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P Workman

Publications and source records attributed to P Workman.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Reduction of 3-amino-1,2,4-benzotriazine-1,4-di-N-oxide (tirapazamine, WIN 59075, SR 4233) to a DNA-damaging species: a direct role for NADPH:cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase.

3-amino-1,2,4-benzotriazine-1,4-di-N-oxide (tirapazamine, WIN 59075, SR 4233, NSC 130181) has entered phase 1 clinical trials as a bioreductive hypoxic cell cytotoxin because of its novel structure and impressive selective cytotoxicity towards hypoxic cells. Understanding the enzymology and underlying mechanism of oxidative and reductive DNA damage may allow more optimal development and use of this agent and contribute to the rational design of new bioreductive drugs. Here we provide unambiguous evidence that WIN 59075 undergoes one-electron reduction by purified rat liver NADPH:cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase to generate single- and double-strand breaks in plasmid DNA. The DNA damage caused may be important for the therapeutic toxicity of the drug. Enzyme kinetic parameters for this oxidoreductase reaction are in the range 1.01-1.61 mM for Km and 4416-5099 nmol/min/mg for Vmax. The relative levels of expression and cellular localization of target tumour NADPH:cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase may contribute to the therapeutic selectivity of WIN 59075.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Enzyme-directed bioreductive drug development revisited: a commentary on recent progress and future prospects with emphasis on quinone anticancer agents and quinone metabolizing enzymes, particularly DT-diaphorase.

The enzyme-directed approach to bioreductive drug development is designed to take advantage of the fact that the selectivity of bioreductive anticancer agents can be governed not only by the well-established difference in oxygen content of tumour vs. normal tissues, but also by the level of expression of enzymes catalyzing the reductive activation process. This can add value to bioreductive drug development in two ways. First, by using enzyme profiling to help guide the selection of patients most likely to respond to a particular bioreductive agent. And second, to aid the discovery of new and improved bioreductive drugs by optimising structure to suit the catalytic preferences of a given reductase enzyme. In this commentary, recent progress in the area of enzyme-directed bioreductive drug development is reviewed with emphasis on quinone anticancer agents and quinone reducing enzymes, particularly DT-diaphorase, which is often hyperexpressed in cancer tissue. The enzyme-directed approach has led to the development of the indoloquinone EO9, which is now in early clinical trials, and the diaziridinyl-benzoquinone methyl-DZQ, which has been selected very recently for clinical development. The complex interplay of the levels of oxygen and of DT-diaphorase governs the effectiveness of these agents and other quinones such as mitomycin C. A model is proposed to account for the behaviour observed. Advantages and disadvantages of the enzyme-directed bioreductive approach are summarised and future prospects are critically assessed.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of tyrphostins containing heteroaromatic moieties.

A series of benzylidenemalononitrile derivatives previously synthesized by condensing aromatic aldehydes with malononitrile derivatives are known as tyrphostins. In this study, 32 tyrphostins were synthesized, 19 of which are novel compounds. Both hydroxylated derivatives and compounds containing heteroaromatic moieties were prepared. We have confirmed and extended the observation that the tyrphostins displayed an enhancement in their ability to inhibit the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase domain as the number of hydroxyl groups on the aromatic portion was increased. IC50 values of 1-5 microM were readily achieved. Some inhibitory activity was seen with the heteroaromatic structures, with two compounds exhibiting IC50 values of 56 and 77 microM. However, these derivatives were poor inhibitors of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity as compared to the hydroxylated derivatives. The ability of the 32 tyrphostins synthesized in the present study to inhibit proliferation of a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) was determined using [3H]thymidine incorporation as a measure of DNA synthesis. Some of the compounds containing pyridine, imidazole or thiophene portions displayed antiproliferative activity comparable to that of tyrphostins prepared from 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzaldehyde. The lack of inhibitory effect of these heteroaromatic compounds on the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity suggests that their antiproliferative activity is not related to inhibition of EGF receptor function. As the growth of the MCF-7 cell line is governed by other factors, such as the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and oestradiol, it is also still to be established whether the antiproliferative activity of the hydroxylated tyrphostins is directly related to inhibition of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1994

Alterations in EGF-dependent proliferative and phosphorylation events in squamous cell carcinoma cell lines by a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma and the EGF receptor has been proposed as a potential target for new therapeutic agents in this tumour type. We have utilized a tyrphostintype inhibitor of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase domain (RG50864) to study EGF-dependent proliferation and phosphorylation in two human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. There were selected on the basis that whereas both cell lines have a large number of EGF receptors, one is growth inhibited by EGF (A431) while the proliferation of the other cell line (B2A4) is stimulated by EGF. EGF induced receptor autophosphorylation in each of the two cell lines; however, the level of phosphorylation was greater in the A431 cells than in the B2A4 cells. The pattern of proteins phosphorylated in response to EGF was different in the two squamous cell lines. RG50864 antagonized the EGF-dependent proliferation of B2A4 cells, but was unable to reverse the inhibitory effect of EGF on A431 cell growth. RG50864 partially inhibited EGF receptor autophosphorylation in both cell lines and completely inhibited the EGF-dependent phosphorylation of other cellular proteins, one of which co-migrated with MAP2kinase in both cell lines. Moreover, different dose-response relationships for the inhibition of phosphorylation of various proteins were observed in A431 versus B2A4 cells. As a substrate competitive inhibitor of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase, the primary mode of action of RG50864 may be to prevent the association and/or phosphorylation of multiple specific substrates of the receptor in a fashion which may be cell line dependent. The precise relationship of these phosphorylation events to tyrphostin sensitivity remains to be established.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1994

Cyclopropamitosenes: novel bioreductive anticancer agents--mechanism of action and enzymic reduction.

The mechanism of action of cyclopropamitosenes, novel bioreductive anticancer agents, has been investigated using a unique combination of chemical and biochemical techniques. The compounds 4 function as reductively activated alkylating agents under chemical reducing conditions, and the biochemical experiments establish that the methoxy- and aziridinyl-derivatives 4a and 4b behave differently upon bioreduction.

Alkylating Agents↗
PubMed1993

The efflux of anthracyclines in multidrug-resistant cell lines.

In order to address the association of enhanced drug efflux with the multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype, we have studied the cellular pharmacokinetics of anthracyclines in the P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-positive MDR cell lines H69/LX4 (human small cell lung cancer) and EMT6/AR1.0 (mouse mammary tumour). Both doxorubicin (DOX) and daunorubicin (DNR) were accumulated to a lesser extent and effluxed at a higher rate by MDR cells than by their drug-sensitive counterparts. In contrast, the 9-alkyl substituted compound, aclacinomycin A (ACL), was accumulated and effluxed from parent and MDR cells at an identical rate. In experiments designed to examine energy-dependent efflux, DOX and DNR were shown to be efficiently effluxed against the concentration gradient in the presence of glucose. However, in the same experiments the analogues ACL and Ro 31-3294 (9-alkyl and morpholinyl substituted), which have previously been shown to retain activity against MDR cell lines, were accumulated and effluxed at identical rates in parent and MDR EMT6 cells. Hence, 9-alkyl and morpholinyl substituted compounds appear to behave less favourably as substrates for energy-driven drug efflux by Pgp-positive MDR cells than do DOX or DNR. Resistance modifiers verapamil and cyclosporin A appeared to abolish energy-dependent efflux for DOX and DNR in both the EMT6 and H69 MDR lines whereas they had no effect on the cellular efflux of ACL. The altered cellular pharmacology in MDR cell lines may provide a rational basis for the use of modified anthracycline analogues (e.g. 9-alkyl and morpholinyl (substituted) and resistance of modifying agent in the treatment of tumours expressing a Pgp-mediated phenotype.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed1993

Can flow cytoenzymology be applied to measure membrane-bound enzyme kinetics? Assessment by analysis of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity.

We describe an improved technique which allows the analysis of enzyme reaction kinetics for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) by flow cytometry. This is technically difficult because of the location of the enzyme on the external surface of the cell membrane leading to the rapid escape of the product. The reaction is determined by monitoring the conversion of gamma-glutamyl aminomethylcoumarin to aminomethylcoumarin. Reaction kinetics are described for BL8 hepatocyte and JB1 hepatoma cells lines, together with inhibition kinetics for the active site-directed glutamine analogue L-(alpha-S,5S)-alpha-amino-3-chloro-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxazoleacetic acid. We show that it is possible to follow the reaction dynamics in a heterogeneous mixture of BL8 and JB1 cells allowing discrimination of the two cell types based on gamma-GT activity. Improvements for further optimizing the assay of this important enzyme are suggested.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Initial characterization of the major mouse cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the reductive metabolism of the hypoxic cytotoxin 3-amino-1,2,4-benzotriazine-1,4-di-N-oxide (tirapazamine, SR 4233, WIN 59075).

The benzotriazine di-N-oxide SR 4233 (tirapazamine, WIN 59075) is currently in phase I clinical trials as the lead compound in a series of novel and highly selective antitumour hypoxic cytotoxins. Reductive bioactivation is thought to proceed via a one-electron reduced, oxidizing nitroxide radical and also forms the inactive single N-oxide SR 4317 via radical disproportionation or a second one-electron reduction. In mouse liver microsomes reductive metabolism is catalysed predominantly by cytochrome P450 (70%) and cytochrome P450 reductase (30%). The aim of the present study was to examine which cytochrome P450 isozymes may be involved. Reduction of SR 4233 to SR 4317 was monitored by HPLC analysis. Metabolism by microsomes from both control and dexamethasone-induced BALB/c male mice was 70% inhibited by carbon monoxide. The cytochrome P450 inhibitor SKF 525A, following aerobic preincubation, also inhibited SR 4233 reduction by 58%. Reduction was induced 2-3-fold by dexamethasone and was not accountable by increases in cytochrome P450 reductase or DT-diaphorase. The induction data and the greater degree of inhibition of SR 4233 reduction by metyrapone compared to alpha-naphthoflavone suggested a possible involvement of Cyp2b, Cyp2c and Cyp3a cytochrome P450 subfamilies. Both Cyp3a (7.4-fold) and Cyp2b (1.8-fold) type enzymes were shown by western immunoblot analysis to be induced by dexamethasone, the latter correlating more closely with increased SR 4233 reductase activity and also with the 2-fold induction of benzphetamine N-demethylase, a Cyp2b-type enzyme. No inhibition of SR 4233 reduction was seen with erythromycin or cyclosporin A which act as substrates/inhibitors for Cyp3a-type enzymes, but inhibition was seen with p-nitrophenol and tolbutamide which are substrates for Cyp2el- and Cyp2c-type enzymes, respectively (11% and 25% inhibition in induced microsomes). SR 4233 itself inhibited benzphetamine N-demethylase, which is catalysed by Cyp2b-type enzymes but not erythromycin N-demethylase which is catalysed by Cyp3a-type isoforms. Immunoinhibition studies with epitope specific monoclonal antibodies were consistent with the major involvement of phenobarbitone- and steroid-inducible products of the Cyp2b and Cyp2c subfamilies. These forms contributed at least 53% and 26%, respectively, of the cytochrome P450-associated SR 4233 reductase activity in the induced microsomes. The findings support our earlier conclusion that cytochrome P450 is the major SR 4233 reductase in mouse liver and provides leads as to the possible involvement of specific isoforms in human tumours and normal tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

The role of intracellular free calcium mobilization in the mechanism of action of antitumour ether lipids SRI 62-834 and ET18-OMe.

Membrane-active antitumour ether lipids such as ET18-OMe (1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and SRI 62-834 ((+-)-2-(Hydroxy[tetrahydro-2-(octadecyloxy) methylfuran-2-yl] methoxyl phosphinyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethaniminium hydroxide) are selectively cytotoxic to tumour cells in vitro. Their precise mechanisms of action are unclear, but they are known to have effects on cell membranes and cell signalling. A previous report suggested that ether lipids cause a biphasic sustained rise in intracellular free calcium [Lazenby et al., Cancer Res 50: 3327-3330, 1990]. We show here that the second phase is an experimental artefact due to cell membrane permeabilization by ether lipids in serum-free buffers. In serum-free medium, the membrane toxicity of antitumour ether lipids was increased 50-60 fold, when compared to medium containing 10% serum. Membrane disruption was neither dependent on extracellular calcium, nor modulated by preloading cells with the calcium chelators bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid or 2-[[2-[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]-5-methylphenoxy]methyl]-6- methoxy-8-[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]quinoline. This indicates that the mechanism of membrane damage by ether lipids does not involve changes in calcium homeostasis. Using indo-1 and fura-2 as calcium probes, we established that lower concentrations of antitumour ether lipids do elicit a genuine monophasic and transient rise in intracellular free calcium, predominantly mobilized from internal stores. This acute calcium agonist activity of ether lipids is distinct from the inhibitory effects on cell signalling reported previously after more prolonged exposure. It appears that the calcium elevation induced by antitumour ether lipids is unlikely to be instrumental in their selective and potent antitumour activity.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1993

Pharmacokinetics of BW12C and mitomycin C, given in combination in a phase 1 study in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer.

The effect of combining the oxygen-transport-modifying drug BW12C with mitomycin C was investigated in a phase 1 study of 26 patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer. The dose of BW12C was increased from 20 mg/kg to 60 mg/kg. Dose-limiting toxicity of vomiting was experienced at doses greater than 50 mg/kg. This corresponded to whole blood levels > or = 700 micrograms/ml and to > 50% haemoglobin modification. Whole blood concentrations of BW12C and modification of the haemoglobin oxygen saturation curve were linearly dependent on dose. BW12C whole blood pharmacokinetics were best described by a one-compartment model and were clearly dose-dependent. The half-life increased from 2.1 h at a dose of 20 mg/kg to 7.2 h at a dose of 60 mg/kg. The AUC increased in a similar non-linear fashion with increasing dose. Mitomycin C was given at a fixed dose of 20 mg/m2 at the end of the BW12C infusion. Mitomycin C plasma pharmacokinetics fitted a two-compartment model, giving a mean beta half-life of 50 +/- 7 min and AUC of 1.1 +/- 0.08 micrograms/ml h, and were unaffected by the combined treatment. There was no evidence of increased mitomycin C toxicity.

Benzaldehydes↗
PubMed1993

The experimental development of bioreductive drugs and their role in cancer therapy.

Bioreductive drugs undergo metabolic reduction to generate cytotoxic metabolites. This process is facilitated by bioreductive enzymes and the lower oxygen conditions present in solid tumours compared to normal tissues. Because of this specificity, bioreductive drugs have enormous potential to contribute to modern cancer therapy. Examples undergoing clinical trials include N-oxides such as tirapazamine, aziridinylnitroimidazoles RSU 1069/RBU 6145 and quinones such as indoloquinone EO9. Other novel structures are also under study. Here we review the experimental development of bioreductive drugs and their role in cancer therapy.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

In vitro antitumour activity of the novel imidazoisoquinoline SDZ 62-434.

The novel imidazoisoquinoline SDZ 62-434, originally identified as a platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist, has antiproliferative activity in a range of cell lines from human solid and haematological malignancies. Using an MTT cytotoxicity assay, IC50 values of 5 microM - 111 microM were observed following a 24 h exposure. Similar results were obtained using a clonogenic assay. The HT29 colon adenocarcinoma was particularly sensitive while the MCF-7 breast carcinoma was the most resistant in our panel. Only a 2-3 fold cross-resistance was seen in the doxorubicin and cisplatin resistant variants of the A2780 ovarian carcinoma; the drug did not modulate sensitivity to doxorubicin in either parent or resistant lines. No cross-resistance to SDZ 62-434 was seen in a doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 variant. Cytotoxicity was not due to non-specific membrane lysis. The potent PAF antagonist WEB 2086 did not modulate SDZ 62-434 cytotoxicity, indicating no role for PAF receptors. Precursor incorporation studies in A2780 cells showed that DNA synthesis was inhibited more effectively than protein synthesis while RNA synthesis was unaffected. SDZ 62-434 inhibited both bombesin and platelet-derived growth factor-induced DNA synthesis in quiescent Swiss 3T3 cells. This suggests a possible role for SDZ 62-434 as an inhibitor of signal transduction in cancer cells.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1993

Examination by laser scanning confocal fluorescence imaging microscopy of the subcellular localisation of anthracyclines in parent and multidrug resistant cell lines.

This study highlights the usefulness of laser scanning confocal microscopy in the examination of subcellular disposition of anthracyclines in tumour cell lines. The distribution of anthracycline compounds has been studied in two pairs of parental and multidrug resistant (MDR) cell lines. For the parental EMT6 mouse mammary tumour cell line EMT6/P treated with doxorubicin (DOX) the anthracycline fluorescence was shown to be predominantly nuclear but with some particulate cytoplasmic fluorescence and very low levels of plasma membrane staining. In the same experiments much fainter fluorescence was seen for the EMT6/AR1.0 MDR subline which hyperexpresses P-glycoprotein. The loss of nuclear fluorescence was comparatively greater than loss of cytoplasmic fluorescence. For the human large cell lung cancer line COR-L23/P cellular DOX disposition was markedly nuclear with nuclear membrane staining and diffuse cytoplasmic fluorescence. For the MDR line COR-L23/R, which lacks P-glycoprotein expression, DOX fluorescence was reduced in the nucleus compared with the parental line, but an intense area of perinuclear staining was seen consistent with localisation to the Golgi apparatus. The morpholinyl-substituted analogue MR-DOX achieved very similar subcellular distribution in both parental and MDR lines, consistent with its retention of activity in the latter. The presence of verapamil during anthracycline exposure increased the intensity of fluorescence in the MDR lines, particularly in the nucleus. Relatively little effect was seen in the parental lines. Confocal microscopy provides high resolution images of the subcellular distribution of anthracyclines in parent and MDR cell lines. Differences in drug disposition in various cell lines may provide insights into the mechanism of multidrug resistance and suggest strategies for its therapeutic circumvention.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗