Investigation of 3,5-isoxazolidinediones as hypolipidemic agents in rodents.

A series of 2-benzoyl-4,4-dialkyl-3,5-isoxazolidinediones proved to have potent hypolipidemic activity, lowering both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels at 10 or 20 mg/kg/day, IP and orally in rodents. 2-(3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoyl)-4,4-diethyl-3,5-isoxazolidinedione+ ++ (4) afforded the best hypolipidemic activity lowering normolipidemic CF1 mouse serum cholesterol levels 49% and serum triglyceride levels 34% at 20 mg/kg/day, IP. Compound 4 was selected as a typical derivative of the chemical class for further detailed studies. Serum cholesterol levels in normolipidemic Sprague Dawley male rats were reduced 45% after 8 weeks at 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of compound, orally. Serum triglyceride levels were reduced 38-49% at 10 and 20 mg/kg/day, orally. In vitro liver enzyme activities studies in normolipidemic CF1 mice showed the compound inhibited mitochondrial citrate exchange, acetyl CoA synthetase, HMG CoA reductase, acyl CoA cholesterol acyl transferase, acetyl CoA carboxylase, sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase, phosphatidylate phosphohydrolase and heparin-induced lipoprotein lipase activities with increases in the activities of cholesterol ester hydrolase and ATP-dependent citrate lyase. Similar enzyme activities were inhibited in vivo except HMG CoA reductase activity was not inhibited in rat liver or small intestinal mucosa after 8 weeks drug administration. Cholesterol levels were reduced in tissues after 8 weeks administration of compound 4 in normolipidemic rats. Bile cholesterol and triglyceride levels were elevated after two weeks administration to rats at 20 mg/kg/day. Serum lipoprotein levels in normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic rats showed the cholesterol levels in VLDL and LDL fractions after 4, 6 and 8 weeks at 10 and 20 mg/kg/day were reduced whereas HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly elevated. Studies demonstrated that 3H-cholesterol and 14C-palmitic acid incorporation into lipids of the lipoprotein fraction was reduced by the drug but 32P-incorporation was generally elevated. The agent demonstrated no observable toxicity in rats after 8 weeks administration, orally. The acute toxicity study in normolipidemic mice at 20, 40 and 100 mg/kg/day, IP, demonstrated no observable harmful effects of the drug.

Structure activity relationships of 4-substituted 1-acyl and 1,2-diacyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-diones as anti-inflammatory agents in rodents.

1-Acyl and 1,2-diacyl 1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-diones proved to be potent anti-inflammatory agents in rodents at 8 or 20 mg/kg. They were effective against induced edema, pleurisy, and septic shock. Furthermore, these agents were potent in blocking the writhing reflex suggesting that they should be effective against local pain generated by inflammatory processes. These compounds were not lysosomal hydrolytic enzyme or proteolytic enzyme inhibitors in mouse liver, macrophages or human leukocytes. However, the agents were potent inhibitors of prostaglandin and leukotriene de novo synthesis and have potential in acting as free radical scavengers.

Acute toxic and teratogenic effects of cyclic imides in rodents.

Four structurally different cyclic imides or related derivatives (o-(N-phthalimido)acetophenone (1), 2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione (2), N-(4-methylphenyl)diphenamide (3), and 4,6-dihydro-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepine (4) were examined for acute toxicity in mice at multiple doses, for long term toxicity at a single dose in rats, and for deleterious effects on fertility and pup development in rodents. No deleterious effects were observed when mice were administered agents at 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day for seven days. All other measured characteristics and values were normal for the four compounds. The principle effect of the compounds was to reduce the percent pregnancies in treated mice compared to the controls. Compound 2 afforded the greatest reduction of pregnancy (54%) at 100 mg/kg/day. Compounds 3 and 4 caused a minor reduction in pregnancy (12-20%). The compounds did not appear to cause measureable teratogenic effects; pups of treated rodents thrived and survived as well as controls. There were no effects on murine male fertility when compounds were administered at 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day for six weeks.

Hypolipidemic activity of 4-substituted 1,2-diacyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-diones in rodents.

A series of 4-substituted 1,2-diacyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-diones were synthesized and shown to be hypolipidemic in rodents; serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced following intraperitoneal and oral dosing at 20 mg/kg/day. The hypolipidemic activity of the triazolidine-3,5-diones was improved when R1 was either a phenyl or a butyl group. Tissue lipid levels were reduced in the liver, aorta, and small intestine, while fecal lipids, e.g. cholesterol, were increased after 14 days. Very low density lipid cholesterol levels were reduced but high density lipid cholesterol levels were significantly increased. It appears that the mode of action of the 1,2-diacyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-diones is by the inhibition of the de novo rate limiting enzyme for lipid synthesis. Enzyme activities suppressed by the agents included ATP-dependent citrate lyase, HMG CoA reductase, acyl CoA cholesterol acyl transferase, acetyl CoA carboxylase, sn-glycerol-3-phosphate aryl transferase, phosphatidylate phosphohydrolase, and cholesterol-7 alpha-hydroxylase.

The hypolipidemic effects of 1-acetyl-4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione in rodents.

1-Acetyl-4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolidine,5-dione (APTD), a potent hypolipidemic agent, lowered both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in normo- and hyperlipidemic rats at 10 or 20 mg/kg/day. The agent effectively lowered VLDL-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and LDL-C content and raised HDL-C content in normal and hyperlipidemic rats treated from 4 to 8 weeks. Similar effects on the incorporation of cholesterol into the lipoprotein fractions were observed after drug treatment. Tissue lipids, e.g. cholesterol, were lowered, whereas fecal cholesterol levels were increased. APTD's primary targets were acyl CoA cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT) for cholesterol ester synthesis and sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase (GPAT) and phosphatidylate phosphohydrolase (PPH) for triglyceride synthesis.

Comparison between 6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenz(c,e)azepine and lovastatin as hypolipidemic agents in rats.

6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenz(c,e)azepine (azepine) and lovastatin were investigated for their hypolipidemic activity in Sprague-Dawley male rats. Azepine lowered both serum total cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels, whereas lovastatin only lowered serum total cholesterol levels significantly. Lovastatin also elevated lipid levels in tissues, whereas azepine in general did not have a similar effect. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly elevated and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reduced after treatment with both agents. Concentrations of ApoE and ApoAl of high-density lipoprotein were increased after treatment, a result that should enhance the reverse cholesterol transport process of returning cholesterol to the liver for excretion. Azepine appeared to be safe in its therapeutic range in rodents.

Synthesis and hypolipidemic activity of 4-substituted 1-acyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-diones in rodents.

A series of 4-substituted 1-acyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-diones demonstrated potent activity in CF1 mice when administered intraperitoneally at 20 mg/kg/day, lowering both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly. The 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-substituted compounds demonstrated better hypolipidemic activity in rodents than 4-methoxy-, 4-nitro-, and 4-t-butylphenyl substitutions. Aryl and alkyl substitutions rather than benzoyl substitutions at position 4 demonstrated good hypocholesterolemic activity. Selected compounds were examined for the mode of action in rats in which serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were reduced after administration of 20 mg/kg/day orally; tissue lipids were reduced after 14 days of administration, and bile and fecal lipids were increased by 44-250%. Serum lipoprotein levels were also modulated by the agents, with cholesterol levels in very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein fractions being reduced by 2-57%. Cholesterol levels in the high density lipoprotein fraction were elevated by 94-341%. Activities of mouse hepatic enzymes were suppressed by the agents in a manner that suggested that the compounds interfere with de novo synthesis of lipids.

Terephthalic acid in Sprague-Dawley rats as a hypolipidemic agent.

Terephthalic acid at 20 mg/kg/day in lowered serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats. The cholesterol content was lowered in the lipoprotein fractions. The effects of the agents on de novo lipid synthesis showed that similar enzymes were affected in rat liver and small intestinal mucosa cells as when compared to in vitro tissue culture cells from rats and humans, e.g. reduction of acyl CoA cholesterol acyl transferase and elevation of neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase activities suggest that net cholesterol esters deposition in foam cells should be reduced and plaque growth should be slowed. The suppression of LDL receptor binding and degradation by the drug suggest that less apoB lipoproteins are taken up by peripheral tissues. The elevated HDL receptor binding and internalization in the liver suggest that the drug accelerates cholesterol return to the liver. Additional studies show that cholesterol and bile acid secretion in the bile is elevated. However, the bile acids secreted are not lithogenic. Acute toxicity studies show that the agent appears to be safe in rodents. Two observations of increased serum alkaline phosphatase levels and increased liver vacuolation suggest some alteration of hepatic cell morphology, which requires further investigation.

Hypolipidemic effects of 6-amino-2-mercapto-5-methylpyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid in rats and tissue culture cells.

6-Amino-2-mercapto-5-methylpyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid (AMMPCA) was found to be a potent hypolipidemic agent at oral doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day in rodents. This agent was observed to affect de novo lipid synthesizing enzyme activities in a manner that resulted in lower lipid levels in tissues including the aorta wall. Very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reduced, whereas high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly increased. AMMPCA interfered with low density receptor activity, suggesting that the drug blocked lipid uptake by peripheral tissue while stimulating binding of lipid to the high density lipoprotein receptor, which should accelerate lipid clearance from the tissues and blood. A second mode of action of the drug is enhanced biliary excretion of lipids, but there was no evidence of a lithogenic effect. Acute toxicity studies in rodents support the fact that AMMPCA is safe in its therapeutic dose range.

The effects of N(4-methylphenyl)diphenimide on lipid metabolism of Sprague Dawley rats.

N(4-Methylphenyl)diphenimide proved to be an effective hypolipidemic agent in rats at 10 and 20 mg/kg/day. Both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were reduced significantly. Decreases in tissue lipids as well as VLDL cholesterol levels were observed. HDL-cholesterol was elevated even at 10 mg/kg/day. The agent was equally effective in hyperlipidemic diet-induced rats, lowering serum lipids and VLDL- and LDL-cholesterol while elevating HDL-cholesterol levels. The drug interfered with the incorporation of 3H-cholesterol and 3H-palmitic acid into chylomicrons, VLDL, and LDL. The two precursors were incorporated at a higher rate into HDL. 3H-Leucine was incorporated into chylomicrons, VLDL, and LDL at a higher rate, but not into HDL. Reduced uptake of the precursor for lipid synthesis was noted in tissues after treatment with the drug.

Antineoplastic activities and cytotoxicity of 1-acyl and 1,2-diacyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-diones in murine and human tissue culture cells.

1-Acyl- and 1,2-diacyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-diones were found to be potent cytotoxic agents in murine and human cancer cell lines, e.g. L1210, P388, Tmolt3, colon adenocarcinoma, Hela cells and glioma. In vivo activity was demonstrated at 8 mg/kg/day against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma growth. In L1210 cells, 1-acetyl-4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione, 41, reduced DNA synthesis significantly with moderate reduction in RNA synthesis. Enzyme sites in L1210 cells which were markedly affected were m- and r-RNA polymerase, PRPP amidotransferase, IMP dehydrogenase, dihydrofolate reductase, thymidine, TMP and TDP kinases. Kinetic studies suggest the inhibition of rate limiting enzymes in the purine pathway by 41 was responsible for its cytotoxicity. Acute toxicity studies in mice indicated 41 was safe for therapeutic use at 20, 50, and 100 mg/ky/day.

Effects of isoxazolidine or triazolidine on rat serum lipids in vivo and LDL and HDL binding and degradation in human and rodent cultured cells in vitro.

2-(3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoyl)-4,4-diethyl-3,5-isoxazolidione (TDI) and 1-acetyl-4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione (APTD) are two chemically related derivatives which have demonstrated potent hypolipidemic activity in mice at 20 mg/kg/day I.P. for 16 days. The purpose of this study is to correlate in vivo effects of TDI and APTD on rat serum lipoprotein lipids and apoprotein levels as well as plasma clearance and tissue uptake with effects of the agents on tissue cultured cells' LDL and HDL receptor binding, internalization and degradation. This study also correlates in vivo effects of TDI and APTD with endogenous enzyme activities regulated by these high affinity receptors. In rats at 20 mg/kg/day orally serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and VLDL-cholesterol levels were effectively reduced while HDL cholesterol levels were significantly elevated with both agents. These compounds in human hepatocytes lowered LDL receptor binding and degradation, whereas HDL receptor binding and degradation were elevated in human hepatocytes, rat small intestinal epithelium cells, human BG fibroblasts, rat aorta cells and mouse macrophages. These drugs inhibited HMG CoA reductase and sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyl transferase activities, findings consistent with the observed in vivo reductions in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Both drugs reduced activity of acyl CoA:cholesterol acyl transferase and accelerated activity of neutral cholesterol hydrolase in liver and aorta cells. This modulation by the drugs should reduce disposition of cholesterol esters in these tissues especially aorta wall; this effect was indeed observed in vivo. In the presence of TDI and APTD, HDL uptake of intracellular cholesterol from fibroblasts was accelerated. This was consistent with results from in vivo rat studies showing that HDL clearance was faster after treatment while clearance of LDL slowed. Tissue uptake of HDL and LDL after drug treatment was reduced for the major organs; however the liver accumulation was elevated. The accelerated uptake in the liver was probably due to the observed higher levels of Apo-E and Apo-AI in HDL after drug treatment. Increased excretion of cholesterol from the liver to the bile after drug treatment indicated that the reserve cholesterol transport system by HDL was accelerated by the agents in vivo.

Potential aldose reductase inhibitors: 1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-diones and 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-4,4-diethyl-3,5-isoxazolidinedione .

1,2,4-Triazolidine-3,5-diones and the 3,5-isoxazolidinedione were observed to be potent inhibitors of rat lens aldose reductase activity. In vivo in streptozotocin-diabetic rats, selected agents at 20 mg/kg/day, orally for 21 days reduced significantly the sorbitol levels of rbc, lens and sciatic nerves, suggesting that these derivatives may have some usefulness to treat clinical complications of diabetes mellitus.

Disposition of the hypolipidaemic agent, 6-amino-2-mercapto-5-methylpyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid, in Sprague-Dawley rats.

The disposition of [2-14C]6-amino-2-mercapto-5-methylpyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid has been determined in rats following intravenous and oral administration. A two-compartment pharmacokinetic model fitted to the blood and urinary data predicted its maximum terminal (beta) half-life to be 38 h. Urinary and faecal excretion accounted for approximately 30 and 8% of the administered radioactivity, respectively. The parent compound accounted for 88% of the urine radioactivity after oral administration. In a tissue distribution study, the largest percentages of radioactivity were found in the skin and carcass; by 24 h, all other organs contained less than 1% of the administered radioactivity. The drug was highly water soluble, not extensively bound to plasma proteins, nor taken up by red blood cells. The drug uptake by human fibroblasts or rat aorta cells appeared to be by passive diffusion.

Substituted cyclic imides as potential anti-gout agents.

N-substituted cyclic imides of phthalimide, 2,3-dihydrohalazine-1,4-dione, and diphenimide were shown to reduce the serum uric acid levels in normal and hyperuric mice at 20 mg/kg/day I.P. for 14 days. The agents were potent inhibitors of commercial xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase enzyme activities with IC50 values from 10(-7) to 10(-8) M concentrations of drug.

The anti-inflammatory activity of 5H-dibenz[c,e]azepine-5,7(6H)dione, 6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepine, N-benzoylbenzamide and 1H-benz[d,e]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)dione derivatives in rodents.

A series of N-substituted 5H-dibenz[c,e]azepin-5,7(6H)dione, 6-substituted 6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepine, 1H-benz[d,e]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)dione and N-benzoyl derivatives was shown to have anti-inflammatory and local analgesic activity in rodents. 6-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepin-5,7(6H)dione demonstrated greater than 50% inhibition of induced edema and the writhing reflex at 25 mg/kg, I.P. in mice. 6-Methyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepine and the N-butyl and N-pentyl derivatives of the dibenz-[c,e]azepine and N-benzoylbenzamide series demonstrated potent activity in both screens. The 1H-benz[d,e]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)diones were generally less active than the other three chemical classes of agents tested. However, the 2-(methylthio)ethyl derivative of this series demonstrates good activity in both screens. These agents appeared to be as potent as the standards, indomethacin and phenylbutazone, as anti-inflammatory agents in these animal models. Selected agents, e.g. 6-(4-methylphenyl)-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepin-5,7(6H)dione demonstrated anti-arthritic and anti-gout activities in rodents. The N-methyl and N-butyl derivatives of 6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepine afforded good anti-pleurisy activity in rats at 25 mg/kg x 2. The agents which demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory action were found to inhibit acid lysosomal hydrolytic enzyme activities in mouse liver and macrophages at 10(-5) M concentrations. Trypsin, elastase and collagenase activities were also inhibited by the derivatives. Prostaglandin synthetase activity of bovine seminal vesicles and mouse macrophages was inhibited by the compounds at 10(-5) M concentrations.