Highly Diluted Antibodies to eNOS Restore Endothelium Function in Aortic Rings From Hypertensive Rats.

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) as a vaso- and cardio-protective agent could reduce vasomotor dysfunction in different cardiovascular diseases. One of the current therapeutics targeted at NO availability in the vascular wall are highly diluted antibodies to endothelial NO-synthase (eNOS). This drug has previously shown its endothelium-protective effect and effectiveness in reducing hypertension. Current study was dedicated to evaluate the direct impact of highly diluted antibodies to eNOS on the vessel constriction and dilation ex vivo. Methods: For that purpose, we used thoracic aortas dissected from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. Endothelium-dependent relaxation in the presence of highly diluted antibodies to eNOS (1 mL) was examined after phenylephrine-induced pre-constriction of the aorta rings in response to gradually increased acetylcholine concentration (1 nM to 10 µM). Results: Highly diluted antibodies to eNOS enhanced acetylcholine-induced relaxation in a statistically significant manner. Moreover, it was demonstrated that observed effect was similar to perindopril, a well-known angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, which works through relaxing and widening blood vessels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that highly diluted antibodies to eNOS restored impaired endothelium function, as demonstrated by increased relaxation of SHR rats aorta rings. The revealed results suggest beneficial effect of highly diluted antibodies to eNOS to ameliorate hypertension and related diseases.

Insights into the Mechanism of Action of Highly Diluted Biologics.

The therapeutic use of Abs in cancer, autoimmunity, transplantation, and other fields is among the major biopharmaceutical advances of the 20th century. Broader use of Ab-based drugs is constrained because of their high production costs and frequent side effects. One promising approach to overcome these limitations is the use of highly diluted Abs, which are produced by gradual reduction of an Ab concentration to an extremely low level. This technology was used to create a group of drugs for the treatment of various diseases, depending on the specificity of the used Abs. Highly diluted Abs to IFN-γ (hd-anti-IFN-γ) have been demonstrated to be efficacious against influenza and other respiratory infections in a variety of preclinical and clinical studies. In the current study, we provide evidence for a possible mechanism of action of hd-anti-IFN-γ. Using high-resolution solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we show that the drug induced conformational changes in the IFN-γ molecule. Chemical shift changes occurred in the amino acids located primarily at the dimer interface and at the C-terminal region of IFN-γ. These molecular changes could be crucial for the function of the protein, as evidenced by an observed hd-anti-IFN-γ-induced increase in the specific binding of IFN-γ to its receptor in U937 cells, enhanced induced production of IFN-γ in human PBMC culture, and increased survival of influenza A-infected mice.

Distribution and antibiotic resistance profile of key Gram-negative bacteria that cause community-onset urinary tract infections in the Russian Federation: RESOURCE multicentre surveillance 2017 study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in clinical practice. This RESOURCE (pathogen distribution and antibiotic RESistance prOfile of key Gram-negative bacteria caUsing community-onsEt URinary traCt) study aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from outpatient urine samples collected across the Russian Federation. METHODS: A total of 96 781 urine samples were collected from 520 cities in the Russian Federation between 01 January 1 and 31 December 2017. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed using semi-automated analysers. The mean age of the study population was 40.9 years; 80.2% were female and 19.8% were male. RESULTS: Of the uropathogens that were isolated, 64.2% were Gram-negative bacteria. Among these, Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most common (49.1%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.5%), Proteus mirabilis (2.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.7%), and Enterobacter spp. (1.0%). Of the antibiotics that were tested, 50% of the isolated E. coli strains were resistant to ampicillin, 30.3% to co-trimoxazole, 26.2% to aztreonam, 28.8% to levofloxacin, and 21% to cefuroxime. Conversely, E. coli was highly susceptible to imipenem (0.7% resistant strains isolated), amikacin (0.9%), nitrofurantoin (4.5%), and fosfomycin (1.2%). The most active antimicrobials against Klebsiella pneumoniae were imipenem (6.8% resistant strains) and colistin (0.5%), while piperacillin/tazobactam (4.2%), cefoperazone/sulbactam (3.1%) and imipenem (0%) were the most active agents against Proteus mirabilis. The antimicrobials showing the highest activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were colistin (10.7% resistant strains) and aztreonam (0%), while piperacillin/tazobactam (7.1%) and cefoperazone/sulbactam (2.3%) showed the highest activity against Enterobacter spp. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of fluoroquinolone and cephalosporin resistance among common UTI-causing Gram-negative bacteria highlights the growing challenge of successfully treating community-onset UTIs.

Vascular cognitive impairment: pathophysiological mechanisms, insights into structural basis, and perspectives in specific treatments.

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and vascular dementia are the most common forms of cognitive disorder associated with cerebrovascular disease and related to increased morbidity and mortality among the older population. Growing evidence suggests the contribution of blood-pressure variability, cardiac arrhythmia, hyperactivation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling and stiffness, different angiopathies, neural tissue homeostasis, and systemic metabolic disorders to the pathophysiology of VCI. In this review, we focus on factors contributing to cerebrovascular disease, neurovascular unit alterations, and novel approaches to cognitive improvement in patients with cognitive decline. One of the important factors associated with the neuronal causes of VCI is the S100B protein, which can affect the expression of cytokines in the brain, support homeostasis, and regulate processes of differentiation, repair, and apoptosis of the nervous tissue. Since the pathological basis of VCI is complex and diverse, treatment affecting the mechanisms of cognitive disorders should be developed. The prospective role of a novel complex drug consisting of released-active antibodies to S100 and to endothelial NO synthase in VCI treatment is highlighted.

Pathogenetic approach to the treatment of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and their intersection: results of the Russian observation retrospective program COMFORT.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the novel complex drug, consisting of released-active form of antibodies to S-100 protein, tumor necrosis factor-α and histamine, (Kolofort) under outpatient conditions in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and FD-IBS overlap. METHODS: The subjects of the observational noninterventional retrospective program were the data of 14,362 outpatient records of patients with diagnosed FD, IBS, and/or overlap, who were observed by gastroenterologists from November 01, 2017, through March 30, 2018, who received the drug Kolofort in monotherapy for 12 weeks, 2 tablets twice a day. To assess the presence and severity of symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), the "7*7" questionnaire developed by a working group from the Russian Gastroenterological Association was used. The evaluated parameters included the proportion of patients: who had a 50% or more reduction in the total score; who have switched to the less severe category of the condition; who have switched to the "healthy" or "borderline ill" severity categories; and the change in the score in domains 1-7. RESULTS: The final efficacy analysis included data from 9254 patients. A decrease in the total score by 50% or more was observed in 80.45% of patients with FD, 79.02% of patients with IBS, and in 83% of patients with both IBS and FD. Switch to a lower severity category of the condition at the end of therapy was noted in 93.35% of patients with FD, in 93.80% of cases in patients with IBS, and in 96.17% of cases in patients with a combination of IBS and FD. A total of 94 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 80 patients (0.65%). CONCLUSION: The COMFORT program has demonstrated the positive effect of treatment in the majority of patients with IBS and FD and their combination in real clinical practice.

Dose-Response Effect of Antibodies to S100 Protein and Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 in Released-Active Form in the Light-Dark Test in Mice.

Earlier studies have shown that combination of antibodies to S100 protein and to cannabinoid receptor type 1 in released-active form (Brizantin) may possess anxiolytic properties and decrease nicotine dependence. Released-active form of antibodies is a novel approach that permits to modify natural functions of the target molecule (antigen) under investigation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effect of Brizantin in the light-dark test in mice, according to its ability to influence the number of entries into the lit compartment and the total time spent there. Three doses of Brizantin (2.5, 5, and 10 mL/kg) were compared with diazepam (1 mg/kg), placebo, and vehicle control. Anxiolytic-like effect of the tested drug was shown to be dose dependent, with an increasing trend from 2.5 to 10 mL/kg. Brizantin in its highest dose significantly increased studied behavioral parameters, although its effect was less pronounced than that of the reference drug diazepam (1 mg/kg).

Efficacy and safety of Subetta add-on therapy in type 1 diabetes mellitus: The results of a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To examine efficacy of Subetta as an add-on to insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was performed. Derived by technological treatment of antibodies to insulin receptor ß-subunit and endothelial NO synthase Subetta was previously proved to activate insulin signaling pathway. METHODS: A total of 144 randomized patients with poor glycemic control in basal-bolus insulin regime were included in intention-to-treat analysis in Subetta add-on therapy or placebo (n = 72 in both groups). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), basal and prandial insulin doses, number of hypoglycemia episodes confirmed by self-monitoring of blood glucose were recorded for 36 weeks. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of subjects did not differ between the two groups. HbA1c mean (±standard deviation) change was -0.59 ±â€¯0.99% (95% CI -0.84 to -0.37) after 36 weeks in Subetta (vs. -0.20 ±â€¯1.14%; 95% CI -0.44 to 0.11 in placebo; p = 0.028). The rate of overall hypoglycemia events was 7.9 per patient year (95% CI 7.1-8.6) in Subetta group and 7.6 (95% CI 6.9-8.4) in Placebo group (p = 0.63). The basal and total insulin doses did not change at the end of 36 weeks in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Subetta add-on therapy boosting insulin activity and improving glycemic control in patients with T1DM is proved to be beneficial. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01868594.

Efficacy and safety of Afalaza in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia at risk of progression: a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: In order to investigate the efficacy and safety of Afalaza in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at risk of progression, this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was performed. Derived by technological treatment of antibodies to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOs), Afalaza was previously proved to modulate its molecular targets. The mechanism of action of the drug is associated with the modulating effect of the antibiodies (RA-Abs) on the molecular targets (PSA and eNOS) by way of conformational changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 49 patients aged 45-60 years with BPH and moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), total prostate volume (TPV) ≥30 cm3, Qmax 10-15 ml/s, and serum PSA<4 ng/ml were randomly assigned to receive either Afalaza (n = 125) or placebo (n = 124) for 12 months. Changes in BPH/LUTS symptoms (according to the International Prostate Symptom Score), Qmax, TPV, PSA, BPH clinical progression, occurrence of acure urinary retention (AUR) events or BPH-related surgery were estimated as the study endpoints. RESULTS: IPSS mean change was -3.7 ±3.0 (95% CI -4.3 to -3.2) after 12 months of Afalaza (vs. -2.9 ±2.4; 95% CI -3.3 to -2.4 in placebo; р = 0.02). Qmax growth was 2.5 ±4.3 ml/s (vs. 1.4 ±3.3 in placebo; p = 0.049), TPV reduced by 11.8 ±16.0% (vs. 6.5 ±14.7%; p = 0.01, and PSA remained unchanged. Afalaza therapy resulted in a significant decrease in the total sum of BPH progression symptoms (p = 0.01). The maximum effect of Afalaza was registered after 12 months without a tendency to form a 'plateau'. During the study, no patients experienced AUR or BPH-related surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-month course of Afalaza therapy is effective and safe for patients with BPH. The results of end points measurements revealed asignificant advantage of Afalaza compared to placebo in the overall symptoms benefit and a decline in the risk of BPH progression.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01716104.

Structure and dynamics of the insulin receptor: implications for receptor activation and drug discovery.

Recently, major progress has been made in uncovering the mechanisms of how insulin engages its receptor and modulates downstream signal transduction. Here, we present in detail the current structural knowledge surrounding the individual components of the complex, binding sites, and dynamics during the activation process. A novel kinase triggering mechanism, the 'bow-arrow model', is proposed based on current knowledge and computational simulations of this system, in which insulin, after its initial interaction with binding site 1, engages with site 2 between the fibronectin type III (FnIII)-1 and -2 domains, which changes the conformation of FnIII-3 and eventually translates into structural changes across the membrane. This model provides a new perspective on the process of insulin binding to its receptor and, thus, could lead to future novel drug discovery efforts.

Efficacy of novel antibody-based drugs against rhinovirus infection: In vitro and in vivo results.

Rhinoviruses (RVs) cause the common cold and are associated with exacerbations of chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases, especially asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We have assessed the antiviral drugs Anaferon for Children (AC) and Ergoferon (containing AC as one of the active pharmaceutical ingredients) in in vitro and in vivo experimental models, in order to evaluate their anti-rhinoviral and immunomodulatory potential. HeLa cells were pretreated with AC, and levels of the interferon-stimulated gene (ISG), 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1-A) and viral replication were analyzed. In a mouse model of RV-induced exacerbation of allergic airway inflammation we administered Ergoferon and analyzed its effect on type I (IFN-ß), type II (IFN-γ) and type III (IFN-λ) IFNs induction, cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), cytokine (interleukin (IL)-4; IL-6) and chemokine (CXCL10/IP-10; CXCL1/KC) levels. It was shown that AC increased OAS1-А production and significantly decreased viral replication in vitro. Increased IFNs expression together with reduced neutrophils/lymphocytes recruitment and correlated IL-4/IL-6 declination was demonstrated for Ergoferon in vivo. However, there was no effect on examined chemokines. We conclude that AC and Ergoferon possess effects against RV infection and may have potential as novel therapies against RV-induced exacerbations of asthma.

Activity of ergoferon against lethal influenza A (H3N2) virus infection in mice.

BACKGROUND: The influenza A virus accounts for serious annual viral upper respiratory tract infections. It is constantly able to modify its antigenic structure, thus evading host defence mechanisms. Moreover, currently available anti-influenza agents have a rather limited application, emphasizing the further need for new effective treatments. One of them is ergoferon, a drug containing combined polyclonal antibodies - anti-interferon gamma, anti-CD4 receptor and anti-histamine - in released-active form. The purpose of the study was to assess ergoferon antiviral efficacy in mice challenged with the A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) influenza virus. METHODS: The virus was inoculated intranasally at a 90% lethal dose. Ergoferon was administered at 0.4 ml/day per os in a preventive and therapeutic regimen - daily for 5 days prior to and for 16 days after the challenge. The reference product, Tamiflu (oseltamivir), was used as a positive control treatment - at 20 mg/kg/day for 5 days after the challenge. Mice in the negative control group received distilled water which had been utilized for test sample preparation; untreated control animals received no treatment. Antiviral efficacy was assessed by an increase in survival rate, average life expectancy and virus titre reduction in the challenged mouse lungs. RESULTS: Survival rate and average life expectancy values were increased significantly in groups treated with ergoferon and Tamiflu, as compared with controls. Lung virus titres were reduced in these groups as observed on days 2 and 4 post-inoculation. CONCLUSIONS: Ergoferon demonstrated antiviral activity by reducing the severity and duration of the major signs of induced influenza infection.

Efficacy and safety of Ergoferon versus oseltamivir in adult outpatients with seasonal influenza virus infection: a multicenter, open-label, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: Ergoferon is an antiviral complex drug containing released-active forms of antibodies to interferon gamma, CD4, and histamine. Its efficacy and safety in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections has been reported previously. The aim of this study was to compare Ergoferon with oseltamivir. METHODS: A multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial of patients aged 18 to 65 years, who had tested positive for influenza A or B antigens, was performed. A total of 156 patients were enrolled as the intention-to-treat population; these patients were assigned randomly to receive either Ergoferon or oseltamivir (n=78 in each group). RESULTS: The percentage of patients achieving a normal body temperature (≤37.0°Ð¡) following 5 days of treatment did not differ significantly between the groups. The mean duration of fever in the Ergoferon and oseltamivir groups was 2.1±1.5 days and 2.3±1.6 days, respectively (p=0.01). The average time to the resolution of influenza symptoms was approximately 3 days, with no significant between-group difference. Total quality of life scores were similar in the two groups following 5 days of drug administration. The incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups, nor were there any serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Ergoferon and oseltamivir were equally effective and safe in adult outpatients with seasonal influenza A or B virus infection. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT01804946.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Signaling Inhibitors-Losartan, Enalapril, and Cardosten-Prevent Infarction-induced Heart Failure Development in Rats.

CONTEXT: The activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure, which is the reason that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin 2 receptor blockers (ARBs) have become established therapies for heart failure. However, it is still not known whether preventive treatment with losartan or enalapril can reduce symptoms of infarction-induced heart failure. Ultra-low dose (ULD) drug therapy is thought to exert specific activity, with a lower chance of side effects. OBJECTIVES • The research team had hypothesized that preventive treatment with inhibitors of RAAS signaling-losartan, enalapril, and a preparation of a ULD antibody (ie, cardosten), which target the angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor-might alleviate pathological hypertrophy and/or functional decline in infarction-induced heart failure. METHODS: The research team treated male Wistar rats orally for 30 d with 20 mg/kg of losartan, 10 mg/kg enalapril, 5 or 7.5 mL/kg of cardosten, or a control solution, started 1 d prior to permanent coronary occlusion. A sham-operated group functioned as a second control group. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Szeged in Szeged, Hungary, in cooperation with the Pharmahungary Group, also in Szeged, Hungary, and with OOO "NPF" Materia Medica Holding Ltd in Moscow, Russia. OUTCOME MEASURES: To determine cardiac functional parameters in vivo, the research team inserted a catheter into the left ventricle of the rats and measured the parameters of ventricular pressure, and cardiac output was determined by thermodilution. Morphological parameters were measured after heart isolation in transverse sections by a digital caliper. RESULTS: A total of 30 d after permanent coronary ligation, both losartan and enalapril, significantly decreased mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), attenuated the development of the left-ventricular anterior-wall and septum hypertrophy, and reduced scar thickness compared with the vehicle control group. The deterioration of cardiac output and the increase in total peripheral resistance (TPR) due to coronary ligation were significantly inhibited by both losartan and enalapril. The effects of cardosten were comparable with those of losartan and enalapril on cardiac morphology, left ventricular function, and TPR; however, it did not influence MABP. Moreover, in contrast to losartan and enalapril, cardosten did not decrease the rate of survival. CONCLUSIONS: The study was the first to have demonstrated that preventive treatment with losartan, enalapril, or cardosten can attenuate pathological hypertrophy in infarction-induced heart failure in rats.

Use of Piezoelectric Immunosensors for Detection of Interferon-Gamma Interaction with Specific Antibodies in the Presence of Released-Active Forms of Antibodies to Interferon-Gamma.

In preliminary ELISA studies where released-active forms (RAF) of antibodies (Abs) to interferon-gamma (IFNg) were added to the antigen-antibody system, a statistically significant difference in absorbance signals obtained in their presence in comparison to placebo was observed. A piezoelectric immunosensor assay was developed to support these data and investigate the effects of RAF Abs to IFNg on the specific interaction between Abs to IFNg and IFNg. The experimental conditions were designed and optimal electrode coating, detection circumstances and suitable chaotropic agents for electrode regeneration were selected. The developed technique was found to provide high repeatability, intermediate precision and specificity. The difference between the analytical signals of RAF Ab samples and those of the placebo was up to 50.8%, whereas the difference between non-specific controls and the placebo was within 5%-6%. Thus, the piezoelectric immunosensor as well as ELISA has the potential to be used for detecting the effects of RAF Abs to IFNg on the antigen-antibody interaction, which might be the result of RAF's ability to modify the affinity of IFNg to specific/related Abs.

In vitro screening of major neurotransmitter systems possibly involved in the mechanism of action of antibodies to S100 protein in released-active form.

Experimentally and clinically, it was shown that released-active form of antibodies to S100 protein (RAF of Abs to S100) exerts a wide range of pharmacological activities: anxiolytic, antiasthenic, antiaggressive, stress-protective, antihypoxic, antiischemic, neuroprotective, and nootropic. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of RAF of Abs to S100 on major neurotransmitter systems (serotoninergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and on sigma receptors as well) which are possibly involved in its mechanism of pharmacological activity. Radioligand binding assays were used for assessment of the drug influence on ligand-receptor interaction. [(35)S]GTPγS binding assay, cyclic adenosine monophosphate HTRF™, cellular dielectric spectroscopy assays, and assays based on measurement of intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) ions were used for assessment of agonist or antagonist properties of the drug toward receptors. RAF of Abs to S100 increased radioligand binding to 5-HT1F, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2Cedited, 5-HT3, and to D3 receptors by 142.0%, 131.9%, 149.3%, 120.7%, and 126.3%, respectively. Also, the drug significantly inhibited specific binding of radioligands to GABAB1A/B2 receptors by 25.8%, and to both native and recombinant human sigma1 receptors by 75.3% and 40.32%, respectively. In the functional assays, it was shown that the drug exerted antagonism at 5-HT1B, D3, and GABAB1A/B2 receptors inhibiting agonist-induced responses by 23.24%, 32.76%, and 30.2%, respectively. On the contrary, the drug exerted an agonist effect at 5-HT1A receptors enhancing receptor functional activity by 28.0%. The pharmacological profiling of RAF of Abs to S100 among 27 receptor provides evidence for drug-related modification of major neurotransmitter systems.

An Orally Available BACE1 Inhibitor That Affords Robust CNS Aß Reduction without Cardiovascular Liabilities.

BACE1 inhibition to prevent Aß peptide formation is considered to be a potential route to a disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Previous efforts in our laboratory using a combined structure- and property-based approach have resulted in the identification of aminooxazoline xanthenes as potent BACE1 inhibitors. Herein, we report further optimization leading to the discovery of inhibitor 15 as an orally available and highly efficacious BACE1 inhibitor that robustly reduces CSF and brain Aß levels in both rats and nonhuman primates. In addition, compound 15 exhibited low activity on the hERG ion channel and was well tolerated in an integrated cardiovascular safety model.