Quatro décadas de pesquisas mostraram que muitos mecanismos inflamatórios estão intrinsecamente ligados ao desenvolvimento e manutenção do câncer, e ainda, que as citocinas inflamatórias exercem papel primordial nessa relação. Os anti-inflamatórios não esteroides (AINEs) podem reduzir o desenvolvimento neoplásico por afetar a produção de citocinas inflamatórias pelas células neoplásicas. No entanto, até o momento não foi bem definido se o tratamento com AINEs é capaz de modular a expressão de citocinas inflamatórias por células do carcinoma epidermoide oral (CEO). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a expressão de citocinas inflamatórias em linhagens celulares de CEO após tratamento com ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS) e celecoxibe (CLX). Foi realizado screening da expressão de 84 citocinas e quimiocinas, através de PCR array, das linhagens SCC4, 9 e 25 tratadas com doses de AAS e CLX próximas às concentrações plasmáticas dos fármacos em humanos. Os resultados mostraram que AAS e CLX modularam a expressão de citocinas e que as linhagens responderam de maneira diferente aos tratamentos. Observou-se aumento de expressão de citocinas pró-inflamatórias como a IL-1?, IL-8 e TNF na SCC9 e 25, assim como diminuição de expressão de ACKR4 e CXCL10 na SCC4 e 9. / Four decades of research have shown that many inflammatory mechanisms are intrinsically linked to the development and maintenance of cancer and that inflammatory cytokines play pivotal role in this association. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce neoplastic growth on affecting the production of inflammatory cytokines by the neoplastic cells. So far, it is not well established if the treatment with NSAIDs can modulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines by OSCC cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of inflammatory cytokines by OSCC cell lines after treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and celecoxib (CLX). Eighty-four cytokines and chemokines mRNA expression were screened by PCR array on SCC4, 9 and 25 cell lines treated with ASA and CLX at plasma concentrations in humans. The results showed that ASA and CLX modulate the expression of cytokines with all cell lines responding differently to the treatments. Increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1?, IL-8 and TNF in SCC9 and 25, and reduced expression of ACKR4 and CXCL10 in SCC4 and 9, was observed. Thus it follows that the treatments of lines SCC4, SCC9 and SCC25 with ASA and CLX at the next plasma concentrations in humans are able to modulate the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines.

A lesão por balão cateterismo é um procedimento comumente utilizado para o estudo dos mecanismos de restenose. O estresse mecânico produzido pela passagem do balão promove alterações tanto na artéria lesada quanto na artéria contra-lateral. Observou-se um aumento da densidade de neurônios que contêm neuropeptídeos como a Substância P (SP) e o Peptídeo Relacionado com o Gene da Calcitonina (CGRP) na artéria contra-lateral à lesão, o que evidencia a ocorrência de um processo neurocompensatório. Observou-se ainda um aumento da reatividade desta artéria à fenilefrina (Phe) e à angiotensina II (Ang II) após 4 e 15 dias da lesão, respectivamente. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar as conseqüências dos tratamentos com celecoxibe (inibidor seletivo da enzima COX-2), -tocoferol (Vitamina E, antioxidante natural) e losartan (antagonista dos receptores AT1), sobre a reatividade à Phe, Cloreto de Potássio (KCl), Acetilcolina (ACh), Ang II de artérias ipsilaterais e contra-laterais em relação a artérias controles. Em animais tratados com celecoxibe (10 mg/Kg - 2 vezes ao dia) ou -tocoferol (400 mg/Kg/dia) por 7 dias. Os resultados mostram que os dois tratamentos normalizam os valores de efeito máximo (Emax) da Phe nas artérias contra-laterais com endotélio aos níveis de artérias controle. Em animais tratados com celecoxibe, a artéria ipsilateral não respondeu à Phe, enquanto no tratamento com -tocoferol mostrou valores de Emax reduzidos em relação a animais controle. Os valores de Emax da ACh em artérias de animais controle e tratados com celecoxibe ou -tocoferol, são idênticos. Entretanto, ambos os tratamentos promoveram redução na potência da ACh em artérias controle quando comparadas com as de animais não tratados. A potência da ACh na artéria contra-lateral foi semelhante ao controle em todos os tratamentos. O Emax da Ang II estava aumentado na artéria contra-lateral à lesão. O tratamento com losartan (15 mg/Kg/dia) por 18 dias promoveu redução neste parâmetro na artéria contra-lateral aos níveis do controle. A potência da Ang II em artérias contra-laterais de animais tratados com losartan é igual ao da artéria de animais controle. Nos animais controles tratados com losartan a potência desse peptídeo foi menor do que controle e contra-lateral sem tratamento e contra-lateral tratada. Na artéria contra-lateral o Emax do KCL estava diminuído em relação ao controle e o tratamento com losartan não modificou este parâmetro. O Emax da ACh em artérias controle e contra-laterais não foi alterado pelo tratamento com losartan, entretanto houve aumento da potência deste agonista em artérias controles e contra-laterais em relação a artérias de animais controles. Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo indicam que a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio, prostanóides vasocontritores e Ang II levam a alterações na reatividade aos agonistas estudados na artéria contra-lateral à lesão por cateter balão. / The injury by balloon catheter is a procedure commonly used to study the mechanisms of restenosis. The mechanical stress produced by the passage of the balloon promotes changes both in the injured artery in the contralateral artery. There was an increased density of neurons containing neuropeptides such as substance P (SP) and the Gene Related Peptide of Calcitonin (CGRP) in the contralateral artery to the lesion, which shows the occurrence of a process neurocompensatory. There was also an increase in the artery reactivity to phenylephrine (Phe) and angiotensin II (Ang II) after 4 and 15 days of injury, respectively. There was also an increase in the artery reactivity to Phe and Ang II after 4 and 15 days of injury, respectively. The objective of this work was to study the consequences of treatment with celecoxib (selective inhibitor of COX-2), -tocopherol (vitamin E, natural antioxidant) and losartan (AT1 receptor antagonist) on the reactivity to Phe, chloride Potassium (KCl), acetylcholine (ACh), Ang II in arteries ipsilateral and contralateral side for control arteries. In animals treated with celecoxib (10 mg / kg - 2 times daily) or -tocopherol (400 mg / kg / day) for 7 days. The results show that both treatments normalize the values of maximum effect (Emax) of Phe in the contralateral arteries with endothelium to the levels of control arteries. In animals treated with celecoxib, the ipsilateral artery did not respond to Phe, whereas the treatment with -tocopherol showed reduced values of Emax for the control animals. The values of Emax of ACh in arteries from control animals and treated with celecoxib or -tocopherol, are identical. However, both treatments promoted reduction in the potency of ACh in control arteries when compared with untreated animals. The potency of ACh in the contralateral artery was similar to control in all treatments. The Emax of Ang II was increased in the contra-lateral artery to the lesion. Treatment with losartan (15 mg / kg / day) for 18 days promoted reduction in this parameter in the contra-lateral artery levels of control. The potency of Ang II in contralateral arteries of animals treated with losartan is equal to the artery of control animals. In control animals treated with losartan the potency of this peptide was lower than control and contra-lateral untreated and control-treated side. Contralateral artery in the Emax of KCL was decreased in the control and treatment with losartan did not modify this parameter. The Emax of ACh in control arteries and contralateral side was not changed by treatment with losartan, however increased the power of this agonist in control arteries and contralateral side on arteries of control animals. The results of this study indicate that the production of reactive oxygen species and vasoconstrictors prostanoids Ang II lead to changes in reactivity to agonists studied in the contra-lateral to the artery by balloon catheter injury.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / IntroduÃÃo: O cloridrato de irinotecano (CPT-11) à um inibidor da topoisomerase I, clinicamente efetivo no tratamento de vÃrios tipos de cÃncer. Apesar da mucosite intestinal (MI) acompanhada de severa diarrÃia ser o efeito colateral mais limitante do uso terapÃutico do CPT-11, os exatos mecanismos que levam a estes efeitos nÃo sÃo estabelecidos. Objetivo: avaliar o envolvimento de mediadores inflamatÃrios (citocinas, Ãxido nÃtrico â NO e prostaglandinas â PGs) na patogÃnese dos eventos que acompanham a MI induzida pelo CPT-11; e estudar o efeito de inibidores da sÃntese e liberaÃÃo de citocinas, como pentoxifilina (PTX) e talidomida (TLD), e de um inibidor seletivo da ciclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), o celecoxibe (CLX), na lesÃo intestinal induzida pelo CPT-11. Material e MÃtodos: camundongos Swiss, machos, foram tratados durante quatro dias consecutivos com CPT-11 (50, 75 e 100 mg/kg, i.p.) ou veÃculo (0,5 mL, i.p.), a fim de se obter a melhor dose capaz de induzir injÃrias consistentes com o mÃnimo de letalidade. Os animais foram tratados com PTX (1,7, 5 e 15 mg/kg, s.c.), TLD (15, 30, 60 mg/kg, s.c), CLX (3, 10, 30 mg/kg, gavagem) ou veÃculo (0,5 mL, s.c. ou gavagem), um dia antes da primeira administraÃÃo do CPT-11 (75 mg/kg), e diariamente, atà o sacrifÃcio, no quinto ou sÃtimo dia. Os seguintes parÃmetros foram avaliados: diarrÃia, variaÃÃo de massa corpÃrea, leucograma, sobrevida, anÃlise histopatolÃgica, atividade de mieloperoxidase (MPO), dosagem de citocinas (TNF-α, IL-1β e KC) por ELISA e imunohistoquÃmica para TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS e COX-2 nas mucosas duodenais. Resultados: CPT-11 induziu diarrÃia significante, acompanhada de perda acentuada de massa corpÃrea, leucopenia e reduÃÃo da sobrevida. As alteraÃÃes histopatolÃgicas intestinais induzidas pelo CPT-11 caracterizaram-se pela presenÃa de infiltrado inflamatÃrio nas cÃlulas da lÃmina prÃpria, perda da arquitetura das criptas e achatamento dos vilos. Observou-se ainda, aumento intestinal na atividade de MPO e dos nÃveis de TNF-α, IL-1β e KC, alÃm do aumento significativo na marcaÃÃo imunohistoquÃmica para TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS e COX-2. O tratamento com PTX inibiu a diarrÃia tardia, reduziu as alteraÃÃes histopatolÃgicas, a atividade de MPO, e os nÃveis de TNF-α, IL-1β e KC, assim como a marcaÃÃo imunohistoquÃmica para TNF-α, IL-1β e iNOS na mucosa duodenal, entretanto, nÃo preveniu significativamente a perda de massa corpÃrea, a leucopenia e tampouco a mortalidade dos animais. O tratamento com TLD reduziu as lesÃes histopatolÃgicas induzidas pelo CPT-11 na mucosa intestinal, os nÃveis intestinais de MPO e TNF-α, bem como a marcaÃÃo imunohistoquÃmica de TNF-α, mas nÃo foi capaz de prevenir a diarrÃia, a perda de massa corpÃrea, a leucopenia e a sobrevida. O tratamento com CLX nÃo foi capaz de reduzir os parÃmetros inflamatÃrios e sistÃmicos observados nos animais tratados com CPT-11. ConclusÃo: Estes resultados sugerem o envolvimento de TNF-α, IL-1β, KC, NO e PGs na patogÃnese da MI induzida pelo CPT-11. PTX e TLD preveniram significativamente as alteraÃÃes histolÃgicas e inflamatÃrias induzidas pelo CPT-11, entretanto, somente PTX foi capaz de inibir o curso da diarrÃia / Introduction: Irinotecan (CPT-11) is an inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase I and clinically effective against several cancers. A major toxic effect of CPT-11 is delayed diarrhea; however, the exact mechanism by which the drug induces diarrhea has not been established. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to elucidate the involvement of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and KC), nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs) in the pathogenesis of CPT-11-induced mucositis and the effects of the cytokine production inhibitors, pentoxifylline (PTX) and thalidomide (TLD), as well as the effects of the selective cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitor, celecoxib (CLX), in the CPT-11 induced intestinal mucositis, in mice. Materials and methods: the animals were treated with CPT-11 (50, 75 or 100 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle (0,5 ml, i.p.) daily for four days, in order to investigate the best dose able to induce intestinal mucositis without important mortality. In another set of experiments, the animals received PTX (1.7, 5, 15 mg/kg, s.c.), TLD (15, 30, 60 mg/kg, s.c.), CLX (3, 10, 30 mg/kg, oral gavage) or vehicle (0,5 ml, s.c. or oral gavage) one day before the 1st administration of CPT-11 (75 mg/kg; i.p.) and daily until the sacrifice, on the 5th or 7th day. The systemic parameters evaluated were: diarrhea, body mass variation, survival curve and leucogram. In addition, it was also performed histological analysis, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assay, duodenum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and KC by ELISA and immunohistochemistry for TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2 in the duodenal segments. Results: CPT-11 induced an important diarrhea, weight loss, leucopenia and mortality increase. It was also observed histopathological changes, such as shortened villi, loss of the crypt architecture and inflammatory cells infiltration, observed in the lamina propria, as well as, an increase in MPO activity, TNF-α, IL-1β and KC tissue levels and a marked immuno-staining for TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2. The treatment with PTX inhibited the delayed diarrhea and reduced the following parameters: histopathological alterations, MPO activity, tissue levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and KC, and the immuno-staining for TNF-α, IL-1β and iNOS, however, did not prevent leucopenia, weight loss and mortality. TLD significantly reduced all the inflammatory parameters evaluated, but was not able to prevent diarrhea, leucopenia, weight loss and mortality. On the other hand, CLX did not inhibit the inflammatory nor the systemic alterations induced by CPT-11. Conclusion: These results suggest an important role of TNF-α, IL-1β, KC, NO and PGs in the pathogenesis of intestinal mucositis induced by CPT-11. PTX and TLD showed a protector effect in intestinal structures, however, only PTX reduced the severity of CPT-11-induced diarrhea

A lesão por balão cateterismo é um procedimento comumente utilizado para o estudo dos mecanismos de restenose. O estresse mecânico produzido pela passagem do balão promove alterações tanto na artéria lesada quanto na artéria contra-lateral. Observou-se um aumento da densidade de neurônios que contêm neuropeptídeos como a Substância P (SP) e o Peptídeo Relacionado com o Gene da Calcitonina (CGRP) na artéria contra-lateral à lesão, o que evidencia a ocorrência de um processo neurocompensatório. Observou-se ainda um aumento da reatividade desta artéria à fenilefrina (Phe) e à angiotensina II (Ang II) após 4 e 15 dias da lesão, respectivamente. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar as conseqüências dos tratamentos com celecoxibe (inibidor seletivo da enzima COX-2), -tocoferol (Vitamina E, antioxidante natural) e losartan (antagonista dos receptores AT1), sobre a reatividade à Phe, Cloreto de Potássio (KCl), Acetilcolina (ACh), Ang II de artérias ipsilaterais e contra-laterais em relação a artérias controles. Em animais tratados com celecoxibe (10 mg/Kg - 2 vezes ao dia) ou -tocoferol (400 mg/Kg/dia) por 7 dias. Os resultados mostram que os dois tratamentos normalizam os valores de efeito máximo (Emax) da Phe nas artérias contra-laterais com endotélio aos níveis de artérias controle. Em animais tratados com celecoxibe, a artéria ipsilateral não respondeu à Phe, enquanto no tratamento com -tocoferol mostrou valores de Emax reduzidos em relação a animais controle. Os valores de Emax da ACh em artérias de animais controle e tratados com celecoxibe ou -tocoferol, são idênticos. Entretanto, ambos os tratamentos promoveram redução na potência da ACh em artérias controle quando comparadas com as de animais não tratados. A potência da ACh na artéria contra-lateral foi semelhante ao controle em todos os tratamentos. O Emax da Ang II estava aumentado na artéria contra-lateral à lesão. O tratamento com losartan (15 mg/Kg/dia) por 18 dias promoveu redução neste parâmetro na artéria contra-lateral aos níveis do controle. A potência da Ang II em artérias contra-laterais de animais tratados com losartan é igual ao da artéria de animais controle. Nos animais controles tratados com losartan a potência desse peptídeo foi menor do que controle e contra-lateral sem tratamento e contra-lateral tratada. Na artéria contra-lateral o Emax do KCL estava diminuído em relação ao controle e o tratamento com losartan não modificou este parâmetro. O Emax da ACh em artérias controle e contra-laterais não foi alterado pelo tratamento com losartan, entretanto houve aumento da potência deste agonista em artérias controles e contra-laterais em relação a artérias de animais controles. Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo indicam que a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio, prostanóides vasocontritores e Ang II levam a alterações na reatividade aos agonistas estudados na artéria contra-lateral à lesão por cateter balão. / The injury by balloon catheter is a procedure commonly used to study the mechanisms of restenosis. The mechanical stress produced by the passage of the balloon promotes changes both in the injured artery in the contralateral artery. There was an increased density of neurons containing neuropeptides such as substance P (SP) and the Gene Related Peptide of Calcitonin (CGRP) in the contralateral artery to the lesion, which shows the occurrence of a process neurocompensatory. There was also an increase in the artery reactivity to phenylephrine (Phe) and angiotensin II (Ang II) after 4 and 15 days of injury, respectively. There was also an increase in the artery reactivity to Phe and Ang II after 4 and 15 days of injury, respectively. The objective of this work was to study the consequences of treatment with celecoxib (selective inhibitor of COX-2), -tocopherol (vitamin E, natural antioxidant) and losartan (AT1 receptor antagonist) on the reactivity to Phe, chloride Potassium (KCl), acetylcholine (ACh), Ang II in arteries ipsilateral and contralateral side for control arteries. In animals treated with celecoxib (10 mg / kg - 2 times daily) or -tocopherol (400 mg / kg / day) for 7 days. The results show that both treatments normalize the values of maximum effect (Emax) of Phe in the contralateral arteries with endothelium to the levels of control arteries. In animals treated with celecoxib, the ipsilateral artery did not respond to Phe, whereas the treatment with -tocopherol showed reduced values of Emax for the control animals. The values of Emax of ACh in arteries from control animals and treated with celecoxib or -tocopherol, are identical. However, both treatments promoted reduction in the potency of ACh in control arteries when compared with untreated animals. The potency of ACh in the contralateral artery was similar to control in all treatments. The Emax of Ang II was increased in the contra-lateral artery to the lesion. Treatment with losartan (15 mg / kg / day) for 18 days promoted reduction in this parameter in the contra-lateral artery levels of control. The potency of Ang II in contralateral arteries of animals treated with losartan is equal to the artery of control animals. In control animals treated with losartan the potency of this peptide was lower than control and contra-lateral untreated and control-treated side. Contralateral artery in the Emax of KCL was decreased in the control and treatment with losartan did not modify this parameter. The Emax of ACh in control arteries and contralateral side was not changed by treatment with losartan, however increased the power of this agonist in control arteries and contralateral side on arteries of control animals. The results of this study indicate that the production of reactive oxygen species and vasoconstrictors prostanoids Ang II lead to changes in reactivity to agonists studied in the contra-lateral to the artery by balloon catheter injury.

Quatro décadas de pesquisas mostraram que muitos mecanismos inflamatórios estão intrinsecamente ligados ao desenvolvimento e manutenção do câncer, e ainda, que as citocinas inflamatórias exercem papel primordial nessa relação. Os anti-inflamatórios não esteroides (AINEs) podem reduzir o desenvolvimento neoplásico por afetar a produção de citocinas inflamatórias pelas células neoplásicas. No entanto, até o momento não foi bem definido se o tratamento com AINEs é capaz de modular a expressão de citocinas inflamatórias por células do carcinoma epidermoide oral (CEO). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a expressão de citocinas inflamatórias em linhagens celulares de CEO após tratamento com ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS) e celecoxibe (CLX). Foi realizado screening da expressão de 84 citocinas e quimiocinas, através de PCR array, das linhagens SCC4, 9 e 25 tratadas com doses de AAS e CLX próximas às concentrações plasmáticas dos fármacos em humanos. Os resultados mostraram que AAS e CLX modularam a expressão de citocinas e que as linhagens responderam de maneira diferente aos tratamentos. Observou-se aumento de expressão de citocinas pró-inflamatórias como a IL-1?, IL-8 e TNF na SCC9 e 25, assim como diminuição de expressão de ACKR4 e CXCL10 na SCC4 e 9. / Four decades of research have shown that many inflammatory mechanisms are intrinsically linked to the development and maintenance of cancer and that inflammatory cytokines play pivotal role in this association. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce neoplastic growth on affecting the production of inflammatory cytokines by the neoplastic cells. So far, it is not well established if the treatment with NSAIDs can modulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines by OSCC cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of inflammatory cytokines by OSCC cell lines after treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and celecoxib (CLX). Eighty-four cytokines and chemokines mRNA expression were screened by PCR array on SCC4, 9 and 25 cell lines treated with ASA and CLX at plasma concentrations in humans. The results showed that ASA and CLX modulate the expression of cytokines with all cell lines responding differently to the treatments. Increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1?, IL-8 and TNF in SCC9 and 25, and reduced expression of ACKR4 and CXCL10 in SCC4 and 9, was observed. Thus it follows that the treatments of lines SCC4, SCC9 and SCC25 with ASA and CLX at the next plasma concentrations in humans are able to modulate the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines.

Computational drug design methods have great potential in drug discovery particularly in lead identification and lead optimization. 3-Phosphoinositide dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) is a protein kinase and a well validated anti-cancer target. Inhibitors of PDK1 have the potential to be developed as anti-cancer drugs. In this work, we have applied various novel computational drug design strategies to design and identify new PDK1 inhibitors with potential anti-cancer activity. We have pursued novel structure-based drug design strategies and identified a new binding mode for celecoxib and its derivatives binding with PDK1. This new binding mode provides a valuable basis for rational design of potent PDK1 inhibitors. In order to understand the structure-activity relationship of indolinone-based PDK1 inhibitors, we have carried out a combined molecular docking and three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) modeling study. The predictive ability of the developed 3D-QSAR models were validated using an external test set of compounds. An efficient strategy of the hierarchical virtual screening with increasing complexity was pursued to identify new hits against PDK1. Our approach uses a combination of ligand-based and structure-based virtual screening including shape-based filtering, rigid docking, and flexible docking. In addition, a more sophisticated molecular dynamics/molecular mechanics- Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MD/MM-PBSA) analysis was used as the final filter in the virtual screening. Our screening strategy has led to the identification of a new PDK1 inhibitor. The anticancer activities of this compound have been confirmed by the anticancer activity assays of national cancer institute-developmental therapeutics program (NCI-DTP) using 60 cancer cell lines. The PDK1-inhibitor binding mode determined in this study may be valuable in future de novo drug design. The virtual screening approach tested and used in this study could also be applied to lead identification in other drug discovery efforts.

What is known and objective: Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been studied in randomized, controlled trials and meta-analyses in an effort to determine their cardiovascular (CV) risks, no consensus has been reached. These studies continue to raise questions, including whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selectivity plays a role in conferring CV risk. We performed a meta-analysis of current literature to determine whether COX-2 selectivity leads to an increased CV risk. Methods: We utilized randomized, controlled trials and prospective cohort studies. We selected eight NSAIDs based on popularity and COX selectivity and conducted a search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Primary endpoints included any myocardial infarction (MI), any stroke, CV death, and a combination of all three (composite CV outcomes). Twenty-six studies were found that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Comparisons were made between all included drugs, against placebo, and against non-selective NSAIDs (nsNSAIDs). Drugs were also compared against COX-2 selective inhibitors (COXIBs) with and without inclusion of rofecoxib. Results and discussion: Incidence of MI was increased by rofecoxib in all comparison categories [all NSAIDs (OR: 1·811, 95% CI: 1·379–2·378), placebo (OR: 1·655: 95% CI: 1·029–2·661), nsNSAIDs (OR: 2·155, 95% CI: 1·146–4·053), and COXIBs (OR: 1·800, 95% CI: 1·217–2·662)], but was decreased by celecoxib and naproxen in the COXIB comparison [(OR: 0·583, 95% CI: 0·396–0·857) and (OR: 0·609, 95% CI: 0·375–0·989, respectively]. Incidence of stroke was increased by rofecoxib in comparisons with all NSAIDs and other COXIBs [(OR: 1·488, 95% CI: 1·027–2·155) and (OR: 1·933, 95% CI: 1·052–3·549), respectively]. Incidence of stroke was decreased by celecoxib when compared with all NSAIDs, nsNSAIDs, and COXIBs [(OR: 0·603, 95% CI: 0·410–0·887), (OR: 0·517, 95% CI: 0·287–0·929), and (OR: 0·509, 95% CI: 0·280–0·925), respectively]. No NSAID reached statistical significance in regard to CV death. Incidence of the composite endpoint was increased by rofecoxib when compared against all NSAIDs, placebo, and other COXIBs [(OR: 1·612, 95% CI: 1·313–1·981), (OR: 1·572, 95% CI: 1·123–2·201) and (OR: 1·838, 95% CI: 1·323–2·554), respectively]. Incidence of composite endpoint was decreased by celecoxib in the all NSAIDs and COXIBs comparisons [(OR: 0·805, 95% CI: 0·658–0·986) and (OR: 0·557, 95% CI: 0.404–0.767), respectively]. When rofecoxib was removed from the COXIBs group, no difference was found with any comparison, suggesting rofecoxib skewed the data. What is new and conclusion: This instead of the meta-analysis suggests that COX-2 selectivity may not play a role in the CV risk of NSAIDs. Rofecoxib was the only drug to demonstrate harm and skewed the data of the COX-2 selective group.

What is known and objective: Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been studied in randomized, controlled trials and meta-analyses in an effort to determine their cardiovascular (CV) risks, no consensus has been reached. These studies continue to raise questions, including whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selectivity plays a role in conferring CV risk. We performed a meta-analysis of current literature to determine whether COX-2 selectivity leads to an increased CV risk. Methods: We utilized randomized, controlled trials and prospective cohort studies. We selected eight NSAIDs based on popularity and COX selectivity and conducted a search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Primary endpoints included any myocardial infarction (MI), any stroke, CV death, and a combination of all three (composite CV outcomes). Twenty-six studies were found that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Comparisons were made between all included drugs, against placebo, and against non-selective NSAIDs (nsNSAIDs). Drugs were also compared against COX-2 selective inhibitors (COXIBs) with and without inclusion of rofecoxib. Results and discussion: Incidence of MI was increased by rofecoxib in all comparison categories [all NSAIDs (OR: 1·811, 95% CI: 1·379-2·378), placebo (OR: 1·655: 95% CI: 1·029-2·661), nsNSAIDs (OR: 2·155, 95% CI: 1·146-4·053), and COXIBs (OR: 1·800, 95% CI: 1·217-2·662)], but was decreased by celecoxib and naproxen in the COXIB comparison [(OR: 0·583, 95% CI: 0·396-0·857) and (OR: 0·609, 95% CI: 0·375-0·989, respectively]. Incidence of stroke was increased by rofecoxib in comparisons with all NSAIDs and other COXIBs [(OR: 1·488, 95% CI: 1·027-2·155) and (OR: 1·933, 95% CI: 1·052-3·549), respectively]. Incidence of stroke was decreased by celecoxib when compared with all NSAIDs, nsNSAIDs, and COXIBs [(OR: 0·603, 95% CI: 0·410-0·887), (OR: 0·517, 95% CI: 0·287-0·929), and (OR: 0·509, 95% CI: 0·280-0·925), respectively]. No NSAID reached statistical significance in regard to CV death. Incidence of the composite endpoint was increased by rofecoxib when compared against all NSAIDs, placebo, and other COXIBs [(OR: 1·612, 95% CI: 1·313-1·981), (OR: 1·572, 95% CI: 1·123-2·201) and (OR: 1·838, 95% CI: 1·323-2·554), respectively]. Incidence of composite endpoint was decreased by celecoxib in the all NSAIDs and COXIBs comparisons [(OR: 0·805, 95% CI: 0·658-0·986) and (OR: 0·557, 95% CI: 0.404-0.767), respectively]. When rofecoxib was removed from the COXIBs group, no difference was found with any comparison, suggesting rofecoxib skewed the data. What is new and conclusion: This instead of the meta-analysis suggests that COX-2 selectivity may not play a role in the CV risk of NSAIDs. Rofecoxib was the only drug to demonstrate harm and skewed the data of the COX-2 selective group.

Die funktionelle Bildgebung der Expression der Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) stellt aufgrund ihrer bedeutsamen Rolle bei pathophysiologischen Prozessen, insbesondere bei der Tumorprogression, einen wichtigen Forschungsansatz dar. Als nichtinvasive, bildgebende Methode bietet die PET (Positronen-Emissions-Tomographie) unter Ausnutzung von radiomarkierten Molekülen eine Möglichkeit, zeitlich und räumlich molekulare Prozesse abzubilden und zu verfolgen. Das Radionuklid Fluor-18 wird wegen seiner nahezu optimalen kernphysikalischen und chemischen Eigenschaften für die PET verwendet. Aufgrund der hohen Anforderungen, die an einen Radiotracer für die Bildgebung mittels PET gestellt werden, ist es bisher nicht gelungen, eine geeignete radiomarkierte Verbindung für die Visualisierung der COX-2-Expression in vivo zu entwickeln. Insbesondere die Spezifität, Selektivität und Affinität sowie die metabolische Stabilität eines Radiotracers sind wesentliche Parameter, die über den Erfolg der Verbindung in vivo entscheiden. Basierend auf den bisherigen Erkenntnissen bei der Entwicklung radiomarkierter selektiver COX-2-Inhibitoren verfolgte diese Arbeit zwei Strategien der Radiotracerentwicklungen. Als potente Zielverbindungen wurden aus der Stoffklasse mit tricyclischer Kernstruktur das Pyrrolo[3,2,1-hi]indol PI (1-(4-Fluorphenyl)-2-(4-methansulfonyl)phenyl-pyrrolo[3,2,1-hi]indol) und das 1,2-Dihydropyrrolo[3,2,1-hi]indol DHPI (5-Fluorphenyl-4-(4-methansulfonyl)phenyl-1,2-dihydropyrrolo[3,2,1-hi]indol) ausgewählt. Die Radiosynthese von [18F]PI gelang in einer manuellen Cu(II)-vermittelten 18F-Fluorierung ausgehend vom entsprechenden Arylboronsäurepinakolester. Die Radiosynthese von [18F]DHPI erfolgte automatisiert über eine Zwei-Stufen/ Ein-Topf-Reaktion bestehend aus einer 18F-Fluorierung und anschließender intramolekularer McMurry-Reaktion. Der Radiotracer [18F]DHPI wurde umfassend hinsichtlich seiner radiopharmakologischen Eigenschaften untersucht. Trotz seiner hohen Stabilität in vivo ist insbesondere die hohe Lipophilie von [18F]DHPI hinderlich für eine spezifische Anreicherung im Tumorgewebe. Im zweiten Teil der Arbeit wurde die chemische Struktur eines potenten, jedoch metabolisch unzureichend stabilen Radiotracers mit 1,5-Diaryl-substituierter Pyrazol-Kernstruktur und [18F]Fluormethylseitenkette (basierend auf Celecoxib) durch Seitenkettenverlängerung und Deuterierung verändert, sodass eine Beeinflussung der Stabilität erfolgen sollte. Es wurden die entsprechenden Referenzverbindungen und Präkursoren hergestellt. Die Radiosynthesen der drei Zielverbindungen erfolgten automatisiert in einer nucleophilen aliphatischen Substitutionsreaktion. Die drei Radiotracer wurden in vitro und in vivo hinsichtlich ihrer Stabilität und der zugrundeliegenden Metabolisierungsprozesse untersucht. Dabei zeigte insbesondere die Methode der Deuterierung ein hohes Potential für die Verbesserung der metabolischen Stabilität unter Beibehaltung der Affinität zum Zielenzym.

Orientador: Anselmo Gomes de Oliveira / Resumo: O celecoxibe (CEL) é um inibidor específico de ciclooxigenase 2 e vem sendo estudado também como inibidor da atividade angiogênica em razão de sua propriedade de inibir o fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF). Devido às suas características físico-químicas, o CEL possui baixa solubilidade em água e alta permeabilidade, sendo classificado como fármaco pertencente à classe 2 do Sistema de Classificação Biofarmacêutica. Alguns anti-inflamatórios não esteróides têm sido utilizados por via tópica no tratamento de grande parte das doenças do segmento anterior dos olhos, mas também apresentam bom prognóstico para o tratamento de doenças do segmento posterior dos olhos, tais como a retinopatia diabética (RD), degeneração macular relacionada à idade (DMRI) e oclusão venosa retinal (OVR). Na maioria dos casos as concentrações locais dos fármacos no segmento posterior dos olhos não conseguem atender às necessidades quantitativas e temporais dos estímulos dessas doenças quando administrados pela via oral, ocular tópica ou parenteral sistêmica. Assim, o objetivo deste projeto foi desenvolver e caracterizar nanoemulsões (NEs) biocompatíveis visando à administração intraocular do CEL. Os sistemas nanoemulsionados contêm Fosfatidilcolina de Soja (FS) e Tween®20 (Tw) como tensoativos, Captex®200 como fase oleosa e tampão fosfato de potássio pH 7,2 como fase aquosa. As NEs foram desenvolvidas e sua nanoestrutura foi caracterizada através do diâmetro médio de gotículas onde as NEs vaz... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Celecoxib (CEL) is a specific inhibitor of cyclooxygenase 2 and has also been studied as an inhibitor of angiogenic activity because of its property of inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Due to its physico-chemical characteristics, CEL has low solubility in water and high permeability being classified as a drug belonging to class 2 of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System. Some anti-inflammatory drugs have been used topically to treat most of the anterior segment eye diseases, but also have a good prognosis for the treatment of diseases of the posterior segment of the eye such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal venous occlusion (RVO). In most cases the local concentrations of the drugs in the posterior segment of the eye fail to reach the quantitative and temporal needs of the stimuli of these diseases when administered by the oral, topical ocular and systemic parenteral rout. The aim of this project was to develop and characterize biocompatible nanoemulsions (NEs) capable of increasing the apparent solubility of CEL for intraocular administration. Nanoemulsified systems contain Soy Phosphatidylcholine (FS) and Tween®20 (Tw) as surfactants, Captex®200 as oily phase and potassium phosphate buffer pH 7.2 as the aqueous phase. The NEs were developed and their nanostructure was characterized by the mean diameter of droplets where the empty NEs had an average diameter of the order of 40 nm with a zeta potential... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor