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Biomedical subjects

P de Miranda

Publications and source records attributed to P de Miranda.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Di- and triester prodrugs of the varicella-zoster antiviral agent 6-methoxypurine arabinoside.

6-Methoxypurine arabinoside (9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-6-methoxy-9H-purine, 1) has potent and selective activity against varicella-zoster virus in vitro. An unfavourable metabolic profile observed with oral dosing in the rat led to the preparation of a variety of 2',3',5'-triesters (2a-n) and several 2',3'-, 2',5'-, and 3',5'-diesters of this arabinoside (3a-n, 4a-f, and 5a-j, respectively). The compounds were evaluated as prodrugs by measuring the urinary levels of 1 in rat urine after oral dosing. With the exception of triacetate 2a, the triesters failed to significantly enhance bioavailability. Administration of compound 2a resulted in a 3-fold increase in systemic availability of 1, possibly because of its increased water solubility (1.6 times more soluble than 1) and only slightly increased relative log P value (1.93 vs 0.50 for 1). The longer chain aliphatic triesters and aromatic triesters had lower water solubilities and increased lipophilic partitioning. These factors might account for the lower systemic bioavailability of these compounds. In contrast, the diesters, especially the aliphatic diesters, showed significantly improved systemic availability. This might be a consequence of the higher aqueous solubilities and enhanced partition coefficients seen with these compounds. 2',3'-Diacetate 3a showed the best combination of high systemic availability and water solubility of all the prodrugs of 1.

Administration, Oral

Selective anabolism of 6-methoxypurine arabinoside in varicella-zoster virus-infected cells.

6-Methoxypurine arabinoside (ara-M) is a highly selective inhibitor of varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It belongs to a class of purine arabinosides whose anti-VZV activity in vitro correlates with substrate utilization by the VZV-encoded thymidine kinase (TK) (D. R. Averett, G. W. Koszalka, J. A. Fyfe, G. B. Roberts, D. J. M. Purifoy, and T. A. Krenitsky, Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 35:851-857, 1991). In this study, the mechanism of action of ara-M was explored. VZV-infected human fibroblasts selectively accumulated ara-M and its phosphorylated metabolites, whereas in uninfected fibroblasts or in those infected with a TK-deficient strain of VZV, there was virtually no cellular uptake of ara-M. The major intracellular metabolite of ara-M in VZV-infected cells was identified as the triphosphate of adenine arabinoside (ara-ATP). Appreciable levels of ara-ADP, ara-AMP, and ara-MMP were also detected. However, di- or triphosphorylated forms of ara-M were not detected. Moreover, in VZV-infected cells, the concentrations of ara-ATP which accumulated in the presence of ara-M were up to eightfold higher than those generated with ara-A itself. In contrast, in uninfected cells, the levels of ara-ATP which accumulated in the presence of ara-M were barely detectable. Clearly, Ara-M activation was dependent on the activity of the virus-encoded TK, while ara-A anabolism resulted primarily from the activity of host cell enzymes. Therefore, ara-M selectively generates the DNA polymerase inhibitor ara-ATP in the VZV-infected cell.

Arabinonucleosides

Anabolic pathway of 6-methoxypurine arabinoside in cells infected with varicella-zoster virus.

6-Methoxypurine arabinoside (ara-M) exhibits potent activity against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) as a result of ara-M's anabolism to the triphosphate of adenine arabinoside (ara-ATP) in VZV-infected cells. The adenosine deaminase inhibitor erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA) enhanced the formation of ara-ATP by inhibiting ara-M demethoxylation. In contrast, deoxycoformycin and coformycin, inhibitors of both adenosine deaminase and AMP deaminase, blocked the formation of ara-ATP and reversed the anti-VZV activity of ara-M. These results indicate that after the initial phosphorylation of ara-M by the VZV-coded thymidine kinase, the monophosphate is demethoxylated by AMP deaminase to form ara-IMP, which is converted to ara-ATP by the sequential actions of the cellular adenylosuccinate synthetase, adenylosuccinate lyase, and nucleotide kinases.

5'-Nucleotidase

Postnatal survival in Wistar rats following oral dosage with zidovudine on gestation day 10.

Groups of 20 female Wistar rats from Charles River Breeding Laboratories (Kingston, NY) were given three oral doses of 100 mg zidovudine/kg at 5-hr intervals on Gestation Day 10 (total dose = 300 mg/kg). Control rats received three oral doses of the vehicle, distilled water. This design approximated that of an earlier study that reported 38% postnatal mortality among the offspring of Wistar rats given zidovudine. In the study reported here, no adverse effects were noted on maternal body weight, food consumption, reproductive capacity, or hematology. Similarly, no effects on growth or survival of the offspring were noted. Hematology and clinical chemistry values were comparable between offspring of treated and control dams, and no treatment-related gross or histopathologic lesions were noted in the weanling rats. The mean concentration of zidovudine in embryonal homogenates, collected 30 min after administration of the third dose to the dam on Gestation Day 10, was 21.1 micrograms/g tissue. This value is approximately one-third of the mean drug plasma concentration (62.6 micrograms/ml) measured in the dams at the same time point. The dramatic difference in results in the two studies may be related to differences in Wistar rats from two different sources or to other unknown factors associated with the design and conduct of the studies. The results of the current study were consistent with other preclinical studies on the reproductive toxicity of zidovudine in rats and rabbits.

Animals

Alteration of zidovudine pharmacokinetics by probenecid in patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex.

The anti-human immunodeficiency virus drug zidovudine is metabolized extensively in human beings to the 5'-glucuronide (GAZT) and is cleared rapidly, resulting in a short half-life and the need for frequent dosing. This study explores whether probenecid, which is also metabolized by glucuronidation, reduces zidovudine clearance when zidovudine is administered orally to patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex (ARC). The mean zidovudine plasma levels were significantly higher after concurrent administration of probenecid than in its absence, resulting in a twofold increase in the mean AUC, a corresponding decline in the apparent total clearance, and a prolongation in the mean half-life. Similar alterations were observed in GAZT disposition. There was a marked reduction in the urinary excretion ratio of GAZT to zidovudine and a decline in the renal clearance of GAZT after probenecid coadministration. Probenecid inhibits zidovudine glucuronidation and renal excretion of GAZT.

AIDS-Related Complex

Human pharmacokinetics and tolerance of oral ganciclovir.

Ganciclovir is a nucleoside analog which inhibits the replication of herpesviruses in vitro and which has been effective by intravenous administration for the treatment of severe cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompromised patients. Because most patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and severe cytomegalovirus infection have required lifelong daily suppressive ganciclovir therapy to control disease progression, oral therapy appears to have practical advantages. We studied the pharmacokinetics of orally administered ganciclovir in four patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and cytomegalovirus retinitis. Repeated oral ganciclovir doses (10 to 20 mg/kg every 6 h) were well tolerated. With a 20-mg/kg dose given every 6 h, mean steady-state peak and trough levels were 2.96 and 1.05 microM, respectively, and the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h was 47 microM X h. Calculated absorption was 3.0%, based on urinary excretion. Because the levels achieved in serum with oral ganciclovir approximated those required to inhibit cytomegalovirus in vitro, a trial of oral maintenance therapy in immunocompromised patients with severe cytomegalovirus infections seems warranted.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Human pharmacokinetics of the antiviral drug DHPG.

The pharmacokinetics of the antiviral drug 9-[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethoxymethyl]guanine (DHPG) were examined in six patients receiving 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg every 8 or 12 hours for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) pneumonitis or retinitis. Biexponential decay with a mean distribution t1/2 of 0.23 hours and terminal t1/2 of 2.53 hours was observed. Total clearance correlated well with and exceeded creatinine clearance by a factor of 2.4. Mean volume of the central compartment was 15.26 L/1.73 m2 and the volume of distribution at steady state was 32.8 L/1.73 m2. Peak (model predicted) and trough plasma concentrations were 4.75 to 6.20 micrograms/ml and less than 0.25 to 0.63 microgram/ml, respectively, in patients receiving 2.5 mg/kg. Peak concentrations are well above those needed to inhibit HCMV at the 50% level (ID50) and troughs are near this ID50. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of DHPG indicate a penetration of 24% to 67%. No accumulation of DHPG was apparent in these patients. However, dosage reduction is necessary in renal insufficiency. Neutropenia occurred in one patient. The plasma concentration profile of DHPG suggests potential beneficial activity against HCMV.

Acyclovir

Intraocular penetration of new antiviral agent, hydroxyacyclovir (BW-B759U).

9-[(2-hydroxyl-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]methyl)guanine (hydroxyacyclovir) is a nucleoside analogue with a high degree of efficacy against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and cytomegalovirus (CMV). This antiviral agent demonstrates a low toxicity towards uninfected cells. Intraocular levels in rabbits were evaluated following subconjunctival, intravenous, intravitreal and topical administration. Retinal toxicity studies were performed. Hydroxyacyclovir may have applications in the treatment of deep herpetic infections, CMV retinitis, and acute retinal necrosis.

Acyclovir

Intraocular 9-([2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethoxy] methyl) guanine levels after intravitreal and subconjunctival administration.

Clearance studies in rabbits following intravitreal injection of 400 micrograms of 9-([2-Hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxy]methyl) guanine demonstrated levels of the antiviral at 60 hours above the in vitro ID50 for several strains of human cytomegalovirus. Intravitreal administration of this new antiviral may have therapeutic application in the treatment of acute retinal necrosis and cytomegalovirus retinitis complicating acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Acyclovir

Activity of 9-[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxymethyl]guanine in the treatment of cytomegalovirus pneumonia.

Ten marrow transplant recipients with biopsy-proven cytomegalovirus pneumonia were treated with the acyclic nucleoside analog 9-[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethoxymethyl]guanine (BW B759U). Viruria and viremia ceased after 4 days of treatment in all patients with cultures initially positive from these sites. Cytomegalovirus was eliminated from respiratory secretions after a median of 8 days. Despite this antiviral effect, only one patient survived the pneumonia. Quantitative cultures of lung tissue before and after treatment confirmed that therapy with BW B759U was associated with substantial antiviral activity, with a mean decrease in viral titers of more than 99.99% after treatment. Neutropenia developed in three patients when mean peak and trough plasma levels exceeded 50 and 10 mu mol/L, respectively, but no other toxicity was seen. BW B759U is the first antiviral agent showing consistent activity against cytomegalovirus in vivo, and it should be evaluated in the earlier management of cytomegalovirus infections after marrow transplantation and in serious cytomegalovirus infections in other immunocompromised patients.

Acyclovir

Treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis with 9-[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethoxymethyl]guanine.

Cytomegalovirus infections can cause significant morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed patients, and present antiviral agents have had little efficacy against these infections. We describe the use of an acyclic nucleoside 9-[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethoxy methyl]guanine (BW B759U), in the treatment of two patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis. The efficacy of this agent was evident, with healing of retinal lesions and resolution of viremia and viral shedding. BW B759U appears to be similar pharmacokinetically to intravenous acyclovir in terms of half-life, peak serum levels, and renal excretion.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Acyclovir kinetics after intravenous infusion.

The disposition and safety of the antiviral drug acyclovir were studied in 14 subjects with advanced malignancies. Acyclovir was administered by a 1-hr intravenous infusion at doses of 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg. At the end of infusion, mean peak plasma levels (+/- SEM), determined by radioimmunoassay, were 6.4 +/- 0.7, 12.1 +/- 2.3, 14.9 +/- 2.7, and 33.7 +/- 7.1 microM. The plasma concentration-time profiles could be described by a biexponential equation. The half-life of acyclovir in the slow disposition phase ranged from 2.2 to 5 hr and the drug was detected in the plasma for at least 18 hr after infusion. The total body clearance ranged from 117 to 396 ml/min/1.73 m2. A proportionality between area under the curve and dose suggests that acyclovir exhibits dose-independent kinetics in the dose range studied. There was wide variation in cumulative urinary excretion of unchanged drug, ranging from 30 to 69% of the dose. From renal clearances of acyclovir, which were higher than creatinine clearances, it appears that both glomerular filtration and tubular secretion contribute to its renal excretion. Analysis of the urine by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of the metabolite 9-carboxymethoxymethylguanine. There was no indication of toxicity either clinically or from laboratory findings in any of the study subjects. This study demonstrates that in addition to selectivity and low toxicity, the kinetic profile and metabolic disposition of acyclovir make it an attractive candidate for therapy in a variety of herpes infections.

Aged

Selectivity of action of an antiherpetic agent, 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl) guanine.

A guanine derivative with an acyclic side chain, 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl, at position 9 has potent antiviral activity [dose for 50% inhibition (ED(50)) = 0.1 muM] against herpes simplex virus type 1. This acyclic nucleoside analog, termed acycloguanosine, is converted to a monophosphate by a virus-specified pyrimidine deoxynucleoside (thymidine) kinase and is subsequently converted to acycloguanosine di- and triphosphates. In the uninfected host cell (Vero) these phosphorylations of acycloguanosine occur to a very limited extent. Acycloguanosine triphosphate inhibits herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase (DNA nucleotidyltransferase) 10-30 times more effectively than cellular (HeLa S3) DNA polymerase. These factors contribute to the drug's selectivity; inhibition of growth of the host cell requires a 3000-fold greater concentration of drug than does the inhibition of viral multiplication. There is, moreover, the strong possibility of chain termination of the viral DNA by incorporation of acycloguanosine. The identity of the kinase that phosphorylates acycloguanosine was determined after separation of the cellular and virus-specified thymidine kinase activities by affinity chromatography, by reversal studies with thymidine, and by the lack of monophosphate formation in a temperature-sensitive, thymidine kinase-deficient mutant of the KOS strain of herpes simplex virus type 1 (tsA1).

Antiviral Agents