the placebo group (P =.020) and for all patients at 12 months in 39.7% of the basiliximab group versus 30.1% in the placebo group (P =.035). The incidence of infection and other adverse events was similar across the two treatment groups. There were 56 deaths (25 deaths, basiliximab group; 31 deaths, placebo group) over the 12-month study. The intravenous bolus injection was well tolerated. Immunoprophylaxis with 40 mg of basiliximab, in combination with cyclosporine and steroids, reduces the incidence of acute rejection episodes with no clinically relevant safety or tolerability concerns. The influence of HCV recurrence on efficacy results can be accounted for in future trials by using the concept of problem-free transplant, incorporating recurrence as a component of treatment failure.

Adult↗

Lower extremity compartment syndrome after coronary artery bypass.

Compartment syndrome is a rare and dangerous complication of coronary artery bypass. All reported cases involved the vein donor limb. Once recognized, immediate fasciotomy is necessary to prevent irreversible ischemia and limb loss. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and close observation of the patient, particularly those remaining intubated during the early postoperative period.

Aged↗