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PubMed2001

The 3120 +1G-->A splicing mutation in CFTR is common in Brazilian cystic fibrosis patients.

Cystic fibrosis patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were screened for mutations in exons 11 and 16 of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR) by a nonradioactive single-stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis technique. This procedure was used to evaluate the undefined mutations in one or both alleles of 64 cystic fibrosis patients. Unusual SSCP profiles were investigated further by sequence analysis. Two patients were shown to carry the G542X mutation (exon 11) and five had the splicing mutation 3120+1G-->A(intron 16), one of them being homozygous for the mutation. This is the first report of the 3120+ IG-->A mutation in Brazil. where it appears to be a frequent disease-associated molecular alteration in the CFTR gene.

Brazil↗

PubMed2000

Selectivity of mu-opioid receptor determined by interfacial residues near third extracellular loop.

We hypothesized that the selectivity profile of the rat mu-opioid receptor for opioid receptor-selective ligands is determined by the nature of the amino acid residues at highly divergent sites in the ligand-binding pocket. To determine which characteristics of these residues contribute to opioid receptor ligand selectivity, we made various mutant receptors that replaced the Lys(303) and Trp(318) residues near the extracellular interface of transmembrane domains VI and VII, respectively. Ligand binding determinations using transiently transfected monkey kidney epithelial (COS-1) cells show that Lys(303) mutations cause little change in the receptor binding profile, whereas the Trp(318) mutant receptors have considerably lower affinity for micro-opioid receptor-selective ligands and greatly increased affinity for delta-opioid receptor-selective ligands. The nature of these mutations show that this effect is not due to sterics or charge alone. [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)-triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) activity assays show that these residues may influence functional, as well as binding selection. We conclude that a primary role for Trp(318) is to form a basis for ligand selectivity.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

PubMed1990

Site-directed mutagenesis of a thermostable alpha-amylase from Bacillus stearothermophilus: putative role of three conserved residues.

The relationship between structure, activity, and stability of the thermostable Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase was studied by site-directed mutagenesis of the three most conserved residues. Mutation of His-238 to Asp involved in Ca2+ and substrate binding reduced the specific activity and thermal stability, but did not affect the pH and temperature optima. Replacement of Asp-331 by Glu in the active site caused almost total inactivation. Interestingly, in prolonged incubation this mutant enzyme showed an altered end-product profile by liberating only maltose and maltotriose. Conservative mutation of the conserved Arg-232 by Lys, for which no function has yet been proposed, resulted in lowered specific activity: around 12% of the parental enzyme. This mutant enzyme had a wider pH range but about the same temperature optimum and thermal stability as the wild-type enzyme. Results obtained with different mutants were interpreted by computer aided molecular modeling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) negative for KIT (CD117 antigen) immunoreactivity.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are currently defined as mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract that express KIT receptor tyrosine kinase. However, a small subgroup of tumours that fulfil the clinical and morphological criteria for GISTs lack KIT expression. So far, the biological features of these tumours have rarely been addressed. The present study describes seven gastrointestinal stromal neoplasms that presented clinicopathological features typical of GISTs but showed absence of CD117 expression as detected by immunohistochemistry. The tumours originated from the stomach (n = 5), duodenum (n = 1), and colon (n = 1), showing histologically either predominantly epithelioid (n = 3), mixed spindled and epithelioid (n = 2), or anaplastic/spindle cell (n = 2) type features. CD34 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) positivity was present in four and three tumours, respectively. Chromosomal analysis was performed in two cases, both showing losses of chromosomes 14, 22, and 1p, which is the characteristic feature of GISTs. Dual-colour interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, utilizing chromosome 1p-, 14-, and 22-specific probes, revealed a similar cytogenetic profile in the remaining five tumour specimens. Mutational analysis of exons 9, 11, 13, and 17 of KIT, and exons 12 and 18 of PDGFRA was performed in all cases by denaturing high-pressure liquid chromatography (DHPLC) pre-screening, followed by direct sequencing. None of the tumours showed KIT mutant isoforms. Three tumours harboured PDGFRA exon 18 activating mutations; two were Asp --> Val(842) missense substitutions and one was a DIM842-844 amino acid deletion. KIT and PKC theta (protein activated in interstitial cells of Cajal and GISTs) expression was determined by western immunoblotting of the total cell lysates from three tumour biopsies. None of these three tumours expressed KIT, while all specimens showed expression of PKC theta protein. These findings indicate that there is a subgroup of KIT-negative GISTs that exhibit the same morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular features as KIT-positive tumours. While intragenic PDGFRA activating mutations are present in some of these tumours, the oncogenic events underlying the pathogenesis of the others remain unknown.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Four consecutive arginine residues at positions 836-839 of EBV gp110 determine intracellular localization of gp110.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) glycoprotein 110 (gp110) has sequence homology with herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) gB; however the role of gp110 in EBVs' life cycle differs from that of gB. Unlike HSV-1 gB, which is essential for HSV-1 infection but dispensable for virus production, gp110 is required for assembly and egress of EBV. EBV gp110 is found mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/nuclear membrane, whereas little or no gp110 is detected in the plasma membrane or a mature viral particle. Conversely, HSV-1 gB is abundant in the envelope of mature virions and in the plasma membrane as well as in the ER/nuclear membrane of HSV-1-infected cells. Interestingly, there are four consecutive arginine residues (at positions 836-839 of gp110) in the C-terminal domain previously shown to be important for gp110's intracellular localization. To determine whether these arginines function as an ER/nuclear localization signal, point mutants were constructed differentially substituting the four arginines. The glycosylation pattern and intracellular localization of the mutants were investigated by assessing sensitivity to endoglycosidase H (endo H) digestion and performing indirect immunofluorescence assays. Substitution of part of the four arginines changed the glycosylation profile and targeting of gp110. In addition, mutations preserving the net charge of the four arginines as well as those causing net charge shift resulted in the changed intracellular localization and altered glycosylation pattern. These results suggest that not only the net charge but also the conformation of the four arginines are important for gp110's processing and subcellular localization.

Arginine↗

PubMed2006

Genetic instability in human tumors.

Genetic, or genomic, instability refers to a series of observed spontaneous genetic changes occurring at an accelerated rate in cell populations derived from the same ancestral precursor. This is far from a new finding, but is one that has increasingly gained more attention in the last decade due to its plausible role(s) in tumorigenesis. The majority of genetic alterations contributing to the malignant transformation are seen in growth regulatory genes, and in genes involved in cell cycle progression and arrest. Genomic instability may present itself through alterations in the length of short repeat stretches of coding and non-coding DNA, resulting in microsatellite instability. Tumors with such profiles are referred to as exhibiting a mutator phenotype, which is largely a consequence of inactivating mutations in DNA damage repair genes. Genomic instability may also, and most commonly, results from gross chromosomal changes, such as translocations or amplifications, which lead to chromosomal instability. Telomere length and telomerase activity, important in maintaining chromosomal structure and in regulating a normal cell's lifespan, have been shown to have a function in both suppressing and facilitating malignant transformation. In addition to such direct sequence and structural changes, gene silencing through the hypermethylation of promoter regions, or increased gene expression through the hypomethylation of such regions, together, form an alternative, epigenetic mechanism leading to instability. Emerging evidence also suggests that dietary and environmental agents can further modulate the contribution of genetic instability to tumorigenesis. Currently, there is still much debate over the distinct classes of genomic instability and their specific roles in the initiation of tumor formation, as well as in the progressive transition to a cancerous state. This review examines the various molecular mechanisms that result in this genomic instability and the potential contribution of the latter to human carcinogenesis.

Cell Transformation, Neoplastic↗

PubMed2002

Abietadiene synthase catalysis: conserved residues involved in protonation-initiated cyclization of geranylgeranyl diphosphate to (+)-copalyl diphosphate.

Abietadiene synthase catalyzes two sequential, mechanistically distinct cyclization reactions in the formation of a mixture of abietadiene double bond isomers as the committed step in resin acid biosynthesis. Each reaction is carried out at a separate active site residing in a structurally distinct domain, and the reactions are kinetically separable. The first cyclization reaction is initiated by protonation of the terminal double bond of the universal diterpene precursor, geranylgeranyl diphosphate. The pH dependence of the overall reaction is consistent with an acid-base catalytic mechanism, and a divalent metal ion plays a role in this reaction probably by binding the diphosphate moiety to assist in positioning the substrate for catalysis. A putative active site for the protonation-initiated cyclization was defined by modeling abietadiene synthase and locating the DXDD motif previously shown to be involved in this reaction. A number of charged and aromatic residues, which are highly conserved in mechanistically related diterpene cyclases, line the putative active site. Alanine substitutions were made for each of these residues, as were asparagine and glutamate substitutions for the aspartates of the DXDD motif. Kinetic evaluation confirmed the involvement of most of the targeted residues in the reaction, and analysis of mutational effects on the pH-activity profile and affinity for a transition state analogue suggested specific roles for several of these residues in catalyzing the cyclization of geranylgeranyl diphosphate to (+)-copalyl diphosphate. A functional role was also suggested for the cryptic insertional element found in abietadiene synthase and other diterpene synthases that carry out similar protonation-initiated cyclizations.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

PubMed2005

Lys300 plays a major role in the catalytic mechanism of maize polyamine oxidase.

Maize polyamine oxidase (MPAO) is a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent enzyme that catalyses the oxidation of spermine and spermidine at the secondary amino groups. The structure of MPAO indicates a 30-A long U-shaped tunnel that forms the catalytic site, with residues Glu62 and Glu170 located close to the enzyme-bound FAD and residue Tyr298 in close proximity to Lys300, which in turn is hydrogen-bonded to the flavin N(5) atom via a water molecule (HOH309). To provide insight into the role of these residues in the catalytic mechanism of FAD reduction, we have performed steady-state and stopped-flow studies with wild-type, Glu62Gln, Glu170Gln, Tyr298Phe, and Lys300Met MPAO enzymes. We show that the steady-state enzyme activity is governed by an ionisable group with a macroscopic pK(a) of approximately 5.8. Kinetic analysis of the Glu62Gln, Glu170Gln, and Tyr298Phe MPAO enzymes have indicated (i) only small perturbations in catalytic activity as a result of mutation and (ii) steady-state pH profiles essentially unaltered when compared to the wild-type enzyme, suggesting that these residues do not play a critical role in the reaction mechanism. These kinetic observations are consistent with computational calculations that suggest that Glu62 and Glu170 are protonated over the pH range accessible to kinetic studies. Substitution of Lys300 with Met in MPAO resulted in a 1400-fold decrease in the rate of flavin reduction and a 160-fold decrease in the equilibrium dissociation constant for the Lys300Met-spermidine complex, consistent with a major role for this residue in the mechanism of substrate oxidation. A sizable solvent isotope effect (SIE = 5) accompanies FAD reduction in the wild-type enzyme and steady-state turnover (SIE = 2.3) of MPAO, consistent with the reductive half-reaction of MPAO making a major contribution to rate limitation in steady-state turnover. Studies using the enzyme-monitored turnover method indicate that oxidized FAD is the prominent form during steady-state turnover, consistent with the reductive half-reaction being rate-limiting. Our studies indicate the importance of Lys300 and probable importance of HOH309 to the mechanism of flavin reduction in MPAO. Possible roles for Lys300 and water in the mechanism of flavin reduction are discussed.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed2006

Novel inhibitors of B-RAF based on a disubstituted pyrazine scaffold. Generation of a nanomolar lead.

B-RAF, a serine/threonine kinase, plays an important role in the development of certain classes of cancer, especially melanoma. As a result of high-throughput screening of a 23,000 compound library, 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenylamino)-6-(3-acetamidophenyl)pyrazine, 1, was identified as a low micromolar (IC(50) = 3.5 microM) B-RAF inhibitor. This compound was chosen as the starting point of a program aimed at producing potent inhibitors of B-RAF. We have synthesized a series of 40 novel compounds, which involved extensive modifications to the 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenylamino) moiety (ring A) of 1. Their biological profiles against isolated B-RAF and mutated B-RAF in a cellular assay have been determined. These efforts led to the identification of two compounds exhibiting activities lower than 800 nM against B-RAF.

Acetanilides↗

PubMed2006

A novel human primary immunodeficiency syndrome caused by deficiency of the endosomal adaptor protein p14.

Lysosome-related organelles have versatile functions, including protein and lipid degradation, signal transduction and protein secretion. The molecular elucidation of rare congenital diseases affecting endosomal-lysosomal biogenesis has given insights into physiological functions of the innate and adaptive immune system. Here, we describe a previously unknown human primary immunodeficiency disorder and provide evidence that the endosomal adaptor protein p14, previously characterized as confining mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to late endosomes, is crucial for the function of neutrophils, B cells, cytotoxic T cells and melanocytes. Combining genetic linkage studies and transcriptional profiling analysis, we identified a homozygous point mutation in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of p14 (also known as MAPBPIP), resulting in decreased protein expression. In p14-deficient cells, the distribution of late endosomes was severely perturbed, suggesting a previously unknown role for p14 in endosomal biogenesis. These findings have implications for understanding endosomal membrane dynamics, compartmentalization of cell signal cascades, and their role in immunity.

Adaptor Protein Complex 4↗

PubMed2004

Light exposure stimulates formation of A2E oxiranes in a mouse model of Stargardt's macular degeneration.

Recessive Stargardt's macular degeneration is a blinding disease of children caused by mutations in the ABCA4 (ABCR) gene. Mice with a knockout mutation in abcr accumulate toxic lipofuscin pigments in ocular tissues, similar to affected humans. The major fluorophore of lipofuscin is the bis-retinoid, N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E). In the current study, we sought to define the effect of increasing light on A2E accumulation. We crossed the abcr(-/-) mutation onto an albino background. The retinoid profiles in albino mice indicated higher retinal illuminance than in pigmented mice exposed to similar ambient light. Unexpectedly, A2E levels were not higher in the albino mice. Also, A2E levels in abcr(-/-) mice reared under cyclic light at 30, 120, or 1,700 lux were similar. Thus, increased retinal illuminance was not correlated with higher A2E. A2E has been shown to undergo light-dependent oxidation to yield a series of A2E epoxides or oxiranes. These oxiranes react with DNA in vitro, suggesting a potential mechanism for A2E cytotoxicity. We analyzed ocular tissues from abcr(-/-) mice for A2E oxiranes by mass spectrometry. Unlike A2E, the oxiranes were more abundant in albino vs. pigmented abcr(-/-) mice, and in abcr(-/-) mice exposed to increasing ambient light. These observations suggest that both the biosynthesis of A2E and its conversion to oxiranes are accelerated by light. Finally, we showed that the formation of A2E oxiranes is strongly suppressed by treating the abcr(-/-) mice with Accutane (isotretinoin), an inhibitor of rhodopsin regeneration.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

PubMed1995

Structural and functional significance of cysteine residues of glutathione-independent prostaglandin D synthase. Identification of Cys65 as an essential thiol.

Glutathione-independent prostaglandin D synthase in rat brain is composed of 189 amino acid residues and catalyzes the isomerization of prostaglandin H2 to prostaglandin D2, an endogenous sleep-promoting substance. This enzyme is the only enzyme among members of the lipocalin superfamily composed of various secretory lipophilic ligand-carrier proteins and is recently identified to be a beta-trace protein, a major constituent of human cerebrospinal fluid. We expressed the active enzyme in Escherichia coli and then systematically substituted all cysteine residues of the delta 1-29 enzyme at positions of 65, 89, and 186 with alanine or serine. The parent and mutant enzymes were purified to apparent homogeneity with a recovery of approximately 30% by chromatography with Sephadex G-50 and S-Sepharose, by which all the enzymes showed identical elution profiles. The purified enzymes, irrespective of the mutation, showed almost the same circular dichroism spectral characteristics as displayed by a highly ordered beta-structure. The recombinant enzymes containing Cys65 showed the activity comparable with that of the enzyme purified from rat brain (approximately 3 mumol/min/mg of protein) in the presence, but not in the absence, of sulfhydryl compounds. However, all of the single, double, and triple mutants without Cys65 lost the enzyme activity. The purified delta 1-29 Ala89,186 enzyme was inactivated reversibly by conjugation with glutathione at Cys65 and irreversibly by the stoichiometric chemical modification with N-ethylmaleimide. These results indicate that Cys65 is an essential thiol of the enzyme and that both the intrinsic and extrinsic sulfhydryl groups are necessary for nonoxidative rearrangement of 9,11-endoperoxide of prostaglandin H2 to produce prostaglandin D2 catalyzed by the enzyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Binding of the second generation non-nucleoside inhibitor S-1153 to HIV-1 reverse transcriptase involves extensive main chain hydrogen bonding.

S-1153 (AG1549) is perhaps the most promising non-nucleoside inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase currently under development as a potential anti-AIDS drug, because it has a favorable profile of resilience to many drug resistance mutations. We have determined the crystal structure of S-1153 in a complex with HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. The complex possesses some novel features, including an extensive network of hydrogen bonds involving the main chain of residues 101, 103, and 236 of the p66 reverse transcriptase subunit. Such interactions are unlikely to be disrupted by side chain mutations. The reverse transcriptase/S-1153 complex suggests different ways in which resilience to mutations in the non-nucleoside inhibitors of reverse transcriptase binding site can be achieved.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

PubMed2004

A conserved Val to Ile switch near the heme pocket of animal and bacterial nitric-oxide synthases helps determine their distinct catalytic profiles.

Nitric oxide (NO) release from nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) is largely dependent on the dissociation of an enzyme ferric heme-NO product complex (Fe(III)NO). Although the NOS-like protein from Bacillus subtilis (bsNOS) generates Fe(III)NO from the reaction intermediate N-hydroxy-l-arginine (NOHA), its NO dissociation is about 20-fold slower than in mammalian NOSs. Crystal structures suggest that a conserved Val to Ile switch near the heme pocket of bsNOS might determine its kinetic profile. To test this we generated complementary mutations in the mouse inducible NOS oxygenase domain (iNOSoxy, V346I) and in bsNOS (I224V) and characterized the kinetics and extent of their NO synthesis from NOHA and their NO-binding kinetics. The mutations did not greatly alter binding of Arg, (6R)-tetrahydrobiopterin, or alter the electronic properties of the heme or various heme-ligand complexes. Stopped-flow spectroscopy was used to study heme transitions during single turnover NOHA reactions. I224V bsNOS displayed three heme transitions involving four species as typically occurs in wild-type NOS, the beginning ferrous enzyme, a ferrous-dioxy (Fe(II)O(2)) intermediate, Fe(III)NO, and an ending ferric enzyme. The rate of each transition was increased relative to wild-type bsNOS, with Fe(III)NO dissociation being 3.6 times faster. In V346I iNOSoxy we consecutively observed the beginning ferrous, Fe(II)O(2), a mixture of Fe(III)NO and ferric heme species, and ending ferric enzyme. The rate of each transition was decreased relative to wild-type iNOSoxy, with the Fe(III)NO dissociation being 3 times slower. An independent measure of NO binding kinetics confirmed that V346I iNOSoxy has slower NO binding and dissociation than wild-type. Citrulline production by both mutants was only slightly lower than wild-type enzymes, indicating good coupling. Our data suggest that a greater shielding of the heme pocket caused by the Val/Ile switch slows down NO synthesis and NO release in NOS, and thus identifies a structural basis for regulating these kinetic variables.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

PubMed2000

A H+-gated urea channel: the link between Helicobacter pylori urease and gastric colonization.

Acidic media trigger cytoplasmic urease activity of the unique human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori. Deletion of ureI prevents this activation of cytoplasmic urease that is essential for bacterial acid resistance. UreI is an inner membrane protein with six transmembrane segments as shown by in vitro transcription/translation and membrane separation. Expression of UreI in Xenopus oocytes results in acid-stimulated urea uptake, with a pH profile similar to activation of cytoplasmic urease. Mutation of periplasmic histidine 123 abolishes stimulation. UreI-mediated transport is urea specific, passive, nonsaturable, nonelectrogenic, and temperature independent. UreI functions as a H+-gated urea channel regulating cytoplasmic urease that is essential for gastric survival and colonization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Cloning and characterization of Pseudomonas sp. strain DNT genes for 2,4-dinitrotoluene degradation.

The degradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) by Pseudomonas sp. strain DNT is initiated by a dioxygenase attack to yield 4-methyl-5-nitrocatechol (MNC) and nitrite. Subsequent oxidation of MNC by a monooxygenase results in the removal of the second molecule of nitrite, and further enzymatic reactions lead to ring fission. Initial studies on the molecular basis of DNT degradation in this strain revealed the presence of three plasmids. Mitomycin-derived mutants deficient in either DNT dioxygenase only or DNT dioxygenase and MNC monooxygenase were isolated. Plasmid profiles of mutant strains suggested that the mutations resulted from deletions in the largest plasmid. Total plasmid DNA partially digested by EcoRI was cloned into a broad-host-range cosmid vector, pCP13. Recombinant clones containing genes encoding DNT dioxygenase, MNC monooxygenase, and 2,4,5-trihydroxytoluene oxygenase were characterized by identification of reaction products and the ability to complement mutants. Subcloning analysis suggests that the DNT dioxygenase is a multicomponent enzyme system and that the genes for the DNT pathway are organized in at least three different operons.

Cloning, Molecular↗

PubMed1995

The investigation of a patient with unexpected venous thrombosis.

Over recent years a number of hereditary and acquired defects of the circulation's natural anticoagulant mechanisms have been characterised and shown to predispose affected individuals to thrombosis. It is important to attempt to diagnose a thrombophilia state in patients with a thrombotic tendency in order to provide appropriate management, especially during at-risk situations, both for themselves and asymptomatic relatives identified through family studies. This review defines the patients who should be investigated for an underlying thrombophilia state and describes the hereditary and acquired disorders which should be screened for within an investigation profile. The recently identified factor V Leiden mutation which appears to be the most common hereditary cause of a thrombotic tendency is described in detail and descriptions of the more established thrombophilia states are included. Although the factor V Leiden mutation accounts for a significant proportion of cases fulfilling the criteria for thrombophilia screening, a predisposing cause for thrombosis remains unidentifiable in a large number of patients making it likely that over the years to come new thrombophilia states will continue to be identified.

Blood Coagulation Disorders↗

PubMed2002

Evaluation of survival and pharmacodynamic relationships for five fluoroquinolones in a neutropenic murine model of pneumococcal lung infection.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the antistreptococcal activity of five fluoroquinolone antibiotics, using a neutropenic murine model of pneumococcal pulmonary infection. DESIGN: Animal experiment. SETTING: University-affiliated research center. ANIMALS: Neutropenic and control mice weighing 24-29 g. INTERVENTION: After induction of neutropenia, renal failure, and infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, the mice received one of five fluoroquinolones twice/day for 72 hours beginning 12 hours after infection. Dosages were selected to approximate 0.1 x AUC0-24 (area under the concentration-time curve from 0-24 hours) and AUC0-24 achieved in humans. Control mice received normal saline. Survival was assessed at regular intervals for up to 10 days. At least 10 mice were included in each cohort (range 10-34). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ciprofloxacin, clinafloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin were studied at subtherapeutic and therapeutic dosages against three quinolone-susceptible isolates of S. pneumoniae that lacked mutations in parC, parE, and gyrA. Pharmacokinetic profile of each agent and dosing regimen was determined. A composite survival curve for all fluoroquinolones and isolates was constructed. Relationships between survival rate at 72 hours and AUC:MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration), peak:MIC, time above the MIC (percentage of dosing interval) for total and free drug concentrations were fit by using a sigmoid maximal effect (Emax) model. Survival was significantly better in the higher dosage group than in the lower dosage group. Time above MIC did not display a correlation with outcome. The AUC:MIC showed a greater correlation with outcome (R2 = 0.56 total, 0.54 free) than did peak:MIC (R2 = 0.52 total, 0.51 free). With use of composite data, total AUC:MIC ratios associated with 50%, 90%, and 99% of Emax were 34:1, 56:1, and 95:1, respectively CONCLUSIONS: In this model, efficacy was achieved with the fluoroquinolone antibiotics at dosages yielding AUC0-24 comparable to those obtained in humans. One pharmacodynamic parameter (i.e., AUC:MIC) may be applied to various fluoroquinolones and isolates of S. pneumoniae. The AUC:MIC was more predictive of outcome than was time above the MIC or peak:MIC.

Animals↗