Ivan Kos

IDH1 and IDH2 Mutations in Gliomas

BACKGROUND A recent genomewide mutational analysis of glioblastomas (World Health Organization [WHO] grade IV glioma) revealed somatic mutations of the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 gene (IDH1) in a fraction of such tumors, most frequently in tumors that were known to have evolved from lower-grade gliomas (secondary glioblastomas). METHODS We determined the sequence of the IDH1 gene and the related IDH2 gene in 445 central nervous system (CNS) tumors and 494 non-CNS tumors. The enzymatic activity of the proteins that were produced from normal and mutant IDH1 and IDH2 genes was determined in cultured glioma cells that were transfected with these genes. RESULTS We identified mutations that affected amino acid 132 of IDH1 in more than 70% of WHO grade II and III astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas and in glioblastomas that developed from these lower-grade lesions. Tumors without mutations in IDH1 often had mutations affecting the analogous amino acid (R172) of the IDH2 gene. Tumors with IDH1 or IDH2 mutations had distinctive genetic and clinical characteristics, and patients with such tumors had a better outcome than those with wild-type IDH genes. Each of four tested IDH1 and IDH2 mutations reduced the enzymatic activity of the encoded protein. CONCLUSIONS Mutations of NADP(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenases encoded by IDH1 and IDH2 occur in a majority of several types of malignant gliomas.

Lipophilicity of potent porphyrin-based antioxidants: Comparison of ortho and meta isomers of Mn(III) N-alkylpyridylporphyrins

Mn(III) N-alkylpyridylporphyrins are among the most potent known SOD mimics and catalytic peroxynitrite scavengers and modulators of redox-based cellular transcriptional activity. In addition to their intrinsic antioxidant capacity, bioavailability plays a major role in their in vivo efficacy. Although of identical antioxidant capacity, lipophilic MnTnHex-2-PyP is up to 120-fold more efficient in reducing oxidative stress injuries than hydrophilic MnTE-2-PyP. Owing to limitations of an analytical nature, porphyrin lipophilicity has been often estimated by the thin-layer chromatographic R(f) parameter, instead of the standard n-octanol/water partition coefficient, P(OW). Herein we used a new methodological approach to finally describe the MnP lipophilicity, using the conventional log P(OW) means, for a series of biologically active ortho and meta isomers of Mn(III) N-alkylpyridylporphyrins. Three new porphyrins (MnTnBu-3-PyP, MnTnHex-3-PyP, and MnTnHep-2-PyP) were synthesized to strengthen the conclusions. The log P(OW) was linearly related to R(f) and to the number of carbons in the alkyl chain (n(C)) for both isomer series, the meta isomers being 10-fold more lipophilic than the analogous ortho porphyrins. Increasing the length of the alkyl chain by one carbon atom increases the log P(OW) value approximately 1 log unit with both isomers. Dramatic approximately 4 and approximately 5 orders of magnitude increases in the lipophilicity of the ortho isomers, by extending the pyridyl alkyl chains from two (MnTE-2-PyP, log P(OW)=-6.89) to six (MnTnHex-2-PyP, log P(OW)=-2.76) and eight carbon atoms (MnTnOct-2-PyP, log P(OW)=-1.24), parallels the increased efficacy in several oxidative-stress injury models, particularly those of the central nervous system, in which transport across the blood-brain barrier is critical. Although meta isomers are only slightly less potent SOD mimics and antioxidants than their ortho analogues, their higher lipophilicity and smaller bulkiness may lead to a higher cellular uptake and overall similar effectiveness in vivo.

High lipophilicity of meta Mn(III) N-alkylpyridylporphyrin-based superoxide dismutase mimics compensates for their lower antioxidant potency and makes them as effective as ortho analogues in protecting superoxide dismutase-deficient Escherichia coli.

Lipophilicity/bioavailibility of Mn(III) N-alkylpyridylporphyrin-based superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics has a major impact on their in vivo ability to suppress oxidative stress. Meta isomers are less potent SOD mimics than ortho analogues but are 10-fold more lipophilic and more planar. Enhanced lipophilicity contributes to their higher accumulation in cytosol of SOD-deficient Escherichia coli, compensating for their lower potency; consequently, both isomers exert similar-to-identical protection of SOD-deficient E. coli. Thus meta isomers may be prospective therapeutics as are ortho porphyrins.

Radioprotective effects of manganese-containing superoxide dismutase mimics on ataxia-telangiectasia cells.

We tested several classes of antioxidant manganese compounds for radioprotective effects using human lymphoblastoid cells: six porphyrins, three salens, and two cyclic polyamines. Radioprotection was evaluated by seven assays: XTT, annexin V and propidium iodide flow cytometry analysis, gamma-H2AX immunofluorescence, the neutral comet assay, dichlorofluorescein and dihydroethidium staining, resazurin, and colony survival assay. Two compounds were most effective in protecting wild-type and A-T cells against radiation-induced damage: MnMx-2-PyP-Calbio (a mixture of differently N-methylated MnT-2-PyP+ from Calbiochem) and MnTnHex-2-PyP. MnTnHex-2-PyP protected WT cells against radiation-induced apoptosis by 58% (p = 0.04), using XTT, and A-T cells by 39% (p = 0.01), using annexin V and propidium iodide staining. MnTnHex-2-PyP protected WT cells against DNA damage by 57% (p = 0.005), using gamma-H2AX immunofluorescence, and by 30% (p < 0.01), using neutral comet assay. MnTnHex-2-PyP is more lipophilic than MnMx-2-PyP-Calbio and is also >10-fold more SOD-active; consequently it is >50-fold more potent as a radioprotectant, as supported by six of the tests employed in this study. Thus, lipophilicity and antioxidant potency correlated with the magnitude of the beneficial radioprotectant effects observed. Our results identify a new class of porphyrinic radioprotectants for the general and radiosensitive populations and may also provide a new option for treating A-T patients.

Cytotoxic effects of Mn(III) N-alkylpyridylporphyrins in the presence of cellular reductant, ascorbate

Abstract Due to the ability to easily accept and donate electrons Mn(III)N-alkylpyridylporphyrins (MnPs) can dismute O2 ·−, reduce peroxynitrite, but also generate reactive species and behave as pro-oxidants if conditions favour such action. Herein two ortho isomers, MnTE-2-PyP5+, MnTnHex-2-PyP5+, and a meta isomer MnTnHex-3-PyP5+, which differ greatly with regard to their metal-centered reduction potential, E1/2 (MnIIIP/MnIIP) and lipophilicity, were explored. Employing MnIIIP/MnIIP redox system for coupling with ascorbate, these MnPs catalyze ascorbate oxidation and thus peroxide production. Consequently, cancer oxidative burden may be enhanced, which in turn would suppress its growth. Cytotoxic effects on Caco-2, Hela, 4T1, HCT116 and SUM149 were studied. When combined with ascorbate, MnPs killed cancer cells via peroxide produced outside of the cell. MnTE-2-PyP5+ was the most efficacious catalyst for peroxide production, while MnTnHex-3-PyP5+ is most prone to oxidative degradation with H2 , and thus the least efficacious. A 4T1 breast cancer mouse study of limited scope and success was conducted. The tumour oxidative stress was enhanced and its microvessel density reduced when mice were treated either with ascorbate or MnP/ascorbate; the trend towards tumour growth suppression was detected.

Comprehensive pharmacokinetic studies and oral bioavailability of two Mn porphyrin-based SOD mimics, MnTE-2-PyP5+ and MnTnHex-2-PyP5+.

The cationic, ortho Mn(III) N-alkylpyridylporphyrins (alkyl=ethyl, E, and n-hexyl, nHex) MnTE-2-PyP(5+) (AEOL10113, FBC-007) and MnTnHex-2-PyP(5+) have proven efficacious in numerous in vivo animal models of diseases having oxidative stress in common. The remarkable therapeutic efficacy observed is due to their: (1) ability to catalytically remove O2(•-) and ONOO(-) and other reactive species; (2) ability to modulate redox-based signaling pathways; (3) accumulation within critical cellular compartments, i.e., mitochondria; and (4) ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. The similar redox activities of both compounds are related to the similar electronic and electrostatic environments around the metal active sites, whereas their different bioavailabilities are presumably influenced by the differences in lipophilicity, bulkiness, and shape. Both porphyrins are water soluble, but MnTnHex-2-PyP(5+) is approximately 4 orders of magnitude more lipophilic than MnTE-2-PyP(5+), which should positively affect its ability to pass through biological membranes, making it more efficacious in vivo at lower doses. To gain insight into the in vivo tissue distribution of Mn porphyrins and its impact upon their therapeutic efficacy and mechanistic aspects of action, as well as to provide data that would ensure proper dosing regimens, we conducted comprehensive pharmacokinetic (PK) studies for 24h after single-dose drug administration. The porphyrins were administered intravenously (iv), intraperitoneally (ip), and via oral gavage at the following doses: 10mg/kg MnTE-2-PyP(5+) and 0.5 or 2mg/kg MnTnHex-2-PyP(5+). Drug levels in plasma and various organs (liver, kidney, spleen, heart, lung, brain) were determined and PK parameters calculated (Cmax, C24h, tmax, and AUC). Regardless of high water solubility and pentacationic charge of these Mn porphyrins, they are orally available. The oral availability (based on plasma AUCoral/AUCiv) is 23% for MnTE-2-PyP(5+) and 21% for MnTnHex-2-PyP(5+). Despite the fivefold lower dose administered, the AUC values for liver, heart, and spleen are higher for MnTnHex-2-PyP(5+) than for MnTE-2-PyP(5+) (and comparable for other organs), clearly demonstrating the better tissue penetration and tissue retention of the more lipophilic MnTnHex-2-PyP(5+).

Bioavailability of metalloporphyrin-based SOD mimics is greatly influenced by a single charge residing on a Mn site

Abstract In the cell Mn porphyrins (MnPs) likely couple with cellular reductants which results in a drop of total charge from 5+ to 4+ and dramatically increases their lipophilicity by up to three orders of magnitude depending upon the length of alkylpyridyl chains and type of isomer. The effects result from the interplay of solvation, lipophilicit and stericity. Impact of ascorbate on accumulation of MnPs was measured in E. coli and in Balb/C mouse tumours and muscle; for the latter measurements, the LC/ESI-MS/MS method was developed. Accumulation was significantly enhanced when MnPs were co-administered with ascorbate in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Further, MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ accumulates 5-fold more in the tumour than in a muscle. Such data increase our understanding of MnPs cellular and sub-cellular accumulation and remarkable in vivo effects. The work is in progress to understand how coupling of MnPs with ascorbate affects their mechanism of action, in particular with respect to cancer therapy.

Determination of residual manganese in Mn porphyrin-based superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxynitrite reductase mimics.

The awareness of the beneficial effects of Mn porphyrin-based superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics and peroxynitrite scavengers on decreasing oxidative stress injuries has increased the use of these compounds as mechanistic probes and potential therapeutics. Simple Mn2+ salts, however, have SOD-like activity in their own right both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, quantification/removal of residual Mn2+ species in Mn-based therapeutics is critical to an unambiguous interpretation of biological data. Herein we report a simple, sensitive, and specific method to determine residual Mn2+ in Mn porphyrin preparations that combines a hydrometallurgical approach for separation/speciation of metal compounds with a spectrophotometric strategy for Mn determination. The method requires only common chemicals and a spectrophotometer and is based on the extraction of residual Mn2+ by bis(2-ethylhexyl)hydrogenphosphate (D2EHPA) into kerosene, re-extraction into acid, and neutralization followed by UV-vis determination of the Mn2+ levels via a Cd2+-catalyzed metallation of the H2TCPP4- porphyrin indicator. The overall procedure is simple, sensitive, specific, and amenable to adaptation. This quantification method has been routinely used by us for a large variety of water-soluble porphyrins.

Acid–base and electrochemical properties of manganese meso(ortho- and meta-N-ethylpyridyl)porphyrins: potentiometric, spectrophotometric and spectroelectrochemical study of protolytic and redox equilibria

The difference in electrostatics and reduction potentials between manganese ortho-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnTE-2-PyP) and manganese meta-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-3-yl)porphyrin (MnTE-3-PyP) is a challenging topic, particularly because of the high likelihood for their clinical development. Hence, a detailed study of the protolytic and electrochemical speciation of Mn(II-IV)TE-2-PyP and Mn(II-IV)TE-3-PyP in a broad pH range has been performed using the combined spectrophotometric and potentiometric methods. The results reveal that in aqueous solutions within the pH range ∼2-13 the following species exist: (H(2)O)Mn(II)TE-m-PyP(4+), (HO)Mn(II)TE-m-PyP(3+), (H(2)O)(2)Mn(III)TE-m-PyP(5+), (HO)(H(2)O)Mn(III)TE-m-PyP(4+), (O)(H(2)O)Mn(III)TE-m-PyP(3+), (O)(H(2)O)Mn(IV)TE-m-PyP(4+) and (O)(HO)Mn(IV)TE-m-PyP(3+) (m = 2, 3). All the protolytic equilibrium constants that include the accessible species as well as the thermodynamic parameters for each particular protolytic equilibrium have been determined. The corresponding formal reduction potentials related to the reduction of the above species and the thermodynamic parameters describing the accessible reduction couples were calculated as well.

Acido-Base Behavior of Hydroxamic Acids: Experimental and Ab Initio Studies on Hydroxyureas

The values of Ka, DeltaSa, and DeltaHa for deprotonation of hydroxyurea (HU) and N-methylhydroxyurea (NMHU), as targeted compounds, and for betainohydroxamic acid, were potentiometrically determined. Although NMHU has two and HU even three deprotonation sites, the measurements confirm that they behave as weak acids with a single pK a approximately 10. Comparison with analogous thermodynamic parameters previously determined for series of monohydroxamic acids reveals deviations from a DeltaSa, vs DeltaHa plot for HU and NMHU, raising the question of the dissociation site of hydroxureas in water. In addition to the deprotonation of the hydroxyl oxygen, ab initio calculations performed at the MP2/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory for these two compounds indicate a notable participation of the nitrogen deprotonation site in HU. The calculations for the isolated, monohydrate, trihydrate, and decahydrate molecular and anionic forms of hydroxyureas support the importance of hydrogen bonding in the gas and aqueous phases. The hydroxylamino nitrogen in HU is the most acidic site in water, contributing approximately 94% to the overall deprotonation process at 25 degrees C. On the contrary, the hydroxylamino oxygen is by far the most favored deprotonation site in NMHU, contributing almost 100% in aqueous medium. The predicted participations of two deprotonation sites in HU, calculated at the MP2/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory, combined with the calculated relative reaction enthalpy and entropy for the deprotonation, satisfactorily explain the observed deviation from linearity of DeltaHa vs DeltaSa, plot. There is no such a simple explanation for acid-base behavior of NMHU.