A novel hypoxia-dependent 2-nitroimidazole KIN-841 inhibits tumour-specific angiogenesis by blocking production of angiogenic factors.

Tumour angiogenesis is initiated by angiogenic factors that are produced in large amounts by hypoxic tumour cells. The inhibition of this step may lead to tumour-specific antiangiogenesis because normal tissues are not usually hypoxic. On the other hand, blocking a biological function of endothelial cells is known to result in angiogenic inhibition. To produce a tumour-specific and powerful antiangiogenesis, we determined whether potent angiogenic inhibition could be achieved by inhibiting the production of angiogenic factors by hypoxic tumour cells and simultaneously blocking certain angiogenic steps in endothelial cells under normoxia. We focused on the 2-nitroimidazole moiety, which is easily incorporated into hypoxic cells and exhibits its cytotoxicity as hypoxic cytotoxin. We designed and synthesised 2-nitroimidazole derivatives designated as KIN compounds, and investigated their antiangiogenic activities under normoxia using a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. KIN-841 (2-nitroimidazole 1-acetylhydroxamate) showed a potent angiogenic inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. This compound inhibited the proliferation of bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial (BPAE) cells more strongly than that of tumour cells, such as Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) cells, under normoxia. The inhibition of cell proliferation by KIN-841 under hypoxia increased about five-fold compared to that under normoxia. Moreover, under hypoxia, KIN-841 significantly decreased the excessive production of vascular endothelial cell growth factors induced by 3LL cells as determined by tritium-labelled thymidine ([(3)H]thymidine) incorporation into BPAE cells and by ELISA. Intraperitoneal administration of KIN-841 suppressed 3LL-cell-induced in vivo angiogenesis in the mouse dorsal air sac system. These results indicate that the regulation of the production of angiogenic factors by hypoxic tumour cells is a useful target for tumour-specific angiogenesis inhibition, and that KIN-841, which causes simultaneous direct inhibition of endothelial cell function and production of angiogenic factors by hypoxic tumour cells, is a very potent inhibitor of tumour-specific angiogenesis. Thus, the potential for clinical use of KIN-841 as an antitumour drug is very high.

New antimetastatic hypoxic cell radiosensitizers: design, synthesis, and biological activities of 2-nitroimidazole-acetamide, TX-1877, and its analogues.

We designed, based on the molecular orbital (MO) calculation, synthesized, and evaluated the biological activities of the new antimetastatic hypoxic cell radiosensitizer, 2-nitroimidazole-acetamide, TX-1877, and its analogues. Each analogue has an electron-affinic imidazole group, an acetamide group and a certain hydrophilic group to control its biological effect, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics. In in vitro radiosensitization assay, most TX-1877 analogues, which have an electron affinity (EA) of more than 0.9 eV and partition coefficient (P) of more than 0.021, showed satisfactory enhancement ratios (ER > 1.60) at doses of I mM. On the other hand, imidazole analogues, such as TX-1908 (EA = 0.67 eV), TX-1910 (EA = -0.34 eV) and TX-1931 (EA = -0.37 eV), which have low electron affinities, had an ER of 1.31 or less. TX-1877 and KIN-806 effectively inhibited tumor regrowth when administered with irradiation in vivo at a dose of 0.4 mg/g. Tumor lung metastasis was inhibited by treatment with either TX-1877 or KIN-806 without irradiation at a dose of 0.4 mg/g. TX-1877 reduced markedly the mean number of metastatic lung nodules in comparison with KIN-806. Moreover, TX-1877 and KIN-806 enhanced macrophage and helper T lymphocyte infiltration for 3 weeks after drug treatment. TX-1877 shows a high EA value and has the C2 of HOMO localizing on N-methylamide and the C2 of LUMO localizing on 2-nitroimidazole group. The MO data might be useful for designing a bifunctional hypoxic cell radiosensitizer. TX-1877 and its analogues are potential antimetastatic hypoxic cell radiosensitizers, which would improve the efficiency of radiotherapy and quality of life in cancer treatment.

Studies of methyl 2-nitroimidazole-1-acetohydroxamate (KIN-804) 1: effect on free radical scavenging system in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

Methyl 2-nitroimidazole-1-acetohydroxamate (KIN-804) is a 2-nitroimidazole derivative containing a hydroxamate side chain designed to enhance the radiosensitization response of hypoxic cells. The possible sensitization of tumor tissue by KIN-804 can be evaluated through investigation of the levels of the free radical scavengers; namely, glutathione (GSH) and its complex enzyme system including glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), as well as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD). Female albino mice were inoculated with Ehrlich carcinoma in the thigh. Administration of KIN-804 (i.p. 80 mg/kg body weight) was carried out 20 min before localized irradiation of 10 Gy. The data revealed that KIN-804 administration, followed or not by gamma irradiation, resulted in a significant decrease in GSH content in tumor tissues associated with inhibition in GR and G-6-PD activities. Blood GSH-Px was enhanced in tumor inoculated mice and the administration of KIN-804 returned it to the normal value. These changes were more noticeable in tumor bearing mice exposed to both KIN-804 and irradiation.

Studies of methyl 2-nitroimidazole-1-acetohydroxamate (KIN-804) 2: effect on certain antioxidant enzyme systems in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

In order to decrease toxicity and/or increase radiosensitizing activity, a new 2-nitroimidazole derivative, methyl 2-nitroimidazole-1-acetohydroxamate (KIN-804), was synthesized to solve the problem of tumor hypoxia. Evaluation of the efficiency of KIN-804 was carried out through studying the antioxidant enzyme system: The superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and lipid peroxide levels provide a rough index of the balance between free radical generation and scavenging. Female albino mice were inoculated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in the thigh. The administration of KIN-804 (i.p. 80 mg/kg body weight) was carried out 20 min before localized irradiation of 10 Gy. In general, the data revealed that KIN-804 administration, followed or not by gamma irradiation, exerted significant inhibition of SOD and catalase activities accompanied by a significant increase in lipid peroxide level in tumor-bearing mice.

The immunopotentiation effects of the bifunctional radiosensitizer KIN-806 in comparison with its analogs KIN-804 and KIN-844.

KIN-806 is one of the 2-nitroimidazole derivative hypoxic cell radiosensitizers. Its radiosensitizing effects and the degree of lung metastasis detected were evaluated and compared with its analogs KIN-804 and KIN-844. The immune reactions induced by these radiosensitizers were also analyzed. Female C3H/He mice and SCCVII tumor cells were used. Seventeen days after inoculation of SCCVII tumor cells into the animals, 0.4 g/kg of KIN-806, KIN-804, and KIN-844 was administered to each radiosensitizer group 30 min before 40 Gy was delivered as local irradiation. In each group, KIN-806, KIN-804, and KIN-844 markedly suppressed tumor regrowth in comparison with animals that received irradiation alone. There was no significant difference in the radiosensitizing effects among these three radiosensitizers. A marked suppression of lung metastasis and macrophage/T-lymphocyte infiltration into the tumor were observed only in the KIN-806-administered groups, regardless of the presence or absence of radiation therapy. It therefore appears likely that the lung metastasis suppression was caused by the immune reaction elicited by KIN-806, which is an excellent immunopotentiator as well as an effective radiosensitizer.

Lung metastasis suppression of the bifunctional new radiosensitizer KIN-806.

KIN-806 is one of the newly developed 2-nitroimidazole derivative hypoxic cell radiosensitizers. The tumor growth control and the suppression of lung metastasis induced by KIN-806 were evaluated. Female C3H/He mice and SCCVII tumor cells were used. 30 Gy or 40 Gy was delivered as local irradiation. 0.2 g/kg or 0.4 g/kg KIN-806 was administered 30 min before this treatment to the KIN-806 administered groups. The enhancement ratio of KIN-806 evaluated using the growth delay method was 1.8. KIN-806 showed an excellent effect as a radiosensitizer. Furthermore, KIN-806 suppressed lung metastasis regardless of radiation, and the control of the metastatic lung nodules did not depend on the irradiation dose but rather on the KIN-806 dose (0.2 g/kg < 0.4 g/kg). KIN-806 is a promising bifunctional radiosensitizer which promotes anti-tumor activity in addition to having a radiosensitizing effect.

TX-1877: design, synthesis, and biological activities as a BRM-functional hypoxic cell radiosensitizer.

PURPOSE: 2-Nitroimidazole acetamide TX-1877 and its derivatives (TX-1877 analogs) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated by their in vitro and in vivo radiosensitization, tumor growth control, suppression of lung metastasis, and immunopotentiation, as biological response modifier (BRM)-functional hypoxic cell radiosensitizers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TX-1877 analogs were designed and synthesized in our laboratory. In vitro radiosensitizing ability was estimated using EMT6/KU cells under hypoxic conditions. In vivo radiosensitization, antimetastasis, and immunopotentiation were evaluated using female C3H/He mice bearing the SCCVII tumor. Days (15 or 10) after the inoculation of 10(5) SCCVII tumor cells into the hinder thigh, a drug (0.4 mg/g) was administered i.p. and local irradiation of 30 Gy was given at 30 min after its administration. Tumor growth was observed for 20 days and mice were euthanized to count the number of metastatic nodules on the surface of the lungs. Tumor tissues were extirpated and stained by the ABC method at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after treatment for immunological evaluation. RESULTS: Novel types of bifunctional radiosensitizers, TX-1877 and its analogs possessing BRM-functions (i.e., antimetastatic and immunopotentiation effects) were developed. In vitro radiosensitizing abilities of TX-1877 and its analogs, with their partition coefficient values of more than 0.050, were comparable to misonidazole (MISO) at their doses of 1 mM. Tumor regrowth was suppressed evidently 20 days after the treatment in the irradiated group with TX-1877 (TX-1877 plus R) and with KIN-806 (KIN-806 plus R). The former group reduced markedly the mean number of metastatic lung nodules regardless of radiation therapy. TX-1877 and KIN-806 plus R induced helper T lymphocytes. The TX-1877, TX-1877 plus R, KIN-806, and KIN-806 plus R enhanced macrophage infiltration for 3 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSION: TX-1877 is an excellent BRM-functional hypoxic cell radiosensitizer, expected to be useful for clinical use.

Design, synthesis, and biological activity of anti-angiogenic hypoxic cell radiosensitizer haloacetylcarbamoyl-2-nitroimidazoles.

We designed, synthesized, and evaluated haloacetylcarbamoyl-2-nitroimidazoles, including chloro (KIN-1800, TX-1835, and TX-1836) and bromo derivatives (TX-1844, TX-1845, and TX-1846), as potential hypoxic cell radiosensitizers with antiangiogenic activities. To establish biological function owing to the haloacetylcarbamoyl group in the side-chain, we compared their in vitro radiosensitizing activities with those of their parent 2-nitroimidazoles without haloacetylcarbamoyl groups: misonidazole (MISO), TX-1831, and TX-1832, respectively. Both tert-butoxy substituted derivatives. TX-1835 and TX-1845, were more potent radiosensitizers than TX-1831. The p-tert-butylphenoxy-substituted derivatives, TX-1836 and TX-1846, and the methoxysubstituted derivatives, KIN-1800 and TX-1844, were stronger radiosensitizers than TX-1832 and MISO. We examined the anti-angiogenic activities of these 2-nitroimidazole derivatives containing haloacetylcarbamoyl group by the rat lung endothelial (RLE) cell proliferation assay and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (chick CAM) angiogenesis assay and showed that haloacetylcarbamoyl-2-nitroimidazoles were more potent angiogenic inhibitors than the corresponding desacetylcarbamoyl-2-nitroimidazoles. The in vivo chick CAM angiogenesis assay showed that the strong bromoacetylcarbamoyl-2-nitroimidazole radiosensitizers, such as TX-1845 and TX-1846, were the strongest angiogenic inhibitors among them. We concluded that the bromoacetylcarbamoyl-2-nitroimidazole radiosensitizers, such as TX-1845 and TX-1846, are promising as anti-angiogenic hypoxic cell radiosensitizers.

A convenient screening test for hypoxic cell radiosensitizers/cytotoxins.

A convenient in vitro screening test using E. coli B/r for evaluating a variety of hypoxic cell radiosensitizers/hypoxic cell cytotoxins has been developed for the initial selection of candidates in medicinal/organic chemistry laboratories. E. coli cells were used for convenience since: (1) the bacterium is grown using commercially available broths, where it multiplies rapidly, and requires little specialized equipment for growth and handling. (2) More is known about the genetics and biochemistry of the radiation damage to these cells and their repair than any other organism.

In vivo radiosensitizing effect of nitroimidazole derivative KIN-804.

PURPOSE: In vivo characteristics of 2-nitroimidazole-1-methylacetohydroxamate (KIN-804), which is a newly developed hypoxic cell radiosensitizer, are presented. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and radiosensitizing effect of KIN-804 were studied by in vivo experiments using C3H/He mice bearing the SCC-VII tumor. Results were compared with misonidazole (MISO). RESULTS: LD50(7) of KIN-804 and MISO were 3200 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg, respectively. The peak of concentrations of KIN-804 in the tumor occurred 20 min after intraperitoneal injection and reached about 62% of the maximum concentration in the blood. The concentrations in brain and sciatic nerve were very low and clearance from sciatic nerve was rapid. Enhancement ratios of KIN-804 calculated using the growth delay method were 1.22, 1.50 and 1.71 at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively, compared with 1.36 for MISO at a dose of 100 mg/kg. In the TCD50 assay, enhancement ratios at a dose of 200 mg/kg were 1.69 for KIN-804 and 1.52 for MISO, respectively. CONCLUSION: KIN-804 is a promising radiosensitizer since it shows less toxicity and higher radiosensitizing activity than MISO.

Measurement of free and total hydroxyproline by automated flow injection of serum or urine samples from maintenance hemodialysis patients with renal osteodystrophy.

An automated measurement of total and free hydroxyproline in serum or urine is presented that uses flow injection analysis. After exclusion of nonspecific substances, hydroxyproline was oxidized by chloramine-T and L-cysteine with Ehrlich's reagent. The linearity obtained was from 3.8 mumole/L to 1.22 mmole/L with good precision (CV < 3%). Comparison of the proposed method with HPLC yielded r = 0.939 as the correlation coefficient. Reference intervals of free and total hydroxyproline are 1.4-9.7 mumole/L, 3.8-27.2 mumole/L for serum, and 10.0-72.5 mumole/L, 25.2-303.6 mumole/L for urine, respectively. Serum free and total hydroxyproline levels in renal osteodystrophy patients on maintenance hemodialysis (N = 71) were significantly higher than in controls (P < 0.0001). This method is superior to the use of HPLC with regard to stability of the color reaction. The measurement of serum free and total hydroxyproline is a useful marker for therapeutic observation of renal osteodystrophy patients.

[Radiosensitizing effect of a 2-nitroimidazole hydroxamate (KIN-804) to murine tumors].

We studied the toxicity, pharmacokinesis and radiosensitizing effect of a newly developed 2-nitroimidazole-1-methylacetohydroxamate (KIN-804) in C3H/He mice bearing SCC-VII tumor. They were compared with misonidazole. LD50/7 of KIN-804 and misonidazole were 3200 and 2000 mg/kg. The concentration of KIN-804 in the brain and sciatic nerve was at a very low level and its clearance from the sciatic nerve was rapid. Enhancement ratios calculated using the growth delay method were 1.50 for KIN-804 and 1.36 for misonidazole respectively when they were administered by intraperitoneal injection with a dose of 100 mg/kg. KIN-804 was considered to be a promising radiosensitizer because it obtained less toxicity and a higher radiosensitizing activity than misonidazole.

Radiosensitizing, toxicological, and pharmacokinetic properties of hydroxamate analogues of nitroimidazoles as bifunctional radiosensitizers/chemical modifiers.

We examined the pharmacokinetics of KIH-802, potassium 2-nitroimidazole-1-acetohydroxamate, using its radioisotope-labelled compound and the acute toxicity in mice. We discovered that the concentration of KIH-802 was very low in the brain and its LD50 was nearly half the value of that of MISO. We also present here new 2-nitroimidazole radiosensitizers/chemical modifiers (KIN-804, 811, 831, 841, 844, 821, 823 and 824) designed to enhance their sensitizing ability intensely by substituting various biologically active groups, such as hydroxamic acids and oximes, with moderate lipophilicity to the aromatic ring, if necessary, through some spacers. The sensitizing effects of all compounds were estimated to be almost equal to or better than that of MISO. The results of their toxicities shows that new hydroxamates KIN-804 and 831 are less toxic than KIH-802 and MISO. Their in vitro enhancement ratios are 2.00 and 1.75, respectively, compared with those of KIH-802, MISO and SR-2508, 1.77, 1.72 and 1.72, respectively, at each dose of 1 mM for EMT6/KU single cell. We concluded that they may be superior radiosensitizers of hydroxamic acid analogues to KIH-802.

Assay for type III collagenolytic activity in lung cancer tissue.

We developed a method for measuring the activity of type III collagenolytic enzyme in lung cancer tissue, using as substrate, type III collagen purified from human placenta. In this method [3H]propionate is used for labeling type III collagen, with bacterial collagenase used for making the standard curve. It, therefore, becomes possible to compare type III collagenolytic activity with those of other collagen subtypes (types I and IV). As this method is a fibril assay it is not susceptible to trypsin or other proteases. The average type III collagenolytic enzyme activity was higher in squamous cell carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma, while that of lung cancer tissue exceeded that of normal lung tissue. The activity of type III collagenase increased with the progression from one disease stage to the next.

Immobilization of yeast and the function of immobilized yeast.

Hansenula anomala, which catalyzes an asymmetric reduction, was immobilized in bulk or spherical crosslinked polymers. The catalytic activity of the yeast for enantio-selective reduction of 3,8-dioxo-4-methoxycarbonyl-9-methyl-delta 4(10)-octalin (lab) was severely affected by the immobilization conditions, such as the crosslink density, and by hydrophobicity of polymers and other components used for immobilization, oxygen concentration in the medium, etc. In some immobilized systems, the ratio of resulting enantiomers was inverted from that in a free yeast system.

KIH-802, an acetohydroxamic acid derivative of 2-nitroimidazole, as a new potent hypoxic cell radiosensitizer: radiosensitizing activity, acute toxicity, and pharmacokinetics.

The radiosensitizing activity, acute toxicity, and pharmacokinetics of a new hypoxic cell radiosensitizer, potassium 2-nitroimidazole-1-acetohydroxamate (KIH-802), were compared with those of misonidazole (MISO) and etanidazole (SR-2508). The radiosensitizing activity of KIH-802 was slightly higher than that of MISO and SR-2508 in vitro and was similar to or slightly higher than that of MISO or SR-2508 in vivo. The acute toxicity of KIH-802 was slightly higher than that of MISO. The concentrations of KIH-802 in the brains and peripheral nerves of mice were as low as those of SR-2508 and lower than those of MISO.

Analysis of methamphetamine in hair, nail, sweat, and saliva by mass fragmentography.

A method for the detection and quantitation of methamphetamine and its major metabolite in hair, nails, sweat, and saliva from habitual users of methamphetamine by mass fragmentography has been developed. Hair and nail samples were washed with water and methanol to remove the external contamination, processed with 0.6M HCl, alkalinized, and extracted with CHCl3/isopropanol (3:1 v/v). Sweat and saliva samples were extracted with methanol. After trifluoroacetyl derivatization, the samples were analyzed by mass fragmentography. Methamphetamine and its major metabolite, amphetamine, were detected in hair, nail, and sweat samples, but methamphetamine alone was detected in saliva samples.

KIH-802: 2-nitroimidazole-1-acetohydroxamate as a hypoxic cell radiosensitizer.

We have identified potassium 2-nitroimidazole-1-acetohydroxamate (KIH-802) as a hypoxic cell radiosensitizer potentially superior to Miso. The water-soluble acetohydroxamates of 2-nitroimidazole (KIH-802; free acid 801) and 4-nitroimidazole (KIH-852) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated by in vitro and in vivo screening against EMT6 cells. Enhancement ratios of KIH-802 and 801 were 1.92 and 1.68, respectively, compared with 1.58 for MISO all at 1 mM. These acetohydroxamates are also expected to be more effective in vitro than SR-2508 based on our previous experiments. In vivo ERs of KIH-802, 801, and 852 were 1.75, 1.50, and 1.35, respectively, compared with 1.57 for MISO all at the same dose of 200 mg/kg. The data clearly show that the addition of an acetohydroxamic acid moiety to the 2-nitroimidazole skeleton can enhance radiosensitizing ability.

Mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase by immunoprecipitation method in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

The semiautomated kinetic procedure for determining cytoplasmic aspartate aminotransferase (c-AST) and mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (m-AST) activities was studied by the use of the immunoprecipitation method with anti-c-AST antibody in serum samples. The measured activity for m-AST remained constant after the addition of c-AST up to 1,000 IU/l throughout the 60-min incubation period. The measurements of m-AST activity were reproducible, selective and complete as determined by a purified m-AST. The precision of this method was as good as that of the manual method (CV 2.04%). The present method and the manual method gave approximately equal results for m-AST (r = 0.987). The effects of activations on m- and c-AST activity were compared by the addition of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate to sera of various diseases. A higher activation ratio by pyridoxal 5'-phosphate was observed on both aspartate aminotransferase activities in the serum of patients with ischemic heart diseases than in the serum of patients with liver diseases.

[Studies on new triterpenoids of Tripterygium regelii].

Four triterpenoids were isolated from the root of Tripterygium regelii collected in Fusong Prefecture, Jilin Province. III was confirmed as methyl 3-oxo-22 alpha-acetoxy-23-hydroxy-urs-12-ene-30-oate, named regelin C, V and VI were a pair of isomers identified as methyl 3 beta, 22 alpha-dihydroxy-urs-12-ene-30-oate and methyl 3 beta, 22 alpha-dihydroxy-olean-12-ene-29-oate, named regelindiol A and regelindiol B respectively. VII was represented as methyl 3-oxo-22 alpha-hydroxy-olean-12-ene-29-oate, named regelin D. III, V and VII were new compounds, and VI was isolated for the first time as a natural compound.