Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry Commons^™

The Role Of Claudins In Bone Metabolism, Fatima Zakariya Alshbool

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Osteoporosis, a major public health problem in the U.S., is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. Since the imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption during bone remodeling has been documented to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, it is crucial to identify novel genes and/or novel functions of known genes that regulate the formation and activity of bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorbing osteoclasts. To this end, recent evidence suggests a significant role for caudins (Cldns), which comprise a major group of tight junction proteins, in bone biology and development. This …

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Possess Intrinsic Anti-Inflammatory Activity, Benjamin J. Fowler, Bradley D. Gelfand, Younghee Kim, Nagaraj Kerur, Valeria Tarallo, Yoshio Hirano, Shoba Amarnath, Daniel H. Fowler, Marta Radwan, Mark T. Young, Keir Pittman, Paul Kubes, Hitesh Agarwal, Keykavous Parang, David R. Hinton, Ana Bastos-Carvalho, Shengjian Li, Testuhiro Yasuma, Takeshi Mizutani, Reo Yasuma, Charles Wright, Jayakrishna Ambati

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are mainstay therapeutics for HIV that block retrovirus replication. Alu (an endogenous retroelement that also requires reverse transcriptase for its life cycle)–derived RNAs activate P2X7 and the NLRP3 inflammasome to cause cell death of the retinal pigment epithelium in geographic atrophy, a type of age-related macular degeneration. We found that NRTIs inhibit P2X7-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation independent of reverse transcriptase inhibition. Multiple approved and clinically relevant NRTIs prevented caspase-1 activation, the effector of the NLRP3 inflammasome, induced by Alu RNA. NRTIs were efficacious in mouse models of geographic atrophy, choroidal neovascularization, graft-versus-host disease, and sterile …

Ho-1 Upregulation Attenuates Adipocyte Dysfunction, Obesity, And Isoprostane Levels In Mice Fed High Fructose Diets, Zeid Khitan, Mohit Harsh, Komal Sodhi, Joseph I. Shapiro Md, Nader G. Abraham

Pharmaceutical Science and Research

Background. Fructose metabolism is an unregulated metabolic pathway and excessive fructose consumption is known to activate ROS.HO-1 is a potent antioxidant gene that plays a key role in decreasing ROS and isoprostanes.We examinedwhether the fructosemediated increase in adipocyte dysfunction involves an increase in isoprostanes and that pharmacological induction ofHO-1would decrease both isoprostane levels and adipogenesis. Methods and Results. We examined the effect of fructose, on adipogenesis in human MSCs in the presence and absence of CoPP, an inducer of HO-1. Fructose increased adipogenesis and the number of large lipid droplets while decreasing the number of small lipid droplets (𝑃 < 0.05). Levels of heme and isoprostane in fructose treated MSC-derived adipocytes were increased. CoPP reversed these effects andmarkedly increasedHO-1 and theWnt signaling pathway. Thehigh fructose diet increased heme levels in adipose tissue and increased circulating isoprostane levels (𝑃 < 0.05 versus control). Fructose diets decreasedHO-1 and adiponectin levels in adipose tissue. Induction ofHO-1 by CoPP decreased isoprostane synthesis (𝑃 < 0.05 versus fructose). Conclusion. Fructose treatment resulted in increased isoprostane production and adipocyte dysfunction, which was reversed by the increased expression of HO-1.

Alternative Reaction Pathways To Metformin Hydrochloride, Mohammed S. Suleiman, Stephen A. Reeves, Jorge E. Gatica

Undergraduate Research Posters 2014

Metformin Hydrochloride is an important pharmaceutical used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The current manufacturing of this product involves a well-known and proven process. The process includes the dissolution and reaction, followed by the precipitation of Metformin Hydrochloride. Although reliable and effective, the current process relies on the use of a solvent; which later needs to be eliminated from the precipitates. The purpose of this project is the investigation of an alternative reaction pathway which will avoid the use of solvents and simplify the final purification stage. The anticipated benefits include reduced costs for the processing and a …

Inhibition Of The Thioesterase Activity Of Human Fatty Acid Synthase By 1,4- And 9,10-Diones, Herman H. Odens

Faculty Works

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is the enzyme that synthesizes fatty acids de novo in human cells. Although FASN is generally expressed at low levels in most normal tissues, its expression is highly upregulated in many cancers. Consistent with this notion, inhibition of FASN activity has demonstrated potential to halt proliferation and induce cell death in vitro and to block tumor growth in vivo. Consequently, FASN is widely recognized as a valuable therapeutic target. In this report, we describe a variety of 1,4-quinones and 9,10- anthraquinones, including several natural compounds and some newly synthesized compounds, that potently inhibit the thioesterase (TE) …

Investigating Propargyl-Linked Antifolates In Inhibiting Bacterial And Fungal Dihydrofolate Reductase, Joshua Andrade

Honors Scholar Theses

Antimicrobial agents have been invaluable in reducing illness and death associated with bacterial infection. However, over time, bacteria have evolved resistance to all major drug classes as a result of selective pressure. The advancement of new drug compounds is therefore vital. The Anderson-Wright Lab has focused on developing potent and selective inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), an enzyme key in cell proliferation and survival, in several pathogenic species. The lab has found that a set of compounds, known as propargyl-linked antifolates, are DHFR inhibitors that are both biologically effective and have strong pharmacokinetic properties.

The efficacy of novel propargyl-linked antifolates …

The Role Of Ape/Ref-1 In Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression, Zhen Yang, Sun Yang, Bobbye J. Misner, Feng Liu-Smith, Frank L. Meyskens

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for a third of the estimated cancer-caused deaths worldwide. To deeply understand the mechanisms controlling HCC progression is of primary importance to develop new approaches for treatment. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1/redox effector factor 1 (APE/Ref-1) has been uncovered elevated in various types of cancer, including HCC. Additionally, HCC progression is always correlated with elevated copper (Cu). Our previous data demonstrated that Cu treatment initiated APE/Ref-1 expression and its downstream targets. Therefore, we hypothesized that APE/Ref-1 may be involved in HCC progression through mediating the effect of Cu to its signaling cascades. Following different treatments, human HCC cell …

Exploring The Effect Of Solution Speciation On Crystallization Outcome, David M. Harvey, Arjun Kalra, Tonglei Li

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

In the field of pharmaceuticals, the crystallization process significantly impacts the purity, morphology and polymorphism of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), all of which are important in drug development. Polymorphism is the existence of more than one solid-state form of the same chemical entity. Tolfenamic acid (TFA), a Non-Steroid Anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has been shown to exhibit a unique physical phenomenon called concomitant polymorphism, whereby two polymorphs crystallize from the solution simultaneously. From previous work, it has been established that solution speciation i.e. the presence of monomers or dimers of TFA in solution is concentration and temperature dependent. This study correlates …

A Simple High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method For Determination Of Rebamipide In Rat Urine, Dustin L. Cooper, Sam Harirforoosh

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Rebamipide is a mucoprotective agent commonly used to prevent nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastrointenstinal side effects [1]. Human plasma and urine analysis of rebamipide utilizing high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have been reported [2]. Recently, we reported on the plasma levels of rebamipide in presense or absence of celecoxib or diclofenac in rats [3] using a modified HPLC method of detection developed by Jeoung et al. [4]. To tailor the method towards use in urinary rebamipide extraction and analysis, the following modifications were made:

• To compensate for high concentrations of rebamipide found in urine, a new rebamipide stock solution was prepared …

The Antimalarial Activity Of Pl74: A Pyridine-Based Drug Candidate, Cheryl Anne Hodson Shirley

Dissertations and Theses

In spite of great effort aimed at eradication, the malaria epidemic still claims over 600,000 lives each year, and 50% of the world is at risk of contracting the disease. The most deadly form of malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which is spread from human to human via the female Anopheles mosquito. P. falciparum's lifecycle, which includes both sexual and asexual reproduction, facilitates rapid evolution in response to drug pressure, resulting in the emergence of resistant strains against every antimalarial medication that has been deployed. There is a great need for new antimalarial drugs.

Chloroquine (CQ), an aminoquinoline …

Biophysical Characterization Of The First Four Metal-Binding Domains Of Human Wilson Disease Protein, Alia V.H. Hinz

Dissertations

Wilson disease protein (WLNP) is a P_1b-type ATPase crucial for maintaining copper homeostasis in humans. Mutations in this protein result in the autosomal recessive disorder Wilson disease, a condition characterized by copper accumulation in the liver and brain. WLNP provides copper for incorporation into cuproproteins and exports excess copper into the bile for excretion. There are six metal-binding domains (MBDs) in WLNP, found within the first 650 amino acids of this 1,465 amino acid protein. Though each MBD has a different amino acid sequence, all MBDs possess a similar ferredoxin fold with a conserved hydrophobic core and a …

Structural Similarity Between Β3-Peptides Synthesized From Β3-Homo-Amino Acids Or L-Aspartic Acid Monomers, Sahar Ahmed, Tara Sprules, Kamaljit Kaur

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Formation of stable secondary structures by oligomers that mimic natural peptides is a key asset for enhanced biological response. Here we show that oligomeric β³‐hexapeptides synthesized from l‐aspartic acid monomers (β³‐peptides 1, 5a, and 6) or homologated β³‐amino acids (β³‐peptide 2), fold into similar stable 14‐helical secondary structures in solution, except that the former form right‐handed 14‐helix and the later form left‐handed 14‐helix. β³‐Peptides from l‐Asp monomers contain an additional amide bond in the side chains that provides opportunities for more hydrogen bonding. However, based on the …

Design, Synthesis And Biological Evaluation Of Novel Compounds With Cns-Activity Targeting Cannabinoid And Biogenic Amine Receptors, Alexander M. Sherwood

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This work seeks to contribute to the discipline of neuropharmacology by way of structure activity relationship from the standpoint of an organic chemist. More specifically, we sought to develop robust synthetic methodology able to efficiently produce an array of compounds for the purpose of systematic evaluation of their interaction with specific sights within the central nervous system (CNS) in order to better understand the mind and to develop drugs that may have beneficial effects on neurological function.

The focus of these studies has been toward the development of novel molecules, using a structure-activity relationship approach, that exhibit binding affinity at …

A Systematic Column Performance Comparison For The Confirmation Of Opioids Used In Pain Management By Lc-Ms, Derek Stallard

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In this study, three different chromatographic column chemistries (C18, Pentafluorophenyl (PFP), Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography (HILIC)) were compared under optimal conditions to determine which stationary performed best in the separation and detection of a mixture of opioids using LC-MS. Furthermore, these stationary phases were examined in three different column technologies – traditional silica, porous shell, and porous polymer (PRP). The PRP column had the best peak shape for all 13 opioids and dominated for later-eluting compounds. In terms of column reproducibility, the Hamilton C18 column had the lowest %RSD values. The Kinetex HILIC produced the most theoretical plates and best resolution …

Glioma: A Tale Of Corticosteroids, Thiopurines And Proposed Novel Antiglioma Small Molecules, Amira Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Glioma is a brain tumor that arises from glial cells or glial progenitor cells, and represents 80% of malignant brain tumor incidence in the United States. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor malignancy with fewer than 8% of patients with GBM surviving for 3 years. Over the past 10 years, despite improvement in diagnosis and therapies for cancer, the survival rate for high-grade glioma patients remains unchanged. The main focus of this dissertation is to investigate two therapeutic agents that are related to increase tumor resistance or increase secondary tumor incidence, which might play a role …

Honokiol Enhances Paclitaxel Efficacy In Multi-Drug Resistant Human Cancer Model Through The Induction Of Apoptosis, Xu Wang, Jonathan J. Beitler, Hong Wang, Michael J. Lee, Wen Huang, Lydia Koenig, Sreenivas Nannapaneni, Arm R. Amin, Michael Bonner, Hyung Ju C. Shin, Zhuo Georgia Chen, Jack L. Arbiser, Dong M. Shin

Pharmaceutical Science and Research

Resistance to chemotherapy remains a major obstacle in cancer therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanism and efficacy of honokiol in inducing apoptosis and enhancing paclitaxel chemotherapy in pre-clinical multi-drug resistant (MDR) cancer models, including lineage-derived human MDR (KB-8-5, KB-C1, KB-V1) and their parental drug sensitive KB-3-1 cancer cell lines. In vitro analyses demonstrated that honokiol effectively inhibited proliferation in KB-3-1 cells and the MDR derivatives (IC₅₀ ranging 3.35±0.13 µg/ml to 2.77±0.22 µg/ml), despite their significant differences in response to paclitaxel (IC₅₀ ranging 1.66±0.09 ng/ml to 6560.9±439.52 ng/ml). Honokiol induced mitochondria-dependent and death receptor-mediated apoptosis in …

Exacerbation Of Celecoxib-Induced Renal Injury By Concomitant Administration Of Misoprostol In Rats, Dustin L. Cooper, Derek E. Murrell, Christopher M. Conder, Victoria E. Palau, Grace E. Campbell, Shaun P. Lynch, James W. Denham, Angela V. Hanley, Kenny W. Bullins, Peter C. Panus, Krishna Singh, Sam Harirforoosh

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can produce adverse effects by inhibiting prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. A PGE1 analogue, misoprostol, is often utilized to alleviate NSAID-related gastrointestinal side effects. This study examined the effect of misoprostol on celecoxib renal toxicity. Additionally, the effects of these drugs on cardiovascular parameters were evaluated. Four randomized rat groups were orally gavaged for 9 days, two groups receiving vehicle and two groups receiving misoprostol (100 µg/kg) twice daily. Celecoxib (40 mg/kg) was co-administered once daily to one vehicle and one misoprostol group from days 3 to 9. Urine and blood samples were collected and blood pressure parameters …

Design And Optimization Of Plga-Based Diclofenac Loaded Nanoparticles, Dustin L. Cooper, Sam Harirforoosh

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Drug based nanoparticle (NP) formulations have gained considerable attention over the past decade for their use in various drug formulations. NPs have been shown to increase bioavailability, decrease side effects of highly toxic drugs, and prolong drug release. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac block cyclooxygenase expression and reduce prostaglandin synthesis, which can lead to several side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to formulate and characterize diclofenac entrapped poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) based nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were formulated using an emulsion-diffusion-evaporation technique with varying concentrations of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, or …

Adverse Effects Of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: An Update Of Gastrointestinal, Cardiovascular, And Renal Complications, Sam Harirforoosh, Waheed Asghar, Fakhreddin Jamali

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used chronically to reduce pain and inflammation in patients with arthritic conditions, and also acutely as analgesics by many patients. Both therapeutic and adverse effects of NSAIDs are due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. NSAIDs are classified as non-selective and COX-2-selective inhibitors (COXIBS) based on their extent of selectivity for COX inhibition. However, regardless of their COX selectivity, reports are still appearing on the GI side effect of NSAIDs particularly on the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the harmful role of their controlled release formulations. In addition, previously unpublished data stored in the sponsor’s …

A Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies A Locus On Tert For Mean Telomere Length In Han Chinese., Yun Liu, Lan Cao, Zhiqiang Li, Daizhan Zhou, Wanqing Liu, Qin Shen, Yanting Wu, Dan Zhang, Xun Hu, Ting Wang, Junyi Ye, Xiaoling Weng, Hong Zhang, Di Zhang, Zhou Zhang, Fatao Liu, Lin He, Yongyong Shi

Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Faculty Publications

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is a predictor of aging and a number of age-related diseases. We performed genome-wide association studies of mean LTL in 2632 individuals,with a two-stage replication in 3917 individuals from Chinese populations. To further validate our findings, we get the results of 696 samples from a cohort of European ancestry. We identified two loci associated with LTL that map in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT; rs2736100, P = 1.93×10−5) on chromosome 5p15.33 and near keratin 80 (KRT80; rs17653722, P = 6.96×10−6) on 12q13.13. In Chinese population each C allele of rs2736100 and T allele …