batimastat and marimastat

The crucial role of extracellular proteases in cancer progression is well-known, especially in relation to the promotion of cell invasion through extracellular matrix remodeling. This also occurs by the ability of extracellular proteases to induce the shedding of transmembrane proteins at the plasma membrane surface or within extracellular vesicles. This process results in the regulation of key signaling pathways by the modulation of kinases, e.g., the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Considering their regulatory roles in cancer, therapeutics targeting various extracellular proteases have been discovered. These include the metal-binding agents di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) and di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), which increase c-MET degradation by multiple mechanisms. Both the direct and indirect inhibition of protease expression and activity can be achieved through metal ion depletion. Considering direct mechanisms, chelators can bind zinc(II) that plays a catalytic role in enzyme activity. In terms of indirect mechanisms, Dp44mT and DpC potently suppress the expression of the kallikrein-related peptidase-a prostate-specific antigen-in prostate cancer cells. The mechanism of this activity involves promotion of the degradation of the androgen receptor. Additional suppressive mechanisms of Dp44mT and DpC on matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) relate to their ability to up-regulate the metastasis suppressors N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) and NDRG2, which down-regulate MMPs that are crucial for cancer cell invasion.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Chelating Agents; Disease Progression; Drug Design; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Extracellular Fluid; Extracellular Vesicles; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Iron; Iron Chelating Agents; Kallikreins; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Neoplasm Proteins; Oxaprozin; Peptide Hydrolases; Phenylalanine; Protease Inhibitors; Protein Kinases; Pyridines; Thiophenes; Thiosemicarbazones; Zinc

The cancer cells secrete proteolytic enzymes, which are important in the tumor spreading. The cells must cross basement membrane and extracellular matrix barriers in order to spread. The matrix metalloproteinases are a family of endopeptidases, which enzymatic activity depends on the presence of zinc ion in the catalytic domain. Matrix metalloproteinases hydrolyze extracellular matrix components such as collagen, laminin, fibronectin, proteoglycans and contribute to the spreading of tumor cells by eliminating the surrounding extracellular matrix and basement membrane barriers. This review describes matrix metalloproteinases family classification and structure, their role under physiological conditions and induced proteolysis during pathological processes. There is a balance between proteolytic extracellular matrix degradation and proteolysis inhibition, but under pathological state (e. g. tumor development) the proteolysis becomes uncontrolled. We review tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases and synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, their perspective in cancer treatment; as well as different matrix metalloproteinases expression in patients with tumors and its prognostic significance during cancer progression.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Biphenyl Compounds; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diphosphonates; Disease Progression; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Imidazoles; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Neoplasms; Organic Chemicals; Phenylalanine; Phenylbutyrates; Prognosis; Protease Inhibitors; Thiophenes; Time Factors; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases

The field of angiogenesis research has seen an explosion of knowledge within the last 10 years. More than 3500 angiogenesis-related papers are presently being published per year compared to the less than 200 annual papers published in the early 1990s. Paralleling the progress in the field of basic angiogenesis research, translational research has led to the identification of more than 100 angiomanipulatory compounds. Presently, more than 40 substances are in various phases of clinical trials. The prospect of these exciting developments is presently dampened by the negative outcome of some advanced clinical trials. Thus, following euphoria and disillusion, the field is presently experiencing that translational clinical research requires endurance to eventually accomplish the successful implementation of angiomanipulatory therapies in the clinical setting. The present article provides an overview of the field of angiogenesis research and summarizes ongoing efforts aimed at developing angiomanipulatory therapies.

Topics: Adult; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Apoptosis; Bevacizumab; Cell Communication; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Endothelial Growth Factors; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Ephrins; Forecasting; Growth Substances; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Lymphokines; Metalloendopeptidases; Mice; Neoplasms; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Phenylalanine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; Research; Signal Transduction; Thalidomide; Thiophenes; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent proteinases involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. The MMPs have been implicated in the processes of tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis; are frequently overexpressed in malignant tumors; and have been associated with an aggressive malignant phenotype and adverse prognosis in patients with cancer. A number of MMP inhibitors are being developed for the treatment of cancer. The most extensively studied class of MMP inhibitors includes collagen peptidomimetics and nonpeptidomimetic inhibitors of the MMP active site, tetracycline derivatives, and bisphosphonates. The hydroxamate peptidomimetic inhibitor batimastat and its orally bioavailable analogue marimastat, which bind covalently to the zinc atom at the MMP-active site, were the first MMP inhibitors to be studied in detail. Marimastat is currently being studied in randomized clinical trials. The nonpeptidic MMP inhibitors were synthesized in an attempt to improve the oral bioavailability and pharmaceutical properties of the peptidic inhibitors. Several members of this class of compounds are undergoing evaluation in phase III clinical trials. The tetracyclines and, particularly, the nonantibiotic chemically modified tetracyclines, interfere with several aspects of MMP expression and activation and inhibit tumor growth and metastases in preclinical models. A representative agent of this class, Col-3, is currently undergoing phase I clinical trials. The development of the MMP inhibitors, like that of other targeted and predominantly antiproliferative compounds, poses a challenge because the paradigms that have governed the design of clinical oncology trials may not be relevant to this new class of agents. The anticipated need for long-term administration of these drugs, together with their cytostatic mechanism of action, will require novel clinical trial design strategies.

Topics: Animals; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Antineoplastic Agents; Biphenyl Compounds; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drugs, Investigational; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Imidazoles; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Neoplasms; Organic Chemicals; Phenylalanine; Phenylbutyrates; Protease Inhibitors; Pyrazines; Sulfonamides; Tetracycline; Tetracyclines; Thiophenes

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Design; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Neoplasm Metastasis; Organic Chemicals; Phenylalanine; Thiophenes

Alzheimer's disease is characterised by the progressive deposition of the 4 kDa beta-amyloid peptide (A beta) in extracellular senile plaques in the brain. A beta is derived by proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by various proteinases termed secretases. alpha-Secretase is inhibited by hydroxamate-based zinc metalloproteinase inhibitors such as batimastat with I50 values in the low micromolar range, and displays many properties in common with the secretase that releases angiotensin converting enzyme. A cell impermeant biotinylated derivative of one such inhibitor completely blocked the release of APP from the surface of neuronal cells, indicating that alpha-secretase cleaves APP at the cell-surface. A range of hydroxamate-based compounds have been used to distinguish between alpha-secretase and tumour necrosis factor-alpha convertase, a member of the ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-like) family of zinc metalloproteinases. Recent data suggests that the presenilins may be aspartyl proteinases with the specificity of gamma-secretase. Although APP and the presenilins are present in detergent-insoluble, cholesterol- and glycosphingolipid-rich lipid rafts, they do not behave as typical lipid raft proteins, and thus it is unclear whether these membrane domains are the sites for proteolytic processing of APP.

Topics: ADAM Proteins; ADAM17 Protein; Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases; Animals; Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases; Biotinylation; Endopeptidases; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Membrane Lipids; Membrane Proteins; Metalloendopeptidases; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Phenylalanine; Presenilin-1; Presenilin-2; Protease Inhibitors; Rats; Thiophenes

Topics: Angiostatins; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Antineoplastic Agents; Collagen; Cyclohexanes; Endostatins; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Interferons; Interleukin-12; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasms; Neovascularization, Pathologic; O-(Chloroacetylcarbamoyl)fumagillol; Peptide Fragments; Phenylalanine; Plasminogen; Sesquiterpenes; Thalidomide; Thiophenes

Aberrant angiogenesis is closely involved in invasion/metastasis as well as enlargement of tumor. One recent highlight is to develop anti angiogenic drugs by targeting tumor angiogenesis. Here we describe how tumor angiogenesis is regulated and also recent topics related to angiogenic drug in clinical trials.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Cyclohexanes; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Interferon-alpha; Interleukin-12; Neoplasms; Neovascularization, Pathologic; O-(Chloroacetylcarbamoyl)fumagillol; Phenylalanine; Platelet Factor 4; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Sesquiterpenes; Thalidomide; Thiophenes; Triazines; Triazoles; Tumor Cells, Cultured

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of at least fifteen secreted and membrane-bound zinc-endopeptidases. Collectively, these enzymes can degrade all of the components of the extracellular matrix, including fibrallar and non-fibrallar collagens, fibronectin, laminin and basement membrane glycoproteins. MMPs are thought to be essential for the diverse invasive processes of angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. Numerous studies have shown that there is a close association between expression of various members of the MMP family by tumors and their proliferative and invasive behavior and metastatic potential. In some of human cancers a positive correlation has also been demonstrated between the intensity of new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) and the likelihood of developing metastases. Thus, control of MMP activity in these two different contexts has generated considerable interest as a possible therapeutic target. The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are naturally occurring proteins that specifically inhibit matrix metalloproteinases, thus maintaining balance between matrix destruction and formation. An imbalance between MMPs and the associated TIMPs may play a significant role in the invasive phenotype of malignant tumors. TIMP-1 has been shown to inhibit tumor-induced angiogenesis in experimental systems. These findings raised the possibility of using an agent that affects expression or activity of MMPs as an anti-cancer therapy. TIMPs are probably not suitable for pharmacologic applications due to their short half-life in vivo. Batimastat (BB-94) and marimastat (BB-2516) are synthetic, low-molecular weight MMP inhibitors. They have a collagen-mimicking hydroxamate structure, which facilitates chelation of the zinc ion in the active site of the MMPs. These compounds inhibit MMPs potently and specifically. Batimastat was the first synthetic MMP inhibitor studied in humans with advanced malignancies, but its usefulness has been limited by extremely poor water solubility, which required intraperitoneal administration of the drug as a detergent emulsion. Marimastat belongs to a second generation of MMP inhibitors. In contrast to batimastat, marimastat is orally available. Both of these agents are currently in Phase I/II trials in US, Europe and Canada. Some other new agents, currently in clinical trials, have been shown to inhibit MMP production. Bryostatins, naturally occurring macrocyclic lactones, have both in vitro and in vivo

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Division; Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Down-Regulation; Drugs, Investigational; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Glycoproteins; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Metalloendopeptidases; Molecular Weight; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasms; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Phenylalanine; Protease Inhibitors; Protein Kinase C; Proteins; Thiophenes; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a homologous family of enzymes that are involved in tissue remodeling and morphogenesis. Collectively, these enzymes are capable of degrading all components of the extracellular matrix, and they play an important role in normal physiologic conditions, such as wound healing and other processes involving tissue remodeling. However, increased activity of these enzymes now has been observed in a number of different pathological conditions, and it has been hypothesized that such increased activity of MMPs might play a role in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Cancer is one such condition; extracellular matrices constitute the principal barrier to tumor growth and spread, and there is growing experimental evidence that malignant tumors utilize MMPs to overcome these barriers. Consequently, inhibitors of MMPs represent an attractive target for a new class of anticancer agents. Marimastat and batimastat are potent broad-spectrum inhibitors of all major MMPs and have been shown to prevent or reduce spread and growth of a number of different malignant tumors in numerous animal models. Both agents are now in advanced clinical testing in a number of different solid tumors in North America and Europe. The purpose of this paper is to review available preclinical and emerging clinical data, using batimastat and marimastat as prototype MMP inhibitors in the cancer area.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Breast Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Hemangioma; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Melanoma; Metalloendopeptidases; Mice; Ovarian Neoplasms; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Phenylalanine; Protease Inhibitors; Skin Neoplasms; Thiophenes

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a class of structurally related enzymes that function in the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins that constitute the pericellular connective tissue and play an important role in both normal and pathological tissue remodelling. Increased MMP activity is detected in a wide range of cancers and seems correlated to their invasive and metastatic potential. MMPs thus seem an attractive target for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Several synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) are currently being developed. Preclinical studies are promising as they suggest inhibition of several steps in the metastatic process. Marimastat is the first MMPI to enter comparative phase III trials after early clinical trials established the safety profile. Clinical trials will need to be specifically designed to optimally evaluate the therapeutic potential of this novel class of cytostatic drugs. Safety studies should consider the markedly different toxicity profile and determine the range of biologically active dosage, while efficacy studies should be performed in selected clinical settings with appropriate end-points. We review the present achievements in preclinical and clinical studies with MMPIs, discuss specific considerations for appropriate study design and reflect on the future prospects of this novel class of agents.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Enzyme Inhibitors; Extracellular Matrix; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Metalloendopeptidases; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasms; Phenylalanine; Protease Inhibitors; Thiophenes

We developed a preclinical protocol for the screening of candidate drugs able to control myopia and prevent its progression. The protocol uses zebrafish, C57BL/6 mice, and golden Syrian hamster models of myopia.. A morpholino (MO) targeting the zebrafish lumican gene (zlum) was injected into single-cell zebrafish embryos, causing excessive expansion of the sclera. A library of 640 compounds with 2 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors (marimastat and batimastat), which have the potential to modulate scleral remodelling, was screened to identify candidates for mitigating scleral diameter expansion in zlum-MO-injected embryos. The myopia-prevention ability of compounds discovered to have superior potency to inhibit scleral expansion was validated over 4 weeks in 4-week-old C57BL/6 mice and 3-week-old golden Syrian hamsters with form-deprivation myopia (FDM). Changes in the refractive error and axial length were investigated. Scleral thickness, morphology of collagen fibrils in the posterior sclera, messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions, and protein levels of transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, and collagen, type I, alpha 1 (collagen Iα1) were investigated in C57BL/6 mice, and MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP activity assays were conducted in these mice.. In the zebrafish experiment, atropine, marimastat, batimastat, doxycycline, and minocycline were the drugs that most effectively reduced expansion of scleral equatorial diameter. After 28-day treatment in diffuser-wearing mice and 21-day treatment in lid-sutured hamsters, myopic shift and axial elongation were significantly mitigated by eye drops containing 1% atropine, 50 µM marimastat, 5 µM batimastat, or 200 µM doxycycline. MMP-2 mRNA expression in mouse sclera was lower after treatment with atropine, marimastat, batimastat, or doxycycline. The protein levels and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-7 were significantly reduced after treatment with atropine, marimastat, batimastat, doxycycline, and minocycline. Furthermore, scleral thickness and collagen fibril diameter were not lower after treatment with atropine, marimastat, batimastat, or doxycycline than those of occluded eyes.. Stepwise drug screening in a range of models from zlum-MO-injected zebrafish to rodent FDM models identified effective compounds for preclinical myopia control or prevention. On the basis of the 640 compounds that were screened, MMP inhibitors may offer alternatives for clinical trials.. This research was supported by grants from Taiwan's Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Topics: Animals; Atropine; Cricetinae; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Embryo, Nonmammalian; Hydroxamic Acids; Lumican; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Morpholinos; Myopia; Phenylalanine; Sclera; Thiophenes; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; Zebrafish; Zebrafish Proteins

Snakebite envenomation causes over 140,000 deaths every year, predominantly in developing countries. As a result, it is one of the most lethal neglected tropical diseases. It is associated with incredibly complex pathophysiology due to the vast number of unique toxins/proteins present in the venoms of diverse snake species found worldwide. Here, we report the purification and functional characteristics of a Group I (PI) metalloprotease (CAMP-2) from the venom of the western diamondback rattlesnake,

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Antivenins; Binding Sites; Blood Platelets; Catalytic Domain; Collagen; Crotalid Venoms; Crotalus; Drug Repositioning; Erythrocytes; Fibrin; Fibrinolysis; Hemolysis; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Molecular Docking Simulation; Phenylalanine; Protein Binding; Protein Conformation; Structure-Activity Relationship; Substrate Specificity; Thiophenes

The ability of two peptidomimetic hydroxamate metalloproteinase inhibitors, Batimastat and Marimastat, to abrogate toxic and proteinase activities of the venom of Echis ocellatus from Cameroon and Ghana was assessed. Since this venom largely relies for its toxicity on the action of zinc-dependent metalloproteinases (SVMPs), the hypothesis was raised that toxicity could be largely eliminated by using SVMP inhibitors. Both hydroxamate molecules inhibited local and pulmonary hemorrhagic, in vitro coagulant, defibrinogenating, and proteinase activities of the venoms in conditions in which venom and inhibitors were incubated prior to the test. In addition, the inhibitors prolonged the time of death of mice receiving 4 LD

Topics: Animals; Cameroon; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ghana; Hemorrhage; Hydroxamic Acids; Lung; Metalloproteases; Mice; Peptidomimetics; Phenylalanine; Snake Bites; Thiophenes; Viper Venoms; Viperidae

Natural killer (NK) cells are potent immune effector cells capable of mediating antitumor responses. Thus, during immunoediting, tumor cell populations evolve strategies to escape NK-cell-mediated recognition. In this study, we report a novel mechanism of immune escape involving tumor cell shedding of B7-H6, a ligand for the activating receptor NKp30 that mediates NK-cell binding and NK-cell-mediated killing. Tumor cells from different cancer entities released B7-H6 by ectodomain shedding mediated by the cell surface proteases "a disintegrin and metalloproteases" (ADAM)-10 and ADAM-17, as demonstrated through the use of pharmacologic inhibitors or siRNA-mediated gene attenuation. Inhibiting this proteolytic shedding process increased the levels of B7-H6 expressed on the surface of tumor cells, enhancing NKp30-mediated activation of NK cells. Notably, we documented elevated levels of soluble B7-H6 levels in blood sera obtained from a subset of patients with malignant melanoma, compared with healthy control individuals, along with evidence of elevated B7-H6 expression in melanoma specimens in situ. Taken together, our results illustrated a novel mechanism of immune escape in which tumor cells impede NK-mediated recognition by metalloprotease-mediated shedding of B7-H6. One implication of our findings is that therapeutic inhibition of specific metalloproteases may help support NK-cell-based cancer therapy.

Topics: ADAM Proteins; ADAM10 Protein; ADAM17 Protein; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases; B7 Antigens; Cell Line, Tumor; Dipeptides; HCT116 Cells; HeLa Cells; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Killer Cells, Natural; Lymphocyte Activation; MCF-7 Cells; Melanoma; Membrane Proteins; Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 3; Phenylalanine; Protease Inhibitors; RNA Interference; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Small Interfering; Thiophenes; Tumor Escape; Up-Regulation

We demonstrate the accommodation of log-scale concentration gradients of inhibitors on a single microfluidic chip with a semidirect dilution capability of reagents for the determination of the half-inhibitory concentration or IC(50). The chip provides a unique tool for hosting a wide-range of concentration gradient for studies that require an equal distribution of measuring points on a logarithmic scale. Using Matrix metalloproteinase IX and three of its inhibitors, marimastat, batimastat, and CP471474, we evaluated the IC(50) of each inhibitor with a single experiment. The present work could be applied to the systematic study of biochemical binding and inhibition processes particularly in the field of mechanistic enzymology and the pharmaceutical industry.

Topics: Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Kinetics; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Microchip Analytical Procedures; Neoplasms; Phenylalanine; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Thiophenes

Release of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) from smooth muscle and foam cells following arterial injury facilitates cell migration, neointimal hyperplasia, and vessel wall remodeling. Inhibition of MMP activity using the hydroxamate, zinc-chelating mimicers of collagen, Batimastat and Marimastat, has shown efficacy in reducing constrictive vascular remodeling 6 weeks after experimental angioplasty but not intimal hyperplasia. Vitronectin receptor (alpha(v)beta(3)) blockade interferes with binding of this integrin to MMP-2 and proteolyzed collagen, thereby reducing cell invasion. This study tests the effect of MMP inhibition, with and without vitronectin receptor (alpha(v)beta(3)) blockade, on neointima formation and arterial remodeling in a long-term model (up to 212 months) of balloon injury in vivo. Male Sabra rats were treated with Batimastat (BB-94, British Biotech Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and/or the alpha(v)beta(3) receptor inhibiting RGD peptide, G-Pen-GRGDSPCA (GIBCO BRL, 0.1 micromol), administered as a perivascular gel to the common carotid artery after balloon injury. Animals were sacrificed 3, 14, 25, and 75 days (n=21, 23, 22, and 21) after injury. Animals treated with BB-94, peptide, or both had markedly increased absolute luminal area with markedly reduced luminal cross-sectional-area narrowing by neointima and intima-to-media area ratio at all time points except for 3 days after balloon injury versus non-treated, ballooned animals. Combined treatment was significantly more effective than either one alone. Constrictive remodeling, most marked 212 months after balloon injury, was prevented at this time point in all treated animals. The pattern of reduction in luminal narrowing, neointimal formation, and constrictive remodeling across treatment groups correlated very significantly with the reduction in tissue MMP activity as determined by zymography at 3 days. Confirmation of the efficacy of this strategy in larger animals should be the next step toward testing the applicability of this novel approach to the interventional setting.

Topics: Angioplasty, Balloon; Animals; Arteries; Cell Movement; Constriction, Pathologic; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hydroxamic Acids; Hyperplasia; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Oligopeptides; Phenylalanine; Rats; Receptors, Vitronectin; Thiophenes; Tunica Intima

Glioma invasion into the surrounding brain tissue is still a major obstacle for any therapeutical approach. As in other solid tumors, matrix-metalloproteases (MMPs) have been suggested as being involved. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of MMP inhibitors to target the protease-mediated invasion process could be a feasible approach. Two human cell lines (U251 and GaMG) and surgical specimens of 6 patients with malignant gliomas were grown as monolayers and spheroid cultures respectively. MMP- and u-PA-mRNA expression was investigated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Invasion was studied in Matrigel-coated Boyden chamber transwell assays for monolayers and in confrontation cultures of tumor spheroids with fetal rat brain aggregates in the presence of the synthetic MMP inhibitors batimastat (BB-94) and marimastat (BB-2516). Cytotoxicity/cytostatic effects of high concentrations of both compounds were assessed by growth curves, MTT assays and flow cytometry in human glioma cell lines. Batimastat and marimastat revealed a cytostatic effect at high concentrations (above 1 microM) without cytotoxicity. Both MMP inhibitors effectively reduced glioma invasion in Boyden-chamber assays at low concentrations of 0.3 microM. In confrontation cultures, concentrations of 10 microM and above were necessary to reduce invasion. This effect was observable with inter-individual heterogeneity in the patient's tumor material. MMP inhibitors effectively reduce glioma invasion, although high concentrations were required in 3-dimensional culture systems. At these concentrations, both compounds revealed a cytostatic, but no cytotoxic effect. Thus, high local concentrations of MMP inhibitors could offer a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of gliomas.

Topics: Animals; Brain; Cell Aggregation; Cell Division; Collagenases; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fetus; Gelatinases; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Glioma; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Matrix Metalloproteinase 3; Matrix Metalloproteinase 7; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Metalloendopeptidases; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neurons; Phenylalanine; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Thiophenes; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Azepines; Biphenyl Compounds; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Metalloendopeptidases; Organic Chemicals; Phenylalanine; Phenylbutyrates; Protease Inhibitors; Pyrazines; Sulfonamides; Thiophenes

The 4 kDa beta-amyloid peptide that forms the amyloid fibrils in the brain parenchyma of Alzheimer's disease patients is derived from the larger integral membrane protein, the amyloid precursor protein. In the nonamyloidogenic pathway, alpha-secretase cleaves the amyloid precursor protein within the beta-amyloid domain, releasing an extracellular portion and thereby preventing deposition of the intact amyloidogenic peptide. The release of the amyloid precursor protein from both SH-SY5Y and IMR-32 neuronal cells by alpha-secretase was blocked by batimastat and other related synthetic hydroxamic acid-based zinc metalloprotease inhibitors, but not by the structurally unrelated zinc metalloprotease inhibitors enalaprilat and phosphoramidon. Batimastat inhibited the release of the amyloid precursor protein from both cell lines with an I50 value of 3 microM. Removal of the thienothiomethyl substituent adjacent to the hydroxamic acid moiety or the substitution of the P2' substituent decreased the inhibitory potency of batimastat toward alpha-secretase. In the SH-SY5Y cells, both the basal and the carbachol-stimulated release of the amyloid precursor protein were blocked by batimastat. In contrast, neither the level of full-length amyloid precursor protein nor its cleavage by beta-secretase were inhibited by any of the zinc metalloprotease inhibitors examined. In transfected IMR-32 cells, the release of both the amyloid precursor protein and angiotensin converting enzyme was inhibited by batimastat, marimastat, and BB2116 with I50 values in the low micromolar range, while batimastat and BB2116 inhibited the release of both proteins from HUVECs. The profile of inhibition of alpha-secretase by batimastat and structurally related compounds is identical with that observed with the angiotensin converting enzyme secretase suggesting that the two are closely related zinc metalloproteases.

Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Animals; Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Endopeptidases; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Metalloendopeptidases; Microvilli; Neuroblastoma; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Phenylalanine; Swine; Tetrazolium Salts; Thiophenes; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Zinc

Topics: Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases; Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases; Cell Line; Cells, Cultured; Endopeptidases; Endothelium, Vascular; Humans; Hydroxamic Acids; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Phenylalanine; Protease Inhibitors; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Thiophenes; Umbilical Veins