Structure-Based Discovery of High-Affinity Small Molecule Ligands and Development of Tool Probes to Study the Role of Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1.

Chitinase-3-like-1 (CHI3L1), also known as YKL-40, is a glycoprotein linked to inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer. This study explored CHI3L1's interactions with various oligosaccharides using microscale thermophoresis (MST) and AlphaScreen (AS). These investigations guided the development of high-throughput screening assays to assess interference of small molecules in binding between CHI3L1 and biotinylated small molecules or heparan sulfate-based probes. Small molecule binders of YKL-40 were identified in our chitotriosidase inhibitors library with MST and confirmed through X-ray crystallography. Based on cocrystal structures of potent hit compounds with CHI3L1, small molecule probes 19 and 20 were designed for an AS assay. Structure-based optimization led to compounds 30 and 31 with nanomolar activities and drug-like properties. Additionally, an orthogonal AS assay using biotinylated heparan sulfate as a probe was developed. The compounds' affinity showed a significant correlation in both assays. These screening tools and compounds offer novel avenues for investigating the role of CHI3L1.

Novel orally bioavailable piperidine derivatives as extracellular arginase inhibitors developed by a ring expansion.

Arginase is a multifaced enzyme that plays an important role in health and disease being regarded as a therapeutic target for the treatment of various pathological states such as malignancies, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. The discovery of boronic acid-based arginase inhibitors in 1997 revolutionized attempts of medicinal chemistry focused on development of drugs targeting arginase. Unfortunately, these very polar compounds had limitations such as analysis and purification without chromophores, synthetically challenging space, and poor oral bioavailability. Herein, we present a novel class of boronic acid-based arginase inhibitors which are piperidine derivatives exhibiting a different pharmacological profile compared to our drug candidate in cancer immunotherapy -OATD-02 - dual ARG1/2 inhibitor with high intracellular activity. Compounds from this new series show low intracellular activity, hence they can inhibit mainly extracellular arginase, providing different therapeutic space compared to a dual intracellular ARG1/2 inhibitor. The disclosed series showed good inhibitory potential towards arginase enzyme in vitro (IC50 up to 160 nM), favorable pharmacokinetics in animal models, and encouraging preliminary in vitro and in vivo tolerability. Compounds from the new series have moderate-to-high oral bioavailability (up to 66 %) and moderate clearance in vivo. Herein we describe the development and optimization of the synthesis of the new class of boronic acid-based arginase inhibitors via a ring expansion approach starting from the inexpensive chirality source (d-hydroxyproline). This upgraded methodology facilitated a gram-scale delivery of the final compound and eliminated the need for costly and time-consuming chiral resolution.

Arginase 1/2 Inhibitor OATD-02: From Discovery to First-in-man Setup in Cancer Immunotherapy.

Pharmacologic inhibition of the controlling immunity pathway enzymes arginases 1 and 2 (ARG1 and ARG2) is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we report the discovery and development of OATD-02, an orally bioavailable, potent arginases inhibitor. The unique pharmacologic properties of OATD-02 are evidenced by targeting intracellular ARG1 and ARG2, as well as long drug-target residence time, moderate to high volume of distribution, and low clearance, which may jointly provide a weapon against arginase-related tumor immunosuppression and ARG2-dependent tumor cell growth. OATD-02 monotherapy had an antitumor effect in multiple tumor models and enhanced an efficacy of the other immunomodulators. Completed nonclinical studies and human pharmacokinetic predictions indicate a feasible therapeutic window and allow for proposing a dose range for the first-in-human clinical study in patients with cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: We have developed an orally available, small-molecule intracellular arginase 1 and 2 inhibitor as a potential enhancer in cancer immunotherapy. Because of its favorable pharmacologic properties shown in nonclinical studies, OATD-02 abolishes tumor immunosuppression induced by both arginases, making it a promising drug candidate entering clinical trials.

OATD-02 Validates the Benefits of Pharmacological Inhibition of Arginase 1 and 2 in Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Arginases play essential roles in metabolic pathways, determining the fitness of both immune and tumour cells. Along with the previously validated role of ARG1 in cancer, the particular significance of ARG2 as a therapeutic target has emerged as its levels correlate with malignant phenotype and poor prognosis. These observations unveil arginases, and specifically ARG2, as well-validated and promising therapeutic targets. OATD-02, a new boronic acid derivative, is the only dual inhibitor, which can address the benefits of pharmacological inhibition of arginase 1 and 2 in cancer. METHODS: The inhibitory activity of OATD-02 was determined using recombinant ARG1 and ARG2, as well as in a cellular system using primary hepatocytes and macrophages. In vivo antitumor activity was determined in syngeneic models of colorectal and kidney carcinomas (CT26 and Renca, respectively), as well as in an ARG2-dependent xenograft model of leukaemia (K562). RESULTS: OATD-02 was shown to be a potent dual (ARG1/ARG2) arginase inhibitor with a cellular activity necessary for targeting ARG2. Compared to a reference inhibitor with predominant extracellular activity towards ARG1, we have shown improved and statistically significant antitumor efficacy in the CT26 model and an immunomodulatory effect reflected by Treg inhibition in the Renca model. Importantly, OATD-02 had a superior activity when combined with other immunotherapeutics. Finally, OATD-02 effectively inhibited the proliferation of human K562 leukemic cells both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: OATD-02 is a potent small-molecule arginase inhibitor with optimal drug-like properties, including PK/PD profile. Excellent activity against intracellular ARG2 significantly distinguishes OATD-02 from other arginase inhibitors. OATD-02 represents a very promising drug candidate for the combined treatment of tumours, and is the only pharmacological tool that can effectively address the benefits of ARG1/ARG2 inhibition. OATD-02 will enter clinical trials in cancer patients in 2022.

Discovery of OATD-01, a First-in-Class Chitinase Inhibitor as Potential New Therapeutics for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Chitotriosidase (CHIT1) and acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) are the enzymatically active chitinases that have been implicated in the pathology of chronic lung diseases such as asthma and interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and sarcoidosis. The clinical and preclinical data suggest that pharmacological inhibition of CHIT1 might represent a novel therapeutic approach in IPF. Structural modification of an advanced lead molecule 3 led to the identification of compound 9 (OATD-01), a highly active CHIT1 inhibitor with both an excellent PK profile in multiple species and selectivity against a panel of other off-targets. OATD-01 given orally once daily in a range of doses between 30 and 100 mg/kg showed significant antifibrotic efficacy in an animal model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. OATD-01 is the first-in-class CHIT1 inhibitor, currently completed phase 1b of clinical trials, to be a potential treatment for IPF.

A QuEChERS-Based Sample Preparation Method for the Analysis of 5-Nitroimidazoles in Bovine Milk by HPLC-DAD.

In this study, a simple, cost-effective, and sensitive HPLC diode-array detection method was developed for the simultaneous determination of six different 5-nitroimidazoles [metronidazole, 2-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazole, dimetridazole (DMZ), ronidazole, ornidazole, and ipronidazole] in bovine milk samples. A QuEChERS-based sample preparation procedure was optimized by evaluating different cleanup sorbents, including zirconium-based sorbents (Z-Sep and Z-Sep+), C18, and primary-secondary amine (PSA), as well as EMR-Lipid cleanup solution. Acceptable analytical performance for all analytes was observed with recoveries in the range of 45-93% and RSDs of less than 15%. Negligible matrix interference was observed for most of the analytes due to application of PSA sorbent in a dispersive solid-phase extraction cleanup step. Method LOQs (mLOQs) for five of the six investigated analytes were set at a satisfactory low food product value of 2.5 ng/mL. For DMZ only, the mLOQ was set at 10 ng/mL. The procedure was evaluated through the analysis of 10 different natural samples.

QuEChERS-based extraction with dispersive solid phase extraction clean-up using PSA and ZrO2-based sorbents for determination of pesticides in bovine milk samples by HPLC-DAD.

In this study, a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) extraction technique was adapted to develop a simple sample treatment for multi-residue pesticide analysis in milk samples. The proposed method is based on liquid-liquid partitioning with acetonitrile followed by dispersive solid phase extraction clean-up using primary secondary amine along with zirconia-coated silica particles for extract purification. Identification and quantification of 30 pesticides was conducted via high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). Recoveries were from 70 to 100% for the vast majority of the analytes, with relative standard deviations less than 20% being observed. HPLC-DAD provided suitable linearity, precision and accuracy. For 28 of 30 analytes in the study method limit of quantification values (mLOQs) comply with the most recent European Union guidelines for the maximum residue levels (MRLs) in milk. Negligible matrix effect was observed due to efficient extract clean-up with ZrO2-based sorbents.

Comparison of SPE/d-SPE and QuEChERS-Based Extraction Procedures in Terms of Fungicide Residue Analysis in Wine Samples by HPLC-DAD and LC-QqQ-MS.

Two different extraction and clean-up protocols, based on either the SPE/dispersive SPE (d-SPE) or the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe approach, were optimized and compared for determination of six selected fungicides (benalaxyl, metalaxyl, triadimenol, tebuconazole, diniconazole, and epoxiconazole) in wine samples. The pilot study was performed by applying HPLC with diode-array detection, and optimized procedures were easily transferred to the LC triple-quadrupole MS system. Both extraction procedures presented good performance for all the analytes, with recoveries in the range of 70-132% and SDs ≤20%. The d-SPE clean-up step included in both procedures allows obtaining colorless extracts with the majority of coextracted matrix compounds removed. LC with electrospray ionization and tandem MS operating in the multiple reaction monitoring mode provide high sensitivity and selectivity for trace analysis. Both developed procedures were evaluated in terms of commercial wine sample analysis. In three wine samples, metalaxyl and tebuconazole residues were detected at concentrations from 0.14 to 30.7 ng/mL. Both approaches showed satisfactory feasibility for fungicide residue analysis in wine samples.

Application of HPLC-DAD after SPE/QuEChERS with ZrO2-based sorbent in d-SPE clean-up step for pesticide analysis in edible oils.

In this study, the solid-phase extraction/quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (SPE/QuEChERS) technique was adapted to develop a simple sample treatment for multi-residue pesticide analysis of edible oils. The proposed method is based on liquid-liquid partitioning with acetonitrile followed by dispersive solid phase extraction using zirconia-coated silica particles for extract purification. To evaluate the described method, 21 pesticides belonging to different chemical classes were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). For validation purposes, recovery studies were performed at 75 ng g(-1), 125 ng g(-1), 250 ng g(-1), 500 ng g(-1) and 1000 ng g(-1) levels. Recoveries were over the range of 50-130% for most of the analytes, with relative standard deviations less than 15% being observed. HPLC-DAD provided suitable linearity, precision and accuracy. The validated method was successfully applied to the analysis of edible oil samples selected from the market.

Simple, cost-effective and sensitive liquid chromatography diode array detector method for simultaneous determination of eight sulfonylurea herbicides in soya milk samples.

In this study authors propose a simple, cost-effective and sensitive liquid chromatography diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method for the simultaneous determination of eight sulfonylurea herbicides (oxasulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, triasulfuron, rimsulfuron, chlorsulfuron, mesosulfuron-methyl, amidosulfuron and bensulfuron-methyl) in soya milk samples. QuEChERS-based extraction procedure presents good performance for all of the analytes with recoveries in the range of 61-108% and relative standard deviations (RSD%) less than 15%. No significant matrix effect was observed thanks to application of effective zirconium-dioxide based sorbent (Z-Sep). Method LOQs for all investigated analytes were set at satisfactory low value of 10ngmL-1 of food product. The procedure was evaluated in terms of natural samples analysis. Chlorsulfuron was determined at concentration of 14.2ngmL-1 of soya milk product, which was qualitatively confirmed via LC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The most important steps of procedure optimization are presented.

Recent Trends in Sample Preparation and Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry for Pesticide Residue Analysis in Food and Related Matrixes.

A rising interest by consumers and various governmental organizations towards the quality of food has been continuously observed. Pesticide residue analysis has a significant role in assessing food safety and quality. This article reviews the new analytical approaches for efficient extraction and reliable identification and quantification of pesticides in foodstuffs and related matrixes. Emphasis is given to the new materials used for effective extract purification. We discuss the potential and pitfalls of the different LC/MS approaches, including application of high resolution mass spectrometry in the area of pesticide residue analysis. Untargeted and retrospective screening is outlined, highlighting prospects and achievements as well as its major drawbacks.

Fungus Cerrena unicolor as an effective source of new antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anticancer compounds.

In the report, three bioactive fractions from Cerrena unicolor: laccase (LAC), endopolysaccharides (c-EPL), and low molecular weight (ex-LMS) were tested for the first time towards their antiviral, immunostimulatory, cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect. The immunomodulatory activity was studied by means of THP-1-derived macrophages able to synthesize and secrete IL-6 and TNF-α. We used cervical carcinoma cell lines SiHa (ATCC, HTB-35) and CaSki (ATCC, CRL 1550) to determine antitumor activity and human skin fibroblasts (HSF) as a control. SiHa and L929 cell lines were used in the antiviral activity assay to propagate HHV-1 and EMCV, respectively. LAC was the most active against HSV at an early stage of viral replication, whereas the activity of laccase against EMCV was evident after incubation of the virus with LAC before and after the adsorption step. Moreover, the investigations showed that the fungal c-EPL fraction stimulated the production and secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 by THP-1-derived macrophages up to a level of 2000 pg/ml and 400 pg/ml, respectively. It was indicated for the first time that the LAC and ex-LMS fractions exhibited anticancer activity. This resulted from their cytotoxic or antiproliferative action against the investigated tumor cells at concentrations above 250 µg/ml and 10 µg/ml, respectively.

Exopolysaccharide from Ganoderma applanatum as a promising bioactive compound with cytostatic and antibacterial properties.

A new exopolysaccharide preparation isolated from stationary cultures of the white rot fungus Ganoderma applanatum (GpEPS) was tested in terms of its bioactive properties including its cytotoxic and immunostimulatory effect. The results indicate that the tested GpEPS (at concentrations above 22.85 µg/mL and 228.5 µg/mL) may exhibit selective activity against tumor cells (cell lines SiHa) and stimulate production of TNF-α THP-1-derived macrophages at the level of 752.17 pg/mL. The GpEPS showed antibacterial properties against Staphyloccoccus aureus and a toxic effect against Vibrio fischeri cells (82.8% cell damage). High cholesterol-binding capacity and triglycerides-binding capacity (57.9% and 41.6% after 24 h of incubation with the tested substances, resp.) were also detected for the investigated samples of GpEPS.

Determination of pesticides in sunflower seeds by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector.

The application of RP-HPLC with a diode array detector for identification and quantitative analysis of pesticides in sunflower seed samples is demonstrated. An HPLC procedure on C18 RP column has been developed for analysis of selected pesticides from different chemical groups: simazine, isoproturon, terbuthylazine, linuron, captan, terbutryn, procymidone, fenitrothion, clofentezine, and bromopropylate. We investigated the possibility of expanding the scope of the four analyte extraction procedures for isolation of pesticides from plant matrixes with high levels of lipids. The following procedures were tested: A, ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction (UAE) and SPE; B, dispersive-SPE (d-SPE); C, UAE and d-SPE; and D, UAE/SPE/d-SPE. Average recoveries from spiked samples at different concentrations in the range from 0.1 to 1.40 microg/g in the plant materials and the SDs for C18 cartridges and solvents by the proposed RP-HPLC-DAD method after the extraction procedures are also presented. The efficiency of procedures A-D was evaluated using real food samples from Hungary, Bulgaria, and Poland. The quantity of terbuthylazine determined was in the range of 7.1-12.7 ng/g (n = 6), whereas the quantity of procymidone determined was in the range of 3.7-5.7 ng/g (n = 3) in plant materials. The quantities of pesticides determined in sunflower seeds were below the maximum residue levels (excluding captan) established in the European Union legislation. The method was validated for precision and accuracy.