Rates of severe neutropenia and infection risk in patients treated with deferiprone: 28 years of data.

Patients treated with deferiprone for transfusional iron overload may experience idiosyncratic drug-induced neutropenia (IDIN) that may put them at risk of infection. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the rates of severe IDIN and risk of serious infections at different ANC levels in patients treated with deferiprone. Events of severe IDIN (ANC <0.5×109/L) and associated serious infections from clinical trials and postmarketing setting were analyzed by 3 discrete ANC levels: Group 1, 0.2-0.5×109/L; Group 2, 0.1-0.199×109/L; Group 3, <0.1×109/L. In clinical trials, 22 events of severe IDIN were observed (Group 1, n=9; Group 2, n=3; Group 3, n=10); total deferiprone exposure was 1990.26 patient-years; and rates of severe IDIN per 100 patient-years were 0.45 in Group 1, 0.15 in Group 2, and 0.50 in Group 3. All serious infections were in Group 3 (3/10, 30.0%). In the postmarketing setting, 176 events of severe IDIN were reported (Group 1, n=65; Group 2, n=20; Group 3, n=91); total deferiprone exposure was 111,570.24 patient-years; and rates of severe IDIN per 100 patient-years were 0.06 in Group 1, 0.02 in Group 2, and 0.08 in Group 3. Rates of serious infection were 7.7% (n=5/65) in Group 1, 10% (n=2/20) in Group 2, and 13.2% (n=12/91) in Group 3. Our findings suggest that in patients receiving deferiprone, ANC below 0.2×109/L carries a high risk of serious infections, consistent with the recent neutropenia guidelines that agranulocytosis with ANC <0.2×109/L is associated with a high risk of serious infections.

Real-world evidence: Long-term safety of deferiprone in a large cohort of patients with sickle cell disease enrolled in a registry for up to 10 years.

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and other anemias who receive blood transfusions are at risk of organ damage due to transfusional iron overload. Deferiprone is an iron chelator with a well-established safety and efficacy profile that is indicated for the treatment of transfusional iron overload. Here, we report safety data from the large-scale, retrospective Ferriprox® Total Care Registry, which involved all patients with SCD taking deferiprone following the 2011 approval of deferiprone in the United States through August 2020. A total of 634 patients who had initiated deferiprone treatment were included. The mean (SD) duration of deferiprone exposure in the registry was 1.6 (1.6) years (range 0 to 9.7 years). In the overall patient population (N = 634), 64.7% (n = 410) of patients reported a total of 1885 adverse events (AEs). In subgroup analyses, 54.6% (n = 71) of pediatric patients and 67.3% (n = 339) of adult patients reported AEs. The most common AEs reported in patients receiving deferiprone were sickle cell crisis (22.7%), nausea (12.1%), vomiting (8.7%), abdominal discomfort (5.4%), and fatigue (5.4%). Neutropenia was reported in four (0.6%) patients and severe neutropenia/agranulocytosis (defined as absolute neutrophil count <0.5 × 109/L) was reported in two (0.3%) patients. Of patients with evaluable data, all cases of neutropenia and severe neutropenia/agranulocytosis resolved with deferiprone discontinuation. Results from the nearly 10 years of real-world data collected in the Ferriprox® Total Care Registry demonstrate that deferiprone is safe and well tolerated in patients with SCD or other anemias who have transfusional iron overload.

Efficacy and safety of early-start deferiprone in infants and young children with transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia: Evidence for iron shuttling to transferrin in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial (START).

Children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) require regular blood transfusions that, without iron-chelation therapy, lead to iron-overload toxicities. Current practice delays chelation therapy (late-start) until reaching iron overload (serum ferritin ≥1000 µg/L) to minimize risks of iron-depletion. Deferiprone's distinct pharmacological properties, including iron-shuttling to transferrin, may reduce risks of iron depletion during mild-to-moderate iron loads and iron overload/toxicity in children with TDT. The early-start deferiprone (START) study evaluated the efficacy/safety of early-start deferiprone in infants/young children with TDT. Sixty-four infants/children recently diagnosed with beta-thalassemia and serum ferritin (SF) between 200 and 600 µg/L were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive deferiprone or placebo for 12 months or until reaching SF-threshold (≥1000 µg/L at two consecutive visits). Deferiprone was initiated at 25 mg/kg/day and increased to 50 mg/kg/day; some recipients' dosages increased to 75 mg/kg/day based on iron levels. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients ≥SF-threshold by month 12. Monthly transferrin saturation (TSAT) assessment evaluated iron-shuttling. At baseline, there was no significant difference in mean age (deferiprone: 3.03 years, placebo: 2.63 years), SF (deferiprone: 513.8 µg/L, placebo: 451.7 µg/L), or TSAT (deferiprone: 47.98%, placebo: 43.43%) between groups. At month 12, there was no significant difference in growth or adverse event (AE) rates between groups. No deferiprone-treated patients were iron-depleted. At month 12, 66% of patients receiving deferiprone remained below SF threshold versus 39% of placebo (p = .045). Deferiprone-treated patients showed higher TSAT levels and reached ≥60% TSAT threshold faster. Early-start deferiprone was well-tolerated, not associated with iron depletion, and efficacious in reducing iron overload in infants/children with TDT. TSAT results provide the first clinical evidence of deferiprone shuttling iron to transferrin.

Deferiprone for transfusional iron overload in sickle cell disease and other anemias: open-label study of up to 3 years.

Long-term safety and efficacy data on the iron chelator deferiprone in sickle cell disease (SCD) and other anemias are limited. FIRST-EXT was a 2-year extension study of FIRST (Ferriprox in Patients With Iron Overload in Sickle Cell Disease Trial), a 1-year, randomized noninferiority study of deferiprone vs deferoxamine in these populations. Patients who entered FIRST-EXT continued to receive, or were switched to, deferiprone. Altogether, 134 patients were enrolled in FIRST-EXT (mean age: 16.2 years), with mean (SD) exposure to deferiprone of 2.1 (0.8) years over the 2 studies. The primary end point was safety. Secondary end points were change in liver iron concentration (LIC), cardiac T2∗, serum ferritin (SF), and the proportion of responders (≥20% improvement in efficacy measure). The most common adverse events considered at least possibly related to deferiprone were neutropenia (9.0%) and abdominal pain (7.5%). LIC (mg/g dry weight) decreased over time, with mean (SD) changes from baseline at each time point (year 1, -2.64 [4.64]; year 2, -3.91 [6.38]; year 3, -6.64 [7.72], all P < .0001). Mean SF levels (µg/L) decreased significantly after year 2 (-771, P = .0008) and year 3 (-1016, P = .0420). Responder rates for LIC and SF increased each year (LIC: year 1, 46.5%; year 2, 57.1%; year 3, 66.1%; SF: year 1, 35.2%; year 2, 55.2%; year 3, 70.9%). Cardiac T2∗ remained normal in all patients. In conclusion, long-term therapy with deferiprone was not associated with new safety concerns and led to continued and progressive reduction in iron load in individuals with SCD or other anemias. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02443545.

The pharmacokinetic and safety profile of single-dose deferiprone in subjects with sickle cell disease.

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who undergo repeated blood transfusions often develop iron overload. Deferiprone (Ferriprox®) is an oral iron chelator indicated for the treatment of transfusional iron overload due to thalassemia syndromes and has been recently approved as a treatment for iron overload in adult and pediatric patients with SCD and other anemias. The present study aims to characterize the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of deferiprone (DFP) in adult subjects with SCD. In this phase I, open-label study, subjects with SCD were administered a single 1500 mg dose of DFP. Blood and urine samples were collected for PK assessments of DFP and its main metabolite, deferiprone 3-O-glucuronide (DFP-G). Eight subjects were enrolled and completed the study. Following drug administration, serum levels of DFP and DFP-G rose to maximum concentrations at 1.0 and 2.8 h post-dose, respectively. The half-lives of DFP and DFP-G were 1.5 and 1.6 h, respectively. The majority of administered drug was metabolized and excreted as DFP-G, with less than 4% excreted unchanged in urine up to 10 h post-dose. Subjects received a safety assessment 7 (± 3) days post-dose. Two subjects reported mild adverse events unrelated to the study drug, and no other safety concerns were reported. The PK profile of DFP in SCD subjects is consistent with previous reports in healthy adult volunteers, suggesting no special dosing adjustments are indicated for this population. These findings provide valuable insight for treating iron overload in patients with SCD, who have limited chelation therapy treatment options (trial registration number: NCT01835496, date of registration: April 19, 2013).

Safety and efficacy of deferiprone for pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial and an open-label extension study.

BACKGROUND: Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by progressive generalised dystonia and brain iron accumulation. We assessed whether the iron chelator deferiprone can reduce brain iron and slow disease progression. METHODS: We did an 18-month, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (TIRCON2012V1), followed by a pre-planned 18-month, open-label extension study, in patients with PKAN in four hospitals in Germany, Italy, England, and the USA. Patients aged 4 years or older with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of PKAN, a total score of at least 3 points on the Barry-Albright Dystonia (BAD) scale, and no evidence of iron deficiency, neutropenia, or abnormal hepatic or renal function, were randomly allocated (2:1) to receive an oral solution of either deferiprone (30 mg/kg per day divided into two equal doses) or placebo for 18 months. Randomisation was done with a centralised computer random number generator and with stratification based on age group at onset of symptoms. Patients were allocated to groups by a randomisation team not masked for study intervention that was independent of the study. Patients, caregivers, and investigators were masked to treatment allocation. Co-primary endpoints were the change from baseline to month 18 in the total score on the BAD scale (which measures severity of dystonia in eight body regions) and the score at month 18 on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale, which is a patient-reported interpretation of symptom improvement. Efficacy analyses were done on all patients who received at least one dose of the study drug and who provided a baseline and at least one post-baseline efficacy assessment. Safety analyses were done for all patients who received at least one dose of the study drug. Patients who completed the randomised trial were eligible to enrol in a single-arm, open-label extension study of another 18 months, in which all participants received deferiprone with the same regimen as the main study. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01741532, and EudraCT, number 2012-000845-11. FINDINGS: Following a screening of 100 prospective patients, 88 were randomly assigned to the deferiprone group (n=58) or placebo group (n=30) between Dec 13, 2012, and April 21, 2015. Of these, 76 patients completed the study (49 in the deferiprone group and 27 in the placebo group). After 18 months, the BAD score worsened by a mean of 2·48 points (SE 0·63) in patients in the deferiprone group versus 3·99 points (0·82) for patients in the control group (difference -1·51 points, 95% CI -3·19 to 0·16, p=0·076). No subjective change was detected as assessed by the PGI-I scale: mean scores at month 18 were 4·6 points (SE 0·3) for patients in the deferiprone group versus 4·7 points (0·4) for those in the placebo group (p=0·728). In the extension study, patients continuing deferiprone retained a similar rate of disease progression as assessed by the BAD scale (1·9 points [0·5] in the first 18 months vs 1·4 points [0·4] in the second 18 months, p=0·268), whereas progression in patients switching from placebo to deferiprone seemed to slow (4·4 points [1·1] vs 1·4 points [0·9], p=0·021). Patients did not detect a change in their condition after the additional 18 months of treatment as assessed by the PGI-I scale, with mean scores of 4·1 points [0·2] in the deferiprone-deferiprone group and of 4·7 points [0·3] in the placebo-deferiprone group. Deferiprone was well tolerated and adverse events were similar between the treatment groups, except for anaemia, which was seen in 12 (21%) of 58 patients in the deferiprone group, but was not seen in any patients in the placebo group. No patient discontinued therapy because of anaemia, and three discontinued because of moderate neutropenia. There was one death in each group of the extension study and both were secondary to aspiration. Neither of these events was considered related to deferiprone use. INTERPRETATION: Deferiprone was well tolerated, achieved target engagement (lowering of iron in the basal ganglia), and seemed to somewhat slow disease progression at 18 months, although not significantly, as assessed by the BAD scale. These findings were corroborated by the results of an additional 18 months of treatment in the extension study. The subjective PGI-I scale was largely unchanged during both study periods, indicating that might not be an adequate tool for assessment of disease progression in patients with PKAN. Our trial provides the first indication of a decrease in disease progression in patients with neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation. The extensive information collected and long follow-up of patients in the trial will improve the definition of appropriate endpoints, increase the understanding of the natural history, and thus help to shape the design of future trials in this ultra-orphan disease. FUNDING: European Commission, US Food and Drug Administration, and ApoPharma Inc.

Randomized, Blinded, Placebo- and Positive-Controlled Crossover Study to Determine the Effect of Deferiprone on the QTc Interval in Healthy Subjects.

This study evaluated whether deferiprone, an oral iron chelator, acts to prolong the QT interval. Fifty healthy volunteers received single doses of each of the following: therapeutic dose of deferiprone (33 mg/kg), supratherapeutic dose (50 mg/kg), placebo, or moxifloxacin, a positive control known to significantly prolong QT interval. Following each dose, subjects underwent cardiac monitoring, pharmacokinetics assessments, and safety assessments. Based on the QT interval obtained using the Fridericia correction for heart rate (QTcF), the upper bound of the 1-sided 95% confidence interval of the mean difference between deferiprone and placebo was <10 milliseconds (the threshold of concern defined by authorities) at all time points for both doses: maximum difference of 3.01 milliseconds for the therapeutic dose and 5.23 milliseconds for the supratherapeutic dose. The difference in dQTcF between moxifloxacin and placebo demonstrated that the study was adequately sensitive to detect a significant prolongation of QTcF. The concentration-response correlation analyses revealed some weak but statistically significant trends of increase in dQTcF and ddQTcF with increasing exposure to deferiprone, but these trends should have no clinical consequence even at the recommended maximum dosage. In conclusion, there was no clinically meaningful effect on QTc interval following single therapeutic or supratherapeutic doses of deferiprone.

Effects of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of orally administered deferiprone.

AIMS: In light of the growing recognition of renal disease in thalassemia, it is important to understand the impact of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of iron chelators. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics and safety of the iron chelator deferiprone (DFP) in subjects with renal impairment in comparison with healthy volunteers (HVs). METHODS: Thirty-two subjects were categorized into four groups based on degree of renal impairment: none, mild, moderate or severe, as determined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). All subjects received a single oral dose of 33 mg kg(-1) DFP, provided serum and urine samples for pharmacokinetic assessment over 24 h and were monitored for safety. RESULTS: Renal clearance of DFP decreased as renal impairment increased. However, based on Cmax , AUC(0,t) and AUC(0,∞), there were no significant group differences in systemic exposure, because less than 4% of the drug was excreted unchanged in the urine. DFP is extensively metabolized to a renally excreted, pharmacologically inactive metabolite, deferiprone 3-O-glucuronide (DFP-G), which exhibited higher Cmax , AUC(0,t), AUC(0,∞) and longer tmax and t1/2 in the renally impaired groups compared with HVs. The Cmax and AUCs of DFP-G increased as eGFR decreased. Overall, 75%-95% of the dose was retrieved in urine, either as DFP or DFP-G, regardless of severity of renal impairment. With respect to safety, DFP was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that no adjustment of the DFP dosage regimen in patients with renal impairment is necessary, as there were no significant changes in the systemic exposure to the drug.

Pharmacokinetics of Tramadol and O-Desmethyltramadol Enantiomers Following Administration of Extended-Release Tablets to Elderly and Young Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Tramadol is frequently used in geriatric patients; however, pharmacokinetic (PK) publications on tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol (ODM) in elderly patients are rare. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to characterize the PK of tramadol and ODM, including absorption processes and covariates for tramadol, in elderly and young subjects after single-dose administration of 200-mg extended-release tablets. METHODS: We conducted a PK study in 15 elderly (aged ≥75 years) subjects with mild renal insufficiency and 20 young (18-40 years) subjects; blood and urine samples were collected for 48 h post-dose. Non-compartmental analysis (NCA) of each tramadol and ODM enantiomer included area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), terminal elimination rate (k el), total body clearance, volume of distribution (V area/ F), and renal clearance (Clr0-48). A one-compartment population model of total tramadol concentration was parameterized with clearance (CL/F), volume of distribution (V/F), and mixed order absorption (first-order and zero-order absorption rate constants with lag times). RESULTS: NCA demonstrated comparable maximum plasma concentration (C max) and AUC between age groups for tramadol enantiomers, but significant differences in V area/ F (mean 34% higher) and k el (mean 28% lower) in the elderly. PK of ODM were significantly different in the elderly for AUC0-inf (mean 35% higher), Clr0-48 (mean 29% lower), and k el (mean 33% lower). The population analysis identified age as a covariate of V/F (young 305 L; elderly 426 L), with a 50% longer mean elimination half-life in the elderly. No differences in absorption processes were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol exposure was similar between the age groups; exposure to ODM was higher in elderly subjects.

The effect and clinical consequences of hypoxia on cytochrome P450, membrane carrier proteins activity and expression.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pulmonary disease and heart failure reduce drug clearance and consequently enhance adverse drug reactions. The mechanisms of action underlying the regulation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms and membrane carrier proteins by hypoxia, and the clinical consequences of the regulation of CYP by hypoxia, alone or combined with other conditions have been elucidated in the last decades. Overall, a reduced drug clearance appears to be associated with hypoxemia. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the mechanisms of action underlying hypoxia-induced regulation of CYP enzymes are discussed. The authors also revise the effects of hypoxia on serum mediators, signal transduction pathways, orphan nuclear receptors, transcription factors and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating CYP and membrane carrier proteins expression. Additionally, the paper also discusses the clinical repercussions of hypoxia-induced changes in CYP and membrane carrier proteins activity. EXPERT OPINION: Acute systemic hypoxia down-regulates selected CYP isoforms and up-regulates CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, changing the metabolic clearance of drugs and endogenous compounds biotransformed by these isoforms as well as the kinetics. In patients with acute hypoxia, the dosage of drugs, biotransformed by CYP isoforms, may need to be adjusted. Tissue hypoxia enhances the expression of efflux membrane carrier proteins, increasing the probability of drug resistance.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of a once-daily tramadol extended-release tablet and an immediate-release reference product following single-dose and multiple-dose administration.

The pharmacokinetics of a once-daily formulation of tramadol (Tramadol Contramid OAD 200-mg tablets) following single-dose and multiple-dose administration was compared with that of an immediate-release product (tramadol IR 50-mg tablets) in 2 separate studies. In both studies, AUC parameters met bioequivalence criteria, whereas C(max) of Tramadol Contramid OAD was lower than that of tramadol IR following a 200-mg daily dosage. After single-dose administration, the mean tramadol concentration at 1 hour postdose was within the range associated with analgesic efficacy (>100 ng/mL), and the mean concentration remained above this level for the remainder of the dosing interval. Steady state was attained within 48 hours following multiple-dose administration. Tramadol Contramid OAD provides a rapid rise in plasma concentrations and an equivalent daily systemic exposure as tramadol IR, with a reduction in peak plasma concentrations.

Animal models of acute moderate hypoxia are associated with a down-regulation of CYP1A1, 1A2, 2B4, 2C5, and 2C16 and up-regulation of CYP3A6 and P-glycoprotein in liver.

In humans, indirect evidence suggests that hypoxia reduces the rate of biotransformation of drugs cleared by cytochrome P450 (P450) subfamilies CYP1A, 2B, and 2C. The aim of this study was to assess whether acute moderate hypoxia modulates the expression of CYP2B4, 2C5, and 2C16 in vivo, and to determine whether the changes in hepatic P450 are conveyed by serum mediators. Moreover, because hypoxia increases the expression of P-glycoprotein in vitro, we examined whether in vivo acute moderate hypoxia modulates the expression of several membrane transporters in the liver. Rabbits and rats were exposed to a fractional concentration of oxygen of 8% for 48 h to generate a stable arterial partial pressure of O2 of 34 +/- 1 mm Hg. Compared with rabbits breathing room air, hypoxia in rabbits reduced the amount of CYP1A1, 1A2, 2B4, 2C5, and 2C16 proteins and increased the expression of CYP3A6. Sera of rabbits with hypoxia were fractionated by size exclusion chromatography, the fractions were tested for their ability to modify the expression of P450 isoforms, and serum mediators were identified through neutralization experiments. The serum mediators responsible for the down-regulation of P450 isoforms were interferon-gamma, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and IL-2. In vivo, in rats, hypoxia increased the mRNA and protein expression of P-glycoprotein but did not affect the mRNA of breast cancer resistance protein and organic anion-transporting polypeptide 2. It is concluded that in vivo, hypoxia down-regulates rabbit hepatic CYP1A1, 1A2, 2B4, 2C5, and 2C16 and up-regulates CYP3A6. CYP3A11 and P-glycoprotein were up-regulated in the livers of hypoxic rats.

Pomelo juice, but not cranberry juice, affects the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in humans.

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporine (INN, ciclosporin) is a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate whose bioavailability increases when administered with grapefruit juice. It is unknown whether pomelo, a closely related citrus fruit, interacts with cyclosporine in humans. In addition, a case study reports that cranberry juice interacts with warfarin, a drug with a narrow therapeutic range. Cranberries have a high content of flavonoids, compounds with various metabolic effects, including interaction with P-gp in vitro. Although the effect of flavonoids is less evident in vivo, cranberry juice has become a very popular beverage, and it was deemed important to investigate whether it has an effect on the disposition of cyclosporine, another drug with a narrow therapeutic range. METHODS: In an open-label, randomized, 3-way crossover study with a 14-day washout period between each dose, 12 healthy male volunteers received single oral 200-mg doses of cyclosporine according to the following regimens: 200 mg cyclosporine administered with 240 mL of pomelo juice, cranberry juice, or water under fasting conditions. Multiple whole blood samples were collected up to 36 hours after each dose. Concentrations were determined via a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. RESULTS: Administration of pomelo juice with cyclosporine increased the area under the curve from time 0 to the last measurable concentration (AUCt), area under the curve from time 0 to infinity (AUCinf), and maximum blood concentration (Cmax) of cyclosporine with ratios of least squares means of 119.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 113.4%-125.8%), 118.9% (95% CI, 113.8%-124.3%), and 112.1% (95% CI, 102.3%-122.8%), respectively. All 3 variables exhibited statistically significant increases (with Bonferroni adjustment), with P = .0001 for AUCt and AUCinf and P = .0167 for Cmax; however, only the increase in AUCt was judged to be clinically significant with a 95% CI outside the 80% to 125% boundaries. Cranberry juice had no clinically significant effect on the overall disposition of cyclosporine. After administration of cyclosporine with cranberry juice, the ratios of least squares means for AUCt, AUCinf, and Cmax for cyclosporine were 95.0% (95% CI, 90.3%-100.1%), 93.4% (95% CI, 89.2%-97.8%), and 95.2% (95% CI, 86.9%-104.2%), respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that pomelo juice increases the bioavailability of cyclosporine, possibly by inhibiting CYP3A or P-gp activity (or both) in the gut wall. However, drinking a glass of cranberry juice does not appear to significantly influence the disposition of cyclosporine.

The 21-aminosteroid U74389G prevents the down-regulation and decrease in activity of CYP1A1, 1A2 and 3A6 induced by an inflammatory reaction.

In vivo, the 21-aminosteroid U74389G prevents the decrease in cytochrome P450 (P450) activity produced by a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction (TIIR). To investigate the underlying mechanism of action, four groups of rabbits were used, controls receiving or not U74389G, and rabbits with the inflammatory reaction receiving or not U74389G. Hepatocytes were isolated 48h later and incubated for 4 and 24h with the serum of the rabbits. In vivo, the TIIR diminished CYP1A1/2 and 3A6 expression, and enhanced hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO*) concentrations (p<0.05). U74389G prevented the increase in MDA, as well as the decrease in CYP1A1/2 amounts and activity, but increased CYP3A6 expression by 40% (p<0.05). In vitro, compared with serum from control rabbits (S(CONT)), incubation of serum from rabbits with TIIR (S(TIIR)) for 4 and 24h with hepatocytes from rabbits with TIIR (H(TIIR)) reduced CYP1A2 and CYP3A6 activity (p<0.05) and increased the formation of NO* and MDA. In rabbits with TIIR pretreated with U74389G, the S(TIIR+U) failed to reduce CYP1A2 activity or to increase MDA, although increased NO* and further reduced CYP3A6 activity. On the other hand, in hepatocytes harvested from rabbits with TIIR pretreated with U74389G, S(TIIR) did not decrease CYP1A2 activity and did not enhance MDA, but still increased NO*. In vitro, the reduction of CYP1A2 and CYP3A6 activity by S(TIIR) is not associated to NF-kappaB activation. In conclusion, U74389G prevents CYP1A1/2 down-regulation and decrease in activity by a double mechanism: hindering the release of serum mediators and by averting intracellular events, effect possibly associated with its antioxidant activity. On the other hand, U74389G up-regulates CYP3A6 but inhibits its catalytic activity.

Modulation of CYP1A2 and CYP3A6 catalytic activities by serum from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction and interleukin 6.

Inflammatory reactions reduce the activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms. The aim of the study was to determine the mechanisms underlying the decrease in CYP1A2 and CYP3A6 catalytic activities produced by serum from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction (S(TIIR)) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). S(TIIR) and IL-6 were incubated with cultured primary hepatocytes from control rabbits (H(CONT)), and from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction (H(TIIR)) in the absence or presence of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an antioxidant and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB transcription; 2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone (PD98059), an inhibitor of extracellular signal-related kinase (Erk1/2); 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H-imidazole (SB203580), an inhibitor of p38MAPK; Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of nitric-oxide synthase 2 (NOS2); the combination of PDTC, PD98059, and SB203580; and genistein, an inhibitor of Janus-associated protein tyrosine kinase (JAK). After 4 and 24 h of incubation of H(CONT) with S(TIIR) and IL-6, CYP1A2 activity was reduced without changes in expression; the reduction in activity was partially prevented by the inhibition of JAK, Erk1/2, and NOS2. In H(CONT), S(TIIR) and IL-6 did not affect CYP3A6 activity; however, PDTC reduced CYP3A6 activity by 40 and 80% after 4 and 24 h of incubation. In H(TIIR), S(TIIR) and IL-6 reduced both CYP1A2 and CYP3A6 activities; this decrease is partially prevented by inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases, Erk1/2, and NOS2. In H(TIIR), SB203580 increased CYP3A6 activity in a dose-dependent manner without changes in protein expression. These results show that the signal transduction pathways mediating the decrease in CYP1A2 and 3A6 activity, produced by S(TIIR) and IL-6, involve JAK, Erk1/2, and NOS2.

The utility of the population approach applied to bioequivalence in patients: comparison of 2 formulations of cyclosporine.

Mixed-effect modeling was used to compare the population pharmacokinetics of 2 formulations of cyclosporine in patients. An open-label, multicenter, conversion study in stable, 6-month post-renal allograft recipients was conducted to compare the safety and pharmacokinetics of oral Pliva Cyclosporine Soft Gelatin Capsules (USP Modified) with Neoral (cyclosporine soft gelatin capsules, USP Modified) in stable post-renal transplant patients. Blood samples were collected predose and for 12 hours postdose on days 1, 14, 15, 28, and 29. Whole-blood samples were analyzed for cyclosporine using high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Estimates of pharmacokinetic parameters were generated using noncompartmental and population compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. Moreover, the effects of demographic factors on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine were evaluated using the nonlinear mixed-effects modeling program NONMEM. The rate and extent of bioavailability of cyclosporine did not differ between Pliva Cyclosporine Soft Gelatin Capsules and Neoral. In the final model, gender and actual body weight significantly affected the central and peripheral volumes of distribution. In addition, the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine was defined robustly in this patient population using population pharmacokinetic approaches. Results indicate that the Pliva Cyclosporine Soft Gelatin Capsules and Neoral are bioequivalent when administered to renal transplant patients. Pliva Cyclosporine Soft Gelatin Capsules can then be substituted for Neoral in stabilized patients without anticipating dose adjustments.

Signal transduction pathways implicated in the decrease in CYP1A1, 1A2 and 3A6 activity produced by serum from rabbits and humans with an inflammatory reaction.

Incubation of serum from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction and from humans with an upper respiratory viral infection with hepatocytes from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction for 4h reduces total cytochrome P450 content and activity of cytochrome P450 isoforms CYP1A1/1A2 and 3A6 without affecting the expression of these proteins. To document the signal transduction pathways implicated in the decrease in CYP1A1/1A2 and 3A6 activity, hepatocytes from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction were incubated with serum from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction, serum from individuals with a viral infection and interleukin-6 for 4h in presence of inhibitors of protein kinases. The sera-induced decrease in CYP1A1/1A2 and 3A6 activity was partially prevented by the inhibition of Janus-associated protein tyrosine kinase, double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C, and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase. The serum from rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction increased the phosphorylation of Erk1/2, effect prevented by PD98059 but not by bis-indolylmaleimide, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C. The results demonstrated that the decrease in total cytochrome P450 content and in CYP1A1/1A2 and 3A6 activity by sera and interleukin-6 involves the activation of protein tyrosine kinases, p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase and protein kinase C. Indirect evidence supported that nitric oxide is implicated in the decrease in activity of these enzymes.

5-Hydroxytryptamine is biotransformed by CYP2C9, 2C19 and 2B6 to hydroxylamine, which is converted into nitric oxide.

There is circumstantial evidence suggesting that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) could be biotransformed by enzymatic systems other than monoamino oxidase A, and that the isoforms of cytochrome P450 may be a source of nitric oxide. This study aimed to assess whether cytochrome P450 contributes to 5-HT biotransformation, and to provide evidence that 5-HT metabolism generates nitric oxide. Addition of 5-HT to cultured hepatocytes yielded 5-hydroxyindol acetic acid, a formation modulated by cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers and inhibitors. Recombinant human CYP2B6, 2C9 and 2C19 biotransformed 5-HT in 5-hydroxyindol acetic acid, but not CYP1A2, 2D6 or 3A4. Cultured hepatocytes with 5-HT generated nitric oxide, the amount of which was altered by cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers and inhibitors. In the presence of CYP2B6, 2C9 and 2C19, 5-HT relaxed precontracted isolated aortic rings, with or without endothelium, an effect prevented by the addition of methylene blue and an inhibitor of catalase, but not by myoglobin. In the absence of catalase, hydroxylamine was always assayed as a byproduct of 5-HT metabolism. In conclusion, CYP2B6, 2C9 and 2C19 biotransform 5-HT, yielding hydroxylamine, which is converted to nitric oxide in the presence of catalase. British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 407-414. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705632

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 and activator protein-1 modulate the upregulation of CYP3A6 induced by hypoxia.

1. Moderate hypoxia in vivo and serum from rabbits subjected to moderate hypoxia (SHYPO) in vitro reduce CYP1A1 and 1A2 p450 isoforms and upregulate CYP3A6. The aim of this project was to investigate the signal transduction pathways implicated in the upregulation of CYP3A6 expression by hypoxia. 2. Hypoxia in vivo and SHYPO in vitro increased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and c-jun, as well as CYP3A6. By electrophoresis mobility shift assay, it was shown that HIF-1 and activator protein-1 (AP-1) bind to CYP3A6 oligonucleotide probe after exposure to hypoxia in vivo and SHYPO in vitro. The effects of hypoxia in vivo or SHYPO in vitro were reproduced by CoCl2 and lead acetate, activators of HIF-1 and AP-1, respectively. 2. PD98059, a p42/44 MAPK inhibitor, prevented the increase of CYP3A6 and c-jun, but did not impede the increase of HIF-1alpha and binding to CYP3A6 oligonucleotide probe. Genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), prevented the increase in HIF-1alpha, c-jun and CYP3A6, as well as HIF-1 and AP-1 binding to CYP3A6 oligonucleotide probe. Moreover, hypoxia in vivo induced constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) as well as CAR binding to the CYP3A6 oligonucleotide probe, but not the pregnane X receptor. 4. In conclusion, hypoxia in vivo and SHYPO induce the expression of CYP3A6. The in vitro induction of CYP3A6 by SHYPO is PTK- and p42/44 MAPK-dependent. The present data support the hypothesis that HIF-1 and AP-1 are part of the signalling pathway leading to CYP3A6 induction by hypoxia.