Tomoko Hasunuma

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of denosumab administered subcutaneously to postmenopausal Japanese women☆

Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that has high affinity for RANK ligand (RANKL). RANKL is the essential mediator of osteoclast formation, function and survival. The safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of denosumab in healthy postmenopausal Japanese women were assessed. This was a randomized, double-blind, dose-escalation study in which 40 subjects received denosumab at doses of 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0 or 3.0mg/kg, or placebo administered subcutaneously. Blood and urine samples for determination of serum denosumab, CTX-I, NTX-I/Cr, bone specific alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were collected. The PK and PD time profiles were compared to those obtained in separate studies conducted in the US. No serious adverse events occurred and all subjects completed this study. Denosumab demonstrated nonlinear PK and dose- and concentration-dependent dispositions. The maximum mean decrease from baseline ranged from 65% to 95% for CTX-I concentrations and from 50% to 85% for NTX-I/Cr. Additionally, the changes were dose-dependent. The suppression of bone turnover markers was rapid (within 2 days after dosing) and duration of suppression was dose-dependent. No marked differences in the PK and PD profiles between Japanese and non-Japanese subjects were noted. The observed results indicate that denosumab may have therapeutic potential for conditions resulting from increased bone turnover, such as osteoporosis in Japanese.

Absence of ethnic differences in the pharmacokinetics of moxifloxacin, simvastatin, and meloxicam among three East Asian populations and Caucasians

Aim To examine whether strict control of clinical trial conditions could reduce apparent differences of pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters among ethnic groups. Methods Open‐label, single dose PK studies of moxifloxacin, simvastatin and meloxicam were conducted in healthy male subjects from three East Asian populations (Japanese, Chinese and Koreans) and one Caucasian population as a control. These three drugs were selected because differences in PK parameters have been reported, even though the backgrounds of these East Asian populations are similar. Moxifloxacin (400 mg) was administered orally to 20 subjects, and plasma and urine levels of moxifloxacin and its metabolite (M2) were measured. Simvastatin (20 mg) was given to 40 subjects, and plasma levels of simvastatin and simvastatin acid were measured. Meloxicam (7.5 mg) was given to 30 subjects and its plasma concentration was determined. Intrinsic factors (polymorphism of UGT1A1 for moxifloxacin, SLCO1B1 for simvastatin, and CYP2C9 for meloxicam) were also examined. Results AUCinf values for moxifloxacin, simvastatin and meloxicam showed no significant differences among the East Asian groups. Cmax values of moxifloxacin and simvastatin, but not meloxicam, showed significant differences. There were no significant differences of data for M2 or simvastatin acid. Genetic analysis identified significant differences in the frequencies of relevant polymorphisms, but these differences did not affect the PK parameters observed. Conclusions Although there were some differences in PK parameters among the three East Asian groups, the present study performed under strictly controlled conditions did not reproduce the major ethnic differences observed in previous studies.

Changes of Serum Soluble Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand after Glucocorticoid Therapy Reflect Regulation of Its Expression by Osteoblasts

CONTEXT Osteoporosis is a serious complication of systemic glucocorticoid therapy. The role of serum soluble receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis remains unclear. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to clarify the influence of serum soluble RANKL on the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/RANKL/receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB system in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases receiving glucocorticoid therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty patients (40 women) with systemic autoimmune diseases who received initial glucocorticoid therapy with prednisolone (30-60 mg/d) plus bisphosphonate therapy were prospectively enrolled. Serum soluble RANKL and OPG levels were measured at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk after starting glucocorticoid therapy. The effects of dexamethasone on production of RANKL and OPG mRNA and protein by cultured normal human osteoblasts were evaluated by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS The mean serum soluble RANKL level of the patients was unchanged by glucocorticoid therapy. Because the distribution of serum soluble RANKL was bimodal, the patients were stratified into two groups. Serum soluble RANKL decreased significantly in the higher soluble RANKL group (≥0.16 pmol/liter), whereas it increased significantly in the lower soluble RANKL group. The mean serum OPG level of the patients decreased significantly. Bone mineral density increased in the higher soluble RANKL group after starting glucocorticoid therapy, whereas it decreased in the lower soluble RANKL group. In cultures of unstimulated human osteoblasts, RANKL mRNA expression was increased and OPG mRNA was decreased by dexamethasone. Up-regulation of RANKL and OPG mRNA by IL-6 was suppressed by dexamethasone. CONCLUSION Serum soluble RANKL might be a useful marker of bone remodeling in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases receiving glucocorticoid therapy.

The growth factor midkine may play a pathophysiological role in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Objectives: Midkine (MK) is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival. In this study, we measured serum MK levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and investigated the correlation of serum MK with RA disease activity. Expression and effect of MK in RA synovial tissue were also examined. Methods: Serum MK and production of inflammatory mediators by rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts (RSFs) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MK expression in synovial tissue was examined by immunohistochemistry. MK receptor expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: RA patients had a significantly higher serum MK level than healthy controls. In RA patients, the MK level was correlated with DAS28-ESR, disability index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and rheumatoid factor level. The serum MK level tended to be decreased by anti-TNF therapy. MK was expressed by synovial lining cells in RA synovial tissues and it enhanced the production of IL-6, IL-8, and CCL2 by RSFs. RSFs expressed LDL receptor-related protein 1, candidate receptor for MK. Conclusions: The serum MK level could be a marker of disease activity in RA and an indicator of a poor prognosis. MK may have a role in the pathogenesis of RA via induction of inflammatory mediators.

Efficacy of Vitamin K2 for Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis in Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Objective Vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) is an effective treatment for patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. We herein performed a subanalysis of patients with systemic autoimmune diseases undergoing glucocorticoid therapy in our previous prospective study. Methods Sixty patients were categorized into a group with vitamin K2 treatment (n=20, Group A) and a group without vitamin K2 treatment (n=40, Group B). All patients were treated with bisphosphonates. Results Serum levels of osteocalcin and undercarboxylated osteocalcin decreased significantly after the start of glucocorticoid therapy in both groups, while the serum osteocalcin level was significantly higher in Group A than Group B during the third (p=0.0250) and fourth weeks (p=0.0155). The serum level of the N-terminal peptide of type I procollagen, a bone formation marker, decreased during glucocorticoid therapy, but was significantly higher in Group A than Group B during the fourth week (p=0.0400). The bone mineral density and fracture rate showed no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion Although vitamin K2 improves bone turnover markers in patients with osteoporosis on glucocorticoid therapy, it has no significant effect on the bone mineral density and fracture rate after 1.5 years of treatment.

Safety and tolerability of high-dose budesonide/formoterol via Turbuhaler® in Japanese patients with asthma: a randomized, double-blind, crossover, active comparator-controlled, phase III study.

AbstractBackground: The use of budesonide/formoterol as both maintenance and reliever therapy in asthma is recommended in many countries; however, there are limited data available for the Asian patient population. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the short-term safety and tolerability of a fixed high-dose combination of the inhaled corticosteroid budesonide and the long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonist formoterol with that of the β2-agonist terbutaline for acute symptom relief in Japanese adults with persistent asthma who were already receiving a combination of budesonide/formoterol maintenance therapy. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover, active comparator-controlled, phase III study. Patients aged 16–65 years with persistent asthma received either budesonide/formoterol 160 mg/4.5 mg ten inhalations daily for 3 days via Turbuhaler® or terbutaline 0.4 mg ten inhalations daily for 3 days via Turbuhaler®, in addition to budesonide/formoterol 160 μg/4.5 mg one inhalation twice daily as maintenance treatment. After a 7- to 14-day washout period, patients crossed over to receive the other medication for a further 3 days. Adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory variables, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and vital signs were assessed throughout. Results: Twenty-five patients (mean age 44.3 years, 40% female) were randomized and received at least one dose of study medication. Overall, 14 AEs were reported in 12 out of 25 patients (48%) during high-dose budesonide/ formoterol therapy and 24 AEs were reported in 14 out of 23 patients (61%) during terbutaline therapy. The majority of AEs were mild in intensity and no serious AEs were reported. The most common AEs were tremor (12%) during budesonide/formoterol therapy and tremor (17%), palpitations (13%), tachycardia (13%) and decreased serum potassium (13%) during terbutaline therapy. There were no clinically significant differences from baseline or between groups in laboratory values, vital signs or ECG recordings. Conclusion: Budesonide/formoterol 160 μg/4.5 mg ten inhalations daily for 3 days in addition to ongoing budesonide/formoterol 160 μg/4.5 μg one inhalation twice daily maintenance therapy was well tolerated in Japanese adults with persistent asthma.

Randomized, Controlled, Thorough QT/QTc Study Shows Absence of QT Prolongation with Luseogliflozin in Healthy Japanese Subjects

Luseogliflozin is a selective sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. To evaluate the cardiac safety of luseogliflozin, a thorough QT/QTc study was conducted in healthy Japanese subjects. The effects of moxifloxacin on QT prolongation in Japanese subjects were also evaluated. In this double-blind, placebo- and open-label positive-controlled, 4-way crossover study, 28 male and 28 female subjects received a single dose of luseogliflozin 5 mg (therapeutic dose), luseogliflozin 20 mg (supratherapeutic dose), placebo, and moxifloxacin 400 mg. Serial triplicate digital 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded before and after dosing, and results were analyzed using the Fridericia correction (QTcF) method. Serial blood sampling was performed for pharmacokinetic analyses of luseogliflozin and moxifloxacin to analyze the relationship between QTcF interval and plasma concentration. The upper limits of the two-sided 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for baseline and placebo-adjusted QTcF intervals (ΔΔQTcF) in the 5 mg and 20 mg luseogliflozin groups were less than 10 ms at all time points. No correlation between plasma luseogliflozin concentrations and ΔΔQTcF was observed. In the moxifloxacin group, the lower limits of the two-sided 90% CIs for ΔΔQTcF were greater than 5 ms at all time points. A positive relationship was observed between plasma moxifloxacin concentration and change in ΔΔQTcF. Luseogliflozin was well tolerated at both dose levels. The majority of adverse events were mild in severity, and no serious or life-threatening adverse events occurred. Neither therapeutic (5 mg) nor supratherapeutic (20 mg) doses of luseogliflozin affected QT prolongation in healthy Japanese subjects.

SAT0026 Suppression of Adrenal Function is Obvious when Compared to that of Pituitary Function in Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Diseases After Glucocorticoid Therapy

Background Glucocorticoids are widely used to treat a variety of diseases, including systemic autoimmune disease. Although glucocorticoids can improve the outcome for patients with these diseases, various side effects, such as suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are important problems. On the other hand, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 have been reported as stimulators of HPA axis in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases [1]. However, the influence of glucocorticoid therapy on HPA axis of inflammatory diseases has not be studied yet. Objectives The aim of this study is to examine the process of suppression of HPA axis after glucocorticoid therapy using CRH test in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. Methods Thirty-five patients with systemic autoimmune diseases (64.4±16.1 y.o., M±SD), including 5 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 6 patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis, 4 patients with vasculitis syndrome, 10 patients with polymyalgia rheumatica, 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 7 patients with other systemic autoimmune diseases, who received initial glucocorticoid therapy were gave written informed consent and enrolled. HPA axis was assessed by plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and serum cortisol levels of pre-CRH treatment, 30 and 60 minutes after administration of 100 μg of exogenous human CRH, and that was performed at 0, 2, and 4 weeks after starting glucocorticoid therapy. Patients were divided into two groups with prednisolone daily dose: 30 mg or more (18 patients, high-dose group), and 15mg or less (17 patients, low-dose group). The basal concentrations of plasma ACTH and serum cortisol, and their increased values after CRH stimulation (ΔACTH and Δcortisol, respectively) were evaluated. C-reactive protein (CRP) was also measured. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee at Toho University Omori Medical Center (approval no.25-215). Results As shown in Table1, basal ACTH and ΔACTH levels were significantly decreased after glucocorticoid therapy in the high-dose group, while those in the low-dose group were not suppressed. Basal cortisol levels in high and low dose groups were significantly suppressed by glucocorticoid therapy. Δcortisol level in high dose group was significantly suppressed, however, that in low dose group had a trend to decrease. CRP was significantly decreased after glucocorticoid therapy in both groups. Conclusions In the low-dose group, the pituitary function was not suppressed by glucocorticoid therapy, however, the adrenal function was significantly suppressed. It is suggested that adrenal suppression by glucocorticoid therapy might be caused not only by feedback regulation via pituitary suppression, but also suppression of systemic inflammation, as possible activating factors of adrenal function, in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. References Mastorakos G, Chrousos GP, Weber JS. Recombinant interleukin-6 activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1993 Dec;77(6):1690-4. Disclosure of Interest None declared

SAT0007 Resistin Directly Stimulates Chemokine Gene Expressions in Rheumatoid Synovial Fibroblasts: DNA Microarray Analysis

Background Adipose tissue synthesizes and releases physiologically active molecules that are known as adipokines. Although the most widely discussed biological effects of resistin has been the regulation of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity, resistin is now considered to represent a new family of compounds that act as mediators of immune and inflammatory processes [1]. We previously reported that serum resistin concentration was elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and it was associated with serum C-reactive protein concentration [2]. However, the direct effects of resistin on rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts (RSFs) have not been clarified yet. Objectives The aim of this study is to determine the direct effects of resistin on RSFs by DNA microarray analysis. Methods Synovial tissues were obtained at total knee replacement operation from patients with RA who gave consent to use their tissue for research. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Toho University School of Medicine. RSFs were harvested from the synovial tissues of RA patients. After 18h incubation with different concentrations of resistin (0, 100 and 1000 ng/mL), total RNA was extracted from the cells and the gene expression profile of RSFs was analyzed by DNA microarray (Agilent Technologies, CA, USA). In addition, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to confirm the result of microarray analysis. Results The DNA microarray analysis revealed that 45 inflammation-related genes were up-regulated in RSFs in concentration dependent manners when we applied equal to or more than a 3 fold increase to cut-off value for gene expression. We picked up 13 chemokine (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL7, CCL20, CCL3L3, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL6, CXCL8, CXCL10, and CXCR4) genes out of these 45 candidates. Concentration-dependent up-regulation of only CXCL8, CXCL1, CXCL6, CCL2 and CCL7 gene expressions were confirmed by RT-PCR. Conclusions In this study, we demonstrated that resistin increased gene expressions of 45 inflammation-related molecules in RSFs, when screened by DNA microarray analysis. Resistin-induced chemokines were identified as CXCL8, CXCL1, CXCL6, CCL2 and CCL7. Since they are known as essential mediators in synovial inflammation of RA, resistin may possibly play an important role in pathogenesis of RA. References Gόmez R, Conde J, Scotece M, Gόmez-Reino JJ, Lago F, Gualillo O. Whats new in our understanding of the role of adipokines in rheumatic diseases? Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2011 Aug 2;7(9):528-36. Yoshino T, Kusunoki N, Tanaka N, Kaneko K, Kusunoki Y, Endo H, Hasunuma T, Kawai S. Elevated serum levels of resistin, leptin, and adiponectin are associated with C-reactive protein and also other clinical conditions in rheumatoid arthritis. Intern Med. 2011;50(4):269-75. Disclosure of Interest None declared

FRI0030 Jak2/stat3 is a major pathway of leptin-induced interleukin-6 production by rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts

Background Since proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, play major pathophysiological roles in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their inhibitors have recently been developed as potent biological anti-rheumatic drugs. However, they are not curative and the effects are still partial, with many patients failing to respond. Leptin is the product of the ob gene, and is a peptide hormone synthesized almost exclusively by adipocytes that regulates appetite and energy expenditure. It is also suggested that leptin may contribute to inflammation and autoimmunity. We previously reported that serum leptin level was elevated in patients with RA [1]. Accordingly, we examined the direct effects of leptin on cultured rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts (RSFs) in the present study. Objectives To determine the effects of leptin on the production of proinflammatory cytokines by RSFs. Methods Synovial tissue was obtained at total knee replacement operation from patients with RA who gave consent. RSFs were harvested from the synovial tissues of these patients. Leptin receptor mRNAs were detected by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Productions of mRNA by RSFs and protein concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the culture medium were detected by real-time PCR and ELISA kit, respectively. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected into RSFs to down-regulate the expression of leptin receptor. Effects of inhibitors of janus kinase 2 (JAK2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) on IL-6 production were evaluated. Phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in RSFs were determined by Western blot analysis. This study was approved (No. 19021) by Ethics Committee of Toho University School of Medicine. Results We detected leptin receptor mRNAs in RSFs. Expressions of IL-1β and IL-6 mRNAs were enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner by addition of leptin to RSFs. IL-6 secretion by RSFs showed an increase after leptin stimulation, while IL-1β did not increase in the culture media. Leptin-induced production of IL-6 by RSFs was decreased after exposure to siRNA targeting leptin receptor (Ob-Rb). A JAK2 inhibitor, but not PI3K and MAPK inhibitors, decreased leptin-induced IL-6 production. Enhanced phosphorylation of STAT3 was observed in RSFs after stimulation by leptin. Conclusions Leptin possibly acts as a proinflammatory cytokine that up-regulates IL-6 production in RSFs via activation of JAK2/STAT3 in RSFs. Leptin and JAK/STAT pathway may represent a new alternative therapeutic target in the treatment of RA. References Yoshino T, Kusunoki N, Tanaka N, Kaneko K, Kusunoki Y, Endo H, Hasunuma T, Kawai S. Elevated serum levels of resistin, leptin, and adiponectin are associated with C-reactive protein and also other clinical conditions in rheumatoid arthritis. Intern Med. 2011;50:269. Disclosure of Interest None Declared