Role of histamine H4 receptor in the anti-inflammatory pathway of glucocorticoid-induced leucin zipper (GILZ) in a model of lung fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the interactions between histaminergic system and glucocorticoid-induced leucin zipper (GILZ) in the inflammatory process and glucocorticoid modulation in lung fibrosis. METHODS: Wild-type (WT) and GILZ Knock-Out (KO) mice were treated with bleomycin (0.05 IU) or saline, delivered by intra-tracheal injection. After surgery, mice received a continuous infusion of JNJ7777120 (JNJ, 2 mg/kg b.wt.) or vehicle for 21 days. Lung function was studied by measuring airway resistance to air insufflation through the analysis of pressure at airway opening (PAO). Lung samples were collected to evaluate the expression of histamine H4R, Anx-A1, and p65-NF-kB, the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: Airway fibrosis and remodeling were assessed by measuring TGF-ß production and α-SMA deposition. JNJ reduces PAO in WT but not in GILZ KO mice (from 22 ± 1 mm to 15 ± 0.5 and from 24 ± 1.5 to 19 ± 0.5 respectively), MPO activity (from 204 ± 3.13 pmol/mg to 73.88 ± 2.63 in WT and from 221 ± 4.46 pmol/mg to 107 ± 5.54 in GILZ KO), the inflammatory response, TGF-ß production, and α-SMA deposition in comparison to WT and GILZ KO vehicle groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the role of H4R and GILZ in relation to glucocorticoids could pave the way for innovative therapies to counteract pulmonary fibrosis.

The Histamine H4 Receptor Participates in the Anti-Neuropathic Effect of the Adenosine A3 Receptor Agonist IB-MECA: Role of CD4+ T Cells.

A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonists have emerged as potent relievers of neuropathic pain by a T cell-mediated production of IL-10. The H4 histamine receptor (H4R), also implicated in pain modulation, is expressed on T cells playing a preeminent role in its activation and release of IL-10. To improve the therapeutic opportunities, this study aimed to verify the hypothesis of a possible cross-talk between A3AR and H4R in the resolution of neuropathic pain. In the mouse model of Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI), the acute intraperitoneal co-administration of the A3AR agonist IB-MECA (0.5 mg/kg) and the H4R agonist VUF 8430 (10 mg/kg), were additive in counteracting mechano-allodynia increasing IL-10 plasma levels. In H4R-/- mice, IB-MECA activity was reduced, lower pain relief and lower modulation of plasma IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were shown. The complete anti-allodynia effect of IB-MECA in H4R-/- mice was restored after intravenous administration of CD4+ T cells obtained from naïve wild type mice. In conclusion, a role of the histaminergic system in the mechanism of A3AR-mediated neuropathic pain relief was suggested highlighting the driving force evoked by CD4+ T cells throughout IL-10 up-regulation.

D-Tagatose Feeding Reduces the Risk of Sugar-Induced Exacerbation of Myocardial I/R Injury When Compared to Its Isomer Fructose.

It is known that fructose may contribute to myocardial vulnerability to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. D-tagatose is a fructose isomer with less caloric value and used as low-calorie sweetener. Here we compared the metabolic impact of fructose or D-tagatose enriched diets on potential exacerbation of myocardial I/R injury. Wistar rats were randomizedly allocated in the experimental groups and fed with one of the following diets: control (CTRL), 30% fructose-enriched (FRU 30%) or 30% D-tagatose-enriched (TAG 30%). After 24 weeks of dietary manipulation, rats underwent myocardial injury caused by 30 min ligature of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery followed by 24 h' reperfusion. Fructose consumption resulted in body weight increase (49%) as well as altered glucose, insulin and lipid profiles. These effects were associated with increased I/R-induced myocardial damage, oxidative stress (36.5%) and inflammation marker expression. TAG 30%-fed rats showed lower oxidative stress (21%) and inflammation in comparison with FRU-fed rats. Besides, TAG diet significantly reduced plasmatic inflammatory cytokines and GDF8 expression (50%), while increased myocardial endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression (59%). Overall, we demonstrated that D-tagatose represents an interesting sugar alternative when compared to its isomer fructose with reduced deleterious impact not only on the metabolic profile but also on the related heart susceptibility to I/R injury.

Adenosine A3 agonists reverse neuropathic pain via T cell-mediated production of IL-10.

The A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) has emerged as a therapeutic target with A3AR agonists to tackle the global challenge of neuropathic pain, and investigation into its mode of action is essential for ongoing clinical development. Immune cell A3ARs, and their activation during pathology, modulate cytokine release. Thus, the use of immune cells as a cellular substrate for the pharmacological action of A3AR agonists is enticing, but unknown. The present study discovered that Rag-KO mice lacking T and B cells, as compared with WT mice, are insensitive to the anti-allodynic effects of A3AR agonists. Similar findings were observed in interleukin-10 and interleukin-10 receptor knockout mice. Adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells from WT mice infiltrated the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and restored A3AR agonist-mediated anti-allodynia in Rag-KO mice. CD4+ T cells from Adora3-KO or Il10-KO mice did not. Transfer of CD4+ T cells from WT mice, but not Il10-KO mice, into Il10-KO mice or Adora3-KO mice fully reinstated the anti-allodynic effects of A3AR activation. Notably, A3AR agonism reduced DRG neuron excitability when cocultured with CD4+ T cells in an IL-10-dependent manner. A3AR action on CD4+ T cells infiltrated in the DRG decreased phosphorylation of GluN2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors at Tyr1472, a modification associated with regulating neuronal hypersensitivity. Our findings establish that activation of A3AR on CD4+ T cells to release IL-10 is required and sufficient evidence for the use of A3AR agonists as therapeutics.

Effects of New NSAID-CAI Hybrid Compounds in Inflammation and Lung Fibrosis.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease with progressive worsening of dyspnea, characterized by chronic inflammation and remodeling of lung parenchyma. Carbonic anhydrases are a family of zinc-metallo-enzymes that catalyze the reversible interconversion of carbon-dioxide and water to bicarbonate and protons. Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor (CAI) exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in animals with permanent-middle-cerebral artery occlusion, arthritis and neuropathic pain. The pharmacological profile of a new class of hybrid compounds constituted by a CAI connected to a Nonsteroidal-Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) was studied in the modulation of inflammation and fibrosis. In-vitro tests were performed to assess their effects on cyclo-oxygenase enzyme (COX)-1 and COX-2, namely inhibition of platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 production in the human-platelet-rich plasma, and reduction of Prostaglandin-E2 production in lipopolysaccharide-treated-RAW-264.7 macrophage cell line. The activity of compound 3, one of the most active, was studied in a model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice. The hybrid compounds showed a higher potency in inhibiting PGE2 production, but not in modifying the platelet aggregation and the TXB2 production in comparison to the reference molecules, indicating an increased activity in COX-2 inhibition. In the in-vivo murine model, the compound 3 was more effective in decreasing inflammation, lung stiffness and oxidative stress in comparison to the reference drugs given alone or in association. In conclusion, these CAI-NSAID hybrid compounds are promising new anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of lung chronic inflammatory diseases.

Effect of Mediterranean Diet Enriched in High Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Gut Microbiota in Obese and Normal Weight Adult Subjects.

Introduction: The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is useful in the prevention of overweight, obesity and metabolic disease. High Quality-Extra Virgin Olive Oil (HQ-EVOO), an essential component of this diet, exerts protective effects against chronic diseases. Gut Microbiota (GM), recognized as a key factor in driving metabolic activities, is involved in the regulation of host immunity. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and their probio-active cellular substances produce beneficial effects in the gastrointestinal tract. Materials and Methods: Eighteen overweight/obese subjects (cases, BMI ≥25 kg/m2) and 18 normal weight controls (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) were fed with MD enriched with 40 g/die HQ-EVOO for three months. Feces and blood samples were collected at time 0 (T0) and after three months (T1) for LAB composition, oxidative stress, metabolic and inflammation parameter determinations. Results: Myeloperoxidase and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, were significantly decreased after MD rich in HQ-EVOO both in controls and in cases. Proinflammatory cytokines levels were significantly decreased in cases in comparison to controls, while IL-10 and adiponectin were significantly increased in cases. LAB's rpoB copies/ng of DNA increased 55.6 folds in cases compared to their baseline after MD rich in HQ-EVOO. MD rich in HQ-EVOO increased adiponectin and IL-10 concentration in overweight/obese subjects and decreased oxidative stress and inflammation parameters and at the same time, increased LAB number in GM. Discussion: Our results indicate that MD rich in HQ-EVOO induces an increase of LAB in GM and could have a potential role in the prevention of inflammation. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03441802.

Effects of PARP-1 Deficiency and Histamine H4 Receptor Inhibition in an Inflammatory Model of Lung Fibrosis in Mice.

Pulmonary fibrosis is the most frequent form of interstitial lung disease. Effective therapies are not yet available; novel therapeutic approaches are needed for counteracting fibrosis. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases are enzymes, involved in DNA repair and cell apoptosis. PARP-1 deficient mice exhibited reduced lung fibrosis in response to bleomycin treatment compared to wild-type controls. Histamine H4 receptors (H4Rs) have been recognized as a new target for inflammatory and immune diseases, and H4R ligands reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in lung tissue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cross-talk between PARP-1 and H4R in a model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in PARP-1-/- and WT mice. Animals were treated with bleomycin or saline by intra-tracheal injection. JNJ7777120, an H4R antagonist, or VUF8430, an H4R agonist, were administered i.p for 21 days. Airway resistance to inflation was evaluated, and lung tissues were processed for PARylated protein content, oxidative stress evaluation, and histology of small bronchi. The levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-1ß and TNF-α), regulatory (IL-10), and pro-fibrotic (TGF-ß) cytokines were evaluated. The deposition of αSMA was determined by immunofluorescence analysis. The results indicate that JNJ7777120 reduces PARylated protein production, decreases oxidative stress damage, and MPO, a marker for leukocyte tissue infiltration, in PARP-1-/- mice. A significant decrease in the production of both IL-1ß and TNF-α and a significant increase in IL-10 levels are observed in mice treated with H4R antagonist, suggesting a crucial anti-inflammatory activity of JNJ7777120. The smooth muscle layer thickness, the goblet cell relative number, and collagen deposition decreased following JNJ7777120 administration. The H4R antagonist treatment also reduces TGF-ß production and αSMA deposition, suggesting an important role of JNJ7777120 in airway remodeling. Our results show that PARylation is essential for the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and propose that PARP-1 and H4Rs are both involved in inflammatory and fibrotic responses. JNJ7777120 treatment, in a condition of PARP-1 inhibition, exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects, reducing airway remodeling and bronchoconstriction. Therefore, selective inhibition of H4Rs together with non-toxic doses of selective PARP-1 inhibitors could have clinical relevance for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Role of Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonists on Intraocular Pressure Reduction in Rabbit Models of Transient Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma.

Intraocular pressure (IOP) has a tendency to fluctuate throughout the day, reaching its peak in the early morning in healthy subjects or glaucoma patients. Likewise, histamine tone also fluctuates over time, being lower at nighttime. Numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between short-term IOP fluctuation and glaucoma progression; however, it has not yet been determined whether histamine plays a role in IOP fluctuations. The aim of this research was to establish the distribution of the histamine receptor proteins and respective mRNAs in the eye by western blot, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR in New Zealand rabbits. Furthermore, we used a transient ocular hypertension (OHT) model induced by injection of 50 µL of 5% hypertonic saline into the vitreous and a stable OHT model (100 µL 0.1% carbomer in the anterior chamber) to address the potential IOP-lowering ability of H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists (ciproxifan, DL76 and GSK189254). IOPs were performed with a Tono-Pen at baseline and 60, 120 and 240 min post treatment after transient OHT induction and, every day for 12 days in the stable OHT model. All histamine receptor subtypes were localized in the rabbit retina and ciliary body/trabecular meshwork. All the treatments lowered IOP in a dose-dependent fashion between 0.3% and 1%. More specifically, the effects were maximal with ciproxifan at 60 min post-dose (IOP60 change = -18.84 ± 4.85 mmHg, at 1%), remained stable until 120 min (IOP120 change = -16.38 ± 3.8 mmHg, at 1%) and decayed thereafter to reach baseline values at 240 min. These effects were highly specific and dependent on histamine release as pre-treatment with imetit (H3R agonist, 1%) or pyrilamine (H1R antagonist, 1%) largely blocked ciproxifan-mediated effects. Color Doppler ultrasound examination was performed to evaluate changes in ophtalmic artery resistivity index (RI) before and after repeated dosing with DL 76, GSK189254, ciproxifan and timolol. Chronic treatments with H3R antagonists and timolol improved the vascular performance of ophthalmic arteries and reduced retinal ganglion cell death. Oxidative stress was also reduced and measured 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) expression, and by dihidroethydium (DHE) staining. These results demonstrated that the histamine system participates in IOP regulation and that H3R antagonists could represent a future promising therapy for glaucoma. Further studies should be focused on the long-term IOP circadian fluctuations.

Activation of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 1 in the Spinal Cord Produces Mechanohypersensitivity Through the Activation of Inflammasome and IL-1ß Pathway.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1 subtype (S1PR1) activation by its ligand S1P in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord causes mechanohypersensitivity. The cellular and molecular pathways remain poorly understood. We report that the activation of S1PR1 with an intrathecal injection of the highly selective S1PR1 agonist SEW2871 led to the development of mechanoallodynia by activating the nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome (increased expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase 1 and mature IL-1ß) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The functional S1PR1 antagonist FTY720 blocked NLRP3 activation and IL-1ß production. Moreover, inhibiting IL-10 signaling with an intrathecal injection of an anti-IL-10 antibody attenuated the beneficial effects exerted by FTY720. This finding suggests that disrupting S1PR1 signaling engages beneficial IL-10-dependent pathways. Notably, we found that mice with astrocyte-specific deletions of S1pr1 did not develop mechanoallodynia after intrathecal injection of SEW2871 and exhibited decreased levels of cleaved caspase 1, identifying astrocytes as a key cellular locus for S1PR1 activity. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights on how S1PR1 activation in the spinal cord contributes to the development of nociception while identifying the cellular substrate for these activities. PERSPECTIVE: This study is the first to link the activation of NLRP3 and IL-1ß signaling in the spinal cord and S1PR1 signaling in astrocytes to the development of S1PR1-evoked mechanoallodynia. These findings provide critical basic science insights to support the development of therapies targeted toward S1PR1.

A Selective Histamine H4 Receptor Antagonist, JNJ7777120, Is Protective in a Rat Model of Transient Cerebral Ischemia.

Cerebral ischemia is a multifactorial pathology characterized by different events evolving in time. The acute injury, characterized by excitoxicity, is followed by a secondary brain injury that develops from hours to days after ischemia. Extracellular levels of histamine increase in the ischemic area after focal cerebral ischemia induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAo). The histamine H4 receptor (H4R) is predominantly expressed in cell types of immune system where is involved in the regulation of immunological and inflammatory responses, and in numerous area of the Central Nervous System (CNS) including cortex and striatum. Our aim was to assess the putative neuroprotective effects of the potent and selective H4R antagonist, JNJ7777120 (JNJ), chronically administered (1 mg/kg, i.p., twice/day for 7 days) on damage parameters in a rat model of focal ischemia induced by transient MCAo (tMCAo). Chronic treatment with the H4R antagonist JNJ, significantly protected from the neurological deficit and from body weight loss after tMCAo. Seven days after the ischemic insult, JNJ reduced the volume of the ischemic cortical and striatal damage, the number of activated microglia and astrocytes in the ischemic cortex and striatum and decreased the plasma levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α, while increased the levels of IL-10. Two days after ischemia, JNJ has reduced granulocyte infiltration in the ischemic area. Results demonstrate that the selective antagonist of H4R, JNJ, systemically and chronically administered after ischemia, reduces the ischemic brain damage, improves the neurological deficit and decreases blood pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that H4R is a valuable pharmacological target after focal brain ischemia.

Reduced Susceptibility to Sugar-Induced Metabolic Derangements and Impairments of Myocardial Redox Signaling in Mice Chronically Fed with D-Tagatose when Compared to Fructose.

BACKGROUND: D-tagatose is an isomer of fructose and is ~90% as sweet as sucrose with less caloric value. Nowadays, D-tagatose is used as a nutritive or low-calorie sweetener. Despite clinical findings suggesting that D-tagatose could be beneficial in subjects with type 2 diabetes, there are no experimental data comparing D-tagatose with fructose, in terms of metabolic derangements and related molecular mechanisms evoked by chronic exposure to these two monosaccharides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57Bl/6j mice were fed with a control diet plus water (CD), a control diet plus 30% fructose syrup (L-Fr), a 30% fructose solid diet plus water (S-Fr), a control diet plus 30% D-tagatose syrup (L-Tg), or a 30% D-tagatose solid diet plus water (S-Tg), during 24 weeks. RESULTS: Both solid and liquid fructose feeding led to increased body weight, abnormal systemic glucose homeostasis, and an altered lipid profile. These effects were associated with vigorous increase in oxidative markers. None of these metabolic abnormalities were detected when mice were fed with both the solid and liquid D-tagatose diets, either at the systemic or at the local level. Interestingly, both fructose formulations led to significant Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) accumulation in mouse hearts, as well as a robust increase in both myocardial AGE receptor (RAGE) expression and NF-κB activation. In contrast, no toxicological effects were shown in hearts of mice chronically exposed to liquid or solid D-tagatose. CONCLUSION: Our results clearly suggest that chronic overconsumption of D-tagatose in both formulations, liquid or solid, does not exert the same deleterious metabolic derangements evoked by fructose administration, due to differences in carbohydrate interference with selective proinflammatory and oxidative stress cascades.

Identification of Bivalent Ligands with Melatonin Receptor Agonist and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Inhibitory Activity That Exhibit Ocular Hypotensive Effect in the Rabbit.

Activation of melatonin receptors and inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) have both shown potential benefits for the treatment of glaucoma. To exploit the combination of these biological activities in single therapeutic agents, we designed dual-acting compounds sharing the pharmacophore elements required for the two targets, in search for balanced potencies as MT1/MT2 agonists and FAAH inhibitors. In particular, the N-anilinoethylamide scaffold, previously developed for melatonergic ligands, was decorated at meta position with a polymethylene linker bound to an O-arylcarbamate group, substituted according to known structure-activity relationships for FAAH inhibition. For the most active series, the N-anilinoethylamide portion was also replaced with the indole scaffold of melatonin. O-Biphenyl-3-ylcarbamate derivatives were characterized by remarkable and balanced activity at both targets, in the nanomolar range for compound 29. Topical administration reduced elevated intraocular pressure in rabbits, with a longer action and improved efficacy compared to the reference compounds melatonin and URB597.

2-Benzylpiperazine: A new scaffold for potent human carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Synthesis, enzyme inhibition, enantioselectivity, computational and crystallographic studies and in vivo activity for a new class of intraocular pressure lowering agents.

Two series of 2-benzylpiperazines have been prepared and tested for the inhibition of physiologically relevant isoforms of human carbonic anhydrases (hCA, EC 4.2.1.1). The new compounds carry on one nitrogen atom of the piperazine ring a sulfamoylbenzamide group as zinc-binding moiety, and different alkyl/acyl/sulfonyl groups on the other nitrogen. Regio- and stero-isomers are described. The majority of these compounds showed Ki values in the low-medium nanomolar range against hCA I, II and IV, but not IX. In many instances interaction with the enzyme was enantioselective. The binding mode has been studied by means of X-ray crystallography and molecular modelling. Two compounds, evaluated in rabbit models of glaucoma, were able to significantly reduce intraocular pressure, making them interesting candidates for further studies.

Fructose liquid and solid formulations differently affect gut integrity, microbiota composition and related liver toxicity: a comparative in vivo study.

Despite clinical findings suggesting that the form (liquid versus solid) of the sugars may significantly affect the development of metabolic diseases, no experimental data are available on the impact of their formulations on gut microbiota, integrity and hepatic outcomes. In the present sudy, C57Bl/6j mice were fed a standard diet plus water (SD), a standard diet plus 60% fructose syrup (L-Fr) or a 60% fructose solid diet plus water (S-Fr) for 12 weeks. Gut microbiota was characterized through 16S rRNA phylogenetic profiling and shotgun sequencing of microbial genes in ileum content and related volatilome profiling. Fructose feeding led to alterations of the gut microbiota depending on the fructose formulation, with increased colonization by Clostridium, Oscillospira and Clostridiales phyla in the S-Fr group and Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae and Dorea in the L-Fr. S-Fr evoked the highest accumulation of advanced glycation end products and barrier injury in the ileum intestinal mucosa. These effects were associated to a stronger activation of the lipopolysaccharide-dependent proinflammatory TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in the liver of S-Fr mice than of L-Fr mice. In contrast, L-Fr intake induced higher levels of hepatosteatosis and markers of fibrosis than S-Fr. Fructose-induced ex novo lipogenesis with production of SCFA and MCFA was confirmed by metagenomic analysis. These results suggest that consumption of fructose under different forms, liquid or solid, may differently affect gut microbiota, thus leading to impairment in intestinal mucosa integrity and liver homeostasis.

Histamine H4 receptor agonist-induced relief from painful peripheral neuropathy is mediated by inhibition of spinal neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neuropathic pain is under-treated, with a detrimental effect on quality of life, partly because of low treatment efficacy, but also because pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully elucidated. To clarify the pathobiology of neuropathic pain, we studied the contribution of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in a model of peripheral neuropathy. We also assessed an innovative treatment for neuropathic pain by investigating the effects of histamine H4 receptor ligands in this model. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: A peripheral mononeuropathy was induced in mice, by spared nerve injury (SNI). Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated by spectrophotometry. The mechanical (von Frey test) and thermal (plantar test) nociceptive thresholds were evaluated. KEY RESULTS: SNI mice showed increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α, decreased antioxidant enzyme Mn-containing SOD (MnSOD), increased levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an indicator of oxidative DNA damage, and of PARP, nuclear enzyme activated upon DNA damage. Intrathecal administration of VUF 8430 (H4 receptor agonist) reversed the mechanical and thermal allodynia and was associated with decreased expression of IL-1ß, TNF-α, 8-OHdG and PARP and with restoration of MnSOD activity in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve. These effects were prevented by JNJ 10191584 (H4 receptor antagonist). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: In the SNI mouse model of neuropathic pain, neuronal H4 receptor stimulation counteracts hyperalgesia and reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve. Targeting both oxidative stress and pro-neuroinflammatory pathways through H4 receptor-mediated mechanisms could have promising therapeutic potential for neuropathic pain management.

HYDAMTIQ, a selective PARP-1 inhibitor, improves bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by dampening the TGF-ß/SMAD signalling pathway.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a severe disease characterized by excessive myofibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix and fibrils deposition, remodelling of lung parenchyma and pulmonary insufficiency. Drugs able to reduce disease progression are available, but therapeutic results are unsatisfactory; new and safe treatments are urgently needed. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases-1 (PARP-1) is an abundant nuclear enzyme involved in key biological processes: DNA repair, gene expression control, and cell survival or death. In liver and heart, PARP-1 activity facilitates oxidative damage, collagen deposition and fibrosis development. In this study, we investigated the effects of HYDAMTIQ, a potent PARP-1 inhibitor, in a murine model of lung fibrosis. We evaluated the role of PARP on transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) expression and TGF-ß/SMAD signalling pathway in lungs. Mice were intratracheally injected with bleomycin and then treated with either vehicle or different doses of HYDAMTIQ for 21 days. Airway resistance to inflation and lung static compliance, markers of lung stiffness, were assayed. Histochemical and biochemical parameters to evaluate TGF-ß/SMAD signalling pathway with alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) deposition and the levels of a number of inflammatory markers (tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, iNOS and COX-2) were performed. Bleomycin administration increased lung stiffness. It also increased lung PARP activity, TGF-ß levels, pSMAD3 expression, αSMA deposition and content of inflammatory markers. HYDAMTIQ attenuated all the above-mentioned physiological, biochemical and histopathological markers. Our findings support the proposal that PARP inhibitors could have a therapeutic potential in reducing the progression of signs and symptoms of the disease by decreasing TGF-ß expression and the TGF-ß/SMAD transduction pathway.

New furoxan derivatives for the treatment of ocular hypertension.

A small series of water-soluble NO-donor furoxans bearing a basic center at the 4-position, having a wide lipophilic-hydrophilic balance range, and endowed with different NO-release capacities, were synthesized and characterized. Selected members were studied for their IOP-lowering activity in the transient ocular hypertensive rabbit model at 1% dose. The most effective IOP-lowering products were compounds 3 and 7, whose activity 60min after administration was similar to that of Timolol. Notably, 7 was characterized by a long-lasting action. The IOP-lowering activity in this series of products appeared to be modulated by the lipophilic-hydrophilic balance rather than by the NO-donor capacity.

Role of histamine H4 receptor ligands in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Fibrosis of lung tissue is a disease where a chronic inflammatory process determines a pathological remodelling of lung parenchyma. The animal model obtained by intra-tracheal administration of bleomycin in C57BL/6 mice is one of the most validated murine model. Bleomycin stimulates oxidative stress and the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Histamine H4R have recently been implicated in inflammation and immune diseases. This study was focused to investigate the effects of H4R ligands in the modulation of inflammation and in the reduction of lung fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice treated with bleomycin. C57BL/6 mice were treated with vehicle, JNJ7777120 (JNJ, selective H4R antagonist) or ST-1006 (partial H4R agonist), ST-994 (H4R neutral antagonist) and ST-1012 (inverse H4R agonist) at equimolar doses, released by micro-osmotic pumps for 21days. Airway resistance to inflation was assayed and lung samples were processed to measure malondialdehyde (TBARS); 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG); myeloperoxidase (MPO); COX-2 expression and activity as markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Fibrosis and airway remodelling were evaluated throughout transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), percentage of positive Goblet cells, smooth muscle layer thickness determination. Our results indicated that JNJ, ST-994 and ST-1012 decreased inflammation and oxidative stress markers, i.e. the number of infiltrating leukocytes evaluated as lung tissue MPO, COX-2 expression and activity, TBARS and 8OHdG production. They also reduced the level of TGF-ß, a pro-fibrotic cytokine, collagen deposition, thickness of smooth muscle layer, Goblet cells hyperplasia; resulting in a decrease of airway functional impairment. The results here reported clearly demonstrated that H4R ligands have a beneficial effect in a model of lung fibrosis in the mouse, thus indicating that H4R antagonists or inverse agonists could be a novel therapeutic strategy for lung inflammatory diseases.

Monothiocarbamates Strongly Inhibit Carbonic Anhydrases in Vitro and Possess Intraocular Pressure Lowering Activity in an Animal Model of Glaucoma.

A series of monothiocarbamates (MTCs) were prepared from primary/secondary amines and COS as potential carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitors, using the dithiocarbamates, the xanthates, and the trithiocarbonates as lead compounds. The MTCs effectively inhibited the pharmacologically relevant human (h) hCAs isoforms I, II, IX, and XII in vitro and showed KIs spanning between the low and medium nanomolar range. By means of a computational study, the MTC moiety binding mode on the CAs was explained. Furthermore, a selection of MTCs were evaluated in a normotensive glaucoma rabbit model for their intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects and showed interesting activity.