Selective Thromboxane A2 Synthase Inhibitor Research Articles

Ozagrel hydrochloride, a selective thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor, alleviates liver injury induced by acetaminophen overdose in mice

BackgroundOverdosed acetaminophen (paracetamol, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol; APAP) causes severe liver injury. We examined the effects of ozagrel, a selective thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthase inhibitor, on liver injury induced by APAP overdose in mice.MethodsHepatotoxicity was induced to ICR male mice by an intraperitoneal injection with APAP (330 mg/kg). The effects of ozagrel (200 mg/kg) treatment 30 min after the APAP injection were evaluated with mortality, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and hepatic changes, including histopathology, DNA fragmentation, mRNA expression and total glutathione contents. The impact of ozagrel (0.001-1 mg/mL) on cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) activity in mouse hepatic microsome was examined. RLC-16 cells, a rat hepatocytes cell line, were exposed to 0.25 mM N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), a hepatotoxic metabolite of APAP. In this model, the cytoprotective effects of ozagrel (1–100 muM) were evaluated by the WST-1 cell viability assay.ResultsOzagel treatment significantly attenuated higher mortality, elevated serum alanine aminotransferase levels, excessive hepatic centrilobular necrosis, hemorrhaging and DNA fragmentation, as well as increase in plasma 2,3-dinor thromboxane B2 levels induced by APAP injection. Ozagrel also inhibited the hepatic expression of cell death-related mRNAs induced by APAP, such as jun oncogene, FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene (fos) and C/EBP homologous protein (chop), but did not suppress B-cell lymphoma 2-like protein11 (bim) expression and hepatic total glutathione depletion. These results show ozagrel can inhibit not all hepatic changes but can reduce the hepatic necrosis. Ozagrel had little impact on CYP2E1 activity involving the NAPQI production. In addition, ozagrel significantly attenuated cell injury induced by NAPQI in RLC-16.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that the TXA2 synthase inhibitor, ozagrel, dramatically alleviates liver injury induced by APAP in mice, and suggest that it is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of APAP-induced liver injury.

Selective Thromboxane A2Synthase Inhibition by OKY-046 Prevents Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction after Ovine Smoke Inhalation Injury

Because thromboxane A2 is implicated in the pathophysiology of acute lung injury, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selective thromboxane A2 synthase inhibition on cardiopulmonary function in the experimental setting of severe smoke inhalation injury. Sixteen adult sheep were operatively instrumented for chronic study. The injured intervention group was treated with the selective thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor OKY-046, whereas the injured control group received only the vehicle (n = 8 each). The progressive increase in thromboxane B2 lung lymph concentrations in control animals was associated with increased transvascular fluid flux, augmented resistances in the pulmonary and systemic circulation, and a reciprocal decrease in cardiac output. In addition, end-systolic pressure-diameter relation and maximum +dp/dt were markedly depressed as compared with baseline (24 h: 14.3 +/- 0.9 vs. 8.9 +/- 0.5 mmHg/mm and 2,120 +/- 50 vs. 1,915 +/- 40 mmHg/s, respectively; each P < 0.05). Infusion of OKY-046 significantly inhibited pulmonary thromboxane B2 delivery, attenuated the early increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, and blocked the increase in systemic vascular resistance. In addition, OKY-046 blunted and delayed the decrease in cardiac output and maintained end-systolic pressure-diameter relation, +dp/dt, and lung lymph flow at baseline values. These findings suggest that selective thromboxane A2 synthase inhibition may represent a goal-directed therapeutic approach to alleviate cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction in the setting of smoke inhalation injury.

Testosterone treatment increases thromboxane function in rat cerebral arteries

We previously showed that testosterone, administered in vivo, increases the tone of cerebral arteries. A possible underlying mechanism is increased vasoconstriction through the thromboxane A2 (TxA2) pathway. Therefore, we investigated the effect of chronic testosterone treatment (4 wk) on TxA2 synthase levels and the contribution of TxA2 to vascular tone in rat middle cerebral arteries (MCAs). Using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that TxA2 synthase is present in MCA segments in both smooth muscle and endothelial layers. Using Western blot analysis, we found that TxA2 synthase protein levels are higher in cerebral vessel homogenates from testosterone-treated orchiectomized (ORX + T) rats compared with orchiectomized (ORX) control animals. Functional consequences of changes in cerebrovascular TxA2 synthase were determined using cannulated, pressurized MCA segments in vitro. Constrictor responses to the TxA2 mimetic U-46619 were not different between the ORX + T and ORX groups. However, dilator responses to either the selective TxA2 synthase inhibitor furegrelate or the TxA2-endoperoxide receptor (TP) antagonist SQ-29548 were greater in the ORX + T compared with ORX group. In endothelium-denuded arteries, the dilation to furegrelate was attenuated in both the ORX and ORX + T groups, and the difference between the groups was abolished. These data suggest that chronic testosterone treatment enhances TxA2-mediated tone in rat cerebral arteries by increasing endothelial TxA2 synthesis without altering the TP receptors mediating constriction. The effect of in vivo testosterone on cerebrovascular TxA2 synthase, observed here after chronic hormone administration, may contribute to the risk of vasospasm and thrombosis related to cerebrovascular disease.

Cyclooxygenase inhibition decreases nitric oxide synthase activity in human platelets

Activity of both nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) plays an important role in the regulation of platelet function. NO has been shown to directly activate COX. This study was designed to determine whether products of the COX pathway in turn regulate NOS activity. Human platelets were incubated with aspirin, indomethacin, the selective thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor U-63557A, or the prostaglandin H2-thromboxane A2-receptor blocker SQ-29548 for 1 h at 37 degrees C. Multiple indexes of the activity of the L-arginine-NO pathway and changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured in platelets. Both aspirin and indomethacin decreased NOS activity, measured as the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline and nitrite (+nitrate) formation, in platelets in a concentration-dependent fashion. Aspirin also decreased guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate accumulation in platelets. The NOS inhibitory effects of these aspirin and indomethacin effects were reversed by coincubation with the thromboxane A2 analog U-46619 or an excess of CaCl2. Incubation of COX inhibitors with platelets was associated with significant reductions in basal as well as thrombin-stimulated [Ca2+]i, and the reduction in [Ca2+]i was reversed by U-46619. Incubation of platelets with U-63557A and SQ-29548 resulted in inhibitory effects on NOS activity qualitatively similar to those of COX inhibitors. The effects of COX inhibitors or U-63557A were not associated with a change in NOS protein expression in platelets. These data suggest that NOS activity in human platelets is inhibited by COX inhibitors, mediated, at least in part, via suppression of thromboxane A2 and [Ca2+]i mobilization in platelets.

Development of a screening assay for the in vitro evaluation of thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitors.

Inhibitors of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) synthase are regarded as potentially useful agents in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and in the prevention of tumour cell metastases. We report here a novel in vitro assay for the evaluation of TxA2 synthase inhibitors. For the determination of inhibitory activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) formation by TxA2 synthase in whole blood was utilized. After reaction with thiobarbituric acid MDA was quantified spectrofluorimetrically. The blank value was obtained by incubation with a selective TxA2 synthase inhibitor. For the screening of compounds the simple MDA assay represents an alternative to the rather expensive and time consuming radioimmunoassay, HPLC and TLC methods. Only for compounds which have been shown to be good inhibitors in the MDA assay should a radioimmunoassay for selective inhibition of TxA2 synthase be performed.

Endogenous prostaglandin endoperoxides may alter infarct size in the presence of thromboxane synthase inhibition: Studies in a rabbit model of coronary artery occlusion-reperfusion

Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess whether prostaglandia endoperoxides, which continue to be formed in the setting of thromboxane A2synthase inhibition, might influence the fate of ischemic myocardium in a model of coronary occlusion and reperfusion.Background. It was recently demonstrated that thromboxane A2synthase inhibitors reduce ischemic myocardial injury through a redirection of prostaglandin (PG) endoperoxides toward the synthesis of “cardioprotective” prostaglandins, such as PGI2, PGE2and PGD2. However, part of these prostaglandin endoperoxides may also stimulate a receptor, shared with thromboxane A2, mediating piutelet aggregation and vasoconstriction.Methods. New Zealand White rabbits were subjected to 30 min of coronary occlusion, followed by 5.5 h of reperfusion. Fifteen minutes before reperfusion, the animals were randomized to receive 1) saline solution (control animals, n = 8); 2) SQ 29548, a potent and selective thromboxane A2/PGH2receptor antagonist (n = 8); 3) dazoxiben, a selective thromboxane A2synthase inhibitor (n = 8); 4) R 68070 (Ridogrel), a drug with dual thromboxane A2synthase-inhibiting and thromboxane A2/PGH2receptor-blocking properties (n = 8); or 5) aspirin + R 68070 (n = 8).Results. Dazoxiben and R 68070, but not SQ 29548, significantly reduced thromboxane B2formation and increased plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF10, PGE2and PGF2a. Ex vivo platelet aggregation induced by U46619 (a thromboxane A2mimetic) was inhibited by SQ 29548 and R 68070 but not by dazoxiben. In control animals, infarct size determined at the end of the experiment by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining averaged 57.7 ± 3.2% of the area at risk of infarction. The administration of SQ 29548 did not significantly reduce infract size compared with that in control animals, whereas dazosxiben and R 68070 significantly reduced infarct size to 36.7 ± 2.8% and 16.6 ± 3.6% of area at risk of infarction, respectively (p < 0.001 vs. control values). In rabbits treated with R 68070, infract size was also significantly smaller than that of dazoxiben-treated rabbits (p < 0.01). This protective effect of R 68070 was completely abolished when the drug was administered with aspirin, infarct size in this group averaging 59.7 ± 1.6% (p = NS vs. control values). No differences in regional myocardial blood flow, systemic blood pressure, heart rate or extent of area at risk were observed among groups.Conclusions. Thus, prostaglandin endoperoxides play an important role in modulating the cardioprotective effects of thromboxane A2synthase inhibitors. The simultaneous inhibition of thromboxane A2synthase and blockade of thromboxane A2/PGH2receptors by R 68070 identify a pharmacologic interaction of potential therapeutic importance.

Effects of a sustained thromboxane synthase inhibition on exercise-induced changes in eicosanoid formation, catecholamine concentration, and platelet aggregation in humans

In an effort to characterize an interaction between the eicosanoids and sympathoadrenal system on platelet aggregation, we tried to determine if a sustained thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthase inhibition would modulate changes in eicosanoid formation, catecholamine concentration, and platelet aggregation induced by a physical stress. We measured thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 11-dehydro-TXB2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), norepinephrine, and epinephrine in vivo and platelet aggregation ex vivo before and after a treadmill exercise with and without the oral doses (400 mg twice daily for 7 days) of a new selective TXA2 synthase inhibitor (DP-1904) in nine healthy male subjects. The exercise tests performed on the pretreatment day (day 0) and posttreatment day (day 7) gave a similar result. DP-1904 caused a decrease in serum and urinary TXB2 and urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2 (p less than 0.001 to p less than 0.01) and an increase in serum 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (p less than 0.001 to p less than 0.05) throughout the dosing interval on days 4 and 7. Despite the drug effect on eicosanoid formation at rest and after exercise, the exercise-induced plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations did not differ between days 0 and 7. The 7-day treatment decreased (p less than 0.01) platelet aggregation induced both by adenosine diphosphate and by collagen at rest. However, the exercise increased (p less than 0.01) platelet aggregation by the two aggregators, resulting in the disappearance of the drug-induced antiaggregatory effects observed at rest. The treatment with a TXA2 synthase inhibitor does not appear to attain the antithrombotic action during an exercise despite the occurrence of a sustained endoperoxide shunting.

Thromboxane A2 in severe hypertension and stroke in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Thromboxane A2 is a prostanoid having potent platelet aggregatory and vasoconstrictor properties. To determine a possible role for thromboxane A2 in the development of severe hypertension and stroke, we chronically administered the selective thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor UK-38,485 (Dazmegrel) to stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Serum thromboxane B2 (the stable hydrolysis product of thromboxane A2) generation was significantly greater in incubates of whole blood from SHRSP than in those from normotensive control Wistar-Kyoto rats and was inhibited greater than 89% by UK-38,485 administered in vivo. In 10 male SHRSP fed a Japanese-style rat chow and given 1% NaCl in drinking water to accelerate the occurrence of stroke, treatment with 100 mg/kg/day UK-38,485 by gavage starting at 8.6 weeks of age diminished systolic blood pressure elevation at 10 (205 +/- 2 vs. 220 +/- 4 mm Hg, p less than 0.01) and 11 weeks of age (210 +/- 4 vs. 239 +/- 7 mm Hg, p less than 0.01) compared with 10 untreated SHRSP. The ultimate establishment of severe hypertension was not prevented by UK-38,485. Stroke-related mortality was 70% in both UK-38,485-treated and control SHRSP at 14 weeks of age. Histologic examination revealed cerebrovascular lesions consistent with the occurrence of stroke in both control and UK-38,485-treated SHRSP. Our results support a possible role for thromboxane A2 in the elevation of blood pressure in SHRSP but do not support a possible role for the prevention of stroke by thromboxane A2 synthase inhibition in these rats.

Effects of OKY 046, a thromboxane-synthase inhibitor, on renal function in nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites

To assess the possible role of increased renal thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthesis in nonazotemic patients with cirrhosis and ascites and to establish the potential beneficial effect of inhibitors of renal TXA2 production in this clinical setting, we administered OKY 046, a selective TXA2 synthase inhibitor, 200 mg t.i.d for 5 days, to 9 nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites and avid sodium retention. OKY 046 inhibited platelet TXA2 production, as expressed by serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) concentration, by ~85% (p < 0.001 vs. baseline values) and reduced urinary TXB2 excretion by 72% (p < 0.01). A significant increase of ~19% in inulin clearance was observed during the treatment (from 61.0 ± 8.42 to 72.7 ± 7.45 ml/min, p < 0.05), whereas renal blood flow was unchanged (from 408.50 ± 19.97 to 424.50 ± 30.84 ml/min). Drug administration did not affect positive sodium balance [sodium excretion was 4.67 ± 1.22 mEq/day before drug administration and 6.26 ± 1.05 mEq/day during drug administration (on day 7)], plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone concentration, or the urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2, 6-keto prostaglandin F1α, or prostaglandin F2α. These results suggest that renal TXA2 synthesis contributes to the regulation of renal hemodynamics in nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites and avid sodium retention, but it does not seem to affect sodium balance.

Neonatal group B streptococcal sepsis: effects of late treatment with dazmegrel.

Neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis produces pulmonary arterial hypertension and hypoxemia that are preventable by pretreatment with the selective thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor, dazmegrel. In the present experiment we administered dazmegrel (8 mg/kg) 2 h after the initiation of a 2 1/2 h infusion of 5 X 10(8) GBS/kg/h in ten 2- to 3-wk-old piglets. The multiple inert gas elimination technique was used to measure intrapulmonary shunt and alveolar ventilation to pulmonary perfusion mismatching. Thromboxane B2, the stable metabolite of thromboxane A2, and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, the stable metabolite of prostacyclin, were assayed in arterial blood. Pulmonary arterial pressure increased immediately after initiation of the GBS infusion, rising from 12 +/- 2 to 34 +/- 4 torr (p less than 0.02); pulmonary vascular resistance increased by 400% (p less than 0.01). Arterial hypoxemia developed (p less than 0.02) in association with an increase in the low ventilation-perfusion ratio index but without a significant increase in intrapulmonary shunt. Thromboxane B2 levels increased 10-fold. Infusion of the carrier substance for dazmegrel after 2 h of GBS infusion produced no change in any variables. In contrast, infusion of the drug resulted in the return to pre-GBS infusion baseline values for both pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. However, no improvement in arterial pO2 or in the low ventilation-perfusion ratio index occurred. Both pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure remained normal for 0.5 h after dazmegrel administration despite continued GBS infusion. Thromboxane B2 levels were decreased 30 min after dazmegrel (p less than 0.02), but remained greater than pre-GBS levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)