Hironori Ikuta

Squalene synthase inhibitors reduce plasma triglyceride through a low-density lipoprotein receptor-independent mechanism

Inhibitors of squalene synthase are considered to be candidate drugs to reduce both plasma cholesterol and triglyceride. However, little is known about the mechanism of squalene synthase inhibitor-specific effect on plasma triglyceride. In this study, we confirmed the triglyceride-lowering effect of ER-27856, a potent squalene synthase inhibitor prodrug, in rhesus monkeys. To determine the role of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor in the triglyceride-lowering effect of squalene synthase inhibitors, we intravenously administered ER-28448, the active form of ER-27856, to Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits for 4 days. In heterozygotes, ER-28448 reduced plasma cholesterol and triglyceride by 52% and 37%, respectively. In homozygous rabbits, in contrast, ER-28448 lowered plasma triglyceride by 40% but did not lower plasma cholesterol. Orally administered ER-27856 reduced plasma triglyceride in homozygous animals but atorvastatin and bezafibrate did not. In hepatocytes isolated from homozygous WHHL rabbits, squalene synthase inhibitors but not atorvastatin reduced triglyceride biosynthesis. These data demonstrate that squalene synthase inhibitors reduced plasma triglyceride through an LDL receptor-independent mechanism, which was distinct from that of the triglyceride-lowering action of atorvastatin or bezafibrate. The reduction of hepatic triglyceride biosynthesis may play an important role in the hypotrigyceridemic action of squalene synthase inhibitors.

Oxidation of 4-Oxo-4H-1-Benzopyran-3-Carboxaldehydes with N-Bromosuccinimide

Abstract 4-Oxo-4-H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylic acids and their derivatives (esters and amides), 2, are known to possess interesting pharmacological activities.1 As part of our synthetic studies of biologically active compounds, we needed to prepare a variety of 2 (carboxylic acids, esters, amides, etc.). An elegant method for the preparation of 4-oxo-4H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxaldehydes, 1, was reported independently by Nohara et al. 2 and Harnish.3 However, despite a rather extensive effort by Nohara et al., the oxidation of 1 to 2 (Y=OH) has not been realized in good yield; thus the yields by Jones oxidation, the best reported method, ranged only from 9.5 to 39%.4

In vitro effect of N-methoxy-3-(3,5-ditert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-pyrrolidone (E-5110), a novel nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, on generation of some inflammatory mediators

Cultured rat synovial cells generate PGE2 upon stimulation with a factor derived from rate polymorphonuclear cells (Prostaglandins27, 697, 1984). E-5110 inhibited PGE2 generation by the synovial cells. The IC50 values (μM) for inhibition of PGE2 generation were 0.026 for E-5110, 0.008 for indomethacin, 0.112 for piroxicam, 0.003 for R-830, 0.667 for BW-755C and 2.05 for benoxaprofen. Calcium ionophore A-23187-stimulated LTB4 generation by human neutrophils was inhibited by E-5110 with an IC50 value of 0.20 μM, which was similar to NDGA. The inhibition of LTB4 by E-5110 was more potent than that of R-830, BW-755C or benoxaprofen. E-5110 also inhibited superoxide generation by human neutrophils stimulated with opsonized zymosan, f-Met-Leu-Phe and phorbol myristate acetate. These results indicate that E-5110 is a potent dual inhibitor that suppresses superoxide generation.

Pharmacological properties of N-methoxy-3-(3,5-ditert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-pyrrolidone (E-5110), a novel nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent

The antiinflammatory activity of a novel pyrrolidone derivative E-5110 was investigated using anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic animal models in comparison to indomethacin (IND) and piroxicam (PIR). The acute antiinflammatory activity of E-5110 on carrageenin paw edema was similar to IND, and half of PIR. E-5110 inhibited the pleural exudate volume and leucocyte infiltration in a reversed passive Arthus reaction more potent than IND. The chronic inflammatory responses in the established adjuvant- and type II collagen-induced arthritis were suppressed by E-5110 similar to IND and PIR. The analgesic potency of E-5110 was similar to IND and PIR, but the antipyretic activity of E-5110 was more potent than that of IND, and slightly more potent than that of PIR. The ulcerogenic effect of E-5110 on rat gastric mucosa was less than that of the reference drugs.