A series of 1-(aminoalkyl)- and 1-[(4-aryl-1-piperazinyl)alkyl]oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2(1H)-one de... more A series of 1-(aminoalkyl)- and 1-[(4-aryl-1-piperazinyl)alkyl]oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives of oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2(1H)-one, incorporating modifications to the length of the alkyl side chain and to the amino or 4-aryl-1-piperazinyl substituents, were tested for safety and analgesic efficacy in mice and rats. Some compounds with 4-(substituted or nonsubstituted phenyl)-1-piperazinyl substituents and a 3-4-carbon alkyl side chain had significantly greater analgesic activity than that of the oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2(3H)-one analogs. To reduce the metabolic N-dealkylation of the piperazine observed in our previous work on oxazolo[4,5-b]-pyridin-2(3H)-ones, analogs of the most active compounds with steric hindrance on the alkyl side chain were prepared and tested. The compound with the maximal combination of safety and analgesic efficacy was 1-[[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]propyl]oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin- 2(1H)-one (compound 3b), with ED50 values of 5.6 mg/kg po (mouse, phenylquinone writhing test) and 0.5 mg/kg po (rat, acetic acid writhing test). Compound 3b is a potent, rapid-acting, non-opioid, nonantiinflammatory analgesic with low acute toxicity and sustained effect.
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2003
The sequence of human urotensin II (UII) has been recently established as H-Glu-Thr-Pro-Asp-Cys-P... more The sequence of human urotensin II (UII) has been recently established as H-Glu-Thr-Pro-Asp-Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys-Val-OH, and it has been reported that UII is the most potent mammalian vasoconstrictor peptide identified so far. A series of UII analogues was synthesized, and the contractile activity of each compound was studied in vitro using de-endothelialised rat aortic rings. Replacement of each amino acid by an L-alanine or by a D-isomer showed that the N- and C-terminal residues flanking the cyclic region of the amidated peptide were relatively tolerant to substitution. Conversely, replacement of any residue of the cyclic region significantly reduced the contractile activity of the molecule. The octapeptide UII(4-11) was 4 times more potent than UII, indicating that the C-terminal region of the molecule possesses full biological activity. Alanine or D-isomer substitutions in UII(4-11) or in UII(4-11)-NH2, respectively, showed a good correlation with the results obtained for UII-NH2. Disulfide bridge disruption or replacement of the cysteine residues by their D-enantiomers markedly reduced the vasoconstrictor effect of UII and its analogues. In contrast, acetylation of the N-terminal residue of UII and UII-NH2 enhanced the potency of the peptide. Finally, monoiodination of the Tyr6 residue in UII(4-11) increased by 5 fold the potency of the peptide in the aortic ring bioassay. This structure-activity relationship study should provide useful information for the rational design of selective and potent UII receptor agonists and antagonists.
(0.15 g, 38%): [~u]~D = +69O (C = 0.5, CHClJ; IR (film) 2910 and ... 46%): [~u]~D = +43O (22 &... more (0.15 g, 38%): [~u]~D = +69O (C = 0.5, CHClJ; IR (film) 2910 and ... 46%): [~u]~D = +43O (22 "C, c = 0.5, CHClJ; IR (film) 2912 and ... Acknowledgment. We thank D. Worth for performing the CLOG P calculations, N. Suman-Chauhan for performing the receptor binding ...
Naunyn-schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology, 2003
Melatonin has a key role in the circadian rhythm relay to periphery organs. Melatonin exerts its ... more Melatonin has a key role in the circadian rhythm relay to periphery organs. Melatonin exerts its multiple roles mainly through two seven transmembrane domain, G-coupled receptors, namely MT1 or MT2 receptors. A pharmacological characterization of these human cloned melatonin hMT1 and hMT2 receptors stably expressed in HEK-293 or CHO cells is presented using a 2-[125I]-iodo-melatonin binding assay and a [35S]-GTPγS functional assay. Both reference compounds and new chemically diverse ligands were evaluated. Binding affinities at each receptor were found to be comparable on either HEK-293 or CHO cell membranes. Novel non-selective or selective hMT1 and hMT2 ligands are described. The [35S]-GTPγS functional assay was used to define the functional activity of these compounds which included partial, full agonist and/or antagonist activity. None of the compounds acted as an inverse agonist. We report new types of selective antagonists, such as S 25567 and S 26131 for MT1 and S 24601 for MT2. These studies brought other new molecular tools such as the selective MT1 agonist, S 24268, as well as the non-selective antagonist, S 22153. Finally, we also discovered S 25150, the most potent melatonin receptor agonist, so far reported in the literature.
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Fibrates and thiazolidinediones are commonly used for the treatment of dyslipide... more AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Fibrates and thiazolidinediones are commonly used for the treatment of dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes, respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on body weight as well as on glucose and lipid homeostasis of ligands for PPARa and PPARg, Fenofibrate and Rosiglitazone, alone or in association. METHODS: Ob/ob mice were divided into four groups: control, and mice daily injected (intraperitoneally), either with 10 mg/kg Rosiglitazone, 100 mg/kg Fenofibrate or both molecules. Body weight and food intake were monitored daily. After 13 days of treatment, mice were killed, and blood samples were collected for posterior metabolite quantification. The liver and adipose tissues were dissected and weighed. RESULTS: Body weight was significantly reduced or increased by Fenofibrate and Rosiglitazone, respectively. The effect of Rosiglitazone was prevented by coadministration of Fenofibrate. This was accompanied by a normalization of the daily food efficiency. Compared to those treated with Rosiglitazone, animals treated with Fenofibrate alone or in combination presented a decreased white adipose tissue mass. Fenofibrate or Rosiglitazone alone significantly reduced the levels of plasma lipid parameters. Surprisingly, Fenofibrate also decreased blood glucose levels in ob/ob mice, despite having no effect on insulin levels. By contrast, both glucose and insulin levels were decreased by Rosiglitazone treatment. Coadministration of both drugs improved all parameters as with Rosiglitazone. Fenofibrate restored almost normal hepatocyte morphology and significantly reduced the triglyceride content of the liver. This was accompanied by an increase in fatty acid oxidation in the liver in all groups receiving Fenofibrate. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: These biological effects suggest that combined therapy with a PPARa and a PPARg ligand is more effective in ameliorating, specifically, lipid homeostasis than in activating any of this receptor separately. Furthermore, Fenofibrate prevents one of the most undesirable effects of Rosiglitazone, namely increased adiposity and body weight gain.
Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized in the pineal gland during the dark period in all species... more Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized in the pineal gland during the dark period in all species, including humans. The diversity and differences in melatonin receptor distribution in the brain and extracerebral organs suggest multiple functional roles for melatonin. Administration of melatonin agonists reduces neophobia and treatment with a melatonin antagonist during the dark period reverses the anxiolytic-like effect of endogenous melatonin. Chronic treatment with agonists prevents various perturbations induced by chronic mild stress. Melatonin in vivo directly constricts cerebral arterioles in rats and decreases the lower limit of cerebral blood flow autoregulation, suggesting that melatonin may diminish the risk of hypoperfusion-induced cerebral ischemia. At the extracerebral level, melatonin regulates intestinal motility in rats. The intestinal postprandial motor response is shorter in the dark phase than in the light phase and this reduction is reversed in animals pretreated with a melatonin antagonist. Moreover, melatonin reduces the duration of cholecystokinin excitomotor effect. Endogenous melatonin may modulate intestinal motility to coordinate intestinal functions such as digestion and transit and control the metabolism of the animal. An adipocyte melatonin binding site may also participate in this control. Melatonin is involved in a wide range of physiological functions. The question remains as to whether evolution, adaptation and diurnal life have modified the physiological role of melatonin in humans. Moreover, the functional role of each of the receptor subtypes has to be characterized to design selective ligands to treat specific diseases.
Seven 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydroacronycine and 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydro-6-demethoxyacronycine est... more Seven 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydroacronycine and 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydro-6-demethoxyacronycine esters and diesters were synthesized via osmic oxidation of acronycine or 6-demethoxyacronycine followed by acylation. The 6-demethoxyacronycine derivatives were found to be inactive, whereas in contrast, all of the acronycine derivatives were more potent than acronycine itself when tested against L1210 cells in vitro. Four selected acronycine derivatives (17,19, 21, and 22) were evaluated in vivo against murine P388 leukemia and colon 38 adenocarcinoma implanted in mice. All compounds were markedly active against P388 at doses 4-16-fold lower than acronycine itself. Against the colon 38 adenocarcinoma, the three compounds 17, 21, and 22 were highly efficient. 1,2-Diacetoxy-1,2-dihydroacronycine (17) was the most active, all the treated mice being tumor-free on day 23.
... Shui-Wang Ying a , Benjamin Rusak a , b , Corresponding Author Contact Information , Philippe... more ... Shui-Wang Ying a , Benjamin Rusak a , b , Corresponding Author Contact Information , Philippe Delagrange c , Elisabeth Mocaër c , Pierre Renard c and Béatrice Guardiola-Lemaître c. ... 602, 200. Rusak, B. and I. Zucker, 1979, Neural regulation of circadian rhythms, Physiol. ...
A series of piperazinopyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]- and -[2,3-e]pyrazine derivatives were prepared... more A series of piperazinopyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]- and -[2,3-e]pyrazine derivatives were prepared and evaluated in order to determine the necessary requirements for high affinity on the 5-HT3 receptors and high selectivity versus other 5-HT receptor subtypes. Various substitutions on the piperazine and the thiophene ring of the pyrrolothienopyrazine moieties were systematically explored as well as replacement of the piperazine by other cyclic amines. The best compounds are in the nanomolar range of affinity of 5-HT3 receptors with high to very high selectivity (up to 10,000 for 14b). These high-affinity compounds have in common a benzyl- or allylpiperazine substituent with no substitutions on the thiophene ring. Five of these compounds (1a, 4b, 13a,b, and 14b) have been evaluated on the Von Bezold-Jarisch reflex and were characterized as partial agonists. One of them, 13a, has shown in vivo at very low dose a potent anxiolytic-like activity in the light/dark test.
The cytotoxic and antitumor activities of cis-1, 2-diacyloxy-6-methoxy-3,3,14-trimethyl-1,2,3,-14... more The cytotoxic and antitumor activities of cis-1, 2-diacyloxy-6-methoxy-3,3,14-trimethyl-1,2,3,-14-tetrahydro-7H-benzo[b]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one derivatives 3, 6-9 were strongly correlated with their ability to give covalent adducts with purified, as well as genomic, DNA. Such adducts involve reaction between the exocyclic N-2 amino group of guanines exposed in the minor groove of double helical DNA and the leaving ester group at the benzylic position 1 of the drug. A transesterification process of the ester group from position 2 to position 1 in aqueous medium accounted for the intense activity of the cis-1-hydroxy-2-acyloxy-6-methoxy-3,3,14-trimethyl-1,2,3,14-tetrahydro-7H-benzo[b]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one derivatives 10-13. Compounds without acyloxy or hydroxy group at position 1, such as 15, 17, 18, and 22, were inert with respect to DNA and almost devoid of significant cytotoxic activity. Condensation of 5-amino-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene (26) with 3-bromo-2-naphthoic acid (27), followed by cyclization, gave access to 6-demethoxy analogues. Diacetate 32 and cyclic carbonate 33, both belonging to the latter series, were less reactive toward DNA and less cytotoxic than their 6-methoxy counterparts 3 and 34. DNA alkylation appears thus to play an important role in the antitumor properties of benzo[b]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one derivatives.
AbstractÐModi®cation of artemisinin structure led us to the discovery of a novel class of antitum... more AbstractÐModi®cation of artemisinin structure led us to the discovery of a novel class of antitumor compounds. These artemisinin derivatives containing cyano and aryl groups showed potent antiproliferative eect in vitro against P388 and A549 cells. This activity was re¯ected in P388 murine leukemia by an accumulation of cells in G1 phase, and induction of apoptosis. #
Piperazine derivatives have been identified as new antidiabetic compounds. Structure-activity rel... more Piperazine derivatives have been identified as new antidiabetic compounds. Structure-activity relationship studies in a series of 1-benzyl-4-alkyl-2-(4′,5′-dihydro-1′H-imidazol-2′-yl)piperazines resulted in the identification of 1-methyl-4-(2′,4′-dichlorobenzyl)-2-(4′,5′-dihydro-1′H-imidazol-2′-yl)piperazine, PMS 812 (S-21663), as a highly potent antidiabetic agent on a rat model of diabetes, mediated by an important increase of insulin secretion independently of R 2 adrenoceptor blockage. These studies were extended to find additional compounds in these series with improved properties. In such a way, substitution of both piperazine N atoms was first optimized by using various alkyl, branched or not, and benzyl groups. Second, some modifications of the imidazoline ring and its replacement by isosteric heterocycles were carried out, proceeding from PMS 812, to evaluate their influence on the antidiabetic activity. The importance of the distance between the imidazoline ring and the piperazine skeleton was studied third. Finally, the influence of the N-benzyl moiety was also analyzed compared to a direct N-phenyl substitution. The pharmacological evaluation was performed in vivo using glucose tolerance tests on a rat model of type II diabetes. The most active compounds were 1,4-diisopropyl-2-(4′,5′-dihydro-1′H-imidazol-2′-yl)piperazine (41a), PMS 847 (S-22068), and 1,4diisobutyl-2-(4′,5′-dihydro-1′H-imidazol-2′-yl)piperazine (41b), PMS 889 (S-22575), which strongly improved glucose tolerance without any side event or hypoglycemic effect. More particularly, PMS 847 proved to be as potent after po (100 µmol/kg) as after ip administration and appears as a good candidate for clinical investigations.
Recent data suggest that some imidazoline derivatives can lower plasma glucose in experimental an... more Recent data suggest that some imidazoline derivatives can lower plasma glucose in experimental animal models of diabetes. We studied the activity of an imidazoline S-22068, in rat model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) produced with a low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg kg−1, i.v.) in the adult.The respective increase over basal value in glucose (ΔG) and insulin (ΔI), and the rate of glucose disappearance (K), were measured during a 30 min intravenous glucose tolerance test. After an intraperitoneal injection of S-22068 (24 mg kg−1), ΔG (mM min −1) was decreased (91.67±5.83 vs 120.5±3.65; P<0.001), whereas K was increased (1.74±0.09 vs 1.18±0.05; P<0.001). Although insulinaemia was increased at time-point 0 of the test, ΔI was unchanged.During oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), S-22068 (24 mg kg−1, p.o.) improved glucose tolerance, and its efficiency was potentiated after chronic treatment (15 days). Basal glycaemia was unaffected by the treatment. Under the same conditions, a higher dose of S-22068 (40 mg kg−1) further improved glucose tolerance without causing hypoglycaemia.Binding experiments revealed that S-22068 displays no affinity for either adrenoceptors or the two imidazoline receptors I1 or I2.These results demonstrate that S-22068 improves glucose tolerance without causing hypoglycaemia. Thus S-22068 represents a new potential option in the treatment of NIDDM.Recent data suggest that some imidazoline derivatives can lower plasma glucose in experimental animal models of diabetes. We studied the activity of an imidazoline S-22068, in rat model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) produced with a low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg kg−1, i.v.) in the adult.The respective increase over basal value in glucose (ΔG) and insulin (ΔI), and the rate of glucose disappearance (K), were measured during a 30 min intravenous glucose tolerance test. After an intraperitoneal injection of S-22068 (24 mg kg−1), ΔG (mM min −1) was decreased (91.67±5.83 vs 120.5±3.65; P<0.001), whereas K was increased (1.74±0.09 vs 1.18±0.05; P<0.001). Although insulinaemia was increased at time-point 0 of the test, ΔI was unchanged.During oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), S-22068 (24 mg kg−1, p.o.) improved glucose tolerance, and its efficiency was potentiated after chronic treatment (15 days). Basal glycaemia was unaffected by the treatment. Under the same conditions, a higher dose of S-22068 (40 mg kg−1) further improved glucose tolerance without causing hypoglycaemia.Binding experiments revealed that S-22068 displays no affinity for either adrenoceptors or the two imidazoline receptors I1 or I2.These results demonstrate that S-22068 improves glucose tolerance without causing hypoglycaemia. Thus S-22068 represents a new potential option in the treatment of NIDDM.British Journal of Pharmacology (1998) 124, 1591–1596; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0701989
... and M13Rev primers. The hGPR14 cDNA was excised by EcoRV/BamHI digestion and ligated into pIR... more ... and M13Rev primers. The hGPR14 cDNA was excised by EcoRV/BamHI digestion and ligated into pIRES-neo2 plasmid at the same restriction sites. 2.5. Establishment of a cell line stably expressing hGPR14. CHO cells were ...
A series of 12alpha-deoxoartemisinyl cyanoarylmethyl dicarboxylates (4a-4o), dicarboxylic acids 1... more A series of 12alpha-deoxoartemisinyl cyanoarylmethyl dicarboxylates (4a-4o), dicarboxylic acids 12alpha-deoxoartemisinyl ester cyanoarylmethyl amide (5a-5k), and dicarboxylic acids 12alpha-deoxoartemisinyl ester N-methylcyanoarylmethyl amide (6a-6l), showing moderate cytotoxicity against P388 and L1210 cells were prepared. They induced the significant accumulation of L1210 and P388 cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. This mechanism of action was quite different from that of the majority of cytotoxic compounds used in the chemotherapy of cancer. Compound 4b possessed better cytotoxicity than the other compounds.
Disorders of the circadian system have been associated with adverse mental and physical condition... more Disorders of the circadian system have been associated with adverse mental and physical conditions, raising the possibility that pharmacological agents acting on the circadian system could have therapeutic benefit. Compounds acting as agonists or antagonists of melatonin, an endogenous hormone able to feed back on the circadian clock, are currently under development for possible use in modulating circadian rhytmicity. In the present study, we examined the ability of an oral dose of S 22153, a synthetic melatonin antagonist, to block the phase advancing effect of a melatonin injection at circadian time 10 in free running C3H mice. Our results show that S 22153 had no effect per se on the phase or the period of the locomotor activity rhythm but was able to block the phase advancing effect of melatonin, suggesting potent antagonist effects at melatonin receptors. Availability of a melatonin antagonist may yield new insight into the role of melatonin in physiological processes and such compounds may find widespread clinical applications. q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Melatonin is involved in the regulation of seasonal obesity in various species, including some ro... more Melatonin is involved in the regulation of seasonal obesity in various species, including some rodents. This involvement has been demonstrated in nonphotoperiodic rodents like rats, but only in models of enhanced body weight such as genetically obese or middle-aged rats. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of melatonin on body weight and metabolic parameters in a model closer to that observed in Western populations, i.e. Sprague Dawley rats fed a high-fat diet. They were treated for 3 wk with melatonin (30 mg/kg) 4 h after lights-on [Zeitgeber time (ZT) 4] or 1 h before lights-out (ZT11). Given at ZT11, melatonin decreased body weight gain and feed efficiency by half. Melatonin had no effect on plasma insulin level, but it decreased plasma glucose (13%), leptin (28%), and triglyceride (28%) levels. Furthermore, in pinealectomized high-fat diet rats, body weight gain and feed efficiency were increased 4 wk after surgery. Adipose tissue weight, insulinemia, and glycemia had a tendency to increase. Treatment with melatonin prevented in part these changes. These data demonstrate that melatonin may act as a regulator of body weight in a model of obesity and may prevent some of the side effects on glucose homeostasis such as decreased insulin sensitivity.
A series of 1-(aminoalkyl)- and 1-[(4-aryl-1-piperazinyl)alkyl]oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2(1H)-one de... more A series of 1-(aminoalkyl)- and 1-[(4-aryl-1-piperazinyl)alkyl]oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives of oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2(1H)-one, incorporating modifications to the length of the alkyl side chain and to the amino or 4-aryl-1-piperazinyl substituents, were tested for safety and analgesic efficacy in mice and rats. Some compounds with 4-(substituted or nonsubstituted phenyl)-1-piperazinyl substituents and a 3-4-carbon alkyl side chain had significantly greater analgesic activity than that of the oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2(3H)-one analogs. To reduce the metabolic N-dealkylation of the piperazine observed in our previous work on oxazolo[4,5-b]-pyridin-2(3H)-ones, analogs of the most active compounds with steric hindrance on the alkyl side chain were prepared and tested. The compound with the maximal combination of safety and analgesic efficacy was 1-[[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]propyl]oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin- 2(1H)-one (compound 3b), with ED50 values of 5.6 mg/kg po (mouse, phenylquinone writhing test) and 0.5 mg/kg po (rat, acetic acid writhing test). Compound 3b is a potent, rapid-acting, non-opioid, nonantiinflammatory analgesic with low acute toxicity and sustained effect.
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2003
The sequence of human urotensin II (UII) has been recently established as H-Glu-Thr-Pro-Asp-Cys-P... more The sequence of human urotensin II (UII) has been recently established as H-Glu-Thr-Pro-Asp-Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys-Val-OH, and it has been reported that UII is the most potent mammalian vasoconstrictor peptide identified so far. A series of UII analogues was synthesized, and the contractile activity of each compound was studied in vitro using de-endothelialised rat aortic rings. Replacement of each amino acid by an L-alanine or by a D-isomer showed that the N- and C-terminal residues flanking the cyclic region of the amidated peptide were relatively tolerant to substitution. Conversely, replacement of any residue of the cyclic region significantly reduced the contractile activity of the molecule. The octapeptide UII(4-11) was 4 times more potent than UII, indicating that the C-terminal region of the molecule possesses full biological activity. Alanine or D-isomer substitutions in UII(4-11) or in UII(4-11)-NH2, respectively, showed a good correlation with the results obtained for UII-NH2. Disulfide bridge disruption or replacement of the cysteine residues by their D-enantiomers markedly reduced the vasoconstrictor effect of UII and its analogues. In contrast, acetylation of the N-terminal residue of UII and UII-NH2 enhanced the potency of the peptide. Finally, monoiodination of the Tyr6 residue in UII(4-11) increased by 5 fold the potency of the peptide in the aortic ring bioassay. This structure-activity relationship study should provide useful information for the rational design of selective and potent UII receptor agonists and antagonists.
(0.15 g, 38%): [~u]~D = +69O (C = 0.5, CHClJ; IR (film) 2910 and ... 46%): [~u]~D = +43O (22 &... more (0.15 g, 38%): [~u]~D = +69O (C = 0.5, CHClJ; IR (film) 2910 and ... 46%): [~u]~D = +43O (22 &amp;quot;C, c = 0.5, CHClJ; IR (film) 2912 and ... Acknowledgment. We thank D. Worth for performing the CLOG P calculations, N. Suman-Chauhan for performing the receptor binding ...
Naunyn-schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology, 2003
Melatonin has a key role in the circadian rhythm relay to periphery organs. Melatonin exerts its ... more Melatonin has a key role in the circadian rhythm relay to periphery organs. Melatonin exerts its multiple roles mainly through two seven transmembrane domain, G-coupled receptors, namely MT1 or MT2 receptors. A pharmacological characterization of these human cloned melatonin hMT1 and hMT2 receptors stably expressed in HEK-293 or CHO cells is presented using a 2-[125I]-iodo-melatonin binding assay and a [35S]-GTPγS functional assay. Both reference compounds and new chemically diverse ligands were evaluated. Binding affinities at each receptor were found to be comparable on either HEK-293 or CHO cell membranes. Novel non-selective or selective hMT1 and hMT2 ligands are described. The [35S]-GTPγS functional assay was used to define the functional activity of these compounds which included partial, full agonist and/or antagonist activity. None of the compounds acted as an inverse agonist. We report new types of selective antagonists, such as S 25567 and S 26131 for MT1 and S 24601 for MT2. These studies brought other new molecular tools such as the selective MT1 agonist, S 24268, as well as the non-selective antagonist, S 22153. Finally, we also discovered S 25150, the most potent melatonin receptor agonist, so far reported in the literature.
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Fibrates and thiazolidinediones are commonly used for the treatment of dyslipide... more AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Fibrates and thiazolidinediones are commonly used for the treatment of dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes, respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on body weight as well as on glucose and lipid homeostasis of ligands for PPARa and PPARg, Fenofibrate and Rosiglitazone, alone or in association. METHODS: Ob/ob mice were divided into four groups: control, and mice daily injected (intraperitoneally), either with 10 mg/kg Rosiglitazone, 100 mg/kg Fenofibrate or both molecules. Body weight and food intake were monitored daily. After 13 days of treatment, mice were killed, and blood samples were collected for posterior metabolite quantification. The liver and adipose tissues were dissected and weighed. RESULTS: Body weight was significantly reduced or increased by Fenofibrate and Rosiglitazone, respectively. The effect of Rosiglitazone was prevented by coadministration of Fenofibrate. This was accompanied by a normalization of the daily food efficiency. Compared to those treated with Rosiglitazone, animals treated with Fenofibrate alone or in combination presented a decreased white adipose tissue mass. Fenofibrate or Rosiglitazone alone significantly reduced the levels of plasma lipid parameters. Surprisingly, Fenofibrate also decreased blood glucose levels in ob/ob mice, despite having no effect on insulin levels. By contrast, both glucose and insulin levels were decreased by Rosiglitazone treatment. Coadministration of both drugs improved all parameters as with Rosiglitazone. Fenofibrate restored almost normal hepatocyte morphology and significantly reduced the triglyceride content of the liver. This was accompanied by an increase in fatty acid oxidation in the liver in all groups receiving Fenofibrate. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: These biological effects suggest that combined therapy with a PPARa and a PPARg ligand is more effective in ameliorating, specifically, lipid homeostasis than in activating any of this receptor separately. Furthermore, Fenofibrate prevents one of the most undesirable effects of Rosiglitazone, namely increased adiposity and body weight gain.
Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized in the pineal gland during the dark period in all species... more Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized in the pineal gland during the dark period in all species, including humans. The diversity and differences in melatonin receptor distribution in the brain and extracerebral organs suggest multiple functional roles for melatonin. Administration of melatonin agonists reduces neophobia and treatment with a melatonin antagonist during the dark period reverses the anxiolytic-like effect of endogenous melatonin. Chronic treatment with agonists prevents various perturbations induced by chronic mild stress. Melatonin in vivo directly constricts cerebral arterioles in rats and decreases the lower limit of cerebral blood flow autoregulation, suggesting that melatonin may diminish the risk of hypoperfusion-induced cerebral ischemia. At the extracerebral level, melatonin regulates intestinal motility in rats. The intestinal postprandial motor response is shorter in the dark phase than in the light phase and this reduction is reversed in animals pretreated with a melatonin antagonist. Moreover, melatonin reduces the duration of cholecystokinin excitomotor effect. Endogenous melatonin may modulate intestinal motility to coordinate intestinal functions such as digestion and transit and control the metabolism of the animal. An adipocyte melatonin binding site may also participate in this control. Melatonin is involved in a wide range of physiological functions. The question remains as to whether evolution, adaptation and diurnal life have modified the physiological role of melatonin in humans. Moreover, the functional role of each of the receptor subtypes has to be characterized to design selective ligands to treat specific diseases.
Seven 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydroacronycine and 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydro-6-demethoxyacronycine est... more Seven 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydroacronycine and 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydro-6-demethoxyacronycine esters and diesters were synthesized via osmic oxidation of acronycine or 6-demethoxyacronycine followed by acylation. The 6-demethoxyacronycine derivatives were found to be inactive, whereas in contrast, all of the acronycine derivatives were more potent than acronycine itself when tested against L1210 cells in vitro. Four selected acronycine derivatives (17,19, 21, and 22) were evaluated in vivo against murine P388 leukemia and colon 38 adenocarcinoma implanted in mice. All compounds were markedly active against P388 at doses 4-16-fold lower than acronycine itself. Against the colon 38 adenocarcinoma, the three compounds 17, 21, and 22 were highly efficient. 1,2-Diacetoxy-1,2-dihydroacronycine (17) was the most active, all the treated mice being tumor-free on day 23.
... Shui-Wang Ying a , Benjamin Rusak a , b , Corresponding Author Contact Information , Philippe... more ... Shui-Wang Ying a , Benjamin Rusak a , b , Corresponding Author Contact Information , Philippe Delagrange c , Elisabeth Mocaër c , Pierre Renard c and Béatrice Guardiola-Lemaître c. ... 602, 200. Rusak, B. and I. Zucker, 1979, Neural regulation of circadian rhythms, Physiol. ...
A series of piperazinopyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]- and -[2,3-e]pyrazine derivatives were prepared... more A series of piperazinopyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]- and -[2,3-e]pyrazine derivatives were prepared and evaluated in order to determine the necessary requirements for high affinity on the 5-HT3 receptors and high selectivity versus other 5-HT receptor subtypes. Various substitutions on the piperazine and the thiophene ring of the pyrrolothienopyrazine moieties were systematically explored as well as replacement of the piperazine by other cyclic amines. The best compounds are in the nanomolar range of affinity of 5-HT3 receptors with high to very high selectivity (up to 10,000 for 14b). These high-affinity compounds have in common a benzyl- or allylpiperazine substituent with no substitutions on the thiophene ring. Five of these compounds (1a, 4b, 13a,b, and 14b) have been evaluated on the Von Bezold-Jarisch reflex and were characterized as partial agonists. One of them, 13a, has shown in vivo at very low dose a potent anxiolytic-like activity in the light/dark test.
The cytotoxic and antitumor activities of cis-1, 2-diacyloxy-6-methoxy-3,3,14-trimethyl-1,2,3,-14... more The cytotoxic and antitumor activities of cis-1, 2-diacyloxy-6-methoxy-3,3,14-trimethyl-1,2,3,-14-tetrahydro-7H-benzo[b]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one derivatives 3, 6-9 were strongly correlated with their ability to give covalent adducts with purified, as well as genomic, DNA. Such adducts involve reaction between the exocyclic N-2 amino group of guanines exposed in the minor groove of double helical DNA and the leaving ester group at the benzylic position 1 of the drug. A transesterification process of the ester group from position 2 to position 1 in aqueous medium accounted for the intense activity of the cis-1-hydroxy-2-acyloxy-6-methoxy-3,3,14-trimethyl-1,2,3,14-tetrahydro-7H-benzo[b]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one derivatives 10-13. Compounds without acyloxy or hydroxy group at position 1, such as 15, 17, 18, and 22, were inert with respect to DNA and almost devoid of significant cytotoxic activity. Condensation of 5-amino-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene (26) with 3-bromo-2-naphthoic acid (27), followed by cyclization, gave access to 6-demethoxy analogues. Diacetate 32 and cyclic carbonate 33, both belonging to the latter series, were less reactive toward DNA and less cytotoxic than their 6-methoxy counterparts 3 and 34. DNA alkylation appears thus to play an important role in the antitumor properties of benzo[b]pyrano[3,2-h]acridin-7-one derivatives.
AbstractÐModi®cation of artemisinin structure led us to the discovery of a novel class of antitum... more AbstractÐModi®cation of artemisinin structure led us to the discovery of a novel class of antitumor compounds. These artemisinin derivatives containing cyano and aryl groups showed potent antiproliferative eect in vitro against P388 and A549 cells. This activity was re¯ected in P388 murine leukemia by an accumulation of cells in G1 phase, and induction of apoptosis. #
Piperazine derivatives have been identified as new antidiabetic compounds. Structure-activity rel... more Piperazine derivatives have been identified as new antidiabetic compounds. Structure-activity relationship studies in a series of 1-benzyl-4-alkyl-2-(4′,5′-dihydro-1′H-imidazol-2′-yl)piperazines resulted in the identification of 1-methyl-4-(2′,4′-dichlorobenzyl)-2-(4′,5′-dihydro-1′H-imidazol-2′-yl)piperazine, PMS 812 (S-21663), as a highly potent antidiabetic agent on a rat model of diabetes, mediated by an important increase of insulin secretion independently of R 2 adrenoceptor blockage. These studies were extended to find additional compounds in these series with improved properties. In such a way, substitution of both piperazine N atoms was first optimized by using various alkyl, branched or not, and benzyl groups. Second, some modifications of the imidazoline ring and its replacement by isosteric heterocycles were carried out, proceeding from PMS 812, to evaluate their influence on the antidiabetic activity. The importance of the distance between the imidazoline ring and the piperazine skeleton was studied third. Finally, the influence of the N-benzyl moiety was also analyzed compared to a direct N-phenyl substitution. The pharmacological evaluation was performed in vivo using glucose tolerance tests on a rat model of type II diabetes. The most active compounds were 1,4-diisopropyl-2-(4′,5′-dihydro-1′H-imidazol-2′-yl)piperazine (41a), PMS 847 (S-22068), and 1,4diisobutyl-2-(4′,5′-dihydro-1′H-imidazol-2′-yl)piperazine (41b), PMS 889 (S-22575), which strongly improved glucose tolerance without any side event or hypoglycemic effect. More particularly, PMS 847 proved to be as potent after po (100 µmol/kg) as after ip administration and appears as a good candidate for clinical investigations.
Recent data suggest that some imidazoline derivatives can lower plasma glucose in experimental an... more Recent data suggest that some imidazoline derivatives can lower plasma glucose in experimental animal models of diabetes. We studied the activity of an imidazoline S-22068, in rat model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) produced with a low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg kg−1, i.v.) in the adult.The respective increase over basal value in glucose (ΔG) and insulin (ΔI), and the rate of glucose disappearance (K), were measured during a 30 min intravenous glucose tolerance test. After an intraperitoneal injection of S-22068 (24 mg kg−1), ΔG (mM min −1) was decreased (91.67±5.83 vs 120.5±3.65; P<0.001), whereas K was increased (1.74±0.09 vs 1.18±0.05; P<0.001). Although insulinaemia was increased at time-point 0 of the test, ΔI was unchanged.During oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), S-22068 (24 mg kg−1, p.o.) improved glucose tolerance, and its efficiency was potentiated after chronic treatment (15 days). Basal glycaemia was unaffected by the treatment. Under the same conditions, a higher dose of S-22068 (40 mg kg−1) further improved glucose tolerance without causing hypoglycaemia.Binding experiments revealed that S-22068 displays no affinity for either adrenoceptors or the two imidazoline receptors I1 or I2.These results demonstrate that S-22068 improves glucose tolerance without causing hypoglycaemia. Thus S-22068 represents a new potential option in the treatment of NIDDM.Recent data suggest that some imidazoline derivatives can lower plasma glucose in experimental animal models of diabetes. We studied the activity of an imidazoline S-22068, in rat model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) produced with a low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg kg−1, i.v.) in the adult.The respective increase over basal value in glucose (ΔG) and insulin (ΔI), and the rate of glucose disappearance (K), were measured during a 30 min intravenous glucose tolerance test. After an intraperitoneal injection of S-22068 (24 mg kg−1), ΔG (mM min −1) was decreased (91.67±5.83 vs 120.5±3.65; P<0.001), whereas K was increased (1.74±0.09 vs 1.18±0.05; P<0.001). Although insulinaemia was increased at time-point 0 of the test, ΔI was unchanged.During oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), S-22068 (24 mg kg−1, p.o.) improved glucose tolerance, and its efficiency was potentiated after chronic treatment (15 days). Basal glycaemia was unaffected by the treatment. Under the same conditions, a higher dose of S-22068 (40 mg kg−1) further improved glucose tolerance without causing hypoglycaemia.Binding experiments revealed that S-22068 displays no affinity for either adrenoceptors or the two imidazoline receptors I1 or I2.These results demonstrate that S-22068 improves glucose tolerance without causing hypoglycaemia. Thus S-22068 represents a new potential option in the treatment of NIDDM.British Journal of Pharmacology (1998) 124, 1591–1596; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0701989
... and M13Rev primers. The hGPR14 cDNA was excised by EcoRV/BamHI digestion and ligated into pIR... more ... and M13Rev primers. The hGPR14 cDNA was excised by EcoRV/BamHI digestion and ligated into pIRES-neo2 plasmid at the same restriction sites. 2.5. Establishment of a cell line stably expressing hGPR14. CHO cells were ...
A series of 12alpha-deoxoartemisinyl cyanoarylmethyl dicarboxylates (4a-4o), dicarboxylic acids 1... more A series of 12alpha-deoxoartemisinyl cyanoarylmethyl dicarboxylates (4a-4o), dicarboxylic acids 12alpha-deoxoartemisinyl ester cyanoarylmethyl amide (5a-5k), and dicarboxylic acids 12alpha-deoxoartemisinyl ester N-methylcyanoarylmethyl amide (6a-6l), showing moderate cytotoxicity against P388 and L1210 cells were prepared. They induced the significant accumulation of L1210 and P388 cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. This mechanism of action was quite different from that of the majority of cytotoxic compounds used in the chemotherapy of cancer. Compound 4b possessed better cytotoxicity than the other compounds.
Disorders of the circadian system have been associated with adverse mental and physical condition... more Disorders of the circadian system have been associated with adverse mental and physical conditions, raising the possibility that pharmacological agents acting on the circadian system could have therapeutic benefit. Compounds acting as agonists or antagonists of melatonin, an endogenous hormone able to feed back on the circadian clock, are currently under development for possible use in modulating circadian rhytmicity. In the present study, we examined the ability of an oral dose of S 22153, a synthetic melatonin antagonist, to block the phase advancing effect of a melatonin injection at circadian time 10 in free running C3H mice. Our results show that S 22153 had no effect per se on the phase or the period of the locomotor activity rhythm but was able to block the phase advancing effect of melatonin, suggesting potent antagonist effects at melatonin receptors. Availability of a melatonin antagonist may yield new insight into the role of melatonin in physiological processes and such compounds may find widespread clinical applications. q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Melatonin is involved in the regulation of seasonal obesity in various species, including some ro... more Melatonin is involved in the regulation of seasonal obesity in various species, including some rodents. This involvement has been demonstrated in nonphotoperiodic rodents like rats, but only in models of enhanced body weight such as genetically obese or middle-aged rats. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of melatonin on body weight and metabolic parameters in a model closer to that observed in Western populations, i.e. Sprague Dawley rats fed a high-fat diet. They were treated for 3 wk with melatonin (30 mg/kg) 4 h after lights-on [Zeitgeber time (ZT) 4] or 1 h before lights-out (ZT11). Given at ZT11, melatonin decreased body weight gain and feed efficiency by half. Melatonin had no effect on plasma insulin level, but it decreased plasma glucose (13%), leptin (28%), and triglyceride (28%) levels. Furthermore, in pinealectomized high-fat diet rats, body weight gain and feed efficiency were increased 4 wk after surgery. Adipose tissue weight, insulinemia, and glycemia had a tendency to increase. Treatment with melatonin prevented in part these changes. These data demonstrate that melatonin may act as a regulator of body weight in a model of obesity and may prevent some of the side effects on glucose homeostasis such as decreased insulin sensitivity.
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Papers by Pierre Renard