1. |
- Lundgren, Markus, et al.
(author)
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Analgesic antipyretic use among young children in the TEDDY study : No association with islet autoimmunity
- 2017
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In: BMC Pediatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2431. ; 17:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The use of analgesic antipyretics (ANAP) in children have long been a matter of controversy. Data on their practical use on an individual level has, however, been scarce. There are indications of possible effects on glucose homeostasis and immune function related to the use of ANAP. The aim of this study was to analyze patterns of analgesic antipyretic use across the clinical centers of The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) prospective cohort study and test if ANAP use was a risk factor for islet autoimmunity. Methods: Data were collected for 8542 children in the first 2.5 years of life. Incidence was analyzed using logistic regression with country and first child status as independent variables. Holm's procedure was used to adjust for multiplicity of intercountry comparisons. Time to autoantibody seroconversion was analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model with cumulative analgesic use as primary time dependent covariate of interest. For each categorization, a generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach was used. Results: Higher prevalence of ANAP use was found in the U.S. (95.7%) and Sweden (94.8%) compared to Finland (78.1%) and Germany (80.2%). First-born children were more commonly given acetaminophen (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.07, 1.49; p = 0.007) but less commonly Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.78, 0.95; p = 0.002). Acetaminophen and NSAID use in the absence of fever and infection was more prevalent in the U.S. (40.4%; 26.3% of doses) compared to Sweden, Finland and Germany (p < 0.001). Acetaminophen or NSAID use before age 2.5 years did not predict development of islet autoimmunity by age 6 years (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.99-1.09; p = 0.27). In a sub-analysis, acetaminophen use in children with fever weakly predicted development of islet autoimmunity by age 3 years (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.09; p = 0.024). Conclusions: ANAP use in young children is not a risk factor for seroconversion by age 6 years. Use of ANAP is widespread in young children, and significantly higher in the U.S. compared to other study sites, where use is common also in absence of fever and infection.
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2. |
- Carlsson-Jonsson, Anna, et al.
(author)
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N-terminal truncations of substance P1-7 amide affect its action on spinal cord injury-induced mechanical allodynia in rats
- 2014
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In: European Journal of Pharmacology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0014-2999 .- 1879-0712. ; 738, s. 319-325
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Central neuropathic pain can arise from injury of the spinal cord and can become chronic. Treatment is difficult and, because complete pain relief is currently very hard to achieve, there is a need for new, more effective treatment options. In this study we used an animal model of spinal cord injury to evaluate the potency of a bioactive fragment of substance P (SP), i.e. SP1-7, in alleviating signs of allodynia and acute pain. SP1-7 is known from earlier studies to possess antinociceptive properties. We also studied the effects of intraperitoneal injection of an amidated analog of this heptapeptide and of its truncated analogs, all of which had high affinity to the SP1-7 binding site, to evaluate the importance of the removed amino acids for the bioclistribution and stability of the peptides. Most of the examined compounds alleviated mechanical alloclynia without any signs of sedation or motor impairment in the rats. In contrast, the response threshold to acute nociceptive stimulation was not affected by arty of the compounds tested. Most of the amino acids in the heptapepticle structure were essential for retaining the biological effect after peripheral injection. These observations suggest that the heptapepticle and its N-Lerminal truncated hexa- and pentapeptide analogs could be of interest for further development of analgesics in the management of mechanical allodynia.
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3. |
- Chandler, Rebecca E., et al.
(author)
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Current Safety Concerns with Human Papillomavirus Vaccine : A Cluster Analysis of Reports in VigiBase®
- 2017
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In: Drug Safety. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0114-5916 .- 1179-1942. ; 40:1, s. 81-90
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: A number of safety signals-complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)-have emerged with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, which share a similar pattern of symptomatology. Previous signal evaluations and epidemiological studies have largely relied on traditional methodologies and signals have been considered individually.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore global reporting patterns for HPV vaccine for subgroups of reports with similar adverse event (AE) profiles.METHODS: All individual case safety reports (reports) for HPV vaccines in VigiBase(®) until 1 January 2015 were identified. A statistical cluster analysis algorithm was used to identify natural groupings based on AE profiles in a data-driven exploratory analysis. Clinical assessment of the clusters was performed to identify clusters relevant to current safety concerns.RESULTS: Overall, 54 clusters containing at least five reports were identified. The four largest clusters included 71 % of the analysed HPV reports and described AEs included in the product label. Four smaller clusters were identified to include case reports relevant to ongoing safety concerns (total of 694 cases). In all four of these clusters, the most commonly reported AE terms were headache and dizziness and fatigue or syncope; three of these four AE terms were reported in >50 % of the reports included in the clusters. These clusters had a higher proportion of serious cases compared with HPV reports overall (44-89 % in the clusters compared with 24 %). Furthermore, only a minority of reports included in these clusters included AE terms of diagnoses to explain these symptoms. Using proportional reporting ratios, the combination of headache and dizziness with either fatigue or syncope was found to be more commonly reported in HPV vaccine reports compared with non-HPV vaccine reports for females aged 9-25 years. This disproportionality remained when results were stratified by age and when those countries reporting the signals of CRPS (Japan) and POTS (Denmark) were excluded.CONCLUSIONS: Cluster analysis reveals additional reports of AEs following HPV vaccination that are serious in nature and describe symptoms that overlap those reported in cases from the recent safety signals (POTS, CRPS, and CFS), but which do not report explicit diagnoses. While the causal association between HPV vaccination and these AEs remains uncertain, more extensive analyses of spontaneous reports can better identify the relevant case series for thorough signal evaluation.
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4. |
- Fransson, Rebecca, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Constrained H-Phe-Phe-NH2 Analogues With High Affinity to the Substance P 1-7 Binding Site and With Improved Metabolic Stability and Cell Permeability
- 2013
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In: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0022-2623 .- 1520-4804. ; 56:12, s. 4953-4965
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We recently reported the discovery of H-Phe-Phe-NH2 as a small and high affinity ligand for the substance P 1-7 (SP1-7, H-Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-OH) specific binding site and its intriguing ability to reduce neuropathic pain. With the overall aim to develop stable and orally bioavailable SP1-7 mimetics, the dipeptide was chosen as a lead compound. Herein the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of a set of modified H-Phe-Phe-NH2 analogues is presented together with their potential active uptake by PEPT1 transporter, intestinal permeability, and metabolic stability. Local constraints via peptide backbone methylation or preparation of cyclized analogues based on pyrrolidine were evaluated and were shown to significantly improve the in vitro pharmacokinetic properties. The SAR was rationalized by deriving a plausible binding pose for the high affinity ligands. Rigidification using a 3-phenylpyrrolidine moiety in the C-terminal of H-Phe-Phe-NH2 resulted in high affinity and improved intrinsic clearance and intestinal epithelial permeability.
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5. |
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6. |
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7. |
- Fransson, Rebecca, et al.
(author)
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Discovery of Dipeptides with High Affinity to the Specific Binding Site for Substance P1-7
- 2010
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In: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0022-2623 .- 1520-4804. ; 53:6, s. 2383-2389
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Substance P 1-7 (SP1-7, H-Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-OH) is the major bioactive metabolite of substance P. The interest in this heptapeptide originates from the observation that it modulates, and in certain cases opposes the effects of the parent peptide. e.g., the nociceptive effect. The p-opioid receptor agonist endomorphin-2 (EM-2, H-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2) has been found to also interact with the specific binding site of SP1-7 with only a 10-fold lower affinity compared to the native peptide. Considering the smaller size of EM-2 compared to the target heptapeptide, it was selected as a lead compound in the development of low-molecular-weight ligands to the SP1-7 binding site. An alanine scan and truncation study led to the unexpected discovery of the dipeptide H-Phe-Phe-NH2 (K-i = 1.5 nM), having equal affinity as the endogenous heptapeptide SP1-7. Moreover, the studies show that the C-terminal phenylalanine amide is crucial for the affinity of the dipeptide.
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8. |
- Fransson, Rebecca, 1980-
(author)
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Discovery of Small Peptides and Peptidomimetics Targeting the Substance P 1-7 Binding Site : Focus on Design, Synthesis, Structure-Activity Relationships and Drug-Like Properties
- 2011
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Biologically active peptides are important for many physiological functions in the human body and therefore serve as interesting starting points in drug discovery processes. In this work the neuropeptide substance P 1–7 (SP1–7, H-Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-OH), which has been demonstrated to reduce neuropathic pain and attenuate opioid withdrawal symptoms in animal models, has been addressed in a medicinal chemistry program with the overall aim of transforming this bioactive peptide into more drug-like compounds. Specific binding sites for this neuropeptide have been detected in the brain and the spinal cord. Interestingly, the smaller neuropeptide endomorphin-2 (EM-2, H-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2) also interacts with these binding sites, although 10-fold less efficient. In this work the structure–activity relationship of SP1–7 and EM-2, regarding their affinity to the SP1–7 binding site was elucidated using alanine scans, truncation, and terminal modifications. The C-terminal part of both peptides, and especially the C-terminal phenylalanine, was crucial for binding affinity. Moreover, the C-terminal functional group should preferably be a primary amide. The truncation studies finally resulted in the remarkable discovery of H-Phe-Phe-NH2 as an equally good binder as the heptapeptide SP1–7. This dipeptide amide served as a lead compound for further studies. In order to improve the drug-like properties and to find a plausible bioactive conformation, a set of rigidified and methylated dipeptides of different stereochemistry, and analogs with reduced peptide character, were synthesized and evaluated regarding binding, metabolic stability and absorption. Small SP1–7 analogs with retained affinity and substantially improved permeability and metabolic stability were identified. Beside peptide chemistry the synthetic work included the development of a fast and convenient microwave-assisted protocol for direct arylation of imidazoles. Furthermore, microwave-assisted aminocarbonylation using Mo(CO)6 as a solid carbon monoxide source was investigated in the synthesis of MAP amides and for coupling of imidazoles with amino acids. In a future perspective the present findings, together with the fact that some of the SP1–7 analogs discovered herein have been shown to reproduce the biological effects of SP1-7 in animal studies related to neuropathic pain and opioid dependence, can ultimately have an impact on drug discovery in these two areas.
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9. |
- Fransson, Rebecca, et al.
(author)
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Exploration and pharmacokinetic profiling of phenylalanine based carbamates as novel substance p 1-7 analogues
- 2014
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In: ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1948-5875. ; 5:12, s. 1272-1277
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The bioactive metabolite of Substance P, the heptapeptide SP1-7 (H-Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-OH), has been shown to attenuate signs of hyperalgesia in diabetic mice, which indicate a possible use of compounds targeting the SP1-7 binding site as analgesics for neuropathic pain. Aiming at the development of drug-like SP1-7 peptidomimetics we have previously reported on the discovery of H-Phe-Phe-NH2 as a high affinity lead compound. Unfortunately, the pharmacophore of this compound was accompanied by a poor pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. Herein, further lead optimization of H-Phe-Phe-NH2 by substituting the N-terminal phenylalanine for a benzylcarbamate group giving a new type of SP1-7 analogues with good binding affinities is reported. Extensive in vitro as well as in vivo PK characterization is presented for this compound. Evaluation of different C-terminal functional groups, i.e., hydroxamic acid, acyl sulfonamide, acyl cyanamide, acyl hydrazine, and oxadiazole, suggested hydroxamic acid as a bioisosteric replacement for the original primary amide.
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10. |
- Fransson, Rebecca, et al.
(author)
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Small peptides mimicking substance P (1-7) and encompassing a C-terminal amide functionality
- 2008
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In: Neuropeptides. - : Elsevier BV. - 0143-4179 .- 1532-2785. ; 42:1, s. 31-37
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Some of the biological effects demonstrated after administration of substance P (SP) in vivo can indirectly be attributed to the fragmentation of the undecapeptide to its N-terminal bioactive fragment SP1–7. This heptapeptide (H-Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-OH) is a major bioactive metabolite from SP that frequently exerts similar biological effects as the parent peptide but also, in several cases, completely opposite actions. Specific binding sites for the heptapeptide SP1–7 that are separate from the SP preferred NK receptors have been identified. In this study we demonstrate that (a) the C-terminal part of the SP metabolite SP1–7 is most important for binding as deduced from an Ala scan and that a replacement of Phe7 for Ala is deleterious, (b) truncation of the N-terminal amino acid residues of SP1–7 delivers peptides with retained binding activity, although with somewhat lower binding affinities than SP1–7 and (c) a C-terminal amide group as a replacement for the terminal carboxy group of SP1–7 and for all of the truncated ligands synthesized affords approximately 5–10-fold improvements of the binding affinities.
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11. |
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12. |
- Fransson, V., et al.
(author)
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Deep learning volumetric brain segmentation based on spectral CT
- 2023
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In: Medical Imaging 2023 : Physics of Medical Imaging - Physics of Medical Imaging. - 1605-7422. - 9781510660311 ; 12463
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate if a deep learning network can be used for brain segmentation of grey and white matter using spectral computed tomography (CT) images. Spectral CT has the advantage of a lower noise level and an increased soft tissue contrast, compared to conventional CT, which should make it better suited for segmentation tasks. Being able to do volumetric assessments on CT, not only magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would be of great clinical benefit. The training set consisted of two patients and the validation data set of one patient. Included patients had a brain CT from a spectral CT as well as a T1-weighted MRI. MRI was used for an MR-based segmentation using FreeSurfer. A convolutional neural network was trained to identify grey and white matter in virtual monoenergetic images (70 keV) from spectral CT, using the MR-based segmentation as reference, and tested to assess its' performance. The network was able to identify both grey and white matter in roughly the correct areas. In general, there was an overestimation of grey matter. These results motivate further studies, as we predict that the network will be more accurate when trained on a larger data set.
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13. |
- Frenning, Göran, et al.
(author)
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Model for the Analysis of Membrane-Type Dissolution Tests for Inhaled Drugs
- 2020
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In: Molecular Pharmaceutics. - : AMER CHEMICAL SOC. - 1543-8384 .- 1543-8392. ; 17:7, s. 2426-2434
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Impactor-type dose deposition is a common prerequisite for dissolution testing of inhaled medicines, and drug release typically takes place through a membrane. The purpose of this work is to develop a mechanistic model for such combined dissolution and release processes, focusing on a drug that initially is present in solid form. Our starting points are the Noyes-Whitney (or Nernst-Brunner) equation and Fick's law. A detailed mechanistic analysis of the drug release process is provided, and approximate closed-form expressions for the amount of the drug that remains in solid form and the amount of the drug that has been released are derived. Comparisons with numerical data demonstrated the accuracy of the approximate expressions. Comparisons with experimental release data from literature demonstrated that the model can be used to establish rate-controlling release mechanisms. In conclusion, the model constitutes a valuable tool for the analysis of in vitro dissolution data for inhaled drugs.
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14. |
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15. |
- Jonsson, Anna, 1981-, et al.
(author)
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Small constrained SP1-7 analogues bind to a unique site and promote anti-allodynic effects following systemic injection in mice
- 2015
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In: Neuroscience. - : Elsevier BV. - 0306-4522 .- 1873-7544. ; 298, s. 112-119
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Previous results have shown that the substance P (SP) N-terminal fragment SP1–7 may attenuate hyperalgesia and produce anti-allodynia in animals using various experimental models for neuropathic pain. The heptapeptide was found to induce its effects through binding to and activating specific sites apart from any known neurokinin or opioid receptor. Furthermore, we have applied a medicinal chemistry program to develop lead compounds mimicking the effect of SP1–7. The present study was designed to evaluate the pharmacological effect of these compounds using the mouse spared nerve injury (SNI) model of chronic neuropathic pain. Also, as no comprehensive screen with the aim to identify the SP1–7 target has yet been performed we screened our lead compound H-Phe-Phe-NH2 toward a panel of drug targets. The extensive target screen, including 111 targets, did not reveal any hit for the binding site among a number of known receptors or enzymes involved in pain modulation. Our animal studies confirmed that SP1–7, but also synthetic analogs thereof, possesses anti-allodynic effects in the mouse SNI model of neuropathic pain. One of the lead compounds, a constrained H-Phe-Phe-NH2 analog, was shown to exhibit a significant anti-allodynic effect.
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16. |
- Kimmel, Mary C., et al.
(author)
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Metabolite trajectories across the perinatal period and mental health : A preliminary study of tryptophan-related metabolites, bile acids and microbial composition
- 2022
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In: Behavioural Brain Research. - : Elsevier. - 0166-4328 .- 1872-7549. ; 418
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum are common, but affected women differ in timing, trajectories, and extent of symptoms. The objective of this pilot, feasibility study is to analyze trajectories of serotonin and tryptophan-related metabolites, bile acid metabolites, and microbial composition, in relation to psychiatric history and current symptoms across the perinatal period. Serum and fecal samples were collected from 30 women at three times points in the perinatal period and assayed with LC-MS/MS and 16S sequencing respectively. We defined mean trajectories for each metabolite, clustered individuals by metabolite trajectories, tested associations between metabolites, and examined metabolite levels in relation to microbial composition. Findings of note include: (1) changes in kynurenine and the ratio of kynurenic acid to kynurenine from second trimester to third trimester were strongly associated with baseline primary and secondary bile acids. (2) Secondary bile acid UDCA and its conjugated forms were associated with lower bacterial diversity and levels of Lachnospiraceae, a taxa known to produce Short Chain Fatty Acids. (3) History of anxiety was associated with UDCA levels, but history of major depression was not associated with any of the bile acids. (4) There was a trend towards lower dietary fiber for those with history of anxiety or depression. Overall, our results reveal substantial temporal variation in tryptophan-related metabolites and in bile acid metabolites over the perinatal period, with marked inter-individual variability. Trajectories of TRP -related metabolites, primary and secondary bile acids, and the absence or presence of microbes that produce Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) considered in concert have the potential to differentiate individuals based on perinatal adaptations that may impact mental and overall health.
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17. |
- Ohsawa, Masahiro, et al.
(author)
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The dipeptide Phe-Phe amide attenuates signs of hyperalgesia, allodynia and nociception in diabetic mice using a mechanism involving the sigma receptor system
- 2011
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In: Molecular Pain. - : SAGE Publications. - 1744-8069. ; 7, s. 85-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that intrathecal administration of the substance P amino-terminal metabolite substance P1-7 (SP1-7) and its C-terminal amidated congener induced antihyperalgesic effects in diabetic mice. In this study, we studied a small synthetic dipeptide related to SP1-7 and endomorphin-2, i.e. Phe-Phe amide, using the tail-flick test and von Frey filament test in diabetic and non-diabetic mice. Results: Intrathecal treatment with the dipeptide increased the tail-flick latency in both diabetic and non-diabetic mice. This effect of Phe-Phe amide was significantly greater in diabetic mice than non-diabetic mice. The Phe-Phe amide-induced antinociceptive effect in both diabetic and non-diabetic mice was reversed by the σ1 receptor agonist (+)-pentazocine. Moreover, Phe-Phe amide attenuated mechanical allodynia in diabetic mice, which was reversible by (+)-pentazocine. The expression of spinal σ1 receptor mRNA and protein did not differ between diabetic mice and non-diabetic mice. On the other hand, the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2 proteins was enhanced in diabetic mice. (+)-Pentazocine caused phosphorylation of ERK1 and ERK2 proteins in non-diabetic mice, but not in diabetic mice. Conclusions: These results suggest that the spinal σ1 receptor system might contribute to diabetic mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, which could be potently attenuated by Phe-Phe amide.
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18. |
- Ohsawa, Masahiro, et al.
(author)
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The effect of substance P1-7 amide on nociceptive threshold in diabetic mice
- 2011
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In: Peptides. - : Elsevier BV. - 0196-9781 .- 1873-5169. ; 32:1, s. 93-98
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We previously demonstrated that intrathecal treatment with substance P metabolite substance P1-7 induced anti-hyperalgesia in diabetic mice. In the present study, we have used a synthetic analog of this peptide, the substance P1-7 amide, showing higher binding affinitiy than the native heptapeptide, for studies of the tail-flick response in diabetic and non-diabetic mice. Intrathecal injection of substance P1-7 amide produced prolongation of the tail-flick latency in both diabetic and non-diabetic mice, an effect that was more pronounced in diabetic mice than non-diabetic mice. Moreover, the observed antinociceptive potency of the substance P1-7 amide was higher in both diabetic and non-diabetic mice in comparison with the native substance P1-7. The antinociceptive effect of substance P1-7 amide was reversed by naloxone but not by the selective opioid receptor antagonist beta-funaltrexamine, naltrindole or nor-binaltorphimine, selective for the mu-, delta- or kappa-opioid receptor, respectively. In addition, the antinociceptive effect induced by substance P1-7 amide was partly reversed by the sigma(1) receptor agonist (+)-pentazocine, suggesting a possible involvement of the sigma(1) receptor for the action of this peptide. These results suggest that the actions of substance P1-7 amide mimic the effects of the native substance P fragment but with higher potency and that the mechanisms for its action may involve the sigma(1) receptor system.
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19. |
- Skogh, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Aminocarbonylation of 4-Iodo-1H-imidazoles with an Amino Acid Amide Nucleophile : Synthesis of Constrained H-Phe-Phe-NH2 Analogues
- 2013
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In: Journal of Organic Chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0022-3263 .- 1520-6904. ; 78:23, s. 12251-12256
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A simple and an expedient process to prepare 5-aryl-1benzyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamides by the aminocarbonylation of 5aryl-4-iodo-1H-imidazoles using ex situ generation of CO from Mo(CO)(6) with an amino acid amide nucleophile is reported. Furthermore, a microwave-assisted protocol for the direct C-5 arylation of 1-benzyl-1H-imidazole and a regioselective C-4 iodination method to acquire starting material for our aminocarbonylation are presented. The method can be used to prepare imidazole based peptidomimetics, herein exemplified by the synthesis of constrained H-Phe-Phe-NH2 analogues.
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20. |
- Skogh, Anna, et al.
(author)
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An imidazole based H-Phe-Phe-NH2 peptidomimetic with anti-allodynic effect in spared nerve injury mice
- 2018
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In: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0960-894X .- 1464-3405. ; 28:14, s. 2446-2450
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The dipeptide amide H-Phe-Phe-NH2 (1) that previously was identified as a ligand for the substance P 1-7 (SP1-7) binding site exerts intriguing results in animal models of neuropathic pain after central but not after peripheral administration. The dipeptide 1 is derived from stepwise modifications of the anti-nociceptive heptapeptide SP1-7 and the tetrapeptide endomorphin-2 that is also binding to the SP1-7 site. We herein report a strong anti-allodynic effect of a new H-Phe-Phe-NH2 peptidomimetic (4) comprising an imidazole ring as a bioisosteric element, in the spare nerve injury (SNI) mice model after peripheral administration. Peptidomimetic 4 was stable in plasma, displayed a fair membrane permeability and a favorable neurotoxic profile. Moreover, the effective dose (ED50) of 4 was superior as compared to gabapentin and morphine that are used in clinic.
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21. |
- Skogh, Anna, 1986-
(author)
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Development of Substance P 1–7 Related Peptides and Peptidomimetics : Targeting Neuropathic Pain
- 2018
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The neuropeptide substance P 1–7 (SP1–7, H-Arg1-Pro2-Lys3-Pro4-Gln5-Gln6-Phe7-OH) and its amidated analogue SP1–7 amide, have displayed intriguing effects in experimental models for neuropathic pain acting on a specific, yet unknown SP1–7 target. The aim of this thesis was to design and synthesise SP1–7 related peptides and peptidomimetics, to be used as research tools to study the SP1–7 system, and to serve as drug leads in the neuropathic pain area.The in vivo structure activity relationship (SAR) of the SP1–7 amide was elucidated using Ala-substituted, N-terminally truncated and N-methylated variants. By evaluation of the anti-allodynic effect in spared nerve injury (SNI) mice and the pharmacokinetic properties it is suggested that Phe7 acts as a message residue and Arg1 as an address residue, both important for the overall anti-allodynic activity. In contrast, Lys3 could be substituted by alanine, and the Pro2-Lys3 and Pro4-Gln5 bond could be N-methylated with retained anti-allodynic effect. The Pro2-Lys3 bond was found most sensitive towards proteolysis and indeed, N-methylation of this bond delivered peptides completely inert in plasma. Conversely, prolonged plasma stability did not improve the overall in vivo activity for these peptides. Instead, the SP1–7 amide remained the most potent peptide in vivo, despite fast degradation in plasma. Besides peptide synthesis, the synthetic work included development of a Pd-catalysed aminocarbonylation protocol using an amino acid nucleophile, which was used for the synthesis of an imidazole-based peptidomimetic. This peptidomimetic was equipotent to the SP1–7 amide, and more potent than the drug gabapentin, in regard to its anti-allodynic effect in SNI mice, and it is a promising drug lead for further development. The Pd-catalysed aminocarbonylation protocol was refined further, in regards to reaction scope and requirements for solid-phase peptide synthesis and has proven useful for N-capping, isotopic labelling, and intramolecular cyclisation of peptides.In summary, the work presented herein resulted in an in vivo SAR for SP1–7 related peptides, a novel small molecule SP1–7 peptidomimetic, and methods expanding the toolbox for synthesising modified peptides and peptidomimetics – a field in drug discovery that presently gaining increasing attention.
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22. |
- Skogh, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Impact of N-methylation of the substance P 1-7 amide on anti-allodynic effect in mice after peripheral administration
- 2017
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In: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. - : Elsevier BV. - 0928-0987 .- 1879-0720. ; 109, s. 533-540
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Substance P 1-7 (SP1-7, Arg1-Pro2-Lys3-Pro4-Gln5-Gln6-Phe7) is the major bioactive metabolite formed after proteolytic degradation of the tachykinin substance P (SP). This heptapeptide often opposes the effects of the mother peptide. Hence, SP1-7 is having anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and anti-hyperalgesic effects in experimental models. Despite all encouraging properties of SP1-7 its exact mode of action has not yet been elucidated which has hampered further development of this heptapeptide in drug discovery. Contrary to SP that mediates its biological activity via the NK-1 receptor, the N-terminal fragment SP1-7 acts through an unknown target that is distinct from all known opioid and tachykinin receptors. The SP1-7 amide 1 (Arg1-Pro2-Lys3-Pro4-Gln5-Gln6-Phe7-NH2) was previously shown to be superior to the endogenous SP1-7 in all experimental pain models where the two compounds were compared. Herein, we report that N-methylation scan of the backbone of the SP1-7 amide (1) results in peptides that are significantly less prone to undergo proteolysis in plasma from both mouse and human. However, with the two exceptions of the [MeLys3]SP1-7 amide (3) and the [MeGln5]SP1-7 amide (4), the peptides with a methyl group attached to the backbone are devoid of significant anti-allodynic effects after peripheral administration in the spared nerve injury (SNI) mouse model of neuropathic pain. It is suggested that the N-methylation does not allow these peptides to form the accurate bioactive conformations or interactions required for efficient binding to the macromolecular target. The importance of intact N-terminal Arg1 and C-terminal Phe7, anticipated to serve as address and message residues, respectively, for achieving the anti-allodynic effect is emphasized. Notably, the three heptapeptides: the SP1-7 amide (1), the [MeLys3]SP1-7 amide (3) amide and the [MeGln5]SP1-7 amide (4) are all considerably more effective in the SNI mouse model than gabapentin that is widely used in the clinic for treatment of neuropathic pain.
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23. |
- Skogh, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Importance of N-and C-terminal residues of substance P 1-7 for alleviating allodynia in mice after peripheral administration
- 2017
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In: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. - : Elsevier. - 0928-0987 .- 1879-0720. ; 106, s. 345-351
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The heptapeptide SP1-7 (1, Arg(1)-Pro(2)-Lys(3)-Pro(4)-Gln(5)-Gln(6)-Phe(7)) is the major bioactive metabolite formed after proteolytic processing of the neuropeptide substance P (SP, Arg(1)-Pro(2)-Lys(3)-Pro(4)-GIn(5)-Gln(6)-Phe(7)-Phe(8)-Gly(9)-Leu(10)-Meti(11)-NH2). The heptapeptide 1 frequently exhibits opposite effects to those induced by SP, such as exerting antinociception, or attenuating thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. The heptapeptide SP1-7 amide (2, Arg(1)-Pro(2)-Lys(3)-Pro(4)-Gln(5)-Gln(6)-Phe(7)-NH2 ) is often more efficacious than 1 in experimental pain models. We have now assessed the anti-allodynic outcome after systemic administration of 2 and a series of Ala substituted and truncated analogues of 2, in the spared nerve injury (SNI) mice model and the results obtained were correlated with in vitro plasma stability and permeability measurements. It is herein demonstrated that an intact Arg(1) in SP1-7 amide analogues is fundamental for retaining a potent in vivo effect, while Lys(3) of 2 is less important. A displacement with Ala(1) or truncation rendered the peptide analogues either inactive or with a significantly attenuated in vivo activity. Thus, the pentapeptide SP3-7 amide (7, t(1/2) = 11.1 min) proven to be the major metabolite of 2, demonstrated an in vivo effect itself although considerably less significant than 2 in the SNI model. Intraperitoneal administration of 2 in a low dose furnished the most powerful anti-allodynic effect in the SNI model of all the analogous evaluated, despite a fast proteolysis of 2 in plasma (t(1/2) = 6.4 min). It is concluded that not only the C-terminal residue, that we previously demonstrated, but also the N-terminal with its basic side chain, are important for achieving effective pain relief. This information is of value for the further design process aimed at identifying more drug-like SP1-7 amide related peptidomimetics with pronounced antiallodynic effects.
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24. |
- Svanbäck, Richard, et al.
(author)
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Intra-specific competition drives multiple species trophic polymorphism in fish communities
- 2008
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In: Oikos. - : Wiley. - 0030-1299 .- 1600-0706. ; 117:1, s. 114-124
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It has been hypothesized that inter-specific competition will reduce species niche utilization and drive morphological evolution in character displacement. In the absence of a competitor, intra-specific competition may favor an expansion of the species niche and drive morphological evolution in character release. Despite of this theoretical framework, we sometimes find potential competitor species using the same niche range without any partitioning in niche. We used a database on test fishing in Sweden to evaluate the factors (inter- and intraspecific competition, predation, and abiotic factors) that could influence habitat choice of two competitor species. The pattern from the database shows that the occurrence of perch and roach occupying both littoral and pelagic habitats of lakes in Sweden is a general phenomenon. Furthermore, the results from the database suggest that this pattern is due to intra-specific competition rather than inter-specific competition or predation. In a field study, we estimated the morphological variation in perch and roach and found that, individuals of both species caught in the littoral zone were more deeper bodied compared to individuals caught in the pelagic zone. Pelagic perch fed more on zooplankton compared to littoral perch, independent of size, whereas the littoral perch had more macroinvertebrates and fish in their diet. Pelagic roach fed more on zooplankton compared to littoral roach, whereas littoral individuals fed more on plant material. Furthermore, we sampled littoral and pelagic fish from another lake to evaluate the generality of our first results and found the same habitat associated morphology in both perch and roach. The results show a consistent multi-species morphological separation in the littoral and pelagic habitats. This study suggests that intra-specific competition is possibly more important than inter-specific competition for the morphological pattern in the perch-roach system.
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25. |
- van der Zwaan, Irès
(author)
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Characterisation of an in vitro dissolution method for assessment of novel pulmonary drug delivery systems : With a focus on controlled release systems
- 2023
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Pulmonary drug delivery has been used for decades to treat local diseases like asthma. When using the pulmonary route to deliver drugs, several important lung features are being used, such as a large surface area available for absorption, high organ vascularization, and a thin blood-alveolar barrier. Pulmonary drug delivery systems on the market are formulations with a rapid release, which leads to a high drug concentration initially and a prompt decline in concentration shortly thereafter. This could cause unfavourable adverse effects or toxicity to the lung tissue at the onset of the release and could also result in decreased efficacy. To overcome these challenges, there is a need to develop controlled release drug delivery systems to improve the therapeutic effectiveness of inhaled drugs. When a drug is inhaled, the drug particles will deposit in the lung, and the drug needs to dissolve in the lung fluids before the drug is available for uptake locally or in the systemic circulation. The absorption inhaled drug thus depends on the dissolution of the drug particles in the lung fluid. As a result, it could be possible to prolong the duration of the drug effect, by prolonging the time it takes for the dissolution of the drug particles. Due to this, in vitro methods analysing the dissolution of the drug particles in the lung are of high relevance for the development of novel pulmonary drug delivery systems. It is therefore of high importance that the dissolution profiles that are measured are well understood. The overall aim of this thesis was to evaluate and characterise an in vitro dissolution method (Transwell system) for assessment of novel pulmonary drug delivery systems, with a focus on future controlled release systems. A developed mechanistic model was used to analyse experimental dissolution data and to predict which process was the rate limiting step in the obtained profiles. The developed mechanistic model provided the same rank order as the Weibull fit, however the model provided additional detailed understanding of the used dissolution process and setup. In addition, two novel controlled release drug delivery systems, mesoporous silica particles and hyaluronic based hydrogels, were successfully analysed using this in vitro dissolution system. Both delivery systems showed a promising aerosolization and control over the release profiles. Finally, the micellar contribution to diffusion of poorly soluble inhaled drugs during in vitro dissolution was defined and validated using the obtained in vitro dissolution profiles. Physiologically based biopharmaceutics modelling tools were successfully established for Bud, BDP and FP using the diffusivity values taking into account the micellar contribution of the surfactant.
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26. |
- van der Zwaan, Irès, et al.
(author)
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Characterization of Membrane-Type Dissolution Profiles of Clinically Available Orally Inhaled Products Using a Weibull Fit and a Mechanistic Model
- 2022
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In: Molecular Pharmaceutics. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1543-8384 .- 1543-8392. ; 19:9, s. 3114-3124
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dissolution rate impacts the absorption rate of poorly soluble inhaled drugs. In vitro dissolution tests that can capture the impact of changes in critical quality attributes of the drug product on in vivo dissolution are important for the development of products containing poorly soluble drugs, as well as modified release formulations. In this study, an extended mathematical model allowing for dissolution of polydisperse powders and subsequent diffusion of dissolved drug across a membrane is described. In vitro dissolution profiles of budesonide, fluticasone propionate, and beclomethasone dipropionate delivered from three commercial drug products were determined using a membrane-type Transwell dissolution test, which consists of a donor and an acceptor compartment separated by a membrane. Subsequently, the profiles were analyzed using the developed mechanistic model and a semi-empirical model based on the Weibull distribution. The two mathematical models provided the same rank order of the performance of the three drug products in terms of dissolution rates, but the rates were significantly different. The faster rate extracted from the mechanistic model is expected to reflect the true dissolution rate of the drug; the Weibull model provides an effective and slower rate that represents not only drug dissolution but also diffusion across the Transwell membrane. In conclusion, the developed extended model provides superior understanding of the dissolution mechanisms in membrane-type (Transwell) dissolution tests.
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27. |
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28. |
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29. |
- Zhou, Qin, et al.
(author)
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The C-terminal amidated analogue of the Substance P (SP) fragment SP (1-7) attenuates the expression of naloxone- precipitated withdrawal in morphine dependent rats
- 2009
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In: Peptides. - : Elsevier BV. - 0196-9781 .- 1873-5169. ; 30:12, s. 2418-2422
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We previously demonstrated that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the substance P (SP) aminoterminal fragment SP(1-7) attenuates the expression of morphine withdrawal in the male rat. In this study we have used a synthetic analogue of this peptide, i.e. the SP(1-7) amide showing higher binding potency than the native heptapeptide, in a similar experimental set-up. Thus, Wistar male rats were made tolerant to morphine by daily injections of the opiate during 8 days. Following peptide administration (i.c.v.) and a subsequent naloxone challenge a variety of physical syndromes of withdrawal were recorded. We observed that the SP(1-7) amide potently and dose-dependently reduced several signs of reaction to morphine withdrawal. Interestingly, the effect of the peptide amide was significantly attenuated by the addition of the sigma agonist (+)-SKF-10047. We conclude that the SP(1-7) amide mimics the effect of the native SP fragment and that the mechanisms for its action involve a sigma receptor site.
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30. |
- Örtqvist, Pernilla, et al.
(author)
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Phenylglycine as a Novel P2 Scaffold in Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Protease Inhibitors
- 2007
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In: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. - : Elsevier BV. - 0968-0896 .- 1464-3391. ; 15:3, s. 1448-1474
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Molecular modeling and inhibitory potencies of tetrapeptide protease inhibitors of HCV NS3 proposed phenylglycine as a new promising P2 residue. The results suggest that phenylglycine might be capable of interacting with the NS3 (protease-helicase/NTPase) in ways not possible for the common P2 proline-based inhibitors. Thus, a series of tripeptides, both linear and macrocyclic, based on p-hydroxy-phenylglycine in the P2 position were prepared and their inhibitory effect determined. When the p-hydroxy group was replaced by methoxy, isoquinolin-, or quinolinyloxy functions, inhibitors with improved potencies were obtained. The P2 phenylglycine-based inhibitors were further optimized by C-terminal extension to acyl sulfonamides and by P1–P3 cyclization, which gave products with inhibition constants in the nanomolar range (75 nM).
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