New anti-RNS and -RCS products for cosmetic treatment.

Oxidants and free radicals are known to be a very important factor in skin aging, taking an active part in lipidic peroxidation, breakage of proteins and DNA, etc. The most well-known are reactive oxygen species (ROS), for example, superoxide radical anion, or more commonly called, superoxide (O), hydroxyl radical (OH(*)) or hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Both free radicals and other oxidants can be generated by metabolic activity within the cell and by other environmental challenges,. In addition, other dangerous species are known such as reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive carbonyl species (RCS). Some of the most important RNS are peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), nitrogen dioxide radical ((*)NO(2)) and the nitronium ion (NO). For RCS, some of the most important are 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), acrolein (ACR), malondialdehyde (MDA) or glyoxal (GXL). Both compounds (RNS and RCS) are thought to play an important role in many diseases and in skin aging, for example, collagen cross-linking, DNA damage, protein tyrosine nitration, etc. This work investigates two new specific chemicals: Lipochroman-6((R))- an anti-RNS which shows good results in inhibiting the nitration of tyrosine by peroxynitrite, and Aldenine((R))- a tripeptide anti-RCS which protects cells from reactive carbonyl compounds such as HNE or ACR; it also shows the ability to prevent glycation of proteins, specifically by superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Evaluation of free and liposome-encapsulated gentamycin for intramuscular sustained release in rabbits.

Gentamycin sulphate (GS) and gentamycin oleate (GO) were encapsulated in liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine (HPC) and cholesterol (CHOL) (molar ratio 7:7:2 and 5:5:1, respectively), and were administered via intramuscular injection to rabbits, to evaluate their potential use as sustained release formulations. Five groups of five animals each were used for the pharmacokinetic study, and treatments were established as follows: 3 mg kg(-1) of GS i.v., 3 mg kg(-1) of GS i.m., 3 mg kg(-1) of liposome-containing gentamycin sulphate (LGS) i.m., 3 mg kg(-1) of GO i.m., and 3 mg kg(-1) of liposome-containing gentamycin oleate (LGO) i.m. Gentamycin plasma concentrations after i.m. administration of LGS were extremely low compared with those obtained after the i.m. administration of GS; the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) showed an eight-fold decrease with LGS, and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was four-fold lower for the liposomal form. The apparent elimination half-life estimated after administration of LGS showed a three-fold increase compared with values calculated for free GS. After the administration of the same dose of LGO, Cmax obtained showed a 2.5-fold decrease in relation to peak concentrations of free GO, and the apparent beta-half life of encapsulated GO showed a three-fold increase compared with i.m. GO. Large-size liposomes containing gentamycin administered i.m. to rabbits gave sustained drug release from the injection site, providing prolonged plasma concentrations of the drug in the body.

Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin after intravenous and intramuscular injection in rabbits.

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of enrofloxacin were determined after IV and IM administration of 5 mg/kg of body weight to 6 healthy adult rabbits. Using nonlinear least-squares regression methods, data obtained were best described by a 2-compartment open model. After IV administration, a rapid distribution phase was followed by a slower elimination phase, with a half-life of 131.5 +/- 17.6 minutes. The mean body clearance rate was 22.8 +/- 6.8 ml/min/kg, and the mean volume of distribution was 3.4 +/- 0.9 L/kg. This large volume of distribution and the K12/K21 ratio close to 1, indicated that enrofloxacin was widely distributed in the body, but not retained in tissues. After a brief lag period (6.2 +/- 2.86 min), IM absorption was rapid (4.1 +/- 1.3 min) and almost complete. The mean extent of IM absorption was 92 +/- 11%, and maximal plasma concentration of 3.04 +/- 0.34 micrograms/ml was detected approximately 10 minutes after administration.

Continuous-flow solid-phase synthesis of potential antigenic peptides of hepatitis B virus.

The synthesis of three hepatitis B surface antigens derived from S and pre-S proteins (adw S(140-147), [Tyr148] adw S(139-148), and adw pre-S(120-145)) has been accomplished by the continuous flow Fmoc-polyamide solid phase method. The use of different scavengers and trimethylsilyl bromide (TMSBr) in trifluoroacetic acid as deprotecting procedures is discussed.

Synthesis and purification of two SP (6-11) analogues with enhanced selectivity for the NK-1 receptor.

Two hexapeptide analogues of Substance P (6-11) have been synthesized. Replacement of Gly9 by proline provides a peptide with tenfold enhanced selectivity for the NK-1 receptor. The corresponding proline-containing glycopeptide incorporating a beta-D-glucopyranosyl residue linked to the side-chain of Glu6 was 100 times more selective than Substance P for the same receptor.

Antinociceptive activity of glycosidic enkephalin analogues.

The antinociceptive activity of two new enkephalin analogues: N1.5-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)[D-Met2, Pro5]enkephalinamide and N1.5-(beta-D-galactopyranosyl)[D-Met2, Pro5]enkephalinamide was assessed using the tail immersion and paw pressure behavioural tests. Both enkephalin analogues appear to be more active than morphine when injected either into the fourth ventricle or intrathecally; the galactose analogue is more than 5000 times more active than morphine when injected into the fourth ventricle. The analgesic effects produced by the analogues are partially reversed by SC naloxone (0.1 mg/kg) and totally reversed when the dose of naloxone used was 1 mg/kg, suggesting that the analogues act upon more than one type of opiate receptor (mu/delta).

A synthetic glycopeptide of substance P analogue (SP6-11) with enhanced NK-1 receptor specificity.

A new glycopeptide analogue of substance P (6-11) (SP6-11), namely, N1,6 (beta-D-glucopyranosyl) [Glu6, Pro9]SP6-11, has been synthesized and found to be water soluble. The in vitro biological activity of this glycopeptide was determined for spasmogenic activity in the guinea pig ileum and for potentiation of electrically evoked contractions in the rat vas deferens. Thus, activities on NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3 receptor types have been differentiated by two assays and, in the case of NK-1 and NK-3, receptors in guinea pig ileum (GPI) were assayed using specific pharmacological procedures. The ED50 values for the analogue and reference peptides substance P (SP), neurokinin A(NKA), and neurokinin B (NKB) were determined and potencies relative to SP were calculated. The analogue is three times more potent than the potent NK-1 agonist SP on NK-1 receptors. Moreover, this glycopeptide proved to be as selective for the NK-1 receptor as the specific agonist SPOMe (the methyl ester of substance P).

In vitro activity and selectivity of glucosidic SP(6-11) analogues.

The relative potencies of a series of substance P (6-11) analogues have been determined for spasmogenic activity in the guinea pig ileum in vitro and for potentiation of electrically evoked contractions in the rat vas deferens in vitro. ED50 values were determined for the new analogues. Substance P and its methyl ester were used as standard agonists. Substitution of Gly9 by Pro on [Glu6]SP(6-11) increased four times the activity on the NK-1 receptor. The glycosilation of [Glu6]SP(6-11) by the incorporation of a beta-D-glucopyranosyl amide residue on the gamma-carboxyl group of Glu6 reduced both the activity and selectivity. The simultaneous substitution of Gly9 by Pro and the incorporation of a monosaccharide moiety on the gamma-carboxyl of Glu6 on [Glu6]SP(6-11) yielded an analogue with 60-fold enhanced selectivity relative to substance P for the NK-1 receptor. These results may indicate that the critical factor providing potency to SP(6-11) analogues is mostly related to conformational rather than hydrophilicity aspects of the molecular structure.

Synthesis and conformational analysis of a series of galactosyl enkephalin analogues showing high analgesic activity.

Two galactosyl derivatives of [DMet2,Pro5] enkephalin-amide (compound 1), namely [DMet2,Pro5] enkephalin [N1.5-beta-D-galactopyranosyl] amide (compound 2) and O1.5-(beta-D-galactopyranosyl) [DMet2,Hyp5] enkephalin-amide (compound 3) have been synthesized. Such glycosylpeptides have been shown to be extremely potent analgesic agonists. The conformational analysis of these three compounds in DMSO-d6 solution has been carried out using two-dimensional NMR methods. Both the parent compound (1) and the beta N-galactosyl derivative (2) show similar NMR parameters which are consistent with fairly rigid beta-strands at both the N-terminus and C-terminus, connected by a glycine residue that displays a mixture between multiple conformational states. Thus, although the beta N-galactosyl derivative (2) has been shown to be significantly more potent than the parent compound (1) in the tail immersion and paw pressure tests of analgesia, no correlation can be established between the conformation of (1) and (2) in DMSO and the difference in analgesic activity. In contrast, important conformational differences with respect to (1) and (2) have been detected in the beta O-galactosyl derivative (3). In this case, only one of the likely conformations for (1) and (2) are consistent with the experimental data. These data show that the position of the galactose residue in compound (3) causes Gly3 to loose flexibility leading to a more rigid folded conformation. Such a change in conformation could be related to the difference in analgesic activity between (2) and (3).

Conformation-activity relationship in hexapeptides related to substance P.

Two hexapeptides related to the undecapeptide substance P (SP) Glu-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2 and Glu-Phe-Phe-Pro-Leu-Met-NH2, have been synthesized and their selectivity for the SP receptors studied. Conformational analyses of both peptides have been carried out using a molecular modeling program. Activity appears to be related to the adoption of a U-shape conformation since the Pro9 containing peptide in which this folding is favoured is much more active than the hexapeptide containing Gly9. Moreover, such a substitution induces a significant selectivity for the SP-P receptor compared to the SP-E receptor.

Preparation and in vitro activity of liposome encapsulated opioids.

Four opiate molecules: morphine, naloxone, meperidine and codeine have been encapsulated in liposomes. The encapsulation efficiency has been studied as a function of the following parameters: liposome preparation method, lipid composition and opioid molecule hydrophobicity. The most important parameter as far as the entrapment efficiency is concerned is the liposome preparation method. The opioid activity of these molecules in vitro (Guinea Pig Ileum preparation) has been determined. No differences in the IC50 values could be found between encapsulated and free drug molecules.

New glycosylpeptides with high antinociceptive activity.

The antinociceptive activity of two new synthetic glucoside and galactoside enkephalinamide analogues was studied. The effects produced by the new analogues were compared with those obtained with [D-Met2,Hyp5]enkephalinamide and with morphine. The analogues were injected into the fourth ventricle and intrathecally. Tail immersion and paw pressure behavioural tests were used to assess antinociception. One of the analogues studied, O1,5-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl] [D-Met2,Hyp5]enkephalinamide appears to be 57,000 times more potent than morphine.

Synthesis of O1.5-(beta-D-galactopyranosyl) [DMet2, Hyp5] enkephalin amide, a new highly potent analgesic enkephalin-related glycosyl peptide.

A new series of O-glycosyl enkephalins has been prepared, following a convergent strategy, with high chemical yields. The galactosyl analogue, O1.5-(beta-D-galactopyranosyl) [DMet2, Hyp5] enkephalin amide proved to be one of the most potent in vivo opioid agonists synthesized up to now.

Synthesis and biological activity of substance P analogues.

The synthesis of the hexapeptide [Glu6]SP6-11 and its glycosylated analogue at the Glu6 gamma-carboxyl position by solution procedures according to several strategies is discussed. The biological activity of SP, [Glu6]SP6-11 (VI) and [Glu(beta-D-Glcp)6]SP6-11 (VIII) have been determined and compared to SP by the GPI and RVD assays. The introduction of a beta-D-glucopyranosyl moiety at the sixth position of the [Glu6]SP6-11 did not affect to a great extent the in vitro activity pattern of the parent hexapeptide.

A physicochemical study of the interaction of phosphatidylinositol with buprenorphine and naloxone.

The interactions of two opioid molecules (buprenorphine and naloxone) with phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine were studied in lipid monolayers at the air-water interface. The influence of Na+, Ca2+, and Mn2+ ions in these interactions has also been determined. Neither buprenorphine nor naloxone influence the ordered state of phosphatidylcholine monolayers. On the contrary, both opioid molecules interact specifically with phosphatidylinositol monolayers. The area/molecule of phosphatidylinositol spread on buprenorphine containing subphases is highly affected by this molecule and also by ions. The phosphatidylinositol/naloxone interactions are rather weak and less affected by ions.

[D-Met2,Pro5] enkephalin [N1.5-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] amide: a glycosylpeptide with high antinociceptive activity.

Different synthetic strategies have been attempted for the synthesis of a glycosylpeptide resulting from the covalent bonding of a sugar residue to the C-terminal carboxyl group of an enkephalin related pentapeptide. The final structure is: Tyr-D-Met-Gly-Phe-Pro [N1.5-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] amide. The in vitro potency on the GPI test of this analogue was IC50 = 64.0 nM. However, its antinociceptive activity by tail immersion tests, after intraperitoneal administration, was 2000 and 200 times higher than morphine in rats and mice, respectively.

Kinetic study of alpha-chymotrypsin-catalyzed synthesis of kyotorphin.

A kinetic analysis of reaction-rate data obtained during a series of optimization experiments of the alpha-chymotrypsin-catalyzed synthesis of kyotorphin has been performed. The kinetic data have been fitted to a model equation derived from a proposed sequential mechanism, which has been further simplified to a first-order equation as a function of the substrate consumption. Statistical tests performed validate the model, since the fitted constants were statistically significant. In addition, the activation energy of the process has been calculated and resulted to be 32.5 +/- 2.3 kJ/mol which is within the range of other enzymatic reactions.

Kinetically controlled enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of kyotorphin. An optimization study.

Regarding the alpha-chymotrypsin-catalyzed synthesis of Z-Tyr-Arg-NH2, the effect on the reaction yield of the following experimental factors is discussed: DMF/buffer proportions, reaction temperature, and donor/nucleophile ratios. The experimental design shows that relatively better yields are obtained by increasing the reaction temperature and lowering the cosolvent proportion while maintaining a slight excess of nucleophile. The ascensional line reaches an optimal response surface very flat voided of a well-defined maximum.

Interaction of morphine and naloxone with mixed monolayers of lecithin and gangliosides.

Monomolecular films of lecithin, gangliosides or lecithin/gangliosides mixtures were studied on a Langmuir through in order to examine the interactions between these lipids and opioid agonists or antagonists. Lecithin alone did not interact in a monolayer structure with opioids. However, gangliosides and lecithin/gangliosides mixtures were expanded by both morphine and naloxone. The expansion of ganglioside-containing monolayers was greater with morphine than with the antagonist, naloxone.