Aspirin Derivatives Research Articles

Study of Chalcogen Aspirin Derivatives with Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitory Properties for Treating Inflammatory Pain.

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors represent intriguing tools for treating pain. This study aims at studying the pharmacological profile of chalcogen bioisosteres of aspirin, as inhibitors of CA isoforms (hCA I, II, IV, VII, IX, and XII). Our results show that selenoaspirin (5) displayed markedly superior inhibitory potency across all tested isoforms compared to thioaspirin (7) and aspirin, with a strong selectivity against the isoform CA IX. X-ray crystallography confirmed that both compounds bind effectively within the active site of hCA II, revealing unique structural characteristics compared to those of aspirin. In a preclinical model of inflammatory pain, compound 7 exhibited a longer lasting antihyperalgesic effect than aspirin, though with a lower potency. Conversely, compound 5 exhibited both lower potency and efficacy than aspirin in reducing pain, which entailed both adverse effects. Nevertheless, the therapeutic potential of chalcogen-based aspirin derivatives as novel CA inhibitors deserves to be further explored for clinical applications.

Research progress on the application of aspirin and its derivatives in the treatment and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases

This article systematically reviews recent advancements in the use of aspirin for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, highlighting its ongoing exploration of new pharmacological activities. Initially, the review details the pharmacological activities and associated drug toxicities of aspirin, followed by an overview of its clinical applications in recent years. Through methods such as literature review and comparative data analysis, this study evaluates the efficacy and safety of three types of aspirin derivatives: nitric oxide aspirin derivatives, hydrogen sulfide-nitric oxide derivatives, and unsaturated fatty acid aspirin derivatives. The review emphasizes their potential in reducing toxic side effects. Additionally, the latest clinical research is examined to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of these drugs in clinical settings. The article concludes by summarizing the current risks associated with aspirin derivatives in cardiovascular disease research and suggests possible future research directions.

Abstract 317: Development of a Swine Model of Rapidly-Induced Septic Shock Using Single Lipopolysaccharide Infusion and Titratable Inhaled Nitric Oxide to Prevent Severe Pulmonary Vasoconstriction

Objective: A serious limitation of LPS-induced swine models of septic shock is severe pulmonary vasoconstriction triggered, in part, by the pulmonary release of thromboxane A2. Efforts to overcome this limitation have included a stepwise increase in LPS dosing, intravenous aspirin derivatives, and inhaled nitric oxide (NO). We studied the effects of titrated inhaled NO given coincident with rapid LPS-infusion aimed at inducing the key features of septic shock over a shorter time period. Methods: We developed a LabVIEW-controlled system for inhaled NO delivery and monitoring. Exploratory studies showed that an NO concentration of up to 300 ppm sufficed to prevent significant pulmonary vasoconstriction despite delivery of a full LPS dose (12.6 μg/kg) in 30 minutes. We used this approach in 6 male domestic pigs (39.2 - 41.1 kg) and assessed hemodynamic and metabolic effects over 6 hours. NO and LPS infusion were started concurrently. Fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy were guided by macrohemodynamic measurements using custom-developed LabVIEW-controlled closed-loop algorithms. Results: Shown are medians with IQ25 and IQ75. LPS infusion increased pulmonary vascular resistance from 112 [72, 127] at baseline to 213 [120, 313] dynes-sec/cm 5 after 20 minutes. NO (139 [131, 166] ml/min) rapidly blunted the effect preventing the mean pulmonary artery pressure from exceeding 30 mmHg, avoiding detrimental effects on right ventricular function throughout the experiment. NO was rapidly de-escalated over 30 minutes using a closed-loop algorithm developed to prevent the mean pulmonary artery pressure from exceeding 30 mmHg. Within 60 minutes of LPS infusion start, animals began to develop key features of septic shock including tachycardia, hypotension, and systemic vasodilation triggering fluid resuscitation and norepinephrine administration. Additionally, blood lactate increased from 1.06 [0.90, 1.45] at baseline to 4.14 [2.43, 8.78] mmol/l after 3 hours remaining stable for an additional hour and subsequently decreasing in 3 and increasing in the other 3 animals, with half of the animals surviving the 6-h period. Conclusion: We developed a swine model of rapidly-induced key features of septic shock useful to explore early septic shock management.

Adding Diversity to a Diruthenium Biscyclopentadienyl Scaffold via Alkyne Incorporation: Synthesis and Biological Studies.

We report the synthesis and the assessment of the anticancer potential of two series of diruthenium biscyclopentadienyl carbonyl complexes. Novel dimetallacyclopentenone compounds (2-4) were obtained (45-92% yields) from the thermal reaction (PhCCPh exchange) of [Ru2Cp2(CO)(μ-CO){μ-η1:η3-C(Ph)═C(Ph)C(═O)}], 1, with alkynes HCCR [R = C5H4FeCp (Fc), 3-C6H4(Asp), 2-naphthyl; Cp = η5-C5H5, Asp = OC(O)-2-C6H4C(O)Me]. Protonation of 1-3 by HBF4 afforded the corresponding μ-alkenyl derivatives 5-7, in 40-86% yields. All products were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy; moreover, cyclic voltammetry (1, 2, 5, 7) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (5, 7) analyses were performed on representative compounds. Complexes 5-7 revealed a cytotoxic activity comparable to that of cisplatin in A549 (lung adenocarcinoma), SW480 (colon adenocarcinoma), and ovarian (A2780) cancer cell lines, and 2, 5, 6, and 7 overcame cisplatin resistance in A2780cis cells. Complexes 2, 5, and 7 (but not the aspirin derivative 6) induced an increase in intracellular ROS levels. Otherwise, 6 strongly stabilizes and elongates natural DNA (from calf thymus, CT-DNA), suggesting a possible intercalation binding mode, whereas 5 is less effective in binding CT-DNA, and 7 is ineffective. This trend is reversed concerning RNA, and in particular, 7 is able to bind poly(rA)poly(rU) showing selectivity for this nucleic acid. Complexes 5-7 can interact with the albumin protein with a thermodynamic signature dominated by hydrophobic interactions. Overall, we show that organometallic species based on the Ru2Cp2(CO)x scaffold (x = 2, 3) are active against cancer cells, with different incorporated fragments influencing the interactions with nucleic acids and the production of ROS.

Abstract 6400: Synergistic combination of NCX 4040 and napabucasin induces immunogenic activation via upregulation of mitochondrial oxidative stress and STAT3 inhibition in cadmium transformed and metastatic prostate cancer cells

Abstract Despite recent diagnostic and therapeutic advances, prostate cancer (PCa) poses a significant burden on men’s health and quality of life, retaining the second highest incidence rate after lung cancer. The combinatorial therapy approach has emerged as a useful treatment option for various types of cancer to target tumor heterogeneity and overcome the limitations of existing treatment modalities. Here, we explored the combination of NCX 4040, a nitric oxide-releasing aspirin derivative and Napabucasin, a recently developed STAT3 and cancer stemness inhibitor as a potential treatment for PCa. Two cellular models were used namely BPH-Cd, a cadmium-transformed carcinogenic cell line and DU145, a brain metastatic PCa cell line. Cell viability assay indicated reduced cell viability in both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner and more so in combination as opposed to individual treatments, with an IC50 of 5 µM for NCX 4040 and 250 nM for Napabucasin. Notably, treatment with catalase prevented the synergistic activity of NCX 4040 and Napabucasin in reducing the viability of these cells. This suggested that NCX 4040 and Napabucasin might be inducing oxidative stress related cellular death. In addition, the combination of NCX 4040 and Napabucasin robustly impeded the in-vitro tumorigenic potential in both cell lines in colony formation assay and decreased the size of spheroids with increasing doses in in-vitro 3D spheroid assay in BPH-Cd. Western blot analysis revealed that in addition to the downregulation of STAT3, NCX 4040 and Napabucasin treatment showed upregulation in cGAS-STING immunogenic activation pathway related markers (pSTING, cGAS, pTBK1 in DU145 and STING, TBK1 in BPH-Cd). This data demonstrated that combination drug treatment might be inducing cell death via immunogenic activation. Additional markers related to this pathway are being tested in both cellular models. Interestingly, thioredoxin (TRX)-interacting protein was highly upregulated in both cell lines following combination treatment indicating that the synergistic effects are mediated via targeting TRX-regulated cellular redox signaling. Subsequently, TRX and thioredoxin reductase 1 were also downregulated in both cell lines. Furthermore, confocal imaging analysis indicated that NCX 4040 and Napabucasin together might be causing DNA damage and mitochondrial stress as DNA release was clearly evident. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the drug combination shows a synergistic effect in producing excess mitochondrial and cellular ROS, causing apoptosis and in inducing cell cycle arrest in both BPH-Cd and DU145 cells. Taken together, our study demonstrates that NCX 4040 and Napabucasin in combination could be a potential anti-PCa therapy which warrants further evaluation for its clinical application. Citation Format: Nishtha Pathak, Gnanasekar Munirathinam. Synergistic combination of NCX 4040 and napabucasin induces immunogenic activation via upregulation of mitochondrial oxidative stress and STAT3 inhibition in cadmium transformed and metastatic prostate cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6400.

DFT and Pharmacokinetic Study of Some Heterocyclic Aspirin Derivatives as The Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors: An In-Silico Approach

Ibuprofen and aspirin are frequently used to relieve inflammation, pain, and fever. These are the two most significant non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They prevent the development of prostaglandin by blockampounds have been assessed by ibuprofen as well as quantum mechanical computations. Density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP/6-31G+ basis function has been used to elucidate the thermo-chemical, molecular orbital, and optimum geometrical aspects in the gas phase. Using molecular docking and non-bonding interactions, the binding affinities and behaviors of some heterocyclic aspirin analogs have been studied on human cyclooxygenase (COX-1 as well as COX-2) proteins (6Y3C and 5F19). The chemical stability of all structures is supported by geometry and thermo-chemical findings. In contrast to aspirin and ibuprofen, almost all tested analogs exhibited a substantial binding score to the receptor protein (5F19). The ADMET prediction revealed the enhanced pharmacokinetic properties of some derivatives with less acute oral toxicity. Overall, eight heterocyclic aspirin analogues 2-9 were shown to be more effective in inhibiting Cyclooxygenase-2 (5F19) than Cyclooxygenase-1 (6Y3C), indicating that they may be effective as COX-2-related inflammation therapeutic candidates.

Seleno-Analogs of Scaffolds Resembling Natural Products a Novel Warhead toward Dual Compounds.

Nowadays, oxidative cell damage is one of the common features of cancer and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Se-containing molecules, such as ebselen, which has demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, have demonstrated well-established preventive effects against both diseases. In this study, a total of 39 Se-derivatives were synthesized, purified, and spectroscopically characterized by NMR. Antioxidant ability was tested using the DPPH assay, while antiproliferative activity was screened in breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer cell lines. In addition, as a first approach to evaluate their potential anti-Alzheimer activity, the in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibition (AChEI) was tested. Regarding antioxidant properties, compound 13a showed concentration- and time-dependent radical scavenging activity. Additionally, compounds 14a and 17a showed high activity in the melanoma and ovarian cancer cell lines, with LD50 values below 9.2 µM. Interestingly, in the AChEI test, compound 14a showed almost identical inhibitory activity to galantamine along with a 3-fold higher in vitro BBB permeation (Pe = 36.92 × 10-6 cm/s). Molecular dynamics simulations of the aspirin derivatives (14a and 14b) confirm the importance of the allylic group instead of the propargyl one. Altogether, it is concluded that some of these newly synthesized Se-derivatives, such as 14a, might become very promising candidates to treat both cancer and AD.

Aspirin Derivatives Exploration: A Review on Comparison Study with Parent Drug

In recent decades, drug modification is no longer unusual in the pharmaceutical world as living things are evolving in response to environmental changes. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin is a common over-the-counter drug that can be purchased without medical prescription. Aspirin can inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin by blocking the cyclooxygenase (COX) which contributes to its properties such as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiplatelet and etc. It is also being considered as a chemopreventive agent due to its antithrombotic actions through the COX’s inhibition. However, the prolonged use of aspirin can cause heartburn, ulceration, and gastro-toxicity in children and adults. This review article highlights the recent derivatives of aspirin, either to reduce the risk of side effects or to obtain better physicochemical properties. Aspirin derivatives can be synthesized in various pathways and have been reported to give better biological activities such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, etc., compared to the parent drug. The presence of significant moieties such as nitric oxide (NO), NOSH, thiourea, azo, amide, and chalcone on the modified aspirin play important roles in achieving desired biological activities. The addition of the halogen in the modification has also become a preference among researchers as it also affects the actions due to its ability to hinder bacterial activity. This review is also sharing about the bulkiness effect of certain aspirin modifications that may cause steric hindrance of the compounds and influence their penetration into the enzyme’s active site. Overall, these aspirin modifications are safe to be considered as potential pharmaceutical agents.

Synthesis of new thioester derivative of aspirin and study its effect on some biochemical parameters in blood serum of rabbits

This presented work was included synthesis of new thioester derivatives by reaction of Aspirin (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (NSAIDs) and Captopril as a carrier which is used as an antihypertensive drug and an inhibitor for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Aspirin was converted into acid chloride of aspirin then reacted with SH group of captopril to afforded of 1-(3-((2-acetoxybenzoyl)thio)-2-methylpropanoyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid and characterized by FT-IR and 1HNMR spectroscopy. The effect of synthesized compound was studied on some biochemical parameters in the blood serum of rabbits. Results of this study indicated: significant increase in the level of total fucose, total protein and globulin. Non- significant increase in the level of albumin, creatinine, glutathione and uric acid, significant decrease in level of Triglycerides and non-significant decrease in the level of Cholesterol, and malondialdehyde.

Biological Activity of fac-[Re(CO)3(phen)(aspirin)], fac-[Re(CO)3(phen)(indomethacin)] and Their Original Counterparts against Ishikawa and HEC-1A Endometrial Cancer Cells.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are inhibitors of cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX) and were found to have positive effects in reducing the risk of developing gynecological cancers. However, long-term administration of NSAIDs carries the risk of various side effects, including those in the digestive and circulatory systems. Therefore, there is a constant need to develop new NSAID derivatives. In this work, we investigated rhenium NSAIDs, comparing their effects on endometrial cancer cells with original NSAIDs, demonstrating the high activity of aspirin and indomethacin derivatives. The cytotoxic activity of rhenium derivatives against the Ishikawa and HEC-1A cancer cell lines was higher than that of the original NSAIDs. The IC50 after 24-h incubation of Ishikawa and HEC-1A were 188.06 µM and 394.06 µM for rhenium aspirin and 228.6 µM and 1459.3 µM for rhenium indomethacin, respectively. At the same time, IC50 of aspirin and indomethacin were 10,024.42 µM and 3295.3 µM for Ishikawa, and 27,255.8 µM and 5489.3 µM for HEC-1A, respectively. Moreover, these derivatives were found to inhibit the proliferation of both cell lines in a time- and state-dependent manner. The Ishikawa cell proliferation was strongly inhibited by rhenium aspirin and rhenium indomethacin after 72-h incubation (*** = p < 0.001), while the HEC-1A proliferation was inhibited by the same agents already after 24-h incubation (*** = p < 0.001). Furthermore, the ROS level in the mitochondria of the tested cells generated in the presence of rhenium derivatives was higher than the original NSAIDs. That was associated with rhenium indomethacin exclusively, which had a significant effect (*** = p < 0.001) on both Ishikawa and HEC-1A cancer cells. Rhenium aspirin had a significant effect (*** = p < 0.001) on the mitochondrial ROS level of Ishikawa cells only. Overall, the research revealed a high potential of the rhenium derivatives of aspirin and indomethacin against endometrial cancer cells compared with the original NSAIDs.

Synthesis of a polyacetylene derivative bearing aspirin with chiral charge carrier “chiralions”

The synthesis of a polyacetylene-bearing aspirin was conducted. Gas-phase iodine doping of the polymer provided evidence of chemical interaction between the polyene and iodine, which acted as an electron acceptor. The polymer in a chiral aspirin derivative shows entire helical structure with optical activity. The electronic properties of the π-conjugated chiral liquid crystal polymer blend with a helical structure were evaluated.

Identification of a potent Nrf2 displacement activator among aspirin-containing prodrugs

Aspirin is a desired leaving group in prodrugs aimed at treatment of neurodegeneration and other conditions. A library of aspirin derivatives of various scaffolds potentially activating Nrf2 has been tested in Neh2-luc reporter assay which screens for direct Nrf2 protein stabilizers working via disruption of Nrf2-Keap1 interaction. Most aspirin prodrugs had a pro-alkylating or pro-oxidant motif in the structure and, therefore, were toxic at high concentrations. However, among the active compounds, we identified a molecule resembling a well-known Nrf2 displacement activator, bis-1,4-(4-methoxybenzenesulfonamidyl) naphthalene (NMBSA). The direct comparison of the newly identified compound with NMBSA and its improved analog in the reporter assay showed no quenching with N-acetyl cysteine, thus pointing to Nrf2 stabilization mechanism without cysteine alkylation. The potency of the newly identified compound in the reporter assay was much stronger than NMBSA, despite its inhibitory action in the commercial fluorescence polarization assay was observed only in the millimolar range. Molecular docking predicted that mono-deacetylation of the novel prodrug should generate a potent displacement activator. The time-course of reporter activation with the novel prodrug had a pronounced lag-period pointing to a plausible intracellular transformation leading to an active product. Treatment of the novel prodrug with blood plasma or cell lysate demonstrated stepwise deacetylation as judge by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Hence, the esterase-catalyzed hydrolysis of the prodrug liberates only acetyl groups from aspirin moiety and generates a potent Nrf2 activator. The discovered mechanism of prodrug activation makes the newly identified compound a promising lead for future optimization studies.

Exploring NCX4040, an Aspirin Derivative, as a Potential Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a leading cause of lower urinary tract symptoms which affects men above 50 years of age. Chronic inflammation and abnormal proliferation of stromal and epithelial cells are implicated in BPH disease onset. The symptoms of BPH include back pain and difficulty in emptying bladder. Finasteride, sildenafil and tamsulosin are some of the drugs used to ease difficulty urinating and relax the muscles of the gland. Transurethral resection of the prostate or laser surgery can be performed to treat severe symptoms. However, these therapies have deleterious effects such as low blood pressure, ejaculatory dysfunction, and lump formation. Hence, there is an unmet need for potential drugs against BPH. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven to be effective in cancers but their applicability in BPH condition is yet to be fully explored. Aspirin, one of the NDSAIDs, has anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties at higher doses. NCX4040, a nitric oxide releasing derivative of aspirin, could prove to be effective against BPH, since it can inhibit abnormal cell proliferation and serve as a vasodilator. We hypothesize that NCX4040 would be an effective drug to treat BPH. BPH-1 epithelial and WPMY-1 stromal cells were used as in vitro models of BPH. MTT assay was performed to check the inhibitory effect of NCX4040 and blocking agents like catalase and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) were explored on cells after treatment. Clonogenic assay was done to explore the colony formation ability of cells. Spheroid assay was performed to analyze the anti-proliferative effect of NCX4040. Annexin V/PI and cell cycle analysis was performed to check for apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the cells. Western blot was done to assess the signaling molecules altered by NCX4040 in BPH-1 cells. Confocal immunofluorescence was employed to analyze the dynamics of actin filaments after treatment in cells. Our studies revealed that NCX4040 inhibited the cell viability of BPH-1 and WPMY-1 in a dose dependent manner with IC50 predicted at 5µM and 2.5µM respectively. Of note, catalase and NAC blocked the effect of NCX4040 on prostate cells. Colony formation assay result implied a gradual decrease in the number of colonies of cells treated with NCX4040 with 2.5µM and 5µM doses. Spheroid assay in BPH-1 cells showed inhibitory effects after treatment. Cell cycle analysis by flowcytometry inferred that cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and annexin V analysis indicated that activation of apoptosis in cells following treatment. Phalloidin staining showed decrease in the actin filament intensity in cells. At the molecular level, NCX4040 downregulated the expression of key markers such as RhoA, p65, COX-2, PCNA, Cyclin D3, and PDE-5 in BPH-1 cells. Taken together, NCX4040 could be used as a potential agent to manage BPH with minimal side effects, which needs further evaluation in animal models.

Preparation of novel anthraquinone-based aspirin derivatives with anti-cancer activity

Gastric cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers among men and women and is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Thus, discovering and developing novel therapeutics for gastric cancer has become a global priority. In this study, we synthesized two novel anthraquinone-based aspirin derivatives, Asp-X3 and Asp-X3-CH3, with therapeutic potential for gastric cancer. The structures of the two compounds were determined by 1D, 2D-NMR, and High-Resolution Mass (HRSM). Asp-X3 and Asp-X3-CH3 could inhibit the growth of gastric cancer cells (SGC7901), yielding IC50 values 10-fold lower than that of Aspirin. Asp-X3 and Asp-X3-CH3 were less toxic to gastric mucosal cells, yielding IC50 values that were about 2-fold higher than the corresponding IC50 values determined with SGC7901 cells. Asp-X3-CH3 and Asp-X3 also induced SGC7901 cells to undergo apoptosis, yielding apoptotic rates that were about twice the rate induced by Aspirin. Asp-X3-CH3 did not cause significant loss of COX-1 expression in gastric mucosal cells, whereas Asp-X3 and Aspirin both caused significant loss of COX-1 expression as demonstrated by Western blot, consistent with their effects on the content of PGE2 in these cells as determined by ELISA assay. However, both Asp-X3-CH3 and Asp-X3 exerted a similar effect on the level of COX-2 in gastric cancer cells, causing as much as 90% and 95% reduction in COX-2 expression, respectively. Taken together, the results suggested that Asp-X3-CH3 and Asp-X3 were potentially better agents than Aspirin for the inhibition of gastric cancer cell growth, but Asp-X3-CH3 was more effective.

Microfluidic fabrication of inhalable large porous microspheres loaded with H2S-releasing aspirin derivative for pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has recently emerged as a novel gaseous mediator with protective actions in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the therapeutic potential of H2S in PAH has been substantially hampered due to the lack of appropriate donors that could mimic the slow and continuous generation of H2S in vivo. Large porous microspheres (LPMs) have low density and large surface area leading to excellent absorption capabilities and aerodynamic properties. They are extensively studied as pulmonary delivery carriers for controlled and sustained release of drug molecules in the treatment of pulmonary disorders. Therefore, we hypothesized that LPMs containing H2S-releasing aspirin derivative (ACS14), a novel synthetic H2S donor may be a feasible option to facilitate the use of H2S in PAH treatment. LPMs were prepared with a biodegradable polymer, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by a microfluidic technique. Surface morphology, lung deposition characteristics, safety and H2S release profiles of the formulation were evaluated. The resulting ACS14-containing LPMs (ACS14 MSs) displayed excellent aerodynamic properties (mass median aerodynamic diameter of 4.4 ± 0.4 μm), desirable drug loading and entrapment efficiency (25.8 ± 2.7% and 77.4 ± 6.9%, respectively) with slow and sustained H2S release for 24 h and negligible cytotoxicity (~95% cell viability). Daily intratracheally administered with ACS14 MSs elicited improvement in the severity of PAH in a rat model of monocrotaline-induced PAH, with comparable efficacy to oral administration with sildenafil, a conventional PAH treatment. It also inhibited the process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), an important process in vascular remodeling of PAH by suppressing the induction of NF-κB-Snail pathway. Moreover, ACS14 MSs dose-dependently inhibited TGF-β1-induced EndMT and the activation of NF-κB-Snail pathway in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that the designed microfluidics-assisted ACS14-containing LPMs have shown great potential to be used as an inhalable and efficacious H2S donor in the treatment of PAH.

Autophagy-mediated metabolic effects of aspirin

Salicylate, the active derivative of aspirin (acetylsalicylate), recapitulates the mode of action of caloric restriction inasmuch as it stimulates autophagy through the inhibition of the acetyltransferase activity of EP300. Here, we directly compared the metabolic effects of aspirin medication with those elicited by 48 h fasting in mice, revealing convergent alterations in the plasma and the heart metabolome. Aspirin caused a transient reduction of general protein acetylation in blood leukocytes, accompanied by the induction of autophagy. However, these effects on global protein acetylation could not be attributed to the mere inhibition of EP300, as determined by epistatic experiments and exploration of the acetyl-proteome from salicylate-treated EP300-deficient cells. Aspirin reduced high-fat diet-induced obesity, diabetes, and hepatosteatosis. These aspirin effects were observed in autophagy-competent mice but not in two different models of genetic (Atg4b−/− or Bcln1+/−) autophagy-deficiency. Aspirin also improved tumor control by immunogenic chemotherapeutics, and this effect was lost in T cell-deficient mice, as well as upon knockdown of an essential autophagy gene (Atg5) in cancer cells. Hence, the health-improving effects of aspirin depend on autophagy.

Resveratrol and Resveratrol-Aspirin Hybrid Compounds as Potent Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tumor Drugs.

Resveratrol (3,4,5-Trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a naturally occurring polyphenol that exhibits beneficial pleiotropic health effects. It is one of the most promising natural molecules in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders. One of the key limitations in the clinical use of resveratrol is its extensive metabolic processing to its glucuronides and sulfates. It has been estimated that around 75% of this polyphenol is excreted via feces and urine. To possibly alleviate the extensive metabolic processing and improve bioavailability, we have added segments of acetylsalicylic acid to resveratrol in an attempt to maintain the functional properties of both. We initially characterized resveratrol-aspirin derivatives as products that can inhibit cytochrome P450 Family 1 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP1A1) activity, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity, and cyclooxygenase (COX) activity. In this study, we provide a detailed analysis of how resveratrol and its aspirin derivatives can inhibit nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) activation, cytokine production, the growth rate of cancer cells, and in vivo alleviate intestinal inflammation and tumor growth. We identified resveratrol derivatives C3 and C11 as closely preserving resveratrol bioactivities of growth inhibition of cancer cells, inhibition of NFκB activation, activation of sirtuin, and 5’ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity. We speculate that the aspirin derivatives of resveratrol would be more metabolically stable, resulting in increased efficacy for treating immune disorders and as an anti-cancer agent.

Structural modification of aspirin to design a new potential cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors.

Aspirin (Asp) is one of the most important and ancient member of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), commonly used in medication of fever, pain and inflammation. It can inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin by blocking the cyclooxygenase (COX). Attempts have been taken to analyze aspirin together with some of its modified derivatives applying quantum mechanical calculations in order to compare their physicochemical and biochemical properties. Density functional theory (DFT) with B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) basis set has been employed to elucidate their thermal, molecular orbital, equilibrium geometrical properties in gas phase. Molecular docking and nonbonding interactions have been performed against human cyclooxygenase-2 protein 5F1A to investigate the binding affinity and mode(s) of newly designed aspirin derivatives. ADMET prediction has been utilized to compare the absorption, metabolism, and carcinogenic properties of new derivatives with parent drug (Asp). Thermal and geometrical results support the thermochemical stability and equilibrium geometry of all the structures. From the molecular docking simulation, most of the derivatives exhibited better binding affinity than parent drug (Asp) with the receptor protein (5F1A). ADMET prediction disclosed the improved pharmacokinetic properties with lower acute oral toxicity of some derivatives. Based on quantum chemical, molecular docking and ADMET analysis, this investigation can be useful to understand the physicochemical and biochemical/biological activities of Asp and its modified derivatives to search a new antipyretic analgesic drug.

The Cytotoxicity and Synergistic Potential of Aspirin and Aspirin Analogues Towards Oesophageal and Colorectal Cancer.

BackgroundOesophageal cancer (OC) is a deadly cancer because of its aggressive nature with survival rates that have barely improved in decades. Epidemiologic studies have shown that low-dose daily intake of aspirin can decrease the incidence of OC.MethodsThe toxicity of aspirin and aspirin derivatives to OC and a CRC cell line were investigated in the presence and absence of platins.ResultsThe data in this study show the effects of a number of aspirin analogues and aspirin on OC cell lines that originally presented as squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC). The aspirin analogues fumaryldiaspirin (PN517) and the benzoylsalicylates (PN524, PN528 and PN529), were observed to be more toxic against the OC cell lines than aspirin. Both quantitative and qualitative apoptosis experiments reveal that these compounds largely induce apoptosis, although some necrosis was evident with PN528 and PN529. Failure to recover following the treatment with these analogues emphasized that these drugs are largely cytotoxic in nature. The OE21 (SSC) and OE33 (ADC) cell lines were more sensitive to the aspirin analogues compared to the Flo-1 cell line (ADC). A non-cancerous oesophageal primary cells NOK2101, was used to determine the specificity of the aspirin analogues and cytotoxicity assays revealed that analogues PN528 and PN529 were selectively toxic to cancer cell lines, whereas PN508, PN517 and PN524 also induced cell death in NOK2101. In combination index testing synergistic interactions of the most promising compounds, including aspirin, with cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin against the OE33 cell line and the SW480 colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line were investigated. Compounds PN517 and PN524, and to a lesser extent PN528, synergised with cisplatin against OE33 cells. Cisplatin and oxaliplatin synergised with aspirin and PN517 when tested against the SW480 cell line.ConclusionThese findings indicate the potential and limitations of aspirin and aspirin analogues as chemotherapeutic agents against OC and CRC when combined with platins

Abstract 2186: The novel nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide releasing anti-cancer agent, NBS-1120, protects the GI tract from the ulcerogenic activity of aspirin and naproxen

Abstract NBS-1120 is a member of the novel ‘enhanced NSAID’ class of anti-cancer agents that release nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide targeting tumor inflammatory pathways while inducing ROS, caspases and apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation, beta catenin and FOXM1, ultimately impacting the regulation of NF-kB. NBS-1120, a derivative of aspirin that is devoid of GI side effects, demonstrated potent anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo while maintaining all the classical pharmacological/therapeutic activities of aspirin. Cancer pain takes many forms and is managed by a variety of pain medications that include NSAIDs. Because of their anti-inflammatory activity, NSAIDs may be particularly helpful in moderate and severe pain arising from bone cancer or metastatic lesions. A patient may be on a low-dose aspirin regimen as an antithrombotic but may need an NSAID such as naproxen for moderate to severe cancer pain. In these situations, GI side effects are a major concern. Commonly, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is co-administered to minimize GI injury. While significantly reducing upper GI side effects, recent animal studies suggest that suppression of acid secretion leads to exacerbation of NSAID-induced small intestinal injury and bleeding. Here, we investigated whether NBS-1120, itself protective against GI injury, could also protect the GI tract from the ulcerogenic activity of aspirin and naproxen. In an acute study, male rats (n=4/gp), were treated with naproxen; aspirin then naproxen; or NBS-1120 then naproxen. 6 h post naproxen, rats were euthanized, stomachs removed, cut along the greater curvature and the number and length (mm) of all hemorrhagic lesions (ulcer index, UI) recorded. In a chronic study, animals were pretreated with Lansoprazole then with aspirin and naproxen or NBS-1120 and naproxen. UI was determined for stomach and jejunum as above. Results: Acute studies UI: naproxen = 35.5±7.2 mm; aspirin + naproxen = 47.8±8.8 mm; NBS-1120 + naproxen = 4.5±10 mm. Chronic studies: PPI alone = 0 mm; PPI + aspirin + naproxen = 10±5 mm; PPI + NBS-1120 + naproxen = 0 mm. Jejunum ulceration: PPI alone = 0 mm; PPI + aspirin + naproxen = 15.8±6.8 mm; PPI + NBS-1120 + naproxen = 2±3 mm. Aspirin + naproxen result in significant upper GI damage; this was mitigated to a considerable degree by pretreatment with Lansoprazole. However, this regimen moved the problem to the jejunum, causing bleeding. In both acute and chronic studies NBS-1120 protected the GI tract against naproxen and/or aspirin injury. Significantly, in a chronic study with Lansoprazole, NBS-1120 reduced naproxen and aspirin induced jejunum ulceration. Molecular targets affected by these treatment regiments are currently under investigation. These data suggest that the anti-cancer agent, NBS-1120, can be combined safely with other NSAIDs and protects against GI injury. Citation Format: Jan J. Scicinski, Mark El-Miniawi, Tasneem Zahran, Khosrow Kashfi. The novel nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide releasing anti-cancer agent, NBS-1120, protects the GI tract from the ulcerogenic activity of aspirin and naproxen [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2186.