Coadministration Of Probenecid Research Articles

OAT3 Participates in Drug-Drug Interaction between Bentysrepinine and Entecavir through Interactions with M8-A Metabolite of Bentysrepinine-In Rats and Humans In Vitro.

Bentysrepinine (Y101) is a novel phenylalanine dipeptide for the treatment of hepatitis B virus. Renal excretion played an important role in the elimination of Y101 and its metabolites, M8 and M9, in healthy Chinese subjects, although the molecular mechanisms of renal excretion and potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) remain unclear. The present study aimed to determine the organic anion transporters (OATs) involved in the renal disposition of Y101 and to predict the potential DDI between Y101 and entecavir, the first-line agent against HBV and a substrate of OAT1/3. Pharmacokinetic studies and uptake assays using rat kidney slices, as well as hOAT1/3-HEK293 cells, were performed to evaluate potential DDI. The co-administration of probenecid (an inhibitor of OATs) significantly increased the plasma concentrations and area under the plasma concentration-time curves of M8 and M9 but not Y101, while reduced renal clearance and the cumulative urinary excretion of M8 were observed in rats. The time course of Y101 and M8 uptake via rat kidney slices was temperature-dependent. Moreover, the uptake of M8 was inhibited significantly by probenecid and benzylpenicillin, but not by p-aminohippurate or tetraethyl ammonium. M8 was found to be a substrate of hOAT3, but Y101 is not a substrate of either hOAT1 or hOAT3. Additionally, the entecavir inhibited the uptake of M8 in the hOAT3-transfected cells and rat kidney slices in vitro. Interestingly, no significant changes were observed in the pharmacokinetic parameters of Y101, M8 or entecavir, regardless of intravenous or oral co-administration of Y101 and entecavir in rats. In conclusion, M8 is a substrate of OAT3 in rats and humans. Furthermore, M8 also mediates the DDI between Y101 and entecavir in vitro, mediated by OAT3. We speculate that it would be safe to use Y101 with entecavir in clinical practice. Our results provide useful information with which to predict the DDIs between Y101 and other drugs that act as substrates of OAT3.

Sulopenem: An Intravenous and Oral Penem for the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections Due to Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria.

Sulopenem: An Intravenous and Oral Penem for the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections Due to Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria.

Influence of probenecid on endoxifen systemic exposure in breast cancer patients on adjuvant tamoxifen treatment.

Introduction:In breast cancer patients treated with the anti-estrogen tamoxifen, low concentrations of the active metabolite endoxifen are associated with more disease recurrence. We hypothesized that we could increase endoxifen concentrations by induction of its formation and inhibition of its metabolism by co-administration of probenecid.Methods:We conducted a crossover study and measured endoxifen concentrations in patients on steady-state tamoxifen monotherapy and after 14 days of combination treatment with probenecid. Eleven evaluable patients were included.Results:Treatment with tamoxifen and probenecid resulted in a 26% increase of endoxifen area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0–24h) compared to tamoxifen monotherapy (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8–46%; p < 0.01), while the maximum observed endoxifen concentration increased with 24% (95% CI: 7–44%; p < 0.01). The metabolic ratio of endoxifen to tamoxifen increased with 110% (95% CI: 82–143%; p < 0.001) after the addition of probenecid.Conclusion:Probenecid resulted in a clinically relevant increase of endoxifen concentrations in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen. This combination therapy could provide a solution for patients with a CYP2D6-poor metabolizer phenotype or endoxifen concentrations below the threshold despite earlier tamoxifen dose.

Probenecid effects on cephalexin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in healthy volunteers

Objectives: We evaluated the effects of probenecid on the Pharmaco Kinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of oral cephalexin in healthy volunteers.Methods: Cephalexin 1000 mg was administered orally to 11 healthy volunteers following a standardized meal, with and without probenecid 500 mg orally, on two separate days one week apart. Total plasma concentrations of cephalexin and probenecid over a 12 h period were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Standard pharmacokinetic measures and contemporary PK/PD targets were compared.Results: Probenecid increased the mean (95% CI) cephalexin area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-∞) 1.73-fold (1.61–1.85, p < 0.0001), peak concentration 1.37-fold (1.16–1.58, p < 0.01), time to peak concentration 1.45-fold (1.1–1.8, p < 0.01), and half-life 1.33-fold (1.03–1.62, p < 0.05). The effects resulted in clinically meaningful increases in the probability of PK/PD target attainment (PTA). As an example, the PTA of total concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration required to inhibit methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus isolates (MIC ≤ 8 mg/L) for 70% of a 6 h dose interval approached 100% for cephalexin + probenecid while for cephalexin alone it was <15%.Conclusions: Probenecid prolonged and flattened the plasma concentration-time curve, enhancing the probability of attaining PK/PD targets. Co-administration of probenecid may expand the clinical benefits of oral cephalexin.

Pleiotropic effects of probenecid on three-dimensional cultures of prostate cancer cells

AimsChemoresistance remains a persistent challenge in advanced prostate cancer therapy. Probenecid reportedly inhibits multiple drug-efflux transporters; hence, it can be employed as a potential sensitizer for chemotherapy. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of probenecid on three-dimensional (3D)-cultures of prostate cancer cells. Main methodsProstate cancer cell lines, 22Rv1 and PC-3 were cultured as multicellular tumor spheroids. The effects of probenecid were evaluated using the MTT assay for viability, microscopy for spheroid size, and soft agar colony formation assay for anchorage-independent growth. Key findingsThe 3D-cultured 22Rv1 cells were less sensitive to cisplatin and doxorubicin than two-dimensional (2D) cell culture. Co-administration of probenecid at a low (100 or 300 μM), but not high (500 μM), concentration increased the sensitivity to cisplatin or doxorubicin in 22Rv1 spheroids. Probenecid increased the expression of ABCG2, a multidrug resistance transporter, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment with probenecid alone reduced the growth of 22Rv1 spheroids. Conversely, probenecid inhibited spheroid compaction rather than growth inhibition in 3D-cultured PC-3 cells. Moreover, probenecid inhibited colony formation of 22Rv1 and PC-3 cells in soft agar, as well as downregulated focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a crucial factor in anchorage-independent growth. SignificanceIn 3D-cultured prostate cancer cells, probenecid demonstrated pleiotropic effects such as chemosensitization, growth suppression, inhibition of spheroid compaction, and suppression of anchorage-independent growth. Elucidating the detailed mechanism underlying these probenecid actions could result in the identification of novel therapeutic targets toward the advanced prostate cancer.

An Improved Vascularized, Dual-Channel Microphysiological System Facilitates Modeling of Proximal Tubular Solute Secretion.

A vascularized human proximal tubule model in a dual-channel microphysiological system (VPT-MPS) was developed, representing an advance over previous, single-cell-type kidney microphysiological systems. Human proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cocultured in side-by-side channels. Over 24 h of coculturing, PTECs maintained polarized expression of Na+/K+ ATPase, tight junctions (ZO-1), and OAT1. HUVECs showed the absence of ZO-1 but expressed endothelial cell marker (CD-31). In time-lapse imaging studies, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran passed freely from the HUVEC vessel into the supporting extracellular matrix, confirming the leakiness of the endothelium (at 80 min, matrix/intravessel fluorescence ratio = 0.2). Dextran-associated fluorescence accumulated in the matrix adjacent to the basolateral aspect of the PTEC tubule with minimal passage of the compound into the tubule lumen observed (at 80 min, tubule lumen/matrix fluorescence ratio = 0.01). This demonstrates that the proximal tubule compartment is the rate-limiting step in the secretion of compounds in VPT-MPS. In kinetic studies with radiolabeled markers, p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) exhibited greater output into the tubule lumen than did paracellular markers mannitol and FITC-dextran (tubule outflow/vessel outflow concentration ratio of 7.7% vs 0.5 and 0.4%, respectively). A trend toward reduced PAH secretion by 45% was observed upon coadministration of probenecid. This signifies functional expression of renal transporters in PTECs that normally mediate the renal secretion of PAH. The VPT-MPS holds the promise of providing an in vitro platform for evaluating the renal secretion of new drug candidates and investigating the dysregulation of tubular drug secretion in chronic kidney disease.

Effect of Efflux Transporter Inhibition on the Distribution of Fluconazole in the Rat Brain.

Multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) and organic anion transporters (OATs) are expressed on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB), preventing the entry of or the pumping out of numerous molecules. Fluconazole is widely used to treat fungal meningoencephalitis. The effect of these transporters on the distribution of fluconazole in the brain is unclear. We used microdialysis to compare the distribution of fluconazole in the rat brain with and without co-administration of probenecid, a MRP and OAT inhibitor. Additionally, we also observed the difference in fluconazole distribution between the two barriers. The results showed that probenecid increased the penetration of fluconazole into the BBB but did not alter the penetration of fluconazole into the BCSFB of rats. The penetration of the BBB and BCSFB by fluconazole did not statistically differ according to physiological condition. These results demonstrate that transporters that can be inhibited by probenecid may be involved in fluconazole resistance at the BBB and provide a laboratory basis for predicting brain extracellular fluid (ECF) concentration using the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of fluconazole.

A Phase 1 Study to Assess the Pharmacokinetics of Sulopenem Etzadroxil (PF-03709270)

Sulopenem etzadroxil is a pro-drug of sulopenem (CP-70,429) designed to enhance its bioavailability. A Phase 1 study was performed to evaluate the effect of food and probenecid on the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of sulopenem etzadroxil This study is a randomized, double blinded (investigator and subject blinded, sponsor-open), placebo-controlled, multiple dose study in healthy volunteers of PF-03709270, with or without co-administration of probenecid, in fed or fasted state. Subjects were dosed twice a day for 6 days and once on Day 7. For the treatment groups dosed in the fed state, subjects were dosed approximately 30 minutes after the start of their meal. Pharmacokinetic sampling was done in 8 subjects per treatment group. Both food and probenecid increase the absorption of PF-03709270 and consequently serum levels of sulopenem. The combination of food and probenecid further increases serum exposures of sulopenem. Probenecid, food, or the combination of both, all significantly prolong the T>MIC for sulopenem. These data will help inform PKPD modeling in selection of a dose for Phase 3 studies. M. Dunne, Iterum Therapeutics: Employee and Shareholder, Salary; S. Puttagunta, Iterum Therapeu: Employee and Shareholder, Salary.

Probenecid Sensitizes Neuroblastoma Cancer Stem Cells to Cisplatin

We used both in vitro cultures of neuroblastoma cell lines and nude-mice xenotransplants to explore the effects of co-administration of cisplatin and probenecid. Probenecid sensitized neuroblastoma cells, including tumor cells with stem features, to the effects of cisplatin, both in vitro and in vivo. This effect was mediated by an increase in the apoptotic cell death and a concomitant decrease in cell proliferation. This effect is accompanied by modulation of the mRNA and protein of the drug efflux transporters MDR1, MRP2, and BCRP. The co-administration of probenecid with cisplatin should be explored as a possible therapeutic strategy.

Investigation of Drug-Drug Interactions Between Ritobegron, a Selective β3 -Adrenoceptor Agonist, With Probenecid in Healthy Men.

We evaluated the effects of probenecid, a potent organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) and OAT3 inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics and safety of ritobegron, a selective β3 -adrenoceptor agonist, in healthy men. Twelve healthy men were administered a single oral dose of ritobegron (20 mg) alone or in combination with probenecid 2 hours before administration of ritobegron. In the combination sequence, additional doses of probenecid were administered 4 and 10 hours after the administration of ritobegron. Probenecid increased the Cmax of KUC-7322, an active form of ritobegron, and the AUC0-48 h by 1.39 and 2.93 times, respectively. Probenecid prolonged the t1/2 of KUC-7322 from 1.6 to 3.4 hours and decreased the renal clearance and cumulative fraction of KUC-7322 excreted in urine from 18.5 to 4.9 L/h and from 64.7% to 49.7%, respectively. Coadministration of probenecid did not influence adverse events, blood pressure, pulse rate, or heart rate relative to ritobegron alone. Although probenecid inhibited renal tubule secretion of KUC-7322 via OAT3 and increased KUC-7322 exposure, it did not influence adverse effects or vital signs. Therefore, clinically significant drug-drug interactions are unlikely to occur when probenecid is administered in combination with OAT3 inhibitors or substrates.

EZH2 Inhibitor GSK126: Metabolism, drug transporter and rat pharmacokinetic studies

Histone lysine methyl transferase 2 (EZH2) inhibitor GSK126 and a novel deuterated internal standard GSK126-d7 were chemically prepared. We performed in vitro experiments using the prepared GSK126 to: i) confirm in vitro EZH2 inhibitory activity; ii) conduct Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat liver microsomal incubations and identified Phase I metabolites; iii) determine whether or not GSK126 was an Organic Anion Transporter (OAT) substrate; and, iv) determine oral bioavailability by conducting oral and orbital sinus dosing (OSD) experiments and determining blood concentration versus time profiles. GSK126 was shown to decrease the expression of H3K27Me3 protein in medulloblastoma D283 cells and was able to decrease cell viability in KO99L cells, a novel T cell lymphoma cell line. Three in vitro hepatic Phase I mono-oxidative metabolites (L-M1, L-M2 and L-M3) were observed and also detected in rat liver and urine samples from the in vivo studies. GSK126 was found to be an OAT1 and OAT2 substrate, but not an OAT3 or OAT4 substrate. Our Pharmacokinetic (PK) results indicate: 1) GSK126 has very poor oral bioavailability (< 2%); 2) co-administration of probenecid, a prototypical OAT inhibitor, did not significantly alter observed PK; and 3) tissue distribution studies demonstrate that GSK126 predominately distributes to the liver and kidneys after an OSD.

The effect of organic anion transporter 3 inhibitor probenecid on bumetanide levels in the brain: an integrated in vivo microdialysis study in the rat.

Recent data highlight the potential of bumetanide as a treatment for neonatal seizures and autism, as it facilitates the excitatory to inhibitory switch in gamma-aminobutyric acid signalling. This study examines the extent of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation of bumetanide, a key determinant of the efficacy of centrally acting drugs. Furthermore, the impact of efflux transporter organic anion transporter 3 (oat3) inhibition on bumetanide pharmacokinetics was investigated. Bumetanide levels in extracellular fluid (ECF) and plasma in the presence and absence of oat3 inhibitor probenecid were monitored using integrated microdialysis. Following a bumetanide bolus/continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg/h, bumetanide was detected in hippocampal ECF at the estimated concentration of 131 ± 55 ng/ml. Plasma bumetanide levels were ∼20 mg/l at steady state. Coadministration of probenecid resulted in an increase in bumetanide levels in both ECF and plasma, indicating that oat3 inhibition influences the pharmacokinetics of bumetanide primarily in the periphery. Although bumetanide reached detectable levels in hippocampal ECF, bumetanide concentration in ECF was low relative to systemic concentration. Oat3 inhibition by probenecid resulted in increased bumetanide concentrations in brain and plasma. As an acute treatment in neonatal seizures, the bumetanide/probenecid combination may hold therapeutic potential.

Effects of 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3, the Natural Vitamin D Receptor Ligand, on the Pharmacokinetics of Cefdinir and Cefadroxil, Organic Anion Transporter Substrates, in Rat

Evidence in the literature suggests that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2 D3 ], the vitamin D receptor ligand, down-regulated the expression of the rat renal organic anion (renal organic anion transporter, rOAT) and oligopeptide (rPEPT) transporters, but increased intestinal rPEPT1 expression. We investigated, in rats, the intravenous and oral pharmacokinetics of 2 mg/kg cefdinir and cefadroxil, two cephalosporins that are eliminated via renal OAT1/OAT3 and are substrates of PEPT1/PEPT2, with and without 1,25(OH)2 D3 treatment. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of cefdinir or cefadroxil after 1,25(OH)2 D3 treatment was increased significantly because of decreased clearance (CL). Both kidney uptake and cumulative urinary recovery were significantly decreased, whereas liver uptake and fecal recovery remained unchanged in 1,25(OH)2 D3 -treated rats. Similar changes in AUC and CL were observed for both drugs upon coadministration of probenecid, the OAT inhibitor. Oral availability of cefdinir and cefadroxil remained unchanged with 1,25(OH)2 D3 treatment, suggesting lack of a role for intestinal rPEPT1. Rather, reduction of rOAT1/rOAT3 mRNA expression in kidney with 1,25(OH)2 D3 -treatment was observed, confirmed by decreased function in MDCKII cells overexpressing human OAT1 and OAT3. These composite results suggest that 1,25(OH)2 D3 treatment reduces cefdinir and cefadroxil clearances by diminution of renal OAT1/OAT3 expression, implicating a role for 1,25(OH)2 D3 in eliciting transporter-based drug interactions.

Prediction of methotrexate CNS distribution in different species – Influence of disease conditions

Children and adults with malignant diseases have a high risk of prevalence of the tumor in the central nervous system (CNS). As prophylaxis treatment methotrexate is often given. In order to monitor methotrexate exposure in the CNS, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations are often measured. However, the question is in how far we can rely on CSF concentrations of methotrexate as appropriate surrogate for brain target site concentrations, especially under disease conditions.In this study, we have investigated the spatial distribution of unbound methotrexate in healthy rat brain by parallel microdialysis, with or without inhibition of Mrp/Oat/Oatp-mediated active transport processes by a co-administration of probenecid. Specifically, we have focused on the relationship between brain extracellular fluid (brainECF) and CSF concentrations. The data were used to develop a systems-based pharmacokinetic (SBPK) brain distribution model for methotrexate. This model was subsequently applied on literature data on methotrexate brain distribution in other healthy and diseased rats (brainECF), healthy dogs (CSF) and diseased children (CSF) and adults (brainECF and CSF).Important differences between brainECF and CSF kinetics were found, but we have found that inhibition of Mrp/Oat/Oatp-mediated active transport processes does not significantly influence the relationship between brainECF and CSF fluid methotrexate concentrations.It is concluded that in parallel obtained data on unbound brainECF, CSF and plasma concentrations, under dynamic conditions, combined with advanced mathematical modeling is a most valid approach to develop SBPK models that allow for revealing the mechanisms underlying the relationship between brainECF and CSF concentrations in health and disease.

Effect of Probenecid on Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Olmesartan in Healthy Chinese Volunteers

BackgroundOlmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist and is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of arterial hypertension. Probenecid is a well-established hypouricemic agent for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to examine the impact of coadministration of probenecid on the pharmacokinetic parameters and tolerability of olmesartan in healthy volunteers. MethodsIn a randomized, open-label, 2-way crossover study, 12 volunteers received 2 oral treatments (olmesartan alone or olmesartan plus probenecid) separated by 4 days. Blood samples were obtained for a 48-hour pharmacokinetic evaluation after drug administration. Tolerability was assessed by monitoring vital signs and laboratory tests before and after administration of the study drug. ResultsPharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated in 6 male and 6 female healthy volunteers (mean age, 22 [range, 20–25] years]; weight, 56.0 [range, 51.0–60.0] kg). Probenecid coadministration increased olmesartan Css-av, AUC0→∞, and AUC0–48 by 40%, 50%, and 50%, respectively (P = 0.018, 0.000, 0.000, respectively), but there was no statistical significance for Tmax, t1/2, Css-max, and Css-min between olmesartan plus probenecid and olmesartan alone (P = 0.697, 0.053, 0.521, and 0.734, respectively). No serious adverse event (AE) was reported during the study. The proportion of volunteers with AEs in the olmesartan plus probenecid period (5 of 12 [42%]) was higher than that in the olmesartan-alone period (1 of 12 [8%]). All of the AEs during the olmesartan plus probenecid period were abnormal routine urine test results. The AE in olmesartan-alone period was dizziness. All AEs were classified as mild and considered to be at least possibly related to treatment. All volunteers recovered from the AEs by 2 weeks after the end of the study. ConclusionsProbenecid increases the exposure speed of olmesartan by increasing the AUC0–48, AUC0→∞, and Css-av. The combined treatment of olmesartan medoxomil with probenecid may increase the occurrence of genitourinary side effects. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01907373.

The elimination of MTC-220, a novel anti-tumor agent of conjugate of paclitaxel and muramyl dipeptide analogue, in rats

MTC-220, a conjugate of paclitaxel and muramyl dipeptide analogue, was reported to exhibit anti-tumor ability and anti-metastatic effect. The aim of present study was to investigate the elimination of MTC-220 and the related mechanisms in rats. The excretion of MTC-220 and its metabolites in bile and urine were determined in rats after intravenous administration at 4 mg/kg. Caco-2 cell monolayer, in situ liver perfusion model and in vivo pharmacokinetics with selected inhibitors in rats were used to confirm the involvement of hepatic transporters in the elimination of MTC-220. The metabolic stability of MTC-220 was assessed by the incubation with rat liver microsomes and plasma. Approximately 72 % of MTC-220 was excreted into bile and less than 0.02 % into urine after administration in rats. The Caco-2 cell monolayer was impermeable to MTC-220. In in situ liver perfusion model, the hepatic extraction ratio of MTC-220 was reduced to 40 % of control in the presence of rifampicin, an Oatps inhibitor, and the cumulative biliary excretion rates of MTC-220 were reduced to 52.9, 71.5 and 62.9 % of control when concomitant perfusion with probenecid, novobiocin and verapamil, the inhibitors of Mrp2, Bcrp and P-gp, respectively. Co-administration of rifampicin, probenecid, novobiocin and verapamil with MTC-220 increased the AUC0-t and decreased the CL of MTC-220 in certain extents in rats. MTC-220 remained metabolically intact in rat liver microsomes, but less stable in plasma incubation. In summary, the elimination of MTC-220 was mainly through the biliary excretion in unchanged form in rats. Liver transporters including Oatps, Mrp2, Bcrp and P-gp might be all involved in the hepatic elimination of MTC-220. MTC-220 exhibited the high metabolic stability in liver microsomes, but less stable in plasma. The esterases might involve in the metabolism of MTC-220 in plasma.

Overexpression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 in the brain of pentylenetetrazole-kindled rats

Clinical studies and animal models have shown that pharmacoresistant epilepsy is partly due to the overexpression of ATP-binding cassette transporters at the brain. The purposes of the study were to investigate the function and expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) in the brain of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindled rats, and the effect of the altered Mrp2 function and expression on phenytoin (PHT) distribution in the brain. Kindled rats were developed by sub-convulsive dose of PTZ (33mg/kg, every day, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) for 28days. Mrp2 expression and function were measured by western blot and bromosulfophthalein (BSP) distribution in the brain. PHT concentrations in the brain of PTZ-kindled rats were measured alone or with co-administration of probenecid (50mg/kg). Further experiment was designed to investigate whether PHT treatment prevented the up-regulated brain Mrp2 expression and function induced by PTZ-kindling. The results showed that PTZ-kindling resulted in an increase of Mrp2 level in the hippocampus and cortex of rats, accompanied by significant decreases in the brain-to-plasma concentration ratio of BSP. PTZ-kindling also decreased PHT levels in the hippocampus and cortex without altering PHT concentrations in plasma, resulting in a lower brain-to-plasma concentration ratio of PHT. Co-administration of probenecid increased the brain-to-plasma ratio of BSP and PHT in the brain of both normal and PTZ-kindled rats. A 14-day PHT treatment prevented the up-regulation of Mrp2 expression and function induced by PTZ-kindling, accompanied by increases of PHT concentrations in the brain and good anticonvulsive effects. The present study demonstrated that chronic PTZ-kindling increased Mrp2 expression and function in the rat brain, and the up-regulation partly came from epileptic seizure.

Regulation of renal organic anion transporter expression and function in ACTH‐treated mice

Our previous renal microarray studies indicated differential expression of genes encoding organic anion transporters in a mouse model of ACTH‐dependent Cushing syndrome (Physiological Genomics 40: 158, 2010). In the current study, we used quantitative PCR to show significantly (P&lt;0.01) reduced expression of genes encoding OATP‐1 (slco1a1), OAT2 (slc22a7) and OAT3 (slc22a8) in the kidneys of ACTH‐treated mice (n=6/6). In separate groups of mice, a 14‐day treatment with ACTH (n=5) caused hypertension, polyuria and a four‐fold increase in uric acid excretion, compared to controls (n=6). This is consistent with down‐regulation of OAT3, which contributes to the reabsorption of uric acid. ACTH‐treated mice also had a significantly reduced renal clearance of p‐aminohippurate (cPAH), a prototypical substrate of the OAT system. Since cPAH was not affected by co‐administration of probenecid, it is likely that organic anions normally secreted via this pathway are largely excreted by filtration during chronic glucocorticoid excess. These data indicate that organic anion transport in the kidney is physiologically regulated by corticosteroids. Since several classes of drugs are excreted via this pathway, our data have therapeutic implications in conditions of steroid excess.

Probenecid is a chemosensitizer in cancer cell lines

Resistance and toxicity are the major barriers to successful cancer chemotherapies. Developing molecules that reduce drug resistance and improve antineoplastic effects is of great interest for cancer research; ideally, these substances should not affect the pharmacodynamics of the chemotherapeutic agent while providing a synergistic antineoplastic effect. In this study, we tested in vitro co-administration of the antineoplastic agents cisplatin or paclitaxel with probenecid, an anion channel inhibitor, in a panel of cancer cell lines to determine the cytotoxicity and synergistic effects of these drug combinations. In addition, we measured the clonogenicity and apoptotic index in these cells. We observed a synergistic interaction between probenecid and the chemotherapeutic agents, and increasing doses of probenecid resulted in a significant decrease in the effective doses of the chemotherapeutic agents. For the antineoplastic agent and probenecid combinations, we found increased cell death, reduced colony formation, and a higher number of apoptotic cells, compared with treatment of cisplatin or paclitaxel alone. Further research is necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which the synergistic effect occurs. If these synergistic effects can be reproduced in vivo, the co-administration of probenecid with different chemotherapeutic agents may provide a valid treatment in patients with chemotherapy resistance.

Organic anion and cation transporters are possibly involved in renal excretion of entecavir in rats

AimsThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the roles of transporters in the renal excretion of entecavir. Main methodsWe analyzed the effect of probenecid, cimetidine, sulfobromophthalein sodium (BSP), verapamil, inhibitors of organic anion transporter (OAT), organic cation transporter (OCT), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) and P-glycoprotein respectively, on the excretion of entecavir. The area under plasma concentration–time curve (AUC), body clearance, and renal clearance of entecavir was examined in each group. Key findingsAfter intravenous coadministration with entecavir in conscious rats, cimetidine, probenecid, BSP and verapamil significantly increased the AUC of entecavir by 40.07%, 48.78%, 37.49%, and 54.58%, and reduced the body clearance by 27.14%, 31.69%, 29.79%, and 42.17%, respectively. Then the effects of these inhibitors on the renal clearance of entecavir in unconscious rats were studied. Coadministration of cimetidine and probenecid increased the steady plasma concentration of entecavir by 127.61% and 169.46%, reduced the renal clearance by 50.47% and 67.76%, and decreased the excretion ratio by 44.81% and 64.16% compared to initial values. However, the effects of BSP and verapamil were slight. Cimetidine and probenecid also increased the concentration of entecavir in kidney from 34.00±0.80ng/mL to 55.19±4.92ng/mL and 49.92±1.53ng/mL, while the concentration of entecavir in kidney from BSP and verapamil groups was 30.96±0.81ng/mL and 35.72±7.30ng/mL, respectively. SignificanceThese results suggest that cimetidine and probenecid inhibit the renal excretion of entecavir in rats, which indicates the most likely involvement of organic anion and cation transporters in the renal excretion of entecavir.