Analysis of luciferase dsRNA production during baculovirus infection of Hi5 cells: RNA hairpins expressed by very late promoters do not trigger gene silencing.

The baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) has become an important platform for the expression of recombinant proteins and is especially useful for the production of large protein complexes such as virus-like particles (VLPs). An important application for VLPs is their use as vehicles for targeted delivery of drugs or toxins which requires the development of methods for efficient loading with the intended cargo. Our research intends to employ the BEVS for the production of VLPs for the delivery of insecticidal dsRNA molecules to targeted insect pests (as "dsRNA-VLPs"). A convenient strategy would be the co-expression of long dsRNAs with viral capsid proteins and their simultaneous encapsulation during VLP assembly but the capacity of the BEVS for the production of long dsRNA has not been assessed so far. In this study, the efficiency of production of long RNA hairpins targeting the luciferase gene ("dsLuc") by the polyhedrin promoter during baculovirus infection was evaluated. However, RNAi reporter assays could not detect significant amounts of dsLuc in Hi5 cells infected with recombinant baculovirus, even in the presence of co-expressed dsRNA-binding protein B2-GFP or the employment of the MS2-MCP system. Nevertheless, dot blot analyses using anti-dsRNA antibody revealed that baculovirus-mediated expression of B2-GFP resulted in significant increases in dsRNA levels in infected cells that may correspond to hybridized complementary viral transcripts. Using B2-GFP as a genetically encoded sensor, dsRNA foci were detected in the nuclei that partially co-localized with DAPI staining, consistent with their localization at the virogenic stroma. Co-localization experiments with the baculovirus proteins vp39, Ac93, ODV-E25 and gp64 indicated limited overlap between B2-GFP and the ring zone compartment where assembly of nucleocapsids and virions occurs. Stability experiments showed that exogenous dsRNA is resistant to degradation in extracts of non-infected and infected Hi5 cells and it is proposed that strong unwinding activity at the virogenic stroma in the infected nuclei may neutralize the annealing of complementary RNA strands and block the production of long dsRNAs. Because the strong stability of exogenous dsRNA, transfection can be explored as an alternative method for delivery of cargo for dsRNA-VLPs during their assembly in baculovirus-infected Hi5 cells.

Fullerene Derivatives of Nucleoside HIV Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors-In Silico Activity Prediction.

Here we present new derivatives of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors with a C20 fullerene. The computational chemistry methods used in this study evaluate affinity of designed compounds towards the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) binding site and select the most active ones. The best of the designed compounds have superior or similar affinity to RT active site in comparison to most active test compounds, including drugs used in anti-HIV therapy.

Drugs which influence serotonin transporter and serotonergic receptors: Pharmacological and clinical properties in the treatment of depression.

Depression is nowadays a major contributor to global burden of disease. The most commonly prescribed drugs influence monoaminergic pathways, mainly concentrating on serotonin. Unfortunately, there are several drawbacks associated with these drugs, namely late onset of action, risk of suicide and adverse effects: mainly nausea, vomiting and sexual dysfunction. Therefore there is still need for new drugs with possibly high efficacy and fewer side effects. In this paper selected compounds which inhibit serotonin reuptake by acting on the serotonin transporter (SERT) and various serotoninergic receptors are presented. We also discuss the ways in which their mechanism of action can be modified to improve pharmacological profile. Here, we focus on describing drugs' potency, efficacy and adverse effects. Additional applications, apart from depression, are also discussed.

Adsorption of Antifungal Drugs Inside Pristine and Functionalized Fullerenes and Nanotubes: DFT Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Econazole, sulconazole and tioconazole usage as antifungal agents is limited due to poor pharmacokinetic properties. Pristine and hydroxylated structures of the C240 fullerene and single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) were proposed as transporters of these imidazoles potentially enhancing their pharmacokinetics. METHODS: To assess possibility of creation of the endohedral complexes of the azoles and carbon nanostructures, their adsorption and interaction energies were calculated with the hybrid exchange-correlation density functional B97-1 and 6-31(d,p) basis set. Interactions within the transporter - drug complexes were investigated with the Atoms in Molecules (AIM) Theory and Reduced Density Gradient (RDG). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The adsorption energies of the studied azoles depend on type and surface modification of the transporter. Hydroxylation of the fullerene and nanotube surface makes an opportunity for chemisorption of the investigated antifungal drugs. The pristine and hydroxylated nanotube complexes exhibit thermodynamic stability. The complexes of the fullerenes are thermodynamically unstable but its kinetic stability could be significant thus allowing for the such structures to exist. The energetic instability would enhance liberation of the encapsulated molecule from the complex. It is advantageous in the context of drug release.

HPLC METHOD FOR SEPARATING ENANTIOMERS OF IMIDAZOLE DERIVATIVES - ANTIFUNGAL COMPOUNDS.

The aim of this study was to test separation possibility of enantiomers of nine active substances belonging to imidazole derivatives: bifonazole, butoconazole, econazole, enilconazole, fenticonazole, isoconazole, miconazole, sertaconazole and tioconazole. The study was performed using HPLC method and the CHI- RALCEL OJ column (10 gm; 250 x 4.6 mm), the mobile phase flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and detection at 220 rim. Mobile phases containing hexane and the following modifiers: alcohols (2-propanol, ethanol, methanol) and diethylamine were tested. At first isocratic elution was used but some enantiomers eluted after a long retention time and their peaks were asymmetrical and too wide. Therefore, a gradient elution was developed allow- ing to obtain satisfactory retention times and other parameters of enentioseparation of the compounds.

QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF RESIDUAL MONOMETHYLAMINE CONTENT IN NEBIVOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE BY HPIC WITH SUPPRESSED CONDUCTIVITY DETECTION.

The aim of this paper was to develop a simple analytical method which could be used to determine a synthesis-derived amount of monomethylamine (MMA) residue present in nebivolol hydrochloride. High-performance ion chromatography (HPIC) method with suppressed conductivity detection was used for this purpose. The HPIC analysis was performed with IonPac CS 14 column (250 x 4 mm) containing a macroporous weak cation-exchange stationary phase eluted with 10 mM methanesulfonic acid (MSA). Validation of the method confirmed its selectivity by achieving a satisfactory separation of alkyl- and alkanolamines and metal cations. The method also showed a sufficient precision (RSD < 5.0%) and accuracy (recovery 90-103%). The calibration plot was linear in the range 0.03-2.4 µg/mL of MMA (r² = 0.9997). The calculated limit of quan- tification LOQ was 0.03 µg/mL. Amount of the MMA contained in nebivolol hydrochloride was determined by direct reading from the calibration curve and by the multiple standard additions method. Both methods showed satisfactory precision (RSD < 10.0%) and they can be used to determine the monomethylamine content in the studied active substance.

A new computational approach to the classification of fluoroquinolones according to the Biopharmaceutical Classification System.

BACKGROUND: Two main factors, which have an influence on oral absorption from solid, immediate release dosage form, are solubility and permeability. These are considered the main fundamental properties that govern the rate and extent of oral absorption. The significance of these properties has been highlighted in the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS). OBJECTIVE: The concept of this paper was to predict the solubility and permeability of fluoroquinolones using in silico methods based on the assumptions of the BCS. An attempt was also made to determine the place within this system for drugs from the fluoroquinolone group. METHOD: The study was carried out with the use of modern computational techniques which developed based on Artificial Neural Network Ensembles for Binary Classification. RESULTS: Using the values of the physicochemical descriptors of medicinal compounds with labeled BCS class, two classification models were elaborated for solubility and permeability. CONCLUSION: The obtained models helped to predict the provisional class for the following drugs in the BCS. Continuous improvement of computational models may support and can be treated equally with the in vivo data.

NEW RENIN-INHIBITORS--STABILITY AND ACTIVITY DETERMINATION. PART III.

A series of new four potential renin inhibitors containing pseudodipeptides were synthesized. Stability for all compounds (1-4) in homogenates of liver, kidney, lung and in serum, gastric, intestinal juice and in the presence of α-chymotrypsin was determined. Compound 1 was unstable, compounds 2, 3 were stable, compound 4 was partly unstable, (liver and kidney homogenates, (α-chymotrypsin solution). Inhibitory activity of the compounds was measured in vitro by HPLC determination of lowering concentration of substrate (angiotensinogen) in the presence of renin and the potential renin inhibitor (compounds 1-4). Compound 1, 2, 3 and 4 showed inhibitory activity (1.7 x 10(-6), 9.6 x 10(-7), 1.05 x 10(-9) and 1.31 x 10(-7)M, respectively).

Novel renin inhibitors containing derivatives of N-alkylleucyl-ß-hydroxy-γ-amino acids.

In search for new drugs lowering arterial blood pressure, which could be applied in anti-hypertensive therapy, research concerning agents blocking of renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system has been conducted. Despite many years of research conducted at many research centers around the world, aliskiren is the only one renin inhibitor, which is used up to now. Four novel potential renin inhibitors, having structure based on the peptide fragment 8-13 of human angiotensinogen, a natural substrate for renin, were designed and synthesized. All these inhibitors contain unnatural moieties that are derivatives of N-methylleucyl-ß-hydroxy-γ-amino acids at the P2-P1' position: 4-[N-(N-methylleucyl)-amino]-3-hydroxy-7-(3-nitroguanidino)-heptanoic acid (AHGHA), 4-[N-(N-methylleucyl)-amino]-3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-pentanoic acid (AHPPA) or 4-[N-(N-methylleucyl)-amino]-8-benzyloxycarbonylamino-3-hydroxyoctanoic acid (AAHOA). The previously listed synthetic ß-hydroxy-γ-amino acids constitute pseudodipeptidic units that correspond to the P1-P1' position of the inhibitor molecule. An unnatural amino acid, 4-methoxyphenylalanin (Phe(4-OMe)), was introduced at the P3 position of the obtained compounds. Three of these compounds contain isoamylamide of 6-aminohexanoic acid (ε-Ahx-Iaa) at the P2'-P3' position. The proposed modifications of the selected human angiotensinogen fragment are intended to increase bioactivity, bioavailability, and stability of the inhibitor molecule in body fluids and tissues. The inhibitor Boc-Phe(4-OMe)-MeLeu-AHGHA-OEt was obtained in the form of an ethyl ester. The hydrophobicity coefficient, expressed as log P varied between 3.95 and 8.17. In vitro renin inhibitory activity of all obtained compounds was contained within the range 10(-6)-10(-9) M. The compound Boc-Phe(4-OMe)-MeLeu-AHPPA-Ahx-Iaa proved to be the most active (IC50 = 1.05 × 10(-9) M). The compounds Boc-Phe(4-OMe)-MeLeu-AHGHA-Ahx-Iaa and Boc-Phe(4-OMe)-MeLeu-AHPPA-Ahx-Iaa are resistant to chymotrypsin.

Cytisine basicity, solvation, logP, and logD theoretical determination as tool for bioavailability prediction.

Cytisine, an α4ß2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist, is a plant alkaloid widely used as a smoking cessation agent. Despite long history of use, knowledge on pharmacokinetics of cytisine still demands an extension. This work is aimed at theoretical determination of physicochemical parameters that affect the bioavailability of cytisine. The acidic dissociation constant, Gibbs free energy of solvation in water and n-octanol as well as n-octanol/water partition coefficient and n-octanol/water distribution coefficient of cytisine were calculated as quantities corresponding to its solubility and permeability. Cytisine structure was optimized with several quantum chemical methods-ab initio: HF and MP2, and DFT functionals (B3LYP, B3LYP-D3, CAM-B3LYP, M06-2X, TPSS, VSXC) with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Solvation of cytisine in water and n-octanol was determined with the SMD continuum model. It was shown that lipophilicity of cytisine depends on the pH of an environment. Protonated cytisine, the most populated state under acidic conditions, is characterized by enhanced hydrophilicity. Then neutral cytisine, dominating in a basic environment, demonstrates more lipophilic character. It appears that cytisine is very well soluble in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract fluids. Then the distribution of cytisine ought to occur very rapidly. However, permeability of cytisine through the mucous membrane of the GI tract may be limited, leading to the diminished bioavailability.

IDENTIFICATION AND DETERMINATION OF RUPATADINE AND FEXOFENADINE BY DENSITOMETRIC METHOD.

Simple, precise and accurate densitometric methods were developed for the determination of two antihistamine drugs. rupatadine and fexofenadine. Silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates were used as stationary phase, while mixtures of acetonitrile - water - 25% ammonia (90 : 10 : 1, v/v/v) and acetonitrile - methanol -acetate buffer at pH 5.5 (3 : 2 : 5, v/v/v) were used as mobile phases for rupatadine and fexofenadine, respectively. The detection of rupatadine and fexofenadine was conducted out at 256 and 210 nm, respectively. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification for rupatadine were found to be 0.3 and 0.1 µg/spot, respectively, and for fexofenadine, 5 and 2 µg/spot, respectively.

DEVELOPMENT OF CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF DRUGS REDUCING CHOLESTEROL LEVEL--STATINS AND EZETIMIBE.

The presented developed HPLC method and GC method may be used to separate and determine all analyzed 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) and ezetimibe using a single columns and a uniform methodology. In order to perform qualitative and quantitative tests of statins and ezetimibe the Symmetry C18 column 250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 µm, the mobile phase: acetonitrile:water (70:30, v/v), adjusted to pH = 2.5 and a spectrophotometric detector for the HPLC method were used. For GC method column HP-1; 30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 µm and FID detector were selected. All results and statistical data obtained indicate good method sensitivity and precision. The RSD values are appropriate for both newly developed methods.

IMPACT OF STRESS FACTORS ON OPTICAL ISOMERISM OF BENAZEPRIL HYDROCHLORIDE.

Benazepril hydrochloride contains two stereogenic centers, but is currently available as single enantiomer (S,S configuration) for the treatment of hypertension. Its enantiomer (R,R configuration) and the diastereoisomeric pair (R,S and S,R) can be regarded as impurities. Stereochemical stability of S,S isomer of benazepril hydrochloride and its potential susceptibility to conversion in the.active substance and in Lisonid tablets were examinated. The separation with the use of the TLC method with the following system: chromatographic plates Chiralplate and a mobile phase: methanol - acetonitrile - 1 mM copper(II) acetate (4 : 2 : 4, v/v/v) with saturation of glacial acetic acid for 1 h and the HPLC method system: Chiral AGP column (150 x 4.0 man x 5 µm) and a mobile phase: phosphate buffer pH = 6.0 - methanol (80 : 20, v/v) were obtained. Active substance - benazepril hydrochloride and Lisonid tablets 20 mg were subjected to the impact of different stress factors. Samples were examined after 1 and 6 weeks. It was found that none of the applied stress factors caused the transformation of the S,S enantiomer of benazepril hydrochloride in the substance and tablets to other identified stereoisomers - only the compound decomposition has occurred.

SYNTHESIS AND STUDY OF HALOGENATED BENZYLAMIDES OF SOME ISOCYCLIC AND HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS AS POTENTIAL ANTICONVULSANTS.

A series of potential anticonvulsants have been synthesized. There are eight fluorobenzylamides and three chlorobenzylamides of isocyclic or heterocyclic acids. Two not halogenated benzylamides were also synthesized to compare the effect of halogenation. The aim of the research performed was to evaluate whether halogenation of the mother structure is able to improve its anticonvulsant activity. The compounds were tested in Anticonvulsant Screening Project (ASP) of Antiepileptic Drug Development Program (ADDP) of NIH. Compound 1 showed MES ED50 = 80.32 mg/kg, PI = 3.16. Compound 7 showed CKM ED50 = 56.72 mg/kg. Compound 8 showed MES ED50 = 34.23 mg/kg and scPTZ ED50 > 300 mg/kg, PI = 8.53.Compound 13 showed 6Hz ED50 = 78.96, PI = 3.37. The results indicate that fluorination does not improve activity, whereas chlorination in our experiment even reduces it.

Novel 4-aryl-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidines with dual SSRI and 5-HT1A activity. Part 4.

This project describes the synthesis, pharmacological and pharmacodynamic tests on two series of novel derivatives of 2H-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine with potential binary binding to 5-HT1A receptors and SSRI + serotonin transporters. The influence of piperidinyl-indole (8.1-8.7) and tetrahydropyridinyl-indole (8.8-8.32) residues and indole 5-position substituents (R3 = Br, Cl, F) present in the pharmacophore element of ligands on their binding to both molecular targets was tested. A considerable impact of piperidinyl-indole residue on binding to both targets was confirmed and compounds with a high binding affinity were identified: Ki 5-HT1A = 12.4 nM; Ki SERT = 15.6 nM 8.1; Ki 5-HT1A = 5.6 nM; Ki SERT = 20.7 nM 8.7, while the presence of a tetrahydropyridinyl-indole residue was found to reduce the affinity of ligands to 5-HT1AR. The presence of chlorine (R3) in this series resulted in a notable reduction in binding to both targets (5-HT1A and SERT). Selected compounds had their metabolic stability in a first-pass test (human liver microsomes, NADPH) determined in vitro, and R1 and R2 substituents present on the terminal residue of pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine were recognized as having an impact on stability.

A method for rapid screening of interactions of pharmacologically active compounds with albumin.

We determine the association constants for ligand-protein complex formation using the flow injection method. We carry out the measurements at high flow rates (F=1 mL min(-1)) of a carrier phase. Therefore, determination of the association constant takes only a few minutes. Injection of 1 nM of the ligand (10 µL of 1 µM concentration of the ligand solution) is sufficient for a single measurement. This method is tested and verified for a number of complexes of selected drugs (cefaclor, etodolac, sulindac) with albumin (BSA). We obtain K=4.45×10(3) M(-1) for cefaclor, K=1.00×10(5) M(-1) for etodolac and K=1.03×10(5) M(-1) for sulindac in agreement with the literature data. We also determine the association constants of 20 newly synthesized 3ß- and 3α-aminotropane derivatives with potential antipsychotic activity--ligands of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and D2 receptors with the albumin. Results of the studies reported here indicate that potential antipsychotic drugs bind weakly to the transporter protein (BSA) with K≈10(2)-10(3) M(-1). Our method allows measuring K in a wide range of values (10(2)-10(9) M(-1)). This range depends only on the solubility of the ligand and sensitivity of the detector.

HPLC method for identification and quantification of three active substances in a dermatological preparation--Viosept ointment.

The study was aimed at developing a HPLC method to identify and quantify domiphen bromide, tripelennamine hydrochloride and clioquinol in Viosept ointment. The tested substances were successfully separated using Inertsil ODS-3 (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 µm) as a stationary phase and a gradient elution. Detection at 310 nm wavelength was applied for tripelennamine hydrochloride and clioquinol, and at 215 nm wavelength for domiphen bromide. Methods of extraction of the tested substances were developed: domiphen bromide and clioquinol were extracted with acetone from heated solutions, and tripelennamine hydrochloride was extracted in a hexane-water system. Validation procedure confirmed the method to be sufficiently selective, precise and accurate. Correlation coefficients of calibration curves pointed out that they were linear within the examined concentration range.

Stability of new anticonvulsant derivatives of picolinic, nicotinic, cyclocarboxylic acids in body fluids and tissues.

The stability of new compounds with established anticonvulsant activity: picolinic acid 4-pyridyl-methylamide (Pic-4-PMA), cyclopentanecarboxylic acid benzylamide (Cpc-BZA), cycloheptanecarboxylic acid benzylamide (Chc-BZA), picolinic acid 2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzylamide (Pic-2F-3TFM-BZA), 2-chloronicotinic acid benzylamide (2-Cl-Na-BZA), 6-chloronicotinic acid benzylamide (6-Cl-Na-BZA) and 6-trifluoromethylnicotinic acid benzylamide (6-TFM-Na-BZA) in homogenates of body organs and in body fluids was determined after incubation. It was found that three compounds were stable against enzymes present in body fluids and organs and two were found to decompose in liver and kidney homogenates and two decomposed only in liver homogenate.

New renin inhibitors--stability and activity determination. Part I.

A series of new six potential renin inhibitors containing pseudodipeptides were synthesized. Stability for all compounds (1-6) in homogenates of liver, kidney, lung and in serum, gastric, intestinal juice and in the presence of alpha-chymotrypsin was determined. Compound 5 was unstable, compound 6 was stable, other compounds were partly unstable, compound 2 was stable except kidney homogenate and compound 4 was stable except liver homogenate. Inhibitory activity of the compounds was measured in vitro by HPLC determination of lowering concentration of substrate (angiotensinogen) in the presence of renin and the potential renin inhibitor (compounds 1-6). Compound 2, 4 and 6 showed inhibitory activity (1.4 x 10(-6), 5.2 x 10(-6), 1.5 x 10(-7) M, respectively). Other compounds (1, 3, 5) showed no inhibitory activity up to 10(-5) M.

New renin inhibitors--stability and activity determination. Part II.

A series of new six pseudodipeptic potential renin inhibitors were synthesized. Enzymatic stability for all compounds (1-6) in homogenates (liver, kidney, lung) and body fluids (serum, gastric, intestinal juice) and alpha-chymotrypsin was determined. Compounds 4 was stable, compound 5 was unstable and compounds 1, 2, 3, 6 were partly unstable. Inhibitory activity of the compounds was measured in vitro by HPLC determination of lowering concentration of substrate (angiotensinogen) in the presence of renin and the potential renin inhibitor (compounds 1-6). Compound 4, 5, 6 showed inhibitory activity (0.9 x 10(-6), 1.3 x 10(-8), 2.2 x 10(-6) M, respectively). Other compounds showed no inhibitory activity up to 10(-5) M.